JP7363052B2 - thermoelectric conversion module - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a thermoelectric conversion module.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a thermoelectric conversion module in which a thermoelectric conversion element is arranged on a film substrate is known (for example, Patent Document 1). A thermoelectric conversion element is an element that can convert heat into electric power.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2006-186255

By the way, in order to obtain larger electric power, it is required to connect many thermoelectric conversion elements in a thermoelectric conversion module. In this case, the thermoelectric conversion module may become larger.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, an object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems and provide a miniaturized thermoelectric conversion module.

The present invention aims to advantageously solve the above problems, and provides a thermoelectric conversion module that has a folding structure and converts heat radiated by a heat source into electric power, which comprises a sheet substrate, and the sheet substrate. a unit including a first wiring and a second wiring disposed on the sheet substrate, and at least one string extending along the first direction in a p-type heating state disposed on the sheet substrate; In the above, the first wiring and the second wiring are arranged alternately along the first direction with a gap between them, and the p-type thermoelectric conversion element and the n-type thermoelectric conversion element are alternately arranged in each gap. one end of the p-type thermoelectric conversion element is electrically connected to the first wiring or the second wiring adjacent to the one end, and the other end of the p-type thermoelectric conversion element is adjacent to the other end. one end of the n-type thermoelectric conversion element is electrically connected to the first wiring or the second wiring adjacent to the one end, and the n-type thermoelectric conversion element is electrically connected to the first wiring or the second wiring adjacent to the one end, and The other end of the type thermoelectric conversion element is electrically connected to the first wiring or the second wiring adjacent to the one end, and the first wiring is substantially orthogonal to the first direction in the unfolded state of the folded structure. a first fold line extending along the second direction is formed in the first wiring, and the second wiring is arranged along the second direction in the unfolded state of the folded structure. A second fold line extending along the second direction is formed on the second wiring. With such a configuration, the thermoelectric conversion module can be miniaturized by appropriately mountain-folding or valley-folding the first folding line and the second folding line. Note that in the present disclosure, two elements being "adjacent" includes two elements adjacent to each other with a gap between them, and two elements adjacent to each other without a gap between them.

Here, in the thermoelectric conversion module of the present invention, in the strings adjacent in the second direction, the order of the p-type thermoelectric conversion elements and the n-type thermoelectric conversion elements arranged alternately along the first direction is reversed. It is preferable that With this configuration, the directions of currents generated in strings adjacent in the second direction are opposite to each other. Since the currents generated in adjacent strings are in opposite directions, adjacent strings can be connected in series by electrically connecting their ends. By connecting adjacent strings in series, the thermoelectric conversion module can generate more power.

Moreover, in the thermoelectric conversion module of the present invention, it is preferable that the unit includes an even number of the strings lined up along the second direction. Since the unit includes an even number of strings lined up along the second direction, all the strings can be connected in series in the thermoelectric conversion module. With such a configuration, the thermoelectric conversion module can generate greater power. In addition, by making the number of strings included in the unit an even number, the electrodes (positive and negative electrodes) for extracting power from the thermoelectric conversion module can be placed at one of the two ends of the thermoelectric conversion module. can be provided. By providing an electrode at one end of the thermoelectric conversion module, it is possible to prevent the configuration of the electrode from becoming complicated.

Further, in the thermoelectric conversion module of the present invention, the first wiring has a mesh structure in a portion where the first fold line is formed, and the second wiring has a mesh structure in a portion where the second fold line is formed. Preferably, it has a mesh structure. With such a configuration, the durability of the thermoelectric conversion module against bending can be improved.

Further, in the thermoelectric conversion module of the present invention, a gap is provided between one end of the p-type thermoelectric conversion element and the first wiring or the second wiring adjacent to the one end, and the gap includes the A bonding member electrically connected to one end of the p-type thermoelectric conversion element and the first wiring or the second wiring adjacent to the one end is arranged, and the joining member is arranged to connect the other end of the p-type thermoelectric conversion element and the other end. A gap is provided between the adjacent first wiring or the second wiring, and the gap includes the other end of the p-type thermoelectric conversion element and the first wiring or the first wiring adjacent to the other end. A bonding member electrically connected to the second wiring is arranged, and a gap is provided between one end of the n-type thermoelectric conversion element and the first wiring or the second wiring adjacent to the one end, and the gap is provided with a joining member that electrically connects one end of the n-type thermoelectric conversion element to the first wiring or the second wiring adjacent to the one end, and the other end of the n-type thermoelectric conversion element, A gap is provided between the first wiring or the second wiring adjacent to the other end, and the gap includes the other end of the n-type thermoelectric conversion element and the first wiring adjacent to the other end. It is preferable that a bonding member electrically connected to the wiring or the second wiring is disposed. By providing such a gap, the joining member can be placed between each of the p-type thermoelectric conversion element and the n-type thermoelectric conversion element and each of the first wiring and the second wiring. Therefore, in the thermoelectric conversion module, each of the p-type thermoelectric conversion element and the n-type thermoelectric conversion element, and each of the first wiring and the second wiring can be connected by a joining member in addition to the cross section thereof. With such a configuration, in the thermoelectric conversion module, it is possible to suppress a decrease in connection strength between each of the p-type thermoelectric conversion element and the n-type thermoelectric conversion element and each of the first wiring and the second wiring. can. Therefore, in the thermoelectric conversion module, it is possible to suppress the first wiring, the second wiring, the p-type thermoelectric conversion element, and the n-type thermoelectric conversion element from peeling off from the sheet substrate.

Moreover, in the thermoelectric conversion module of the present invention, it is preferable that a third fold line extending along the first direction is formed between the units adjacent in the second direction. By forming the third fold line extending along the first direction, the thermoelectric conversion module can be folded into a mountain fold or a valley fold at the third fold line in addition to the first fold line and the second fold line. It can be done as appropriate. With such a configuration, the folded structure of the thermoelectric conversion module can be made into a laminated structure.

Further, in the thermoelectric conversion module of the present invention, the sheet substrate is arranged at a position where the first fold line and the third fold line intersect, and a position where the second fold line and the third fold line intersect. Preferably, the sheet substrate preferably includes a through region or a region thinner in thickness than other portions of the sheet substrate. With such a configuration, the degree of stress concentrated on the sheet substrate can be reduced and dispersed. By reducing and dispersing the degree of stress concentrated on the sheet substrate, the thermoelectric conversion module can be made easier to fold. Further, by reducing and dispersing the degree of stress concentrated on the sheet substrate, deterioration of the sheet substrate can be suppressed.

Moreover, in the thermoelectric conversion module of the present invention, it is preferable that at least one of the first fold line, the second fold line, and the third fold line includes at least two fold lines. With such a configuration, the thermoelectric conversion module is bent at at least two places, so it can be gently bent along the fold line. By gently bending the thermoelectric conversion module along the fold line, the load applied to the fold line can be distributed. By dispersing the load on the folding lines, deterioration of the thermoelectric conversion module can be suppressed.

Further, in the thermoelectric conversion module of the present invention, at least one of the first fold line, the second fold line, and the third fold line includes a fold line and an auxiliary member located near the fold line. Preferably, the auxiliary member is located on the inner side of the two surfaces included in the thermoelectric conversion module when the thermoelectric conversion module is folded at the crease. By positioning the auxiliary member on the surface side, the thermoelectric conversion module can be folded at the crease so as to sandwich the auxiliary member. With such a configuration, the thermoelectric conversion module can be gently bent along the fold line. By gently bending the thermoelectric conversion module along the fold line, the load applied to the fold line can be distributed. By dispersing the load on the folding lines, deterioration of the thermoelectric conversion module 401 can be suppressed.

Moreover, in the thermoelectric conversion module of the present invention, it is preferable that at least one of the first fold line, the second fold line, and the third fold line includes a perforation. With such a configuration, the thermoelectric conversion module can be more easily changed from the unfolded state to the folded state.

Furthermore, in the thermoelectric conversion module of the present invention, the folded structure of the thermoelectric conversion module has a cavity, the heat source has a cylindrical shape, the first fold line passes through the cavity, and the first fold line extends in the second direction. The second fold line extends in a zigzag shape along the second direction, and the third fold line extends in a straight line along the first direction. , and the third fold line passes through a place where the first zigzag fold line is bent and a place where the second zigzag fold line is bent, and the third fold line is arranged alternately along the first direction. The thermoelectric conversion module includes a mountain fold line and a valley fold line that are lined up, the thermoelectric conversion module is valley folded on the first fold line and the valley fold line, and the thermoelectric conversion module is valley folded on the second fold line and the mountain fold line. Preferably, it is folded into a mountain along a line.

Further, in the thermoelectric conversion module of the present invention, the length of the mountain fold line is longer than the length of the valley fold line, and above the third fold line, the first fold line and the second fold line The intervals along the first direction alternate between narrow intervals and wide intervals along the first direction, the valley fold line is located at the narrow interval, and the mountain fold line is located at the wide interval. It is preferable that the

Further, in the thermoelectric conversion module of the present invention, the first fold line includes first line segments and second line segments arranged alternately, and the first line segment of the first fold line is arranged in the second direction. a second line segment of the first fold line is tilted at a first angle in a direction opposite to the first direction with respect to the second direction; is preferred.

Further, in the thermoelectric conversion module of the present invention, the second fold line includes first line segments and second line segments that are arranged alternately, and the first line segment of the second fold line is arranged in the second direction. , the second line segment of the second fold line is tilted at a second angle in a direction opposite to the first direction with respect to the second direction; Preferably, the second angle is larger than the first angle.

Further, in the thermoelectric conversion module of the present invention, it is preferable that the number of the p-type thermoelectric conversion elements and the number of the n-type thermoelectric conversion elements in one string are the same. With such a configuration, when the thermoelectric conversion module is folded, the ends of the thermoelectric conversion module can be connected to each other without providing an extra gap.

Further, in the thermoelectric conversion module of the present invention, the heat source is planar, the folded structure of the thermoelectric conversion module has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and the thermoelectric conversion module is placed on the planar heat source. The first fold line includes a first mountain fold line and a first valley fold line that are arranged alternately along the second direction, and the second fold line includes a first mountain fold line and a first valley fold line that are arranged alternately along the second direction. including a second mountain fold line and a second valley fold line lined up in the second direction, and an order in which the first mountain fold line and the first valley fold line are arranged alternately in the second direction; The order in which the lines and the second valley fold lines are alternately arranged is opposite to the order in which the lines and the second valley fold lines are arranged alternately, and the third fold line is arranged in the order in which the lines and the second valley fold lines are arranged alternately in the second direction. The third mountain fold line and the third valley fold line each include a position where the first mountain fold line and the first valley fold line are connected, and a position where the second mountain fold line and the third valley fold line are connected. The thermoelectric conversion module is bent in a zigzag shape at a position where it is connected to a second valley fold line, and the thermoelectric conversion module is mountain folded at the first mountain fold line, the second mountain fold line, and the third mountain fold line, Preferably, the thermoelectric conversion module is valley-folded along the first valley-fold line, the second valley-fold line, and the third valley-fold line.

