Thermoelectric modules

Abstract

A thermoelectric module comprises: a unit thermoelectric material, which comprises an N-type thermoelectric material and a P-type thermoelectric material and is arranged on one surface of a first substrate; first electrodes, each of which is electrically connected to one end of a corresponding one of the N-type thermoelectric materials or one end of a corresponding one of the P-type thermoelectric materials; second electrodes, each of which is arranged to be separated from the other end of the corresponding one of the N-type thermoelectric materials and the other end of the corresponding one of the P-type thermoelectric materials by a predetermined gap; and a second substrate, which supports the second electrodes, wherein when pressure is applied to the second substrate, each of the second electrodes is electrically connected to the second end of the corresponding one of the N-type thermoelectric materials and the second end of the corresponding one of the P-type thermoelectric materials.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0052920 filed on May 7, 2019, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to a thermoelectric module, and more particularly, to a thermoelectric module capable of performing local temperature control in response to pressure and improving energy efficiency. Background Art

[0004] Because the temperature control system using the air conditioner controls the temperature based on the temperature of the air, the temperature control system requires a lot of energy consumption and the user spends a lot of time sensing the temperature change. Therefore, there is a limitation that it is difficult to improve the temperature control efficiency and energy efficiency to a certain level.

[0005] Recently, temperature control systems have been developed that place thermoelectric modules capable of heating and cooling directly in contact with a user.

[0006] Generally, a thermoelectric module is manufactured by connecting electrodes to P-type and N-type thermoelectric materials on a substrate, and has advantages of low heat loss and performing rapid temperature control.

[0007] However, in the case of the thermoelectric module of the related art, the entire area of ​​the thermoelectric module is controlled to have a uniform temperature regardless of whether the thermoelectric module is in contact with the user's body, thereby performing temperature control even on an area where temperature control is not actually required (for example, a non-contact area where the thermoelectric module is not in contact with the body). As a result, there is a problem that heat loss inevitably occurs and unnecessary power consumption increases.

[0008] Therefore, recently, various studies have been conducted to improve energy efficiency by performing local temperature control according to the user's body type and posture, but the research results are still insufficient. Therefore, there is a need to develop a thermoelectric module for improving energy efficiency. Summary of the invention

[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide a thermoelectric module capable of performing local temperature control in response to pressure and improving temperature control efficiency and energy efficiency.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to locally control the temperature only in the areas where the thermoelectric module is actually in contact with the user's body, depending on the user's body type and posture.

[0011] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a thermoelectric module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes: a first substrate; a plurality of unit thermoelectric materials, including an N-type thermoelectric material and a P-type thermoelectric material and arranged on one surface of the first substrate; a plurality of first electrodes, each of which is electrically connected to a first end of a corresponding one of the N-type thermoelectric materials or a first end of a corresponding one of the P-type thermoelectric materials and is configured to be powered by a power supply unit; a plurality of second electrodes, each of which is arranged to be separated from a second end of a corresponding one of the N-type thermoelectric materials and a second end of a corresponding one of the P-type thermoelectric materials by a predetermined gap; and a second substrate, configured to support the second electrodes. When pressure is applied to the second substrate from the outside, each second electrode is electrically connected to a second end of a corresponding one of the N-type thermoelectric materials and a second end of a corresponding one of the P-type thermoelectric materials.

[0012] This configuration is intended to improve the temperature control efficiency and energy efficiency of the thermoelectric module.

[0013] That is, in the related art, regardless of whether the thermoelectric module is in contact with the user's body, the entire area of ​​the thermoelectric module is controlled to have a uniform temperature, so that temperature control is performed even in an area where temperature control is not actually required (for example, a non-contact area where the thermoelectric module is not in contact with the body). As a result, there is a problem that heat loss inevitably occurs and unnecessary power consumption increases.

[0014] However, according to some aspects of the present invention, only in the area where pressure is applied (the user's body is in contact with the thermoelectric module), the second electrode is in contact with the unit thermoelectric material and the N-type thermoelectric material and the P-type thermoelectric material constituting the unit thermoelectric material to form a closed loop (cooling or heating is performed by the unit thermoelectric material), thereby achieving the beneficial effect of minimizing heat loss and significantly reducing power consumption.

