JP2002325470A - Automotive thermoelectric power generating device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve a power generating efficiency of an automotive thermoelectric power generating device, by a method where at least either one junction among a junction between a low-temperature side element and a thermoelectric transducer module or the junction between the thermoelectric transducer module and a high temperature side element being fixed tightly. SOLUTION: This automotive thermoelectric power generating device comprises a thermoelectric transducer module 11, a low-temperature side element 9 brought into contact with the low-temperature side surface of the thermoelectric transducer module 11, and a high-temperature side element 12 brought into contact with the high-temperature side surface of the thermoelectric transducer module 11. At least either the contact among the contact 19 between the low temperature side element 9 and the thermoelectric transducer module 11 or the contact 20 between the thermoelectric transducer module 11 and the high temperature side element 12 firmly bonded over the whole contact region via an adhesive between.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a thermoelectric generator for an automobile, and more particularly, to recovering thermal energy of exhaust gas discharged from an internal combustion engine of an automobile as electric energy using a thermoelectric conversion element. Related to the device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an N-type semiconductor and a P-type semiconductor have been used.
A thermoelectric generator that converts thermal energy into electric energy by a temperature difference between a high-temperature source and a low-temperature source is known. A thermoelectric conversion module is formed by closely attaching an electric insulating plate to the high-temperature source side and the low-temperature source side of the thermoelectric element. A thermoelectric generator configured and configured to recover thermal energy of exhaust gas discharged from an internal combustion engine as electric energy using the thermoelectric conversion module,
For example, it is disclosed in JP-A-11-122960.

As shown in FIG. 21, this thermoelectric generator has an inner shell (high temperature side member) 102 in which a heat collecting fin 101 is provided and exhaust gas is circulated therein.
The thermoelectric conversion modules 103 and 104 disposed outside the upper and lower surfaces of the inner shell 102, an upper outer shell (low-temperature member) 105 and a lower outer disposed outside the thermoelectric conversion modules 103 and 104. The upper outer shell 105 and the lower outer shell 106.
Are tightened with bolts 107, the thermoelectric conversion modules 103 and 104 are sandwiched between the inner shell 102, the upper outer shell 105 and the lower outer shell 106, and the thermoelectric conversion modules 103 and 104 are connected to the upper outer shell 105 and the lower outer shell 106. I try to make them adhere.

In this thermoelectric generator, the heat of exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine heats the thermoelectric conversion modules 103 and 1 via the heat collecting fins 101 and the inner shell 102.
04 is heated on the high temperature side end face, and the upper outer shell 1
The low-temperature-side end faces of the thermoelectric conversion modules 103 and 104 are cooled by heat radiation from the lower and outer shells 104, and a thermoelectromotive force is generated due to a temperature difference between the high-temperature and low-temperature end faces of the thermoelectric conversion modules 103 and 104 ( Seebeck effect), power is generated.

[0005]

In the thermoelectric generator, the area of the thermoelectric generator is increased in order to obtain a large power. Therefore, as described above, the thermoelectric conversion module 103,
In the case where the inner shell 102 and the outer shells 105 and 106 are tightly attached to the inner shell 104,
A gap is generated between the inner shell 102 and the thermoelectric conversion modules 103 and 104, which are under high temperature and have large thermal strain, causing poor adhesion, and the thermoelectric conversion modules 103 and 104
There is a problem that heat conduction to the heat transfer 104 is hindered and power generation efficiency is reduced.

As a technique for solving this problem, as shown in FIG. 22, conventionally, a thermoelectric conversion module 201 and a high-temperature side member 202 and a low-temperature side member 203 disposed on both sides thereof are formed with insertion portions 204, respectively. Fixing means 2 such as bolts
05 is inserted and brought into close contact with each other, for example, as disclosed in JP-A-11-55974.

However, even in this technique, the fixing means 2
In areas far from 05, its adhesion is weak,
There is a problem that a large number of fixing means 205 are required in order to enhance the adhesion in the whole area.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a thermoelectric generator for an automobile which solves the above problems.

[0009]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a thermoelectric conversion module, a low-temperature side member in contact with a low-temperature side surface of the thermoelectric conversion module, and a thermoelectric conversion module. In a thermoelectric generator including a high-temperature member in contact with a high-temperature side surface of a conversion module, at least one of a contact portion between the low-temperature member and the thermoelectric conversion module and a contact portion between the thermoelectric conversion module and the high-temperature member is in the entire contact portion. And is fixed via a bonding agent.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the thermoelectric conversion module, a low-temperature side member disposed on the low temperature side of the thermoelectric conversion module, and a high temperature side member disposed on the thermoelectric conversion module. A high temperature side member, and an insulating member disposed between the thermoelectric conversion module and the low temperature side member and at least one between the thermoelectric conversion module and the high temperature side member. At least one contact portion among the contact portion of the member, the high temperature side member, the thermoelectric conversion module, and the insulating member is fixed via a bonding agent over the entire contact portion.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect, the joining of the low-temperature side member, the high-temperature side member, or the insulating member to the thermoelectric conversion module is performed only by each electrode portion in the thermoelectric conversion module. It is what is being done.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the second or third aspect, the bonding between the low-temperature side member and the insulating member or the bonding between the high-temperature side member and the insulating member is entirely bonded. Is what it is.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, a heat collecting fin is formed integrally or separately on the high temperature side member. .

