JP2007221895A - Thermoelectric generator - Google Patents

Abstract

A thermoelectric generator capable of securing a sealing property between a heating unit and a cooling unit sandwiching a thermoelectric generator is obtained.
An exhaust thermoelectric generator includes a thermoelectric generator module that generates an electromotive force due to a temperature difference between a high temperature side and a low temperature side, and a high temperature side heat exchange provided in contact with the high temperature side of the thermoelectric generator module. The low temperature side heat exchanger 14 provided in contact with the low temperature side of the thermoelectric generation module 16 so as to sandwich the thermoelectric generation module 16 between the heat exchanger 12 and the high temperature side heat exchanger 12, and the thermoelectric generation module 16 A heat-resistant waterproof frame which is formed in a frame shape surrounded by a high temperature side heat exchanger 12 and a low temperature side heat exchanger 14 and seals between the high temperature side heat exchanger 12 and the low temperature side heat exchanger 14. 50.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a thermoelectric generator that generates electricity using heat of a high-temperature fluid such as exhaust of an automobile engine.

Sealing a rubber molded product in which a thermoelectric module is sandwiched between a heat absorbing plate and a heat radiating plate, and a thermoelectric module constituting a cooling device or an electronic heating device is sandwiched between the heat absorbing plate and the heat radiating plate. A technique for sealing a member with a member to prevent moisture generation of the thermoelectric generator module is known (for example, see Patent Document 1).
JP 2003-324219 A

  However, in the conventional technology as described above, when applied to a thermoelectric generator using a high-temperature heat source, there is a concern that the sealing member of the rubber molded product may be thermally deteriorated and required sealing performance can be ensured. The

  In view of the above facts, an object of the present invention is to obtain a thermoelectric generator capable of ensuring a sealing property between a heating unit and a cooling unit sandwiching a thermoelectric generator.

  In order to achieve the above object, a thermoelectric generator according to claim 1 is in contact with a thermoelectric generator that generates an electromotive force due to a temperature difference between a high temperature side and a low temperature side, and a high temperature side of the thermoelectric generator. A heating unit for heating the high temperature side of the thermoelectric generator and the low temperature side of the thermoelectric generator so as to sandwich the thermoelectric generator between the heating unit, A cooling part for cooling the low temperature side of the power generation body and a frame shape surrounding the thermoelectric generation body from the periphery, and sandwiched between the heating part and the cooling part to seal between the heating part and the cooling part Heat resistant sealing means.

  In the thermoelectric generator according to claim 1, the thermoelectric generator is generated (maintained) when the high temperature side (heat absorption side) is heated by the heating unit and the low temperature side (heat dissipation side) is cooled by the cooling unit. An electromotive force is generated by the temperature difference between the high temperature side and the low temperature side. The thermoelectric generator is surrounded by a frame-shaped sealing unit that is sandwiched between the heating unit and the cooling unit and seals between the heating unit and the cooling unit, so that the sealing unit, the heating unit, and It is arrange | positioned in the closed space enclosed by the cooling part. Thereby, for example, prevention of flooding of the thermoelectric generator is measured.

  Here, since the sealing means has heat resistance (for example, is composed of a heat-resistant material such as ceramic or rock wool), it is prevented from being deteriorated by heat from the heating unit. Thereby, even when a heating part is drive | operated at high temperature, a required sealing performance can be ensured.

  Thus, in the thermoelectric generator according to the first aspect, the sealing property between the heating unit and the cooling unit sandwiching the thermoelectric generator can be ensured. In particular, when the sealing means has a heat insulating property, the heat transfer through the sealing means between the heating unit and the cooling unit is suppressed, and the power generation efficiency by the thermoelectric generator is improved.

  The thermoelectric generator according to a second aspect of the present invention is the thermoelectric generator according to the first aspect, wherein an end of the sealing means is provided around a contact surface of the heating unit or the cooling unit with the thermoelectric generator. An annular groove portion is formed to enter the entire circumference.

  In the thermoelectric generator according to claim 2, since a part of the sealing means enters the groove portion, the sealing means can be easily set (assembling work) and the assembling accuracy is improved. In addition, since only the inner surface (groove wall surface or bottom surface) of the groove portion can be used as a sealing surface (accuracy management surface) in contact with the sealing means, accuracy management is easy.

