JP2005235958A

JP2005235958A - Thermoelectric transducer

Info

Publication number: JP2005235958A
Application number: JP2004041969A
Authority: JP
Inventors: Reki Takaku; 歴高久; Takehisa Hino; 武久日野; Takahiko Shindou; 尊彦新藤; Yoshiyasu Ito; 義康伊藤
Original assignee: Toshiba Corp
Current assignee: Toshiba Corp
Priority date: 2004-02-18
Filing date: 2004-02-18
Publication date: 2005-09-02

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a thermoelectric transducer which facilitates the operation of attaching and detaching a thermoelectric conversion module or a module terminal, and also maintains high performance and high reliability when being electrically connected. <P>SOLUTION: In the thermoelectric transducer, a module terminal 20 is provided in each thermoelectric conversion module 11, 11a and 11b comprising a thermoelectric transducer 15, the module terminal 20 is divided into a first terminal 21 and a second terminal 22, and each divided first terminal 21 and second terminal 22 comprises means 23, 24, 25 and 28 of a freely connectable and separable configuration. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

本発明は、熱エネルギを電気エネルギに直接交換したり、あるいは、外部からの電流を加えて低温側から高温側に熱を移動させたりする熱電変換モジュールを備えた熱電変換装置に係り、特に外部との電気的取合いを行うモジュール端子に改良を加えて熱電変換モジュールの性能、信頼性の向上を図った熱電変換装置に関する。 The present invention relates to a thermoelectric conversion device including a thermoelectric conversion module that directly exchanges heat energy with electric energy or transfers heat from a low temperature side to a high temperature side by applying an electric current from the outside. The present invention relates to a thermoelectric conversion device that improves the performance and reliability of a thermoelectric conversion module by improving the module terminal for electrical connection with the thermoelectric conversion module.

熱電変換装置には、熱電変換モジュールあるいは複数の熱電変換モジュールを組み合わせた熱電変換ユニットが設けられている。 The thermoelectric conversion device is provided with a thermoelectric conversion unit that combines a thermoelectric conversion module or a plurality of thermoelectric conversion modules.

熱電変換モジュールは、Ｐ型半導体およびＮ型半導体の熱電変換素子を組み合わせたもので、トムソン効果、ペルチェ効果、ゼーベック効果等の熱伝導変換効果を利用して熱エネルギを電気エネルギに直接変換している。 A thermoelectric conversion module is a combination of P-type semiconductor and N-type semiconductor thermoelectric conversion elements that directly convert thermal energy into electrical energy using thermal conduction conversion effects such as the Thomson effect, Peltier effect, and Seebeck effect. Yes.

従来、熱電変換装置には、例えば特開２００１−１１９０７６号公報や特開２００３−１７９２７４号公報等数多くの発明が開示されている。 Conventionally, many inventions, such as Unexamined-Japanese-Patent No. 2001-119076 and Unexamined-Japanese-Patent No. 2003-179274, are disclosed by the thermoelectric converter.

開示された熱電変換装置は、Ｐ型およびＮ型半導体の熱電変換素子をセラミック基板または絶縁性樹脂の間に並列配置し、熱電変換素子と隣りの熱電変換素子との間に絶縁性樹脂を介装させて各熱電変換素子の補強を図るとともに、その上下端を電極に接続させる際、半田層を用いており（特開２００１−１１９０７６号公報）、また、境目に熱伝導板を介装させた熱電変換素子を積層状に配置して熱電変換素子群に構成し、熱電変換素子群の両側に電極を設け、電極を押圧手段によって固設している（特開２００３−１７９２７４号公報）。
特開２００１−１１９０７６号公報特開２００３−１７９２７４号公報 In the disclosed thermoelectric conversion device, P-type and N-type semiconductor thermoelectric conversion elements are arranged in parallel between a ceramic substrate or an insulating resin, and an insulating resin is interposed between the thermoelectric conversion element and the adjacent thermoelectric conversion element. In order to reinforce each thermoelectric conversion element and connect the upper and lower ends to the electrode, a solder layer is used (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-119076), and a heat conduction plate is interposed at the boundary. The thermoelectric conversion elements are arranged in a laminated form to constitute a thermoelectric conversion element group, electrodes are provided on both sides of the thermoelectric conversion element group, and the electrodes are fixed by pressing means (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-179274).
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-119076 JP 2003-179274 A

従来、熱電変換装置は、熱電変換モジュールを構成するＰ型およびＮ型半導体の各熱電変換素子の両端温度差を利用して直接電気エネルギに変換し、モジュール外部に電力を取り出しているが、熱電変換モジュールと外部との電気的取り合い構造として図１５に示すものが実施されていた。 Conventionally, thermoelectric conversion devices directly convert electrical energy using the temperature difference between both ends of P-type and N-type semiconductor thermoelectric conversion elements constituting the thermoelectric conversion module, and take out the power outside the module. As an electrical connection structure between the conversion module and the outside, the structure shown in FIG. 15 has been implemented.

すなわち、熱電変換モジュール１は、Ｐ型半導体２とＮ型半導体３とをペアとする熱電変換素子４の両端を電極５で挟んで電気回路を構成し、その回路の端部に電気的な入出力端子８として電極５にリード線６を半田７で接続させていた。 That is, the thermoelectric conversion module 1 configures an electric circuit by sandwiching both ends of a thermoelectric conversion element 4 that makes a pair of a P-type semiconductor 2 and an N-type semiconductor 3 between electrodes 5, and electrically enters the end of the circuit. The lead wire 6 was connected to the electrode 5 as the output terminal 8 with the solder 7.

このような、従来モジュールの電気的取り合いでは、数多くのモジュールを電気的に直列または並列に接続して使用するとき、異なるモジュール同士のリード線６を必要な長さに切断し、その都度、半田７で接続しなければならず、長時間に亘る労力を要していた。 In such an electrical connection of the conventional modules, when many modules are electrically connected in series or in parallel, the lead wires 6 of the different modules are cut to a required length and soldered each time. 7 had to be connected, and it took a long time.

また、故障などのために接続されたモジュール群のいずれかを交換する際にも長時間に亘る手間を要していた。 Also, it takes a long time to replace any of the connected module groups due to a failure or the like.

さらに、モジュール群の個々のモジュールのチェックなどのために、モジュールの入出力端子に計測器を接続する場合も、リード線を用いていたのでは、位置が不明確であり、計測がしづらい等の問題を抱えていた。 In addition, when connecting a measuring instrument to the input / output terminal of a module for checking individual modules of the module group, etc., the position is unclear and it is difficult to measure using lead wires, etc. Had a problem.

また、リード線のモジュール側の接続部分は、半田だけで支えられており、強度が弱いため、リード線に外力が加わると、その接続部分に損傷が発生する等の問題があった。特に、リード線が長い場合、何らかの事情で検査員が引っ掛るなど、リード線に外力が加わる危険性が高かった。 Further, the connecting portion of the lead wire on the module side is supported only by the solder, and its strength is weak. Therefore, when an external force is applied to the lead wire, there is a problem that the connecting portion is damaged. In particular, when the lead wire is long, there is a high risk of external force being applied to the lead wire, such as an inspector being caught for some reason.

一方、特許文献１では、モジュールの入出力端子としてリード線を用いずに、外部に平面的に露出した金属材を用いている。このモジュールでは、端子をワイヤ（リード線）、半田、導電ペースト、導電性接着剤を用いて信号引出しピンに接続しており、端子と信号引き出しピンとの接続部分の補修が容易に行えるようになっている。 On the other hand, in Patent Document 1, a metal material exposed in a planar manner is used as an input / output terminal of a module without using lead wires. In this module, the terminal is connected to the signal lead pin using a wire (lead wire), solder, conductive paste, or conductive adhesive, so that the connection portion between the terminal and the signal lead pin can be easily repaired. ing.

しかし、複数のモジュールを電気的に直列または並列に接続して使用する場合、やはり、一つ一つの端子をワイヤ（リード線）と半田で接続するので、多くの手間がかかるばかりか、故障などのため、接続されているモジュール群のいずれかを変換する際にも多くの手間がかかっていた。 However, when connecting multiple modules electrically in series or in parallel, each terminal is still connected with a wire (lead wire) by soldering, so it takes a lot of time and trouble. Therefore, it took a lot of time to convert one of the connected modules.

また、ワイヤ（リード線）は、検査員等の足に引っ掛かるなどの外力が作用する可能性が高いため、半田で接続されるワイヤの接続端は損傷が受けやすく、性能、信頼性に一抹の不安があった。 In addition, the wire (lead wire) is likely to be subjected to external forces such as being caught on the feet of an inspector, etc., so the connection end of the wire connected with solder is easily damaged, and performance and reliability are completely I was worried.

本発明は、このような問題点を解消するためになされたもので、複数の熱電変換モジュールやモジュール端子を電気的に接続する手間作業や、モジュール群の中から一つを取り外して交換する手間、作業などを削減させ、しかもモジュール端子相互の電気的接続の際、高い性能と高い信頼性を維持させる熱電変換装置を提供することを目的とする。 The present invention has been made in order to solve such problems, and is a troublesome work of electrically connecting a plurality of thermoelectric conversion modules and module terminals, and a troublesome work of removing and replacing one of the modules. An object of the present invention is to provide a thermoelectric conversion device that can reduce work and maintain high performance and high reliability in electrical connection between module terminals.