Moreover, in the thermoelectric conversion module of the present invention, it is preferable that the direction in which the third mountain fold line is bent in a zigzag shape and the direction in which the third valley fold line is bent in a zigzag shape are the same direction.

Further, in the thermoelectric conversion module of the present invention, the mountain folding may be performed by bending the folded structure so as to protrude in a third direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction in the unfolded state. Preferably, the valley folding is performed by folding the folded structure so as to protrude in a direction opposite to the third direction when the folded structure is in an unfolded state.

Furthermore, in the thermoelectric conversion module of the present invention, each of the p-type thermoelectric conversion element and the n-type thermoelectric conversion element preferably includes carbon nanotubes. With such a configuration, the mechanical strength of the thermoelectric conversion module can be further improved and the weight can be reduced.

According to the present invention, a miniaturized thermoelectric conversion module can be provided.

FIG. 1 is an external view of a thermoelectric conversion module according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a top view of the thermoelectric conversion module shown in FIG. 1. FIG. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the thermoelectric conversion module shown in FIG. 1 in an expanded state. 4 is a partially enlarged view of the thermoelectric conversion module shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the thermoelectric conversion module taken along the line LL shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the flow of current in the thermoelectric conversion module shown in FIG. 3. FIG. FIG. 3 is an external view of a thermoelectric conversion module according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a developed state of the thermoelectric conversion module shown in FIG. 7; 9 is a partially enlarged view of the thermoelectric conversion module shown in FIG. 8. FIG. It is a partial sectional view in the middle of manufacture of the thermoelectric conversion module concerning a 3rd embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of a thermoelectric conversion module according to Comparative Example 1 of the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of a thermoelectric conversion module according to Comparative Example 2 of the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of a thermoelectric conversion module according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the structure shown in FIG. 13 in a folded state. It is a partial sectional view of the thermoelectric conversion module concerning comparative example 1 of a 4th embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a folded state of the structure shown in FIG. 15; FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of a thermoelectric conversion module according to another example of the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a folded state of the structure shown in FIG. 17; It is a partial sectional view of the thermoelectric conversion module concerning yet another example of a 4th embodiment of the present invention. 20 is a diagram showing the structure shown in FIG. 19 in a folded state; FIG. It is a partial sectional view of the thermoelectric conversion module concerning a 5th embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a folded state of the structure shown in FIG. 21;

Embodiments according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Common components in each figure are given the same reference numerals. Note that in the present disclosure, "extend" when used with respect to a fold line means that it exists in an arbitrary shape and extends along a predetermined direction. Examples of arbitrary shapes include linear shapes and zigzag shapes.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is an external view of a thermoelectric conversion module 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a top view of the thermoelectric conversion module 1 shown in FIG. 1. In addition, in FIG. 2, a part of the first wiring 10H, the second wiring 10L, the thermoelectric conversion element 20P, and the thermoelectric conversion element 20N included in the thermoelectric conversion module 1 is shown by solid lines. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the thermoelectric conversion module 1 shown in FIG. 1 in an expanded state. In other words, FIG. 3 corresponds to a developed view of the folded structure of the thermoelectric conversion module 1 shown in FIG. 1. In addition, in FIG. 3, the first fold line 1H, the second fold line 1L, and the third fold line 1A of the thermoelectric conversion module 1 are mainly shown. FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged view of the thermoelectric conversion module 1 shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the thermoelectric conversion module 1 taken along the line LL shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the flow of current in the thermoelectric conversion module 1 shown in FIG. 3.

A thermoelectric conversion module 1 shown in FIG. 1 converts heat radiated by a pipe 2 serving as a heat source into electric power. The thermoelectric conversion module 1 has a folding structure as shown in FIG. The folded structure of the thermoelectric conversion module 1 has a cavity. As an example, as shown in FIG. 2, the distance from the center of the cavity of the folded structure to the outermost portion of the folded structure may be about 38.6 mm. The thermoelectric conversion module 1 may be attached to the pipe 2 by passing the pipe 2 through the cavity of the folded structure. Further, the thermoelectric conversion module 1 may be attached to the piping 2 by wrapping the thermoelectric conversion module 1 in the expanded state shown in FIG. 4 around the piping 2. The thermoelectric conversion module 1 generates electric power using the temperature difference between the heat generated by the pipe 2 and the outside temperature.

Piping 2 shown in FIG. 1 is a heat source. Piping 2 has a cylindrical shape. As shown in FIG. 1, the pipe 2 passes through a cavity included in the folded structure of the thermoelectric conversion module 1. The pipe 2 generates heat by passing hot water or hot air through the pipe 2. The piping 2 may be installed in a factory or the like. As an example, the radius of the pipe 2 may be about 12 mm.

Note that in FIGS. 1 and 2, the circumferential direction a1 is the circumferential direction of the cylindrical pipe 2. In this embodiment, the circumferential direction a1 is assumed to be a counterclockwise direction, as shown in FIG. 2. Moreover, the extending direction a2 is the direction in which the piping 2 shown in FIG. 1 extends. In this embodiment, the extending direction a2 is a direction extending from the upper side of the paper surface of FIG. 1 toward the lower side of the paper surface. Furthermore, the radial direction a3 is a direction that extends radially from the central axis O of the piping 2 shown in FIG. The radiation direction a3 corresponds to the direction in which the heat generated by the pipe 2, which is a heat source, spreads radially toward the outside of the pipe 2.

Further, in FIGS. 3 to 6, the first direction A1 and the second direction A2 are substantially perpendicular to each other. Further, the third direction A3 is substantially perpendicular to the first direction A1 and the second direction A2. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the first direction A1 is a direction from the left side of the page of FIG. 3 to the right side of the page. Further, it is assumed that the second direction A2 is a direction from the upper side of the paper surface of FIG. 3 to the lower side of the paper surface. Further, it is assumed that the third direction A3 is a direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. 3, and a direction toward the front side of the paper surface of FIG.

As shown in FIG. 3, the thermoelectric conversion module 1 has a first fold line 1H, a second fold line 1L, and a third fold line 1A. As shown in FIG. 4, the thermoelectric conversion module 1 includes a first wiring 10H, a second wiring 10L, a thermoelectric conversion element 20P that is a p-type thermoelectric conversion element, and a thermoelectric conversion element 20N that is an n-type thermoelectric conversion element. , and a sheet substrate 30. Furthermore, the thermoelectric conversion module 1 may include a conductive member 60. Further, the folding structure of the thermoelectric conversion module 1 is configured using the unit U shown in FIG. 3 as a unit unit. Unit U includes, but is not limited to, four strings S, as shown in FIG. In the unfolded state shown in FIG. 4, the string S extends from one end of the thermoelectric conversion module 1 toward the other end along the first direction A1. The plurality of strings S may be connected in series by having their ends electrically connected to each other by the conductive member 60.

The thermoelectric conversion module 1 is mountain-folded along mountain-fold lines 1M, which are the second fold line 1L and the third fold line 1A shown in FIG. In the first embodiment, "mountain folding" means folding so as to protrude toward the third direction A3 shown in FIG. 3. Further, the thermoelectric conversion module 1 is valley-folded along valley-folding lines 1V, which are the first folding line 1H and the third folding line 1A shown in FIG. In the first embodiment, "valley folding" means folding so as to protrude in a direction opposite to the third direction A3 shown in FIG. 3 .

In the unfolded state shown in FIG. 3, the first fold line 1H and the second fold line 1L are alternately located at a predetermined interval along the first direction A1.

As shown in FIG. 4, the first fold line 1H is formed on the first wiring 10H. In the unfolded state shown in FIG. 3, the first fold line 1H extends in a zigzag shape along the second direction A2. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the first fold line 1H includes a first line segment 1H1 and a second line segment 1H2 that are alternately lined up at a first interval d1. The length of the first line segment 1H1 and the length of the second line segment 1H2 are the same. The first line segment 1H1 is inclined at a first angle θ1 in the first direction A1 with respect to the second direction A2. The second line segment 1H2 is inclined at a first angle θ1 in a direction opposite to the first direction A1 with respect to the second direction A2. When the radius of the pipe 2 shown in FIG. 2 is about 12 mm, the first angle θ1 may be about 42 degrees, for example. When the radius of the pipe 2 shown in FIG. 2 is about 12 mm, the first interval d1 may be about 20 mm, for example.

As shown in FIG. 4, the second fold line 1L is formed on the second wiring 10L. In the unfolded state shown in FIG. 3, the second fold line 1L extends in a zigzag shape along the second direction A2. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the second fold line 1L includes a first line segment 1L1 and a second line segment 1L2 that are alternately lined up at a first interval d1. The length of the first line segment 1L1 and the length of the second line segment 1L2 are the same. The first line segment 1L1 is inclined at a second angle θ2 in the first direction A1 with respect to the second direction A2. The second line segment 1L2 is inclined at a second angle θ2 with respect to the second direction A2 in a direction opposite to the first direction A1. The second angle θ2 is smaller than the first angle θ1. When the radius of the pipe 2 shown in FIG. 2 is about 12 mm, the second angle θ2 may be about 12 degrees, for example.

As shown in FIG. 4, the third fold line 1A is formed on the sheet substrate 30. The third fold line 1A is formed between adjacent units U in the second direction A2. For example, unit U-1 and unit U-2 shown in FIG. 4 are adjacent units U in the second direction A2. As shown in FIG. 4, the third fold line 1A is formed between the unit U-1 and the unit U-2.

In the unfolded state shown in FIG. 3, the third fold line 1A extends linearly along the first direction A1. In the unfolded state shown in FIG. 3, the third folding line 1A passes through the location where the zigzag-shaped first folding line 1H is bent and the location where the zigzag-shaped second folding line 1L is bent. More specifically, the third fold line 1A passes through a location where the first line segment 1H1 and the second line segment 1H2 are connected, and a location where the first line segment 1L1 and the second line segment 1L2 are connected. . A plurality of third fold lines 1A are positioned along the second direction A2 at a first interval d1. The third fold line 1A includes mountain fold lines 1M and valley fold lines 1V that are alternately lined up along the first direction A1.

The length of the mountain fold line 1M is longer than the length of the valley fold line 1V. Here, on the same third folding line 1A, the interval along the first direction A1 between the first folding line 1H and the second folding line 1L is a narrow interval e1 and a wide interval e2 along the first direction A1. alternate. The valley fold line 1V is located at a narrow interval e1. The mountain fold lines 1M are located at a wide interval e2. Note that when the radius of the pipe 2 shown in FIG. 2 is about 12 mm, the width of the narrow interval e1 shown in FIG. 3, that is, the length of the valley fold line 1V, may be about 22 mm, as an example. Further, the width of the wide interval e2 shown in FIG. 3, that is, the length of the mountain fold line 1M may be, for example, about 35.7 mm.