  The thermoelectric generator according to a third aspect of the present invention is the thermoelectric generator according to the first or second aspect, wherein the sealing means absorbs a dimensional change due to heat and is between the heating unit and the cooling unit. A seal maintenance structure for maintaining the seal is provided.

  In the thermoelectric generator according to claim 3, for example, when the heating part or the sealing means undergoes a dimensional change due to heat from the heating part, the dimensional change is absorbed by the seal maintaining structure of the sealing means, and the sealing means is heated. Properly contact each of the heating part and the cooling part to ensure (maintain) a seal between the heating part and the cooling part. Thereby, for example, even when the heating part on the high temperature side is more thermally deformed than the cooling part, the required sealing performance is ensured.

  In addition, as the seal maintenance structure, for example, the contact portion with the heating portion or the cooling portion is a convex curved surface such as a semi-cylindrical surface, and the sealing property is ensured regardless of the contact posture, between the contact portions with the heating portion or the cooling portion. It is possible to adopt a structure provided with a heat deformation absorbing portion.

  A thermoelectric generator according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the thermoelectric generator according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the sealing means has a single frame shape and a plurality of the heat generators. Surrounds the generator.

  In the thermoelectric generator according to claim 4, a plurality of thermoelectric generators are arranged in a common unspaced installation space inside the sealing means having a single frame shape (annular shape). This reduces the heat transfer path between the heating unit and the cooling unit by the sealing unit as compared with the configuration in which the individual thermoelectric generators are surrounded by the dedicated sealing unit. It is suppressed and the power generation efficiency by the thermoelectric generator is improved.

  As described above, the thermoelectric generator according to the present invention has an excellent effect that the sealing performance between the heating unit and the cooling unit sandwiching the thermoelectric generator can be secured.

  An exhaust thermoelectric generator 10 that is a thermoelectric generator according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6. In the following description, for the sake of convenience, the side indicated by arrow U is the upper side, the direction indicated by arrow W is the width direction, and the side indicated by arrow F is the upstream side in the exhaust gas flow direction.

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a schematic overall configuration of the exhaust thermoelectric generator 10, and FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the exhaust thermoelectric generator 10. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 in FIG. As shown in these drawings, the exhaust thermoelectric generator 10 includes a plurality of thermoelectric generators as a thermoelectric generator between a high temperature side heat exchanger 12 as a heating unit and a low temperature side heat exchanger 14 as a cooling unit. The thermoelectric generator module 16 is sandwiched. Each thermoelectric generation module 16 is formed in a rectangular shape in plan view that is flattened in the vertical direction.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the high temperature side heat exchanger 12 is formed in a flat rectangular shape whose vertical height is smaller than the width, and between the upper surface 12A and the upper low temperature side heat exchanger 14. A plurality of thermoelectric generator modules 16 are sandwiched and held, and the same number of thermoelectric generator modules 16 are sandwiched and held between the lower surface 12B and the lower low-temperature side heat exchanger 14. In this embodiment, the exhaust thermoelectric generator 10 holds four thermoelectric generators 16 each in the exhaust gas flow direction and in the width direction on one side of the high temperature side heat exchanger 12. A total of eight thermoelectric generator modules 16 are provided.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the high temperature side heat exchanger 12 has a structure in which heat collecting fins 20 are disposed in a high temperature side heat exchanger case 18 formed in a flat rectangular shape. As shown in FIG. 1, a duct member 22 is connected to an upstream portion of the high temperature side heat exchanger case 18 between the exhaust pipe on the engine side (not shown). The duct member 22 includes a pipe portion 22A connected to the exhaust pipe, and a connecting duct portion 22B that gradually changes the cross section of the flow path from the downstream end of the pipe portion 22A to the inlet of the high temperature side heat exchanger case 18. .

