Conductive components and electric wires

Abstract

To provide a current-carrying member and an electric wire capable of suppressing an increase in conductor temperature by making use of heat emitted by the conductor itself.SOLUTION: A current-carrying member includes: a bus bar 1; a thermoelectric element 3, which is mounted on a conductor 1 such that a heat-absorbing surface 3A is in contact with a heat-generating surface of the bus bar and a heat-radiating surface 3B faces the outside air, and which produces electric power using the temperature difference between the heat-absorbing surface and the heat-radiating surface; and a cooling fan 4, which is driven by the electric power produced by the thermoelectric element and cools the bus bar by allowing cooling air S to flow through a flow path secured between the bus bar and an exterior member 2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a current-carrying member and an electric wire that can mitigate the temperature rise of a conductor when a large current flows therethrough.

Background Art

[0002] Wires and busbars used as wiring materials for conducting the current in the drive system of an electric vehicle need to conduct a larger current through the conductor compared to when used as wiring materials for distributing the current from a low-voltage power source to accessories on the vehicle, etc., and thus the heat generation of the conductor increases. For such busbars and wires through which a large current flows, countermeasures against the heat generation of the conductor itself, which is the current-carrying material, are desired.

[0003] Conventionally, it has been known to drive a cooling fan using the temperature difference power generation function (Seebeck effect) of a thermoelectric element (for example, a Peltier element) to cool the space to be cooled (for example, see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in this Patent Document 1, it is not intended to cool wiring materials for vehicles such as busbars and wires, and it is hard to say that the configuration for cooling busbars and wires has been sufficiently studied.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a current-carrying member and an electric wire that can suppress the temperature rise of a conductor by utilizing the heat generated by the conductor itself without using external power.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] To achieve the aforementioned objectives, the current-carrying member and electric wire according to the present invention are characterized by the following:

[0008] A conductor and A thermoelectric element is placed on the conductor such that its heat-absorbing surface is in contact with the heat-generating surface of the conductor and its heat-dissipating surface faces the outside air, and generates electricity due to the temperature difference between the heat-absorbing surface and the heat-dissipating surface. A refrigerant flow means is driven by the electricity generated by the thermoelectric element to cause the refrigerant to flow, and the conductor is cooled by the flow of the refrigerant. An outer covering material covering the outer circumference of the conductor, Equipped with picture, The refrigerant is air, and the refrigerant flow means is a cooling fan that circulates cooling air. The flow path for the cooling air is defined by the outer circumference of the conductor and the inner circumference of the outer covering material. Electrically conductive component. A conductor and A thermoelectric element is placed on the conductor such that its heat-absorbing surface is in contact with the heat-generating surface of the conductor and its heat-dissipating surface faces the outside air, and generates electricity due to the temperature difference between the heat-absorbing surface and the heat-dissipating surface. The system comprises a refrigerant flow means that is driven by the electricity generated by the thermoelectric element to cause a refrigerant to flow, and the conductor is cooled by the flow of the refrigerant, The conductor is provided with a water-cooling jacket for cooling the conductor. In the refrigerant circulation path of the aforementioned water-cooled jacket, The system includes a heat exchanger that releases heat absorbed by the cooling water flowing through the water-cooling jacket to the outside, and a circulation pump that circulates the cooling water. The circulation pump constitutes the refrigerant flow means, and the cooling water constitutes the refrigerant. The water-cooling jacket is provided along the outer circumference of the conductor without interposing any other components between it and the conductor. Electrically conductive component.

[0009] A wire constructed using the above-mentioned conductive components. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a current-carrying member and an electric wire that can suppress the temperature rise of a conductor without requiring external power for cooling.

[0011] The present invention has been briefly described above. Furthermore, the details of the present invention will be further clarified by referring to the attached drawings and reading through the embodiments for carrying out the invention described below (hereinafter referred to as "embodiments"). [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the schematic configuration of the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a longitudinal sectional view and a transverse sectional view showing the schematic configuration of the second embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the schematic configuration of the third embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the schematic configuration of the fourth embodiment.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] Specific embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to each figure.