本発明に係る熱電変換装置は、上述の目的を達成するために、請求項１に記載したように、熱電変換素子を備えた熱電変換モジュールにモジュール端子を設けた熱電変換装置において、前記モジュール端子を第１端子と第２端子とに区分けするとともに、区分けした第１端子および第２端子ともに、接離自在な構成の手段を備えたものである。 In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the thermoelectric conversion device according to the present invention is the thermoelectric conversion device in which a module terminal is provided in a thermoelectric conversion module including a thermoelectric conversion element, as described in claim 1. Is divided into a first terminal and a second terminal, and both of the divided first terminal and second terminal are provided with means having a structure that can be contacted and separated.

また、本発明に係る熱電変換装置は、上述の目的を達成するために、請求項２に記載したように、接離自在な構成の手段は、第１端子を矩形状の基端部と球形状の第１電気接触子とで構成するとともに、第２端子を凹陥球面状の第２電気接触子で構成したものである。 In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the thermoelectric conversion device according to the present invention is characterized in that, as described in claim 2, the means that can be contacted and separated includes a first base terminal and a spherical base end. The first electric contact having a shape and the second terminal are formed by a concave second electric contact.

また、本発明に係る熱電変換装置は、上述の目的を達成するために、請求項３に記載したように、接離自在な構成の手段は、第１端子を多角形状の基端部と球形状の第１電気接触子とで構成するとともに、第２端子を凹陥球面状の第２電気接触子で構成したものである。 In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the thermoelectric conversion device according to the present invention is characterized in that, as described in claim 3, the means having a detachable structure includes the first terminal as a polygonal base end and a ball. The first electric contact having a shape and the second terminal are formed by a concave second electric contact.

また、本発明に係る熱電変換装置は、上述の目的を達成するために、請求項４に記載したように、接離自在な構成の手段は、第１端子を隅部に面取り加工を行った四辺形状の基端部と球形状の第１電気接触子とで構成するとともに、第２端子を凹陥球面状の第２電気接触子で構成したものである。 Further, in order to achieve the above-described object, the thermoelectric conversion device according to the present invention has a configuration in which contact and separation are possible as described in claim 4, and the first terminal is chamfered at the corner. In addition to a quadrilateral base end and a spherical first electrical contact, the second terminal is a concave spherical second electrical contact.

また、本発明に係る熱電変換装置は、上述の目的を達成するために、請求項５に記載したように、接離自在な構成の手段は、第１端子と断面円柱状の基端部と、この基端部に較べて相対的に小さい断面円柱状の第１電気接触子とで構成するとともに、第２端子を球面凹陥状の第２電気接触子で構成したものである。 Further, in order to achieve the above-described object, the thermoelectric conversion device according to the present invention includes a first terminal and a base end portion having a columnar cross section as described in claim 5. The first electrical contact having a cylindrical cross-section that is relatively smaller than the base end portion, and the second terminal is composed of a spherically recessed second electrical contact.

また、本発明に係る熱電変換装置は、上述の目的を達成するために、請求項６に記載したように、接離自在な構成の手段は、第１端子および第２端子ともに、断面Ｌ字状の第１片と断面凹陥球面状の第２片とで構成し、中間に空間を備えるとともに、前記第１端子を、隣接する熱電変換モジュールのモジュール端子における第２端子に跨いで接続させる接続片を備えたものである。 In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the thermoelectric conversion device according to the present invention has a L-shaped cross section as described in claim 6, wherein the first and second terminals are configured to be detachable. A first piece having a concave shape and a second piece having a spherical shape with a concave cross section, with a space in the middle, and a connection for connecting the first terminal across the second terminals of the module terminals of the adjacent thermoelectric conversion modules It has a piece.

また、本発明に係る熱電変換装置は、上述の目的を達成するために、請求項７に記載したように、接続片は、折り曲げ可能であるとともに、両端に***部を備えたものである。 Moreover, in order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the thermoelectric conversion device according to the present invention is such that the connection piece can be bent and has raised portions at both ends.

また、本発明に係る熱電変換装置は、上述の目的を達成するために、請求項８に記載したように、第１端子、第２端子および接続片は、ともに締結具を挿通する締結具孔を備えたものである。 Further, in order to achieve the above object, the thermoelectric conversion device according to the present invention has a fastener hole through which the first terminal, the second terminal, and the connection piece are inserted, as described in claim 8. It is equipped with.

また、本発明に係る熱電変換装置は、上述の目的を達成するために、請求項９に記載したように、接離自在な構成の手段は、第１端子を先端に***部を備えた折り曲げ可能な接続片で構成するとともに、第２端子を断面Ｌ字状の第１片と断面凹陥球面状の第２片とで構成し、中間に空間を備えたものである。 In order to achieve the above-described object, the thermoelectric conversion device according to the present invention is configured such that the means having a detachable structure includes a first terminal as a tip and a bulging portion. The second terminal is constituted by a first piece having an L-shaped cross section and a second piece having a concave spherical surface, and has a space in the middle.

また、本発明に係る熱電変換装置は、上述の目的を達成するために、請求項１０に記載したように、接離自在な構成の手段は、第１端子および第２端子ともに、先端の鉤部に締結具を挿通する挿通孔を備えた支持片で構成したものである。 In order to achieve the above-described object, the thermoelectric conversion device according to the present invention, as described in claim 10, is configured so that the first and second terminals can be connected to and separated from each other. It is comprised with the support piece provided with the insertion hole which penetrates a fastener in a part.

また、本発明に係る熱電変換装置は、上述の目的を達成するために、請求項１１に記載したように、接離自在な構成の手段は、第１端子および第２端子ともに、締結具孔を備えた柱体と、この柱体に締結具を介して装着する接続片とで構成したものである。 In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the thermoelectric conversion device according to the present invention is characterized in that the means having a detachable structure includes both the first terminal and the second terminal. And a connecting piece to be attached to the column body via a fastener.

また、本発明に係る熱電変換装置は、上述の目的を達成するために、請求項１２に記載したように、接離自在な構成の手段は、第１端子および第２端子のそれぞれから延長して延びる接続片と隣接する熱電変換モジュールのモジュール端子における第１端子および第２端子のそれぞれから延長して延びる接続片とに締結具を挿通して接続させる構成にしたものである。 In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the thermoelectric conversion device according to the present invention is characterized in that the means having a detachable configuration extends from each of the first terminal and the second terminal. The connecting piece is connected to the connecting piece extending from each of the first terminal and the second terminal of the module terminal of the adjacent thermoelectric conversion module.

また、本発明に係る熱電変換装置は、上述の目的を達成するために、請求項１３に記載したように、熱電変換素子を備えた熱電変換モジュールにモジュール端子を設けた熱電変換装置において、前記熱電変換モジュールは、横断面方向に沿って山形形状に形成したものである。 Moreover, in order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the thermoelectric conversion device according to the present invention is the thermoelectric conversion device in which a module terminal is provided in a thermoelectric conversion module including a thermoelectric conversion element, as described in claim 13, The thermoelectric conversion module is formed in a mountain shape along the cross-sectional direction.

また、本発明に係る熱電変換装置は、上述の目的を達成するために、請求項１４に記載したように、熱電変換素子を備えた熱電変換モジュールにモジュール端子を設けた熱電変換装置において、前記熱電変換モジュールは、凹陥部と突き出し片とを備えたものである。 Moreover, in order to achieve the above-described object, the thermoelectric conversion device according to the present invention is the thermoelectric conversion device in which a module terminal is provided in a thermoelectric conversion module including a thermoelectric conversion element, as described in claim 14, The thermoelectric conversion module includes a recessed portion and a protruding piece.

また、本発明に係る熱電変換装置は、上述の目的を達成するために、請求項１５に記載したように、熱電変換素子を備えた熱電変換モジュールにモジュール端子を設けた熱電変換装置において、前記熱電変換モジュールは、突き出し片と溝とを備えたものである。 Moreover, in order to achieve the above-described object, the thermoelectric conversion device according to the present invention is the thermoelectric conversion device in which a module terminal is provided in a thermoelectric conversion module including a thermoelectric conversion element, as described in claim 15, The thermoelectric conversion module is provided with a protruding piece and a groove.

本発明に係る熱電変換装置は、モジュール端子を第１端子と第２端子とに区分けするとともに、区分けした第１端子および第２端子ともに接離自在な構成の手段を備えたので、複数の熱電変換モジュールの取り付け、取り外しの作業が容易になり、モジュール相互の電気的接続に高い性能と高い信頼性を維持させて安定な電力の供給を確保することができる。 In the thermoelectric conversion device according to the present invention, the module terminal is divided into the first terminal and the second terminal, and the divided first terminal and the second terminal are provided with means that can be connected to and separated from each other. The conversion module can be easily attached and detached, and high power and high reliability can be maintained in the electrical connection between the modules to ensure a stable power supply.

以下、本発明に係る熱電変換装置の実施形態を図面および図面に付した符号を引用して説明する。 DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of a thermoelectric conversion device according to the invention will be described with reference to the drawings and reference numerals attached to the drawings.

本発明に係る熱電変換装置の説明に先立ち、先ず、その概略的な原理を説明する。 Prior to the description of the thermoelectric converter according to the present invention, first, the general principle will be described.

図１は、熱電変換装置の概略的な構成を説明する概念図である。 FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a thermoelectric conversion device.