The first wiring 10H and the second wiring 10L shown in FIG. 4 are arranged on the sheet substrate 30. The first wiring 10H and the second wiring 10L may be formed of a metal having electrical conductivity and thermal conductivity. The metal forming the first wiring 10H and the second wiring 10L is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include Ag and Cu.

As shown in FIG. 5, the first wiring 10H and the second wiring 10L may be in the form of a thin film. The thickness of the first wiring 10H and the thickness of the second wiring 10L in the third direction A3 shown in FIG. 5 may be, for example, about 16 μm.

As shown in FIG. 4, the first wiring 10H and the second wiring 10L have different shapes and are substantially rectangular. In the developed state shown in FIG. 4, the longitudinal direction of the first wiring 10H and the longitudinal direction of the second wiring 10L are along the first direction A1. The length of the first wiring 10H in the longitudinal direction may be longer than the length of the second wiring 10L in the longitudinal direction. As an example, the length of the second wiring 10L in the longitudinal direction may be about 15.7 mm. As an example, the length of the first wiring 10H in the longitudinal direction may be about 22 mm. Further, in the unfolded state shown in FIG. 4, the lateral direction of the first wiring 10H and the lateral direction of the second wiring 10L are along the second direction A2. The length of the first wiring 10H in the lateral direction and the length of the second wiring 10L in the lateral direction may be the same. As an example, the length of the first wiring 10H in the lateral direction and the length of the second wiring 10L in the lateral direction may be about 3 mm.

Note that among the plurality of first wirings 10H and second wirings 10L, the length in the longitudinal direction of the first wiring 10H or the second wiring 10L located at the end of the thermoelectric conversion module 1 is such that the thermoelectric conversion module 1 has a folding structure. It may be adjusted as appropriate to achieve this. In the configuration shown in FIG. 4, the length in the longitudinal direction of the second wiring 10L located at the end of the thermoelectric conversion module 1 may be adjusted as appropriate in order to make the thermoelectric conversion module 1 into a folding structure. Further, in the configuration shown in FIG. 4, the second fold line 1L formed in the second wiring 10L located at the end of the thermoelectric conversion module 1 may be overlapped when the thermoelectric conversion module 1 is folded. .

In the developed state shown in FIG. 4, the first wiring 10H and the second wiring 10L are alternately lined up with gaps in each string S along the first direction A1. In each gap between the first wiring 10H and the second wiring 10L in each string S, thermoelectric conversion elements 20P and thermoelectric conversion elements 20N are alternately located. One end of the first wiring 10H in the first direction A1 (longitudinal direction) is attached to the thermoelectric conversion element 20P or the thermoelectric conversion element 20N located in the gap between the one end and the second wiring 10L using a joining member shown in FIG. It is electrically connected via 50. The other end of the first wiring 10H in the first direction A1 is attached with a joining member 50 shown in FIG. electrically connected via the Further, one end of the second wiring 10L in the first direction A1 (longitudinal direction) is connected to the thermoelectric conversion element 20P or the thermoelectric conversion element 20N, which is located in the gap between the one end and the first wiring 10H, as shown in FIG. They are electrically connected via the joining member 50. The other end of the second wiring 10L in the first direction A1 is attached to a joining member 50 shown in FIG. electrically connected via the

In the unfolded state shown in FIG. 4, the first wirings 10H are lined up with gaps in between along the second direction A2. Similarly, the second wirings 10L are lined up with gaps in between along the second direction A2. The gap may be about 1 mm, for example. In other words, in strings S adjacent in the second direction A2, the positions of the first wirings 10H in the first direction A1 match. For example, string S-1 and string S-2 are adjacent strings S in the second direction A2. The position of the first wiring 10H of the string S-1 in the first direction A1 is the same as the position of the first wiring 10H of the string S-2 in the first direction A1. Similarly, in adjacent strings S, the positions of the second wirings 10L in the first direction A1 match. For example, the position of the second wiring 10L of the string S-1 in the first direction A1 is the same as the position of the second wiring 10L of the string S-2 in the first direction A1.

As shown in FIG. 4, a first fold line 1H is formed on the first wiring 10H. Either the first line segment 1H1 or the second line segment 1H2 of the first fold line 1H is formed in the four first wiring lines 10H included in one unit U and lined up along the second direction A2. . Further, a second fold line 1L is formed in the second wiring 10L shown in FIG. Either the first line segment 1L1 or the second line segment 1L2 of the second fold line 1L is formed in the four second wiring lines 10L lined up along the second direction A2 included in one unit U. . Here, when the thermoelectric conversion module 1 is in a folded state, as shown in FIG. The position may be closer to the pipe 2 than the position of the line 1L. That is, when the thermoelectric conversion module 1 is folded, as shown in FIG. 2, the position of the first wiring 10H may be closer to the pipe 2 than the position of the second wiring 10L. With such a configuration, the temperature of the first wiring 10H can be higher than the temperature of the second wiring 10L. In other words, the temperature of the second wiring 10L can be lower than the temperature of the first wiring 10H.

The thermoelectric conversion element 20P shown in FIG. 4 is a p-type thermoelectric conversion element. The thermoelectric conversion element 20N shown in FIG. 4 is an n-type thermoelectric conversion element. The thermoelectric conversion element 20P and the thermoelectric conversion element 20N are arranged on the sheet substrate 30.

As shown in FIG. 4, one end of the thermoelectric conversion element 20P in the first direction A1 (longitudinal direction) is adjacent to the first wiring 10H or the second wiring 10L. One end of the thermoelectric conversion element 20P in the first direction A1 is electrically connected to the first wiring 10H or the second wiring 10L adjacent to the one end via a joining member 50 shown in FIG. 5. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the other end of the thermoelectric conversion element 20P in the first direction A1 is adjacent to the first wiring 10H or the second wiring 10L. The other end of the thermoelectric conversion element 20P in the first direction A1 is electrically connected to the first wiring 10H or the second wiring 10L adjacent to the other end via a joining member 50 shown in FIG. 5.

As shown in FIG. 4, one end of the thermoelectric conversion element 20N in the first direction A1 (longitudinal direction) is adjacent to the first wiring 10H or the second wiring 10L. One end of the thermoelectric conversion element 20N in the first direction A1 is electrically connected to the first wiring 10H or the second wiring 10L adjacent to the one end via a joining member 50 shown in FIG. 5. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the other end of the thermoelectric conversion element 20N in the first direction A1 is adjacent to the first wiring 10H or the second wiring 10L. The other end of the thermoelectric conversion element 20N in the first direction A1 is electrically connected to the first wiring 10H or the second wiring 10L adjacent to the other end via a joining member 50 shown in FIG. 5.

As shown in FIG. 5, the thermoelectric conversion element 20P and the thermoelectric conversion element 20N may be in the form of a thin film. The thickness of the thermoelectric conversion element 20P and the thickness of the thermoelectric conversion element 20N in the third direction A3 shown in FIG. 5 may be about 35 μm, for example. Thermoelectric conversion materials for forming the thermoelectric conversion elements 20P and 20N are not particularly limited, and include bismuth tellurium compounds, antimony compounds, silicon compounds, metal oxide compounds, Heusler alloy compounds, and electrically conductive compounds. High molecular compounds, conductive fibers, composite materials thereof, etc. can be used. Among these, it is preferable to use conductive fibers, and it is more preferable to use fibrous carbon nanostructures such as carbon nanotubes (hereinafter also referred to as "CNTs"). This is because by using CNT, the mechanical strength of the thermoelectric conversion module 1 of the present invention can be further improved and the weight can be reduced. Further, the CNTs are not particularly limited, and single-walled CNTs and/or multi-walled CNTs can be used, but the CNTs are preferably single-walled CNTs. This is because single-walled CNTs tend to have superior thermoelectric properties (Seebeck coefficient). In addition, single-walled carbon nanotubes are produced when CNTs are synthesized by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) by supplying a raw material compound and a carrier gas onto a base material that has a catalyst layer for CNT production on its surface. In accordance with the method (super growth method; see International Publication No. 2006/011655) in which the catalytic activity of the catalyst layer is dramatically improved by the presence of a small amount of oxidizing agent (catalyst activating material) in the system. Manufactured CNTs can be used (hereinafter, CNTs manufactured according to this method may be referred to as "SGCNTs"). Furthermore, SGCNT is characterized by having many bends. Here, although CNT has high thermal conductivity due to electron transfer, it is thought that the effect of reducing thermal conductivity due to phonon vibration is also high. However, since SGCNTs have more bends than CNTs manufactured according to other general methods, they have a structure that makes it difficult for phonon vibrations to be amplified, and it is possible to suppress the decrease in thermal conductivity caused by phonon vibrations. . Therefore, SGCNT may be a more advantageous material as a thermoelectric conversion material than other common CNTs.

As shown in FIG. 4, the thermoelectric conversion element 20P and the thermoelectric conversion element 20N have the same substantially rectangular shape. In the unfolded state shown in FIG. 4, the longitudinal direction of the thermoelectric conversion element 20P and the longitudinal direction of the thermoelectric conversion element 20N are along the first direction A1. The length of the thermoelectric conversion element 20P in the longitudinal direction and the length of the thermoelectric conversion element 20N in the longitudinal direction may be the same. As an example, the length in the longitudinal direction of the thermoelectric conversion element 20P and the length in the longitudinal direction of the thermoelectric conversion element 20N may be about 10 mm. Moreover, in the unfolded state shown in FIG. 4, the transverse direction of the thermoelectric conversion element 20P and the transverse direction of the thermoelectric conversion element 20N are along the second direction A2. The length of the thermoelectric conversion element 20P in the lateral direction and the length of the thermoelectric conversion element 20N in the lateral direction may be the same as the length of the first wiring 10H in the lateral direction and the length of the second wiring 10L in the lateral direction. . As an example, the length of the thermoelectric conversion element 20P in the lateral direction and the length of the thermoelectric conversion element 20N in the lateral direction may be about 3 mm.