[0014] <<First Embodiment>> Figure 1 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the schematic configuration of the current-carrying member M1 in the first embodiment. The current-carrying member M1 shown in Figure 1 is, for example, wired in a vehicle. When the bus bar 1 is used as a current-carrying material that conducts a large current between two points, A and B, such as between the high-voltage battery and the drive device of an electric vehicle, the heat generation due to its own electrical resistance increases more than when conducting current between the low-voltage battery and the auxiliary machine.

[0015] Therefore, the thermoelectric element 3 having a temperature difference power generation function by the Seebeck effect is placed on the heat generation surface of the bus bar 1. The thermoelectric element 3 is composed of, for example, a Peltier element. The thermoelectric element 3 is arranged such that its heat absorption surface 3A is in close contact with the heat generation surface of the bus bar 1, and the heat dissipation surface 3B faces the outside air. A heat sink 7 is arranged on the heat dissipation surface 3B of the thermoelectric element 3 with its heat absorption surface in close contact with the heat dissipation surface 3B. As a result, the heat dissipation of the heat dissipation surface 3B of the thermoelectric element 3 is promoted. Since the thermoelectric element 3 is arranged on the heat generation surface of the bus bar 1 in this way, the thermoelectric element 3 generates electricity due to the temperature difference between the heat absorption surface 3A and the heat dissipation surface 3B, and supplies the generated electric power to the outside through the wiring 5.

[0016] The end of the wiring 5 is connected to the motor of the cooling fan 4. The electricity generated by the thermoelectric element is supplied to the motor of the cooling fan 4 via the wiring 5. The cooling fan 4 generates a cooling airflow S to cool the busbar 1.

[0017] The busbar 1 is provided with an outer covering material 2 that covers the outer circumference of the busbar 1. Cooling air S flows through a passage 6 secured between the outer covering material 2 and the busbar 1, thereby cooling the busbar 1. The passage 6 between the outer covering material 2 and the busbar 1 is basically closed except for the inlet 6B and outlet 6A. Outside air (air) that becomes the cooling air S is taken into the passage 6 from the inlet 6B where the cooling fan 4 is located, and flows from the inlet 6B side toward the outlet 6A. The outlet 6A is an exhaust port for the cooling air that has absorbed heat, and is preferably located at the end of the busbar 1, but its installation location is not particularly limited. Examples of outer covering material 2 include corrugated tubing, cylindrical covers, and covering materials.

[0018] Due to the flow of the cooling air S described above, the temperature of the busbar 1 is such that the end 1B on the inlet 6B side is on the lower temperature side, and the end 1A on the outlet 6A side is on the higher temperature side. Therefore, the thermoelectric element 3 is positioned close to the high-temperature end 1A and away from the cooling fan 4. The busbar 1 is not limited to a linear shape and can be of various shapes, but it is desirable that the position where the thermoelectric element 3 is placed and the position where outside air is drawn in by the cooling fan 4 (inlet 6B of the flow path 6) be as far apart as possible. In this embodiment, the refrigerant is air, and the means for circulating the refrigerant is the cooling fan 4.

[0019] According to the above configuration, the heat generated by the busbar 1, which is the main body of the conductive material, is used to generate electricity in the thermoelectric element 3, and the generated electricity is used to drive the cooling fan 4 to cool the busbar 1. Therefore, the temperature rise of the busbar 1 can be suppressed without requiring external power for cooling. In addition, since the cooling capacity is automatically controlled according to the amount of heat generated by the busbar 1, there is no need to have a complex control device.

[0020] By incorporating such a cooling function, it becomes possible to use a busbar 1 with a smaller cross-sectional area than if it did not have a cooling function, thereby reducing weight, costs, and environmental impact.

[0021] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, since the heat sink 7 is placed on the heat dissipation surface 3B of the thermoelectric element 3, the temperature difference between the heat absorption surface 3A and the heat dissipation surface 3B of the thermoelectric element 3 can be increased, thereby enhancing the power generation capacity of the thermoelectric element 3. In addition, since the power generated by the thermoelectric element 3 is used to drive the cooling fan 4 and air cool the busbar 1, the temperature rise of the busbar 1 can be suppressed with a simple configuration. Also, since cooling air S is flowed through the passage 6 secured between the exterior material 2 and the busbar 1, the busbar 1 can be cooled efficiently.

