Thermoelectric conversion module and method for manufacturing the same

Abstract

To improve the power density of a thermoelectric conversion module.SOLUTION: A thermoelectric conversion module 1 includes: a first low-temperature-side member 10 having a first heat-dissipating sheet portion 11, a first low-temperature-side electrode portion 12, and a second low-temperature-side electrode portion 13; a second low-temperature-side member 20 having a second heat-dissipating sheet portion 21, a third low-temperature-side electrode portion 22, and a fourth low-temperature-side electrode portion 23; a high-temperature-side member 80 having a first heat collecting sheet portion 90 having a high-temperature-side first electrode portion 91, a second heat collecting sheet portion 100 having a high-temperature-side second electrode portion 101 and a high-temperature-side third electrode portion 102, and a third heat collecting sheet portion 110 having a high-temperature-side fourth electrode portion 111; a first thermoelectric conversion element 60 electrically connected to the low-temperature-side first electrode portion and the high-temperature-side first electrode portion; a second thermoelectric conversion element 61 electrically connected to the low-temperature-side second electrode portion and the high-temperature-side second electrode portion; a third thermoelectric conversion element 62 electrically connected to the low-temperature-side third electrode portion and the high-temperature-side third electrode portion; and a fourth thermoelectric conversion element 63 electrically connected to the low-temperature-side fourth electrode portion and the high-temperature-side fourth electrode portion.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Thermoelectric conversion modules that utilize the Seebeck effect can convert thermal energy into electrical energy. When actually performing thermoelectric conversion, it is common to use p-type and n-type thermoelectric conversion elements, which are electrically connected alternately in series. Such thermoelectric conversion modules can effectively utilize heat emitted from industrial and consumer processes and mobile objects to convert it into electricity, so thermoelectric conversion is attracting attention as an environmentally friendly energy-saving technology.

[0003] As a conventional thermoelectric conversion module, for example, Patent Document 1 describes a thermoelectric conversion device having a bellows-shaped module band and a linear member, wherein the bellows-shaped module band includes an insulating substrate, a plurality of thermoelectric conversion layers arranged at predetermined intervals on the main surface of the insulating substrate, and a plurality of wiring members arranged on the main surface of the insulating substrate to sandwich each thermoelectric conversion layer, and is formed into a bellows structure by alternate mountain folds and valley folds, and has a plurality of through holes formed in each of a plurality of plate-like portions formed by the bellows-shaped folds of the insulating substrate.The thermoelectric conversion device of Patent Document 1 is also described as having high self-supporting properties and ease of installation.

[0004] However, in the thermoelectric conversion device of Patent Document 1, in order to improve the output, it is necessary to increase the installation area of the thermoelectric conversion device, and it is not easy to save space. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2017 / 038525 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a thermoelectric conversion module and a method for manufacturing a thermoelectric conversion module that can improve the power density relative to the installation area. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] [1] In a use environment with a temperature difference, a low-temperature-side first member is disposed on the low-temperature side and has a first heat-dissipating sheet portion, a low-temperature-side first electrode portion, and a low-temperature-side second electrode portion; a low-temperature-side second member is disposed on the low-temperature side and has a second heat-dissipating sheet portion, a low-temperature-side third electrode portion, and a low-temperature-side fourth electrode portion; and a high-temperature-side member is disposed on the high-temperature side and has a first heat-collecting sheet portion having the high-temperature-side first electrode portion, a second heat-collecting sheet portion having the high-temperature-side second electrode portion and the high-temperature-side third electrode portion, and a third heat-collecting sheet portion having the high-temperature-side fourth electrode portion. a first thermoelectric conversion element electrically joined to the low-temperature side first electrode portion and the high-temperature side first electrode portion; a second thermoelectric conversion element electrically joined to the low-temperature side second electrode portion and the high-temperature side second electrode portion; a third thermoelectric conversion element electrically joined to the low-temperature side third electrode portion and the high-temperature side third electrode portion; and a fourth thermoelectric conversion element electrically joined to the low-temperature side fourth electrode portion and the high-temperature side fourth electrode portion, wherein the low-temperature side first electrode portion is the low-temperature-side second electrode portion extends from within the plane of the first heat-dissipating sheet portion toward the second heat-dissipating sheet portion, the low-temperature-side third electrode portion extends from within the plane of the second heat-dissipating sheet portion toward the second heat-collecting sheet portion, the low-temperature-side fourth electrode portion extends from within the plane of the second heat-dissipating sheet portion toward the third heat-collecting sheet portion, the high-temperature-side first electrode portion extends from within the plane of the first heat-collecting sheet portion toward the first heat-dissipating sheet portion, A thermoelectric conversion module in which the warm-side second electrode portion extends from within the plane of the second heat collecting sheet portion toward the first heat dissipation sheet portion, the hot-side third electrode portion extends from within the plane of the second heat collecting sheet portion toward the second heat dissipation sheet portion, and the hot-side fourth electrode portion extends from within the plane of the third heat collecting sheet portion toward the second heat dissipation sheet portion, and the height from the second heat collecting sheet portion to the first heat dissipation sheet portion is different from the height from the second heat collecting sheet portion to the second heat dissipation sheet portion. [2] The thermoelectric conversion module according to [1] above, wherein the first low-temperature side member, the second low-temperature side member, and the high-temperature side member are thin plates or foils. [3] The thermoelectric conversion module according to [1] or [2] above, wherein the first low-temperature side member, the second low-temperature side member, and the high-temperature side member are made of copper or a copper alloy. [4] A thermoelectric conversion module according to any one of [1] to [3] above, wherein the first thermoelectric conversion element is joined to the low-temperature side first electrode portion and the high-temperature side first electrode portion via solder, the second thermoelectric conversion element is joined to the low-temperature side second electrode portion and the high-temperature side second electrode portion via solder, the third thermoelectric conversion element is joined to the low-temperature side third electrode portion and the high-temperature side third electrode portion via solder, and the fourth thermoelectric conversion element is joined to the low-temperature side fourth electrode portion and the high-temperature side fourth electrode portion via solder. [5] A thermoelectric conversion module according to any one of the above [1] to [3], wherein the first thermoelectric conversion element is joined to the low-temperature side first electrode portion and the high-temperature side first electrode portion via a silver-based material, the second thermoelectric conversion element is joined to the low-temperature side second electrode portion and the high-temperature side second electrode portion via a silver-based material, the third thermoelectric conversion element is joined to the low-temperature side third electrode portion and the high-temperature side third electrode portion via a silver-based material, and the fourth thermoelectric conversion element is joined to the low-temperature side fourth electrode portion and the high-temperature side fourth electrode portion via a silver-based material. [6] The third heat collecting sheet portion further includes a high-temperature-side fifth electrode portion, the high-temperature-side member further includes a fourth heat collecting sheet portion including a high-temperature-side sixth electrode portion, the thermoelectric conversion module is disposed on the low-temperature side and further includes a low-temperature-side third member having a third heat dissipation sheet portion, a low-temperature-side fifth electrode portion, and a low-temperature-side sixth electrode portion, a fifth thermoelectric conversion element electrically joined to the low-temperature-side fifth electrode portion and the high-temperature-side fifth electrode portion, and a sixth thermoelectric conversion element electrically joined to the low-temperature-side sixth electrode portion and the high-temperature-side sixth electrode portion, and the low-temperature-side fifth electrode portion is oriented from within the plane of the third heat dissipation sheet portion toward the third heat collecting sheet portion. the low-temperature-side sixth electrode portion extends from within the plane of the third heat dissipation sheet portion toward the fourth heat collecting sheet portion, the high-temperature-side fifth electrode portion extends from within the plane of the third heat collecting sheet portion toward the third heat dissipation sheet portion, and the high-temperature-side sixth electrode portion extends from within the plane of the fourth heat collecting sheet portion toward the third heat dissipation sheet portion, and a height from the second heat collecting sheet portion to the first heat dissipation sheet portion, a height from the second heat collecting sheet portion to the second heat dissipation sheet portion, and a height from the second heat collecting sheet portion to the third heat dissipation sheet portion are all different. [7] The thermoelectric conversion module according to [6] above, wherein the first low-temperature side member, the second low-temperature side member, the third low-temperature side member, and the high-temperature side member are thin plates or foils. [8] The thermoelectric conversion module according to [6] or [7] above, wherein the first low-temperature side member, the second low-temperature side member, the third low-temperature side member, and the high-temperature side member are copper or a copper alloy. [9] The thermoelectric conversion module according to any one of [6] to [8] above, wherein the first thermoelectric conversion element is joined to the low-temperature side first electrode portion and the high-temperature side first electrode portion via solder, the second thermoelectric conversion element is joined to the low-temperature side second electrode portion and the high-temperature side second electrode portion via solder, the third thermoelectric conversion element is joined to the low-temperature side third electrode portion and the high-temperature side third electrode portion via solder, the fourth thermoelectric conversion element is joined to the low-temperature side fourth electrode portion and the high-temperature side fourth electrode portion via solder, the fifth thermoelectric conversion element is joined to the low-temperature side fifth electrode portion and the high-temperature side fifth electrode portion via solder, and the sixth thermoelectric conversion element is joined to the low-temperature side sixth electrode portion and the high-temperature side sixth electrode portion via solder.

[10] The thermoelectric conversion module according to any one of [6] to [8] above, wherein the first thermoelectric conversion element is joined to the low-temperature-side first electrode portion and the high-temperature-side first electrode portion via a silver-based material, the second thermoelectric conversion element is joined to the low-temperature-side second electrode portion and the high-temperature-side second electrode portion via a silver-based material, the third thermoelectric conversion element is joined to the low-temperature-side third electrode portion and the high-temperature-side third electrode portion via a silver-based material, the fourth thermoelectric conversion element is joined to the low-temperature-side fourth electrode portion and the high-temperature-side fourth electrode portion via a silver-based material, the fifth thermoelectric conversion element is joined to the low-temperature-side fifth electrode portion and the high-temperature-side fifth electrode portion via a silver-based material, and the sixth thermoelectric conversion element is joined to the low-temperature-side sixth electrode portion and the high-temperature-side sixth electrode portion via a silver-based material.