  Although not shown, a duct member is connected to the downstream end of the high temperature side heat exchanger case 18 between the exhaust pipe on the atmosphere opening (muffler) side (not shown). The duct member is configured such that the duct member 22 is inverted in the upstream / downstream direction. As a result, the high-temperature side heat exchanger case 18, that is, the high-temperature side heat exchanger 12, receives exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine (not shown) via the exhaust pipe and the duct member 22, and recovers heat with the heat collection fins 20. The later exhaust gas is discharged to the atmosphere opening side.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the low temperature side heat exchanger 14 is formed in a rectangular shape having a length and width substantially equal to the high temperature side heat exchanger case 18 in a plan view, and is formed flat in the vertical direction. ing. As shown in FIG. 3, the low temperature side heat exchanger 14 is configured by disposing heat radiating fins 26 in a low temperature side heat exchanger case 24. In the low temperature side heat exchanger case 24, the radiation fins 26 are erected from a heat transfer wall 24A that constitutes a contact surface with the four thermoelectric generator modules 16 in the low temperature side heat exchanger case 24.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the upper and lower low temperature side heat exchangers 14 are each provided with a cooling water inlet 14A and a cooling water outlet 14B, and cooling discharged from the cooling water outlet 14B introduced from the cooling water inlet 14A. It is configured to release heat from the thermoelectric generator module 16 into water.

  FIG. 6B shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the internal structure of the thermoelectric generator module 16. As shown in this figure, the thermoelectric generator module 16 has a large number of P-type thermoelectric generators 28 and N-type thermoelectric generators 30 alternately arranged so as to form a grid as a whole, and adjacent P-type thermoelectric generators. The high temperature side of the element 28 and the high temperature side of the N-type thermoelectric power generation element 30 are connected by the high temperature side electrode 32, and the low temperature side of the adjacent P type thermoelectric power generation element 28 so as to have a different combination with the high temperature side electrode 32. The low-temperature side electrode 34 is connected to the low-temperature side of the N-type thermoelectric generator 30.

  Each thermoelectric module 16 is configured by molding the P-type thermoelectric element 28 and the N-type thermoelectric element 30 that are joined in series as described above to form a mold portion 35 by molding with an insulator. Yes. As shown in FIG. 6A, the high temperature side electrode 32 and the low temperature side electrode 34 are exposed to the outside from the mold portion 35. Therefore, the thermoelectric generator module 16 in this embodiment is a so-called skeleton type in which contact electrodes with the high temperature side heat exchanger 12 and the low temperature side heat exchanger 14 are exposed.

  In this skeleton type thermoelectric generator module 16, the high-temperature side electrode 32 and the low-temperature side electrode 34 are exposed, so that the P-type thermoelectric generator 28 and the N-type thermoelectric generator are caused by the difference in thermal expansion based on the temperature between the high-temperature side and the low-temperature side. 30, the stress acting on the high temperature side electrode 32 and the low temperature side electrode 34 is minimized. Therefore, the skeleton type thermoelectric generator module 16 is mainly used when the temperature difference between the high temperature side and the low temperature side is large. These thermoelectric generator modules 16 are provided with a pair of terminals 36 for taking out the generated electric power.

  Note that the thermoelectric generator module 16 may have a configuration in which one of the high temperature side electrode 32 and the low temperature side electrode 34 is embedded in the molding 35 as shown in FIG. On the other hand, there is a so-called ceramic type thermoelectric power generation module 16 (appearance is the same as that shown in FIG. 6C) in which both high and low temperature electrodes are embedded in a ceramic substrate. It is mainly used when the temperature difference (thermal expansion difference) between the high temperature side and the low temperature side is small, and is rarely adopted in this embodiment using the heat of the exhaust gas.

  The thermoelectric generation module 16 described above is formed in a flat rectangular shape. For example, an electromotive force based on a temperature difference (heat drop) between the high temperature side and the low temperature side due to the Seebeck effect of each of the power generation elements 28 and 30 is generated. It has come to occur. Each thermoelectric generator module 16 is sandwiched between the high temperature side heat exchanger 12 and the low temperature side heat exchanger 14 as described above in order to ensure a temperature difference between the high temperature side and the low temperature side. Specifically, each thermoelectric module 16 includes the high temperature side heat exchanger 12 (the upper surface 12A or the lower surface 12B) via a thin plate or thin film insulator (not shown) that constitutes the high temperature side electrode 32 constituting the high temperature side surface 16A. ) In such a manner that the low temperature side electrode 34 constituting the low temperature side surface 16B is transferred to the low temperature side heat exchanger 14 (heat transfer wall 24A) through a thin plate or thin film insulator (not shown). It is possible to press. That is, each thermoelectric generation module 16 absorbs heat from the high temperature side heat exchanger 12 on the high temperature side surface 16A and dissipates heat to the low temperature side heat exchanger 14 on the low temperature side surface 16B. It is sandwiched between the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14.