[0022] <Second Embodiment> Figure 2 shows a longitudinal and transverse cross-sectional view illustrating the schematic configuration of the energizing member M2 in the second embodiment. In the current-carrying member M2 of the second embodiment shown in Figure 2, a groove 11a is provided on the outer surface of the busbar (conductor) 11, and a flow path 6 for cooling air S is secured between this groove 11a and the covering material (outer covering material) 12 that covers the outer circumference of the busbar 11. The presence of the groove 11a on the outer surface of the busbar 11 allows the covering material 12 to be attached in close contact with the outer surface of the busbar 11. The other configurations are the same as in the first embodiment, so the same reference numerals are used for the same components and their descriptions are omitted.

[0023] In this energizing member M2, the cooling air S generated by the cooling fan 4 flows from the inlet 6B side of the flow path 6 to the outlet 6A (exhaust port) side, cooling the busbar 11. Therefore, the end 11B on the inlet 6B side of the busbar 11 is the low-temperature side, and the end 11A on the outlet 6A side of the busbar 11 is the high-temperature side. Other effects are the same as in the first embodiment.

[0024] <Third Embodiment> Figure 3 is a longitudinal and transverse cross-sectional view showing the schematic configuration of the conductive member M3 in the third embodiment. In the energizing member M3 of the third embodiment shown in Figure 3, instead of securing a flow path for the cooling air S along the busbar 21, a cooling fan 4 is positioned away from the thermoelectric element 3 to air-cool the busbar 21 at a position away from the thermoelectric element 3. This cooling fan 4 is positioned to locally cool a part of the busbar 21, similar to the cooling structure of a computer's CPU. That is, a heat sink 27 that absorbs heat from the busbar 21 and releases it to the outside air is placed between the busbar 21 and the cooling fan 4, and the cooling fan 4 is provided to circulate the cooling air S through the cooling fins of this heat sink 27. The arrangement of the thermoelectric element 3 is the same as in the first embodiment. The exterior material 22 does not secure a flow path between it and the busbar 21, so any material can be used.

[0025] In this conductive component M3, similar to the cooling structure of a computer's CPU, a portion of the busbar 21 can be efficiently cooled by directing the airflow from the cooling fan 4 onto the cooling fins of the heatsink 27. By locally cooling a portion of the busbar 21, the temperature rise of other parts of the busbar 21 can also be suppressed by utilizing heat conduction. Furthermore, since the thermoelectric element 3 and the cooling fan 4 are located far apart, the cooling effect on the busbar 21 can be obtained while maintaining the maximum power generation efficiency of the thermoelectric element 3. Therefore, one end 21B of the busbar 21 where the cooling fan 4 is located is the low-temperature side, and the other end 21A where the thermoelectric element 3 is located is the high-temperature side.

[0026] <Fourth Embodiment> Figure 4 shows a longitudinal and transverse cross-sectional view illustrating the schematic configuration of the energizing member M4 in the fourth embodiment. In the energizing member M4 of the fourth embodiment shown in Figure 4, a liquid such as water is used as the refrigerant. Therefore, a water-cooled jacket 33 is provided along the outer circumference of the busbar 31. The refrigerant circulation path 36, which includes the water-cooled jacket 33, is provided with a heat exchanger 35 that releases the heat absorbed by the cooling water flowing through the water-cooled jacket 33 to the outside, and a circulation pump 34 that circulates the cooling water.

[0027] Furthermore, the power generated by the thermoelectric element 3 is used to drive the circulation pump 34. The arrangement of the water cooling jacket 33 determines the low-temperature side 31B and the high-temperature side 31A of the busbar 31, so the thermoelectric element 3 is positioned closer to the high-temperature side 31A. In this case as well, the outer covering material 32 only needs to be positioned so as not to interfere with the installation of the water cooling jacket 33.