As shown in FIG. 4, the thermoelectric conversion elements 20P and the thermoelectric conversion elements 20N are arranged alternately along the first direction A1 in each string S with gaps between them. First wirings 10H and second wirings 10L are alternately located in each gap. With such a configuration, the first wiring 10H can be located at one end of the thermoelectric conversion element 20P in the first direction A1, and the second wiring 10L can be located at the other end of the thermoelectric conversion element 20P in the first direction A1. . Further, the first wiring 10H may be located at one end of the thermoelectric conversion element 20N in the first direction A1, and the second wiring 10L may be located at the other end of the thermoelectric conversion element 20N in the first direction A1. Here, as described above, the temperature of the first wiring 10H can be higher than the temperature of the second wiring 10L. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, one end of the thermoelectric conversion element 20P in the first direction A1 can be at a high temperature. Further, the other end of the thermoelectric conversion element 20P in the first direction A1 may be at a low temperature. Similarly, one end of the thermoelectric conversion element 20N in the first direction A1 can be at a high temperature. Further, the other end of the thermoelectric conversion element 20N in the first direction A1 may be at a low temperature. With such a configuration, a temperature difference occurs between both ends of the thermoelectric conversion element 20P and both ends of the thermoelectric conversion element 20N. A temperature difference occurs between both ends of the thermoelectric conversion element 20P and both ends of the thermoelectric conversion element 20N, so that a temperature gradient occurs in each of the thermoelectric conversion element 20P and the thermoelectric conversion element 20N. An electromotive force is generated by the Seebeck effect caused by this temperature gradient, and the thermoelectric conversion element 20P and the thermoelectric conversion element 20N can generate electricity. When the thermoelectric conversion element 20P and the thermoelectric conversion element 20N generate electricity, a current can flow as shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 4, in strings S adjacent in the second direction A2, the order of the thermoelectric conversion elements 20P and thermoelectric conversion elements 20N that are alternately arranged along the first direction A1 may be reversed. In other words, the thermoelectric conversion elements 20P and the thermoelectric conversion elements 20N may be arranged alternately along the second direction A2 with gaps between them. The gap may be about 1 mm, for example. For example, string S-1 and string S-2 are adjacent strings S in the second direction A2. In string S-1, thermoelectric conversion elements 20N, thermoelectric conversion elements 20P, thermoelectric conversion elements 20N, thermoelectric conversion elements 20P, etc. are arranged along the first direction A1. On the other hand, in string S-2, thermoelectric conversion elements 20P, thermoelectric conversion elements 20N, thermoelectric conversion elements 20P, thermoelectric conversion elements 20N, etc. are arranged along the first direction A1. With such a configuration, as shown in FIG. 6, currents in opposite directions can occur in adjacent strings S in the second direction A2. For example, the direction of the current generated in string S-1 and the direction of the current generated in string S-2 are opposite. Since the currents generated in the adjacent strings S are in opposite directions, the adjacent strings S can be connected in series by electrically connecting their ends with the conductive member 60. By connecting adjacent strings S in series, the thermoelectric conversion module 1 can generate greater power. Furthermore, when the unit U includes an even number (four in the example shown in FIG. 4) of strings S, all the strings S in the thermoelectric conversion module 1 can be connected in series by the conductive member 60. With such a configuration, the thermoelectric conversion module 1 can generate greater power. When all strings S are connected in series by conductive members 60, one current path flowing through each string S can occur, as shown in FIG. In addition, by making the number of strings S included in the unit U an even number, the electrodes (positive and negative electrodes) for extracting power from the thermoelectric conversion module 1 can be connected to one of the two ends of the thermoelectric conversion module 1. It can be provided at the end of the For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the positive electrode E1 and the negative electrode E2 can be provided at the end on the negative side of the first direction A1, of the two ends of the thermoelectric conversion module 1 in the first direction A1. . By providing the positive electrode E1 and the negative electrode E2 at one end of the thermoelectric conversion module 1, it is possible to suppress the configurations of the positive electrode E1 and the negative electrode E2 from becoming complicated.

In one string S shown in FIG. 4, the number of thermoelectric conversion elements 20P and the number of thermoelectric conversion elements 20N may be the same. In other words, the number of thermoelectric conversion elements 20P and the number of thermoelectric conversion elements 20N arranged along the first direction A1 may be the same. Here, in this embodiment, the thermoelectric conversion elements 20P and the thermoelectric conversion elements 20N are arranged alternately along the first direction A1. In such a configuration, if the number of thermoelectric conversion elements 20P and the number of thermoelectric conversion elements 20N are made the same, the wiring located at both ends of the thermoelectric conversion module 10 can be connected to either the first wiring 10H or the second wiring 10L. It can be unified. For example, in the configuration shown in FIG. 4, the wiring located at both ends of the thermoelectric conversion module 1 can be unified into the first wiring 10H. With such a configuration, when the thermoelectric conversion module 1 shown in FIG. 4 is made into a cylindrical shape as shown in FIG. 2, the ends of the thermoelectric conversion module 10 can be connected without creating an extra gap. can.

As shown in FIG. 5, the sheet substrate 30 includes a cover layer 32, a cover layer 33, and a cover layer 34. As shown in FIG. 4, the sheet substrate 30 may further include a region 31. Hereinafter, in the cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 5, the layer in which the first wiring 10H, the second wiring 10L, the thermoelectric conversion element 20P, and the thermoelectric conversion element 20N are located is also referred to as a "thermoelectric conversion layer."

As shown in FIG. 4, the area 31 is provided at a position where the first fold line 1H and the third fold line 1A intersect, and at a position where the second fold line 1L and the third fold line 1A intersect. . Region 31 may be, but is not limited to, circular.

The region 31 shown in FIG. 4 may be a penetration region. Alternatively, the region 31 may be thinner than other portions of the sheet substrate 30. Here, when the thermoelectric conversion module 1 is folded, the position where the first fold line 1H and the third fold line 1A intersect, and the position where the second fold line 1L and the third fold line 1A intersect Stress can be concentrated in By forming the region 31 on the sheet substrate 30, the degree of stress concentrated on the sheet substrate 30 can be reduced and dispersed. By reducing and dispersing the degree of stress concentrated on the sheet substrate 30, the thermoelectric conversion module 1 can be easily folded. Further, by reducing and dispersing the degree of stress concentrated on the sheet substrate 30, deterioration of the sheet substrate 30 can be suppressed.

In the cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 5, the cover layer 32 is provided as an upper layer located on the third direction A3 side. The cover layer 33 is provided between the cover layer 32 and the thermoelectric conversion layer. The cover layer 34 is provided as a lower layer located on the opposite side to the third direction A3. As an example, the thickness of each of the cover layers 32, 33, and 34 in the third direction A3 may be about 37.5 μm.

Cover layer 32 includes a resin layer 40 and an adhesive layer 41. Cover layer 33 includes a resin layer 42 and an adhesive layer 43. Cover layer 34 includes a resin layer 44 and an adhesive layer 45.

The resin layers 40, 42, and 44 include, but are not limited to, polymide. The resin layer 40 is located on the adhesive layer 41. The resin layer 42 is located between the adhesive layer 41 and the adhesive layer 43. The resin layer 44 is located below the adhesive layer 45.

The adhesive layers 41, 43, and 45 include, but are not limited to, polyoxy. Adhesive layer 41 bonds resin layer 40 and resin layer 42 together. The adhesive layer 43 adheres the resin layer 42 and the thermoelectric conversion layer. The adhesive layer 45 adheres the thermoelectric conversion layer and the resin layer 44.

The bonding member 50 shown in FIG. 5 may be a conductive paste such as silver paste. The joining member 50 is located between the first wiring 10H and the thermoelectric conversion element 20P. The joining member 50 electrically connects the first wiring 10H and the thermoelectric conversion element 20P. Moreover, the joining member 50 is located between the second wiring 10L and the thermoelectric conversion element 20P. The joining member 50 electrically connects the second wiring 10L and the thermoelectric conversion element 20P. Moreover, the joining member 50 is located between the first wiring 10H and the thermoelectric conversion element 20N. The joining member 50 electrically connects the first wiring 10H and the thermoelectric conversion element 20N. Moreover, the joining member 50 is located between the second wiring 10L and the thermoelectric conversion element 20N. The joining member 50 electrically connects the second wiring 10L and the thermoelectric conversion element 20N.

The conductive member 60 shown in FIG. 4 may be formed of the same material as the first wiring 10H and the second wiring 10L. The conductive member 60 electrically connects the ends of the strings S so that the plurality of strings S of the thermoelectric conversion module 1 are connected in series. By connecting a plurality of strings S in series with the conductive member 60, higher voltage power can be obtained.

As described above, the thermoelectric conversion module 1 according to the first embodiment has the first fold line 1H, the second fold line 1L, and the third fold line 1A. As described above, the thermoelectric conversion module 1 is miniaturized as shown in FIG. 1 by being appropriately mountain-folded or valley-folded at the first fold line 1H, second fold line 1L, and third fold line 1A. can be done.

In addition, in the thermoelectric conversion module 1 according to the first embodiment, at least one of the first fold line 1H, the second fold line 1L, and the third fold line 1A may include a perforation. Since the first fold line 1H and the like include perforations, the thermoelectric conversion module 1 can be more easily changed from the unfolded state to the folded state.

Furthermore, in the thermoelectric conversion module 1 according to the first embodiment, the first wiring 10H may have a mesh structure in the portion where the first fold line 1H is formed. Similarly, the second wiring 10L may have a mesh structure in the portion where the second fold line 1L is formed. Since each of the first wiring 10H and the second wiring 10L has a mesh structure, the durability of the thermoelectric conversion module 1 against bending can be improved.

(Second embodiment)
FIG. 7 is an external view of a thermoelectric conversion module 101 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a plan view showing the thermoelectric conversion module 101 shown in FIG. 7 in an expanded state. In other words, FIG. 8 corresponds to a developed view of the folded structure of the thermoelectric conversion module 101 shown in FIG. 7. Note that FIG. 8 mainly shows the first fold line 101H, second fold line 101L, mountain fold line 101M, and valley fold line 101V of the thermoelectric conversion module 101. FIG. 9 is a partially enlarged view of the thermoelectric conversion module 101 shown in FIG. 8.

The thermoelectric conversion module 101 shown in FIG. 7 converts the heat radiated by the plate 102 as a heat source into electric power. The thermoelectric conversion module 101 has a folding structure. The folded structure of the thermoelectric conversion module 101 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. As an example, the height (length in the radial direction b1) of the substantially rectangular parallelepiped may be about 15 mm. Further, the width of the substantially rectangular parallelepiped (length in the width direction b2) may be about 25 mm. Further, the depth (length in the depth direction b3) of the substantially rectangular parallelepiped may be about 5 mm.

The thermoelectric conversion module 101 is placed on a flat plate 102, as shown in FIG. The thermoelectric conversion module 101 generates electric power using the temperature difference between the heat generated by the plate 102 and the outside temperature. Plate 102 is a heat source. Plate 102 is planar. Plate 102 generates heat.

Note that in FIG. 7, a radiation direction b1 is a direction in which heat generated by the plate 102, which is a heat source, is radiated to the outside. The radial direction b1 may be a direction perpendicular to the planar plate 102. Further, the width direction b2 is the direction of the width of the thermoelectric conversion module 101 having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The depth direction b3 is the depth direction of the thermoelectric conversion module 101 having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The width direction b2 and the depth direction b3 can be directions within the plane of the planar plate 102 when the thermoelectric conversion module 101 is placed on the plate 102.

Moreover, in FIGS. 8 and 9, the first direction B1 and the second direction B2 are substantially perpendicular to each other. Further, the third direction B3 is substantially perpendicular to the first direction B1 and the second direction B2. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the first direction B1 is a direction from the left side of the page to the right side of the page in FIG. Further, it is assumed that the second direction B2 is a direction from the bottom of the page to the top of the page in FIG. Further, it is assumed that the third direction B3 is a direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. 8, and a direction toward the near side of the paper surface of FIG.