熱電変換装置１０は、ゼーベック効果を利用して熱エネルギを電気エネルギに直接変換したり、あるいはペルチェ効果を利用して外部から電流を加えて低温側から高温側に熱移動させるもので、これらエネルギ変換のために熱電変換モジュール１１を備えている。 The thermoelectric conversion device 10 directly converts thermal energy into electrical energy using the Seebeck effect, or applies current from the outside using the Peltier effect to cause heat transfer from the low temperature side to the high temperature side. A thermoelectric conversion module 11 is provided for conversion.

この熱電変換モジュール１１は、高温側あるいは吸熱側絶縁基板１２と低温側あるいは放熱側絶縁基板１３との間に設けられた熱電変換素子群１５を備えている。 The thermoelectric conversion module 11 includes a thermoelectric conversion element group 15 provided between a high temperature side or heat absorption side insulating substrate 12 and a low temperature side or heat dissipation side insulating substrate 13.

高温側および低温側絶縁基板１２，１３は、熱伝導性に優れた電気絶縁特性を持ったセラミックス等の耐熱性材料で作製される。なお、熱電変換素子群１５は、セラミックス製の耐熱性材料に挟持されて使用する場合のほかに、例えばエポキシ樹脂に埋め込まれて使用する場合もある。この場合、熱電変換素子群１５を埋め込んだ樹脂を、以下に絶縁性物質１４と記す。 The high-temperature side and low-temperature side insulating substrates 12 and 13 are made of a heat-resistant material such as ceramics having electrical insulation characteristics excellent in thermal conductivity. The thermoelectric conversion element group 15 may be used by being embedded in an epoxy resin, for example, in addition to the case where the thermoelectric conversion element group 15 is sandwiched between heat-resistant materials made of ceramics. In this case, the resin in which the thermoelectric conversion element group 15 is embedded is referred to as an insulating material 14 below.

熱電変換素子群１５は、Ｐ型半導体１６およびＮ型半導体１７をペアにして複数個にし、全体として、例えば、マトリックス状に配置した多数の熱電変換素子で構成される。各熱電変換素子１５（１６，１７）は、例えば円柱の柱状であり、一端が高温面または吸熱面とし、他端を低温面または放熱面としている。 The thermoelectric conversion element group 15 includes a plurality of P-type semiconductors 16 and N-type semiconductors 17 as a pair, and is configured by a large number of thermoelectric conversion elements, for example, arranged in a matrix. Each thermoelectric conversion element 15 (16, 17) has, for example, a cylindrical column shape, and one end is a high temperature surface or a heat absorption surface and the other end is a low temperature surface or a heat dissipation surface.

各熱電変換素子１５（１６，１７）のうち、高温面（吸熱面）側および低温面（放熱面）側は、ともに電極１８，１９に接続される。また、各熱電変換素子１５（１６，１７）の高温面側に設けられた電極１８および低温面側に設けられた電極１９のうち、少なくともいずれか一方は、半田層２７を介して接続されるか、あるいは各熱電変換素子１５（１６，１７）および電極１８，１９のすべてが絶縁性物質１４に埋め込まれる。 Of each thermoelectric conversion element 15 (16, 17), the high temperature surface (heat absorption surface) side and the low temperature surface (heat radiation surface) side are both connected to the electrodes 18, 19. In addition, at least one of the electrode 18 provided on the high temperature surface side and the electrode 19 provided on the low temperature surface side of each thermoelectric conversion element 15 (16, 17) is connected via the solder layer 27. Alternatively, all of the thermoelectric conversion elements 15 (16, 17) and the electrodes 18, 19 are embedded in the insulating material 14.

ところで、熱電変換モジュール１１は、各熱電変換素子１５（１６，１７）の高温面（吸熱面）側と低温面（放熱面）側との間の温度差に基づいて起電力を得るものであるから、高い起電力を確保するために高い熱源の確保が必要とされる。この場合、例えば発電プラントでは、多量の熱エネルギが放出されているので、高い熱源の確保は容易である。 By the way, the thermoelectric conversion module 11 obtains an electromotive force based on the temperature difference between the high temperature surface (heat absorption surface) side and the low temperature surface (heat dissipation surface) side of each thermoelectric conversion element 15 (16, 17). Therefore, it is necessary to secure a high heat source in order to secure a high electromotive force. In this case, for example, in a power plant, a large amount of heat energy is released, so it is easy to secure a high heat source.

また、熱電変換モジュール１１は、各熱電変換素子１５（１６，１７）に設けた高温面（吸熱面）側の電極１８と低温面（放熱面）側の電極１９とを交互に、ジグザグ状に、あるいは互い違いに跨ぐように配置され、各熱電変換素子１５（１６，１７）で生成された起電力をモジュール端子２０を介して外部に動力源（電力負荷）として取り出しているが、多量の動力源を確保するために、数多くの各熱電変換素子１５（１６，１７）が必要になる。 In addition, the thermoelectric conversion module 11 has a high temperature surface (heat absorption surface) side electrode 18 and a low temperature surface (heat radiation surface) side electrode 19 provided in each thermoelectric conversion element 15 (16, 17) alternately in a zigzag shape. Alternatively, the electromotive force generated in each thermoelectric conversion element 15 (16, 17) is taken out as a power source (electric power load) via the module terminal 20 and arranged in a staggered manner. In order to secure a source, many thermoelectric conversion elements 15 (16, 17) are required.

数多くの各熱電変換素子１５（１６，１７）を必要とする場合、熱電変換モジュール１１は、個々のモジュールの接離作業が容易で、破損や変形等のない強度的に優れ、数多くのモジュールの中から１個単位毎の取り付け、取り外しが容易で、しかも取り付けの際、電気的通電の良好なものが求められる。 When a large number of thermoelectric conversion elements 15 (16, 17) are required, the thermoelectric conversion module 11 is easy to contact and separate individual modules, is excellent in strength without breakage or deformation, and has a large number of modules. From the inside, it is easy to attach and detach each unit, and in addition, it is required to have good electrical conduction.

本発明に係る熱電変換装置は、このような点を考慮してなされたもので、熱電変換モジュール１１のモジュール端子２０に改良を加えたものである。なお、モジュール端子２０は、入力側と出力側とに分かれるが、熱エネルギを電気エネルギに変換する場合と低温面側から高温面側へ熱移動させる場合とで入力側と出力側が逆になるので、ここでは第１端子２１と第２端子２２として記す。 The thermoelectric conversion device according to the present invention is made in consideration of such points, and is an improvement of the module terminal 20 of the thermoelectric conversion module 11. The module terminal 20 is divided into an input side and an output side, but the input side and the output side are reversed between the case where heat energy is converted into electric energy and the case where heat is transferred from the low temperature side to the high temperature side. Here, the first terminal 21 and the second terminal 22 are described.

図２は、モジュール端子２０を備えた本発明に係る熱電変換装置の第１実施形態を示す概念図である。 FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing a first embodiment of a thermoelectric conversion device according to the present invention provided with a module terminal 20.

なお、図２中、（ａ）は数多くの熱電変換モジュールの中から１個を取り出した熱電変換モジュールの平面図、（ｂ）は数多くの熱電変換モジュールの中から取り出した熱電変換モジュールと隣接する他の熱電変換モジュールとの接続を示す図である。 In FIG. 2, (a) is a plan view of a thermoelectric conversion module obtained by taking one out of many thermoelectric conversion modules, and (b) is adjacent to the thermoelectric conversion module taken out from many thermoelectric conversion modules. It is a figure which shows the connection with another thermoelectric conversion module.

本実施形態に係る熱電変換装置は、熱電変換モジュール１１のうち、１つの熱電変換モジュール１１ａと隣接する他の熱電変換モジュール１１ｂとの接離作業を容易にするために、第１端子２１および第２端子２２のそれぞれの構造に改良を加えたものである。 The thermoelectric conversion device according to the present embodiment includes a first terminal 21 and a first thermoelectric conversion module 11 for facilitating contact / separation work between one thermoelectric conversion module 11a and another adjacent thermoelectric conversion module 11b. The structure of each of the two terminals 22 is improved.

すなわち、熱電変換モジュール１１（１１ａ，１１ｂ）は、各熱電変換素子１５（１６，１７）、各熱電変換素子１５（１６，１７）間を繋ぐ電極（図示せず）、各熱電変換素子１５（１６，１７）を埋め込む絶縁性物質１４、第１端子２１、第２端子２２のそれぞれを備えている。 That is, the thermoelectric conversion module 11 (11a, 11b) includes the thermoelectric conversion elements 15 (16, 17), electrodes (not shown) connecting the thermoelectric conversion elements 15 (16, 17), and the thermoelectric conversion elements 15 ( 16 and 17), the insulating material 14, the first terminal 21, and the second terminal 22 are provided.

第１端子２１および第２端子２２のうち、第１端子２１は、雄部２６として構成し、一端に矩形状の基端部２３を備えるとともに、他端に球形状の第１電気接触子２４を備え、基端部２３と第１電気接触子２４とを一体連続に、または連結片２５を介装して互いを接続させる構造になっている。 Of the first terminal 21 and the second terminal 22, the first terminal 21 is configured as a male part 26 and includes a rectangular base end part 23 at one end and a spherical first electrical contact 24 at the other end. And the base end portion 23 and the first electric contact 24 are connected to each other integrally or continuously via a connecting piece 25.