  Further, in this exhaust thermoelectric generator 10, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a component holding bracket 38 as a frame formed in a substantially rectangular ring shape in front view, and a holding provided on the component holding bracket 38 are provided. The force applying mechanism 40 holds the thermoelectric generator module 16 in a pressure contact state between the high temperature side heat exchanger 12 and the upper and lower low temperature side heat exchangers 14. Specifically, the component holding bracket 38 is fixed by fastening means 38D in which the overlapping flange portions 38C of the half bodies 38A and 38B each formed in a substantially hat shape in front view are mainly bolts and nuts. By doing so, as described above, it is formed in an annular shape as a whole. The component holding bracket 38 that is formed in an annular shape and is not in contact with the high temperature side heat exchanger 12 is configured to be hardly affected by the heat from the high temperature side heat exchanger 12.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4A, the holding force applying mechanism 40 includes a holding force adjusting bolt 44 screwed into a weld nut 42 fixed to the component holding bracket 38, and a tip of the holding force adjusting bolt 44. A disc spring 46 disposed in a compressed state between the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 is configured as a main component. The holding force application mechanism 40 presses the upper and lower low temperature side heat exchangers 14 and the thermoelectric generator modules 16 against the high temperature side heat exchanger 12 side by holding load based on the restoring force of each disc spring 46, and presses the high temperature side heat exchanger 12. On the other hand, the low temperature side heat exchanger 14 and the thermoelectric generator module 16 are held. Further, the holding force applying mechanism 40 can adjust the holding load described above by changing the screwing position of the holding force adjusting bolt 44 with respect to the weld nut 42, that is, the compression amount of the disc spring 46.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a total of two component holding brackets 38 are provided for each row of the thermoelectric generator modules 16 arranged along the front-rear direction, and the holding force applying mechanism 40 is provided for each thermoelectric generator module 16. A total of eight are provided. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to adjust the holding load of each thermoelectric generator module 16 independently. Moreover, in this embodiment, the part which comprises the corner | angular corner part of the component holding bracket 38 in each half body 38A, 38B is bend | folded inside, and before fastening by fastening means 38D (holding force provision by the holding force provision mechanism 40) The temporary holding part 38E for temporarily holding in the state which laminated | stacked the high temperature side heat exchanger 12, the thermoelectric generation module 16, and the low temperature side heat exchanger 14 in the front) is comprised.

  In the exhaust thermoelectric generator 10, waterproof frames 50 are provided as sealing means between the high temperature side heat exchanger 12 and the upper and lower low temperature side heat exchangers 14, respectively. As shown in FIG. 1, the waterproof frame 50 is formed in a rectangular frame shape, and four thermoelectric generator modules 16 are positioned inside thereof. That is, each of the four thermoelectric generator modules 16 on the upper side or the lower side of the high temperature side heat exchanger 12 is surrounded by the waterproof frame 50 and closed by the high temperature side heat exchanger 12 and the low temperature side heat exchanger 14. It is disposed in the space R in the above-described pressure contact state.

  More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the upper surface 12A and the lower surface 12B of the high temperature side heat exchanger 12 are sealed as rectangular annular grooves into which the vertical ends of the waterproof frame 50 are respectively inserted. A groove 52 is formed. In addition, the heat transfer wall 24A of the upper and lower low temperature side heat exchangers 14 is formed with a seal groove 54 as a rectangular annular groove portion into which the vertical end of the waterproof frame 50 opposite to the seal groove 52 side enters. ing. As a result, each waterproof frame 50 has its vertical end portion 50A brought into contact with the groove bottom surfaces 52A and 54A of the seal grooves 52 and 54 to prevent water such as rain water and splash water from entering the closed space R. is doing. In other words, the exhaust thermoelectric generator 10 employs a water prevention structure for the thermoelectric generator module 16.