[0028] According to this fourth embodiment, the busbar 31 is water-cooled using the electricity generated by the thermoelectric element 3, thereby achieving a high cooling effect.

[0029] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be modified, improved, etc., as appropriate. In addition, the material, shape, dimensions, number, placement, etc. of each component in the embodiments described above are arbitrary and not limited, as long as they can achieve the present invention.

[0030] For example, in the first and second embodiments described above, by routing the electric wires using the energizing member M1 or the energizing member M2 to the vehicle such that the outlet 6A, which serves as the exhaust port, is positioned higher than the inlet 6B, the cooling air S, which is heated by absorbing the heat from the busbar 1 within the flow path 6, can naturally flow more easily towards the outlet 6A.

[0031] Furthermore, the energizing member in each of the above embodiments may, for example, constitute a part of an electric wire having connectors at both ends.

[0032] Herein, the characteristics of the energizing member and electric wire according to the embodiments of the present invention described above are briefly summarized and listed below in [1] to [8]. [1] Conductors (1, 11, 21, 31) and A thermoelectric element (3) is placed on the conductor such that its heat-absorbing surface (3A) is in contact with the heat-generating surface of the conductor and its heat-dissipating surface (3B) faces the outside air, and generates electricity due to the temperature difference between the heat-absorbing surface and the heat-dissipating surface. A refrigerant flow means (4, 34) is driven by the electricity generated by the thermoelectric element to cause the refrigerant to flow, and the conductor is cooled by the flow of the refrigerant, Equipped with, Current carrying parts (M1, M2, M3, M4).

[0033] According to the conductive member configuration described in [1] above, the heat generated by the conductor (1, 11, 21, 31), which is the main body of the conductive material, is used to generate electricity in the thermoelectric element (3), and the generated electricity is used to circulate a coolant to cool the conductor. Therefore, the temperature rise of the conductor can be suppressed without requiring external power for cooling. In addition, the cooling capacity is automatically controlled according to the amount of heat generated by the conductor, so there is no need to provide complex control components.

[0034] [2] A heat sink (7) is placed on the heat dissipation surface (3B) of the thermoelectric element. The conductive members (M1, M2, M3, M4) described in [1] above.

[0035] With the current-carrying member configuration described in [2] above, since the heat sink (7) is placed on the heat-dissipating surface of the thermoelectric element, the temperature difference between the heat-absorbing surface and the heat-dissipating surface of the thermoelectric element can be increased, thereby improving the power generation capacity of the thermoelectric element.

[0036] [3] The refrigerant is air, and the refrigerant flow means is a cooling fan (4) that circulates cooling air. The conductive members (M1, M2, M3) described in [1] above.

[0037] With the current-carrying member configured as described in [3] above, the power generated by the thermoelectric element is used to drive the cooling fan (4) and air-cool the conductor, so the temperature rise of the conductor can be suppressed with a simple configuration.

[0038] [4] The conductor is covered by an outer covering material (2, 12), and a flow path (6) for the cooling air is formed between the conductor and the outer covering material. The conductive members (M1, M2) described in [3] above.

[0039] With the conductive member configured as described in [4] above, cooling air is flowed through the channel (6) secured between the outer material and the conductor, so the conductor can be cooled efficiently.

[0040] [5] A cooling fan (4) is positioned away from the thermoelectric element (3) to air cool the conductor (21) at a position away from the thermoelectric element. The conductive member (M3) described in [3] above.

[0041] With the conductive member configuration described in [5] above, similar to the cooling structure of a computer's CPU, a cooling fan (4) can be used to locally cool a portion of the conductor, thereby suppressing the temperature rise of other parts of the conductor by utilizing heat conduction. Here, since the thermoelectric element and the cooling fan are located far apart, the cooling effect on the conductor can be obtained while maintaining the maximum power generation efficiency of the thermoelectric element.

[0042] [6] A heat sink (27) is placed between the conductor (21) and the cooling fan (4) to absorb heat from the conductor and release it to the outside air, and the cooling fan (4) is provided to circulate cooling air through the cooling fins of the heat sink. The conductive member (M3) described in [5] above.