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the high temperature side member is formed so as to form a part of a cylindrical body through which a high temperature medium flows. It was done.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the sixth aspect, the high temperature side member and the cylindrical body are floating-coupled by a fixing means.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the sixth or seventh aspect, the heat collecting fins are arranged to be inclined with respect to the flow direction of the high-temperature medium flowing inside the cylindrical body. Is what it is.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the sixth to eighth aspects, heat collecting fins having high heat resistance are arranged in an upstream portion of the cylindrical body, and heat conduction fins are formed in a downstream portion. Highly heat-collecting fins are arranged.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the sixth to ninth aspects, a heat collecting fin having a small heat collecting property is arranged on an upstream portion of the cylindrical body, and a heat collecting fin is formed on a downstream portion. Are arranged with large heat collecting fins.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in any one of the sixth to tenth aspects, a heat shield is provided by providing a gap in a portion other than a portion where the high temperature side member is mounted in the cylindrical body. A heat insulating part is formed by providing a cover.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the eleventh aspect, the gap is filled with a heat insulating material to form a heat insulating portion.

[0021]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, at least one of the contact portion between the low-temperature-side member and the thermoelectric conversion module and the contact portion between the thermoelectric-conversion module and the high-temperature side member are bonded and fixed over the entire contact portion. Thus, poor adhesion due to thermal strain at the joint is eliminated, the contact thermal resistance of each part can be significantly reduced, and power generation efficiency is improved.

According to the second to fourth aspects of the invention, the same operation and effect as those of the first aspect of the invention can be exerted even with an insulating member interposed therebetween. In this case, since the interval between the electrodes in the thermoelectric conversion module is extremely short,
By being fixed at each electrode portion as described above, a state in which bonding and fixing has been performed on substantially the entire surface of the thermoelectric conversion module,
The power generation efficiency as described above is improved. Further, by adhering the entire surface as in claim 4, the power generation efficiency is improved.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the heat collecting performance is improved by forming the heat collecting fin on the high temperature side member. Further, by forming the heat collecting fins separately, the degree of freedom in designing the heat collecting fins is improved.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the high temperature side member forms a part of a cylindrical body through which the high temperature medium flows, so that the high temperature side member and the cylindrical body are separate bodies. As compared with the case of two (two-layer), the heat of the high-temperature medium is directly transmitted to the high-temperature side member, and the heat conduction to the thermoelectric conversion module is improved.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the difference in thermal strain (difference in thermal expansion) between the high temperature side member and the cylindrical body is absorbed by the floating connection, and the deformation of the high temperature side member and the cylindrical body can be prevented.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the heat collecting fins are arranged to be inclined with respect to the flow direction of the high temperature medium, so that the performance of collecting heat from the high temperature medium is improved.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, since the heat collecting fins of different materials are optimally arranged in accordance with the temperature range of the high-temperature medium, the durability is improved and the total output of the thermoelectric module is improved. .

According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the arrangement of the heat collecting fins is made rough or the height is reduced to reduce the heat collecting property, or the arrangement of the heat collecting fins is made dense or the height is increased. The heat collection performance is increased, and the heat collection performance is optimally arranged in accordance with the temperature range of the high-temperature medium, so that the total output of the thermoelectric module can be improved.

According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the heat insulating portion is provided with an air gap in a portion other than the portion where the high temperature side member is mounted in the cylindrical body, so that the heat insulating portion has an air gap structure. , The heat of the high-temperature medium in the cylinder can be efficiently conducted to the thermoelectric element, and the power generation efficiency can be improved.

According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, the power generation efficiency can be further improved by filling the gap with a heat insulating material.

[0031]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the embodiments shown in FIGS.

FIGS. 1 to 3 show a first embodiment.

FIG. 1 shows a thermoelectric generator according to the present invention applied to an exhaust system of an automobile. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a thermoelectric generator, which integrates an integrated unit 7 into a high-temperature unit discharged from an internal combustion engine. It is configured to be mounted on a cylindrical body 2 having a flow path through which a medium (exhaust gas) flows. An upstream cone 4 having a flange 3 is provided at one end of the cylindrical body 2, and a downstream cone 6 having a flange 5 is provided at the other end of the cylindrical body 2. Then, the flange 3 is connected to an upstream exhaust pipe (not shown), and the flange 5 is connected to a downstream exhaust pipe (not shown), so that the high-temperature medium (exhaust gas) discharged from the internal combustion engine flows from the upstream cone 4 to the cylindrical body 2. And discharged from the downstream cone 6.