  The waterproof frame 50 described above is composed of a high-density high-performance heat insulating material obtained by forming rock wool into a felt (nonwoven fabric) shape. As a result, the waterproof frame 50 has a waterproof sealing property and a heat insulating performance, and suppresses heat transfer (heat transfer) from the high temperature side heat exchanger 12 to the low temperature side heat exchanger 14 via itself. It is assumed to be configured.

  The rock cool material is a non-combustible material having a hot shrinkage temperature of 650 ° C. (400 ° C. for glass wool) or higher, and has a high fire prevention performance and recovers heat from high-temperature exhaust gas. The waterproof frame 50 that does not thermally deteriorate due to contact is configured. Furthermore, since the rock cool material has a low water absorption and a high dehydration property, the waterproof frame 50 is configured to have a high water repellency because it is hard to contain water (hold water) inside. For this reason, it can be set as the structure which prevents dew condensation in the closed space R by making the space in the closed space R into low humidity previously, or providing a moisture-proof layer (moisture absorption layer) in the closed space R. Further, the waterproof frame 50 of this embodiment has a rock wool fiber density of 40% or more, and has a high soundproof performance.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the waterproof frame 50 has a lead wire 48 connected to the terminal 36 of each thermoelectric generator module 16 for leading out of the closed space R. A window portion 56 is formed. The lead wire 48 is formed as a substantially rectangular cutout portion, and the cutout edge opens toward the low temperature side heat exchanger 14 side. That is, the high temperature side electrode 28 is disposed on the low temperature side heat exchanger 14 side in the vertical direction of the waterproof frame 50. A lead wire waterproof plug (grommet) 58 is attached to the lead wire 48 (between the groove bottom surface 54A). In this embodiment, the lead wire waterproof plug 58 is made of rubber.

  The lead wire waterproof plug 58 is formed with a lead-out hole 58A through which the lead wire 48 penetrates, and the lead wire 48 penetrates the lead-out hole 58A in a pressure contact state with the edge of the lead wire waterproof plug 58 (see FIG. Inserted). Thereby, the exhaust thermoelectric generator 10 is configured to be able to take out the electric power generated by the lead wire 48, that is, the thermoelectric generator module 16, while ensuring the sealing property by the waterproof frame 50, that is, the waterproof property to the closed space R. ing. Further, since the lead wire waterproof plug 58 (window portion 56) is disposed on the low temperature side heat exchanger 14 side, which is the low temperature side, the rubber seal for the window portion 56 is sealed using the rubber lead wire waterproof plug 58 as described above. Is secured.

  An exhaust thermoelectric generator 10 including a high temperature side heat exchanger 12 that uses exhaust gas as a heat source is disposed under the floor of the vehicle body as an exhaust system component together with an exhaust pipe, a catalytic converter, a muffler, and the like (not shown).

  Next, the operation of the first embodiment will be described.

  In the exhaust heat power generator 10 having the above-described configuration, when an internal combustion engine of an automobile is started, the exhaust gas of the engine passes through an exhaust pipe and a duct member 22 on the engine side and the high temperature side heat exchanger 12 (high temperature side heat exchanger). Case 18). In the high temperature side heat exchanger 12, the heat of the exhaust gas is collected by the heat collection fins 20 that are in contact with the exhaust gas and transmitted to the upper surface 12 </ b> A and the lower surface 12 </ b> B of the high temperature side heat exchanger 12. Thereby, the high temperature side of each thermoelectric generation module 16 that is in contact with the upper surface 12A and the lower surface 12B of the high temperature side heat exchanger 12 is heated. The exhaust gas passing through the high temperature side heat exchanger 12 while being cooled by the heat exchange is released into the atmosphere through the downstream exhaust pipe.

  On the other hand, the engine coolant is introduced from the coolant inlet 14A of the upper and lower low temperature side heat exchangers 14 by the operation of a water pump (not shown) of the engine. In the low temperature side heat exchanger 14, the heat of the thermoelectric generation module 16 is radiated to the engine cooling water via the heat transfer walls 24 </ b> A and the radiation fins 26, and the low temperature side of each thermoelectric generation module 16 is cooled. The engine coolant that has passed through the low temperature side heat exchanger 14 is discharged from the coolant outlet 14B, circulates through a predetermined circulation path (engine, radiator, heater core, etc.), and again from the coolant inlet 14A to the low temperature side heat exchanger 14. To be introduced.

