Thermoelectric modules

Abstract

A thermoelectric module includes: a first thermoelectric material; a second thermoelectric material spaced apart from the first thermoelectric material; and a telescopic element selectively connected between the first thermoelectric material and the second thermoelectric material, wherein the telescopic element is telescopic.

Description

[0001] Cross-citation to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0163768 filed on December 10, 2019, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, which is hereby incorporated by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a thermoelectric module. Background Art

[0004] Thermoelectric modules for air conditioners that control temperature based on the temperature of the air consume a lot of energy and take a long time for users to experience temperature changes. Therefore, it is difficult to improve temperature control efficiency and energy efficiency beyond a certain level.

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

[0006] Generally, a thermoelectric module is manufactured by connecting electrodes to a P-type thermoelectric material and an N-type thermoelectric material on a substrate to have low heat loss and quickly control temperature.

[0007] However, conventional thermoelectric modules (eg, bulk-type thermoelectric elements) are relatively rigid and difficult to bend, and are difficult to install on objects with large curvatures due to their non-scalable nature, and are subject to restrictions on installation locations and areas.

[0008] Furthermore, conventional thermoelectric modules have difficulty expanding and contracting in response to external pressure, and when pressure is applied from the outside, electrodes connected to thermoelectric materials in conventional thermoelectric modules are damaged or broken.

[0009] Therefore, recently, various studies have been conducted to improve the flexibility and elasticity of thermoelectric modules, but there is still a need for the development of thermoelectric modules. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The present disclosure is made to solve the problems occurring in the prior art while maintaining the advantages achieved by the prior art.

[0011] The present disclosure relates to a thermoelectric module. Specific embodiments relate to a thermoelectric module capable of improving flexibility and elasticity.

[0012] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a thermoelectric module capable of improving flexibility and elasticity.

[0013] For example, the thermoelectric module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can be freely bent or expanded in response to external pressure.

[0014] Furthermore, the thermoelectric module according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may improve stability, reliability, and durability.

[0015] Furthermore, the thermoelectric module according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can operate in response to external pressure.

[0016] Furthermore, the thermoelectric module according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may improve temperature control efficiency and energy efficiency.

[0017] The technical problems to be solved by the present inventive concept are not limited to the aforementioned problems, and any other technical problems not mentioned herein will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains from the following description.

[0018] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a thermoelectric module includes: a first thermoelectric material; a second thermoelectric material spaced apart from the first thermoelectric material; and a stretching element (stretching element) that is stretchable and selectively connected between the first thermoelectric material and the second thermoelectric material.

[0019] This is to improve the flexibility and elasticity of the thermoelectric module.

[0020] Conventional thermoelectric modules (e.g., bulk thermoelectric elements) are relatively rigid, difficult to bend, and difficult to stretch. Consequently, they are difficult to install on large, curved objects and have limited mounting locations and areas. Furthermore, external pressure can damage or break the electrodes connected to the thermoelectric material in conventional thermoelectric modules.

[0021] However, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first thermoelectric material and the second thermoelectric material may be connected to each other via a stretch element, thereby improving flexibility and elasticity of the thermoelectric module.

[0022] First, embodiments of the present disclosure allow the first and second thermoelectric materials to be connected to each other via a telescopic element. Consequently, the thermoelectric module possesses elasticity and flexibility along the x-, y-, and z-axes. This increases the degree of freedom (bending freedom) of the thermoelectric module and makes it easy to install the module regardless of the degree of curvature of the object.

[0023] Preferably, the thermoelectric module further comprises: a first frame member for accommodating the first thermoelectric material; a second frame member for accommodating the second thermoelectric material; and a telescopic element telescopically disposed between the first frame member and the second frame member, with one end connected to the first frame member and the other end connected to the second frame member.

[0024] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a coil spring member may be used as the telescopic element.

[0025] Preferably, the coil spring member forms an integral unit with the first frame member and the second frame member.

[0026] As an example, the first frame member, the second frame member, and the coil spring member can be formed by 3D printing to form an integral unit. As described above, the first frame member, the second frame member, and the coil spring member can be formed by 3D printing, thereby achieving the advantageous effects of simplifying the manufacturing process and enlarging the thermoelectric module.

[0027] More preferably, the coil spring member is formed of the same non-conductive elastic material as the first frame member and the second frame member.

[0028] In addition, the thermoelectric module further includes an electrode member electrically connecting one end of the first thermoelectric material to one end of the second thermoelectric material.