また、第２端子２２は、雌部２７として構成し、凹陥球面状に形成する第２電気接触子２８を備える構造になっている。 Moreover, the 2nd terminal 22 is comprised as the female part 27, and has a structure provided with the 2nd electrical contact 28 formed in a concave spherical shape.

一方、絶縁性物質１４は、基板として用いる場合、アルミナ等のセラミックス材が用いられ、絶縁性樹脂で各熱電変換素子１５（１６，１７）を埋め込む場合、エポキシ樹脂等が用いられる。 On the other hand, when the insulating material 14 is used as a substrate, a ceramic material such as alumina is used, and when each thermoelectric conversion element 15 (16, 17) is embedded with an insulating resin, an epoxy resin or the like is used.

また、第１端子２１の第１電気接触子２４および第２端子２２の第２電気接触子２８は、ともに銅、アルミニウム等の導電性材料が用いられる一方、ニッケル、クロム等によるメッキの表面処理が行われ、酸化防止や接触抵抗の低減化が図られている。 The first electrical contact 24 of the first terminal 21 and the second electrical contact 28 of the second terminal 22 are both made of a conductive material such as copper or aluminum, while being plated with nickel, chromium or the like. To prevent oxidation and reduce contact resistance.

このように、本実施形態は、一つの熱電変換モジュール１１（１１ａ，１１ｂ）に設けた第１端子２１および第２端子２２のうち、第１端子２１を雄部２６として構成し、基端部２３と球形状の第１電気接触子２４を備える構造にし、第２端子２２を雌部２７として構成し、凹陥球面状に形成する第２電気接触子２８を備える構造にし、熱電変換モジュール１１のうち、一つの熱電変換モジュール１１ａに隣接する他の熱電変換モジュール１１ｂを接続、離脱させる際、第１端子２１に第２端子２２を嵌装させる構造にしたので、モジュールの取り付け、取り外し作業を容易に行うことができ、取り付けの際の電気通電が良好になって安定した電力を供給することができるとともに、従来のリード線のように、検査員が引掛けてモジュールに損傷を与えることもなく、電気安定供給の下、信頼性を向上させることができる。 Thus, this embodiment comprises the 1st terminal 21 as the male part 26 among the 1st terminal 21 and the 2nd terminal 22 provided in one thermoelectric conversion module 11 (11a, 11b), and is a base end part. 23 and a spherical first electrical contact 24, the second terminal 22 is configured as a female portion 27, and the second electrical contact 28 is formed in a concave spherical shape. Among them, when connecting and disconnecting another thermoelectric conversion module 11b adjacent to one thermoelectric conversion module 11a, the second terminal 22 is fitted to the first terminal 21 so that the module can be easily attached and detached. It can be carried out easily and can be supplied with a stable electric power at the time of installation, and can be supplied to the module by an inspector like a conventional lead wire. It without giving the wound under the electric stable supply, thereby improving the reliability.

なお、本実施形態は、第１端子２１の基端部２３を矩形状にしたが、この例に限らず、図３（ａ）、（ｂ）に示すように、基端部２３を多角形状にしても取り付けを強固にしてもよく、また、図４（ａ）、（ｂ）に示すように、基端部２３を隅部に球面状の面取り２９の加工を行った正方形にしてもよく、さらに図５（ａ）、（ｂ）に示すように、第１端子２１の基端部２３を比較的大きな断面円柱状にし、第１電気接触子２４を一体として、または連結片２５を介装して基端部２３に較べて相対的に小さな断面円柱状にしてもよい。 In the present embodiment, the base end portion 23 of the first terminal 21 is rectangular. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and the base end portion 23 is polygonal as shown in FIGS. However, the attachment may be strengthened, or as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the base end 23 may be a square with a spherical chamfer 29 processed at the corner. Further, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the base end portion 23 of the first terminal 21 is formed into a relatively large cross-sectional columnar shape, and the first electric contactor 24 is integrated or via a connecting piece 25. It is possible to form a relatively small cross-sectional columnar shape as compared with the base end portion 23.

これらの形状は、使用時に発生する応力の局所集中を緩和させ、基端部２３の強度を高めて信頼性の向上を図ることができる。 These shapes can alleviate local concentration of stress generated during use, increase the strength of the base end portion 23, and improve reliability.

図６は、モジュール端子２０を備えた本発明に係る熱電変換装置の第５実施形態を示す概念図である。 FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram showing a fifth embodiment of a thermoelectric conversion device according to the present invention provided with a module terminal 20.

なお、図６中、（ａ）は数多くの熱電変換モジュールの中から１個を取り出した熱電変換モジュールの平面図、（ｂ）は１つの熱電変換モジュールと隣接する他の熱電変換モジュールとを跨いで接続させる接続片を示す斜視図、（ｃ）は数多くの熱電変換モジュールの中から取り出した熱電変換モジュールと隣接する他の熱電変換モジュールとの接続を示す図である。 In FIG. 6, (a) is a plan view of a thermoelectric conversion module obtained by taking one out of many thermoelectric conversion modules, and (b) straddles one thermoelectric conversion module and another adjacent thermoelectric conversion module. The perspective view which shows the connection piece connected by (c) is a figure which shows the connection of the thermoelectric conversion module taken out from many thermoelectric conversion modules, and the other thermoelectric conversion module adjacent.

本実施形態に係る熱電変換装置は、熱電変換モジュール１１のうち、１つの熱電変換モジュール１１ａと隣接する他の熱電変換モジュール１１ｂの運転中、何らかの事情で不測の外力が加わっても、１つの熱電変換モジュール１１ａから隣接する他の熱電変換モジュール１１ｂが離反しないように、第１端子２１および第２端子２２のそれぞれの構造に改良を加えたものである。 In the thermoelectric conversion device according to the present embodiment, one thermoelectric conversion module 11 can be operated even if an unexpected external force is applied for some reason during operation of another thermoelectric conversion module 11b adjacent to one thermoelectric conversion module 11a. The structure of each of the first terminal 21 and the second terminal 22 is improved so that another adjacent thermoelectric conversion module 11b is not separated from the conversion module 11a.

すなわち、熱電変換モジュール１１（１１ａ，１１ｂ）に設けた第１端子２１および第２端子２２は、ともに構造形状を同じくし、雌部２７として構成し、断面Ｌ字状の第１片３０に断面凹陥球面状の第２片３１とを接続させ、第１片３０と第２片３１との間に空間３２を備え、この空間３２に図６（ｂ）で示す折り曲げ可能な弾性材の接続片３３を接離自在に収容する構造になっている。 That is, both the first terminal 21 and the second terminal 22 provided in the thermoelectric conversion module 11 (11a, 11b) have the same structural shape and are configured as the female portion 27, and the first piece 30 having the L-shaped cross section has a cross section. A second piece 31 having a concave spherical shape is connected, and a space 32 is provided between the first piece 30 and the second piece 31, and a connecting piece of a foldable elastic material shown in FIG. It has a structure that accommodates 33 in a freely detachable manner.

なお、第１端子２１と第２端子２２とは、第２片３１の断面凹陥球面状側を互いに対峙させる配置にしている。 In addition, the 1st terminal 21 and the 2nd terminal 22 are arrange | positioned so that the cross-section concave spherical surface side of the 2nd piece 31 may mutually oppose.

一方、第１端子２１から跨いで第２端子２２に接続させる雄部２６として構成する折り曲げ可能な弾性材の接続片３３は、断面コ字状の片３４に形成し、片３４の端部に外側に向って形成する***部３５を備えている。 On the other hand, a connecting piece 33 of a bendable elastic material, which is configured as a male part 26 that is connected to the second terminal 22 across the first terminal 21, is formed in a U-shaped piece 34 and is formed at the end of the piece 34. A raised portion 35 formed outward is provided.

このように、本実施形態は、一つの熱電変換モジュール１１（１１ａ，１１ｂ）に設けた第１端子２１、第２端子２２をともに、雌部２７として構成し、断面Ｌ字状の第１片３０に断面凹陥球面状の第２片３１とを接続させ、第１片３０と第２片３１との間に空間３２を備え、空間３２から跨いで第１端子２１と第２端子２２とを互いに接続させる折り曲げ可能な弾性材の接続片３３を断面コ字状の片３４で形成し、片３４の端部に***部３５を備え、***部３５と第２片３１の断面凹陥球面状の面との摩擦抵抗力を利用する構成にしたので、運転中、不測の外力が加わっても１つの熱電変換モジュール１１ａからの隣接する他の熱電変換モジュール１１ｂの離反を確実に防止することができる。 As described above, in this embodiment, the first terminal 21 and the second terminal 22 provided in one thermoelectric conversion module 11 (11a, 11b) are both configured as the female portion 27, and the first piece having an L-shaped cross section is formed. 30 is connected to a second piece 31 having a spherical section that is concave in section, and a space 32 is provided between the first piece 30 and the second piece 31, and the first terminal 21 and the second terminal 22 are straddling the space 32. A connecting piece 33 of elastic material that can be connected to each other is formed by a piece 34 having a U-shaped cross section, and a protruding portion 35 is provided at an end of the piece 34, and the protruding portion 35 and the second piece 31 have a spherical shape with a recessed section. Since the frictional force with the surface is used, even if an unexpected external force is applied during operation, separation of one adjacent thermoelectric conversion module 11b from one thermoelectric conversion module 11a can be reliably prevented. .