  As described above, the high temperature side of each thermoelectric generation module 16 is heated by effectively using the heat of the exhaust gas, and the low temperature side of each thermoelectric generation module 16 is cooled by the engine cooling water. The temperature difference between the 16 high and low temperature sides is ensured, and each thermoelectric generation module 16 generates an electromotive force based on this temperature difference. That is, in the exhaust thermoelectric generator 10, each thermoelectric generator module 16 generates electric power. The generated electric power is stored in, for example, a battery that is a storage battery mounted on an automobile (charges the battery).

  Here, in the exhaust thermoelectric generator 10, since the thermoelectric generator module 16 is surrounded by the waterproof frame 50, in other words, the thermoelectric generator module 16 is disposed in the closed space R. The thermoelectric generation module 16 is prevented from being exposed to rainwater, splash water, etc. as the vehicle travels. Thereby, in the exhaust thermoelectric generator 10 using the skeleton-type thermoelectric generator module 16 in which the high temperature side electrode 32 and the low temperature side electrode 34 are exposed, migration of the thermoelectric generator module 16 due to water intrusion (electrical short circuit). Further, disconnection due to corrosion of the lead wire 48 and the terminal 36 is prevented.

  Since the waterproof frame 50 made of rock wool has heat resistance, it does not thermally deteriorate due to contact with the high temperature side heat exchanger 12 that recovers the heat of the high temperature exhaust gas. Thereby, the required sealing performance can be ensured in the exhaust thermoelectric generator 10 that efficiently generates electromotive force in the thermoelectric generator module 16 using the heat of the high-temperature exhaust gas.

  Thus, in the exhaust thermoelectric generator 10 which concerns on 1st Embodiment, the waterproofness (seal property) with respect to the closed space R in which the thermoelectric generation module 16 was arrange | positioned is securable.

  Moreover, since the waterproof frame 50 has a heat insulating property, the heat of the exhaust gas collected by the high temperature side heat exchanger 12 is transmitted from the waterproof frame 50 to the low temperature side heat exchanger 14 (escapes) bypassing the thermoelectric generator module 16. It is prevented. In particular, in the exhaust thermoelectric generator 10, the four thermoelectric generator modules 16 positioned on one of the upper and lower sides with respect to the high temperature side heat exchanger 12 are surrounded by the common waterproof frame 50, so that the individual thermoelectric generator modules 16 are independent. Compared with the configuration surrounded by the waterproof frame, the heat transfer path from the high temperature side heat exchanger 12 to the low temperature side heat exchanger 14 via the waterproof frame 50 becomes smaller. Therefore, the heat of the exhaust gas is more effectively prevented from bypassing the thermoelectric generator module 16 and being transmitted from the waterproof frame 50 to the low temperature side heat exchanger 14. As a result, the heat recovered by the high temperature side heat exchanger 12 can be efficiently used to generate power.

  Thus, it is not necessary to cover the exhaust thermoelectric generator 10 as a whole with a waterproof cover (case) or the like. For this reason, in the exhaust heat power generator 10, the assembling work is easier and the mass can be reduced as compared with a configuration in which the whole is covered with a waterproof cover or the like. Further, as described above, since the common waterproof frame 50 is provided for the plurality of thermoelectric generator modules 16, the plurality of thermoelectric generator modules 16 are connected in the closed space R to minimize the number of installed lead wire waterproof plugs 58. You can also.