A plurality of integral units 7 to be described later are disposed on the flat portion of the cylinder 2 at appropriate intervals, and the plurality of integral units 7 are mounted on the cylinder 2 by bolts 8 or the like. I have. Each of the integrated units 7 has a low-temperature-side member 9 described below, and each of the low-temperature-side members 9 is communicated with a cooling pipe 10. By flowing the cooling water, the low temperature side member 9 is cooled. The communication path of the cooling pipe 10 is arbitrary.

In FIG. 1, the integrated unit 7 is provided on the opposing flat surface of the cylindrical body 2 (the front side and the lower side of the cylindrical body 2 in FIG. 1), as shown in FIG. May be attached to only one side.

A first embodiment of the integrated unit 7 will be described with reference to FIG.

In FIG. 2, the integrated unit 7 comprises a thermoelectric conversion module 11, a low-temperature side member 9 arranged in contact with and fixed to one surface of the thermoelectric conversion module 11, and a thermoelectric conversion module 11 in contact with and fixed to the other surface of the thermoelectric conversion module 11. High temperature side member 1 placed
Consists of two.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, a desired number of thermoelectric elements 13 composed of a P-type semiconductor and an N-type semiconductor as shown in FIG. This is the case where a type insulated by the insulating base 13b is used.

The inside of the low temperature side member 9 is formed in a comb shape.
A low-temperature medium passage 16 is formed between the combs. The low-temperature medium member 16 is cooled by flowing a low-temperature medium such as cooling water through the cooling pipe 10 through the low-temperature medium passage 16 as described above. ing. The material of the low temperature side member 9 is made of aluminum, and the thermoelectric conversion module 11 is made of aluminum.
2 (a) and 2 (c), the electrical insulating layer 14 is formed by applying an alumite treatment on the side of the fixing surface to provide electrical insulation. The electric insulating layer 14 is included in the low-temperature side member 9.

The high temperature side member 12 is formed of a flat plate, and a comb-shaped heat collecting fin 17 is integrally formed on a surface of the high temperature side member 12 opposite to the thermoelectric conversion module 11. 17 allows heat to be efficiently absorbed by the high temperature side member 12. The high temperature side member 12 and the heat collecting fins 17 are integrally formed of stainless steel,
The surface of the high-temperature side member 12 on which the thermoelectric conversion module 11 is fixed is subjected to an electrical insulation treatment so as to provide electrical insulation on the surface, and an electrical insulation layer is formed as shown in FIGS. 15 are formed. The electric insulating layer 15 is included in the high temperature side member 12.

The surface of the low-temperature side member 9 to be brought into contact with the thermoelectric module 11 is formed over the entire low-temperature side surface of the thermoelectric module 11. The high-temperature side member 12 is formed to be larger than the entire high-temperature side surface of the thermoelectric conversion module 11, and has a surface that contacts the entire high-temperature side surface of the thermoelectric conversion module 11, and a mounting portion 12 a protruding laterally from the surface. And a mounting hole 1 in the mounting portion 12a.
8 are formed.

The surface of the low-temperature side member 9, more specifically, the surface of the electrical insulating layer 14 is disposed in contact with the low-temperature side surface of the thermoelectric conversion module 11, and the contact portions 19 that come into contact with each other are shown in FIG.
As shown in (c), only the electrode 13a of the thermoelectric conversion module 11 is tightly fixed (rigidly bonded) with a bonding material (adhesive) 19a by low-temperature soldering, brazing, bonding or the like.

The low-temperature soldering is performed, for example, by using tin-
Uses a low-temperature bonding agent (joining material) such as lead-based alloy solder. For brazing, use a silver brazing, copper brazing or nickel brazing bonding agent (joining material), and further use an alumina adhesive or the like. Use an electrically insulating adhesive.

By the above-described bonding, the electrode 13a of the thermoelectric conversion module 11 and the bonding agent 19a are in close contact, the bonding agent 19a is in close contact with the electric insulating layer 14, and the electric insulating layer 14 and the low-temperature side member 9 are in contact with each other. Close contact, thermoelectric conversion module 1
1 and the low temperature side member 9 are brought into close contact with each other over the entire area via the bonding agent 19a. That is, since the interval between the adjacent electrodes 13a is extremely small, the mutual between the thermoelectric conversion module 11 and the low-temperature side member 9 is
Almost all surfaces are in close contact with each other, and the heat transfer efficiency between them is increased. Further, the space between the adjacent electrodes 13a is also insulated.