なお、本実施形態は、１つの熱電変換モジュール１１ａと隣接する他の熱電変換モジュール１１ｂとを接続させる際、第１端子２１から跨いで第２端子２２に接続させる接続片３３を設けたが、この例に限らず、図９（ａ）、（ｂ）、（ｃ）に示すように、第１端子２１、第２端子２２、接続片３３のそれぞれにボルト等の締結具孔３６を形成し、締結具孔３６に、例えばボルト等の締結具３７を挿通させてもよい。 In the present embodiment, when one thermoelectric conversion module 11a and another adjacent thermoelectric conversion module 11b are connected, the connection piece 33 that is connected to the second terminal 22 across the first terminal 21 is provided. Not limited to this example, fastener holes 36 such as bolts are formed in each of the first terminal 21, the second terminal 22, and the connection piece 33 as shown in FIGS. For example, a fastener 37 such as a bolt may be inserted into the fastener hole 36.

また、図９（ａ）、（ｂ）、（ｃ）に示した締結具３７に代えて、例えば、図１１（ａ）、（ｂ）に示すように、雄部２６としての第１端子２１を、先端に***部３５を備えた折り曲げ可能な弾性材の接続片３９で構成し、雌部２７としての第２端子２２を、断面Ｌ字状の第１片３０と断面凹陥球面状の第２片３１とで構成し、熱電変換モジュール１１ａ，１１ｂを互いに接続させる際、第１端子２１の接続片３９を折り曲げ、折り曲げた接続片３９の***部３５を、第２端子２２における第１片３０と第２片３１とで形成した空間３２に収容して接触させてもよい。 Further, instead of the fastener 37 shown in FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C, for example, as shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the first terminal 21 as the male portion 26 is used. Is composed of a connecting piece 39 made of a bendable elastic material provided with a raised portion 35 at the tip, and the second terminal 22 as the female portion 27 is connected to a first piece 30 having an L-shaped section and a spherical section having a recessed section. When the thermoelectric conversion modules 11a and 11b are connected to each other, the connecting piece 39 of the first terminal 21 is bent, and the raised portion 35 of the bent connecting piece 39 is connected to the first piece of the second terminal 22. You may accommodate and contact in the space 32 formed by 30 and the 2nd piece 31. FIG.

図７は、モジュール端子２０を備えた本発明に係る熱電変換装置の第６実施形態を示す概念図である。 FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram showing a sixth embodiment of a thermoelectric conversion device according to the present invention provided with a module terminal 20.

なお、図７中、（ａ）は一方の熱電変換モジュールと隣接する他の熱電変換モジュールのそれぞれに適用する第１端子および第２端子を示す斜視図、（ｂ）は数多くの熱電変換モジュールの中から１個を取り出した熱電変換モジュールの平面図、（ｃ）は数多くの熱電変換モジュールの中から取り出した熱電変換モジュールと隣接する他の熱電変換モジュールとの接続を示す図である。 In FIG. 7, (a) is a perspective view showing a first terminal and a second terminal applied to one of the thermoelectric conversion modules adjacent to one of the thermoelectric conversion modules, and (b) shows a number of thermoelectric conversion modules. The top view of the thermoelectric conversion module which took out one from the inside, (c) is a figure which shows the connection of the thermoelectric conversion module taken out out of many thermoelectric conversion modules, and the other adjacent thermoelectric conversion module.

本実施形態に係る熱電変換装置は、熱電変換モジュール１１のうち、１つの熱電変換モジュール１１ａと隣接する他の熱電変換モジュール１１ｂとの接続をより一層確実に接続させるために、第１端子２１および第２端子２２のそれぞれに改良を加えたものである。 The thermoelectric conversion device according to the present embodiment includes a first terminal 21 and a thermoelectric conversion module 11 in order to more reliably connect one thermoelectric conversion module 11a and another adjacent thermoelectric conversion module 11b. Each of the second terminals 22 is improved.

すなわち、熱電変換モジュール１１（１１ａ，１１ｂ）に設けた第１端子２１および第２端子２２は、ともに構造、形状を同じくし、先端に鉤部３８を備えた支持片３９ａとし、支持片３９の鉤部３８に挿通孔４０を設けた構成になっている。 That is, both the first terminal 21 and the second terminal 22 provided in the thermoelectric conversion module 11 (11a, 11b) have the same structure and shape, and serve as a support piece 39a having a flange 38 at the tip. The insertion hole 40 is provided in the collar portion 38.

なお、第１端子２１と第２端子２２は、鉤部３８，３８が反対方向に向き合うように配置される。 In addition, the 1st terminal 21 and the 2nd terminal 22 are arrange | positioned so that the collar parts 38 and 38 may face in the opposite direction.

このように、本実施形態は、一つの熱電変換モジュール１１（１１ａ，１１ｂ）に設けた第１端子２１および第２端子２２ともに鉤部３８を備えた支持片３９ａとして構成するとともに、支持片３９ａに設けた挿通孔４０を介して、例えばボルト等の締結具３７を用いて第１端子２１と第２端子２２とを互いに接続させる構成にしたので、１つの熱電変換モジュール１１ａに隣接する他の熱電変換モジュール１１ｂを確実に接続させることができる。 As described above, in the present embodiment, both the first terminal 21 and the second terminal 22 provided in one thermoelectric conversion module 11 (11a, 11b) are configured as the support piece 39a including the flange portion 38, and the support piece 39a. Since the first terminal 21 and the second terminal 22 are connected to each other using a fastener 37 such as a bolt, for example, through the insertion hole 40 provided in the other hole, another one adjacent to one thermoelectric conversion module 11a is used. The thermoelectric conversion module 11b can be reliably connected.

図８は、モジュール端子２０を備えた本発明に係る熱電変換装置の第７実施形態を示す概念図である。 FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram showing a seventh embodiment of a thermoelectric conversion device according to the present invention provided with a module terminal 20.

なお、図８中（ａ）は一方の熱電変換モジュールと隣接する他の熱電変換モジュールとを接続させる接続片を示す斜視図、（ｂ）は一方の熱電変換モジュールおよび隣接する他の熱電変換モジュールのそれぞれに設けた第１端子および第２端子のそれぞれを示す斜視図、（ｃ）は数多くの熱電変換モジュールの中から取り出した熱電変換モジュールを隣接する他の熱電変換モジュールとの接続を示す図である。 8A is a perspective view showing a connection piece for connecting one thermoelectric conversion module and another adjacent thermoelectric conversion module, and FIG. 8B is one thermoelectric conversion module and another adjacent thermoelectric conversion module. The perspective view which shows each of the 1st terminal provided in each of each, and the 2nd terminal, (c) is a figure which shows the connection with the other thermoelectric conversion module which adjoins the thermoelectric conversion module taken out from many thermoelectric conversion modules It is.

本実施形態に係る熱電変換装置は、第６実施形態と同様に、熱電変換モジュール１１のうち、１つの熱電変換モジュール１１ａと隣接する他の熱電変換モジュール１１ｂの接続をより一層確実にさせるために、第１端子２１および第２端子２２のそれぞれに改良を加えたものである。 As in the sixth embodiment, the thermoelectric conversion device according to the present embodiment is configured to make the connection between one thermoelectric conversion module 11a and another thermoelectric conversion module 11b adjacent to the thermoelectric conversion module 11 even more reliable. The first terminal 21 and the second terminal 22 are improved.

すなわち、熱電変換モジュール１１（１１ａ，１１ｂ）に設けた第１端子２１および第２端子２２は、ともに構造、形状を同じくし、例えばボルト等の締結具４４を螺合させる締結具孔４１を備えた、例えば角柱の柱体４２になっている。 That is, the first terminal 21 and the second terminal 22 provided in the thermoelectric conversion module 11 (11a, 11b) have the same structure and shape, and include a fastener hole 41 into which a fastener 44 such as a bolt is screwed. For example, a prismatic column 42 is formed.

第１端子２１および第２端子２２として構成する柱体４２は、締結具孔４１を備えた、例えば矩形状の接続片４３を装着させ、締結具４４を介して接離自在に支持される。 For example, a rectangular connecting piece 43 having a fastener hole 41 is attached to the column body 42 that is configured as the first terminal 21 and the second terminal 22, and the column body 42 is supported through the fastener 44 so as to be freely contacted and separated.

このように、本実施形態は、一つの熱電変換モジュール１１（１１ａ，１１ｂ）に設けた第１端子２１および第２端子２２ともに柱体４２として構成するとともに、柱体４２に装着した接続片４３を介して締結具４４で接離自在に支持させ、第１端子２１と第２端子２２とを互いに接続させる構成にしたので、１つの熱電変換モジュール１１ａに隣接する他の熱電変換モジュール１１ｂを確実に接続させることができる。 As described above, in the present embodiment, both the first terminal 21 and the second terminal 22 provided in one thermoelectric conversion module 11 (11a, 11b) are configured as the column body 42, and the connection piece 43 attached to the column body 42 is provided. Since the first terminal 21 and the second terminal 22 are connected to each other by the fastener 44 via the fastener, the other thermoelectric conversion module 11b adjacent to the one thermoelectric conversion module 11a is securely connected. Can be connected to.