[0015] Therefore, temperature control is not performed on the entire area of ​​the thermoelectric module at once, but can be independently temperature controlled only on specific areas of the thermoelectric module that are actually in contact with the user's body according to the usage environment (for example, the user's body type and posture), thereby achieving the beneficial effect of improving the temperature control efficiency and energy efficiency of the thermoelectric module.

[0016] In particular, the second substrate comprises an elastic material which is elastically deformable when pressure is applied.

[0017] Since the second substrate includes an elastically deformable material as described above, when pressure is applied to the second substrate due to contact with the user's body, a portion of the second substrate is locally and elastically deformed. Therefore, only some of the plurality of second electrodes corresponding to different unit thermoelectric materials can be electrically connected to the second ends of some N-type thermoelectric materials and the second ends of some P-type thermoelectric materials (for example, the N-type thermoelectric material and the P-type thermoelectric material disposed below the area where pressure is applied).

[0018] In addition, an elastic support portion is arranged between the first substrate and the second substrate.

[0019] As described above, the elastic support portion is disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate, and therefore, when the pressure applied to the second substrate is released, the second substrate returns to its original position due to the elastic force of the elastic support portion, so that the gap between the second electrode and the unit thermoelectric material can be maintained.

[0020] As an example, the elastic support part includes a first side elastic member disposed on an outer surface of the N-type thermoelectric material and a second side elastic member disposed on an outer surface of the P-type thermoelectric material.

[0021] As another example, the elastic support portion includes a central elastic member disposed between the N-type thermoelectric material and the P-type thermoelectric material.

[0022] As another example, the elastic support portion includes: a rigid member arranged between the first substrate and the second substrate; and an elastic member arranged on at least one of the multiple ends of the rigid member. As described above, since the elastic support portion is formed to have a double-layer structure including the rigid member and the elastic member, excessive deformation of the second substrate can be suppressed, and when the second electrode contacts the unit thermoelectric material, excessive pressure can be suppressed from being applied to the unit thermoelectric material. Therefore, a beneficial effect of preventing the unit thermoelectric material from being damaged and destroyed due to excessive pressure applied to the unit thermoelectric material can be obtained.

[0023] In particular, the elastic support portion includes a non-conductive material. In this way, a beneficial effect of preventing current leakage caused by contact between the elastic support portion and the corresponding electrodes (the first electrode and the second electrode) can be obtained.

[0024] In addition, a plurality of unit thermoelectric materials constituting the thermoelectric module are connected in parallel to a power supply unit.

[0025] According to another exemplary embodiment, a plurality of unit thermoelectric materials constituting the thermoelectric module are connected in series to the power supply unit. As described above, since a plurality of unit thermoelectric materials constituting the thermoelectric module are connected in series to the power supply unit, the thermoelectric module can ensure a sufficiently large resistance, thereby obtaining a beneficial effect of suppressing overload current from being applied to the thermoelectric module.

[0026] The thermoelectric module includes a resistance measuring unit configured to measure the total resistance generated by a plurality of unit thermoelectric materials; and a control unit configured to control the voltage to be applied to the first electrode based on the resistance measured by the resistance measuring unit. This configuration is based on the fact that the total resistance of the thermoelectric module varies according to the area to which pressure is applied (depending on the portion where the unit thermoelectric material and the second electrode are connected). The total resistance of the thermoelectric module is detected in real time by the resistance measuring unit, and a voltage proportional to the detected total resistance is controlled and applied, thereby obtaining the advantageous effect of continuously applying a constant current to the unit thermoelectric material.

[0027] According to the present invention described above, it is possible to obtain the advantageous effect of improving the temperature control efficiency and energy efficiency of the thermoelectric module.

[0028] In particular, according to various aspects of the present invention, temperature control is not performed on the entire area of ​​the thermoelectric module at once, but can be independently temperature controlled only on a specific area of ​​the thermoelectric module that is actually in contact with the user's body according to the use environment (for example, the user's body type and posture). Therefore, it is possible to obtain the beneficial effects of minimizing heat loss and significantly reducing power consumption. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Figure 1 is a view for explaining a thermoelectric module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An enlarged view of portion “A” in FIG.