As shown in FIG. 8, the thermoelectric conversion module 101 has a first fold line 101H and a second fold line 101L. The thermoelectric conversion module 101 has a third mountain fold line 101M and a third valley fold line 101V as third fold lines. As shown in FIG. 9, the thermoelectric conversion module 101 includes a first wiring 110H, a second wiring 110L, a thermoelectric conversion element 120P that is a p-type thermoelectric conversion element, and a thermoelectric conversion element 120N that is an n-type thermoelectric conversion element. , and a sheet substrate 130. Furthermore, the thermoelectric conversion module 101 may include a conductive member 60. Moreover, the folding structure of the thermoelectric conversion module 101 shown in FIG. 7 is configured using the unit U1 shown in FIG. 8 as a unit unit. As shown in FIG. 9, unit U1 includes, but is not limited to, four strings S1. Similar to the string S shown in FIG. 4, the string S1 extends along the first direction B1 from one end of the thermoelectric conversion module 101 toward the other end in the unfolded state shown in FIG. The plurality of strings S1 may be connected in series by having their ends electrically connected to each other by the conductive member 60.

The thermoelectric conversion module 101 is mountain-folded along the first mountain-fold line 101HM of the first fold line 101H, the second mountain-fold line 101LM of the second fold line 101L, and the third mountain-fold line 101M. In the second embodiment, "mountain folding" means folding so as to protrude toward the third direction B3 in the unfolded state shown in FIG. 8 . Further, the thermoelectric conversion module 101 is valley-folded along the first valley fold line 101HV of the first fold line 101H, the second valley fold line 101LV of the second fold line 101L, and the third valley fold line 101V. In the second embodiment, "valley fold" means folding so as to protrude in the direction opposite to the third direction B3 in the unfolded state shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 9, the first fold line 101H is formed on the first wiring 110H. The second fold line 101L is formed on the second wiring 110L. As shown in FIG. 8, the first fold line 101H and the second fold line 101L are alternately located along the first direction B1 with a second interval d2. As an example, the second interval d2 may be approximately 15 mm.

As shown in FIG. 8, the first fold line 101H includes a first mountain fold line 101HM and a first valley fold line 101HV. The first mountain fold lines 101HM and the first valley fold lines 101HV are arranged alternately along the second direction B2. The second fold line 101L includes a second mountain fold line 101LM and a second valley fold line 101LV. The second mountain fold lines 101LM and the second valley fold lines 101LV are arranged alternately along the second direction B2. In the second direction B2, the order in which the first mountain fold lines 101HM and the first valley fold lines 101HV alternate and the order in which the second mountain fold lines 101LM and the second valley fold lines 101LV alternate are reversed. be. The length of the first mountain fold line 101HM, the length of the first valley fold line 101HV, the length of the second mountain fold line 101LM, and the length of the second valley fold line 101LV may be the same. As an example, these lengths may be the same as the width of the third interval d3, which will be described later.

As shown in FIG. 9, the third mountain fold line 101M and the third valley fold line 101V are formed on the sheet substrate 130. The third mountain fold line 101M extends in a zigzag shape along the first direction B1. More specifically, the third mountain fold line 101M is located at a position where the first mountain fold line 101HM and the first valley fold line 101HV are connected, and where the second mountain fold line 101LM and the second valley fold line 101LV are connected. It bends in a zigzag shape at the point where it is connected. Further, the third valley fold line 101V extends in a zigzag shape along the first direction B1. More specifically, the third valley fold line 101V is located at a position where the first mountain fold line 101HM and the first valley fold line 101HV are connected, and where the second mountain fold line 101LM and the second valley fold line 101LV are connected. It bends in a zigzag shape at the point where it is connected.

As shown in FIG. 8, the direction in which the third mountain fold line 101M bends in a zigzag shape and the direction in which the third valley fold line 101V bends in a zigzag shape are the same direction. The angle at which the third fold line 101M is bent in a zigzag manner and the angle at which the third valley fold line 101V is bent in a zigzag manner may be the same angle, which is the third angle θ3. As an example, the third angle θ3 may be 174 degrees.

As shown in FIG. 9, the third mountain fold line 101M and the third valley fold line 101V are formed between adjacent units U1 in the second direction B2. For example, unit U1-1 and unit U1-2 are adjacent units U1 in the second direction B2. The third valley fold line 101V is formed between the unit U1-1 and the unit U1-2. Further, the unit U1-2 and the unit U1-3 are adjacent units U1 in the second direction B2. The third mountain fold line 101M is formed between the unit U1-2 and the unit U1-3.

As shown in FIG. 8, the third mountain fold line 101M and the third valley fold line 101V are alternately located along the second direction B2 at a third interval d3. As an example, the third interval d3 may be approximately 25 mm.

The first wiring 110H and the second wiring 110L shown in FIG. 9 are arranged on the sheet substrate 130. The first wiring 110H and the second wiring 110L may be formed of the same material as the first wiring 10H and the second wiring 10L shown in FIG. 4. Furthermore, the first wiring 110H and the second wiring 110L may be in the form of a thin film, similar to the first wiring 10H and the second wiring 10L shown in FIG.

In the developed state shown in FIG. 9, the first wiring 110H and the second wiring 110L have the same substantially rectangular shape. The longitudinal direction of the first wiring 110H and the longitudinal direction of the second wiring 110L are along the first direction B1. As an example, the length in the longitudinal direction of the first wiring 110H and the length in the longitudinal direction of the second wiring 110L may be about 5 mm. The lateral direction of the first wiring 110H and the lateral direction of the second wiring 110L are along the second direction B2. As an example, the length of the first wiring 110H in the lateral direction and the length of the second wiring 110L in the lateral direction may be about 3 mm.

As shown in FIG. 9, the first wiring 110H and the second wiring 110L are alternately lined up with gaps in each string S1 along the first direction B1. Thermoelectric conversion elements 120P and thermoelectric conversion elements 120N are alternately located in each gap between the first wiring 110H and the second wiring 110L in each string S1. One end of the first wiring 110H in the first direction B1 (longitudinal direction) is connected to the thermoelectric conversion element 120P or the thermoelectric conversion element 120N, which is located in the gap between the one end and the second wiring 110L, as shown in FIG. 5 described above. They are electrically connected via the joining member 50. The other end of the first wiring 110H in the first direction B1 is attached to the thermoelectric conversion element 120P or the thermoelectric conversion element 120N located in the gap between the other end and the second wiring 110L using the joining member shown in FIG. 5 described above. It is electrically connected via 50. Further, one end of the second wiring 110L in the first direction B1 (longitudinal direction) is connected to the thermoelectric conversion element 120P or the thermoelectric conversion element 120N located in the gap between the one end and the first wiring 110H as shown in FIG. They are electrically connected via a joining member 50 shown in FIG. The other end of the second wiring 110L in the first direction B1 is attached to the thermoelectric conversion element 120P or the thermoelectric conversion element 120N located in the gap between the other end and the first wiring 110H using the joining member shown in FIG. 5 described above. It is electrically connected via 50.

In the unfolded state shown in FIG. 9, the first wirings 110H are lined up with gaps in between along the second direction B2. Similarly, the second wirings 110L are lined up with gaps in between along the second direction B2. As an example, the gap may be on the order of 1 mm.

As shown in FIG. 9, a first fold line 101H is formed on the first wiring 110H. More specifically, a first mountain fold line 101HM or a first valley fold line 101HV is formed in the four first wiring lines 110H included in one unit U1 and lined up along the second direction B2. Further, a second fold line 101L is formed on the second wiring 110L. More specifically, the second mountain fold line 101LM or the second valley fold line 101LV is formed in the four second wiring lines 110L included in one unit U1 and lined up along the second direction B2. Here, when the thermoelectric conversion module 101 is in the folded state, as shown in FIG. 7, the position of the first wiring 110H may be closer to the plate 102 than the position of the second wiring 110L. With such a configuration, the temperature of the first wiring 110H can be higher than the temperature of the second wiring 110L. In other words, the temperature of the second wiring 110L can be lower than the temperature of the first wiring 110H.

The thermoelectric conversion element 120P shown in FIG. 9 is a p-type thermoelectric conversion element. The thermoelectric conversion element 120N shown in FIG. 9 is an n-type thermoelectric conversion element. The thermoelectric conversion element 120P and the thermoelectric conversion element 120N are arranged on the sheet substrate 130. As the thermoelectric conversion material for forming the thermoelectric conversion elements 120P and 120N, those described above in the first embodiment may be used. Furthermore, the thickness of the thermoelectric conversion element 120P and the thickness of the thermoelectric conversion element 120N may be approximately 35 μm, as in the first embodiment, as an example.

In the unfolded state shown in FIG. 9, the thermoelectric conversion element 120P and the thermoelectric conversion element 120N have the same substantially rectangular shape. The longitudinal direction of the thermoelectric conversion element 120P and the longitudinal direction of the thermoelectric conversion element 120N are along the first direction B1. As an example, the length in the longitudinal direction of the thermoelectric conversion element 120P and the length in the longitudinal direction of the thermoelectric conversion element 120N may be about 10 mm. The lateral direction of the thermoelectric conversion element 120P and the lateral direction of the thermoelectric conversion element 120N are along the second direction B2. The length of the thermoelectric conversion element 120P in the lateral direction and the length of the thermoelectric conversion element 120N in the lateral direction may be the same as the length of the first wiring 110H in the lateral direction and the length of the second wiring 110L in the lateral direction. . As an example, the length of the thermoelectric conversion element 120P in the lateral direction and the length of the thermoelectric conversion element 120N in the lateral direction may be about 3 mm.

As shown in FIG. 9, one end of the thermoelectric conversion element 120P in the first direction B1 (longitudinal direction) is adjacent to the first wiring 110H or the second wiring 110L. One end of the thermoelectric conversion element 120P in the first direction B1 is electrically connected to the first wiring 110H or the second wiring 110L adjacent to the one end via the bonding member 50 shown in FIG. 5 described above. Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the other end of the thermoelectric conversion element 120P in the first direction B1 is adjacent to the first wiring 110H or the second wiring 110L. The other end of the thermoelectric conversion element 120P in the first direction B1 is electrically connected to the first wiring 110H or the second wiring 110L adjacent to the other end via the bonding member 50 shown in FIG. 5 described above.

As shown in FIG. 9, one end of the thermoelectric conversion element 120N in the first direction B1 (longitudinal direction) is adjacent to the first wiring 110H or the second wiring 110L. One end of the thermoelectric conversion element 120N in the first direction B1 is electrically connected to the first wiring 110H or the second wiring 110L adjacent to the one end via the joining member 50 shown in FIG. 5 described above. Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the other end of the thermoelectric conversion element 120N in the first direction B1 is adjacent to the first wiring 110H or the second wiring 110L. The other end of the thermoelectric conversion element 120N in the first direction B1 is electrically connected to the first wiring 110H or the second wiring 110L adjacent to the other end via the joining member 50 shown in FIG. 5 described above.