The surface of the high-temperature side member 12, more specifically, the surface of the electrical insulating layer 15 is arranged in contact with the high-temperature side surface of the thermoelectric conversion module 11, and these contact portions 20 contact each other.
Also, as shown in FIG. 2C, the thermoelectric conversion module 11
Only the electrode 13a is tightly fixed (rigidly bonded) with a bonding material (adhesive) 20a by low-temperature soldering, brazing, bonding, or the like using the same material as described above.

By the above-described bonding, the electrode 13a of the thermoelectric conversion module 11 and the bonding agent 20a come into close contact with each other, the bonding agent 20a comes into close contact with the electric insulating layer 15, and the electric insulating layer 15 and the high-temperature side member 12 Are brought into close contact, and the thermoelectric conversion module 11 and the high-temperature side member 12 are brought into close contact with each other over the entire area via the bonding agent 20a. That is, since the interval between the adjacent electrodes 13a is extremely small, the thermoelectric conversion module 11 and the high-temperature-side member 12 are in close contact with each other over substantially the entire area, and the heat conduction efficiency therebetween is increased. In addition, the adjacent electrode 13a
It is insulated between them.

As described above, since the low-temperature side member 9 and the high-temperature side member 12 are tightly fixed to the thermoelectric conversion module 11 with the bonding agents 19a and 20a over the entire bonding surface, the entire bonding surface (contact portion) is firm. To prevent the occurrence of poor adhesion at the joint (contact portion) due to thermal strain of these members.

In the above embodiment, both the high temperature side member 12 and the low temperature side member 9 are fixed to the thermoelectric conversion module 11 in close contact. However, the temperature difference between the high temperature side member 12 and the low temperature side member 9 is remarkably large and the thermal expansion amount of both members is large. When the difference is extremely large, only one of the high temperature side member 12 and the low temperature side member 9 may be fixed to the thermoelectric conversion module 11 and the other may be contacted without being fixed. In this way, by simply contacting one side without fixing, the members on the non-fixed side can slide relative to each other, and the high-temperature side member 1 can be slid.
The difference in the amount of thermal expansion between the low temperature side member 9 and the low temperature side member 9 is adsorbed, and the deformation of the thermoelectric conversion module 11 can be prevented.

The integrated unit 7 configured as described above
Is mounted on the cylindrical body 2 as shown in FIG. That is, as shown in FIG. 3, the heat collecting fins 17 formed on the high temperature side member 12 of the integrated unit 7 are inserted into the high temperature medium passage 21 of the cylinder 2 from the opening side of the cylinder 2, and Is mounted on the surface of the cylindrical body 2, and the mounting portion 1
The high temperature side member 12 is mounted on the cylindrical body 2 with the bolt 8 through the mounting hole 18 formed in 2a. Thereby, the high temperature side member 12 forms a part of the cylindrical body 2 in which the high temperature medium flows. In this mounting structure, the inner diameter of the mounting hole 18 is made larger than the outer diameter of the bolt 8 so that the cylindrical body 2
When the floating structure in which the high temperature side member 12 and the high temperature side member 12 are relatively slidable is formed, thermal distortion (difference in thermal expansion) between the cylindrical body 2 and the high temperature side member 12 is absorbed, and thermal deformation of the high temperature side member 12 and the cylindrical body 2 is prevented. Can be prevented.

As described above, the integrated unit 7 is
High temperature medium passage 21 in the cylinder 2
When the exhaust gas, which is a high-temperature medium, flows into the inside, the heat is collected by the heat collecting fins 17 and transferred to the high-temperature side member 12, and the high-temperature side surface (contact portion 20) of the thermoelectric conversion module 11 is heated. On the other hand, the cooling medium flows through the low-temperature medium passage 16 of the low-temperature side member 9 as described above, and the low-temperature side surface (contact portion 19) of the thermoelectric conversion module 11 is cooled. As a result, a temperature difference occurs between the high-temperature side surface and the low-temperature side surface of the thermoelectric conversion module 11, a voltage is generated in the thermoelectric element 13 (Seebeck effect), and a thermoelectromotive force is generated to generate power.

At this time, in the present invention, as described above, the high-temperature side member 12 and the low-temperature side member 9 are in close contact with the thermoelectric conversion module 11 over the entire area and almost the entire surface, so that the heat conduction efficiency is high. Power generation efficiency is increased.

An experiment was conducted on the output of the thermoelectric conversion module by flowing exhaust gas through the cylindrical body 2. In the case of the conventional thermoelectric conversion module in which the thermoelectric conversion module was clamped by bolts, the characteristic shown in FIG. However, in those fixed with a bonding agent as in the present invention,
The characteristic B shown in FIG. 23 was obtained. These results also show that the present invention has higher power generation efficiency than the conventional one.

Further, in the present invention, the high temperature side member 12
Can be improved when bolts or the like are attached to the cylinder 2 described below.

FIG. 4 shows a second embodiment. The second embodiment shows another example of the low-temperature side member 9 and the high-temperature side member 12 when the type shown in FIG. 2B is used as the thermoelectric conversion module 11. That is, the low-temperature side member 9 and the high-temperature side member 12 are each formed of an electrically insulating material, for example, aluminum nitride, and are formed on the thermoelectric conversion module 11 shown in FIG. The whole surface is adhered. That is, the bonding agents 19a and 20a are formed without the electric insulating layers 14 and 15 in FIG.
Are joined together. Other structures are the same as in the first embodiment. This embodiment also has the same effect as described above.

FIG. 5 shows a third embodiment. The third embodiment shows still another example of the low-temperature side member 9 and the high-temperature side member 12 when the type shown in FIG. 2B is used as the thermoelectric conversion module 11, that is, the low-temperature side member 9. Between the joint surface of the thermoelectric conversion module 11 and the joint surface of the high-temperature side member 12 and the joint surface of the thermoelectric conversion module 11 from an insulating sheet such as an alumina insulating plate, a polyimide sheet, or an aluminum nitride plate. Insulating members 14A and 15A are interposed, and the respective joining surfaces are fixed (rigidly connected) via a bonding agent over the entire area.
That is, as shown in FIG.
Metallized layers 14A 'and 15A' are provided at portions of the metallized layers 14A 'and 15A'
A ', 15A' and the electrode 13a are bonded with bonding agents 19a, 20a such as low-temperature soldering, brazing, bonding, etc.
Further, the insulating member 14A, the low temperature side member 9 and the insulating member 1
5A and the high-temperature side member 12 are bonded together by bonding agents 19b, 20b by low-temperature soldering, brazing, bonding or the like. In this embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment are obtained, and the high-temperature side member and the low-temperature side member are not subjected to the alumite treatment or the electric insulation treatment in the low-temperature side member 9 and the high-temperature side member 12 as described above. A non-insulating material can be used.

FIG. 6 shows a fourth embodiment. In the fourth embodiment, a thermoelectric element 13 made of a P-type semiconductor and an N-type semiconductor as shown in FIG.
An example of the low-temperature side member 9 and the high-temperature side member 12 in the case where a type in which a desired number of are arranged and an insulating substrate 13c is provided by bonding the insulating substrate 13c to the outer surface of the electrode 13a is used. Thermoelectric conversion module 11 of this type
In the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the low-temperature side member 9 and the high-temperature side member 12 are formed of a non-insulating material that is not subjected to an insulation treatment because both surfaces are already insulated by the insulating base 13c. Things. Also, contact portions 19 and 20 of the low-temperature member 9 and the high-temperature member 12 with the thermoelectric conversion module 11.
Are bonded together with a bonding agent such as low-temperature soldering, brazing, or bonding in the same manner as described above. Other structures are the same as in the first embodiment. Also in this embodiment, the first
It has the same effect as the embodiment, and it is not necessary to perform insulation treatment on the low-temperature side member 9 and the high-temperature side member 12, and the insulating members 14A and 15A are not required.

FIG. 7 shows a fifth embodiment. In the fifth embodiment, a thermoelectric element 13 made of a P-type semiconductor and an N-type semiconductor as shown in FIG.
Of the low-temperature side member 9 and the high-temperature side member 12 in the case of using a type in which a desired number is arranged side by side and an insulating base 13c is provided on one side by bonding and an insulating base is not provided on the other side. Is shown. When using the thermoelectric conversion module 11 of this type, the insulating substrate 13b
The low-temperature-side member 9 or the high-temperature-side member 12 is disposed on the side not having the above through an insulating member 14B such as a polyimide sheet, an alumina insulating plate, or an aluminum nitride plate. On the side of the thermoelectric conversion module 11 that does not have the insulating substrate 13c, the thermoelectric conversion module 11 is fixed to the low-temperature member 9 or the high-temperature member 12 by bonding as shown in FIG. On the side having the insulating substrate 13c, the member is fixed to the high-temperature member 12 or the low-temperature member 9 by bonding as shown in FIG.
Other structures are the same as in the first embodiment. This embodiment also has the same effect as the first embodiment, and it is not necessary to perform the above-described insulation treatment on the low-temperature member 9 and the high-temperature member 12, and a non-insulating material can be used. .

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the low-temperature side member 9 may be formed of aluminum nitride, and the insulating member 14B may be omitted. The joining on the side where the insulating member 14B is omitted is joined at the electrode 13a as described above, and the insulation between the electrodes is maintained.