[0029] Preferably, the electrode member is configured to be stretchable between the first thermoelectric material and the second thermoelectric material.

[0030] The electrode member may be formed in various structures having elasticity, and the present disclosure is not limited or restricted by the structure of the electrode member.

[0031] In one example, the electrode member includes a linear crest portion and a linear trough portion, the linear trough portion being connected to the linear crest portion to form a continuous waveform with the linear crest portion.

[0032] As described above, the second thermoelectric material can be allowed to bend, twist, and expand relative to the first thermoelectric material, and the electrode member can be allowed to have scalable flexibility to improve the elasticity and flexibility of the thermoelectric module. Therefore, damage and destruction of the electrode member caused by the relative movement of the second thermoelectric material relative to the first thermoelectric material can be minimized, and durability can be improved.

[0033] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the thermoelectric module further includes a piezoresistive pressure sensor that connects the other end of the first thermoelectric material to the other end of the second thermoelectric material. Furthermore, when an external force is applied to the piezoresistive pressure sensor, the thermoelectric module electrically connects the first thermoelectric material to the second thermoelectric material via the piezoresistive pressure sensor.

[0034] This is to enable active temperature control of the thermoelectric modules without the use of an additional control unit.

[0035] Conventionally, since the entire area of ​​the thermoelectric module is controlled to a uniform temperature by a control signal of a control unit regardless of whether it is in contact with the user's body, temperature control is performed even in areas where actual temperature control is not required (for example, non-contact areas that are not in contact with the body), resulting in the problem of inevitable heat loss and unnecessary increase in power consumption.

[0036] Furthermore, conventionally, an additional control unit for controlling the temperature of the thermoelectric module is provided, so that there are problems in that the structure is complicated and the manufacturing cost increases.

[0037] However, in the present disclosure, when an external force is applied to the piezoresistive pressure sensor, the thermoelectric module including the first thermoelectric material and the second thermoelectric material can be electrically connected and operated (heated or cooled) via the piezoresistive pressure sensor, and thus the control structure of the thermoelectric module can be simplified and the temperature of the thermoelectric module can be controlled without using an additional control unit.

[0038] Furthermore, in the embodiments of the present disclosure, local temperature control of the thermoelectric module may be performed according to the user's body shape and posture, and thus heat loss may be minimized and power consumption may be significantly reduced.

[0039] Therefore, temperature control of the thermoelectric module is generally not performed over the entire area, but can be performed independently only in specific areas that are actually contacted according to the usage environment (for example, the user's body shape and posture), thereby improving the temperature control efficiency and energy efficiency of the thermoelectric module. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description made in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0041] Figure 1 is a view for illustrating a thermoelectric module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0042] Figure 2 is a side view illustrating a thermoelectric module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0043] Figure 3 is a plan view illustrating a thermoelectric module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0044] Figure 4 is a view for illustrating a usage example of the thermoelectric module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0045] Figure 5 is a view for illustrating a telescopic state of a thermoelectric module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0046] Figure 6 and Figure 7 is a view showing a piezoresistive pressure sensor of a thermoelectric module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0047] Figure 8 It shows that when the external force is applied perpendicular to Figure 6 a view of an example of deformation of a thermoelectric module; and

[0048] Figure 9 It shows that when the external force is applied horizontally to Figure 6 A view of an example of deformation of a thermoelectric module. Specific embodiments

[0049] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the present disclosure is not limited or restricted by the embodiments. For reference, in this specification, the same numerals indicate substantially the same elements, and under these rules, the contents described in other drawings may be described with reference to the contents described, and the contents determined to be obvious or repeated to those skilled in the art may be omitted.

[0050] Figure 1 is a view for illustrating a thermoelectric module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 2 is a side view for illustrating a thermoelectric module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 3 is a plan view for explaining a thermoelectric module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 is a view for illustrating a usage example of a thermoelectric module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 5 is a view for illustrating a telescopic state of a thermoelectric module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 6 and Figure 7 is a view illustrating a piezoresistive pressure sensor as a thermoelectric module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0051] refer to Figures 1 to 5 The thermoelectric module 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a first thermoelectric material 100 , a second thermoelectric material 200 disposed to be spaced apart from the first thermoelectric material 100 , and a telescopic element 300 that selectively telescopes and is connected between the first thermoelectric material 100 and the second thermoelectric material 200 .

[0052] For reference, the thermoelectric module 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be mounted on an object in contact with a body, and the present disclosure is not limited or restricted by the type and structure of the object.