As shown in FIG. 9, the thermoelectric conversion elements 120P and the thermoelectric conversion elements 120N are arranged alternately with gaps in each string S1 along the first direction B1. First wiring 110H and second wiring 110L are alternately located in each gap. With such a configuration, the first wiring 110H can be located at one end of the thermoelectric conversion element 120P in the first direction B1, and the second wiring 110L can be located at the other end of the thermoelectric conversion element 120P in the first direction B1. . Further, the first wiring 110H may be located at one end of the thermoelectric conversion element 120N in the first direction B1, and the second wiring 110L may be located at the other end of the thermoelectric conversion element 120N in the first direction B1. Here, as described above, the temperature of the first wiring 110H may be higher than the temperature of the second wiring 110L. Therefore, as described in the first embodiment with reference to FIG. 5, a temperature difference occurs at both ends of the thermoelectric conversion element 120P and both ends of the thermoelectric conversion element 120N, resulting in a temperature gradient. When this temperature gradient occurs, the thermoelectric conversion element 120P and the thermoelectric conversion element 120N generate electricity, as described above with reference to FIG. 5 in the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 9, in strings S1 adjacent in the second direction B2, the order of the thermoelectric conversion elements 120P and thermoelectric conversion elements 120N that are alternately arranged along the first direction B1 is reversed. In other words, the thermoelectric conversion elements 120P and the thermoelectric conversion elements 120N are arranged alternately along the second direction B2 with gaps between them. The gap may be about 1 mm, for example. With such a configuration, as described in the first embodiment with reference to FIG. 6, the directions of currents generated in adjacent strings S1 in the second direction B2 are opposite to each other. Since the currents generated in the adjacent strings S1 are in opposite directions, the adjacent strings S1 can be connected in series by electrically connecting their ends with the conductive member 60. By connecting adjacent strings S1 in series, the thermoelectric conversion module 101 can generate greater power. Furthermore, when the unit U1 includes an even number (four in the example shown in FIG. 9) of strings S1, all the strings S1 in the thermoelectric conversion module 101 can be connected in series by the conductive member 60. With such a configuration, the thermoelectric conversion module 101 can generate greater power. Connecting all strings S1 in series by conductive members 60 may result in one current path flowing through each string S1, as described with reference to FIG. 6 above.

As shown in FIG. 9, the sheet substrate 130 has a region 131. The sheet substrate 130 includes a cover layer 32, a cover layer 33, and a cover layer 34, similar to the sheet substrate 30 shown in FIG. 5 described above.

As shown in FIG. 9, the region 131 is provided at a position where the first fold line 101H intersects with a third mountain fold line 101M and a third valley fold line 101V as third fold lines. Further, the region 131 is provided at a position where the second fold line 101L intersects with the third mountain fold line 101M and the third valley fold line 101V as third fold lines. Region 131 may be, but is not limited to, circular.

The region 131 shown in FIG. 9 may be a penetrating region similarly to the region 31 shown in FIG. 4. Alternatively, the region 131 may be thinner than the other portions of the sheet substrate 130, similar to the region 31 shown in FIG. By forming such a region 131, the thermoelectric conversion module 101 can be easily folded, as described above in the first embodiment. Further, as described above in the first embodiment, deterioration of the sheet substrate 130 can be suppressed.

As described above, the thermoelectric conversion module 101 according to the second embodiment has the first fold line 101H, the second fold line 101L, the third mountain fold line 101M, and the third valley fold line 101V. As described above, the thermoelectric conversion module 101 is folded appropriately into a mountain fold or a valley fold at the first fold line 101H, the second fold line 101L, the third mountain fold line 101M, and the third valley fold line 101V. It can be miniaturized as shown in FIG.

Note that in the thermoelectric conversion module 101 according to the second embodiment, at least one of the first fold line 101H, the second fold line 101L, the third mountain fold line 101M, and the third valley fold line 101V includes a perforation. good. Since the first fold line 101H and the like include perforations, it is possible to more easily change the thermoelectric conversion module 101 from the unfolded state to the folded state.

Furthermore, in the thermoelectric conversion module 101 according to the second embodiment, the first wiring 110H may have a mesh structure in a portion where the first fold line 101H is formed. Similarly, the second wiring 110L may have a mesh structure in a portion where the second fold line 101L is formed. Since each of the first wiring 110H and the second wiring 110L has a mesh structure, the durability of the thermoelectric conversion module 101 against bending can be improved.

(Third embodiment)
In the third embodiment, a structure between the first wiring and second wiring of a thermoelectric conversion module and a thermoelectric conversion element will be described. The structure according to the third embodiment is applicable to both the thermoelectric conversion module 1 according to the first embodiment and the thermoelectric conversion module 101 according to the second embodiment described above.

FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of a thermoelectric conversion module 201 in the middle of manufacturing according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The thermoelectric conversion module 201 shown in FIG. 10 is provided with cover layers 32 and 33 shown in FIG. 5 in a later manufacturing process.

As shown in FIG. 10, the thermoelectric conversion module 201 includes a cover layer 34, a bonding member 50, a first wiring 210H, a second wiring 210L, a thermoelectric conversion element 220P, and a thermoelectric conversion element 220N.

Note that when the structure according to the third embodiment is applied to the thermoelectric conversion module 1 according to the first embodiment described above, each of the first wiring 210H and the second wiring 210L shown in FIG. This corresponds to each of the first wiring 10H and second wiring 10L shown in FIG. Moreover, each of the thermoelectric conversion element 220P and the thermoelectric conversion element 220N shown in FIG. 10 corresponds to each of the thermoelectric conversion element 20P and the thermoelectric conversion element 20N shown in FIG. 4 described above. Further, each of the first direction C1, second direction C2, and third direction C3 shown in FIG. 10 corresponds to each of the first direction A1, second direction A2, and third direction A3 shown in FIG. 4 described above.

Furthermore, when the structure according to the third embodiment is applied to the thermoelectric conversion module 101 according to the second embodiment described above, each of the first wiring 210H and the second wiring 210L shown in FIG. This corresponds to each of the first wiring 110H and the second wiring 110L shown in FIG. Further, each of the thermoelectric conversion element 220P and the thermoelectric conversion element 220N shown in FIG. 10 corresponds to each of the thermoelectric conversion element 120P and the thermoelectric conversion element 120N shown in FIG. 9 described above. Moreover, each of the first direction C1 and the third direction C3 shown in FIG. 10 corresponds to each of the first direction B1 and the third direction B3 shown in FIG. 9 described above. Further, the second direction C2 shown in FIG. 10 corresponds to the negative direction of the second direction B2 shown in FIG. 9 described above.

As shown in FIG. 10, a gap D is provided between one end of the thermoelectric conversion element 220P in the first direction C1 (longitudinal direction) and the first wiring 210H (or second wiring 210L) adjacent to the one end. It will be done. A joining member 50 is arranged in this gap D. The joining member 50 arranged in this gap D electrically connects one end of the thermoelectric conversion element 220P in the first direction C1 to the first wiring 210H (or second wiring 210L) adjacent to the one end. Further, a gap D is provided between the other end of the thermoelectric conversion element 220P in the first direction C1 and the second wiring 210L (or first wiring 210H) adjacent to the other end. A joining member 50 is arranged in this gap D. The joining member 50 arranged in this gap D electrically connects the other end of the thermoelectric conversion element 220P in the first direction C1 and the second wiring 210L (or first wiring 210H) adjacent to the other end. .

As shown in FIG. 10, a gap D is provided between one end of the thermoelectric conversion element 220N in the first direction C1 (longitudinal direction) and the first wiring 210H (or second wiring 210L) adjacent to the one end. It will be done. A joining member 50 is arranged in this gap D. The joining member 50 arranged in this gap D electrically connects one end of the thermoelectric conversion element 220N in the first direction C1 and the first wiring 210H (or second wiring 210L) adjacent to the one end. Further, a gap D is provided between the other end of the thermoelectric conversion element 220N in the first direction C1 and the second wiring 210L (or first wiring 210H) adjacent to the other end. A joining member 50 is arranged in this gap D. The joining member 50 arranged in this gap D electrically connects the other end of the thermoelectric conversion element 220N in the first direction C1 and the second wiring 210L (or first wiring 210H) adjacent to the other end. .

By providing such a gap D, peeling of the first wiring 210H, the second wiring 210L, the thermoelectric conversion element 220P, and the thermoelectric conversion element 220N from the cover layer 34 can be suppressed as described later. Here, the first wiring 210H and the second wiring 210L are attached to the cover layer 34 such that all surfaces of the first wiring 210H and the second wiring 210L that face the cover layer 34 are in contact with the cover layer 34. May be placed. Similarly, the thermoelectric conversion element 220P and the thermoelectric conversion element 220N are attached to the cover layer 34 such that all surfaces facing the cover layer 34 of the thermoelectric conversion element 220P and the thermoelectric conversion element 220N are in contact with the cover layer 34. May be placed. With such a configuration, peeling of the first wiring 210H, the second wiring 210L, the thermoelectric conversion element 220P, and the thermoelectric conversion element 220N from the cover layer 34 can be more reliably suppressed.

(Comparative example 1 of the third embodiment)
FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view of a thermoelectric conversion module 201X according to Comparative Example 1 of the third embodiment of the present invention. In the thermoelectric conversion module 201X according to Comparative Example 1, unlike the thermoelectric conversion module 201 shown in FIG. 10, the gap D shown in FIG. 10 is not provided.

In the thermoelectric conversion module 201X shown in FIG. 11, since the gap D shown in FIG. 10 is not provided, the joining member 50 is inserted between the thermoelectric conversion element 220P shown in FIG. cannot be placed. If the joining member 50 is not placed between the thermoelectric conversion element 220P and the first wiring 210H and the second wiring 210L, the thermoelectric conversion element 220P and each of the first wiring 210H and the second wiring 210L will be separated only in their cross sections. It will be connected. Therefore, the connection strength between the thermoelectric conversion element 220P and each of the first wiring 210H and the second wiring 210L may decrease. When the connection strength between the thermoelectric conversion element 220P and each of the first wiring 210H and the second wiring 210L decreases, the first wiring 210H, the second wiring 210L, the thermoelectric conversion element 220P, and the thermoelectric conversion element 220N are connected to the cover layer 34. The probability of peeling off from the surface may increase.

