JP6958173B2 - Thermoelectric conversion cell and thermoelectric conversion module - Google Patents

Description

The present invention is a thermoelectric conversion cell including a P-type thermoelectric conversion element or an N-type thermoelectric conversion element, and a thermoelectric conversion in which a plurality of P-type thermoelectric conversion elements and an N-type thermoelectric conversion element are arranged in series using the thermoelectric conversion cell. Regarding modules.

The thermoelectric conversion module is a P-type, which is a thermoelectric conversion cell in which a pair of P-type thermoelectric conversion elements and an N-type thermoelectric conversion element are combined in an electrode or directly connected state between a set of wiring substrates (insulation substrates). It is configured to be electrically connected in series so that it is arranged alternately in the order of N-type, P-type, and N-type. In addition, the thermoelectric conversion module connects both ends to a DC power supply and transfers heat in each thermoelectric conversion element by the Seebeck effect (in the P type, it moves in the same direction as the current, and in the N type, it moves in the opposite direction to the current). Alternatively, a temperature difference is applied between the two wiring substrates to generate an electromotive force in each thermoelectric conversion element by the Seebeck effect, which can be used for cooling, heating, or power generation.

As a thermoelectric conversion cell used for a thermoelectric conversion module, for example, in Patent Document 1, a P-type thermoelectric conversion element (p-type semiconductor element) is filled inside one of them via a partition wall of a tubular insulating support, and the inside of the other is filled with a P-type thermoelectric conversion element (p-type semiconductor element). A thermoelectric conversion cell (thermoelectric conversion element) is disclosed in which an N-type thermoelectric conversion element (n-type semiconductor element) is filled and a P-type thermoelectric conversion element and an N-type thermoelectric conversion element are electrically connected at one end. .. Further, in Patent Document 1, each thermoelectric conversion cell can be closely arranged by a thermoelectric conversion cell in which a P-type thermoelectric conversion element and an N-type thermoelectric conversion element are arranged inside a cylindrical insulating support. It is stated that the module assembly work will be easier.

Further, Patent Document 2 discloses a temperature detection device having a power generation unit including a thermoelectric conversion element and capable of continuously operating. In the temperature detection device described in Patent Document 2, a thermoelectric conversion element is housed in a case, and the thermoelectric conversion element is fixed by pressing between the first heat transfer portion and the second heat transfer portion. Further, Patent Document 2 describes a heat connection element having shock absorption between the first heat transfer unit and the thermoelectric conversion element and between the second heat transfer unit and the thermoelectric conversion element. It is described that damage to the thermoelectric conversion element is suppressed by a fixed structure intervening.

Further, Patent Document 3 discloses a basic element for thermoelectric conversion configured by sandwiching and joining a thermoelectric conversion element (semiconductor element material chip) between a pair of metal blocks having screw holes. Further, Patent Document 3 describes that a thermoelectric conversion module (thermoelectric conversion element) is formed by fixing the thermoelectric conversion basic element to a metal segment with a fixing screw, and the thermoelectric conversion module is a thermoelectric conversion module. It is configured by embedding a fixed screw directly in the basic conversion element.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2011-134940 JP-A-2015-32747 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 8-306968

In such a thermoelectric conversion module, an insulating substrate is often used on both sides or one side of the thermoelectric conversion module. However, in this configuration, since there are many interfaces between the thermoelectric conversion material and different materials such as metal materials, the manufacturing process becomes complicated, and the interface between the different materials is likely to be peeled off or the thermoelectric conversion material is easily destroyed due to a difference in thermal expansion or the like. Even in the thermoelectric conversion cell described in Patent Document 1, there are many interfaces of different materials, and there is a concern of destruction due to a difference in thermal expansion. Further, in the configuration in which the P-type thermal conversion element and the N-type thermoelectric conversion element are filled inside the cylindrical insulating support as in the thermoelectric conversion cell described in Patent Document 1, the processing work becomes complicated. Further, the fixed structure of the thermoelectric conversion element described in Patent Document 2 suppresses damage to the thermoelectric conversion element by interposing a thermal connection element having impact absorption, but many members are used, and a plurality of members are used. It is difficult to apply it to a structure that increases the size by combining thermoelectric conversion elements.

Further, like the thermoelectric conversion module described in Patent Document 3, a thermoelectric conversion basic element in which a pair of metal blocks having screw holes are joined to a thermoelectric conversion element is provided, and the thermoelectric conversion basic element is fixed via a metal segment. In the structure of fixing with screws, a basic element for thermoelectric conversion in which a metal block and a thermoelectric conversion element are joined is required. Therefore, if the material does not have good bondability between the metal block and the thermoelectric conversion material, the output and durability will decrease. I invite you. Further, in the structure of the basic element for thermoelectric conversion described in Patent Document 3, it is necessary to make the thermoelectric conversion element sufficiently thicker than the male screw portion of the fixed screw, which is difficult to design.

Further, since the thermoelectric conversion module is connected in series with P-type thermoelectric conversion elements and N-type thermoelectric conversion elements of a plurality of thermoelectric conversion cells alternately, it functions normally due to damage of some thermoelectric conversion cells. The thermoelectric conversion module, including the majority of the modules, becomes unusable. Further, in order to use the thermoelectric conversion module at the maximum output, the internal resistance of the thermoelectric conversion module and the load resistance of the output destination must be equal. Therefore, it is desirable to change the internal resistance of the thermoelectric conversion module after the fact according to the load resistance of the output destination. However, in the structure in which the thermoelectric conversion cells are connected to each other, it cannot be easily changed or replaced, and the degree of freedom in design is limited.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and provides a thermoelectric conversion cell and a thermoelectric conversion module having a structure that can prevent damage due to a difference in thermal expansion between thermoelectric conversion materials, is easy to replace, and has a simple structure. The purpose is to provide.

The thermoelectric conversion cell of the present invention has an insulating member having at least one through hole, a thermoelectric conversion member having at least one thermoelectric conversion element and housed in the through hole, and a penetration direction of the through hole. A first electrode member arranged on one end side of the thermoelectric conversion member and electrically connected to one end portion of the thermoelectric conversion member, and electrically connected to the other end portion of the thermoelectric conversion member arranged on the other end side in the penetrating direction. It has a connected second electrode member, the first electrode member has a first magnet, the second electrode member has a second magnet, and the thermoelectric conversion member has the first magnet and the said. the second is sandwiched between the second electrode member and the first electrode member by the suction force due to the mutual magnetic force of the magnet Ri Na, and the first electrode member and the second electrode member, said respective first An internal connection metal portion disposed between the 1 magnet or the 2nd magnet, an external connection metal portion arranged on the side opposite to the internal connection metal portion, and the internal connection metal portion and the external connection. It has an electrode metal portion having a connecting metal portion connecting between the metal portions, and the electrode metal portion is a metal having higher heat conductivity and conductivity than the first magnet or the second magnet. that it has been formed by.