[0043] With the conductive member configuration described in [6] above, the airflow from the cooling fan (4) is directed onto the cooling fins of the heatsink (27), similar to the cooling structure of a computer's CPU, allowing for efficient cooling of the conductor.

[0044] [7] The conductor (31) is provided with a water-cooling jacket (33) for cooling the conductor, In the refrigerant circulation path (36) of the water-cooled jacket, A heat exchanger (35) that releases the heat absorbed by the cooling water flowing through the water-cooling jacket to the outside, and a circulation pump (34) that circulates the cooling water are provided. The circulation pump (34) constitutes the refrigerant flow means, and the cooling water constitutes the refrigerant. The conductive member (M4) described in [1] above.

[0045] According to the current-carrying member configuration described in [7] above, the conductor is water-cooled using the electricity generated by the thermoelectric element, thus achieving a high cooling effect.

[0046] [8] A wire constructed using any of the energizing members described in [1] to [7] above.

[0047] According to the wire configuration described in [8] above, even when the wire is routed through a vehicle and a large current flows through the drive system, the temperature rise of the conductive members constituting the wire can be suppressed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0048] M1, M2, M3, M4 Current carrying parts 1, 11, 21, 31 Busbar (conductor) 2, 12, 22, 32 Exterior materials (covering materials) 3 Thermoelectric elements 3A Endothermic surface 3B Heat radiation surface 4. Cooling fan (coolant flow means) 7.27 Heatsink 34 Circulation pump (refrigerant flow means) 35 Radiation heat exchanger 36 Refrigerant circulation path S Cooling air (refrigerant)

Claims

1. A conductor and A thermoelectric element is placed on the conductor such that its heat-absorbing surface is in contact with the heat-generating surface of the conductor and its heat-dissipating surface faces the outside air, and generates electricity due to the temperature difference between the heat-absorbing surface and the heat-dissipating surface. A refrigerant flow means is driven by the electricity generated by the thermoelectric element to cause the refrigerant to flow, and the conductor is cooled by the flow of the refrigerant. The conductor comprises an outer covering material that covers the outer circumference of the conductor, The refrigerant is air, and the refrigerant flow means is a cooling fan that circulates cooling air. The flow path for the cooling air is defined by the outer circumference of the conductor and the inner circumference of the outer covering material. Electrically conductive component.

2. A conductor and A thermoelectric element is placed on the conductor such that its heat-absorbing surface is in contact with the heat-generating surface of the conductor and its heat-dissipating surface faces the outside air, and generates electricity due to the temperature difference between the heat-absorbing surface and the heat-dissipating surface. The system comprises a refrigerant flow means that is driven by the electricity generated by the thermoelectric element to cause a refrigerant to flow, and the conductor is cooled by the flow of the refrigerant, The conductor is provided with a water-cooling jacket for cooling the conductor. In the refrigerant circulation path of the aforementioned water-cooled jacket, The system includes a heat exchanger that releases heat absorbed by the cooling water flowing through the water-cooling jacket to the outside, and a circulation pump that circulates the cooling water. The circulation pump constitutes the refrigerant flow means, and the cooling water constitutes the refrigerant. The water-cooling jacket is provided along the outer circumference of the conductor without interposing any other components between it and the conductor. Electrically conductive component.

3. A heat sink is placed on the heat dissipation surface of the thermoelectric element. The energizing member according to claim 1.

4. A heat sink is arranged on the heat dissipation surface of the thermoelectric element. The energizing member according to claim 2.

5. A cooling fan is positioned at a location away from the thermoelectric element to air-cool the conductor at that location away from the thermoelectric element. The energizing member according to claim 1.

6. A heat sink is positioned between the conductor and the cooling fan to absorb heat from the conductor and release it to the outside air, and the cooling fan is provided to circulate cooling air through the cooling fins of the heat sink. The energizing member according to claim 5.

7. A wire configured using the energizing member described in any one of claims 1 to 6.

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