[0053] For example, the thermoelectric module 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is mounted to a seat 30 of a vehicle and is configured to selectively heat or cool.

[0054] Here, mounting the thermoelectric module on the vehicle seat 30 is defined as including mounting the thermoelectric module on both the inner and outer surfaces of the seat 30. For example, the thermoelectric module may be mounted on the seat portion (cushion portion) and the backrest portion constituting the seat 30, respectively.

[0055] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the thermoelectric module may also be installed on a steering wheel or other parts of a vehicle.

[0056] The first thermoelectric material 100 is an element for converting thermal energy into electrical energy and is referred to by terms such as a Peltier element, a thermoelectric cooler (TEC), etc. The first thermoelectric material 100 is widely used as a cooling or heating device using the Peltier effect, in which one side is heated and the other side is cooled when current flows.

[0057] As an example, the first thermoelectric material 100 is made of any one of an N-type thermoelectric material and a P-type thermoelectric material (eg, an N-type thermoelectric material), and is arranged in a specific pattern on one surface (eg, an upper surface) of a substrate (not shown).

[0058] The arrangement of the first thermoelectric material 100 can be varied in various ways depending on the desired conditions and design specifications. For example, the first thermoelectric material 100 can be arranged to form a specific matrix. Alternatively, the plurality of first thermoelectric materials can be arranged in a curved or other pattern, and the present disclosure is not limited or constrained by the arrangement and structure of the first thermoelectric material.

[0059] The second thermoelectric material 200 is disposed to be spaced apart from the first thermoelectric material 100 .

[0060] For example, the second thermoelectric material 200 can be made of the other of an N-type thermoelectric material and a P-type thermoelectric material (e.g., a P-type thermoelectric material), and the first thermoelectric material 100 (e.g., an N-type thermoelectric material) and the second thermoelectric material 200 (e.g., a P-type thermoelectric material) having opposite polarities to each other can constitute a unit thermoelectric material.

[0061] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the first and second thermoelectric materials having the same polarity may be made of N-type thermoelectric materials (or P-type thermoelectric materials), and the first and second thermoelectric materials may also constitute different unit thermoelectric materials.

[0062] For example, the first ends (e.g., top ends) of the first thermoelectric material 100 and the second thermoelectric material 200 may be electrically connected via the electrode member 400, while the second ends (e.g., bottom ends) of the first thermoelectric material 100 and the second thermoelectric material 200 may be connected to a power supply unit (not shown). Furthermore, as power is supplied from the power supply unit (not shown), the unit thermoelectric material including the first thermoelectric material 100 and the second thermoelectric material 200 operates (e.g., is heated).

[0063] In this case, a plurality of unit thermoelectric materials may be provided including the first thermoelectric material 100 and the second thermoelectric material 200. The plurality of unit thermoelectric materials can be connected in parallel or in series to a power supply unit.

[0064] In addition, a plurality of first thermoelectric materials 100 and a plurality of second thermoelectric materials 200 can be arranged in a specific matrix (e.g., a 2×2 matrix) to form a thermoelectric material group, which is connected in series or in parallel to a power supply unit (not shown). In addition, the number and arrangement of the first thermoelectric materials 100 and the second thermoelectric materials 200 can be variously changed based on the required conditions and design specifications.

[0065] The telescopic element 300 is selectively and telescopically connected between the first thermoelectric material 100 and the second thermoelectric material 200 .

[0066] The telescopic element 300 may be formed into a structure capable of selectively telescoping to connect to the first thermoelectric material 100 and the second thermoelectric material 200 , and the present disclosure is not limited or constrained by the structure of the telescopic element 300 .

[0067] As described above, the first thermoelectric material 100 and the second thermoelectric material 200 adjacent to each other may be connected to each other via the expansion and contraction element 300 , and thus, the thermoelectric module 10 may have flexibility and elasticity in the x-axis direction, the y-axis direction, and the z-axis direction.

[0068] Specifically, conventional thermoelectric modules 10 (e.g., bulk-type thermoelectric elements) are relatively rigid, difficult to bend, and difficult to expand and contract. Consequently, they are difficult to mount on large, curved objects, and their mounting locations and areas are limited. Furthermore, conventional thermoelectric modules 10 have difficulty expanding and contracting in response to external pressure, and when external pressure is applied, the electrodes connected to the thermoelectric material in conventional thermoelectric modules can be damaged or destroyed.

[0069] However, in the embodiment of the present disclosure, the first thermoelectric material 100 and the second thermoelectric material 200 adjacent to each other can be connected to each other via the expansion element 300 to allow the thermoelectric module 10 to have flexibility and elasticity. Therefore, the degree of freedom (bending freedom) of the thermoelectric module 10 can be increased and the thermoelectric module 10 can be easily installed regardless of the degree of curvature of the object.

[0070] Preferably, the thermoelectric module 10 includes a first frame member 110 in which the first thermoelectric material 100 is housed, and a second frame member 210 in which the second thermoelectric material 200 is housed. The telescopic element 300 is arranged to be telescopic between the first frame member 110 and the second frame member 210, and one end of the telescopic element 300 is connected to the first frame member 110, while the other end of the telescopic element 300 is connected to the second frame member 210.

[0071] For example, the first frame member 110 is formed as a hollow shell structure surrounding the first thermoelectric material 100 , and when the first thermoelectric material 100 is accommodated inside the first frame member 110 , the upper and lower surfaces of the first thermoelectric material 100 are exposed outside the first frame member 110 .

[0072] In addition, the second frame member 210 is formed as a hollow shell structure surrounding the second thermoelectric material 200 , and when the second thermoelectric material 200 is accommodated inside the second frame member 210 , the upper and lower surfaces of the second thermoelectric material 200 are exposed outside the second frame member 210 .

[0073] Preferably, the first frame member 110 and the second frame member 210 are formed of a non-conductive elastic material having elasticity.

[0074] The telescoping element 300 structurally connects the first frame member 110 to the second frame member 210 and is configured to telescope between the first frame member 110 and the second frame member 210 in response to relative movement (eg, compression or twisting movement) of the second frame member 210 relative to the first frame member 110 .

[0075] For example, a coil spring member 310 may be used as the telescopic element 300 .

[0076] The coil spring member 310 is formed in the form of a coil spring having one end connected to the outer surface of the first frame member 110 and the other end connected to the outer surface of the second frame member 210 .

[0077] Preferably, the coil spring member 310 forms an integral unit with the first frame member 110 and the second frame member 210 .

[0078] Here, that the coil spring member 310 forms an integral unit with the first frame member 110 and the second frame member 210 is defined as that the coil spring member 310 , the first frame member 110 , and the second frame member 210 are integrally connected to each other to form one component.

[0079] For example, the first frame member 110, the second frame member 210, and the coil spring member 310 can be integrally formed by 3D printing. As described above, the first frame member 110, the second frame member 210, and the coil spring member 310 can be formed by 3D printing, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process and expanding the thermoelectric module 10.

[0080] Preferably, the coil spring member 310 is formed of the same non-conductive elastic material (eg, tangoblack) as the first and second frame members 110 and 210. According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the coil spring member can be formed of a different material than the first and second frame members.

[0081] In the above-described and illustrated embodiment of the present disclosure, the coil spring member 310 is used as an example of the telescopic element 300 , but according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, an elastic member such as an elastic bellows may be used instead of the coil spring member.

[0082] In addition, the thermoelectric module 10 includes an electrode member 400 electrically connecting one end of the first thermoelectric material 100 to one end of the second thermoelectric material 200 .

[0083] The first thermoelectric material 100 and the second thermoelectric material 200 are electrically connected to each other via the electrode member 400 to constitute a unit thermoelectric material.

[0084] Preferably, the electrode member 400 is configured to be stretchable between the first thermoelectric material 100 and the second thermoelectric material 200 .

[0085] The electrode member 400 may be formed in various structures having elasticity, and the present disclosure is not limited or restricted by the structure of the electrode member 400 .

[0086] As an example, the electrode member 400 may include a linear crest portion 410 and a linear trough portion 420 connected to an end portion of the linear crest portion 410 to form a continuous waveform with the linear crest portion 410 .

[0087] The linear peak portions 410 and the linear valley portions 420 may elastically expand or contract in response to relative movement of the second thermoelectric material 200 (second frame member) with respect to the first thermoelectric material 100 (first frame member).

[0088] As described above, the second thermoelectric material 200 can be allowed to bend, twist, and expand relative to the first thermoelectric material 100, and the electrode member 400 can be allowed to have stretchable flexibility to improve the elasticity and flexibility of the thermoelectric module 10. Therefore, damage and destruction of the electrode member 400 due to relative movement of the second thermoelectric material 200 relative to the first thermoelectric material 100 can be minimized, and durability can be improved.

[0089] At the same time, reference Figure 6 and Figure 7According to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the thermoelectric module 10 includes a piezoresistive pressure sensor 500 to connect the other ends of the first thermoelectric material 100 and the second thermoelectric material 200 to each other. In addition, when an external force is applied to the piezoresistive pressure sensor 500, the first thermoelectric material 100 and the second thermoelectric material 200 can be electrically connected to each other via the piezoresistive pressure sensor 500.

[0090] This is to actively achieve temperature control of the thermoelectric module 10 without using an additional control unit.

[0091] Conventionally, since the entire area of ​​the thermoelectric module 10 is controlled to a uniform temperature by a control signal of a control unit regardless of whether it is in contact with the user's body, temperature control is performed even in areas where actual temperature control is not required (for example, non-contact areas where the body is not in contact), resulting in the problem of inevitable heat loss and unnecessary increase in power consumption.

[0092] Furthermore, conventionally, an additional control unit for controlling the temperature of the thermoelectric module 10 is provided, so that there are problems in that the structure is complicated and the manufacturing cost increases.

[0093] However, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, when an external force is applied to the piezoresistive pressure sensor 500, the unit thermoelectric material including the first thermoelectric material 100 and the second thermoelectric material 200 can be electrically connected and operated (heated or cooled) via the piezoresistive pressure sensor 500, so the control structure of the thermoelectric module 10 can be simplified and the temperature of the thermoelectric module 10 can be controlled without using an additional control unit.

[0094] Furthermore, in the embodiment of the present disclosure, local temperature control of the thermoelectric module 10 may be performed according to the user's body shape and posture, and thus heat loss may be minimized and power consumption may be significantly reduced.

[0095] Therefore, temperature control of the thermoelectric module 10 is generally not performed over the entire area, but temperature control can be performed independently only in specific areas that are actually contacted according to the usage environment (for example, the user's body shape and posture), and thus, the temperature control efficiency and energy efficiency of the thermoelectric module 10 can be improved.

[0096] More specifically, the piezoresistive pressure sensor 500 is provided on the electrode member 400 and is configured to selectively connect the other end of the first thermoelectric material 100 to the other end of the second thermoelectric material 200 .

[0097] A general pressure-reducing element, in which resistance changes when pressure is applied thereto, may be used as the piezoresistive pressure sensor 500 , and the present disclosure is not limited or restricted by the type and structure of the piezoresistive pressure sensor 500 .

[0098] When no external force is applied to the piezoresistive pressure sensor 500, electrical connection of the first and second thermoelectric materials 100 and 200 is blocked due to high resistance of the piezoresistive pressure sensor 500. Therefore, the unit thermoelectric material including the first and second thermoelectric materials 100 and 200 does not operate.

[0099] On the other hand, when external force is applied to the piezoresistive pressure sensor 500, the resistance of the piezoresistive pressure sensor 500 decreases, and the first thermoelectric material 100 and the second thermoelectric material 200 are electrically connected to each other. The unit thermoelectric material including the first thermoelectric material 100 and the second thermoelectric material 200 operates.

[0100] Furthermore, the resistance of the piezoresistive pressure sensor 500 can be changed according to the strength of the external force applied to the piezoresistive pressure sensor 500, and the degree of heating or cooling of the unit thermoelectric material can be actively controlled according to the strength of the external force applied to the piezoresistive pressure sensor 500. For example, the unit thermoelectric material can be further operated (heated or cooled) in an area further contacted by the user's body. Thus, the temperature distribution can be changed according to the pressure distribution based on the degree of contact with the user's body.

[0101] At the same time, since the thermoelectric module 10 of the present embodiment has a structure with excellent flexibility and elasticity, when an external force is applied, the thermoelectric module 10 can be changed into a Figure 8 or Figure 9 As shown, and therefore, although the module is deformed by the external force, the influence on the operation of the thermoelectric module 10 will be small. Figure 8 It shows that when the external force acts perpendicular to Figure 6 A view of an example of deformation of a thermoelectric module, and Figure 9 It shows that when the external force is applied horizontally to Figure 6 A view of an example of deformation of a thermoelectric module.

[0102] As described above, according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, the advantageous effect of improving flexibility and elasticity can be obtained.

[0103] Specifically, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the thermoelectric module may be freely bent or expanded in response to external pressure.

[0104] Furthermore, according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, advantageous effects of improving stability, reliability, and durability can be obtained.

[0105] Furthermore, according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to obtain advantageous effects of simplifying the control structure and controlling the temperature of the thermoelectric module without using an additional control unit.

[0106] Furthermore, according to the embodiments of the present invention, advantageous effects of improving temperature control efficiency, energy efficiency, and occupant comfort can be obtained.

[0107] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to the exemplary embodiments and the accompanying drawings, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, but various modifications and changes may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as claimed in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A thermoelectric module comprising: a first thermoelectric material; a second thermoelectric material, spaced apart from the first thermoelectric material; as well as a telescopic element selectively connected between the first thermoelectric material and the second thermoelectric material, wherein the telescopic element is telescopic; an electrode member electrically connecting a first end of the first thermoelectric material to a first end of the second thermoelectric material; A piezoresistive pressure sensor connects the second end of the first thermoelectric material to the second end of the second thermoelectric material, wherein when an external force acts on the piezoresistive pressure sensor, the first thermoelectric material is electrically connected to the second thermoelectric material through the piezoresistive pressure sensor.

2. The thermoelectric module according to claim 1, wherein The electrode member is stretchable between the first thermoelectric material and the second thermoelectric material.

3. The thermoelectric module according to claim 2, wherein: The electrode member comprises: linear peaks; and The linear trough portion is connected to the linear crest portion to form a continuous waveform with the linear crest portion.

4. The thermoelectric module according to claim 1, wherein The first thermoelectric material or the second thermoelectric material is any one of an N-type thermoelectric material and a P-type thermoelectric material.

5. A thermoelectric module comprising: The first thermoelectric material, a second thermoelectric material, spaced apart from the first thermoelectric material; a first frame member for accommodating the first thermoelectric material; a second frame member, accommodating the second thermoelectric material; as well as a telescopic element connected to the first frame member at a first end and to the second frame member at a second end, and telescopically disposed between the first frame member and the second frame member; an electrode member electrically connecting a first end of the first thermoelectric material to a first end of the second thermoelectric material; A piezoresistive pressure sensor connects the second end of the first thermoelectric material to the second end of the second thermoelectric material, wherein when an external force acts on the piezoresistive pressure sensor, the first thermoelectric material is electrically connected to the second thermoelectric material through the piezoresistive pressure sensor. The thermoelectric module according to claim 5 , wherein: The telescopic element includes a coil spring member.

7. The thermoelectric module according to claim 6, wherein The coil spring member forms an integral unit with the first frame member and the second frame member.

8. The thermoelectric module according to claim 7, wherein The first frame member, the second frame member, and the coil spring member are formed by 3D printing.

9. The thermoelectric module according to claim 6, wherein: The coil spring member is formed of a non-conductive elastic material.

10. A vehicle seat, comprising: seat; a backrest portion connected to the seat portion; A thermoelectric module is mounted on the seat or the backrest, and includes: a first thermoelectric material; a second thermoelectric material spaced apart from the first thermoelectric material; and a telescopic element selectively connected between the first thermoelectric material and the second thermoelectric material; an electrode member electrically connecting a first end of the first thermoelectric material to a first end of the second thermoelectric material; A piezoresistive pressure sensor connects the second end of the first thermoelectric material to the second end of the second thermoelectric material, wherein when an external force acts on the piezoresistive pressure sensor, the first thermoelectric material is electrically connected to the second thermoelectric material through the piezoresistive pressure sensor.

11. The vehicle seat according to claim 10, wherein The thermoelectric module further comprises: a first frame member for accommodating the first thermoelectric material; and a second frame member accommodating the second thermoelectric material; The telescopic element is connected to the first frame member via a first end and to the second frame member via a second end, and is telescopically arranged between the first frame member and the second frame member.

12. The vehicle seat according to claim 11, wherein The telescopic element includes a coil spring member.

13. The vehicle seat of claim 12, wherein: The coil spring member forms an integral unit with the first frame member and the second frame member; and The first frame member, the second frame member, and the coil spring member are formed by 3D printing.

14. The vehicle seat according to claim 12, wherein The coil spring member comprises a non-conductive elastic material.

15. The vehicle seat according to claim 10, wherein The electrode member comprises: linear peaks; and A linear trough portion is connected to the linear crest portion to form a continuous waveform with the linear crest portion, wherein the electrode member is stretchable between the first thermoelectric material and the second thermoelectric material.

16. The vehicle seat of claim 10, wherein: The first thermoelectric material is a first N-type thermoelectric material or a first P-type thermoelectric material; The second thermoelectric material is a second N-type thermoelectric material or a second P-type thermoelectric material; The first N-type thermoelectric material and the second N-type thermoelectric material are the same material or different materials; and The first P-type thermoelectric material and the second P-type thermoelectric material are the same material or different materials.

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