The thermoelectric conversion cell is formed by the attraction force of the first magnet of the first electrode member and the second magnet of the second electrode member provided at both ends of the thermoelectric conversion member (thermoelectric conversion element) due to the mutual magnetic force. A thermoelectric conversion member is sandwiched between the 1-electrode member and the 2nd electrode member, and is electrically connected. In this way, the thermoelectric conversion member and each electrode member (first electrode member and second electrode member) are not joined, and the thermoelectric conversion member is sandwiched between the electrode members to be electrically connected. Therefore, even if there is a difference in thermal expansion between different materials, it is possible to prevent damage to each member and maintain a good connection state.
In this case, by providing each of the first electrode member and the second electrode member with an electrode metal portion formed of a metal having a higher heat transfer property than that of the first magnet or the second magnet, the electrode metal portion is interposed. Since heat can be stably transferred from the heating element or the cooling body to the thermoelectric conversion member, the power generation efficiency of the thermoelectric conversion element can be improved. Further, since the electrode metal portion is formed of a metal having higher conductivity than the first magnet or the second magnet, in a thermoelectric conversion module including a plurality of thermoelectric conversion cells, an electrical connection between each thermoelectric conversion member is made. Can be maintained well, and the conductivity of the thermoelectric conversion module can be maintained well.

Further, since the electrical connection between the thermoelectric conversion member and each electrode member is only held by the attractive force of the magnetic force between the first magnet and the second magnet, the thermoelectric conversion member is placed between the electrode members. The thermoelectric conversion member can be sandwiched between the electrode members simply by arranging the thermoelectric conversion members, and the thermoelectric conversion cell can be easily assembled. Further, the thermoelectric conversion member sandwiched between the electrode members can be easily taken out by pulling the electrode members apart, and the thermoelectric conversion cell can be easily disassembled. Therefore, even when the thermoelectric conversion member housed inside the insulating member is damaged or the thermoelectric conversion member needs to be replaced due to a design change, the thermoelectric conversion member can be easily replaced.

Further, by providing a plurality of through holes in the insulating member and accommodating the thermoelectric conversion member in each through hole, a thermoelectric conversion cell in which a plurality of thermoelectric conversion members are arranged can be configured. In this case, the first electrode member and the second electrode member are arranged at both ends of each thermoelectric conversion member according to the number of each thermoelectric conversion member, and between the first electrode member and the second electrode member. The thermoelectric conversion member can be sandwiched and electrically connected. Further, in this case, by electrically connecting the first electrode members or the second electrode members arranged adjacent to each other by a connecting member having conductivity, the thermoelectricity accommodated inside each through hole is obtained. The P-type thermoelectric conversion element and the N-type thermoelectric conversion element of the conversion member can be alternately connected in series, and the thermoelectric conversion module can be easily manufactured.

Further, by combining thermoelectric conversion cells having the same polarity in parallel, the internal resistance of the thermoelectric conversion module can be controlled, and the thermoelectric conversion module can be arbitrarily designed according to the load resistance of the output destination. Furthermore, by stacking thermoelectric conversion cells containing thermoelectric conversion members having different usable temperature ranges in the temperature gradient direction and connecting them in series, a segment structure can be constructed and the efficiency of the thermoelectric conversion module can be improved. can.

Further, the first magnet is arranged on one end side of the thermoelectric conversion cell (one end side in the penetrating direction of the through hole), and the second magnet is arranged on the other end side (the other end side in the penetrating direction of the through hole). Therefore, in the thermoelectric conversion module using this thermoelectric conversion cell, the first magnet and the second magnet are used to attach one of the heating element or the cooling body made of a magnetic material such as iron to one end side of the thermoelectric conversion module. The outermost surface can be directly attached, and the outermost surface on the other end side of the thermoelectric conversion module can be directly attached to the other side of the heating element or the cooling body. Therefore, it is not necessary to use a separate jig or the like for attaching the thermoelectric conversion module, and the attachment and detachment to the heating element or the cooling element can be easily performed. Further, since the surfaces of both ends of the thermoelectric conversion module can be stably fixed to the heating element or the cooling element by the first magnet and the second magnet, respectively, one end side and the other end side of the thermoelectric conversion element can be maintained. It is possible to secure a temperature difference and provide a stable power supply in the thermoelectric conversion module.

In a preferred embodiment of the thermoelectric conversion cell of the present invention, it is preferable that at least a part of the insulating member is disposed between the first electrode member and the second electrode member.

By disposing the insulating member between the first electrode member and the second electrode member, the thermoelectric conversion member can be maintained in a state of being housed inside the through hole of the insulating member, and the thermoelectric conversion member is the first electrode member. In addition, it is possible to reliably prevent a short circuit due to contact with a member other than the second electrode member. Further, since the thermoelectric conversion cell can be handled integrally without the first electrode member, the second electrode member, the thermoelectric conversion member, and the insulating member being separated, it is possible to assemble a thermoelectric conversion module in which a plurality of thermoelectric conversion cells are combined. It can be done smoothly.

In a preferred embodiment of the thermoelectric conversion cell of the present invention, the insulating member is formed at a first groove portion that accommodates a part of the first electrode member formed at one end portion and prevents rotation, and at the other end portion. It is preferable to have a second groove portion that accommodates a part of the second electrode member and prevents rotation.

By providing the first groove portion and the second groove portion in the insulating member, the first electrode member and the second electrode member can be arranged in specific directions, so that a plurality of thermoelectric conversion cells can be provided. The combined thermoelectric conversion module can be assembled smoothly.

The thermoelectric conversion module of the present invention has a plurality of the thermoelectric conversion cells, and the thermoelectric conversion cell includes a first thermoelectric conversion cell in which the thermoelectric conversion element is a P-type thermoelectric conversion element and an N-type thermoelectric conversion cell. It has a second thermoelectric conversion cell composed of a thermoelectric conversion element, and the first thermoelectric conversion cell and the second thermoelectric conversion cell are alternately connected in series.

In a preferred embodiment of the thermoelectric conversion module of the present invention, the first thermoelectric conversion cell and the first electrode members of the second thermoelectric conversion cell or the second electrode members arranged adjacent to each other are integrally formed. It is preferable that the first thermoelectric conversion cell and the second thermoelectric conversion cell are connected by the connected electrode member.

According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the thermoelectric conversion member from being damaged due to the difference in thermal expansion between the thermoelectric conversion materials, and even when the thermoelectric conversion member is damaged, the thermoelectric conversion member in the thermoelectric conversion module can be easily replaced. be able to.