On the other hand, in the thermoelectric conversion module 201 shown in FIG. 10, a gap D is provided between each of the thermoelectric conversion element 220P and the thermoelectric conversion element 220N, and each of the first wiring 210H and the second wiring 210L. By providing such a gap D, the joining member 50 can be placed between each of the thermoelectric conversion element 220P and the thermoelectric conversion element 220N, and each of the first wiring 210H and the second wiring 210L. Therefore, in the thermoelectric conversion module 201, unlike Comparative Example 1, each of the thermoelectric conversion element 220P and the thermoelectric conversion element 220N, and each of the first wiring 210H and the second wiring 210L, in addition to their cross sections, 50. With such a configuration, in the thermoelectric conversion module 201, the connection strength between each of the thermoelectric conversion elements 220P and 220N and each of the first wiring 210H and the second wiring 210L is suppressed from decreasing. I can do it. Therefore, in the thermoelectric conversion module 201, peeling of the first wiring 210H, the second wiring 210L, the thermoelectric conversion element 220P, and the thermoelectric conversion element 220N from the cover layer 34 can be suppressed.

(Comparative example 2 of third embodiment)
FIG. 12 is a partial cross-sectional view of a thermoelectric conversion module 201Y according to Comparative Example 2 of the third embodiment of the present invention. In the thermoelectric conversion module 201Y according to Comparative Example 21, unlike the thermoelectric conversion module 201 shown in FIG. 10, the gap D shown in FIG. 10 is not provided.

In the thermoelectric conversion module 201Y shown in FIG. 12, since the gap D shown in FIG. 10 is not provided, a part of the thermoelectric conversion element 220P overlaps with a part of the first wiring 210H and the second wiring 210L. Specifically, the first wiring 210H and the second wiring 210L overlap on the thermoelectric conversion element 220P. When the first wiring 210H and the second wiring 210L overlap on the thermoelectric conversion element 220P in this way, the first wiring 210H and the second wiring 210L are separated from other members except for the portion overlapping on the thermoelectric conversion element 220P. It can become floating. If the first wiring 210H and the second wiring 210L are in a floating state from other members, the probability that the first wiring 210H and the second wiring 210L will be peeled off may increase when force such as stress is applied to the thermoelectric conversion module 201Y. .

On the other hand, in the thermoelectric conversion module 201 shown in FIG. 10, a gap D is provided between each of the thermoelectric conversion element 220P and the thermoelectric conversion element 220N, and each of the first wiring 210H and the second wiring 210L. By providing such a gap D, in the thermoelectric conversion module 201, unlike Comparative Example 2, it is possible to prevent the first wiring 210H, the second wiring 210L, etc. from floating from other members. can. By suppressing that the first wiring 210H, the second wiring 210L, etc. are in a floating state from other members, the first wiring 210H, the second wiring 210L, the thermoelectric conversion element 220P, and the thermoelectric conversion element 220N are connected to the cover layer 34. Peeling from the surface can be suppressed.

(Fourth embodiment)
In the fourth embodiment, the structure of the folding line will be described. The fold line structure according to the fourth embodiment is applicable to both the thermoelectric conversion module 1 according to the first embodiment and the thermoelectric conversion module 101 according to the second embodiment described above.

FIG. 13 is a partial cross-sectional view of a thermoelectric conversion module 301 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the structure shown in FIG. 13 in a folded state.

The thermoelectric conversion module 301 has a fold line 310. Here, when the structure according to the fourth embodiment is applied to the thermoelectric conversion module 1 according to the above-described first embodiment, the folding line 310 is the first folding line 1H and the second folding line shown in FIG. 1L and the third fold line 1A. Further, when the structure according to the fourth embodiment is applied to the thermoelectric conversion module 101 according to the second embodiment described above, the folding lines 310 are the first folding line 101H and the second folding line 101L shown in FIG. , corresponds to at least one of the third mountain fold line 101M and the third valley fold line 101V.

The fold line 310 includes a fold line 311 and a fold line 312. Here, in the present disclosure, the "fold" may be a groove as shown in FIG. 13. Note that the "fold" in the present disclosure is not limited to a groove. For example, the "fold" in the present disclosure may be a bend, a fold, or the like. Moreover, the above-mentioned perforation may be formed in the "fold" in the present disclosure.

Note that the fold line according to the fourth embodiment may include at least two fold lines. As described below, the fold line according to the fourth embodiment may include three or more fold lines.

The fold line 311 and the fold line 312 extend in the direction in which the fold line 310 extends. For example, when the fold line 310 is the third fold line 1A shown in FIG. 3 described above, the fold line 311 and the fold line 312 extend along the first direction A1 shown in FIG. 3 described above. Further, the distance between the fold line 311 and the fold line 312 may be adjusted as appropriate. As an example, the distance between the fold line 311 and the fold line 312 may be about 100 μm.

When such a thermoelectric conversion module 301 is folded, the thermoelectric conversion module 301 can be bent at two points, a fold line 311 and a fold line 312, as shown in FIG. By bending at two places, the thermoelectric conversion module 301 can be gently bent along the fold line 310. By gently bending the thermoelectric conversion module 301 along the folding line 310, the load applied to the folding line 310 can be distributed. By distributing the load on the folding line 310, deterioration of the thermoelectric conversion module 301 can be suppressed.

(Comparative example 1 of the fourth embodiment)
FIG. 15 is a partial cross-sectional view of a thermoelectric conversion module 301X according to Comparative Example 1 of the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the structure shown in FIG. 15 in a folded state.

The thermoelectric conversion module 301X according to Comparative Example 1 has a fold line 310X. Unlike the thermoelectric conversion module 301 shown in FIG. 13, the fold line 310X includes one fold line 311.

When such a thermoelectric conversion module 301X is folded, as shown in FIG. 16, the thermoelectric conversion module 301X can be bent at one location of the fold line 311. By bending at one point on the fold line 311, the thermoelectric conversion module 301X can be sharply bent at the fold line 310X. When the thermoelectric conversion module 301X is sharply bent at the fold line 310X, the load may be concentrated on the fold line 310X. There is a possibility that the thermoelectric conversion module 301X will deteriorate further due to the concentration of load on the fold line 310X.

In contrast, in the thermoelectric conversion module 301 shown in FIG. 13, the fold line 310 includes a fold line 311 and a fold line 312. Since the folding line 310 includes the folding line 311 and the folding line 312, the thermoelectric conversion module 301 can be gently bent along the folding line 310, unlike the comparative example. With such a configuration, the load applied to the folding line 310 is distributed, and deterioration of the thermoelectric conversion module 301 can be suppressed.

(Other examples of the fourth embodiment)
FIG. 17 is a partial cross-sectional view of a thermoelectric conversion module 301A according to another example of the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the structure shown in FIG. 17 in a folded state.

As shown in FIG. 17, the thermoelectric conversion module 301A includes a fold line 310A. The fold line 310A includes a fold line 311, a fold line 312, and a fold line 313.

When such a thermoelectric conversion module 301A is folded, as shown in FIG. 18, the thermoelectric conversion module 301A can be folded at three points: a fold line 311, a fold line 312, and a fold line 313. The thermoelectric conversion module 301A can be bent gently at the fold line 310A by being bent at three points. By gently bending the thermoelectric conversion module 301A at the fold line 310A, the load applied to the fold line 310A can be distributed. By dispersing the load applied to the folding line 310A, deterioration of the thermoelectric conversion module 301A can be suppressed.

(Yet another example of the fourth embodiment)
FIG. 19 is a partial sectional view of a thermoelectric conversion module 301B according to still another example of the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 20 is a diagram showing the structure shown in FIG. 19 in a folded state.

As shown in FIG. 19, the thermoelectric conversion module 301B includes a fold line 310B. The fold line 310B includes a fold line 311, a fold line 312, a fold line 313, and a fold line 314.

When such a thermoelectric conversion module 301B is folded, as shown in FIG. 20, the thermoelectric conversion module 301B can be bent at four points: a fold line 311, a fold line 312, a fold line 313, and a fold line 314. The thermoelectric conversion module 301B can be bent gently at the fold line 310B by being bent at four points. By gently bending the thermoelectric conversion module 301B at the fold line 310B, the load applied to the fold line 310B can be dispersed. By distributing the load on the folding line 310B, deterioration of the thermoelectric conversion module 301B can be suppressed.

(Fifth embodiment)
In the fifth embodiment, the structure of the folding line will be described. The fold line structure according to the fifth embodiment is applicable to both the thermoelectric conversion module 1 according to the first embodiment and the thermoelectric conversion module 101 according to the second embodiment described above.

FIG. 21 is a partial cross-sectional view of a thermoelectric conversion module 401 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 22 is a diagram showing the structure shown in FIG. 21 in a folded state.

As shown in FIG. 21, the thermoelectric conversion module 401 has a fold line 410. Here, when the structure according to the fifth embodiment is applied to the thermoelectric conversion module 1 according to the above-described first embodiment, the fold line 410 is the first fold line 1H and the second fold line shown in FIG. 1L and the third fold line 1A. Further, when the structure according to the fifth embodiment is applied to the thermoelectric conversion module 101 according to the second embodiment described above, the folding line 410 is the first folding line 101H and the second folding line 101L shown in FIG. , corresponds to at least one of the third mountain fold line 101M and the third valley fold line 101V.

As shown in FIG. 21, the fold line 410 includes a fold line 411 and an auxiliary member 412. Auxiliary member 412 is arranged along fold line 411.

As shown in FIG. 22, of the two surfaces 401a and 401b included in the thermoelectric conversion module 401, the auxiliary member 412 is located on the inner side of the surface 401a when the thermoelectric conversion module 401 is folded along the crease 411. Located in The auxiliary member 412 may have a cylindrical shape. The diameter of the auxiliary member 412 may be larger than the thickness of the thermoelectric conversion module 401. As an example, the diameter of the auxiliary member 412 may be approximately 0.5 mm or 1 mm. Note that the auxiliary member 412 is not limited to a cylindrical shape. For example, the auxiliary member 412 may have a triangular shape, a quadrangular shape, or the like. Further, the auxiliary member 412 may include a wire or a plastic rod.

By locating the auxiliary member 21 on the side of the surface 401a, the thermoelectric conversion module 401 can be folded at the crease 411 so as to sandwich the auxiliary member 412, as shown in FIG. With such a configuration, the thermoelectric conversion module 401 can be gently bent along the fold line 410 depending on the outer shape of the auxiliary member 412. By gently bending the thermoelectric conversion module 401 along the fold line 410, the load applied to the fold line 410 can be distributed. By distributing the load on the folding line 410, deterioration of the thermoelectric conversion module 401 can be suppressed.

What has been described above merely shows one embodiment of the present invention, and it goes without saying that various changes may be made within the scope of the claims.

For example, the thermoelectric conversion module 1 according to the first embodiment described above has been described as having the third fold line 1A, as shown in FIG. Further, the thermoelectric conversion module 101 according to the second embodiment described above is described as having a third mountain fold line 101M and a third valley fold line 101V as the third fold lines, as shown in FIG. 8 described above. . However, when the folding structure of the thermoelectric conversion module of the present invention is not a laminated structure, the thermoelectric conversion module does not need to have the third fold line.

According to the present invention, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a downsized thermoelectric conversion module.