なお、本実施形態は、１つの熱電変換モジュール１１ａと隣接する他の熱電変換モジュール１１ｂとを接続させる際、１つの熱電変換モジュール１１ａおよび隣接する他の熱電変換モジュールのそれぞれに設けた第１端子２１および第２端子２２ともに柱体４２として構成し、柱体４２に接続片４３を介して締結具４４で支持させたが、この例に限らず、例えば図１０（ａ）、（ｂ）、（ｃ）に示すように、熱電変換モジュール１１（１１ａ，１１ｂ）に、例えば平板状の第１端子２１および第２端子２２を設けるとともに、第１端子２１および第２端子２２のそれぞれから延長させて接続片４５を設け、設けた接続片４５を、図１０（ｂ）に示すように、鉛直面で重ね合わせて締結具４４で接続させるか、あるいは設けた接続片４５を、図１０（ｃ）に示すように、折り曲げて横断面で重ね合わせて締結具４４で接続させてもよい。 In the present embodiment, when one thermoelectric conversion module 11a is connected to another adjacent thermoelectric conversion module 11b, a first terminal provided in each of the one thermoelectric conversion module 11a and another adjacent thermoelectric conversion module. 21 and the second terminal 22 are both configured as a column body 42 and are supported by the column body 42 with a fastener 44 via a connection piece 43. However, the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, FIGS. As shown in (c), the thermoelectric conversion module 11 (11a, 11b) is provided with, for example, a flat plate-like first terminal 21 and second terminal 22, and extended from each of the first terminal 21 and the second terminal 22. As shown in FIG. 10 (b), the connecting pieces 45 are provided on the vertical plane and connected with the fasteners 44, or the provided connecting pieces 45 are As shown in 0 (c), it may be connected by fasteners 44 are overlapped in cross-section by bending.

本実施形態は、第１端子２１および第２端子２２のそれぞれに延長して接続片４５を設け、設けた接続片４５に柔軟性を持たせる構成にしているので、運転中、何らかの事情で熱電変換モジュール１１（１１ａ，１１ｂ）が移動して充分に対処することができる。 In the present embodiment, the connection piece 45 is provided so as to extend to each of the first terminal 21 and the second terminal 22, and the provided connection piece 45 is made flexible. The conversion module 11 (11a, 11b) can be moved and fully dealt with.

図１２は、モジュール端子２０を備えた本発明に係る熱電変換装置の第１１実施形態を示す概念図である。 FIG. 12 is a conceptual diagram showing an eleventh embodiment of a thermoelectric conversion device according to the present invention provided with a module terminal 20.

なお、図１２中、（ａ）は数多くの熱電変換モジュールの中から１個を取り出した熱電変換モジュールの平面図、（ｂ）は数多くの熱電変換モジュールの中から取り出した熱電変換モジュールと隣接する他の熱電変換モジュールとの接続を示す図である。 In FIG. 12, (a) is a plan view of a thermoelectric conversion module obtained by taking one out of many thermoelectric conversion modules, and (b) is adjacent to the thermoelectric conversion module taken out from many thermoelectric conversion modules. It is a figure which shows the connection with another thermoelectric conversion module.

本実施形態に係る熱電変換装置は、熱電変換モジュール１１のうち、１つの熱電変換モジュール１１ａと隣接する他の熱電変換モジュール１１ｂとを予め定められた位置にずれることもなく整合配置させるために、熱電変換モジュール１１（１１ａ，１１ｂ）に改良を加えたものである。 In the thermoelectric conversion device according to the present embodiment, one thermoelectric conversion module 11a and another adjacent thermoelectric conversion module 11b among the thermoelectric conversion modules 11 are arranged in alignment without shifting to a predetermined position. The thermoelectric conversion module 11 (11a, 11b) is improved.

すなわち、熱電変換モジュール１１（１１ａ，１１ｂ）は、四辺形状に形成し、四辺形状の辺４６ａ，４６ｂ，４６ｃ，４６ｄのうち、辺４６ｂ，４６ｄの２辺を横断面方向に沿って山形形状に形成し、残りの辺４６ａ，４６ｃのうち、辺４６ａに設けた第１端子２１および第２端子２２のそれぞれにリード線４７ａ，４７ｂを接続させ、辺４６ｂ，４６ｄに形成する山形形状を配置の際の位置決めとして利用したものである。 That is, the thermoelectric conversion module 11 (11a, 11b) is formed in a quadrilateral shape, and of the quadrilateral sides 46a, 46b, 46c, 46d, two sides of the sides 46b, 46d are formed in a mountain shape along the cross-sectional direction. Of the remaining sides 46a and 46c, lead wires 47a and 47b are connected to the first terminal 21 and the second terminal 22 provided on the side 46a, respectively, and a chevron shape is formed on the sides 46b and 46d. This is used for positioning.

なお、符号４８は、１つの熱電変換モジュール１１ａに隣接する他の熱電変換モジュール１１ｂを電気的に接続させる接続線４８である。 In addition, the code | symbol 48 is the connection line 48 which electrically connects the other thermoelectric conversion module 11b adjacent to the one thermoelectric conversion module 11a.

このように、本実施形態は、四辺形状に形成した熱電変換モジュール１１（１１ａ，１１ｂ）の辺４６ａ〜４６ｄのうち、辺４６ｂ，４６ｄを横断面方向に沿って山形形状に形成し、形成された山形形状を位置決めに利用し、熱電変換モジュール１１（１１ａ，１１ｂ）を順次配置させる構成にしたので、熱電変換モジュール１１（１１ａ，１１ｂ）を、予め定められた位置からずれることもなく順次整合配置することができ、熱電変換モジュール１１（１１ａ，１１ｂ）の表裏を取りちがえることもない。 As described above, this embodiment is formed by forming the sides 46b and 46d in a mountain shape along the cross-sectional direction among the sides 46a to 46d of the thermoelectric conversion module 11 (11a and 11b) formed in a quadrilateral shape. Since the thermoelectric conversion modules 11 (11a, 11b) are arranged in order by using the mountain shape for positioning, the thermoelectric conversion modules 11 (11a, 11b) are sequentially aligned without deviating from a predetermined position. The thermoelectric conversion module 11 (11a, 11b) is not reversed.

なお、本実施形態は、１つの熱電変換モジュール１１ａに隣接する他の熱電変換モジュール１１ｂを配置する際、熱電変換モジュール１１ａ，１１ｂの辺４６ｂ，４６ｄは横断面方向に沿って山形形状に形成し、山形形状の辺４６ｂ，４６ｄを位置決めとして利用したが、この例に限らず、例えば図１３（ａ）、（ｂ）に示すように、熱電変換モジュール１１ａ，１１ｂのそれぞれに、***部４８と凹陥部４９を設け、１つの熱電変換モジュール１１ａの***部４８を隣接する他の熱電変換モジュール１１ｂの凹陥部４９に嵌合させて接続してもよく、また図１４（ａ）、（ｂ）、（ｃ）に示すように、熱電変換モジュール１１ａ，１１ｂのそれぞれの表面に設けた突き出し片５０とその裏面に設けた溝５１とを備え、１つの熱電変換モジュール１１ａの突き出し片５０を隣接する他の熱電変換モジュール１１ｂの溝５１に嵌合させて積層状に重ねて接続させてもよい。 In this embodiment, when arranging another thermoelectric conversion module 11b adjacent to one thermoelectric conversion module 11a, the sides 46b and 46d of the thermoelectric conversion modules 11a and 11b are formed in a mountain shape along the cross-sectional direction. Although the mountain-shaped sides 46b and 46d are used for positioning, the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, as shown in FIGS. 13 (a) and 13 (b), each of the thermoelectric conversion modules 11a and 11b has a raised portion 48 and A recessed portion 49 may be provided, and the raised portion 48 of one thermoelectric conversion module 11a may be fitted and connected to the recessed portion 49 of another adjacent thermoelectric conversion module 11b, or FIGS. 14 (a) and 14 (b). As shown in (c), each thermoelectric conversion module 11a, 11b is provided with a protruding piece 50 provided on each surface and a groove 51 provided on the back surface thereof, and one thermoelectric conversion module. The protruding piece 50 of the Le 11a may be connected to overlap the laminated fitted into the groove 51 of another adjacent thermoelectric conversion module 11b shape.