It is a vertical sectional view which shows the thermoelectric conversion cell of 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is an external perspective view of the thermoelectric conversion cell shown in FIG. It is an exploded perspective view of the thermoelectric conversion cell shown in FIG. It is a front view of the thermoelectric conversion module using the thermoelectric conversion cell shown in FIG. It is a vertical sectional view which shows the thermoelectric conversion cell of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a vertical sectional view which shows the thermoelectric conversion cell of the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is an external perspective view which shows the thermoelectric conversion cell of 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is an exploded perspective view of the thermoelectric conversion cell shown in FIG. 7. It is an exploded perspective view of the 1st electrode member shown in FIG. It is a vertical sectional view which shows the other embodiment of an electrode member. It is a vertical sectional view which shows the other embodiment of an electrode member. It is a vertical sectional view which shows the thermoelectric conversion module of 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is a vertical sectional view which shows the thermoelectric conversion module of the 6th Embodiment of this invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
(First Embodiment)
FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of the thermoelectric conversion module 201. The thermoelectric conversion module 201 is arranged by combining a plurality of thermoelectric conversion cells 101 and 102. Further, in the thermoelectric conversion module 201, the first thermoelectric conversion cell 101 including the P-type thermoelectric conversion element 31 and the second thermoelectric conversion cell 102 including the N-type thermoelectric conversion element 32 are on the other end side (lower side in FIG. 4). The P-type thermoelectric conversion element 31 and the N-type thermoelectric conversion element 32 are connected in series via a conductive connecting member 41 arranged in the above. As described above, the P-type thermoelectric conversion element 31 or the N-type thermoelectric conversion element 32 is used as the thermoelectric conversion element constituting the thermoelectric conversion cells 101 and 102. In the drawings, the P-type thermoelectric conversion element 31 is shown as “P”, and the N-type thermoelectric conversion element 32 is shown as “N”. The thermoelectric conversion module 201 has a configuration in which the wiring 42 to the outside is directly pulled out from one end of each thermoelectric conversion cell 101, 102.

1 to 3 show a first thermoelectric conversion cell 101 using a P-type thermoelectric conversion element 31 as an example. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the first thermoelectric conversion cell 101 includes an insulating member 110 having one (singular) through hole 111 and one (singular) P housed inside the through hole 111. The thermoelectric conversion member 301 having the type thermoelectric conversion element 31 (thermoelectric conversion element) is arranged on one end side (upper side in the illustrated example) of the through hole 111 in the penetrating direction (upper and lower direction in the illustrated example), and one end of the thermoelectric conversion member 301. The first electrode member 211 electrically connected to the portion and the other end side (lower side in the illustrated example) of the through hole 111 in the penetrating direction are arranged and electrically connected to the other end portion of the thermoelectric conversion member. It is configured to have a second electrode member 212. Further, the second thermoelectric conversion cell 102 shown in FIG. 4 has a configuration in which the insulating member 110, the first electrode member 211, and the second electrode member 212 common to the first thermoelectric conversion cell 101 are used, and the inside of the through hole 111 is formed. The thermoelectric conversion member 302 housed in the above is configured to have one (singular) N-type thermoelectric conversion element 32.

The P-type thermoelectric conversion element 31 and the N-type thermoelectric conversion element 32 are composed of a sintered body of, for example, a tellurium compound, scuterdite, filled scuterdite, whistler, half whistler, filicide, silicide, oxide, silicon germanium or the like. Will be done. There are compounds that can take both P-type and N-type depending on the dopant, and compounds that have only one of P-type and N-type properties.

As materials for the P-type thermoelectric conversion element 31, Bi ₂ Te ₃ , Sb ₂ Te ₃ , Pb Te, TAGS (= Ag-Sb-Ge-Te), Zn ₄ Sb ₃ , CoSb ₃ , CeFe ₄ Sb ₁₂ , Yb ₁₄ MnSb ₁₁ , FeVAL, MnSi _1.73 , FeSi ₂ , Na _x CoO ₂ , Ca ₃ Co ₄ O ₇ , Bi ₂ Sr ₂ Co ₂ O ₇ , SiGe, Mn _0.93 V _0.03 Fe _0.04 Si _{1. 7 and the} like are used.

As the material of the N-type thermoelectric conversion element 32, Bi ₂ Te ₃ , PbTe, La ₃ Te ₄ , CoSb ₃ , FeVAl, ZrNiSn, Ba ₈ Al ₁₆ Si ₃₀ , Mg ₂ Si, Mg ₂ Si _x Sn _1-x (provided that _{, x = 0~1), FeSi 2} , SrTiO 3, CaMnO 3, ZnO, etc. SiGe is used.

For example, the P-type hot isostatic conversion element 31 made of manganese silicide (MnSi _1.73 ) and the N-type hot _{isostatic conversion element 32 made of magnesium silicide (Mg 2} Si) each crush the mother alloy with a ball mill. For example, after preparing a crushed powder having a particle size of 75 μm or less, the crushed powder is sintered by plasma discharge sintering, hot pressing, or hot isostatic pressing method to prepare, for example, a disk-shaped or square plate-shaped bulk material. However, it is formed by cutting it into, for example, a prismatic or cylindrical shape.

Further, the P-type thermoelectric conversion element 31 composed of silicon germanium (Si-Ge) includes Si powder (79.7 at%), Ge powder (20.1 at%), and B powder (0.2 at%). To prepare a fine spherical powder of Si-Ge doped with B (boron) by a gas atomization method using a mixture of the above, and then the granular powder is subjected to an energization heating sintering method (holding at 1250 ° C. for 1 minute). It is formed by sintering to prepare, for example, a disk-shaped or square plate-shaped bulk material, and cutting the bulk material into, for example, a prismatic or cylindrical shape.

These thermoelectric conversion elements 31 and 32 are formed into, for example, a square column having a square cross section (for example, 1 mm to 450 mm on a side) or a columnar having a circular cross section (for example, a diameter of 1 mm to 450 mm) and having a long length. The length (the length along the vertical direction in FIG. 1, the length along the opposite direction between the first electrode member 211 and the second electrode member 212) is 0.1 mm to 100 mm. Then, a metallized layer 33 including any one of nickel, silver, and gold is formed by plating or sputtering on both end faces of the thermoelectric conversion elements 31 and 32 formed in this manner. When the metallized layer 33 is made of silver or gold, a single layer made of either nickel or titanium or a barrier layer (not shown) having a laminated structure thereof is formed on both end faces of the thermoelectric conversion elements 31 and 32. However, it is preferable to form the metallized layer 33 through the barrier layer. The thickness of the metallized layer 33 is 1 μm or more and 100 μm or less, and the lengths H11 of the thermoelectric conversion members 301 and 302 are formed to be substantially the same length as the thermoelectric conversion elements 31 and 32.

The insulating member 110 is formed of a member having an insulating property, and is made of general ceramics (for example, pottery, porcelain, steatite, cozilite, forsterite, mullite, macerite, macol, photobert, zirconia, titania, itria, alumina, etc. Materials with low thermal conductivity such as silicon nitride), glass, and heat-resistant resin are preferably used.

The insulating member 110 of the present embodiment is provided in a square cylinder shape by forming a quadrangular through hole 111 along the vertical direction inside. In this case, the through hole 111 has a square cross section and a square shape having a side of 1 mm to 500 mm, and is formed to be slightly larger than the cross section of the thermoelectric conversion members 301, 302 (thermoelectric conversion elements 31, 32). The thermoelectric conversion members 301 and 302 are provided so as to be able to accommodate them. Further, recesses 112 and 112 having openings larger than the through holes 111 are formed at both ends (one end and the other end) of the through hole 111 in the penetration direction, and the first electrode is formed in the recess 112 on the one end side. A part of the member 211 can be accommodated, and a part of the second electrode member 212 can be accommodated in the recess 112 on the other end side.

In this case, the length (height) H13 of the insulating member 110 is formed larger than the length H11 of the thermoelectric conversion members 301 and 302, but the through direction of the through hole 111 in which the thermoelectric conversion members 301 and 302 are accommodated ( The length H12 in the vertical direction) is formed to be smaller than the lengths H11 of the thermoelectric conversion members 301 and 302. Therefore, the thermoelectric conversion members 301 and 302 can be accommodated in a state where both ends thereof are projected from both ends of the through hole 111.

The first electrode member 211 has a configuration having a first magnet 21, and the second electrode member 212 has a configuration having a second magnet 22. In the thermoelectric conversion cells 101 and 102 of the first embodiment, the first electrode member 211 is composed of the first magnet 21 alone, and the second electrode member 212 is composed of the second magnet 22 alone.

The first magnet 21 and the second magnet 22 are, for example, a heat-resistant neodymium magnet when the operating temperature is 150 ° C. or lower, a ferrite magnet when the operating temperature is 200 ° C. or lower, a samarium-cobalt magnet when the operating temperature is 300 ° C. or lower, and 400 ° C. Alnico magnets and the like can be used in the following cases. As the first magnet 21 and the second magnet 22, it is preferable to use magnets having the strongest magnetic force depending on the operating temperature. The first magnet 21 and the second magnet 22 of the present embodiment are each formed in a prismatic shape (rectangular shape), and are made of a conductive samarium-cobalt magnet. In the first magnet 21 and the second magnet 22, the area (lower surface) of the connecting portion with the thermoelectric conversion member 301 is slightly larger than the area of the end face of the thermoelectric conversion member 301, depending on the size of the thermoelectric conversion member 301. It is set large.

Then, with the thermoelectric conversion member 301 housed in the through hole 111 of the insulating member 110, the first electrode member 211 is arranged in the recess 112 on one end side, and the second electrode member 212 is placed in the recess 112 on the other end side. By arranging it in, the thermoelectric conversion member 301 is sandwiched between the first electrode member 211 and the second electrode member 212 due to the attractive force of the first magnet 21 and the second magnet 22 due to the mutual magnetic force. Can be done. At this time, since the length H12 of the through hole 111 is set to be smaller than the length H11 of the thermoelectric conversion member 301, both ends of the thermoelectric conversion member 301 are arranged so as to project from both ends of the through hole 111, and the first electrode member The thermoelectric conversion member 301 is sandwiched between the 211 and the second electrode member 212. As a result, the first electrode member 211 and the second electrode member 212 and the thermoelectric conversion member 301 are electrically connected.

Further, by accommodating the first electrode member 211 in the recess 112 at one end of the insulating member 110 and accommodating the second electrode member 212 in the recess 112 at the other end of the insulating member 110, a part of the insulating member 110 ( A peripheral portion of the through hole 11) is arranged between the first electrode member 211 and the second electrode member 212. By arranging the insulating member 110 between the first electrode member 211 and the second electrode member 212 in this way, the thermoelectric conversion member 301 is maintained in a state of being housed inside the through hole 111 of the insulating member 110. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent the thermoelectric conversion member 301 from coming into contact with members other than the first electrode member 211 and the second electrode member 212 and causing a short circuit. Further, the first thermoelectric conversion cell 101 can be integrally handled without the first electrode member 211, the second electrode member 212, the thermoelectric conversion member 301, and the insulating member 110 being separated.

As described above, in the first thermoelectric conversion cell 101, the thermoelectric conversion member 301 and each electrode member (first electrode member 211 and second electrode member 212) are not bonded, and the first magnet 21 and the second magnet 22 are not bonded. It is only held by the attractive force of the magnetic force with. Therefore, even when a difference in thermal expansion of different materials occurs, the connected state between the first electrode member 211 and the second electrode member 212 and the thermoelectric conversion member 301 can be maintained, and damage to each member can be prevented. Further, in the first thermoelectric conversion cell 101 configured in this way, the thermoelectric conversion member 301 is sandwiched between the electrode members 211 and 212 only by arranging the thermoelectric conversion member 301 between the electrode members 211 and 212. It is possible and easy to assemble. Further, the thermoelectric conversion member 301 sandwiched between the electrode members 211 and 212 can be easily taken out from the inside of the through hole 111 by separating the electrode members 211 and 212, and the first thermoelectric conversion cell 101 It can also be easily disassembled. Therefore, even if the thermoelectric conversion member 301 housed inside the insulating member 110 is damaged or the thermoelectric conversion member 301 needs to be replaced due to a design change, the thermoelectric conversion member 301 can be easily replaced. be able to.

Further, in the first thermoelectric conversion cell 101, the thermoelectric conversion member 301 is formed in a prismatic shape, and the through hole 111 of the insulating member 110 is formed in a square shape slightly larger than the cross section of the thermoelectric conversion member 301. The member 301 can be arranged at a high density in the through hole 111 of the insulating member 110. Therefore, the first thermoelectric conversion cell 101 having high current efficiency can be configured.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the first thermoelectric conversion cell 101 including the P-type thermoelectric conversion element 31 and the second thermoelectric conversion cell 102 including the N-type thermoelectric conversion element 32 are combined with the P-type thermoelectric conversion element 31 and the N-type. The thermoelectric conversion module 201 can be easily manufactured by combining a plurality of thermoelectric conversion elements 32 so as to be alternately connected in series. In this case, in the thermoelectric conversion module 201, the first thermoelectric conversion cell 101 and the second thermoelectric conversion cell 102 are arranged side by side in parallel, and the second electrode member 212 is arranged on one side portion (lower side in FIG. 4). , 212 are manufactured by connecting them via a connecting member 41.

The connecting member 41 is formed of a conductive member, and for example, aluminum or aluminum alloy, copper or copper alloy, silver or silver alloy, nickel or nickel alloy, or the like can be preferably used. The connecting member 41 of the present embodiment is formed in a rectangular flat plate shape. By connecting the second electrode members 212 and 212 with the connecting member 41, the first thermoelectric conversion member 301 and the second thermoelectric conversion member 302 are electrically connected via the connecting member 41, and the P-type thermoelectric is formed. The conversion element 31 and the N-type thermoelectric conversion element 32 are connected in series. In this case, the connecting member 41 and the second electrode members 212, 212 are arranged in accordance with the operating temperature of the module, such as solder if the operating temperature of the module is 200 ° C. or lower, or 200 ° C. or higher (or 200 ° C.). (If it exceeds), it is connected (fixed) by silver paste or the like, and the distance and arrangement between the first thermoelectric conversion cell 101 and the second thermoelectric conversion cell 102 are maintained by the connecting member 41. It is preferable that the magnet is nickel-plated or the like for bonding.