[11] The high-temperature-side member further has a fifth heat collecting sheet portion having a high-temperature-side seventh electrode portion, a sixth heat collecting sheet portion having a high-temperature-side eighth electrode portion and a high-temperature-side ninth electrode portion, and a seventh heat collecting sheet portion having a high-temperature-side tenth electrode portion, and the thermoelectric conversion module is arranged on the low-temperature side and includes a fourth low-temperature-side member having a fourth heat dissipation sheet portion, the seventh low-temperature-side electrode portion, and the eighth low-temperature-side electrode portion, a fifth low-temperature-side member arranged on the low-temperature side and having a fifth heat dissipation sheet portion, the ninth low-temperature-side electrode portion, and the tenth low-temperature-side electrode portion, and the low-temperature-side member The heat dissipation sheet further includes a seventh thermoelectric conversion element electrically joined to the seventh hot-side electrode portion and the seventh high-side electrode portion, an eighth thermoelectric conversion element electrically joined to the eighth low-temperature-side electrode portion and the eighth high-temperature-side electrode portion, a ninth thermoelectric conversion element electrically joined to the ninth low-temperature-side electrode portion and the ninth high-temperature-side electrode portion, and a tenth thermoelectric conversion element electrically joined to the tenth low-temperature-side electrode portion and the tenth high-temperature-side electrode portion, and the seventh low-temperature-side electrode portion is positioned within the plane of the fourth heat dissipation sheet portion and extends from the fifth the eighth low-temperature-side electrode extends from within the plane of the fourth heat-dissipating sheet portion toward the sixth heat-collecting sheet portion, the ninth low-temperature-side electrode extends from within the plane of the fifth heat-dissipating sheet portion toward the sixth heat-collecting sheet portion, the tenth low-temperature-side electrode extends from within the plane of the fifth heat-dissipating sheet portion toward the seventh heat-collecting sheet portion, the seventh high-temperature-side electrode extends from within the plane of the fifth heat-collecting sheet portion toward the fourth heat-dissipating sheet portion, and the eighth high-temperature-side electrode The thermoelectric conversion module according to [1] above, wherein the high-temperature-side ninth electrode portion extends from within the plane of the sixth heat collecting sheet portion toward the fourth heat dissipation sheet portion, the high-temperature-side ninth electrode portion extends from within the plane of the sixth heat collecting sheet portion toward the fifth heat dissipation sheet portion, and the high-temperature-side tenth electrode portion extends from within the plane of the seventh heat collecting sheet portion toward the fifth heat dissipation sheet portion, and the height from the sixth heat collecting sheet portion to the fourth heat dissipation sheet portion is different from the height from the sixth heat collecting sheet portion to the fifth heat dissipation sheet portion.

[12] The thermoelectric conversion module according to

[11] above, wherein the first low-temperature side member, the second low-temperature side member, the fourth low-temperature side member, the fifth low-temperature side member, and the high-temperature side member are thin plates or foils.

[13] The thermoelectric conversion module according to

[11] or

[12] above, wherein the first low-temperature side member, the second low-temperature side member, the fourth low-temperature side member, the fifth low-temperature side member, and the high-temperature side member are copper or a copper alloy.

[14] The first thermoelectric conversion element is joined to the low-temperature side first electrode portion and the high-temperature side first electrode portion via solder, the second thermoelectric conversion element is joined to the low-temperature side second electrode portion and the high-temperature side second electrode portion via solder, the third thermoelectric conversion element is joined to the low-temperature side third electrode portion and the high-temperature side third electrode portion via solder, the fourth thermoelectric conversion element is joined to the low-temperature side fourth electrode portion and the high-temperature side fourth electrode portion via solder, and the seventh thermoelectric conversion element is joined to the low-temperature side seventh electrode portion via solder. the eighth thermoelectric conversion element is joined to the eighth low-temperature-side electrode portion and the eighth high-temperature-side electrode portion via solder, the ninth thermoelectric conversion element is joined to the ninth low-temperature-side electrode portion and the ninth high-temperature-side electrode portion via solder, and the tenth thermoelectric conversion element is joined to the tenth low-temperature-side electrode portion and the tenth high-temperature-side electrode portion via solder,

[15] The first thermoelectric conversion element is joined to the low-temperature side first electrode portion and the high-temperature side first electrode portion via a silver-based material, the second thermoelectric conversion element is joined to the low-temperature side second electrode portion and the high-temperature side second electrode portion via a silver-based material, the third thermoelectric conversion element is joined to the low-temperature side third electrode portion and the high-temperature side third electrode portion via a silver-based material, the fourth thermoelectric conversion element is joined to the low-temperature side fourth electrode portion and the high-temperature side fourth electrode portion via a silver-based material, and the seventh thermoelectric conversion element is joined to the low-temperature side seventh electrode portion via a silver-based material. the eighth thermoelectric conversion element is joined to the eighth low-temperature-side electrode portion and the eighth high-temperature-side electrode portion via a silver-based material, the ninth thermoelectric conversion element is joined to the ninth low-temperature-side electrode portion and the ninth high-temperature-side electrode portion via a silver-based material, and the tenth thermoelectric conversion element is joined to the tenth low-temperature-side electrode portion and the tenth high-temperature-side electrode portion via a silver-based material.

[16] The thermoelectric conversion module according to any one of the above [1] to

[15] , wherein the thermoelectric conversion element is a clathrate compound.

[17] The thermoelectric conversion module according to any one of the above [1] to

[15] , wherein the thermoelectric conversion element is a clathrate compound containing Ba, Ga, and Sn.

[18] A method for manufacturing the thermoelectric conversion module according to [1] above, comprising the steps of: cutting a base material including a thermally conductive material sheet and an electrically insulating sheet provided on the thermally conductive material sheet to form a low-temperature-side first member having a first heat-dissipating sheet portion, a low-temperature-side first electrode portion, and a low-temperature-side second electrode portion; a low-temperature-side second member having a second heat-dissipating sheet portion, a low-temperature-side third electrode portion, and a low-temperature-side fourth electrode portion; a first heat-collecting sheet portion having a high-temperature-side first electrode portion; a second heat-collecting sheet portion having a high-temperature-side second electrode portion and a high-temperature-side third electrode portion; and a third heat-collecting sheet portion having a high-temperature-side fourth electrode portion; and connecting a first thermoelectric conversion element to the low-temperature-side first electrode portion and the high-temperature-side first electrode portion, a second thermoelectric conversion element to the low-temperature-side second electrode portion and the high-temperature-side second electrode portion, and a third thermoelectric conversion element to the low-temperature-side third electrode portion and the high-temperature-side third electrode portion. a joining step of joining a fourth thermoelectric conversion element to the low-temperature-side fourth electrode portion and the high-temperature-side fourth electrode portion, and a folding step of folding between the first heat dissipation sheet portion and the low-temperature-side first electrode portion, between the first heat dissipation sheet portion and the low-temperature-side second electrode portion, between the second heat dissipation sheet portion and the low-temperature-side third electrode portion, between the second heat dissipation sheet portion and the low-temperature-side fourth electrode portion, between the first heat collecting sheet portion and the high-temperature-side first electrode portion, between the second heat collecting sheet portion and the high-temperature-side second electrode portion, between the second heat collecting sheet portion and the high-temperature-side third electrode portion, and between the third heat collecting sheet portion and the high-temperature-side fourth electrode portion, so that the height from the second heat collecting sheet portion to the first heat dissipation sheet portion is different from the height from the second heat collecting sheet portion to the second heat dissipation sheet portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a thermoelectric conversion module and a method for manufacturing a thermoelectric conversion module that can improve the power density relative to the installation area. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a thermoelectric conversion module according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a front view showing an example of the thermoelectric conversion module according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an example of a base material used in the method for manufacturing the thermoelectric conversion module according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a cutting step in the method for manufacturing the thermoelectric conversion module according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an example of a cut base material obtained in the cutting step in the method for manufacturing a thermoelectric conversion module according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing an example of a bonding step in the method for manufacturing the thermoelectric conversion module according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a thermoelectric conversion module according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a front view showing an example of a thermoelectric conversion module according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a thermoelectric conversion module according to the third embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a front view showing an example of a thermoelectric conversion module according to the third embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing another example of the thermoelectric conversion module according to the third embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing another example of the thermoelectric conversion module according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, a detailed description will be given based on an embodiment.

[0011] As a result of extensive research, the inventors discovered that the power density of a thermoelectric conversion module relative to its installation area can be improved by closely arranging multiple thermoelectric conversion elements, and completed the present disclosure based on this finding.

[0012] The thermoelectric conversion module of the embodiment is configured in a temperature difference environment, and includes a low-temperature-side first member disposed on the low-temperature side and having a first heat-dissipating sheet portion, a low-temperature-side first electrode portion, and a low-temperature-side second electrode portion; a low-temperature-side second member disposed on the low-temperature side and having a second heat-dissipating sheet portion, a low-temperature-side third electrode portion, and a low-temperature-side fourth electrode portion; and a first heat-collecting sheet portion disposed on the high-temperature side and having a high-temperature-side first electrode portion, a high-temperature-side second electrode portion, and a high-temperature-side third electrode portion. a high-temperature-side member having a third heat collecting sheet portion including a high-temperature-side fourth electrode portion, a first thermoelectric conversion element electrically joined to the low-temperature-side first electrode portion and the high-temperature-side first electrode portion, a second thermoelectric conversion element electrically joined to the low-temperature-side second electrode portion and the high-temperature-side second electrode portion, a third thermoelectric conversion element electrically joined to the low-temperature-side third electrode portion and the high-temperature-side third electrode portion, and a fourth thermoelectric conversion element electrically joined to the low-temperature-side fourth electrode portion and the high-temperature-side fourth electrode portion. the low-temperature-side first electrode portion extends from within the plane of the first heat-dissipating sheet portion toward the first heat-collecting sheet portion, the low-temperature-side second electrode portion extends from within the plane of the first heat-dissipating sheet portion toward the second heat-collecting sheet portion, the low-temperature-side third electrode portion extends from within the plane of the second heat-dissipating sheet portion toward the second heat-collecting sheet portion, the low-temperature-side fourth electrode portion extends from within the plane of the second heat-dissipating sheet portion toward the third heat-collecting sheet portion, and the high-temperature-side first electrode portion extends from within the plane of the first heat-collecting sheet portion toward the The high-temperature side second electrode portion extends from within the plane of the second heat collecting sheet portion toward the first heat dissipation sheet portion, the high-temperature side third electrode portion extends from within the plane of the second heat collecting sheet portion toward the second heat dissipation sheet portion, and the high-temperature side fourth electrode portion extends from within the plane of the third heat collecting sheet portion toward the second heat dissipation sheet portion, and the height from the second heat collecting sheet portion to the first heat dissipation sheet portion is different from the height from the second heat collecting sheet portion to the second heat dissipation sheet portion.

[0013] A method for manufacturing a thermoelectric conversion module according to an embodiment includes a cutting process for cutting a base material including a thermally conductive material sheet and an electrical insulating sheet provided on the thermally conductive material sheet to form a low-temperature-side first member having a first heat-dissipating sheet portion, a low-temperature-side first electrode portion, and a low-temperature-side second electrode portion, a low-temperature-side second member having a second heat-dissipating sheet portion, a low-temperature-side third electrode portion, and a low-temperature-side fourth electrode portion, a first heat-collecting sheet portion having a high-temperature-side first electrode portion, a second heat-collecting sheet portion having a high-temperature-side second electrode portion and a high-temperature-side third electrode portion, and a third heat-collecting sheet portion having a high-temperature-side fourth electrode portion; and a cutting process for connecting a first thermoelectric conversion element to the low-temperature-side first electrode portion and the high-temperature-side first electrode portion, a second thermoelectric conversion element to the low-temperature-side second electrode portion and the high-temperature-side second electrode portion, and a low-temperature-side third electrode portion to the high-temperature-side fourth electrode portion. The method includes a joining process for joining the third thermoelectric conversion element to the third electrode portion and the fourth thermoelectric conversion element to the low-temperature side fourth electrode portion and the high-temperature side fourth electrode portion, respectively; and a folding process for folding between the first heat dissipation sheet portion and the low-temperature side first electrode portion, between the first heat dissipation sheet portion and the low-temperature side second electrode portion, between the second heat dissipation sheet portion and the low-temperature side third electrode portion, between the second heat dissipation sheet portion and the low-temperature side fourth electrode portion, between the first heat collecting sheet portion and the high-temperature side first electrode portion, between the second heat collecting sheet portion and the high-temperature side second electrode portion, between the second heat collecting sheet portion and the high-temperature side third electrode portion, and between the third heat collecting sheet portion and the high-temperature side fourth electrode portion, so that the height from the second heat collecting sheet portion to the first heat dissipation sheet portion is different from the height from the second heat collecting sheet portion to the second heat dissipation sheet portion.