FIG. 8 shows a sixth embodiment. In the eighth embodiment, the high temperature side member 12 and the heat collecting fins 17 in the integrated unit 7 of the embodiment shown in FIG. It is fixed by attaching. In this way, by forming the high temperature side member 12 and the heat collecting fins 17 separately, the degree of freedom in designing the heat collecting fins 17 is improved.

Since other structures are the same as those of the first embodiment, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals as those described above, and description thereof will be omitted.

The same operation and effect as described above can be achieved in the integrated unit 7 of the second embodiment. The heat collecting fins 17 may be formed separately from the high temperature side member 12 of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 to 7 as shown in FIG.

FIGS. 9 and 10 show the integrated unit 7.
And an example of the arrangement of the heat collecting fins 17 are shown.

The embodiment shown in FIG.
Are arranged substantially parallel to the flow direction (arrow direction) of the high-temperature medium flowing inside the cylindrical body 2 and mounted on the cylindrical bodies, and the heat collecting fins 17 of each integrated unit 7 are They are arranged obliquely to the flow direction. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, four integrated units 7 are arranged in the flow direction of the high-temperature medium and arranged in two rows.
Further, the inclination direction of each heat collecting fin 17 is opposite to the adjacent heat collecting fin 17 as shown in FIG.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 10 uses an integrated unit 7 in which the heat collecting fins 17 are formed in parallel with the side end surface 12b of the high-temperature member 12, and the integrated unit 7 itself is moved in the flow direction of the high-temperature medium (arrow). Direction) and attached to the cylinder 2.

As in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the heat collecting fins 17 are arranged to be inclined with respect to the flow direction (the direction of the arrow) of the high-temperature medium, so that the performance of collecting heat from the high-temperature medium is improved. I do.

FIG. 11 shows the heat collecting fins 17 of the integrated unit 7 as the heat collecting fins 17 having high heat resistance in the integrated unit 7A arranged upstream of the cylindrical body 2.
A, the heat collecting fins 17B having high thermal conductivity are used in the integrated unit 7B disposed downstream.

That is, the heat collecting fins 17A made of, for example, stainless steel having high heat resistance are arranged in the upstream portion where the high-temperature medium is relatively high temperature, and the heat collecting fins 17A made of high heat conductive material are formed in the downstream portion having relatively low temperature. Aluminum heat collecting fins 17
Arrange B. Thus, by arranging the heat collecting fins suitable for the temperature range of the high temperature medium, the integrated unit 7
It is possible to improve the durability of A and 7B and the overall output of the thermoelectric conversion module.

FIG. 12 shows that the heat collecting fins 17C of the integrated unit 7 are arranged roughly in the integrated unit 7C arranged upstream of the cylindrical body 2, and the heat collecting fins 17C are arranged downstream. In the integrated unit 7D to be arranged, the heat collecting fins 17D are densely arranged. That is, the pitch of the heat collecting fins 17C is set to be large in the upstream portion where the high temperature medium is relatively high, and the heat collecting fin is set to be small in the downstream portion where the heat collecting property is small. As a result, the overall output of the thermoelectric conversion module is improved as a heat collecting fin having a large heat collecting property and a heat collecting fin adapted to the temperature range of the high-temperature medium.

Although not shown, regardless of the pitch of the heat collecting fins 17, the height of the heat collecting fins 17 is made shorter at the upstream portion to make the heat collecting fins small in heat collecting capability and longer at the downstream portion. The heat collecting fin may be a heat collecting fin having a large heat collecting property, and may be a heat collecting fin suitable for the temperature range of the high-temperature medium.

FIG. 13 shows a structure in which heat insulating portions 22 are provided on both sides in the direction perpendicular to the flowing direction of the high-temperature medium in the cylindrical body 2.

As shown in FIG. 13, the heat insulating portion 22
A gap 24 may be formed by the heat shield cover 23 to form an air gap structure, and the gap 24 may be configured to provide heat insulation. Alternatively, the gap 24 may be filled with a heat insulating material. In the embodiment of FIG. 13, since the integrated units 7 are arranged in two rows, the heat insulating part 22 is also provided at the center of the cylindrical body 2.

By providing the heat insulating portion 22 in this manner, heat radiation from inside the tubular body 2 to a portion other than the thermoelectric element side can be suppressed, and the power generation efficiency can be improved. Further, when the gap 24 is filled with a heat insulating material, the power generation efficiency is further improved.

FIG. 14 shows a floating structure in which the high temperature side member 12 of the integrated unit 7 is not fixed to the cylinder 2 but is slidable with respect to the cylinder 2.

That is, as shown in an enlarged view in FIG. 14B, the end of the high-temperature side member 12 of the integrated unit 7 is slidably mounted on the surface of the cylindrical body 2, and one end of the pressing plate 25. Part is locked to the surface of the end of the high temperature side member 12,
The holding plate 25 is fixed to the cylinder 2 by the bolt 8 so that the high-temperature side member 12 and the cylinder 2 can be relatively slid by the difference in thermal expansion between them, so that the deformation due to the difference in thermal expansion. Is prevented.

FIG. 15 shows another example of the cylinder 2 and mounting of the integrated unit 7 on the cylinder 2.

That is, the cross-sectional shape of the cylindrical body 2 is formed to be substantially square, and the above-mentioned integrated unit 7 is mounted on each of the four surfaces of the cylindrical body 2.

It should be noted that the shape of the high-temperature side member 12, the mounting position and the number of the integrated units 7 are arbitrary, without being limited to this mounting example.

FIG. 16 shows another example of the arrangement of the integrated units 7.

FIGS. 9 to 12 show an integrated unit 7.
Are arranged in 2 rows × 4 rows, however, the one shown in FIG. 16 has the integrated units 7 arranged in 3 rows × 6 rows.

As described above, the number of rows of the integrated unit 7 is not limited to a fixed number, and the number of rows is arbitrarily set according to the sizes of the integrated unit 7 and the cylinder 2.

FIG. 17 shows a single unit 7 formed in a rectangular shape having a length substantially equal to the width of the cylindrical body 2 and mounted in four rows in the flow direction of the high-temperature medium. It is. The size, number, and orientation of the rectangles are not limited to those shown in FIG. 17, but may be set arbitrarily.

FIG. 18 shows an embodiment in which the integrated unit 7 is mounted on an exhaust pipe 26 of an automobile.

The exhaust pipe 26 is a metal pipe having a circular cross section, and a catalyst 27 and a muffler 28 are connected on the way.
In the present embodiment, an integrated unit 7E similar to the integrated unit 7 is mounted downstream of the catalyst 27,
An integrated unit 7F similar to the integrated unit 7 is mounted at a front position of the unit 8.

To mount the integrated units 7E and 7F on the exhaust pipe 26 as described above, for example, as shown in FIG.
20. Also, as shown in FIG. 20, the crush seat 30 is formed in the exhaust pipe 26, and the integrated unit 7F is mounted.

As described above, even when the integrated unit 7 is directly mounted on the exhaust pipe 26, power can be generated in the same manner as described above.

In the integrated unit 7E disposed in a portion where the exhaust gas becomes relatively hot, the Si-Te
In the integrated unit 7F in which the exhaust gas is at a relatively low temperature, a Zn-Te-based thermoelectric element (operating range of 200 to 600 ° C.) is used.
° C).

Although not shown, the low-temperature side member may be a fin type.

[0088]

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a thermoelectric generator of the present invention.

FIG. 2 (a) is a longitudinal sectional view showing a first embodiment of an integrated unit in the thermoelectric generator of the present invention, and FIG. 2 (b) is (a)
Diagram showing the type of thermoelectric conversion module used for
(C) is an enlarged sectional view showing the joining of the low-temperature member and the high-temperature member to the thermoelectric conversion module.

FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a state where the integrated unit of FIG. 2 is mounted on a cylindrical body.

FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a second embodiment of the integrated unit of the present invention.

5A and 5B show a third embodiment of the integrated unit according to the present invention, wherein FIG. 5A is a longitudinal sectional view, and FIG. 5B is an enlarged sectional view showing the joining of a low-temperature member and a high-temperature member to the thermoelectric conversion module. .

FIG. 6A is a longitudinal sectional view showing a fourth embodiment of the integrated unit according to the present invention, and FIG. 6B is a view showing the type of the thermoelectric conversion module used in FIG.

7A is a longitudinal sectional view showing a fifth embodiment of the integrated unit according to the present invention, and FIG. 7B is a view showing the type of the thermoelectric conversion module used in FIG.

FIG. 8 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a state in which the integrated unit according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention is mounted on a cylindrical body.

FIG. 9 is a view showing an example of an arrangement state of the integrated units of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a view showing another example of the arrangement of the integrated units according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 shows another arrangement state of the integrated unit according to the present invention, in which a heat collecting fin having high heat resistance is arranged at an upstream portion and a heat collecting fin having high heat conductivity is arranged at a downstream portion. FIG.

FIG. 12 is a view showing another arrangement state of the integrated unit according to the present invention, showing an embodiment in which coarse heat collecting fins are arranged in an upstream portion and dense heat collecting fins are arranged in a downstream portion.

FIG. 13 is a sectional view showing an embodiment in which a heat insulating portion is provided in the present invention.