Further, in the thermoelectric conversion module 201 using the first thermoelectric conversion cell 101 and the second thermoelectric conversion cell 102 in this way, since the first magnet 21 is arranged on one end side of each thermoelectric conversion cell 101, 102. , The outermost surface of the thermoelectric conversion module 201 on one end side on the surface of a heating element or a cooling element (represented by a two-dot chain line and reference numeral 501 or 502) made of a magnetic material such as iron by the magnetic force of the first magnet 21. Can be installed directly. Therefore, it is not necessary to use a separate jig or the like for attaching the thermoelectric conversion module 201, and the attachment and detachment to the heating element or the cooling element can be easily performed. Further, due to the attractive force of the magnetic force of the first magnet 21, the outermost surface of the thermoelectric conversion module 201 on one end side can be stably fixed to the heating element or the cooling element, and the P-type thermoelectric conversion element 31 and the N-type thermoelectric conversion element 31 can be maintained. A stable power supply can be performed by ensuring a temperature difference between one end side and the other end side of the conversion element 32.

Further, in the thermoelectric conversion module 201 of the first embodiment, since the second magnet 22 is also arranged on the other end side of each thermoelectric conversion cell 101, 102, the heating element or the heating element is formed by the first magnet 21 on one end side. The outermost surface of the thermoelectric conversion module 201 on one end side can be directly attached to one side of the cooling body, and the other end side of the thermoelectric conversion module 201 can be directly attached to the other side of the heating element or the cooling body by the second magnet 22 on the other end side. The outermost surface of the can be attached directly. Therefore, it can be easily attached to and detached from both the heating element and the cooling element. Further, since the surfaces of both ends of the thermoelectric conversion module 201 can be stably fixed to the heating element or the cooling element by the first magnet 21 and the second magnet 22, the P-type thermoelectric conversion element 31 and the N-type can be maintained. It is possible to secure a temperature difference between one end side and the other end side of the thermoelectric conversion element 32 to provide more stable power supply.

(Second Embodiment)
In the thermoelectric conversion cells 101 and 102 of the first embodiment, the first magnet 21 and the second magnet 21 and the second magnet 21 are used by using the first electrode member 211 made of the first magnet 21 and the second electrode member 212 made of the second magnet 22, respectively. The thermoelectric conversion members 301 and 302 (thermoelectric conversion elements 31 and 32) are electrically connected to each other via a magnet 22, and heat from a heating element or a cooling element is transferred to both thermoelectric conversion members 301 and 302. I was doing it. However, as in the thermoelectric conversion cell (first thermoelectric conversion cell) 103 of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the first electrode member 221 and the second electrode member 222 have the first magnet 23 or the second magnet 24, respectively. It is also possible to provide the electrode metal portion 25 formed of a metal having higher heat transferability and conductivity, and perform electrical connection and heat transfer via the electrode metal portion 25 in addition to the magnets 23 and 24.

As the first magnet 23 and the second magnet 24, the same magnets as in the first embodiment can be preferably used. The shapes of the first magnet 23 and the second magnet 24 are formed in a columnar shape or a prismatic shape, for example. In this case, the magnets 23 and 24 are formed in a columnar shape. Further, each of the magnets 23 and 24 may be composed of a plurality of small magnets.

For the electrode metal portion 25, for example, a metal material such as aluminum, an aluminum alloy, or brass is preferably used. The first electrode member 221 and the second electrode member 222 are on the opposite side of the internally connecting metal portion 51 and the internally connecting metal portion 51, which are arranged between the first magnet 23 or the second magnet 24, respectively. It has an external connecting metal portion 52 disposed in the above, and a connecting metal portion 53 connecting between the internal connecting metal portion 51 and the external connecting metal portion 52. In this case, the internally connecting metal portion 51 is formed in a disk shape, and the connecting metal portion 53 is formed in a cylindrical shape erected on the peripheral edge of the internally connecting metal portion 51. Further, the external connecting metal portion 52 is formed in an annular shape, and is formed in a flange shape protruding in the radial direction from the outer circumference of the connecting metal portion 53. The outer diameter Do of the external connecting metal portion 52 is set to be larger than the diameter Di of the through hole 121, and only the connecting metal portion 53 and the internal connecting metal portion 51 can be accommodated in the through hole 121.

Further, the electrode metal portion 25 is formed with an accommodating recess 54 surrounded by these internally connecting metal portions 51, the connecting metal portion 53, and the external connecting metal portion 52, and magnets 23 and 24 are provided in the accommodating recess 54. It is provided so that it can be accommodated. Then, in the first electrode member 221 and the second electrode member 222, magnets 23 and 24 are fitted into the accommodating recesses 54 of the electrode metal portion 25, respectively, and the magnets 23 and 24 and the electrode metal portion 25 are integrally provided. Has been done. In the first electrode member 221 and the second electrode member 222, as shown in FIG. 5, the depth d1 of the accommodating recess 54 is formed to be larger (deeper) than the thickness t1 of the magnets 23 and 24. The magnets 23 and 24 are arranged inside the outermost surface of each electrode metal portion 25, and are included in the accommodating recess 54.

The fixing of the electrode metal portion 25 and the magnets 23 and 24 is not limited to fitting (press fitting), and although not shown, a fixing claw is formed on the electrode metal portion 25 to crimp and fix the magnets 23 and 24. Alternatively, it may be bonded with an adhesive made of ceramics or a heat-resistant resin such as epoxy.

As the insulating member 120, the same material of the insulating member 110 as in the first embodiment can be preferably used. In this case, the insulating member 120 is provided in a cylindrical shape by forming a circular through hole 121 inside along the vertical direction. The through hole 121 can also be formed in a polygonal shape. In this case, the through hole 121 is formed to be slightly larger than the cross section of the columnar thermoelectric conversion member 301, and is provided so as to accommodate the thermoelectric conversion member 301 (P-type thermoelectric conversion element 31). Further, the through hole 121 is formed over the entire length of the insulating member 120 in the length direction (cylindrical axis direction).

In this case, the length (height) H13 of the insulating member 120 is formed to be larger than the length H11 of the thermoelectric conversion member 301, and the entire thermoelectric conversion member 301 can be accommodated inside the through hole 121. Further, a part of the first electrode member 221 (internal connection metal portion 51, etc.) can be accommodated in each of both end portions (one end portion and the other end portion) of the through hole 121 in the penetration direction, that is, on one end side. A part of the second electrode member 222 (internal connection metal portion 51, etc.) can be accommodated on the end side. In a state where the thermoelectric conversion member 301 is sandwiched between the first electrode member 221 and the second electrode member 222, the inner surface of the external connecting metal portion 52 of the first electrode member 221 and the external connecting metal of the second electrode member 222. The vertical distance H14 from the inner surface of the portion 52 is set to be smaller than the length H13 of the insulating member 120.

As described above, since the length H13 of the insulating member 120 (through hole 121) is set smaller than the interval H14, the first electrode is in a state where the thermoelectric conversion member 301 is housed in the through hole 121 of the insulating member 120. By arranging the member 221 on one end side of the through hole 121 and arranging the second electrode member 222 on the other end side of the through hole 121, the first magnet 23 and the second magnet 24 are attracted by the magnetic force of each other. , The thermoelectric conversion member 301 can be sandwiched and attached between the first electrode member 221 and the second electrode member 222. Further, in this state, since the insulating member 120 can be arranged between the external connecting metal portion 52 of the first electrode member 221 and the external connecting metal portion 52 of the second electrode member 222, the first electrode members 221 and the second The first thermoelectric conversion cell 103 can be integrally handled without the electrode member 222, the thermoelectric conversion member 301, and the insulating member 120 coming apart.

Also in the thermoelectric conversion cell 103 of the second embodiment, the first magnet 23 and the second magnet 24 are formed without joining the thermoelectric conversion member 301 and each electrode member (first electrode member 221 and second electrode member 222). By the attractive force of the magnetic force of, the state of electrical connection between the thermoelectric conversion member 301 and each of the electrode members 221,222 can be maintained. Further, in the thermoelectric conversion cell 103 of the second embodiment, the first electrode member 221 and the second electrode member 222 are each formed of a metal having a higher heat transfer property than the first magnet 23 or the second magnet 24. Since the electrode metal portion 25 is provided, heat can be stably transferred from the heating element or the cooling body to the thermoelectric conversion member 301 via not only the magnets 23 and 24 but also the electrode metal portion 25. Therefore, the power generation efficiency of the thermoelectric conversion elements 31 and 32 can be improved. Further, since the electrode metal portion 25 is formed of a metal having a higher conductivity than the first magnet 23 or the second magnet 24, it is not shown, but it is applied to a thermoelectric conversion module including a plurality of thermoelectric conversion cells. Therefore, the electrical connection between the thermoelectric conversion members can be maintained well, and the conductivity of the thermoelectric conversion module can be maintained well.

In the thermoelectric conversion cell 103 of the second embodiment, the elements common to the thermoelectric conversion cells 101 and 102 of the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted. Similarly, in the thermoelectric conversion cells and thermoelectric conversion modules of the following third to sixth embodiments, the same reference numerals are given to the elements common to the preceding embodiments, and the description thereof will be omitted.

(Third Embodiment)
6 to 8 show the thermoelectric conversion cell (first thermoelectric conversion cell) 104 of the third embodiment. In the thermoelectric conversion cell 103 of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the electrode metal portion 25 is composed of one component in which the internally connecting metal portion 51, the external connecting metal portion 52, and the connecting metal portion 53 are integrally formed. The configuration of the electrode metal portion is not limited to the configuration of the second embodiment. As in the third embodiment shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, a plurality of parts can be combined to form the electrode metal portion 28.

As the first magnet 26 and the second magnet 27, magnets made of the same material as in the first embodiment can be preferably used. The first magnet 26 and the second magnet 27 are formed in a cylindrical shape or a square cylinder shape, respectively, and have insertion holes 261,271 penetrating in the vertical direction. In this case, the magnets 26 and 27 are formed in a cylindrical shape, and the openings of the insertion holes 261,271 are formed in a circular shape.

The electrode metal portion 28 is formed of a metal (aluminum, brass, copper, silver, gold, etc.) having higher heat conductivity and conductivity than the magnets 26 and 27, similarly to the electrode metal portion 25 of the second embodiment. .. Further, the electrode metal portion 28 is an internal connecting metal portion 81 arranged between the first magnet 26 or the second magnet 27 and an external connecting metal portion 81 arranged on the opposite side of the internal connecting metal portion 81. It has a connecting metal portion 83 that connects the internal connecting metal portion 81 and the external connecting metal portion 82. As shown in FIG. 9, the internal connecting metal portion 81 is formed in a disk shape, and the connecting metal portion 83 is formed in a columnar shape erected in the center of the internal connecting metal portion 81, and is formed with the internal connecting metal portion 81. The connecting metal portion 83 is integrally provided. Further, a male screw 84 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the connecting metal portion 83, and the screw member 85 is composed of the internally connecting metal portion 81 and the connecting metal portion 83. The outer diameter of the connecting metal portion 83 (male screw 84) is smaller than the inner diameter of the insertion holes 261,271 of the magnets 26 and 27, and the connecting metal portion 83 is provided in the insertion holes 261,271 of the magnets 26 and 27. It is provided so that it can be inserted.

On the other hand, the external connecting metal portion 82 is provided separately from the internally connecting metal portion 81 and the connecting metal portion 83, and is formed in a rectangular plate shape having a rectangular plane. Further, the external connecting metal portion 82 is provided with a female screw hole 86 corresponding to the male screw 84 of the connecting metal portion 83. Then, by screwing the male screw 84 and the female screw hole 86 in a state where the male screw 84 is inserted into the insertion holes 261,271 of the magnets 26 and 27, the magnet is formed between the internal connection metal portion 81 and the external connection metal portion 82. 26 and 27 can be sandwiched and attached. Further, the external connecting metal portion 82 and the connecting metal portion 83 are electrically connected by screwing the male screw 84 and the female screw hole 86, and the internal connecting metal portion 81 and the external connecting metal portion 82 are electrically connected via the connecting metal portion 83. And are electrically connected.

Further, the external connection metal portion 82 is integrally formed with an external wiring portion 87 at one end in the longitudinal direction, and the thermoelectric conversion member 301 housed inside the thermoelectric conversion cell 104 via the external wiring portion 87. (P-type thermoelectric conversion element 31) can be easily connected to the outside.

As the insulating member 130, the same material of the insulating member 110 as in the first embodiment can be preferably used. The insulating member 130 of the present embodiment is provided in a square cylinder shape by forming a quadrangular through hole 131 along the vertical direction inside. Further, the through hole 131 has a square cross section, is formed slightly larger than the cross section of the thermoelectric conversion member 301 (P-type thermoelectric conversion element 31), and is provided so as to accommodate the thermoelectric conversion member 301. There is. Further, recesses 132 and 132 having a larger opening than the through hole 131 are formed at both ends (one end and the other end) of the through hole 131 in the penetration direction, and the first electrode is formed in the recess 132 on the one end side. A part of the member 231 can be accommodated, and a part of the second electrode member 232 can be accommodated in the recess 132 on the other end side.

In this case, the length (height) H13 of the insulating member 130 is formed larger than the length H11 of the thermoelectric conversion member 301, but is in the through direction (vertical direction) of the through hole 131 in which the thermoelectric conversion member 301 is housed. The length H12 is formed to be smaller than the length H11 of the thermoelectric conversion member 301, and the thermoelectric conversion member 301 can be accommodated in a state where both ends of the thermoelectric conversion member 301 are projected from both ends of the through hole 131 into both recesses 132 and 132. NS.

Further, a first groove portion 133 that connects the inside and the outside of the insulating member 130 is formed in the recess 132 on the one end side, and the external wiring portion 87 of the first electrode member 231 is arranged in the first groove portion 133. It is possible. The difference between the width between the inner surfaces of the inner surfaces of the side walls of the first groove portion 133 and the width of the external wiring portion 87 is slightly set, and the circumference of the insulating member 130 with the external wiring portion 87 arranged in the first groove portion 133. When trying to rotate in the direction, the external wiring portion 87 hits both side walls of the first groove portion 133 and is prevented from rotating.

Similarly, a second groove 134 connecting the inside and the outside of the insulating member 130 is also formed in the recess 132 on the other end side, and the external wiring portion of the second electrode member 232 is formed in the second groove 134. 87 can be arranged. The difference between the width between the inner surfaces of the inner surfaces of the side walls of the second groove 134 and the width of the external wiring portion 87 is slightly set, and the circumference of the insulating member 130 with the external wiring portion 87 arranged in the second groove 134. When trying to rotate in the direction, the external wiring portion 87 hits both side walls of the second groove portion 134 and is prevented from rotating.

Then, in the insulating member 130 configured as described above, the first electrode member 231 is arranged in the recess 132 on one end side with the thermoelectric conversion member 301 housed in the through hole 131, and the second electrode member 232 is placed. It is arranged in the recess 132 on the other end side. At this time, by arranging the external wiring portion 87 of the first electrode member 231 in the first groove portion 133 and arranging the external wiring portion 87 of the second electrode member 232 in the second groove portion 134, the first electrode member 231 And the second electrode member 232 can be arranged in specific directions, respectively. Then, the thermoelectric conversion member 301 can be sandwiched and attached between the first electrode member 231 and the second electrode member 232 by the attractive force of the first magnet 26 and the second magnet 27 due to the mutual magnetic force. The conversion cell 104 can be assembled smoothly.

In the present embodiment, the electrode metal portions 28 of the electrode members 231 and 232 are formed of a plurality of members, and the magnets 26 and 27 and the electrode metal portions 28 are integrally handled by screwing each member to each other. Although it is possible to provide the electrode metal portion 28, the configuration of the electrode metal portion 28 is not limited to this.
For example, as in the electrode metal portion 45 of the electrode member 241 shown in FIG. 10, another configuration such as crushing the tip of the connecting metal portion 413 passed through the insertion hole 401 of the external connecting metal portion 412 and fixing the rivet is adopted. You can also do it. In FIG. 10, the internally connected metal portion is represented by reference numeral 411. Further, although not shown, in the configuration of the electrode member 241 shown in FIG. 10, the configurations of the internally connecting metal portion 411 and the external connecting metal portion 412 may be reversed. In this case, the external connecting metal portion and the connecting metal portion may be integrally formed, an insertion hole may be formed in the internal connecting metal portion, and rivets may be fixed on the internal connecting metal portion side.

Further, for example, as in the electrode member 242 shown in FIG. 11, the electrode metal portion 46 in which the heat collecting fin 424 is integrally provided with the external connecting metal portion 422 may be configured. In FIG. 11, the connecting metal portion 423, the external connecting metal portion 422, and the heat collecting fin 424 are integrally formed, and the tip of the connecting metal portion 423 passed through the insertion hole 402 of the internal connecting metal portion 421 is pushed. The electrode metal portion 46 is formed by crushing and fixing with rivets.

(Fourth Embodiment)
In the thermoelectric conversion cells 101 to 104 of the above embodiment, insulating members 110 to 130 having one (singular) through hole are used, but as in the thermoelectric conversion cell 105 of the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. , An insulating member 140 having a plurality of through holes 141 may be used. In this case, as shown in FIG. 12, two through holes 141 are arranged in parallel in the insulating member 140, and a part of the electrode members 251,252 can be accommodated at both ends of each through hole 141. A recess 142 is provided. A thermoelectric conversion member 301 having a P-type thermoelectric conversion element 31 and a thermoelectric conversion member 302 having an N-type thermoelectric conversion element 32 are housed inside each of the through holes 141. In FIG. 12, the first groove portion is represented by reference numeral 143. The structure of the electrode metal portion 28 of each electrode member 251,252 can be configured in the same manner as in the third embodiment.

Also in the thermoelectric conversion cell 105 of the fourth embodiment, each thermoelectric conversion member is placed between the first electrode member 251 and the second electrode member 252 due to the attractive force of the magnetic force of the first magnet 26 and the second magnet 27. 301 and 302 can be sandwiched, and the electrode members 251,252 and the thermoelectric conversion members 301 and 302 can be electrically connected. Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 12, by connecting the second electrode members 252 and 252 arranged on the other end side of the insulating member 140 via the connecting member 43, the inside of each through hole 141 is formed. The P-type thermoelectric conversion element 31 of the housed thermoelectric conversion member 301 and the N-type thermoelectric conversion element 32 of the thermoelectric conversion member 302 can be alternately connected in series, and the thermoelectric conversion module 202 can be easily manufactured.

Although not shown, the connecting member 43 is not between the second electrode members 252 and 252 arranged on the other end side of the insulating member 140, but on the one end side of the insulating member 140. The members 251,251 may be arranged so as to be connected to each other. Further, the thermoelectric conversion cell and the thermoelectric conversion module can also be configured by using an insulating member having three or more through holes.

(Fifth Embodiment)
In the thermoelectric conversion module 201 and the like of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the electrode members attached to the through holes (between the second electrode members 212 and 212 in FIG. 4) are connected via the connecting member 41. However, as in the thermoelectric conversion module 203 of the fifth embodiment shown in FIG. 13, the second electrode members of the first thermoelectric conversion cell 106 and the second thermoelectric conversion cell 107 arranged adjacent to each other are integrally formed. Using the formed connection type electrode member 253, a first thermoelectric conversion cell 106 having a P-type thermoelectric conversion element 31 and a second thermoelectric conversion cell 107 having an N-type thermoelectric conversion element 32 are arranged in parallel, and each thermoelectric is arranged. The conversion members 301 and 302 can also be electrically connected. The connected electrode member 253 can also be used on the first electrode member side instead of the second electrode member side.

In the thermoelectric conversion module 203 of the fifth embodiment, the external connecting metal portion 92 constituting the electrode metal portion 29 of the connecting electrode member 253 is formed in a long rectangular flat plate shape, and the external connecting metal portion 92 2 The second electrode members are integrally formed. In this case, two female screw holes 96 into which the connecting metal portion 93 (male screw 94) can be screwed are formed in the external connecting metal portion 92 at intervals, and the connecting metal portion 93 and the inside are formed in each female screw hole 96. A screw member 95 integrally formed with the connecting metal portion 91 can be attached. Then, the second magnets 27 and 27 are sandwiched between the screw members 95 and 95 and the externally connected metal portion 92, respectively.

Also in the thermoelectric conversion module 203, the thermoelectric conversion members 301 and 302 are connected to the connected electrode members 253 and the first electrode members 251,251 by the attractive force of the magnetic forces of the first magnet 26 and the second magnet 27. It can be easily sandwiched between them.

As described in the above embodiment, in each of the thermoelectric conversion cells of the present embodiment, the first magnet of the first electrode member and the second magnet of the second electrode member are attracted by the magnetic force of each other. A thermoelectric conversion member is sandwiched between the electrode member and the second electrode member, and is electrically connected. As described above, in the thermoelectric conversion cell of the present embodiment, the thermoelectric conversion member is sandwiched between the electrode members without joining the thermoelectric conversion member and each electrode member (first electrode member and second electrode member). As a result, since they are electrically connected, damage to each member can be prevented even when a difference in thermal expansion of different materials occurs, and a good connection state can be maintained.