1,101,201,301,301A,301B,401 Thermoelectric conversion module 2 Piping (heat source)
1H, 101H 1st fold line 1L, 101L 2nd fold line 1A 3rd fold line 1M Mountain fold line 1V Valley fold line 10H, 110H, 210H 1st wiring 10L, 110L, 210L 2nd wiring 20P, 120P, 220P Thermoelectric conversion Element (p-type thermoelectric conversion element)
20N, 120N, 220N thermoelectric conversion element (n-type thermoelectric conversion element)
30,130 Sheet substrate 31,131 Region 32,33,34 Cover layer 40,42,44 Resin layer 41,43,45 Adhesive layer 50 Bonding member 60 Conductive member 101HM 1st mountain fold line 101HV 1st valley fold line 101LM 2nd mountain fold line 101LV 2nd valley fold line 101M 3rd mountain fold line 101V 3rd valley fold line 102 Plate (heat source)
310, 310A, 310B, 410 Folding line 311, 312, 313, 314 Fold line 401a, 401b Surface 412 Auxiliary member U, U1 Unit S, S1 String E1 Positive electrode E2 Negative electrode

Claims (19)

A thermoelectric conversion module having a folding structure and converting heat radiated by a heat source into electric power,
a sheet substrate;
a first wiring and a second wiring arranged on the sheet substrate;
comprising a p-type thermoelectric conversion element and an n-type thermoelectric conversion element arranged on the sheet substrate,
The folded structure is configured with a unit including at least one string extending along a first direction in the unfolded state of the folded structure,
In the string, the first wiring and the second wiring are arranged alternately with gaps in between along the first direction, and in each gap, the p-type thermoelectric conversion element and the n-type thermoelectric conversion element are arranged. are located alternately,
One end of the p-type thermoelectric conversion element is electrically connected to the first wiring or the second wiring adjacent to the one end, and the other end of the p-type thermoelectric conversion element is electrically connected to the first wiring or the second wiring adjacent to the other end. 1 wiring or the second wiring,
One end of the n-type thermoelectric conversion element is electrically connected to the first wiring or the second wiring adjacent to the one end, and the other end of the n-type thermoelectric conversion element is connected to the first wiring adjacent to the one end. electrically connected to the wiring or the second wiring,
The first wires are arranged along a second direction substantially orthogonal to the first direction in the unfolded state of the folded structure, and the first wires include a first fold line extending along the second direction. is formed,
The second wires are arranged along the second direction in the unfolded state of the folded structure, and a second fold line extending along the second direction is formed on the second wires ,
A gap is provided between one end of the p-type thermoelectric conversion element and the first wiring or the second wiring adjacent to the one end, and the gap includes one end of the p-type thermoelectric conversion element and the first wiring or the second wiring adjacent to the one end. A joining member electrically connected to the first wiring or the second wiring adjacent to one end is arranged,
A gap is provided between the other end of the p-type thermoelectric conversion element and the first wiring or the second wiring adjacent to the other end, and the other end of the p-type thermoelectric conversion element is provided in the gap. and a joining member electrically connected to the first wiring or the second wiring adjacent to the other end,
A gap is provided between one end of the n-type thermoelectric conversion element and the first wiring or the second wiring adjacent to the one end, and the gap includes one end of the n-type thermoelectric conversion element and the first wiring or the second wiring adjacent to the one end. A joining member electrically connected to the first wiring or the second wiring adjacent to one end is arranged,
A gap is provided between the other end of the n-type thermoelectric conversion element and the first wiring or the second wiring adjacent to the other end, and the other end of the n-type thermoelectric conversion element is provided in the gap. and a joining member electrically connected to the first wiring or the second wiring adjacent to the other end . The thermoelectric conversion module according to claim 1,
In the strings adjacent in the second direction, the p-type thermoelectric conversion elements and the n-type thermoelectric conversion elements arranged alternately along the first direction are arranged in reverse order. The thermoelectric conversion module according to claim 2,
The unit is a thermoelectric conversion module including an even number of the strings arranged along the second direction. The thermoelectric conversion module according to any one of claims 1 to 3 ,
The first wiring has a mesh structure in a portion where the first fold line is formed,
In the thermoelectric conversion module, the second wiring has a mesh structure in a portion where the second fold line is formed. The thermoelectric conversion module according to any one of claims 1 to 4 ,
A thermoelectric conversion module, wherein a third fold line extending along the first direction is formed between the units adjacent in the second direction. The thermoelectric conversion module according to claim 5 ,
The sheet substrate has a penetration region or the sheet substrate at a position where the first fold line and the third fold line intersect, and a position where the second fold line and the third fold line intersect. A thermoelectric conversion module that includes an area that is thinner than other parts of the module. The thermoelectric conversion module according to claim 5 or 6 ,
A thermoelectric conversion module, wherein at least one of the first fold line, the second fold line, and the third fold line includes at least two fold lines. The thermoelectric conversion module according to claim 5 or 6 ,
At least one of the first fold line, the second fold line, and the third fold line includes a fold line and an auxiliary member located near the fold line,
The auxiliary member is a thermoelectric conversion module located on the inner side of the two surfaces included in the thermoelectric conversion module when the thermoelectric conversion module is folded at the crease. A thermoelectric conversion module having a folding structure and converting heat radiated by a heat source into electric power,
a sheet substrate;
a first wiring and a second wiring arranged on the sheet substrate;
comprising a p-type thermoelectric conversion element and an n-type thermoelectric conversion element arranged on the sheet substrate,
The folded structure is configured with a unit including at least one string extending along a first direction in the unfolded state of the folded structure,
In the string, the first wiring and the second wiring are arranged alternately with gaps in between along the first direction, and in each gap, the p-type thermoelectric conversion element and the n-type thermoelectric conversion element are arranged. are located alternately,
One end of the p-type thermoelectric conversion element is electrically connected to the first wiring or the second wiring adjacent to the one end, and the other end of the p-type thermoelectric conversion element is electrically connected to the first wiring or the second wiring adjacent to the other end. 1 wiring or the second wiring,
One end of the n-type thermoelectric conversion element is electrically connected to the first wiring or the second wiring adjacent to the one end, and the other end of the n-type thermoelectric conversion element is connected to the first wiring adjacent to the one end. electrically connected to the wiring or the second wiring,
The first wires are arranged along a second direction substantially orthogonal to the first direction in the unfolded state of the folded structure, and the first wires include a first fold line extending along the second direction. is formed,
The second wires are arranged along the second direction in the unfolded state of the folded structure, and a second fold line extending along the second direction is formed on the second wires,
A third fold line extending along the first direction is formed between the units adjacent in the second direction,
At least one of the first fold line, the second fold line, and the third fold line includes a fold line and an auxiliary member located near the fold line,
The auxiliary member is a thermoelectric conversion module located on the inner side of the two surfaces included in the thermoelectric conversion module when the thermoelectric conversion module is folded at the crease. The thermoelectric conversion module according to any one of claims 6 to 9 ,
A thermoelectric conversion module, wherein at least one of the first fold line, the second fold line, and the third fold line includes a perforation. The thermoelectric conversion module according to any one of claims 6 to 10 ,
The folding structure of the thermoelectric conversion module has a cavity,
the heat source is cylindrical and passes through the cavity;
The first fold line extends in a zigzag shape along the second direction,
The second fold line extends in a zigzag shape along the second direction,
The third folding line extends linearly along the first direction, and includes a location where the zigzag-shaped first folding line is bent, and a location where the zigzag-shaped second folding line is bent. , street,
The third fold line includes mountain fold lines and valley fold lines that are arranged alternately along the first direction,
The thermoelectric conversion module is valley folded along the first fold line and the valley fold line,
The thermoelectric conversion module is a thermoelectric conversion module that is mountain-folded along the second fold line and the mountain-fold line. The thermoelectric conversion module according to claim 11,
The length of the mountain fold line is longer than the length of the valley fold line,
On the third fold line, the intervals between the first fold line and the second fold line along the first direction alternate between narrow intervals and wide intervals along the first direction,
the valley fold line is located at the narrow interval;
The mountain fold lines are located at the wide intervals in the thermoelectric conversion module. The thermoelectric conversion module according to claim 11 or 12,
The first fold line includes first line segments and second line segments that are arranged alternately,
The first line segment of the first fold line has a first angular inclination in the first direction with respect to the second direction,
In the thermoelectric conversion module, a second line segment of the first fold line is inclined at a first angle in a direction opposite to the first direction with respect to the second direction. The thermoelectric conversion module according to claim 13,
The second fold line includes first line segments and second line segments that are arranged alternately,
the first line segment of the second fold line is inclined at a second angle in the first direction with respect to the second direction;
The second line segment of the second fold line has the second angular inclination in a direction opposite to the first direction with respect to the second direction,
In the thermoelectric conversion module, the second angle is larger than the first angle. The thermoelectric conversion module according to any one of claims 11 to 14 ,
In the thermoelectric conversion module, the number of the p-type thermoelectric conversion elements and the number of the n-type thermoelectric conversion elements are the same in one string. The thermoelectric conversion module according to any one of claims 6 to 10 ,
The heat source is planar,
The shape of the folded structure of the thermoelectric conversion module is approximately a rectangular parallelepiped,
The thermoelectric conversion module is placed on the planar heat source,
The first fold line includes a first mountain fold line and a first valley fold line that are arranged alternately along the second direction,
The second fold line includes a second mountain fold line and a second valley fold line that are arranged alternately along the second direction,
In the second direction, the order in which the first mountain fold lines and the first valley fold lines are alternately arranged is opposite to the order in which the second mountain fold lines and the second valley fold lines are alternately arranged. and
The third fold line includes a third mountain fold line and a third valley fold line that are alternately located in the second direction,
Each of the third mountain fold line and the third valley fold line has a position where the first mountain fold line and the first valley fold line are connected, and a position where the second mountain fold line and the second valley fold line are connected. Bend in a zigzag shape at the position where the fold line is connected,
The thermoelectric conversion module is mountain-folded along the first mountain-fold line, the second mountain-fold line, and the third mountain-fold line,
The thermoelectric conversion module is a thermoelectric conversion module that is valley-folded along the first valley-fold line, the second valley-fold line, and the third valley-fold line. The thermoelectric conversion module according to claim 16,
In the thermoelectric conversion module, the direction in which the third mountain fold line is bent in a zigzag shape and the direction in which the third valley fold line is bent in a zigzag shape are the same direction. The thermoelectric conversion module according to any one of claims 11 to 17 ,
The mountain folding is to bend the folded structure so as to protrude in a third direction substantially orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction in the unfolded state,
The thermoelectric conversion module is characterized in that the valley folding is folding the folded structure so as to protrude in a direction opposite to the third direction in the unfolded state. The thermoelectric conversion module according to any one of claims 1 to 18 ,
A thermoelectric conversion module, wherein each of the p-type thermoelectric conversion element and the n-type thermoelectric conversion element includes carbon nanotubes.

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