14A and 14B show an embodiment in which the high temperature side member is attached to a cylindrical body by a floating structure in the present invention, and FIG.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view, and FIG.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing an embodiment in which the cylindrical body has a substantially square cross section and an integrated unit is arranged on the four sides in the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a view showing still another arrangement state of the integrated unit in the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a view showing still another arrangement state of the integrated unit in the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a view showing an embodiment in which the device of the present invention is mounted on an exhaust pipe of an automobile.

FIG. 19 is a sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 18, showing an example of a method of mounting the integrated unit on the exhaust pipe.

20 is a sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG. 18, showing another example of a method of mounting the integrated unit on the exhaust pipe.

FIG. 21 is a sectional view showing a conventional thermoelectric generator.

FIG. 22 is a sectional view showing another conventional thermoelectric generator.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing output characteristics of a thermoelectric conversion module according to the present invention and a conventional technique.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Thermoelectric generator 2 Cylindrical body 7, 7A-7D Integrated type unit 9 Low-temperature side member 11 Thermoelectric conversion module 12 High-temperature side member 13 Thermoelectric element 14, 15 Electric insulation layer 14A, 14B, 15A Insulation member 17, 17A-17D Heat collection Fin 19, 20 Contact part 22 Heat insulation part 23 Heat shield cover 24 Air gap 25 Holding plate for floating connection

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Masaru Oishi 5-35 Hachidayama, Miyoshi-machi, Miyoshi-cho, Nishikamo-gun, Aichi Pref. 35 Inside the Yamahachiwadayama Plant (72) Michio Morishita Miyoshi Morishita, Aichi Prefecture 5-35, Machihachi-Wadayama, Machimachi-cho 35-35 Inside the Mihachiwadayama Plant (72) Inventor Toshikatsu Miki 2-8-2 Higashi Kobayama-cho, Ube City, Yamaguchi Prefecture 2-36 Inside Teijin Machinery Precision Co., Ltd. Headquarters Factory (72) Inventor Takeshi Umemoto 2-36 Hinodemachi, Iwakuni-shi, Yamaguchi Prefecture Teijin Machinery Precision Co., Ltd. Headquarters Factory F-term (reference) 3D038 BA00 BB01 BC00

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. A thermoelectric generator comprising a thermoelectric conversion module, a low-temperature member in contact with a low-temperature side of the thermoelectric conversion module, and a high-temperature member in contact with a high-temperature side of the thermoelectric conversion module. At least one of a contact portion of a thermoelectric conversion module and a contact portion of a thermoelectric conversion module and a high-temperature-side member is fixed via a bonding agent over the entire contact portion. 2. A thermoelectric conversion module, a low-temperature member disposed on the low-temperature side of the thermoelectric conversion module, a high-temperature member disposed on the high-temperature side of the thermoelectric conversion module, and the thermoelectric conversion module and the low-temperature member. And a thermoelectric generator comprising an insulating member disposed between at least one of the thermoelectric conversion module and the high temperature side member, wherein the low temperature side member, the high temperature side member, the thermoelectric conversion module and the contact portion of the insulating member. A thermoelectric generator for a vehicle, wherein at least one of the contact portions is fixed through a bonding agent over the entire contact portion. 3. The thermoelectric generator for a vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the low-temperature side member, the high-temperature side member, or the insulating member is joined to the thermoelectric conversion module only at each electrode portion of the thermoelectric conversion module. 4. The thermoelectric generator for an automobile according to claim 2, wherein the bonding between the low-temperature side member and the insulating member or the bonding between the high-temperature side member and the insulating member is entirely adhered. 5. The thermoelectric generator for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein heat collecting fins are formed integrally or separately on the high temperature side member. 6. The thermoelectric generator for an automobile according to claim 1, wherein the high-temperature-side member forms a part of a cylindrical body in which a high-temperature medium flows. 7. The thermoelectric generator for an automobile according to claim 6, wherein the high-temperature-side member and the cylindrical body are floating-coupled by fixing means. 8. The thermoelectric generator for an automobile according to claim 6, wherein heat collecting fins are arranged to be inclined with respect to the flow direction of the high-temperature medium flowing inside the cylindrical body. 9. The heat collecting fin according to claim 6, wherein heat collecting fins having high heat resistance are arranged in an upstream portion of the cylindrical body, and heat collecting fins having high heat conductivity are arranged in a downstream portion. Thermoelectric generator for automobiles. 10. The automotive thermoelectric device according to claim 6, wherein heat collecting fins having a small heat collecting property are arranged at an upstream portion of said cylindrical body, and heat collecting fins having a large heat collecting property are arranged at a downstream portion. Power generator. 11. The automobile according to claim 6, wherein a heat insulating cover is formed by providing a heat shield cover with a gap in a portion other than a portion where the high temperature side member is mounted in the cylindrical body. Thermoelectric generator. 12. The thermoelectric generator for an automobile according to claim 11, wherein a heat insulating material is filled in the gap to form a heat insulating portion.