Further, since the electrical connection between the thermoelectric conversion member and each electrode member is only held by the attractive force of the magnetic force between the first magnet and the second magnet, the thermoelectric conversion member is placed between the electrode members. The thermoelectric conversion member can be sandwiched between the electrode members simply by arranging the thermoelectric conversion members, and the thermoelectric conversion cell can be easily assembled. Further, the thermoelectric conversion member sandwiched between the electrode members can be easily taken out by pulling the electrode members apart, and the thermoelectric conversion cell can be easily disassembled. Therefore, even when the thermoelectric conversion member housed inside the insulating member is damaged or the thermoelectric conversion member needs to be replaced due to a design change, the thermoelectric conversion member can be easily replaced.
Further, since the thermoelectric conversion member and each electrode member are not bonded and are only held by the attractive force of the magnetic force of the first magnet and the second magnet, when the thermoelectric conversion cell becomes larger than before. Also, the thermoelectric conversion cell can be easily disassembled and the thermoelectric conversion member can be easily replaced.

Further, by providing a plurality of through holes in the insulating member and accommodating the thermoelectric conversion member in each through hole, a thermoelectric conversion cell in which a plurality of thermoelectric conversion members are arranged can be configured. In this case, the first electrode member and the second electrode member are arranged at both ends of each thermoelectric conversion member according to the number of each thermoelectric conversion member, and between the first electrode member and the second electrode member. The thermoelectric conversion member can be sandwiched and electrically connected. Further, in this case, by electrically connecting the first electrode members or the second electrode members arranged adjacent to each other by a connecting member having conductivity, the thermoelectricity accommodated inside each through hole is obtained. The P-type thermoelectric conversion element and the N-type thermoelectric conversion element of the conversion member can be alternately connected in series, and the thermoelectric conversion module can be easily manufactured.

Further, by combining thermoelectric conversion cells having the same polarity in parallel, the internal resistance of the thermoelectric conversion module can be controlled, and the thermoelectric conversion module can be arbitrarily designed according to the load resistance of the output destination. Furthermore, by stacking thermoelectric conversion cells containing thermoelectric conversion members having different usable temperature ranges in the temperature gradient direction and connecting them in series, a segment structure can be constructed and the efficiency of the thermoelectric conversion module can be improved. can.

Further, the first magnet is arranged on one end side of the thermoelectric conversion cell (one end side in the penetrating direction of the through hole), and the second magnet is arranged on the other end side (the other end side in the penetrating direction of the through hole). Therefore, in the thermoelectric conversion module using this thermoelectric conversion cell, the first magnet and the second magnet are used to attach one of the heating element or the cooling body made of a magnetic material such as iron to one end side of the thermoelectric conversion module. The outermost surface can be directly attached, and the outermost surface on the other end side of the thermoelectric conversion module can be directly attached to the other side of the heating element or the cooling body. Therefore, it is not necessary to use a separate jig or the like for attaching the thermoelectric conversion module, and the attachment and detachment to the heating element or the cooling element can be easily performed. Further, since the surfaces of both ends of the thermoelectric conversion module can be stably fixed to the heating element or the cooling element by the first magnet and the second magnet, respectively, one end side and the other end side of the thermoelectric conversion element can be maintained. It is possible to secure a temperature difference and provide a stable power supply in the thermoelectric conversion module.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications other than the above can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

21, 23, 26 1st magnet (magnet)
22, 24, 27 2nd magnet (magnet)
25, 28, 29, 45, 46 Electrode metal part 31 P-type thermoelectric conversion element 32 N-type thermoelectric conversion element 33 Metallized layer 41, 43 Connection member 42 Wiring 51, 81, 91, 411, 421 Internal connection metal part 52, 82 , 92, 421,422 External connection metal part 53, 83, 93, 413, 423 Connecting metal part 54 Storage recess 84 Male screw 85, 95 Thread member 86, 96 Female screw hole 87 External wiring part 101, 103, 104, 106 1st Thermoelectric conversion cell (thermoelectric conversion cell)
102, 107 Second thermoelectric conversion cell (thermoelectric conversion cell)
105 Thermoelectric conversion cell 110, 120, 130, 140 Insulating member 111, 121, 131, 141 Through hole 112, 132, 142 Recessed 133 First groove portion 134 Second groove portion 201, 202, 203 Thermoelectric conversion module 211, 211,231, 241 First electrode member (electrode member)
212,222,232,242 Second electrode member (electrode member)
253 Connection type electrode member 261,271 Insertion hole 301 First thermoelectric conversion member (thermoelectric conversion member)
302 Second thermoelectric conversion member (thermoelectric conversion member)
401,402 Insertion hole 424 Heat collecting fin

Claims (5)

An insulating member having at least one through hole and
A thermoelectric conversion member having at least one thermoelectric conversion element and housed in the through hole.
A first electrode member arranged on one end side of the through hole in the penetrating direction and electrically connected to one end of the thermoelectric conversion member.
It has a second electrode member arranged on the other end side in the penetrating direction and electrically connected to the other end of the thermoelectric conversion member.
The first electrode member has a first magnet, and the first electrode member has a first magnet.
The second electrode member has a second magnet and has a second magnet.
Ri Na is sandwiched the thermoelectric conversion member between the second electrode member and the first electrode member by the suction force due to the mutual magnetic force between the second magnet and the first magnet,
The first electrode member and the second electrode member are arranged on the side opposite to the internally connecting metal portion and the internally connecting metal portion disposed between the first magnet or the second magnet, respectively. It has an electrode metal portion having an external connecting metal portion to be formed, a connecting metal portion connecting the internal connecting metal portion and the external connecting metal portion, and an electrode metal portion having the connecting metal portion.
The electrode metal portion, the first magnet or the thermoelectric conversion cell heat transfer and electrical conductivity than the second magnet, wherein that you have been formed by a high metal. The thermoelectric conversion cell according to claim 1, wherein at least a part of the insulating member is disposed between the first electrode member and the second electrode member. The insulating member accommodates a first groove portion that accommodates a part of the first electrode member formed at one end portion to prevent rotation, and a part of the second electrode member formed at the other end portion. The thermoelectric conversion cell according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a second groove portion for preventing rotation. The thermoelectric conversion cell according to any one of claims 1 to 3 is provided.
The thermoelectric conversion cell includes a first thermoelectric conversion cell in which the thermoelectric conversion element is a P-type thermoelectric conversion element, and a second thermoelectric conversion cell in which the thermoelectric conversion cell is an N-type thermoelectric conversion element. A thermoelectric conversion module characterized in that a first thermoelectric conversion cell and the second thermoelectric conversion cell are alternately connected in series. It has a connected electrode member in which the first electrode member of the first thermoelectric conversion cell and the second thermoelectric conversion cell arranged adjacent to each other or the second electrode member of the second thermoelectric conversion cell are integrally formed.
The thermoelectric conversion module according to claim 4 , wherein the first thermoelectric conversion cell and the second thermoelectric conversion cell are connected by the articulated electrode member.

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