熱電変換装置の概略的な構成を説明する概念図。The conceptual diagram explaining the schematic structure of a thermoelectric conversion apparatus. モジュール端子を備えた本発明に係る熱電変換装置の第１実施形態を示すもので、（ａ）は、数多くの熱電変換モジュールの中から１個を取り出した熱電変換モジュールの平面図、（ｂ）は数多くの熱電変換モジュールの中から取り出した熱電変換モジュールと隣接する他の熱電変換モジュールとの接続を示す図。1 shows a first embodiment of a thermoelectric conversion device according to the present invention having a module terminal, wherein (a) is a plan view of a thermoelectric conversion module obtained by taking out one of many thermoelectric conversion modules, (b). FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a connection between a thermoelectric conversion module taken out from a large number of thermoelectric conversion modules and another adjacent thermoelectric conversion module. モジュール端子を備えた本発明に係る熱電変換装置の第２実施形態を示すもので、（ａ）はモジュール端子を示す斜視図、（ｂ）は数多くの熱電変換モジュールの中から１個を取り出した熱電変換モジュールの平面図。The 2nd Embodiment of the thermoelectric conversion apparatus which concerns on this invention provided with the module terminal is shown, (a) is a perspective view which shows a module terminal, (b) took out one out of many thermoelectric conversion modules The top view of a thermoelectric conversion module. モジュール端子を備えた本発明に係る熱電変換装置の第３実施形態を示すもので、（ａ）はモジュール端子を示す斜視図、（ｂ）は数多くの熱電変換モジュールの中から１個を取り出した熱電変換モジュールの平面図。The 3rd Embodiment of the thermoelectric conversion apparatus which concerns on this invention provided with the module terminal is shown, (a) is a perspective view which shows a module terminal, (b) took out one out of many thermoelectric conversion modules. The top view of a thermoelectric conversion module. モジュール端子を備えた本発明に係る熱電変換装置の第４実施形態を示すもので、（ａ）はモジュール端子を示す斜視図、（ｂ）は数多くの熱電変換モジュールの中から１個を取り出した熱電変換モジュールの平面図。The 4th Embodiment of the thermoelectric conversion apparatus which concerns on this invention provided with the module terminal is shown, (a) is a perspective view which shows a module terminal, (b) took out one out of many thermoelectric conversion modules. The top view of a thermoelectric conversion module. モジュール端子を備えた本発明に係る熱電変換装置の第５実施形態を示すもので、（ａ）は数多くの熱電変換モジュールの中から１個を取り出した熱電変換モジュールの平面図、（ｂ）は１つの熱電変換モジュールと隣接する他の熱電変換モジュールとを跨いで接続させる接続片を示す斜視図、（ｃ）は数多くの熱電変換モジュールの中から取り出した熱電変換モジュールと隣接する他の熱電変換モジュールとの接続を示す図。5 shows a fifth embodiment of a thermoelectric conversion device according to the present invention provided with a module terminal, wherein (a) is a plan view of a thermoelectric conversion module obtained by taking out one of many thermoelectric conversion modules, and (b) is The perspective view which shows the connection piece which straddles and connects one thermoelectric conversion module and the other adjacent thermoelectric conversion module, (c) is another thermoelectric conversion adjacent to the thermoelectric conversion module taken out from many thermoelectric conversion modules The figure which shows the connection with a module. モジュール端子を備えた本発明に係る熱電変換装置の第６実施形態を示すもので、（ａ）は一方の熱電変換モジュールと隣接する他の熱電変換モジュールのそれぞれに適用する第１端子および第２端子を示す斜視図、（ｂ）は数多くの熱電変換モジュールの中から１個を取り出した熱電変換モジュールの平面図、（ｃ）は数多くの熱電変換モジュールの中から取り出した熱電変換モジュールと隣接する他の熱電変換モジュールとの接続を示す図。6 shows a sixth embodiment of a thermoelectric conversion device according to the present invention provided with a module terminal, wherein (a) shows a first terminal and a second terminal applied to each of the other thermoelectric conversion modules adjacent to one thermoelectric conversion module. The perspective view which shows a terminal, (b) is a top view of the thermoelectric conversion module which took out one from many thermoelectric conversion modules, (c) is adjacent to the thermoelectric conversion module taken out from many thermoelectric conversion modules The figure which shows the connection with another thermoelectric conversion module. モジュール端子を備えた本発明に係る熱電変換装置の第７実施形態を示すもので、（ａ）は一方の熱電変換モジュールと隣接する他の熱電変換モジュールとを接続させる接続片を示す斜視図、（ｂ）は一方の熱電変換モジュールおよび隣接する他の熱電変換モジュールのそれぞれに設けた第１端子および第２端子のそれぞれを示す斜視図、（ｃ）は数多くの熱電変換モジュールの中から取り出した熱電変換モジュールと隣接する他の熱電変換モジュールとの接続を示す図。7 shows a seventh embodiment of a thermoelectric conversion device according to the present invention having a module terminal, (a) is a perspective view showing a connection piece for connecting one thermoelectric conversion module and another adjacent thermoelectric conversion module; (B) is a perspective view which shows each of the 1st terminal and 2nd terminal which were provided in each of one thermoelectric conversion module and other adjacent thermoelectric conversion modules, (c) was taken out from many thermoelectric conversion modules The figure which shows the connection with the other thermoelectric conversion module adjacent to a thermoelectric conversion module. モジュール端子を備えた本発明に係る熱電変換装置の第８実施形態を示すもので、（ａ）は一方の熱電変換モジュールと隣接する他の熱電変換モジュールとを接続させる接続片を示す斜視図、（ｂ）は一方の熱電変換モジュールおよび隣接する他の熱電変換モジュールのそれぞれに設けた第１端子および第２端子のそれぞれを示す斜視図、（ｃ）は数多くの熱電変換モジュールの中から取り出した熱電変換モジュールと隣接する他の熱電変換モジュールとの接続を示す図。The 8th Embodiment of the thermoelectric conversion apparatus which concerns on this invention provided with the module terminal is shown, (a) is a perspective view which shows the connection piece which connects the other thermoelectric conversion module adjacent to one thermoelectric conversion module, (B) is a perspective view which shows each of the 1st terminal and 2nd terminal which were provided in each of one thermoelectric conversion module and other adjacent thermoelectric conversion modules, (c) was taken out from many thermoelectric conversion modules The figure which shows the connection with the other thermoelectric conversion module adjacent to a thermoelectric conversion module. モジュール端子を備えた本発明に係る熱電変換装置の第９実施形態を示すもので、（ａ）は数多くの熱電変換モジュールの中から１個を取り出した熱電変換モジュールの平面図、（ｂ）は数多くの熱電変換モジュールの中から取り出した熱電変換モジュールと隣接する他の熱電変換モジュールとの接続を示す図、（ｃ）は数多くの熱電変換モジュールの中から取り出した熱電変換モジュールと隣接する他の熱電変換モジュールとの接続を示す図。9 shows a ninth embodiment of a thermoelectric conversion device according to the present invention provided with a module terminal, wherein (a) is a plan view of a thermoelectric conversion module obtained by taking one out of many thermoelectric conversion modules, and (b) is a plan view. The figure which shows the connection of the thermoelectric conversion module taken out from many thermoelectric conversion modules, and the other adjacent thermoelectric conversion module, (c) is another other adjacent to the thermoelectric conversion module taken out from many thermoelectric conversion modules The figure which shows the connection with a thermoelectric conversion module. モジュール端子を備えた本発明に係る熱電変換装置の第１０実施形態を示すもので、（ａ）は数多くの熱電変換モジュールの中から１個を取り出した熱電変換モジュールの平面図、（ｂ）は数多くの熱電変換モジュールの中から取り出した熱電変換モジュールと隣接する他の熱電変換モジュールとの接続を示す図。10 shows a tenth embodiment of a thermoelectric conversion device according to the present invention provided with a module terminal, wherein (a) is a plan view of a thermoelectric conversion module obtained by taking one out of many thermoelectric conversion modules, and (b) is a plan view. The figure which shows the connection of the thermoelectric conversion module taken out out of many thermoelectric conversion modules, and the other adjacent thermoelectric conversion module. モジュール端子を備えた本発明に係る熱電変換装置の第１１実施形態を示すもので、（ａ）は数多くの熱電変換モジュールの中から１個を取り出した熱電変換モジュールの平面図、（ｂ）は数多くの熱電変換モジュールの中から取り出した熱電変換モジュールと隣接する他の熱電変換モジュールとの接続を示す図。11 shows an eleventh embodiment of a thermoelectric conversion device according to the present invention provided with a module terminal, wherein (a) is a plan view of a thermoelectric conversion module obtained by taking one out of many thermoelectric conversion modules, and (b) is The figure which shows the connection of the thermoelectric conversion module taken out out of many thermoelectric conversion modules, and the other adjacent thermoelectric conversion module. モジュール端子を備えた本発明に係る熱電変換装置の第１２実施形態を示すもので、（ａ）は数多くの熱電変換モジュールの中から１個を取り出した熱電変換モジュールの平面図、（ｂ）は数多くの熱電変換モジュールの中から取り出した熱電変換モジュールと隣接する他の熱電変換モジュールとの接続を示す図。The 12th Embodiment of the thermoelectric conversion apparatus based on this invention provided with the module terminal is shown, (a) is a top view of the thermoelectric conversion module which took out one out of many thermoelectric conversion modules, (b) is The figure which shows the connection of the thermoelectric conversion module taken out out of many thermoelectric conversion modules, and the other adjacent thermoelectric conversion module. モジュール端子を備えた本発明に係る熱電変換装置の第１３実施形態を示すもので、（ａ）は数多くの熱電変換モジュールの中から１個を取り出した熱電変換モジュールの平面図、（ｂ）は（ａ）の裏面から見た平面図、（ｃ）は数多くの熱電変換モジュールの中から取り出した熱電変換モジュールと隣接する他の熱電変換モジュールとの接続を示す図。13 shows a thirteenth embodiment of a thermoelectric conversion device according to the present invention having a module terminal, wherein (a) is a plan view of a thermoelectric conversion module obtained by taking out one of many thermoelectric conversion modules, and (b) is The top view seen from the back surface of (a), (c) is a figure which shows the connection with the other thermoelectric conversion module adjacent to the thermoelectric conversion module taken out from many thermoelectric conversion modules. 従来の熱電変換装置を示す部分図。The partial view which shows the conventional thermoelectric conversion apparatus.