[0031] Figure 3 is a view for explaining a state in which an N-type thermoelectric material and a P-type thermoelectric material form a closed loop when pressure is applied in a thermoelectric module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 4 is a view for explaining a state in which an N-type thermoelectric material and a P-type thermoelectric material form a disconnected loop when pressure is released in a thermoelectric module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 5 is a view for explaining an operating state of a unit thermoelectric material when pressure is locally applied in a thermoelectric module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 6 1 is a diagram for explaining another exemplary embodiment of an elastic supporting portion in a thermoelectric module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 71 is a diagram for explaining still another exemplary embodiment of an elastic support portion in a thermoelectric module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 8 is a view for explaining a series structure of unit thermoelectric materials in a thermoelectric module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Fig. 9 2 is a view for explaining a resistance measuring unit and a control unit in a thermoelectric module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Description of Reference Numerals

[0039] 100: Thermoelectric module

[0040] 110: First substrate

[0041] 120: First electrode

[0042] 130: Unit thermoelectric material

[0043] 132: N-type thermoelectric material

[0044] 134: P-type thermoelectric material

[0045] 140: Second electrode

[0046] 150: Second substrate

[0047] 160,160': Elastic support

[0048] 162: First side elastic member

[0049] 164: Second side elastic member

[0050] 166: Central elastic member

[0051] 168: Rigid component

[0052] 169: Elastic member

[0053] 170: Power supply unit

[0054] 180: Resistance measurement unit

[0055] 190: Control unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the present invention is not limited or constrained by the exemplary embodiments. For reference, in this specification, the same reference numerals represent substantially the same elements, and descriptions can be made by combining the contents shown in other drawings under this rule, and repeated contents or contents determined to be obvious to those skilled in the art can be omitted.

[0057] Figure 1 is a view for explaining a thermoelectric module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An enlarged view of part "A" in FIG. Figure 3 is a view for explaining a state in which an N-type thermoelectric material and a P-type thermoelectric material form a closed loop when pressure is applied in a thermoelectric module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, Figure 4 is a view for explaining a state in which an N-type thermoelectric material and a P-type thermoelectric material form a disconnected loop when pressure is released in a thermoelectric module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, Figure 5 is a view for explaining an operating state of a unit thermoelectric material when pressure is locally applied in a thermoelectric module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 1 is a diagram for explaining another exemplary embodiment of an elastic supporting portion in a thermoelectric module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 1 is a diagram for explaining still another exemplary embodiment of an elastic support portion in a thermoelectric module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 is a view for explaining a series structure of unit thermoelectric materials in a thermoelectric module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 9 2 is a view for explaining a resistance measuring unit and a control unit in a thermoelectric module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] Reference Figures 1 to 9 , a thermoelectric module 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a first substrate 110, a plurality of unit thermoelectric materials 130 including N-type thermoelectric materials 132 and P-type thermoelectric materials 134 and arranged on one surface of the first substrate 110, a plurality of first electrodes 120, each of which is electrically connected to a first end of a corresponding one of the N-type thermoelectric materials 132 or a first end of each of the P-type thermoelectric materials 134 and is configured to be supplied with power by a power supply unit 170, and a plurality of second electrodes 140, each of which is arranged to be separated from a second end of a corresponding one of the N-type thermoelectric materials 132 and a second end of a corresponding one of the P-type thermoelectric materials 134 by a predetermined gap ( Figure 2G), and a second substrate 150 configured to support the second electrodes 140. When a pressure P is applied to the second substrate 150 from the outside, each second electrode 140 is electrically connected to a second end of a corresponding one of the N-type thermoelectric materials 132 and a second end of a corresponding one of the P-type thermoelectric materials 134.

[0059] The first substrate 110 is provided to maintain the appearance of the thermoelectric module 100 and to protect the unit thermoelectric material 130 from the external environment.

[0060] The first substrate 110 may be variously changed in shape, material, and structure according to required conditions and usage environments, but the present invention is not limited or constrained by the shape, material, and structure of the first substrate 110. For example, the first substrate 110 may be made of a flexible material having electrical insulation properties (e.g., silicone, etc.).

[0061] Each unit thermoelectric material 130 includes one N-type thermoelectric material 132 and one P-type thermoelectric material 134 having opposite polarities. The unit thermoelectric materials 130 are arranged on one surface (eg, upper surface) of the first substrate 110 in a predetermined pattern.

[0062] As an example, the unit thermoelectric materials 130 may be arranged in a zigzag pattern. According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the unit thermoelectric materials 130 may be arranged in a straight line pattern or in other patterns, but the present invention is not limited or constrained by the arrangement pattern of the unit thermoelectric materials 130 .

[0063] Each of the first electrodes 120 is electrically connected to a first end of a corresponding one of the N-type thermoelectric materials 132 or to a first end of a corresponding one of the P-type thermoelectric materials 134 , and power is applied to the first electrodes 120 from the power supply unit 170 .

[0064] Here, applying power to the first electrode 120 includes applying a forward current or a reverse current to the first electrode 120. For example, when a forward current is applied to the first electrode 120, the unit thermoelectric material 130 may be heated, and conversely, when a reverse current is applied to the first electrode 120, the unit thermoelectric material 130 may be cooled.

[0065] More specifically, the first electrode 120 is provided at the lower end of the unit thermoelectric material 130, and is disposed between the unit thermoelectric material 130 and the first substrate 110. In some cases, other layers such as a bonding layer may be disposed between the unit thermoelectric material 130 and the first electrode 120.

[0066] The first electrode 120 may be made of a typical metal material (eg, copper) that can be electrically connected to the unit thermoelectric material 130 , but the present invention is not limited or constrained by the material of the first electrode 120 .

[0067] According to an aspect of the present invention, a plurality of unit thermoelectric materials 130 constituting the thermoelectric module 100 may be connected to the power supply unit 170 in parallel or in series.

[0068] For example, Figure 1 1 shows the structure of a thermoelectric module 100, which includes a plurality of unit thermoelectric materials 130 connected in parallel to a power supply unit 170. Figure 1 The first electrodes 120 are respectively connected to the lower end of each N-type thermoelectric material 132 and the lower end of each P-type thermoelectric material 134 of the unit thermoelectric material 130 , and a plurality of first electrodes 120 are connected in parallel to the power supply unit 170 .

[0069] As another example, Figure 8 1 shows a structure of a thermoelectric module 100' including a plurality of unit thermoelectric materials 130 connected in series to a power supply unit 170. Figure 8 , the first electrode 120 is integrally connected to the lower ends of the thermoelectric materials (N-type thermoelectric material and P-type thermoelectric material) having opposite polarities of the unit thermoelectric materials 130 adjacent to each other, and a plurality of first electrodes 120 are connected in series to the power supply unit 170. For example, when the first unit thermoelectric material 130 and the second unit thermoelectric material 130, each having one N-type thermoelectric material 132 and one P-type thermoelectric material 134, are arranged adjacent to each other, the first electrode 120 is configured to be connected to both the N-type thermoelectric material 132 of the first unit thermoelectric material 130 and the P-type thermoelectric material 134 of the second unit thermoelectric material 130.

[0070] The second electrode 140 is disposed to be spaced apart from a second end of a corresponding one of the N-type thermoelectric materials 132 and a second end of a corresponding one of the P-type thermoelectric materials 134 by a predetermined gap G, and a second substrate 150 is provided to support the second electrode 140 .

[0071] More specifically, the second electrode 140 is configured to be connected to both the N-type thermoelectric material 132 and the P-type thermoelectric material 134 constituting the unit thermoelectric material 130 , and is disposed to be spaced apart from the upper end of the unit thermoelectric material 130 by the gap G.

[0072] The second electrode 140 may be made of a typical metal material (eg, copper) that can be electrically connected to the unit thermoelectric material 130 , but the present invention is not limited or restricted by the material of the second electrode 140 .

[0073] In this case, the gap G between the second electrode 140 and the unit thermoelectric material 130 may vary according to the material of the second substrate 150 or the use environment.

[0074] That is, in the case where the gap G is equal to or larger than a predetermined size, the second electrode 140 is hardly connected to the unit thermoelectric material 130 even if the second substrate 150 is pressed. In contrast, in the case where the gap G is equal to or smaller than a predetermined size, the unit thermoelectric material 130 may be destroyed or damaged by the pressure P of the second electrode 140 pressing the unit thermoelectric material 130 by the second substrate 150. Therefore, the size of the gap G needs to be adjusted according to the material of the second substrate 150 or the use environment.

[0075] As an example, when the user's body contacts the second substrate 150 and the second substrate 150 is pressed, the size of the gap G between the second electrode 140 and the unit thermoelectric material 130 may correspond to the bending deformation height of the second substrate 150 .

[0076] The second substrate 150 and the first substrate 110 are provided to maintain the appearance of the thermoelectric module 100 and to protect the unit thermoelectric material 130 from the external environment.

[0077] The second substrate 150 may have different shapes, materials, and structures according to required conditions and usage environments, but the present invention is not limited or constrained by the shape, material, and structure of the second substrate 150 .

[0078] Particularly, the second substrate 150 is made of a material (eg, silicone) that can be elastically bent when the user's body comes into contact with the second substrate 150. More specifically, the second substrate 150 has an electrical insulation property.

[0079] Since the second substrate 150 is made of an elastically deformable material as described above, when a pressure P is applied to the second substrate 150 due to contact with the user's body U, a portion of the second substrate 150 is partially and elastically deformed, such as Figure 5 Therefore, only some of the plurality of second electrodes 140 corresponding to different unit thermoelectric materials 130 may be electrically connected to the second ends of some N-type thermoelectric materials 132 and the second ends of some P-type thermoelectric materials 134 (e.g., N-type thermoelectric materials and P-type thermoelectric materials disposed below the region where pressure is applied).

[0080] In particular, the elastic support part 160 is disposed between the first substrate 110 and the second substrate 150 .

[0081] The elastic support part 160 is disposed between the first substrate 110 and the second substrate 150. When the pressure P applied to the second substrate 150 is released, the second substrate 150 returns to the initial position by the elastic force of the elastic support part 160, so that the gap G between the second electrode 140 and the unit thermoelectric material 130 can be maintained.

[0082] Here, the arrangement of maintaining the gap G between the second electrode 140 and the unit thermoelectric material 130 refers to maintaining a state in which the second electrode 140 and the unit thermoelectric material 130 are separated by a predetermined gap G.

[0083] In order to maintain the gap G, the elastic support part 160 may have various structures capable of elastically supporting the second electrode 140 attached to the second substrate 150 .

[0084] As an example, refer to Figures 2 to 4 The elastic support portion 160 includes a first side elastic member 162 disposed on an outer surface of the N-type thermoelectric material 132 and a second side elastic member 164 disposed on an outer surface of the P-type thermoelectric material 134 .

[0085] Each of the first and second side elastic members 162 and 164 is formed to have a length corresponding to the interval between the first and second substrates 110 and 150 .

[0086] refer to Figure 2 , when no compressive force (pressure applied to the second substrate) is applied to the first side elastic member 162 and the second side elastic member 164, the second electrode 140 is supported in a state where the second electrode 140 is separated from the unit thermoelectric material 130 by a predetermined gap G. When the gap G exists between the second electrode 140 and the unit thermoelectric material 130, the unit thermoelectric material 130 is not heated or cooled even if power is supplied to the unit thermoelectric material 130.

[0087] refer to Figure 3 , when pressure P is applied to the second substrate 150 and the second substrate 150 is deformed, the first side elastic member 162 and the second side elastic member 164 are compressed, so that the second electrode 140 is connected to the unit thermoelectric material 130. When the second electrode 140 is connected to the unit thermoelectric material 130, the N-type thermoelectric material 132 and the P-type thermoelectric material 134 form a closed loop, so that the unit thermoelectric material 130 is heated or cooled.

[0088] like Figure 4 As shown, when the pressure P applied to the second substrate 150 is released, the second substrate 150 returns to the initial position (for example, the position before the second substrate 150 is deformed) through the elastic restoring force of the first side elastic member 162 and the second side elastic member 164, so that the second electrode 140 returns to be separated from the unit thermoelectric material 130 by a predetermined gap G.

[0089] According to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first side elastic member 162 is disposed on the outer surface of the N-type thermoelectric material 132, and the second side elastic member 164 is disposed on the outer surface of the P-type thermoelectric material 134. On the other hand, according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, only one of the first side elastic member 162 and the second side elastic member 164 may be used.

[0090] According to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the elastic support portion 160 includes a central elastic member 166 disposed between the N-type thermoelectric material 132 and the P-type thermoelectric material 134 .

[0091] refer to Figure 6 , the central elastic member 166 is disposed between the N-type thermoelectric material 132 and the P-type thermoelectric material 134 constituting the unit thermoelectric material 130, and the central elastic member 166 elastically supports the second electrode 140. In the above structure, when pressure P is applied to the second substrate 150, the central elastic member 166 is compressed so that the second electrode 140 is connected to both the N-type thermoelectric material 132 and the P-type thermoelectric material 134.

[0092] According to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the elastic support portion 160 ′ includes a rigid member 168 disposed between the first substrate 110 and the second substrate 150 , and an elastic member 169 disposed on at least one of a plurality of ends of the rigid member 168 .

[0093] As an example, refer to Figure 7 The elastic member 169 may be disposed at the upper end of the rigid member 168 (based on Figure 7 ). In some cases, the elastic member 169 may be disposed at the lower end of the rigid member 168 , or disposed at the upper and lower ends of the rigid member 168 .

[0094] Here, the rigid member 168 refers to a member made of an incompressible material that is not compressed when the pressure P is applied, but the present invention is not limited or restricted by the material of the rigid member 168 .

[0095] As described above, since the elastic support portion 160' has a double-layer structure including the rigid member 168 and the elastic member 169, the second substrate 150 can be suppressed from being excessively deformed, and when the second electrode 140 contacts the unit thermoelectric material 130, the pressure P can be suppressed from being excessively applied to the unit thermoelectric material 130. Therefore, a beneficial effect of preventing the unit thermoelectric material 130 from being damaged and destroyed due to the excessive pressure P applied to the unit thermoelectric material 130 can be obtained.

[0096] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the elastic member 169 may be provided at an end of the rigid member 168. However, according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the elastic member 169 may be provided at a portion (eg, a central portion) spaced apart from the end of the rigid member 168.

[0097] In addition, each elastic support portion 160' including a rigid member 168 and an elastic member 169 may be disposed on an outer surface of the N-type thermoelectric material 132 and an outer surface of the P-type thermoelectric material 134, or the elastic support portion 160' may be disposed between the N-type thermoelectric material 132 and the P-type thermoelectric material 134. The arrangement position of the elastic support portion 160' may be changed in various ways according to required conditions and design specifications.

[0098] Particularly, each of the elastic supporting parts 160 and 160 ′ is made of a non-conductive material.

[0099] For reference, in the present invention, the case where each of the elastic support parts 160 and 160 ′ is made of a non-conductive material may include both cases where the elastic support parts 160 and 160 ′ have no conductivity or have extremely low conductivity so that there is no current leakage.

[0100] As described above, each of the elastic support portions 160 and 160 ′ is made of a non-conductive material, thereby obtaining an advantageous effect of preventing current leakage caused by contact between the elastic support portions 160 and 160 ′ and the corresponding electrodes (the first electrode and the second electrode).

[0101] At the same time, as mentioned above, reference Figure 8 , a plurality of unit thermoelectric materials 130 constituting the thermoelectric module 100 ′ may be connected in series to the power supply unit 170 .

[0102] As described above, since a plurality of unit thermoelectric materials 130 are connected in series to the power supply unit 170 , the thermoelectric module 100 ′ can ensure a sufficiently large resistance, thereby obtaining a beneficial effect of suppressing an overload current from being applied to the thermoelectric module 100 ′.

[0103] That is, since a plurality of unit thermoelectric materials 130 are connected in parallel to the power supply unit 170 (see, for example, Figure 1 ), each unit thermoelectric material 130 has a low resistance, so even if the same external voltage is applied, a relatively high current flows through the unit thermoelectric material 130. In contrast, in the case where a plurality of unit thermoelectric materials 130 are connected in series and configured as a single module, a sufficiently large resistance can be ensured to suppress overcurrent, thereby obtaining a beneficial effect of maintaining the current value at an appropriate level relative to the external voltage.

[0104] In addition, refer to Fig. 9, the thermoelectric module 100 according to one aspect of the present invention may include: a resistance measuring unit 180 (e.g., an ohmmeter) configured to measure a total resistance generated by a plurality of unit thermoelectric materials 130; and a control unit 190 configured to control a voltage to be applied to the first electrode 120 based on the resistance measured by the resistance measuring unit 180. The control unit 190 of the device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may be a processor (e.g., a computer, a microprocessor, a CPU, an ASIC, a circuit, a logic circuit, etc.).

[0105] As described above, the total resistance Ω generated by the plurality of unit thermoelectric materials 130 is measured, and the voltage applied to the first electrode 120 is controlled based on the measurement result (total resistance), so that a constant current can be always applied to the unit thermoelectric material 130 .

[0106] This configuration is based on the fact that the total resistance of the thermoelectric module 100 varies according to the area (depending on the portion where the unit thermoelectric material and the second electrode are connected) of the applied pressure P. The total resistance of the thermoelectric module 100 is detected in real time by the resistance measuring unit, and a voltage proportional to the detected total resistance is controlled and applied, thereby obtaining the beneficial effect of always applying a constant current to the unit thermoelectric material 130.

[0107] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes may be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention disclosed in the claims.

Claims

1. A thermoelectric module, include: a first substrate; A plurality of unit thermoelectric materials, including N-type thermoelectric materials and P-type thermoelectric materials, are disposed on one surface of the first substrate; a plurality of first electrodes, each of the first electrodes being electrically connected to a first end of a corresponding one of the N-type thermoelectric materials or a first end of a corresponding one of the P-type thermoelectric materials, the plurality of first electrodes being configured to be powered by a power supply unit; a plurality of second electrodes, each of the second electrodes being disposed to be spaced apart from a second end of a corresponding one of the N-type thermoelectric materials and a second end of a corresponding one of the P-type thermoelectric materials by a predetermined gap; a second substrate configured to support the plurality of second electrodes, wherein each of the plurality of second electrodes is electrically connected to a second end of a corresponding one of the N-type thermoelectric materials and a second end of a corresponding one of the P-type thermoelectric materials when pressure is applied to the second substrate from the outside; and an elastic support portion disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate so as to maintain the predetermined gap when the pressure is released, wherein one of the elastic support parts includes any one or both of a first side elastic member disposed on an outer surface of one of the N-type thermoelectric materials and a second side elastic member disposed on an outer surface of one of the P-type thermoelectric materials, and Each of the first side elastic member and the second side elastic member is formed to extend from the first substrate to the second substrate and has a length corresponding to a distance between the first substrate and the second substrate.

2. The thermoelectric module according to claim 1, in, The second substrate includes an elastic material that can be elastically deformed when the pressure is applied.

3. The thermoelectric module according to claim 2, in, When the pressure is applied, the second substrate is locally and elastically deformed so that some of the plurality of second electrodes are electrically connected to second ends of some of the N-type thermoelectric materials and second ends of some of the P-type thermoelectric materials.

4. The thermoelectric module according to claim 1, in, One of the elastic support parts includes a central elastic member disposed between one of the N-type thermoelectric materials and one of the P-type thermoelectric materials, and wherein each of the plurality of unit thermoelectric materials includes one N-type thermoelectric material and one P-type thermoelectric material.

5. The thermoelectric module according to claim 1, in, One of the elastic support parts comprises: a rigid member disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate; and The elastic member is arranged on at least one end portion of the plurality of ends of the rigid member.

6. The thermoelectric module according to claim 1, in, One of the elastic support parts includes a non-conductive material.

7. The thermoelectric module according to claim 1, in, The plurality of unit thermoelectric materials are connected in parallel to the power supply unit.

8. The thermoelectric module according to claim 1, in, The plurality of unit thermoelectric materials are connected in series to the power supply unit.

9. The thermoelectric module according to claim 1, include: a resistance measuring unit configured to measure a total resistance of the plurality of unit thermoelectric materials; and A control unit is configured to control a voltage applied to the plurality of first electrodes based on a total resistance measured by the resistance measuring unit.

10. The thermoelectric module according to claim 1, in, The power supply unit selectively applies a forward current or a reverse current to each of the plurality of unit thermoelectric materials.

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