[0014] (First embodiment) Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a thermoelectric conversion module according to a first embodiment. Fig. 2 is a front view showing an example of a thermoelectric conversion module according to a first embodiment. Fig. 2 shows a front view of the thermoelectric conversion module of Fig. 1 as seen from the front right side of the paper.

[0015] The thermoelectric conversion module 1 of the first embodiment has a structure that utilizes the Seebeck effect and can convert thermal energy into electrical energy (power) in an operating environment with a temperature difference.

[0016] The thermoelectric conversion module 1 shown in Figures 1 and 2 includes a low-temperature side first member 10, a low-temperature side second member 20, a high-temperature side member 80, a first thermoelectric conversion element 60, a second thermoelectric conversion element 61, a third thermoelectric conversion element 62, and a fourth thermoelectric conversion element 63.

[0017] The low-temperature-side first member 10 is disposed on the temperature side lower than the temperature at which the high-temperature-side member 80 is disposed. The low-temperature-side first member 10 also has a first heat-dissipating sheet portion 11, a low-temperature-side first electrode portion 12, and a low-temperature-side second electrode portion 13. It is preferable that the first heat-dissipating sheet portion 11, the low-temperature-side first electrode portion 12, and the low-temperature-side second electrode portion 13 are integrated.

[0018] Like the low-temperature-side first member 10, the low-temperature-side second member 20 is disposed on the lower temperature side than the temperature at which the high-temperature-side member 80 is disposed. The low-temperature-side second member 20 also has a second heat-dissipating sheet portion 21, a low-temperature-side third electrode portion 22, and a low-temperature-side fourth electrode portion 23. It is preferable that the second heat-dissipating sheet portion 21, the low-temperature-side third electrode portion 22, and the low-temperature-side fourth electrode portion 23 are integrated. The low-temperature-side second member 20 is not directly electrically connected to the low-temperature-side first member 10. For example, the low-temperature-side second member 20 is disposed at a distance from the low-temperature-side first member 10.

[0019] The high-temperature-side member 80 is disposed on the higher temperature side than the temperature at which the low-temperature-side first member 10 and the low-temperature-side second member 20 are disposed. The high-temperature-side member 80 also has a first heat collecting sheet portion 90 having a high-temperature-side first electrode portion 91, a second heat collecting sheet portion 100 having a high-temperature-side second electrode portion 101 and a high-temperature-side third electrode portion 102, and a third heat collecting sheet portion 110 having a high-temperature-side fourth electrode portion 111. The high-temperature-side member 80 is disposed at a distance from the low-temperature-side first member 10 and the low-temperature-side second member 20. The first heat collecting sheet portion 90 having the high-temperature-side first electrode portion 91, the second heat collecting sheet portion 100 having the high-temperature-side second electrode portion 101 and the high-temperature-side third electrode portion 102, and the third heat collecting sheet portion 110 having the high-temperature-side fourth electrode portion 111 are disposed at a distance from each other.

[0020] The first heat collecting sheet portion 90 faces and is spaced apart from the first heat dissipating sheet portion 11 and the second heat dissipating sheet portion 21. It is preferable that the first heat collecting sheet portion 90 and the high temperature side first electrode portion 91 are integrated together.

[0021] The second heat collecting sheet portion 100 faces and is spaced apart from the first heat dissipation sheet portion 11 and the second heat dissipation sheet portion 21. It is preferable that the second heat collecting sheet portion 100, the high temperature side second electrode portion 101, and the high temperature side third electrode portion 102 are integrated together.

[0022] The third heat collecting sheet portion 110 faces and is spaced apart from the first heat dissipating sheet portion 11 and the second heat dissipating sheet portion 21. It is preferable that the third heat collecting sheet portion 110 and the high temperature side fourth electrode portion 111 are integrated together.

[0023] The low-temperature-side first electrode portion 12 of the low-temperature-side first member 10 extends from within the plane of the first heat-dissipating sheet portion 11 toward the first heat-collecting sheet portion 90. The low-temperature-side first electrode portion 12 protrudes toward the high-temperature-side member 80, and extends, for example, from a corner of the first heat-dissipating sheet portion 11 toward the high-temperature-side first electrode portion 91 of the first heat-collecting sheet portion 90.

[0024] The low-temperature-side second electrode portion 13 of the low-temperature-side first member 10 extends from within the plane of the first heat-dissipating sheet portion 11 toward the second heat-collecting sheet portion 100. The low-temperature-side second electrode portion 13 protrudes toward the high-temperature-side member 80, and extends, for example, from a corner (diagonal) of the first heat-dissipating sheet portion 11 opposite to the corner to which the low-temperature-side first electrode portion 12 extends, toward the high-temperature-side second electrode portion 101 of the second heat-collecting sheet portion 100.

[0025] The low-temperature-side third electrode portion 22 of the low-temperature-side second member 20 extends from within the plane of the second heat-dissipating sheet portion 21 toward the second heat-collecting sheet portion 100. The low-temperature-side third electrode portion 22 protrudes toward the high-temperature-side member 80, and extends, for example, from a corner of the second heat-dissipating sheet portion 21 toward the high-temperature-side third electrode portion 102 of the second heat-collecting sheet portion 100.

[0026] The low-temperature-side fourth electrode portion 23 of the low-temperature-side second member 20 extends from within the plane of the second heat-dissipating sheet portion 21 toward the third heat-collecting sheet portion 110. The low-temperature-side fourth electrode portion 23 protrudes toward the high-temperature-side member 80, and extends, for example, from a corner of the second heat-dissipating sheet portion 21 opposite to the corner to which the low-temperature-side third electrode portion 22 extends, toward the high-temperature-side fourth electrode portion 111 of the third heat-collecting sheet portion 110.

[0027] The high-temperature-side first electrode portion 91 of the high-temperature-side member 80 extends from within the plane of the first heat collecting sheet portion 90 toward the first heat dissipation sheet portion 11. The high-temperature-side first electrode portion 91 protrudes toward the low-temperature-side first member 10, and extends, for example, from a corner of the first heat collecting sheet portion 90 toward the low-temperature-side first electrode portion 12 of the first heat dissipation sheet portion 11.

[0028] The high-temperature-side second electrode portion 101 of the high-temperature-side member 80 extends from within the plane of the second heat collecting sheet portion 100 toward the first heat dissipation sheet portion 11. The high-temperature-side second electrode portion 101 protrudes toward the low-temperature-side first member 10, and extends, for example, from a corner of the second heat collecting sheet portion 100 toward the low-temperature-side second electrode portion 13 of the first heat dissipation sheet portion 11.

[0029] The high-temperature-side third electrode portion 102 of the high-temperature-side member 80 extends from within the plane of the second heat collecting sheet portion 100 toward the second heat dissipation sheet portion 21. The high-temperature-side third electrode portion 102 protrudes toward the low-temperature-side second member 20, and extends, for example, from a corner of the second heat collecting sheet portion 100 opposite to the corner to which the high-temperature-side second electrode portion 101 extends, toward the low-temperature-side third electrode portion 22 of the second heat dissipation sheet portion 21.

[0030] The high-temperature-side fourth electrode portion 111 of the high-temperature-side member 80 extends from within the plane of the third heat collecting sheet portion 110 toward the second heat dissipation sheet portion 21. The high-temperature-side fourth electrode portion 111 protrudes toward the low-temperature-side second member 20, and extends, for example, from a corner of the third heat collecting sheet portion 110 toward the low-temperature-side fourth electrode portion 23 of the second heat dissipation sheet portion 21.

[0031] The first thermoelectric conversion element 60 is electrically joined to the low-temperature side first electrode portion 12 and the high-temperature side first electrode portion 91. For example, the first thermoelectric conversion element 60 is joined to the low-temperature side first electrode portion 12 and the high-temperature side first electrode portion 91 by a joining material (not shown). The first thermoelectric conversion element 60 is preferably joined to the low-temperature side first electrode portion 12 and the high-temperature side first electrode portion 91 via solder or a silver-based material. The silver-based material is preferably silver paste.

[0032] The second thermoelectric conversion element 61 is electrically joined to the low-temperature side second electrode portion 13 and the high-temperature side second electrode portion 101. For example, the second thermoelectric conversion element 61 is joined to the low-temperature side second electrode portion 13 and the high-temperature side second electrode portion 101 by a joining material (not shown). The second thermoelectric conversion element 61 is preferably joined to the low-temperature side second electrode portion 13 and the high-temperature side second electrode portion 101 via solder or a silver-based material. The silver-based material is preferably silver paste.

[0033] The third thermoelectric conversion element 62 is electrically joined to the low-temperature-side third electrode portion 22 and the high-temperature-side third electrode portion 102. For example, the third thermoelectric conversion element 62 is joined to the low-temperature-side third electrode portion 22 and the high-temperature-side third electrode portion 102 by a joining material (not shown). The third thermoelectric conversion element 62 is preferably joined to the low-temperature-side third electrode portion 22 and the high-temperature-side third electrode portion 102 via solder or a silver-based material. The silver-based material is preferably silver paste.

[0034] The fourth thermoelectric conversion element 63 is electrically joined to the fourth low-temperature side electrode portion 23 and the fourth high-temperature side electrode portion 111. For example, the fourth thermoelectric conversion element 63 is joined to the fourth low-temperature side electrode portion 23 and the fourth high-temperature side electrode portion 111 by a joining material (not shown). The fourth thermoelectric conversion element 63 is preferably joined to the fourth low-temperature side electrode portion 23 and the fourth high-temperature side electrode portion 111 via solder or a silver-based material. The silver-based material is preferably silver paste.

[0035] In the thermoelectric conversion module 1, the first thermoelectric conversion element 60, the second thermoelectric conversion element 61, the third thermoelectric conversion element 62, and the fourth thermoelectric conversion element 63 are configured, for example, such that the first thermoelectric conversion element 60 and the third thermoelectric conversion element 62 are p-type thermoelectric conversion elements, and the second thermoelectric conversion element 61 and the fourth thermoelectric conversion element 63 are n-type thermoelectric conversion elements, and the p-type thermoelectric conversion elements and the n-type thermoelectric conversion elements are electrically connected in series.

[0036] The thermoelectric conversion materials used in the first thermoelectric conversion element 60, the second thermoelectric conversion element 61, the third thermoelectric conversion element 62, and the fourth thermoelectric conversion element 63 are preferably bismuth-tellurium compounds, silicon-germanium (Si-Ge) compounds, silicide compounds, skutterudite compounds, clathrate compounds, Heusler compounds, and half-Heusler compounds, more preferably clathrate compounds, and even more preferably clathrate compounds containing barium (Ba), gallium (Ga), and tin (Sn).

[0037] When the first thermoelectric conversion element 60, the second thermoelectric conversion element 61, the third thermoelectric conversion element 62, and the fourth thermoelectric conversion element 63 are clathrate compounds, changing the composition of the clathrate compound makes it possible to obtain optimal performance for that temperature range, thereby further improving the thermoelectric conversion efficiency of the thermoelectric conversion module 1. Furthermore, thermoelectric conversion elements formed from clathrate compounds are particularly preferable in that they do not contain environmentally hazardous substances such as bismuth (Bi), tellurium (Te), and selenium (Se), and can be manufactured by separately creating p-type thermoelectric conversion materials and n-type thermoelectric conversion materials.

[0038] The forms of the low-temperature-side first member 10, the low-temperature-side second member 20, and the high-temperature-side member 80 are selected appropriately depending on the application of the thermoelectric conversion module 1, and are preferably thin plates or foils. The thickness of the foil is smaller than that of the thin plates. Specifically, the first heat-dissipating sheet member 11, the low-temperature-side first electrode member 12, and the low-temperature-side second electrode member 13 constituting the low-temperature-side first member 10; the second heat-dissipating sheet member 21, the low-temperature-side third electrode member 22, and the low-temperature-side fourth electrode member 23 constituting the low-temperature-side second member 20; and the first heat-collecting sheet member 90, the high-temperature-side first electrode member 91, the second heat-collecting sheet member 100, the high-temperature-side second electrode member 101, the high-temperature-side third electrode member 102, the third heat-collecting sheet member 110, and the high-temperature-side fourth electrode member 111 constituting the high-temperature-side member 80 are preferably thin plates or foils. For example, the first heat dissipation sheet portion 11, the low-temperature side first electrode portion 12, the low-temperature side second electrode portion 13, the second heat dissipation sheet portion 21, the low-temperature side third electrode portion 22, the low-temperature side fourth electrode portion 23, the first heat collecting sheet portion 90, the high-temperature side first electrode portion 91, the second heat collecting sheet portion 100, the high-temperature side second electrode portion 101, the high-temperature side third electrode portion 102, the third heat collecting sheet portion 110, and the high-temperature side fourth electrode portion 111 are rectangular in shape, such as a rectangle or a square.

[0039] If the first low-temperature-side member 10, the second low-temperature-side member 20, and the high-temperature-side member 80 are made of thin plate or foil, these members can be easily bent and installed to fit the shape of the heat source. This expands the range of applications of the thermoelectric conversion module 1. Furthermore, because the first heat dissipation sheet portion 11 and the second heat dissipation sheet portion 21, which are thin plate or foil, can fully function as a heat exchanger, the structure of the thermoelectric conversion module 1 can be simplified, making it easier to manufacture the thermoelectric conversion module 1 and reducing the cost of the thermoelectric conversion module 1.

[0040] The materials constituting the low-temperature side first member 10, the low-temperature side second member 20, and the high-temperature side member 80 are appropriately selected depending on the application of the thermoelectric conversion module 1, and from the viewpoint of thermal conductivity, copper or a copper alloy is preferable, and copper is more preferable.

[0041] 2, in the thermoelectric conversion module 1, the height h1 from the second heat collecting sheet section 100 to the first heat dissipation sheet section 11 is different from the height h2 from the second heat collecting sheet section 100 to the second heat dissipation sheet section 21. Here, the height h2 from the second heat collecting sheet section 100 to the second heat dissipation sheet section 21 is higher than the height h1 from the second heat collecting sheet section 100 to the first heat dissipation sheet section 11, but the height h2 from the second heat collecting sheet section 100 to the second heat dissipation sheet section 21 may be lower than the height h1 from the second heat collecting sheet section 100 to the first heat dissipation sheet section 11.

[0042] 1 and 2, the first heat-dissipating sheet portion 11 and the second heat-dissipating sheet portion 21 are disposed at a distance in the height direction. When the first heat-dissipating sheet portion 11 and the second heat-dissipating sheet portion 21 are in contact with each other, the surfaces of the first heat-dissipating sheet portion 11 and the second heat-dissipating sheet portion 21 need only be covered with an electrically insulating material so that the first heat-dissipating sheet portion 11 and the second heat-dissipating sheet portion 21 are electrically insulated from each other.

[0043] In this way, the first heat dissipation sheet portion 11 and the second heat dissipation sheet portion 21 are arranged at different heights, so that it is possible to closely arrange multiple components, including multiple thermoelectric conversion elements, that make up the thermoelectric conversion module 1. As a result, it is possible to improve the power density of the thermoelectric conversion module 1 relative to the installation area of the thermoelectric conversion module 1.

[0044] Next, an example of a method for manufacturing the thermoelectric conversion module 1 of the first embodiment will be described.

[0045] Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing an example of a base material used in the manufacturing method of the thermoelectric conversion module 1. Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing an example of a cutting step in the manufacturing method of the thermoelectric conversion module 1. Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing an example of a cut base material obtained in the cutting step in the manufacturing method of the thermoelectric conversion module 1. Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing an example of a joining step in the manufacturing method of the thermoelectric conversion module 1.

[0046] The method for manufacturing the thermoelectric conversion module 1 includes a cutting step, a joining step, and a bending step.

[0047] In the cutting step of the manufacturing method for the thermoelectric conversion module 1, the base material 200 shown in Fig. 3 is cut. The base material 200 includes a thermally conductive material sheet 201 and an electrical insulating sheet 202 provided on the thermally conductive material sheet 201.

[0048] The material constituting the thermally conductive material sheet 201 is appropriately selected depending on the application of the thermoelectric conversion module 1. From the viewpoint of thermal conductivity, copper or a copper alloy is preferable, and copper is more preferable. The material constituting the electrical insulation sheet 202 is not particularly limited, but is preferably polyimide. The thermally conductive material sheet 201 and the electrical insulation sheet 202 are adhered to each other via, for example, an adhesive layer (not shown). For example, the base material 200 is composed of the thermally conductive material sheet 201, which is a copper foil having a thickness of about 30 μm, the electrical insulation sheet 202, which is a polyimide film having a thickness of about 10 μm, and an adhesive layer (not shown) having a thickness of about 20 μm.

[0049] In the cutting process, laser light L is irradiated onto the substrate 200 from the side of the thermally conductive material sheet 201 to cut the substrate 200, and at the same time, only the thermally conductive material sheet 201 is partially etched at the portions where the thermoelectric conversion elements will be joined in the joining process described below to expose the electrical insulating sheet 202. In this way, a low-temperature-side first member 10 having a first heat-dissipating sheet portion 11, a low-temperature-side first electrode portion 12, and a low-temperature-side second electrode portion 13, a low-temperature-side second member 20 having a second heat-dissipating sheet portion 21, a low-temperature-side third electrode portion 22, and a low-temperature-side fourth electrode portion 23, a first heat-collecting sheet portion 90 having a high-temperature-side first electrode portion 91, a second heat-collecting sheet portion 100 having a high-temperature-side second electrode portion 101 and a high-temperature-side third electrode portion 102, and a third heat-collecting sheet portion 110 having a high-temperature-side fourth electrode portion 111 are formed. Then, by removing the outer frame 400 as needed, a cut substrate 300 including the main components that make up the thermoelectric conversion module 1 is obtained, as shown in FIG.

[0050] In the bonding process performed after the cutting process, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, each thermoelectric conversion element is installed on the exposed portion of the electrical insulating sheet 202 in the cut substrate 300. The longitudinal dimension of each thermoelectric conversion element is longer than the length of the exposed portion of the electrical insulating sheet 202. Then, using a bonding material (not shown), a first thermoelectric conversion element 60 is connected to the low-temperature-side first electrode 12 and the high-temperature-side first electrode 91, a second thermoelectric conversion element 61 is connected to the low-temperature-side second electrode 13 and the high-temperature-side second electrode 101, a third thermoelectric conversion element 62 is connected to the low-temperature-side third electrode 22 and the high-temperature-side third electrode 102, and a fourth thermoelectric conversion element 63 is joined to the low-temperature-side fourth electrode 23 and the high-temperature-side fourth electrode 111. At this time, p-type thermoelectric conversion elements and n-type thermoelectric conversion elements are alternately arranged for the multiple thermoelectric conversion elements, and the p-type thermoelectric conversion elements and n-type thermoelectric conversion elements are configured to be electrically connected in series.

[0051] In the folding process carried out after the joining process, the sections between the first heat dissipation sheet section 11 and the low-temperature side first electrode section 12, between the first heat dissipation sheet section 11 and the low-temperature side second electrode section 13, between the second heat dissipation sheet section 21 and the low-temperature side third electrode section 22, between the second heat dissipation sheet section 21 and the low-temperature side fourth electrode section 23, between the first heat collecting sheet section 90 and the high-temperature side first electrode section 91, between the second heat collecting sheet section 100 and the high-temperature side second electrode section 101, between the second heat collecting sheet section 100 and the high-temperature side third electrode section 102, and between the third heat collecting sheet section 110 and the high-temperature side fourth electrode section 111 are folded, and in the configuration after folding, the height h1 from the second heat collecting sheet section 100 to the first heat dissipation sheet section 11 and the height h2 from the second heat collecting sheet section 100 to the second heat dissipation sheet section 21 are made different.

[0052] In the folding process, the first heat dissipation sheet portion 11 and the low-temperature-side first electrode portion 12, the first heat dissipation sheet portion 11 and the low-temperature-side second electrode portion 13, the second heat dissipation sheet portion 21 and the low-temperature-side third electrode portion 22, and the second heat dissipation sheet portion 21 and the low-temperature-side fourth electrode portion 23 are folded to the same side. The first heat collecting sheet portion 90 and the high-temperature-side first electrode portion 91, the second heat collecting sheet portion 100 and the high-temperature-side second electrode portion 101, the second heat collecting sheet portion 100 and the high-temperature-side third electrode portion 102, and the third heat collecting sheet portion 110 and the high-temperature-side fourth electrode portion 111 are folded to the opposite side. In this manner, the thermoelectric conversion module 1 can be manufactured.

[0053] According to the first embodiment described above, the components of the thermoelectric conversion module including a plurality of thermoelectric conversion elements are densely arranged in three dimensions, thereby improving the output density of the thermoelectric conversion module relative to the installation area.

[0054] (Second embodiment) Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing an example of a thermoelectric conversion module according to the second embodiment, and Fig. 8 is a front view showing an example of a thermoelectric conversion module according to the second embodiment.

[0055] In the following embodiments, the same components as those in the thermoelectric conversion module of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted or simplified.

[0056] The thermoelectric conversion module 2 of the second embodiment is basically the same as the thermoelectric conversion module 1 of the first embodiment, except that the configuration of the low-temperature-side third member 30 is mainly added and the configuration of the components related to the low-temperature-side third member 30 is changed. Therefore, the different configuration will be mainly described here.

[0057] 7 and 8, the thermoelectric conversion module 2 includes a first low-temperature-side member 10, a second low-temperature-side member 20, a high-temperature-side member 80, a first thermoelectric conversion element 60, a second thermoelectric conversion element 61, a third thermoelectric conversion element 62, and a fourth thermoelectric conversion element 63, as well as a third low-temperature-side member 30, a fifth thermoelectric conversion element 64, and a sixth thermoelectric conversion element 65. The third heat collecting sheet 110 constituting the thermoelectric conversion module 2 further includes a fifth high-temperature-side electrode 112 in addition to a fourth high-temperature-side electrode 111. The high-temperature-side member 80 constituting the thermoelectric conversion module 2 further includes a fourth heat collecting sheet 120 including a sixth high-temperature-side electrode 121.

[0058] The low-temperature-side third member 30, like the low-temperature-side first member 10 and the low-temperature-side second member 20, is disposed on the lower temperature side than the temperature at which the high-temperature-side member 80 is disposed. The low-temperature-side third member 30 also has a third heat-dissipating sheet portion 31, a low-temperature-side fifth electrode portion 32, and a low-temperature-side sixth electrode portion 33. It is preferable that the third heat-dissipating sheet portion 31, the low-temperature-side fifth electrode portion 32, and the low-temperature-side sixth electrode portion 33 are integrated. The low-temperature-side third member 30 is not directly electrically connected to the low-temperature-side first member 10 and the low-temperature-side second member 20. For example, the low-temperature-side third member 30 is disposed at a distance from the low-temperature-side first member 10 and the low-temperature-side second member 20.

[0059] The first heat collecting sheet section 90 having a high temperature side first electrode section 91, the second heat collecting sheet section 100 having a high temperature side second electrode section 101 and a high temperature side third electrode section 102, the third heat collecting sheet section 110 having a high temperature side fourth electrode section 111 and a high temperature side fifth electrode section 112, and the fourth heat collecting sheet section 120 having a high temperature side sixth electrode section 121 are arranged at a distance from each other.

[0060] The first heat collecting sheet portion 90, the second heat collecting sheet portion 100, and the third heat collecting sheet portion 110 are opposed to and spaced apart from the third heat dissipation sheet portion 31. It is preferable that the third heat collecting sheet portion 110, the high temperature side fourth electrode portion 111, and the high temperature side fifth electrode portion 112 are integrated together.

[0061] The fourth heat collecting sheet portion 120 faces and is spaced apart from the first heat dissipation sheet portion 11, the second heat dissipation sheet portion 21, and the third heat dissipation sheet portion 31. It is preferable that the fourth heat collecting sheet portion 120 and the high temperature side sixth electrode portion 121 are integrated together.

[0062] The low-temperature-side fifth electrode portion 32 of the low-temperature-side third member 30 extends from within the plane of the third heat-dissipating sheet portion 31 toward the third heat-collecting sheet portion 110. The low-temperature-side fifth electrode portion 32 protrudes toward the high-temperature-side member 80, and extends, for example, from a corner of the third heat-dissipating sheet portion 31 toward the high-temperature-side fifth electrode portion 112 of the third heat-collecting sheet portion 110.

[0063] The low-temperature-side sixth electrode portion 33 of the low-temperature-side third member 30 extends from within the plane of the third heat-dissipating sheet portion 31 toward the fourth heat-collecting sheet portion 120. The low-temperature-side sixth electrode portion 33 protrudes toward the high-temperature-side member 80, and extends, for example, from a corner of the third heat-dissipating sheet portion 31 opposite to the corner to which the low-temperature-side fifth electrode portion 32 extends, toward the high-temperature-side sixth electrode portion 121 of the fourth heat-collecting sheet portion 120.

[0064] The high-temperature-side fifth electrode portion 112 of the high-temperature-side member 80 extends from within the plane of the third heat collecting sheet portion 110 toward the third heat dissipation sheet portion 31. The high-temperature-side fifth electrode portion 112 protrudes toward the low-temperature-side third member 30, and extends, for example, from a corner of the third heat collecting sheet portion 110 that faces the corner to which the high-temperature-side fourth electrode portion 111 extends, toward the low-temperature-side fifth electrode portion 32 of the third heat dissipation sheet portion 31.

[0065] The high-temperature-side sixth electrode portion 121 of the high-temperature-side member 80 extends from within the plane of the fourth heat collecting sheet portion 120 toward the third heat dissipation sheet portion 31. The high-temperature-side sixth electrode portion 121 protrudes toward the low-temperature-side third member 30, and extends, for example, from a corner of the fourth heat collecting sheet portion 120 toward the low-temperature-side sixth electrode portion 33 of the third heat dissipation sheet portion 31.

[0066] The fifth thermoelectric conversion element 64 is electrically joined to the fifth low-temperature side electrode portion 32 and the fifth high-temperature side electrode portion 112. For example, the fifth thermoelectric conversion element 64 is joined to the fifth low-temperature side electrode portion 32 and the fifth high-temperature side electrode portion 112 by a joining material (not shown). The fifth thermoelectric conversion element 64 is preferably joined to the fifth low-temperature side electrode portion 32 and the fifth high-temperature side electrode portion 112 via solder or a silver-based material. The silver-based material is preferably silver paste.

[0067] The sixth thermoelectric conversion element 65 is electrically joined to the sixth low-temperature side electrode portion 33 and the sixth high-temperature side electrode portion 121. For example, the sixth thermoelectric conversion element 65 is joined to the sixth low-temperature side electrode portion 33 and the sixth high-temperature side electrode portion 121 by a joining material (not shown). The sixth thermoelectric conversion element 65 is preferably joined to the sixth low-temperature side electrode portion 33 and the sixth high-temperature side electrode portion 121 via solder or a silver-based material. The silver-based material is preferably silver paste.

[0068] Similar to thermoelectric conversion module 1, in thermoelectric conversion module 2, first thermoelectric conversion element 60, second thermoelectric conversion element 61, third thermoelectric conversion element 62, fourth thermoelectric conversion element 63, fifth thermoelectric conversion element 64, and sixth thermoelectric conversion element 65 are configured such that the p-type thermoelectric conversion element and the n-type thermoelectric conversion element are electrically connected in series.

[0069] As described above, the thermoelectric conversion material used in the fifth thermoelectric conversion element 64 and the sixth thermoelectric conversion element 65 is preferably a bismuth-tellurium compound, a silicon-germanium (Si-Ge) compound, a silicide compound, a skutterudite compound, a clathrate compound, a Heusler compound, or a half-Heusler compound, more preferably a clathrate compound, and even more preferably a clathrate compound containing barium (Ba), gallium (Ga), and tin (Sn).

[0070] Similarly to the above, the forms of the low-temperature-side first member 10, the low-temperature-side second member 20, the low-temperature-side third member 30, and the high-temperature-side member 80 are preferably thin plates or foils and are appropriately selected depending on the application of the thermoelectric conversion module 1. Specifically, the third heat dissipation sheet member 31, the low-temperature-side fifth electrode member 32, and the low-temperature-side sixth electrode member 33 constituting the low-temperature-side third member 30, and the first heat collecting sheet member 90, the high-temperature-side first electrode member 91, the second heat collecting sheet member 100, the high-temperature-side second electrode member 101, the high-temperature-side third electrode member 102, the third heat collecting sheet member 110, the high-temperature-side fourth electrode member 111, the high-temperature-side fifth electrode member 112, the fourth heat collecting sheet member 120, and the high-temperature-side sixth electrode member 121 constituting the high-temperature-side member 80 are preferably thin plates or foils. For example, the third heat dissipation sheet portion 31, the low-temperature side fourth electrode portion 23, the low-temperature side fifth electrode portion 32, the high-temperature side fifth electrode portion 112, the fourth heat collection sheet portion 120, and the high-temperature side sixth electrode portion 121 are rectangular in shape, such as a rectangle or a square.

[0071] As described above, the materials constituting the low-temperature side first member 10, the low-temperature side second member 20, the low-temperature side third member 30, and the high-temperature side member 80 are appropriately selected depending on the application of the thermoelectric conversion module 2, and from the viewpoint of thermal conductivity, copper or a copper alloy is preferable, and copper is more preferable.

[0072] In the thermoelectric conversion module 2, the height h1 from the second heat collecting sheet portion 100 to the first heat dissipation sheet portion 11, the height h2 from the second heat collecting sheet portion 100 to the second heat dissipation sheet portion 21, and the height h3 from the second heat collecting sheet portion 100 to the third heat dissipation sheet portion 31 are all different. Here, the height h2 from the second heat collecting sheet portion 100 to the second heat dissipation sheet portion 21 is higher than the height h1 from the second heat collecting sheet portion 100 to the first heat dissipation sheet portion 11, and the height h3 from the second heat collecting sheet portion 100 to the third heat dissipation sheet portion 31 is higher than the height h2 from the second heat collecting sheet portion 100 to the second heat dissipation sheet portion 21, but for example, the height h2 may be lower than the height h1, and the height h3 may be lower than the height h2.

[0073] 8, the first heat-dissipating sheet section 11, the second heat-dissipating sheet section 21, and the third heat-dissipating sheet section 31 are disposed at a distance in the height direction. When the first heat-dissipating sheet section 11, the second heat-dissipating sheet section 21, and the third heat-dissipating sheet section 31 are in contact with each other, the surfaces of the first heat-dissipating sheet section 11, the second heat-dissipating sheet section 21, and the third heat-dissipating sheet section 31 need only be covered with an electrically insulating material, so that the first heat-dissipating sheet section 11, the second heat-dissipating sheet section 21, and the third heat-dissipating sheet section 31 are electrically insulated from each other.

[0074] In this way, the first heat dissipation sheet portion 11, the second heat dissipation sheet portion 21, and the third heat dissipation sheet portion 31 are arranged at different heights, which allows for closer placement of multiple components, including multiple thermoelectric conversion elements, that make up the thermoelectric conversion module 2. This further improves the power density of the thermoelectric conversion module 2 relative to the installation area of the thermoelectric conversion module 2.

[0075] According to the second embodiment described above, the components of the thermoelectric conversion module including a plurality of thermoelectric conversion elements are arranged more densely in three dimensions, thereby further improving the output density of the thermoelectric conversion module relative to the installation area.

[0076] In the second embodiment, a thermoelectric conversion module 2 in which a low-temperature side third member 30 is added to the thermoelectric conversion module 1 is described. However, if a low-temperature side fourth member (not shown) is further added in addition to the low-temperature side third member 30, i.e., if multiple low-temperature side members are added, the output density of the thermoelectric conversion module relative to the installation area can be further improved.

[0077] (Third embodiment) Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing an example of a thermoelectric conversion module according to a third embodiment, and Fig. 10 is a front view showing an example of a thermoelectric conversion module according to the third embodiment.

[0078] In the thermoelectric conversion module 2 of the second embodiment, mainly, a low-temperature side fourth member 40 having a configuration basically similar to that of the low-temperature side first member 10, a low-temperature side fifth member 50 having a configuration basically similar to that of the low-temperature side second member 20, a fifth heat collecting sheet section 130 having a high-temperature side seventh electrode section 131 having a configuration basically similar to that of the first heat collecting sheet section 90 having a high-temperature side first electrode section 91, and a second heat collecting sheet section 100 having a configuration basically similar to that of the high-temperature side second electrode section 101 and the high-temperature side third electrode section 102. The configuration of the thermoelectric conversion module 1 of the first embodiment is basically the same as that of the thermoelectric conversion module 1 of the first embodiment, except for the addition of a sixth heat collecting sheet section 140 including a high-temperature side eighth electrode section 141 and a high-temperature side ninth electrode section 142 having the same configuration as the third heat collecting sheet section 110 including the high-temperature side fourth electrode section 111, a seventh heat collecting sheet section 150 including a high-temperature side tenth electrode section 151 having basically the same configuration as the third heat collecting sheet section 110 including the high-temperature side fourth electrode section 111, and the configurations of a seventh thermoelectric conversion element 66, an eighth thermoelectric conversion element 67, a ninth thermoelectric conversion element 68, and a tenth thermoelectric conversion element 69. Therefore, the different configurations will be mainly described here.

[0079] 9 and 10 , the thermoelectric conversion module 3 includes a first low-temperature-side member 10, a second low-temperature-side member 20, a high-temperature-side member 80, a first thermoelectric conversion element 60, a second thermoelectric conversion element 61, a third thermoelectric conversion element 62, and a fourth thermoelectric conversion element 63, as well as a fourth low-temperature-side member 40, a fifth low-temperature-side member 50, a seventh thermoelectric conversion element 66, an eighth thermoelectric conversion element 67, a ninth thermoelectric conversion element 68, and a tenth thermoelectric conversion element 69. The high-temperature-side member 80 constituting the thermoelectric conversion module 3 further includes a fifth heat collecting sheet portion 130 including a seventh high-temperature-side electrode portion 131, a sixth heat collecting sheet portion 140 including an eighth high-temperature-side electrode portion 141 and a ninth high-temperature-side electrode portion 142, and a seventh heat collecting sheet portion 150 including a tenth high-temperature-side electrode portion 151.

[0080] The low-temperature-side fourth member 40, like the low-temperature-side first member 10 and the low-temperature-side second member 20, is disposed on the lower temperature side than the temperature at which the high-temperature-side member 80 is disposed. The low-temperature-side fourth member 40 also has a fourth heat-dissipating sheet portion 41, a low-temperature-side seventh electrode portion 42, and a low-temperature-side eighth electrode portion 43. It is preferable that the fourth heat-dissipating sheet portion 41, the low-temperature-side seventh electrode portion 42, and the low-temperature-side eighth electrode portion 43 are integrated together. The low-temperature-side fourth member 40 is disposed at a distance from the low-temperature-side first member 10 and the low-temperature-side second member 20.

[0081] Like the low-temperature-side fourth member 40, the low-temperature-side fifth member 50 is disposed on the lower temperature side than the temperature at which the high-temperature-side member 80 is disposed. The low-temperature-side fifth member 50 also has a fifth heat-dissipating sheet portion 51, a low-temperature-side ninth electrode portion 52, and a low-temperature-side tenth electrode portion 53. The fifth heat-dissipating sheet portion 51, the low-temperature-side ninth electrode portion 52, and the low-temperature-side tenth electrode portion 53 are preferably integrated together. Like the low-temperature-side fourth member 40, the low-temperature-side fifth member 50 is disposed at a distance from the low-temperature-side first member 10 and the low-temperature-side second member 20. The low-temperature-side fifth member 50 is not directly electrically connected to the low-temperature-side fourth member 40. For example, the low-temperature-side fifth member 50 is disposed at a distance from the low-temperature-side fourth member 40.

[0082] In addition to the components constituting the thermoelectric conversion module 1, the high-temperature-side member 80 further includes a fifth heat collecting sheet section 130 having a high-temperature-side seventh electrode section 131, a sixth heat collecting sheet section 140 having a high-temperature-side eighth electrode section 141 and a high-temperature-side ninth electrode section 142, and a seventh heat collecting sheet section 150 having a high-temperature-side tenth electrode section 151. The fifth heat collecting sheet section 130 having the high-temperature-side seventh electrode section 131, the sixth heat collecting sheet section 140 having the high-temperature-side eighth electrode section 141 and a high-temperature-side ninth electrode section 142, and the seventh heat collecting sheet section 150 having the high-temperature-side tenth electrode section 151 are arranged at a distance from each other.

[0083] The fifth heat collecting sheet portion 130 faces and is spaced apart from the fourth heat dissipation sheet portion 41 and the fifth heat dissipation sheet portion 51. It is preferable that the fifth heat collecting sheet portion 130 and the high temperature side seventh electrode portion 131 are integrated together.

[0084] The sixth heat collecting sheet portion 140 faces and is spaced apart from the fourth heat dissipation sheet portion 41 and the fifth heat dissipation sheet portion 51. It is preferable that the sixth heat collecting sheet portion 140, the eighth high temperature side electrode portion 141, and the ninth high temperature side electrode portion 142 are integrated together.

[0085] The seventh heat collecting sheet portion 150 faces and is spaced apart from the fourth heat dissipating sheet portion 41 and the fifth heat dissipating sheet portion 51. The seventh heat collecting sheet portion 150 and the high temperature side tenth electrode portion 151 are preferably integrated together.

[0086] The low-temperature-side seventh electrode portion 42 of the low-temperature-side fourth member 40 extends from within the plane of the fourth heat-dissipating sheet portion 41 toward the fifth heat-collecting sheet portion 130. The low-temperature-side seventh electrode portion 42 protrudes toward the high-temperature-side member 80, and extends, for example, from a corner of the fourth heat-dissipating sheet portion 41 toward the high-temperature-side seventh electrode portion 131 of the fifth heat-collecting sheet portion 130.

[0087] The eighth low-temperature-side electrode portion 43 of the fourth low-temperature-side member 40 extends from within the plane of the fourth heat-dissipating sheet portion 41 toward the sixth heat collecting sheet portion 140. The eighth low-temperature-side electrode portion 43 protrudes toward the high-temperature-side member 80, and extends, for example, from a corner of the fourth heat-dissipating sheet portion 41 that faces the corner to which the seventh low-temperature-side electrode portion 42 extends, toward the eighth high-temperature-side electrode portion 141 of the sixth heat collecting sheet portion 140.

[0088] The ninth low-temperature-side electrode portion 52 of the fifth low-temperature-side member 50 extends from within the plane of the fifth heat-dissipating sheet portion 51 toward the sixth heat-collecting sheet portion 140. The ninth low-temperature-side electrode portion 52 protrudes toward the high-temperature-side member 80, and extends, for example, from a corner of the fifth heat-dissipating sheet portion 51 toward the ninth high-temperature-side electrode portion 142 of the sixth heat-collecting sheet portion 140.

[0089] The low-temperature-side tenth electrode portion 53 of the low-temperature-side fifth member 50 extends from within the plane of the fifth heat-dissipating sheet portion 51 toward the seventh heat collecting sheet portion 150. The low-temperature-side tenth electrode portion 53 protrudes toward the high-temperature-side member 80, and extends, for example, from a corner of the fifth heat-dissipating sheet portion 51 opposite to the corner to which the low-temperature-side ninth electrode portion 52 extends, toward the high-temperature-side tenth electrode portion 151 of the seventh heat collecting sheet portion 150.

[0090] The high-temperature-side seventh electrode portion 131 of the high-temperature-side member 80 extends from within the plane of the fifth heat collecting sheet portion 130 toward the fourth heat dissipation sheet portion 41. The high-temperature-side seventh electrode portion 131 protrudes toward the low-temperature-side fourth member 40, and extends, for example, from a corner of the fifth heat collecting sheet portion 130 toward the low-temperature-side seventh electrode portion 42 of the fourth heat dissipation sheet portion 41.

[0091] The eighth high-temperature-side electrode portion 141 of the high-temperature-side member 80 extends from within the plane of the sixth heat collecting sheet portion 140 toward the fourth heat dissipation sheet portion 41. The eighth high-temperature-side electrode portion 141 protrudes toward the fourth low-temperature-side member 40, and extends, for example, from a corner of the sixth heat collecting sheet portion 140 toward the eighth low-temperature-side electrode portion 43 of the fourth heat dissipation sheet portion 41.

[0092] The ninth high-temperature-side electrode portion 142 of the high-temperature-side member 80 extends from within the plane of the sixth heat collecting sheet portion 140 toward the fifth heat dissipation sheet portion 51. The ninth high-temperature-side electrode portion 142 protrudes toward the fifth low-temperature-side member 50, and extends, for example, from a corner of the sixth heat collecting sheet portion 140 that faces the corner to which the eighth high-temperature-side electrode portion 141 extends, toward the ninth low-temperature-side electrode portion 52 of the fifth heat dissipation sheet portion 51.

[0093] The high-temperature-side tenth electrode portion 151 of the high-temperature-side member 80 extends from within the plane of the seventh heat collecting sheet portion 150 toward the fifth heat dissipation sheet portion 51. The high-temperature-side tenth electrode portion 151 protrudes toward the low-temperature-side fifth member 50, and extends, for example, from a corner of the seventh heat collecting sheet portion 150 toward the low-temperature-side tenth electrode portion 53 of the fifth heat dissipation sheet portion 51.

[0094] The seventh thermoelectric conversion element 66 is electrically joined to the seventh low-temperature side electrode portion 42 and the seventh high-temperature side electrode portion 131. For example, the seventh thermoelectric conversion element 66 is joined to the seventh low-temperature side electrode portion 42 and the seventh high-temperature side electrode portion 131 by a joining material (not shown). The seventh thermoelectric conversion element 66 is preferably joined to the seventh low-temperature side electrode portion 42 and the seventh high-temperature side electrode portion 131 via solder or a silver-based material. The silver-based material is preferably silver paste.

[0095] The eighth thermoelectric conversion element 67 is electrically joined to the eighth low-temperature side electrode portion 43 and the eighth high-temperature side electrode portion 141. For example, the eighth thermoelectric conversion element 67 is joined to the eighth low-temperature side electrode portion 43 and the eighth high-temperature side electrode portion 141 by a joining material (not shown). The eighth thermoelectric conversion element 67 is preferably joined to the eighth low-temperature side electrode portion 43 and the eighth high-temperature side electrode portion 141 via solder or a silver-based material. The silver-based material is preferably silver paste.

[0096] The ninth thermoelectric conversion element 68 is electrically joined to the ninth low-temperature-side electrode portion 52 and the ninth high-temperature-side electrode portion 142. For example, the ninth thermoelectric conversion element 68 is joined to the ninth low-temperature-side electrode portion 52 and the ninth high-temperature-side electrode portion 142 by a joining material (not shown). The ninth thermoelectric conversion element 68 is preferably joined to the ninth low-temperature-side electrode portion 52 and the ninth high-temperature-side electrode portion 142 via solder or a silver-based material. The silver-based material is preferably silver paste.

[0097] A tenth thermoelectric conversion element 69 is electrically joined to the low-temperature side tenth electrode portion 53 and the high-temperature side tenth electrode portion 151. For example, the tenth thermoelectric conversion element 69 is joined to the low-temperature side tenth electrode portion 53 and the high-temperature side tenth electrode portion 151 by a joining material (not shown). The tenth thermoelectric conversion element 69 is preferably joined to the low-temperature side tenth electrode portion 53 and the high-temperature side tenth electrode portion 151 via solder or a silver-based material. The silver-based material is preferably silver paste.

[0098] Similar to thermoelectric conversion module 1, in thermoelectric conversion module 3, the seventh thermoelectric conversion element 66, the eighth thermoelectric conversion element 67, the ninth thermoelectric conversion element 68, and the tenth thermoelectric conversion element 69 are configured so that the p-type thermoelectric conversion element and the n-type thermoelectric conversion element are electrically connected in series.

[0099] Similarly to the above, the thermoelectric conversion material used in the seventh thermoelectric conversion element 66, the eighth thermoelectric conversion element 67, the ninth thermoelectric conversion element 68, and the tenth thermoelectric conversion element 69 is preferably a bismuth-tellurium compound, a silicon-germanium (Si-Ge) compound, a silicide compound, a skutterudite compound, a clathrate compound, a Heusler compound, or a half-Heusler compound, more preferably a clathrate compound, and even more preferably a clathrate compound containing barium (Ba), gallium (Ga), and tin (Sn).

[0100] Similarly to the above, the forms of the fourth low-temperature-side member 40, the fifth low-temperature-side member 50, and the high-temperature-side member 80 are preferably thin plates or foils and are appropriately selected depending on the application of the thermoelectric conversion module 1. Specifically, the fourth heat dissipation sheet member 41, the seventh low-temperature-side electrode member 42, and the eighth low-temperature-side electrode member 43 constituting the fourth low-temperature-side member 40, the fifth heat dissipation sheet member 51, the ninth low-temperature-side electrode member 52, and the tenth low-temperature-side electrode member 53 constituting the fifth low-temperature-side member 50, and the fifth heat collecting sheet member 130, the seventh high-temperature-side electrode member 131, the sixth heat collecting sheet member 140, the eighth high-temperature-side electrode member 141, the ninth high-temperature-side electrode member 142, the seventh heat collecting sheet member 150, and the tenth high-temperature-side electrode member 151 constituting the high-temperature-side member 80 are preferably thin plates or foils. For example, the fourth heat dissipation sheet section 41, the seventh low-temperature side electrode section 42, the eighth low-temperature side electrode section 43, the fifth heat dissipation sheet section 51, the ninth low-temperature side electrode section 52, the tenth low-temperature side electrode section 53, the fifth heat collecting sheet section 130, the seventh high-temperature side electrode section 131, the sixth heat collecting sheet section 140, the eighth high-temperature side electrode section 141, the ninth high-temperature side electrode section 142, the seventh heat collecting sheet section 150, and the tenth high-temperature side electrode section 151 are rectangular in shape, such as a rectangle or a square.

[0101] As described above, the materials constituting the low-temperature side fourth member 40, the low-temperature side fifth member 50, and the high-temperature side member 80 are appropriately selected depending on the application of the thermoelectric conversion module 2, and from the viewpoint of thermal conductivity, copper or a copper alloy is preferable, and copper is more preferable.

[0102] 10 , in the thermoelectric conversion module 3, the height h4 from the sixth heat collecting sheet portion 140 to the fourth heat dissipation sheet portion 41 is different from the height h5 from the sixth heat collecting sheet portion 140 to the fifth heat dissipation sheet portion 51. Here, the height h5 from the sixth heat collecting sheet portion 140 to the fifth heat dissipation sheet portion 51 is shown to be higher than the height h4 from the sixth heat collecting sheet portion 140 to the fourth heat dissipation sheet portion 41, but the height h5 from the sixth heat collecting sheet portion 140 to the fifth heat dissipation sheet portion 51 may also be lower than the height h4 from the sixth heat collecting sheet portion 140 to the fourth heat dissipation sheet portion 41. In addition, the height h4 from the sixth heat collection sheet section 140 to the fourth heat dissipation sheet section 41 is the same as the height h1 from the second heat collection sheet section 100 to the first heat dissipation sheet section 11, and the height h5 from the sixth heat collection sheet section 140 to the fifth heat dissipation sheet section 51 is the same as the height h2 from the second heat collection sheet section 100 to the second heat dissipation sheet section 21, but the heights h4 and h1 may be different, and the heights h5 and h2 may be different.

[0103] 9 and 10, the fourth heat-dissipating sheet portion 41 and the fifth heat-dissipating sheet portion 51 are disposed apart in the height direction. When the fourth heat-dissipating sheet portion 41 and the fifth heat-dissipating sheet portion 51 are in contact with each other, the surfaces of the fourth heat-dissipating sheet portion 41 and the fifth heat-dissipating sheet portion 51 are covered with an electrically insulating material, so that the fourth heat-dissipating sheet portion 41 and the fifth heat-dissipating sheet portion 51 are electrically insulated from each other.

[0104] 9, the thermoelectric conversion module 3, which is arranged from the front left to the back right of the page and essentially has the configuration of two thermoelectric conversion modules 1, can densely arrange multiple components including multiple thermoelectric conversion elements compared to conventional thermoelectric conversion modules. Furthermore, the thermoelectric conversion module 3 can have a larger area compared to the thermoelectric conversion module 1. Therefore, the power density of the thermoelectric conversion module 3 relative to the installation area can be further improved over a wide range.

[0105] 11 is a perspective view showing another example of the thermoelectric conversion module of the third embodiment. While FIGS. 9 and 10 show a thermoelectric conversion module 3 that essentially includes two thermoelectric conversion module 1 configurations, extending from the front left to the rear right of the page, a thermoelectric conversion module 4 shown in FIG. 11 is disposed from the front right to the rear left of the page and essentially includes two thermoelectric conversion module 1 configurations. Similar to the thermoelectric conversion module 3, the thermoelectric conversion module 4 can densely arrange multiple components, including multiple thermoelectric conversion elements, and can have a larger surface area than the thermoelectric conversion module 1. Therefore, the power density of the thermoelectric conversion module 4 relative to the installation area can be further improved over a wider range.

[0106] 12 is a perspective view showing another example of the thermoelectric conversion module of the third embodiment. The thermoelectric conversion module 5 shown in FIG. 12 is disposed from the front left to the rear right and from the front right to the rear left of the page, and essentially comprises a plurality of configurations of the thermoelectric conversion module 1. As with the thermoelectric conversion modules 3 and 4, the thermoelectric conversion module 5 can have a plurality of components, including a plurality of thermoelectric conversion elements, densely arranged. Furthermore, compared to the thermoelectric conversion modules 3 and 4, the thermoelectric conversion module 5 can have a larger area. Therefore, the power density of the thermoelectric conversion module 5 relative to the installation area can be improved over an even wider range.

[0107] Although not shown, the thermoelectric conversion modules 3, 4, and 5 of the third embodiment may be appropriately provided with the low-temperature-side third member 30 constituting the thermoelectric conversion module 2.

[0108] According to the third embodiment described above, by installing a plurality of thermoelectric conversion modules according to the first and second embodiments adjacent to each other, it is possible to increase the output density of the thermoelectric conversion module relative to the installation area on a large scale.

[0109] Although the embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, but includes all aspects encompassed by the concept and scope of the claims of the present disclosure, and can be modified in various ways within the scope of the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0110] 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Thermoelectric conversion module 10 Low temperature side first member 11 First heat dissipation sheet section 12 Low temperature side first electrode part 13 Low temperature side second electrode part 20 Low temperature side second member 21 Second heat dissipation sheet section 22 Low temperature side third electrode section 23 Low temperature side 4th electrode part 30 Low temperature side third member 31 Third heat dissipation sheet section 32 Low temperature side 5th electrode part 33 Low temperature side 6th electrode part 40 Low temperature side fourth member 41 Fourth heat dissipation sheet section 42 Low temperature side 7th electrode part 43 Low temperature side 8th electrode section 50 Low temperature side fifth member 51 5th heat dissipation sheet section 52 Low temperature side 9th electrode section 53 Low temperature side 10th electrode section 60 First thermoelectric conversion element 61 Second thermoelectric conversion element 62 Third thermoelectric conversion element 63 Fourth thermoelectric conversion element 64 5th thermoelectric conversion element 65 6th thermoelectric conversion element 66 7th thermoelectric conversion element 67 8th thermoelectric conversion element 68 9th thermoelectric conversion element 69 10th thermoelectric conversion element 80 High temperature side member 90 First heat collecting sheet part 91 High temperature side first electrode section 100 Second heat collecting sheet part 101 High temperature side second electrode section 102 High temperature side 3rd electrode section 110 Third heat collecting sheet part 111 High temperature side 4th electrode part 112 High temperature side 5th electrode section 120 4th heat collecting sheet part 121 High temperature side 6th electrode section 130 5th heat collecting sheet part 131 High temperature side 7th electrode section 140 6th heat collecting sheet part 141 High temperature side 8th electrode section 142 High temperature side 9th electrode section 150 7th heat collecting sheet part 151 High temperature side 10th electrode section 200 Base material 201 Thermal Conductive Material Sheet 202 Electrical insulating sheet 300 Cutting base material 400 outer frame

Claims

1. In an environment with temperature differences, a low-temperature-side first member disposed on the low-temperature side and having a first heat-dissipating sheet portion, a low-temperature-side first electrode portion, and a low-temperature-side second electrode portion; a low-temperature-side second member disposed on the low-temperature side and having a second heat dissipation sheet portion, a low-temperature-side third electrode portion, and a low-temperature-side fourth electrode portion; a high-temperature-side member disposed on the high-temperature side and having a first heat collecting sheet portion including a high-temperature-side first electrode portion, a second heat collecting sheet portion including a high-temperature-side second electrode portion and a high-temperature-side third electrode portion, and a third heat collecting sheet portion including a high-temperature-side fourth electrode portion; a first thermoelectric conversion element electrically connected to the low-temperature side first electrode portion and the high-temperature side first electrode portion; a second thermoelectric conversion element electrically connected to the low-temperature side second electrode portion and the high-temperature side second electrode portion; a third thermoelectric conversion element electrically connected to the low-temperature side third electrode portion and the high-temperature side third electrode portion; a fourth thermoelectric conversion element electrically connected to the low-temperature side fourth electrode portion and the high-temperature side fourth electrode portion; Equipped with the low-temperature-side first electrode portion extends from within the plane of the first heat-dissipating sheet portion toward the first heat-collecting sheet portion, the low-temperature-side second electrode portion extends from within the plane of the first heat-dissipating sheet portion toward the second heat-collecting sheet portion, the low-temperature-side third electrode portion extends from within the plane of the second heat-dissipating sheet portion toward the second heat-collecting sheet portion, the low-temperature-side fourth electrode portion extends from within the plane of the second heat-dissipating sheet portion toward the third heat-collecting sheet portion, the high-temperature-side first electrode portion extends from within the plane of the first heat-collecting sheet portion toward the first heat-dissipating sheet portion, the high-temperature-side second electrode portion extends from within the plane of the second heat-collecting sheet portion toward the first heat-dissipating sheet portion, the high-temperature-side third electrode portion extends from within the plane of the second heat-collecting sheet portion toward the second heat-dissipating sheet portion, the high-temperature-side fourth electrode portion extends from within the plane of the third heat-collecting sheet portion toward the second heat-dissipating sheet portion, a height from the second heat collecting sheet portion to the first heat dissipating sheet portion is different from a height from the second heat collecting sheet portion to the second heat dissipating sheet portion; Thermoelectric conversion module.

2. The thermoelectric conversion module according to claim 1 , wherein the first low-temperature side member, the second low-temperature side member, and the high-temperature side member are thin plates or foils.

3. The thermoelectric conversion module according to claim 1 , wherein the first low-temperature side member, the second low-temperature side member, and the high-temperature side member are made of copper or a copper alloy.

4. 2. The thermoelectric conversion module according to claim 1, wherein the first thermoelectric conversion element is joined to the low-temperature side first electrode portion and the high-temperature side first electrode portion via solder, the second thermoelectric conversion element is joined to the low-temperature side second electrode portion and the high-temperature side second electrode portion via solder, the third thermoelectric conversion element is joined to the low-temperature side third electrode portion and the high-temperature side third electrode portion via solder, and the fourth thermoelectric conversion element is joined to the low-temperature side fourth electrode portion and the high-temperature side fourth electrode portion via solder,

5. 2. The thermoelectric conversion module according to claim 1, wherein the first thermoelectric conversion element is joined to the low-temperature side first electrode portion and the high-temperature side first electrode portion, respectively, via a silver-based material; the second thermoelectric conversion element is joined to the low-temperature side second electrode portion and the high-temperature side second electrode portion, respectively, via a silver-based material; the third thermoelectric conversion element is joined to the low-temperature side third electrode portion and the high-temperature side third electrode portion, respectively, via a silver-based material; and the fourth thermoelectric conversion element is joined to the low-temperature side fourth electrode portion and the high-temperature side fourth electrode portion, respectively, via a silver-based material.

6. The third heat collecting sheet portion further includes a high temperature side fifth electrode portion, the high-temperature-side member further includes a fourth heat collecting sheet portion including a high-temperature-side sixth electrode portion, The thermoelectric conversion module includes: a low-temperature-side third member disposed on the low-temperature side and having a third heat dissipation sheet portion, a low-temperature-side fifth electrode portion, and a low-temperature-side sixth electrode portion; a fifth thermoelectric conversion element electrically connected to the low-temperature side fifth electrode portion and the high-temperature side fifth electrode portion; a sixth thermoelectric conversion element electrically connected to the low-temperature side sixth electrode portion and the high-temperature side sixth electrode portion; Furthermore, the low-temperature-side fifth electrode portion extends from within the plane of the third heat-dissipating sheet portion toward the third heat-collecting sheet portion, the low-temperature-side sixth electrode portion extends from within the plane of the third heat-dissipating sheet portion toward the fourth heat-collecting sheet portion, the high-temperature-side fifth electrode portion extends from within the plane of the third heat-collecting sheet portion toward the third heat-dissipating sheet portion, the high-temperature-side sixth electrode portion extends from within the plane of the fourth heat-collecting sheet portion toward the third heat-dissipating sheet portion, a height from the second heat collecting sheet portion to the first heat dissipating sheet portion, a height from the second heat collecting sheet portion to the second heat dissipating sheet portion, and a height from the second heat collecting sheet portion to the third heat dissipating sheet portion are all different from each other; The thermoelectric conversion module according to claim 1 .

7. The thermoelectric conversion module according to claim 6 , wherein the first low-temperature side member, the second low-temperature side member, the third low-temperature side member, and the high-temperature side member are thin plates or foils.

8. The thermoelectric conversion module according to claim 6 , wherein the first low-temperature side member, the second low-temperature side member, the third low-temperature side member, and the high-temperature side member are made of copper or a copper alloy.

9. 7. The thermoelectric conversion module according to claim 6, wherein the first thermoelectric conversion element is joined to the low-temperature-side first electrode portion and the high-temperature-side first electrode portion via solder, the second thermoelectric conversion element is joined to the low-temperature-side second electrode portion and the high-temperature-side second electrode portion via solder, the third thermoelectric conversion element is joined to the low-temperature-side third electrode portion and the high-temperature-side third electrode portion via solder, the fourth thermoelectric conversion element is joined to the low-temperature-side fourth electrode portion and the high-temperature-side fourth electrode portion via solder, the fifth thermoelectric conversion element is joined to the low-temperature-side fifth electrode portion and the high-temperature-side fifth electrode portion via solder, and the sixth thermoelectric conversion element is joined to the low-temperature-side sixth electrode portion and the high-temperature-side sixth electrode portion via solder,

10. 7. The thermoelectric conversion module according to claim 6, wherein the first thermoelectric conversion element is joined to the low-temperature-side first electrode portion and the high-temperature-side first electrode portion via a silver-based material, the second thermoelectric conversion element is joined to the low-temperature-side second electrode portion and the high-temperature-side second electrode portion via a silver-based material, the third thermoelectric conversion element is joined to the low-temperature-side third electrode portion and the high-temperature-side third electrode portion via a silver-based material, the fourth thermoelectric conversion element is joined to the low-temperature-side fourth electrode portion and the high-temperature-side fourth electrode portion via a silver-based material, the fifth thermoelectric conversion element is joined to the low-temperature-side fifth electrode portion and the high-temperature-side fifth electrode portion via a silver-based material, and the sixth thermoelectric conversion element is joined to the low-temperature-side sixth electrode portion and the high-temperature-side sixth electrode portion via a silver-based material.

11. the high-temperature-side member further includes a fifth heat collecting sheet portion including a seventh high-temperature-side electrode portion, a sixth heat collecting sheet portion including an eighth high-temperature-side electrode portion and a ninth high-temperature-side electrode portion, and a seventh heat collecting sheet portion including a tenth high-temperature-side electrode portion, The thermoelectric conversion module includes: a fourth low-temperature-side member disposed on the low-temperature side and having a fourth heat dissipation sheet portion, a seventh low-temperature-side electrode portion, and an eighth low-temperature-side electrode portion; a low-temperature-side fifth member disposed on the low-temperature side and having a fifth heat dissipation sheet portion, a low-temperature-side ninth electrode portion, and a low-temperature-side tenth electrode portion; a seventh thermoelectric conversion element electrically connected to the low-temperature side seventh electrode portion and the high-temperature side seventh electrode portion; an eighth thermoelectric conversion element electrically connected to the low-temperature side eighth electrode portion and the high-temperature side eighth electrode portion; a ninth thermoelectric conversion element electrically connected to the low-temperature side ninth electrode portion and the high-temperature side ninth electrode portion; a tenth thermoelectric conversion element electrically connected to the low-temperature side tenth electrode portion and the high-temperature side tenth electrode portion; Furthermore, the low-temperature-side seventh electrode portion extends from within the plane of the fourth heat-dissipating sheet portion toward the fifth heat-collecting sheet portion, the low-temperature-side eighth electrode portion extends from within the plane of the fourth heat-dissipating sheet portion toward the sixth heat-collecting sheet portion, the low-temperature-side ninth electrode portion extends from within a plane of the fifth heat-dissipating sheet portion toward the sixth heat-collecting sheet portion, the low-temperature-side tenth electrode portion extends from within the plane of the fifth heat-dissipating sheet portion toward the seventh heat-collecting sheet portion, the high-temperature-side seventh electrode portion extends from within the plane of the fifth heat-collecting sheet portion toward the fourth heat-dissipating sheet portion, the high-temperature-side eighth electrode portion extends from within the plane of the sixth heat-collecting sheet portion toward the fourth heat-dissipating sheet portion, the high-temperature-side ninth electrode portion extends from within the plane of the sixth heat-collecting sheet portion toward the fifth heat-dissipating sheet portion, the high temperature side tenth electrode portion extends from within the plane of the seventh heat collecting sheet portion toward the fifth heat dissipating sheet portion, a height from the sixth heat collecting sheet portion to the fourth heat dissipating sheet portion is different from a height from the sixth heat collecting sheet portion to the fifth heat dissipating sheet portion; The thermoelectric conversion module according to claim 1 .

12. The thermoelectric conversion module according to claim 11 , wherein the first low-temperature side member, the second low-temperature side member, the fourth low-temperature side member, the fifth low-temperature side member, and the high-temperature side member are thin plates or foils.

13. The thermoelectric conversion module according to claim 11 , wherein the first low-temperature side member, the second low-temperature side member, the fourth low-temperature side member, the fifth low-temperature side member, and the high-temperature side member are made of copper or a copper alloy.

14. 12. The thermoelectric conversion module according to claim 11, wherein the first thermoelectric conversion element is joined to the low-temperature-side first electrode portion and the high-temperature-side first electrode portion via solder, the second thermoelectric conversion element is joined to the low-temperature-side second electrode portion and the high-temperature-side second electrode portion via solder, the third thermoelectric conversion element is joined to the low-temperature-side third electrode portion and the high-temperature-side third electrode portion via solder, the fourth thermoelectric conversion element is joined to the low-temperature-side fourth electrode portion and the high-temperature-side fourth electrode portion via solder, the seventh thermoelectric conversion element is joined to the low-temperature-side seventh electrode portion and the high-temperature-side seventh electrode portion via solder, the eighth thermoelectric conversion element is joined to the low-temperature-side eighth electrode portion and the high-temperature-side eighth electrode portion via solder, the ninth thermoelectric conversion element is joined to the low-temperature-side ninth electrode portion and the high-temperature-side ninth electrode portion via solder, and the tenth thermoelectric conversion element is joined to the low-temperature-side tenth electrode portion and the high-temperature-side tenth electrode portion via solder,

15. The first thermoelectric conversion element is joined to the low-temperature side first electrode portion and the high-temperature side first electrode portion via a silver-based material, the second thermoelectric conversion element is joined to the low-temperature side second electrode portion and the high-temperature side second electrode portion via a silver-based material, the third thermoelectric conversion element is joined to the low-temperature side third electrode portion and the high-temperature side third electrode portion via a silver-based material, the fourth thermoelectric conversion element is joined to the low-temperature side fourth electrode portion and the high-temperature side fourth electrode portion via a silver-based material, and the seventh thermoelectric conversion element is joined to the 12. The thermoelectric conversion module according to claim 11, wherein the seventh low-temperature side electrode portion and the seventh high-temperature side electrode portion are joined via a silver-based material, the eighth thermoelectric conversion element is joined via a silver-based material to the eighth low-temperature side electrode portion and the eighth high-temperature side electrode portion, the ninth thermoelectric conversion element is joined via a silver-based material to the ninth low-temperature side electrode portion and the ninth high-temperature side electrode portion, and the tenth thermoelectric conversion element is joined via a silver-based material to the tenth low-temperature side electrode portion and the tenth high-temperature side electrode portion,

16. The thermoelectric conversion module according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the thermoelectric conversion element is a clathrate compound.

17. The thermoelectric conversion module according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the thermoelectric conversion element is a clathrate compound containing Ba, Ga, and Sn.

18. A method for manufacturing the thermoelectric conversion module according to claim 1, comprising the steps of: a cutting process for cutting a substrate comprising a thermally conductive material sheet and an electrical insulating sheet provided on the thermally conductive material sheet to form a low-temperature-side first member having a first heat-dissipating sheet portion and a low-temperature-side first electrode portion and a low-temperature-side second electrode portion, a low-temperature-side second member having a second heat-dissipating sheet portion and a low-temperature-side third electrode portion and a low-temperature-side fourth electrode portion, a first heat-collecting sheet portion having a high-temperature-side first electrode portion, a second heat-collecting sheet portion having a high-temperature-side second electrode portion and a high-temperature-side third electrode portion, and a third heat-collecting sheet portion having a high-temperature-side fourth electrode portion; a joining step of joining a first thermoelectric conversion element to the low-temperature side first electrode portion and the high-temperature side first electrode portion, a second thermoelectric conversion element to the low-temperature side second electrode portion and the high-temperature side second electrode portion, a third thermoelectric conversion element to the low-temperature side third electrode portion and the high-temperature side third electrode portion, and a fourth thermoelectric conversion element to the low-temperature side fourth electrode portion and the high-temperature side fourth electrode portion; a folding process in which the space between the first heat dissipation sheet portion and the low-temperature-side first electrode portion, the space between the first heat dissipation sheet portion and the low-temperature-side second electrode portion, the space between the second heat dissipation sheet portion and the low-temperature-side third electrode portion, the space between the second heat dissipation sheet portion and the low-temperature-side fourth electrode portion, the space between the first heat collecting sheet portion and the high-temperature-side first electrode portion, the space between the second heat collecting sheet portion and the high-temperature-side second electrode portion, the space between the second heat collecting sheet portion and the high-temperature-side third electrode portion, and the space between the third heat collecting sheet portion and the high-temperature-side fourth electrode portion are respectively folded, so that a height from the second heat collecting sheet portion to the first heat dissipation sheet portion is different from a height from the second heat collecting sheet portion to the second heat dissipation sheet portion; A method for manufacturing a thermoelectric conversion module having the above structure.

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