符号の説明Explanation of symbols

１熱電変換モジュール
２Ｐ型半導体
３Ｎ型半導体
４熱電変換素子
５電極
６リード線
７半田
８入出力端子
１０熱電変換装置
１１，１１ａ，１１ｂ熱電変換モジュール
１２吸熱側絶縁基板
１３放熱側絶縁基板
１４絶縁性物質
１５熱電変換素子
１５ａ熱電変換素子群
１６Ｐ型半導体
１７Ｎ型半導体
１８電極
１９電極
２０モジュール端子
２１第１端子
２２第２端子
２３基端部
２４第１電気接触子
２５連結片
２６雄部
２７雌部
２８第２電気接触子
２９面取り
３０第１片
３１第２片
３２空間
３３接続片
３４片
３５ ***部
３６締結具孔
３７締結具
３８鉤部
３９接続片
３９ａ支持片
４０挿通孔
４１締結具孔
４２柱体
４３接続片
４４締結具
４５接続片
４６ａ，４６ｂ，４６ｃ，４６ｄ辺
４７ａ，４７ｂリード線
４８ ***部
４９凹陥部
５０突き出し片
５１溝 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Thermoelectric conversion module 2 P-type semiconductor 3 N-type semiconductor 4 Thermoelectric conversion element 5 Electrode 6 Lead wire 7 Solder 8 Input / output terminal 10 Thermoelectric conversion device 11, 11a, 11b Thermoelectric conversion module 12 Heat absorption side insulating substrate 13 Heat radiation side insulating substrate 14 Insulating substance 15 Thermoelectric conversion element 15a Thermoelectric conversion element group 16 P-type semiconductor 17 N-type semiconductor 18 Electrode 19 Electrode 20 Module terminal 21 First terminal 22 Second terminal 23 Base end 24 First electric contactor 25 Connection piece 26 Male Portion 27 female portion 28 second electrical contact 29 chamfer 30 first piece 31 second piece 32 space 33 connecting piece 34 piece 35 raised portion 36 fastener hole 37 fastener 38 collar portion 39 connecting piece 39a support piece 40 insertion hole 41 Fastener hole 42 Column 43 Connection piece 44 Fastener 45 Connection piece 46a, 46b, 46c, 46d Side 47a, 47b Lead wire 48 Raised part 49 Recess 50, protruding piece 51, groove

Claims

熱電変換素子を備えた熱電変換モジュールにモジュール端子を設けた熱電変換装置において、前記モジュール端子を第１端子と第２端子とに区分けするとともに、区分けした第１端子および第２端子ともに、接離自在な構成の手段を備えたことを特徴とする熱電変換装置。 In a thermoelectric conversion device in which a module terminal is provided in a thermoelectric conversion module having a thermoelectric conversion element, the module terminal is divided into a first terminal and a second terminal, and both the divided first terminal and second terminal are connected and separated. A thermoelectric conversion device comprising means having a freely configured structure.

接離自在な構成の手段は、第１端子を矩形状の基端部と球形状の第１電気接触子とで構成するとともに、第２端子を凹陥球面状の第２電気接触子で構成したことを特徴とする請求項１記載の熱電変換装置。 The first and second terminals have a rectangular base end and a spherical first electric contact, and the second terminal is a concave spherical second electric contact. The thermoelectric conversion device according to claim 1.

接離自在な構成の手段は、第１端子を多角形状の基端部と球形状の第１電気接触子とで構成するとともに、第２端子を凹陥球面状の第２電気接触子で構成したことを特徴とする請求項１記載の熱電変換装置。 The means of the structure which can be contacted / separated comprised the 1st terminal with the polygonal base end part and the spherical first electric contact, and the second terminal with the concave spherical second electric contact. The thermoelectric conversion device according to claim 1.

接離自在な構成の手段は、第１端子を隅部に面取り加工を行った四辺形状の基端部と球形状の第１電気接触子とで構成するとともに、第２端子を凹陥球面状の第２電気接触子で構成したことを特徴とする請求項１記載の熱電変換装置。 The means of contactable / detachable configuration includes a first terminal having a quadrilateral base end portion chamfered at a corner and a spherical first electric contact, and a second terminal having a concave spherical shape. The thermoelectric conversion device according to claim 1, wherein the thermoelectric conversion device is constituted by a second electric contact.

接離自在な構成の手段は、第１端子と断面円柱状の基端部と、この基端部に較べて相対的に小さい断面円柱状の第１電気接触子とで構成するとともに、第２端子を球面凹陥状の第２電気接触子で構成したことを特徴とする請求項１記載の熱電変換装置。 The means of contactable / detachable configuration includes a first terminal, a base end portion having a columnar cross-section, and a first electric contact having a columnar cross-section relatively smaller than the base end portion, and a second end. 2. The thermoelectric conversion device according to claim 1, wherein the terminal is constituted by a spherically recessed second electric contactor.

接離自在な構成の手段は、第１端子および第２端子ともに、断面Ｌ字状の第１片と断面凹陥球面状の第２片とで構成し、中間に空間を備えるとともに、前記第１端子を、隣接する熱電変換モジュールのモジュール端子における第２端子に跨いで接続させる接続片を備えたことを特徴とする請求項１記載の熱電変換装置。 The first and second terminals are configured by a first piece having an L-shaped cross section and a second piece having a concave spherical surface, and has a space in the middle. The thermoelectric conversion device according to claim 1, further comprising a connection piece for connecting the terminal across the second terminal of the module terminals of the adjacent thermoelectric conversion modules.

接続片は、折り曲げ可能であるとともに、両端に***部を備えたことを特徴とする請求項６記載の熱電変換装置。 The thermoelectric conversion device according to claim 6, wherein the connection piece is bendable and has a raised portion at both ends.

第１端子、第２端子および接続片は、ともに締結具を挿通する締結具孔を備えたことを特徴とする請求項６記載の熱電変換装置。 The thermoelectric conversion device according to claim 6, wherein each of the first terminal, the second terminal, and the connection piece includes a fastener hole through which the fastener is inserted.

接離自在な構成の手段は、第１端子を先端に***部を備えた折り曲げ可能な接続片で構成するとともに、第２端子を断面Ｌ字状の第１片と断面凹陥球面状の第２片とで構成し、中間に空間を備えたことを特徴とする請求項１記載の熱電変換装置。 The means having a detachable structure is configured such that the first terminal is a foldable connecting piece having a raised portion at the tip, and the second terminal is a first piece having an L-shaped cross section and a second piece having a concave concave spherical shape. The thermoelectric conversion device according to claim 1, wherein the thermoelectric conversion device includes a piece and a space in the middle.

接離自在な構成の手段は、第１端子および第２端子ともに、先端の鉤部に締結具を挿通する挿通孔を備えた支持片で構成したことを特徴とする請求項１記載の熱電変換装置。 2. The thermoelectric conversion according to claim 1, wherein both the first terminal and the second terminal are configured by a support piece having an insertion hole through which a fastener is inserted in the flange at the tip. apparatus.

接離自在な構成の手段は、第１端子および第２端子ともに、締結具孔を備えた柱体と、この柱体に締結具を介して装着する接続片とで構成したことを特徴とする請求項１記載の熱電変換装置。 The means of detachable configuration is characterized in that both the first terminal and the second terminal are constituted by a column body provided with a fastener hole and a connection piece attached to the column body via a fastener. The thermoelectric conversion device according to claim 1.

接離自在な構成の手段は、第１端子および第２端子のそれぞれから延長して延びる接続片と隣接する熱電変換モジュールのモジュール端子における第１端子および第２端子のそれぞれから延長して延びる接続片とに締結具を挿通して接続させる構成にしたことを特徴とする請求項１記載の熱電変換装置。 The means having a detachable structure includes a connection piece extending from each of the first terminal and the second terminal, and a connection piece extending from each of the first terminal and the second terminal in the module terminal of the adjacent thermoelectric conversion module. The thermoelectric conversion device according to claim 1, wherein a fastener is inserted into and connected to the piece.

熱電変換素子を備えた熱電変換モジュールにモジュール端子を設けた熱電変換装置において、前記熱電変換モジュールは、横断面方向に沿って山形形状に形成したことを特徴とする熱電変換装置。 The thermoelectric conversion apparatus which provided the module terminal in the thermoelectric conversion module provided with the thermoelectric conversion element WHEREIN: The said thermoelectric conversion module was formed in the mountain shape along the cross-sectional direction, The thermoelectric conversion apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned.

熱電変換素子を備えた熱電変換モジュールにモジュール端子を設けた熱電変換装置において、前記熱電変換モジュールは、凹陥部と突き出し片とを備えたことを特徴とする熱電変換装置。 The thermoelectric conversion apparatus which provided the module terminal in the thermoelectric conversion module provided with the thermoelectric conversion element, The said thermoelectric conversion module was provided with the recessed part and the protrusion piece, The thermoelectric conversion apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned.

熱電変換素子を備えた熱電変換モジュールにモジュール端子を設けた熱電変換装置において、前記熱電変換モジュールは、突き出し片と溝とを備えたことを特徴とする熱電変換装置。 The thermoelectric conversion apparatus which provided the module terminal in the thermoelectric conversion module provided with the thermoelectric conversion element, The said thermoelectric conversion module was provided with the protrusion piece and the groove | channel, The thermoelectric conversion apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned.