Thermoelectric module and manufacturing method thereof

Abstract

The present application relates to a thermoelectric module and a method for manufacturing the same. The module includes an N-type thermoelectric material and a P-type thermoelectric material spaced apart from the N-type thermoelectric material. A flexible electrode is electrically connected to the N-type thermoelectric material and the P-type thermoelectric material. The flexible electrode is configured to bend to match the curvature of an object (e.g., a vehicle's steering wheel).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a thermoelectric module and a method for manufacturing the thermoelectric module. Background Art

[0002] A thermoelectric device is a device that converts thermal energy into electrical energy or vice versa. A thermoelectric device is also known as a thermoelectric module, Peltier module, or thermoelectric cooler (TEC). Thermoelectric devices are widely used as cooling or heating devices that utilize the Peltier effect, whereby when current is supplied to opposite ends of a loop consisting of different conductors, one side is heated and the other side is cooled.

[0003] A steering wheel is a device typically installed in a vehicle to allow the driver to steer the vehicle in a desired direction. The force applied by the driver to the steering wheel is transmitted via a steering mechanism comprising a steering column, rack, and pinion to the drive wheels, which are equipped with a suspension system, to change the direction of the drive wheels, thereby changing the direction of the vehicle's travel according to the driver's intention.

[0004] Generally, a steering wheel includes an annular rim gripped by a driver's hands, a hub formed at a central portion thereof to which a steering column is coupled, and spokes formed to have a predetermined size so as to accommodate an airbag and a horn therein.

[0005] In hot summer, the steering wheel for a vehicle is directly exposed to strong sunlight, and thus its surface temperature increases to the extent that it is difficult for the driver to grip the steering wheel with his hands. In cold winter, the surface temperature of the steering wheel decreases to the extent that it is difficult for the driver to grip the steering wheel with his hands.

[0006] Therefore, in recent years, temperature control devices that directly cool or heat a steering wheel using a thermoelectric device capable of performing heating and cooling operations have been developed, thereby increasing the commercial value of the steering wheel compared to a steering wheel having only basic functions.

[0007] However, conventional bulk-type thermoelectric devices are rigid and difficult to bend, making them difficult to install on objects with large curvatures, such as the rim of a steering wheel. Furthermore, there are limitations in securing the installation location and area for conventional bulk-type thermoelectric devices. Furthermore, it is difficult to sufficiently secure an effective area for dissipating or absorbing heat.

[0008] Therefore, in recent years, various studies have been conducted to enable thermoelectric devices to be freely bent to match the curvature of an object and to mount the thermoelectric devices on the curved surface of the object while sufficiently ensuring the effective cooling area and heating area of ​​the thermoelectric devices, but the results are insufficient, and thus development thereof is required. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The present disclosure relates to a thermoelectric module and a method for manufacturing the same. Specific embodiments relate to a thermoelectric module that can be easily mounted on a curved surface of an object and a method for manufacturing the same.

[0010] Embodiments of the present disclosure may help alleviate the problems discussed above. For example, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a thermoelectric module having improved installation freedom and capable of being easily installed on a curved surface of an object, and a method for manufacturing the same.

[0011] Other embodiments provide a thermoelectric module having an improved arrangement freedom of an N-type thermoelectric material and a P-type thermoelectric material and being freely bendable to match a curved surface of an object, and a method of manufacturing the same.

[0012] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the above and other objects can be accomplished by providing a thermoelectric module including an N-type thermoelectric material, a P-type thermoelectric material disposed to be spaced apart from the N-type thermoelectric material, and a flexible electrode electrically connected to the N-type thermoelectric material and the P-type thermoelectric material and configured to bend to match the curvature of an object.

[0013] Therefore, it is possible to simplify the structure of the thermoelectric module and easily mount the thermoelectric module on a curved surface of an object.

[0014] Conventional in-line thermoelectric devices are rigid and difficult to bend, making them difficult to install on objects with large curvatures, such as the rim of a steering wheel. Furthermore, there are limitations on securing the installation location and area for conventional in-line thermoelectric devices. Furthermore, it is difficult to sufficiently secure an effective area for dissipating or absorbing heat.

[0015] However, according to the present disclosure, since the N-type thermoelectric material and the P-type thermoelectric material are connected to flexible electrodes that can be bent to match the curvature of an object, the arrangement freedom (bending freedom) of the N-type thermoelectric material and the P-type thermoelectric material is improved, and thus the thermoelectric module can be set to be rolled up to match the curvature of the object.

[0016] Therefore, the thermoelectric module can be easily mounted on an object without limitation due to the curvature of the object, and an effective area for consuming or absorbing heat can be sufficiently ensured.

[0017] The N-type thermoelectric material and the P-type thermoelectric material may form a unit thermoelectric material. The unit thermoelectric material may be provided as a plurality of unit thermoelectric materials, and the plurality of unit thermoelectric materials may be spaced apart from each other along the curvature of the object.

[0018] The plurality of unit thermoelectric materials may be spaced apart from each other in a circumferential direction or a longitudinal direction of the object.

[0019] Flexible electrodes can connect unit thermoelectric materials in series. Through a structure in which the unit thermoelectric materials constituting the thermoelectric module are connected in series, sufficient resistance can be ensured to suppress overcurrent, thereby maintaining a suitable level of current relative to the external voltage.

[0020] The flexible electrode may include a first flexible electrode and a second flexible electrode, the first flexible electrode being electrically connected to one end of an N-type thermoelectric material and electrically connected to one end of a P-type thermoelectric material, the N-type thermoelectric material and the P-type thermoelectric material forming each unit thermoelectric material, the second flexible electrode being electrically connected to the opposite end of the P-type thermoelectric material of one of the unit thermoelectric materials adjacent to each other and electrically connected to the opposite end of the N-type thermoelectric material of the remaining unit thermoelectric material adjacent to each other.

[0021] The thermoelectric module may include a support member supporting one of the unit thermoelectric materials adjacent to each other in a circumferential direction or a longitudinal direction of the object and the remaining one of the unit thermoelectric materials adjacent to each other.

[0022] The support member may support an N-type thermoelectric material of one of the unit thermoelectric materials adjacent to each other and a P-type thermoelectric material of the remaining one of the unit thermoelectric materials adjacent to each other.

[0023] The holder member may include a first receiving hole receiving the N-type thermoelectric material therein and a second receiving hole receiving the P-type thermoelectric material therein.

[0024] The bracket member may be provided as a plurality of bracket members, and the plurality of bracket members may be arranged along the curvature of the steering wheel so that the long sides of the bracket members are oriented in the circumferential direction of the steering wheel. Therefore, since the bracket members are arranged along the curvature of the steering wheel so that the long sides thereof are oriented in the circumferential direction of the steering wheel, the bracket members may be placed along the curvature of the steering wheel so that the bracket members are in close contact with the outer surface of the steering wheel.

[0025] The thermoelectric module may include a support member connecting support members disposed in a circumferential direction of the object and supporting an arrangement of the support members.

[0026] Therefore, since the bracket member is supported by the supporting member, it is possible to stably support the arrangement of the bracket member and minimize separation of the bracket member.

[0027] The support member may comprise a wire continuously wound around the stent member.

[0028] Each of the bracket members may have a through-hole formed therein, and the wire may be wound around the bracket member while passing through the through-hole. Therefore, since the wire is wound around the bracket member while passing through the through-hole formed in each bracket member, the use of the wire can more securely bind the bracket members and more effectively suppress separation of the bracket members.

[0029] The N-type thermoelectric material and the P-type thermoelectric material can be brought into close contact with the object by applying tension to the wire. The wire can optionally be fixed to the steering wheel.

[0030] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for manufacturing a thermoelectric module is provided. The method includes preparing a thermoelectric module including an N-type thermoelectric material, a P-type thermoelectric material spaced apart from the N-type thermoelectric material, and flexible electrodes electrically connected to the N-type thermoelectric material and the P-type thermoelectric material, and bending the thermoelectric module to match the curvature of an object.

[0031] Preparing a thermoelectric module may include: forming a flexible electrode layer on an upper surface of a substrate, placing a thermoelectric material jig plate on an upper surface of the flexible electrode layer, installing an N-type thermoelectric material and a P-type thermoelectric material in a jig hole formed in the thermoelectric material jig plate, soldering the N-type thermoelectric material and the P-type thermoelectric material to the flexible electrode layer, removing the thermoelectric material jig plate, forming a first flexible electrode electrically connected to one end of the N-type thermoelectric material and one end of the P-type thermoelectric material by cutting away the flexible electrode layer, and forming a second flexible electrode electrically connected to an opposite end of the N-type thermoelectric material and an opposite end of the P-type thermoelectric material. In preparing the thermoelectric module, the thermoelectric module may be provided in a planar shape.

[0032] The method may include: after forming the first flexible electrode, installing a support member to support the N-type thermoelectric material and the P-type thermoelectric material adjacent to each other. The second flexible electrode may be formed in a state where the support member is installed.

[0033] In mounting the holder member, the N-type thermoelectric material may be received in the first receiving hole formed in the holder member, and the P-type thermoelectric material may be received in the second receiving hole formed in the holder member.

[0034] The method may include winding a wire around a support member constituting the thermoelectric module.

[0035] In bending the thermoelectric module, the first and second flexible electrodes may be bent to match the curvature of the object.

[0036] In bending the thermoelectric module, the first and second flexible electrodes may be bent to match the curvature of an object by pulling the support member using a wire. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] The above and other objects, features and other advantages of the present disclosure will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0038] Figure 1 is a view showing an object to which a thermoelectric module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is applied;

[0039] Figure 2 It is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG.

[0040] Figure 3 and Figure 4 is a view showing a thermoelectric module according to the embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0041] Figure 5 is a view showing an arrangement structure of the thermoelectric module according to the embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0042] Figures 6 to 15 is a view illustrating a method of manufacturing a thermoelectric module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] The advantages and features of the present disclosure and the methods for achieving them will become apparent from the various aspects described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the aspects disclosed herein, but may be implemented in various different forms. These aspects are provided so that the description of the present disclosure thoroughly and completely conveys the scope of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art. It should be noted that the scope of the present disclosure is limited only by the claims. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements. In relation to the description of the present disclosure, when it is determined that a detailed description of the relevant known technology would unnecessarily obscure the subject matter of the present disclosure, the detailed description may be omitted.

[0044] Figure 1 is a view showing an object to which a thermoelectric module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is applied, and Figure 2 It is along Figure 1 The cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. Figure 3 and Figure 4 is a view showing a thermoelectric module according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 5 is a view showing an arrangement structure of the thermoelectric module according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] refer to Figures 1 to 5 A thermoelectric module 10 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes an N-type thermoelectric material 110, a P-type thermoelectric material 120 disposed to be spaced apart from the N-type thermoelectric material 110, and a flexible electrode 200 electrically connected to the N-type thermoelectric material 110 and the P-type thermoelectric material 120 and configured to bend to match the curvature of an object.

[0046] The thermoelectric module 10 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be mounted on an object having a curved outer surface. The present disclosure is not restricted or limited by the type or structure of the object.

[0047] refer to Figure 1 In one example, the thermoelectric module 10 according to this embodiment of the present disclosure is mounted on the rim 22 of the steering wheel 20 .

[0048] refer to Figures 2 to 5 , the N-type thermoelectric material 110 and the P-type thermoelectric material 120 are arranged to form a unit thermoelectric material 100 .

[0049] Each unit thermoelectric material 100 includes a single N-type thermoelectric material 110 and a single P-type thermoelectric material 120 having opposite polarities to each other. The unit thermoelectric materials 100 may be arranged in any of various patterns according to required circumstances and design specifications.

[0050] In one example, the unit thermoelectric materials 100 may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the curvature of an object (e.g., the rim of a steering wheel). The unit thermoelectric materials 100 may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction (or longitudinal direction) of the object, or may be arranged in a zigzag pattern.

[0051] Specifically, the unit thermoelectric materials 100 arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the object 20 form a first unit thermoelectric material group 101. The unit thermoelectric materials 100 arranged to be spaced apart from the first unit thermoelectric material group 101 in the longitudinal direction of the object 20 and to be spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the object 20 form a second unit thermoelectric material group 102. The N-type thermoelectric material 110 arranged at the end portion of either the first unit thermoelectric material group 101 or the second unit thermoelectric material group 102 and the P-type thermoelectric material 120 arranged at the end portion of the other of the first unit thermoelectric material group 101 and the second unit thermoelectric material group 102 form an end unit thermoelectric material 103.

[0052] In this case, the first unit thermoelectric material group 101 and the second unit thermoelectric material group 102 may be provided in plural so as to be alternately arranged in the longitudinal direction of the object 20. The number of the first unit thermoelectric material group 101 and the number of the second unit thermoelectric material group 102 may be variously changed according to the required situation and design specifications.

[0053] The flexible electrode 200 is electrically connected to the N-type thermoelectric material 110 and the P-type thermoelectric material 120 , and is curved to match the curvature of the steering wheel 20 .

[0054] Therefore, since the N-type thermoelectric material 110 and the P-type thermoelectric material 120 are connected to the flexible electrode 200 that can be bent to match the curvature of the object, the arrangement freedom of the N-type thermoelectric material 110 and the P-type thermoelectric material 120 is improved, and the thermoelectric module 10 can be arranged to be rolled up to match the curvature of the object. Therefore, the thermoelectric module 10 can be easily installed on the object without being restricted by the curvature of the object, and the effective area for consuming or absorbing heat is fully ensured.

[0055] The flexible electrode 200 is electrically connected to the unit thermoelectric material 100 , and power is applied to the flexible electrode 200 from a power supply unit (not shown).

[0056] Here, the application of power to the flexible electrode 200 is defined as including both the application of a forward current to the flexible electrode 200 and the application of a reverse current to the flexible electrode 200. For example, when a forward current is applied to the flexible electrode 200, the unit thermoelectric material 100 may be heated. Conversely, when a reverse current is applied to the flexible electrode 200, the unit thermoelectric material 100 may be cooled.

[0057] The flexible electrode 200 may be electrically connected to the unit thermoelectric material 100 and may generally be formed of a flexibly bendable metallic material (eg, copper foil). However, the present disclosure is not restricted or limited by the material of the flexible electrode 200.

[0058] The flexible electrodes 200 connect the unit thermoelectric materials 100 constituting the thermoelectric module 10 to the power supply unit in series.

[0059] Specifically, the flexible electrode 200 includes a first flexible electrode 210 and a second flexible electrode 220, each first flexible electrode is electrically connected to one end of an N-type thermoelectric material 110 and one end of a P-type thermoelectric material 120, the N-type thermoelectric material and the P-type thermoelectric material constitute each unit thermoelectric material 100, and each second flexible electrode is electrically connected to the opposite end of the P-type thermoelectric material 120 of one unit thermoelectric material in two adjacent unit thermoelectric materials 100 and the opposite end of the N-type thermoelectric material 110 of the other unit thermoelectric material in the two adjacent unit thermoelectric materials 100.

[0060] refer to Figure 3 In one example, each first flexible electrode 210 is electrically connected to an upper end portion of an N-type thermoelectric material 110 and an upper end portion of a P-type thermoelectric material 120, the N-type thermoelectric material and the P-type thermoelectric material constituting each unit thermoelectric material 100, and each second flexible electrode 220 is electrically connected to a lower end portion of the P-type thermoelectric material 120 of one of two adjacent unit thermoelectric materials 100 and a lower end portion of the N-type thermoelectric material 110 of the other of the two adjacent unit thermoelectric materials 100.

[0061] Furthermore, the flexible electrode 200 includes third flexible electrodes 203, each of which is electrically connected to the N-type thermoelectric material 110 and the P-type thermoelectric material 120 constituting each end unit thermoelectric material 103. The first unit thermoelectric material group 101 and the second unit thermoelectric material group 102 are connected in series via the third flexible electrodes 203.

[0062] By the structure in which the unit thermoelectric materials 100 constituting the thermoelectric module 10 are connected in series to the power supply unit, sufficient resistance can be ensured for the thermoelectric module 10 , thereby preventing overcurrent from being applied to the thermoelectric module 10 .

[0063] In a structure (not shown) in which the unit thermoelectric materials 100 constituting the thermoelectric module 10 are connected in parallel to the power supply unit, each unit thermoelectric material 100 has a low resistance. Therefore, even when the same external voltage is applied to the thermoelectric module 10, a relatively high current flows through each unit thermoelectric material 100. On the other hand, when the unit thermoelectric materials 100 constituting the thermoelectric module 10 are connected in series to the power supply unit to form a single module, sufficient resistance can be ensured to suppress overcurrent, thereby maintaining an appropriate level of current relative to the external voltage.

[0064] Furthermore, the thermoelectric module 10 may include support members 230 , each of which supports two adjacent unit thermoelectric materials 100 .

[0065] In one example, each support member 230 is provided to support one unit thermoelectric material and the other unit thermoelectric material of two adjacent unit thermoelectric materials 100 provided in the circumferential direction (or longitudinal direction) of the steering wheel 20 .

[0066] Specifically, each support member 230 supports the N-type thermoelectric material 110 of one of the two adjacent unit thermoelectric materials 100 and the P-type thermoelectric material 120 of the other of the two adjacent unit thermoelectric materials 100 .

[0067] In one example, each support member 230 is formed in a rectangular block shape and includes a first receiving hole 232 for receiving a corresponding one of the N-type thermoelectric materials 110 therein and a second receiving hole 234 for receiving a corresponding one of the P-type thermoelectric materials 120 therein. The N-type thermoelectric material 110 may be received in the first receiving hole 232 such that its upper and lower end portions are exposed to the outside, and the P-type thermoelectric material 120 may be received in the second receiving hole 234 such that its upper and lower end portions are exposed to the outside.

[0068] Therefore, since the unit thermoelectric materials 100 are supported by the support members 230, the positions of the corresponding different unit thermoelectric materials 100 connected to the support members 230 can be simultaneously adjusted only by adjusting the position of the support members 230. In addition, through the structure in which the support members 230 support the unit thermoelectric materials 100, the arrangement of the unit thermoelectric materials 100 can be stably maintained, and damage to the unit thermoelectric materials 100 due to external influences and interference can be minimized.

[0069] The bracket member 230 may be disposed along the curvature of the steering wheel 20 such that the long side of the bracket member is oriented in the circumferential direction of the steering wheel 20. Therefore, since the bracket member 230 is disposed along the curvature of the steering wheel 20 such that the long side thereof is oriented in the circumferential direction of the steering wheel 20, the bracket member 230 may be placed along the curvature of the steering wheel 20 such that the bracket member 230 is in close contact with the outer surface of the steering wheel 20.

[0070] Furthermore, the thermoelectric module 10 includes a support member 240 that connects the support members 230 disposed in the circumferential direction of the object and supports the arrangement of the support members 230 .

[0071] Therefore, since the bracket member 230 is supported by the supporting member 240 , it is possible to stably support the arrangement of the bracket member 230 and minimize separation of the bracket member 230 .

[0072] The support member 240 may be formed in any of various structures capable of connecting to the bracket member 230. The present disclosure is not restricted or limited by the structure or type of the support member 240.

[0073] In one example, the support member 240 includes a wire 242 that is continuously wound around the stent member 230 .

[0074] Here, the wire 242 being continuously wound around the stent member 230 means, for example, that the stent member 230 is bundled by a single wire 242 .

[0075] Each of the bracket members 230 may have a through-hole 236 formed therein, through which the wire 242 passes so as to be wound around the bracket member 230. Therefore, since the wire 242 is wound around the bracket member 230 while passing through the through-hole 236 formed in each of the bracket members 230, the bracket members 230 can be more securely bound using the wire 242, and separation of the bracket members 230 can be more effectively suppressed.

[0076] The N-type thermoelectric material 110 and the P-type thermoelectric material 120 supported by the support member 230 may be brought into close contact with an object by tension applied to the wire 242 , and the wire 242 may be optionally fixed (eg, fastened) to the steering wheel 20 .

[0077] Although the embodiment of the present disclosure describes and illustrates that the support member 230 is fixed to the steering wheel 20 using the wire 242 by way of example, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the support member (or the N-type thermoelectric material and the P-type thermoelectric material) may be fixed to the steering wheel using a binding member (such as a wire tie), an adhesive member, or the like.

[0078] Hereinafter, a method of manufacturing a thermoelectric module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0079] Figure 6 is a view showing a step of forming an electrode layer in a method for manufacturing a thermoelectric module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 7 is a view showing a step of placing a jig plate in the thermoelectric module manufacturing method according to this embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 8 is a view showing a step of mounting a thermoelectric material in the thermoelectric module manufacturing method according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 9 is a view showing a step of soldering thermoelectric materials in the thermoelectric module manufacturing method according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 10 is a view showing a step of removing a jig plate in the thermoelectric module manufacturing method according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 11 is a view showing a step of forming a first flexible electrode in the method of manufacturing the thermoelectric module according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 12 is a view showing a step of placing an assembly plate in the thermoelectric module manufacturing method according to this embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 13 is a view showing a step of forming a second flexible electrode in the thermoelectric module manufacturing method according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 14 is a view showing a step of welding a second flexible electrode in the thermoelectric module manufacturing method according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 15 is a view showing a thermoelectric module manufactured by the thermoelectric module manufacturing method according to this embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0080] Components that are the same as or very similar to those described above are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0081] refer to Figures 6 to 15 A method for manufacturing a thermoelectric module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a preparation step of preparing a thermoelectric module 10 including an N-type thermoelectric material 110, a P-type thermoelectric material 120 spaced apart from the N-type thermoelectric material 110, and a flexible electrode 200 electrically connected to the N-type thermoelectric material 110 and the P-type thermoelectric material 120; and a bending step of bending the thermoelectric module 10 to match the curvature of an object.

[0082] In the preparation step, a thermoelectric module 10 including an N-type thermoelectric material 110 , a P-type thermoelectric material 120 and a flexible electrode 200 is prepared.

[0083] Specifically, the preparation step includes forming a flexible electrode layer 210' on the upper surface of the substrate 310, placing a thermoelectric material jig plate 320 on the upper surface of the flexible electrode layer 210', installing the N-type thermoelectric material 110 and the P-type thermoelectric material 120 in the jig holes 322 formed in the thermoelectric material jig plate 320, soldering the N-type thermoelectric material 110 and the P-type thermoelectric material 120 to the flexible electrode layer 210', removing the thermoelectric material jig plate 320, forming a first flexible electrode 210 electrically connected to one end of the N-type thermoelectric material 110 and the P-type thermoelectric material 120 by cutting off the flexible electrode layer 210', and forming a second flexible electrode 220 electrically connected to the opposite end of the N-type thermoelectric material 110 and the P-type thermoelectric material 120. In the preparation step, the thermoelectric module 10 is arranged in a planar shape.

[0084] Here, disposing the thermoelectric module 10 in a planar shape means disposing the thermoelectric module 10 in a non-bent shape.

[0085] First, refer to Figure 6 In the step of forming the electrode layer, the flexible electrode layer 210 ′ is formed on the upper surface of the substrate 310 .

[0086] Typically, the flexible electrode layer 210 ′ may be formed of a flexibly bendable metal material (eg, copper foil) and is cut away to form the first flexible electrode 210 after the N-type thermoelectric material 110 and the P-type thermoelectric material 120 are welded thereto.

[0087] Then, refer to Figure 7 , the thermoelectric material fixture plate 320 is disposed on the upper surface of the flexible electrode layer 210 ′.

[0088] The thermoelectric material jig plate 320 is provided to arrange the N-type thermoelectric material 110 and the P-type thermoelectric material 120 in a predetermined arrangement pattern.

[0089] Specifically, a plurality of jig holes 322 may be formed in the thermoelectric material jig plate 320 , and the N-type thermoelectric material 110 and the P-type thermoelectric material 120 may be disposed on the jig holes 322 .

[0090] Then, refer to Figure 8 , the N-type thermoelectric material 110 and the P-type thermoelectric material 120 are mounted in the jig holes 322 formed in the thermoelectric material jig plate 320 .

[0091] Before installing the N-type thermoelectric material 110 and the P-type thermoelectric material 120 in the jig holes 322 , solder paste is applied to the inside of each jig hole 322 (the upper surface of the flexible electrode layer 210 ′).

[0092] The solder paste is provided in the form of a mixture of solder powder and flux. However, the present disclosure is not restricted or limited by the type or characteristics of the solder paste.

[0093] Then, refer to Figure 9 , the N-type thermoelectric material 110 and the P-type thermoelectric material 120 are welded to the flexible electrode layer 210 ′.

[0094] In the welding step, a pressing plate 330 may be used to press the N-type thermoelectric material 110 and the P-type thermoelectric material 120. The N-type thermoelectric material 110 and the P-type thermoelectric material 120 are welded to the flexible electrode layer 210' by reflowing the solder paste while applying heat and pressure to the N-type thermoelectric material 110 and the P-type thermoelectric material 120.

[0095] Then, refer to Figure 10 , the pressing plate 330 and the thermoelectric material jig plate 320 are removed, and then the flexible electrode layer 210 ′ is cut away to form a first flexible electrode 210 electrically connected to one end of the N-type thermoelectric material 110 and the P-type thermoelectric material 120 .

[0096] In the step of forming the first flexible electrodes 210 , the flexible electrode layer 210 ′ is cut so that each first flexible electrode 210 corresponds to a corresponding unit thermoelectric material 100 .

[0097] Therefore, since the step of forming the first compliant electrode 210 is performed such that the first compliant electrode 210 is formed only by cutting the flexible electrode layer 210 ′, the process of forming the first compliant electrode 210 can be simplified and the time taken to form the first compliant electrode 210 can be shortened.

[0098] Then, refer to Figure 11 After forming the first flexible electrode 210 , the support members 230 may be installed such that each support member 230 supports a corresponding one of the N-type thermoelectric materials 110 and a corresponding one of the P-type thermoelectric materials 120 adjacent to each other.

[0099] Each holder member 230 is formed in a rectangular block shape, and includes a first receiving hole 232 receiving a corresponding one of the N-type thermoelectric materials 110 therein and a second receiving hole 234 receiving a corresponding one of the P-type thermoelectric materials 120 therein.

[0100] In the step of installing the support members 230, each N-type thermoelectric material 110 is received in the first receiving hole 232 formed in the corresponding one of the support members 230, and each P-type thermoelectric material 120 is received in the second receiving hole 234 formed in the corresponding one of the support members 230. The N-type thermoelectric material 110 may be received in the first receiving hole 232 such that the upper end portion and the lower end portion thereof are exposed to the outside, and the P-type thermoelectric material 120 may be received in the second receiving hole 234 such that the upper end portion and the lower end portion thereof are exposed to the outside.

[0101] Then, refer to Figure 13 , the second flexible electrode 220 is formed so as to be electrically connected to opposite ends of the N-type thermoelectric material 110 and the P-type thermoelectric material 120 .

[0102] Before forming the second flexible electrode 220, the assembly board 340 may be stacked on the substrate 310. Figure 12 ) forms a second flexible electrode 220.

[0103] In one example, solder paste (not shown) is applied to opposite ends of the N-type thermoelectric material 110 and the P-type thermoelectric material 120 , and then the second flexible electrode 220 is attached to the solder paste.

[0104] refer to Figure 14 After the second flexible electrode 220 is attached to the solder paste, the second flexible electrode 220 is soldered to opposite ends of the N-type thermoelectric material 110 and the P-type thermoelectric material 120 by causing the solder paste to reflow while applying heat and pressure to the N-type thermoelectric material 110 and the P-type thermoelectric material 120 using the pressing plate 330.

[0105] Subsequently, the pressing plate 330 , the assembling plate 340 , and the base plate 310 are removed, thereby completing the manufacture of the thermoelectric module 10 having a planar shape.

[0106] refer to Figure 15 The planar thermoelectric module 10 includes a plurality of N-type thermoelectric materials 110 and a plurality of P-type thermoelectric materials 120 electrically connected via a first flexible electrode 210 and a second flexible electrode 220 .

[0107] Thereafter, the thermoelectric module 10 is bent to match the curvature of the object (eg, a steering wheel).

[0108] In one example, in the bending step, the thermoelectric module 10 may be configured to be rolled in such a manner that the first and second flexible electrodes 210 and 220 are bent to match the curvature of an object.

[0109] In addition, the method of manufacturing the thermoelectric module according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a wire winding step of winding the wire 242 around the support member 230 of the thermoelectric module 10 .

[0110] In one example, each of the support members 230 may have a through hole 236 formed therein, and the wire 242 may be wound around the support member 230 while passing through the through hole 236 (see FIG. Figure 4 ).

[0111] In the bending step, the first and second flexible electrodes 210 and 220 are bent by pulling the support member 230 using the wire 242 , thereby causing the thermoelectric module to bend to match the curvature of the object.

[0112] As is apparent from the above description, according to the present disclosure, it is possible to improve the installation freedom of a thermoelectric module and thus easily install the thermoelectric module on a curved surface of an object.

[0113] Specifically, according to the present disclosure, arrangement freedom of N-type thermoelectric materials and P-type thermoelectric materials can be improved, and thus the thermoelectric module can be freely bent along a curved surface of an object having a large curvature, such as a steering wheel.

[0114] Furthermore, according to the present disclosure, a thermoelectric module can be easily mounted on an object without limitation due to the curvature of the object, and an effective area for consuming or absorbing heat is maximized, thereby improving cooling / heating performance.

[0115] This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0080094 filed on July 3, 2019, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

[0116] Although the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been disclosed for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as disclosed in the accompanying claims.

Claims

1. A thermoelectric module comprising: N-type thermoelectric material; A P-type thermoelectric material is arranged to be spaced apart from the N-type thermoelectric material; a flexible electrode electrically connected to the N-type thermoelectric material and the P-type thermoelectric material, the flexible electrode being configured to bend to match the curvature of an object; as well as a support member that supports one of the unit thermoelectric materials adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction or the longitudinal direction of the object and the remaining one of the unit thermoelectric materials adjacent to each other, wherein the N-type thermoelectric material and the P-type thermoelectric material are parts of a unit thermoelectric material, and wherein the thermoelectric module includes a plurality of unit thermoelectric materials, and the plurality of unit thermoelectric materials are spaced apart from each other along the curvature of the object, wherein the support member supports the N-type thermoelectric material of one of the adjacent unit thermoelectric materials and the P-type thermoelectric material of the remaining one of the adjacent unit thermoelectric materials; Wherein, the support component includes: a first receiving hole, receiving the N-type thermoelectric material therein; and a second receiving hole, receiving the P-type thermoelectric material in the second receiving hole; wherein the support member is arranged along the curvature of the object so that the long side of the support member is oriented in the circumferential direction of the object; wherein the support member is one of a plurality of support members, and the plurality of support members are arranged in a circumferential direction of the object; wherein the thermoelectric module includes a support member connected to the support member and supporting the arrangement of the support member; and Wherein, the supporting member is a wire continuously wound around the stent member.

2. The thermoelectric module according to claim 1, wherein The flexible electrode comprises: a first flexible electrode electrically connected to one end of the N-type thermoelectric material and electrically connected to one end of the P-type thermoelectric material, wherein each of the unit thermoelectric materials includes one N-type thermoelectric material, one P-type thermoelectric material, and one first flexible electrode; and The second flexible electrode is electrically connected to opposite ends of the P-type thermoelectric material of one of the adjacent unit thermoelectric materials and electrically connected to opposite ends of the N-type thermoelectric material of the remaining one of the adjacent unit thermoelectric materials.

3. The thermoelectric module according to claim 2, comprising: a first unit thermoelectric material group including a plurality of first unit thermoelectric materials arranged to be spaced apart from each other in a circumferential direction of the object; a second unit thermoelectric material group including a plurality of second unit thermoelectric materials arranged to be spaced apart from the first unit thermoelectric material group in the longitudinal direction of the object and spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the object; as well as The end unit thermoelectric material includes the N-type thermoelectric material provided at an end portion of one of the first unit thermoelectric material group and the second unit thermoelectric material group and the P-type thermoelectric material provided at an end portion of the remaining one of the first unit thermoelectric material group and the second unit thermoelectric material group.

4. The thermoelectric module according to claim 3, wherein The flexible electrode further includes a third flexible electrode electrically connected to the N-type thermoelectric material and the P-type thermoelectric material forming the end unit thermoelectric material.

5. The thermoelectric module according to claim 1, wherein The thermoelectric module includes a plurality of unit thermoelectric materials that are spaced apart from each other in a circumferential direction or a longitudinal direction of the object. The thermoelectric module according to claim 1 , wherein: Each of the bracket members has a through hole formed therein; and The wire is wound around the bracket component while passing through the through hole.

7. The thermoelectric module according to claim 1, wherein The N-type thermoelectric material and the P-type thermoelectric material are brought into close contact with the object by a tensile force applied to the wire.

8. A method for manufacturing a thermoelectric module, comprising: preparing a thermoelectric module, the thermoelectric module comprising an N-type thermoelectric material, a P-type thermoelectric material spaced apart from the N-type thermoelectric material, and a flexible electrode electrically connected to the N-type thermoelectric material and the P-type thermoelectric material; bending the thermoelectric module to match the curvature of the object, Wherein, preparing the thermoelectric module comprises: forming a flexible electrode layer on the upper surface of the substrate; placing a thermoelectric material fixture plate on the upper surface of the flexible electrode layer; installing the N-type thermoelectric material and the P-type thermoelectric material in a fixture hole formed in the thermoelectric material fixture plate; Welding the N-type thermoelectric material and the P-type thermoelectric material to the flexible electrode layer; removing the thermoelectric material fixture plate; forming a first flexible electrode electrically connected to one end of the N-type thermoelectric material and electrically connected to one end of the P-type thermoelectric material by cutting the flexible electrode layer; and forming a second flexible electrode electrically connected to opposite ends of the N-type thermoelectric material and electrically connected to opposite ends of the P-type thermoelectric material, wherein the thermoelectric module is prepared into a planar shape, The method further comprises: after forming the first flexible electrode, installing a support member to support the N-type thermoelectric material and the P-type thermoelectric material adjacent to each other, wherein the second flexible electrode is formed in a state where the support member is installed. wherein, in the step of installing the support member, the N-type thermoelectric material is received in a first receiving hole formed in the support member, and the P-type thermoelectric material is received in a second receiving hole formed in the support member; Wherein, the method includes winding a wire around the stent component.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein Bending the thermoelectric module includes bending the first flexible electrode and the second flexible electrode to match the curvature of the object.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein: Bending the thermoelectric module includes bending the first and second flexible electrodes to match the curvature of the object by pulling the support member using the wire.

Images