  Here, in the exhaust thermoelectric generator 10, the high-temperature side heat exchanger 12, the seal groove 52 formed in the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14, and the vertical end 50 </ b> A of the waterproof frame 50 that enters the seal groove 54, respectively. Since the seal groove 52, the groove bottom surface 52A of the seal groove 54, and the groove bottom surface 54A (seal surface) are in contact with each other to secure the seal, the waterproof frame 50 with respect to the high temperature side heat exchanger 12 and the low temperature side heat exchanger 14 Positioning is easy and assembly workability is improved. In addition, since the water intrusion route (creeping distance) becomes longer, in other words, the labyrinth structure is formed by the seal grooves 52 and 54 and the waterproof frame 50, so that the sealing property, that is, the water intrusion preventing effect is improved. Moreover, only the groove bottom surfaces 52A and 54A with which the vertical end portion 50A of the waterproof frame 50 comes into contact are used as management surfaces (seal surfaces) that require flatness management, thereby facilitating accuracy management and shortening the processing time. It becomes possible.

  Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described. The parts and portions that are basically the same as those in the first embodiment or the previous configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment or the previous configuration, and the description thereof is omitted. May be omitted.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 7A shows a cross-sectional view of the waterproof seal portion in the exhaust thermoelectric generator 60 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. As shown in this figure, the exhaust thermoelectric generator 60 includes a waterproof frame 62 in which the upper and lower ends 62A are substantially semi-cylindrical surfaces (having edges that are arc-shaped in cross section) instead of the waterproof frame 50. This is different from the exhaust thermoelectric generator 10 according to the first embodiment.

  As described above, the waterproof frame 62 has the upper and lower end portions 62A rounded in a circular arc shape, so that even if a dimensional change or a posture change occurs as shown in FIG. 7B or FIG. Contact with the bottom surfaces 52A, 54A is maintained. For this reason, the waterproof frame 62 causes relative displacement at the upper and lower end portions 62A (groove bottom surfaces 52A, 54A) due to the difference in thermal expansion between the high temperature side heat exchanger 12 and the low temperature side heat exchanger 14, or the thermal frame 62 itself is thermally expanded. Even if it does, the sealing performance between the high temperature side heat exchanger 12 and the low temperature side heat exchanger 14 can be ensured.

  Other configurations of the exhaust heat power generation device 60 are the same as the corresponding configurations of the exhaust heat power generation device 10.

  Therefore, the exhaust gas thermoelectric generator 60 according to the second embodiment can obtain the same effect by the same operation as the exhaust thermoelectric generator 10 according to the first embodiment. Further, in the exhaust thermoelectric generator 60, since the waterproof frame 62 has a structure that is provided at the upper and lower ends 62A of a substantially semi-cylindrical surface that is a seal maintaining structure, when the waterproof frame 62 extends up and down due to thermal expansion, FIG. Even if it is inclined as shown in FIG. 7B or curved as shown in FIG. 7C, the contact state between the upper and lower end portions 62A and the groove bottom surfaces 52A and 54A is reliably maintained. That is, in the exhaust thermoelectric generator 60, the required sealing performance can be ensured even if the waterproof frame 62 is thermally expanded.

  Similarly, between the specific part of the groove bottom surface 52A and the specific part of the groove bottom surface 54A, the longitudinal direction (exhaust gas flow method) of the exhaust thermoelectric generator 60 and the high temperature side heat exchanger 12 and the low temperature side heat exchanger are provided. Even when a relative displacement in the direction of contact / separation (vertical) with respect to 14 occurs, the exhaust thermoelectric generator 60 can ensure the required sealing performance.

(Third embodiment)
FIG. 8A shows a waterproof seal portion in an exhaust thermoelectric generator 70 according to the third embodiment of the present invention in a sectional view. As shown in this figure, the exhaust thermoelectric generator 70 includes an exhaust heat heat generator according to the second embodiment in that it includes a waterproof frame 72 whose upper and lower ends are labyrinth seal portions 72A instead of the waterproof frame 62. Different from the power generation device 10.

  The waterproof frame 72 includes an upper and lower labyrinth seal portion 72A and a deformation absorbing portion 72B as a seal maintenance structure that connects the labyrinth seal portion 72A. Specifically, in the labyrinth seal portion 72A, a plurality of thin lip portions 76 are erected along the vertical direction from the base portion 74, and the tips of the thin lip portions 76 that are separated in the thickness direction are groove bottom surfaces 52A. , 54A. Further, each of the deformation absorbing portions 72 </ b> B is thinner (narrower) than the base portion 74 and thicker than each thin lip portion 76.

  As a result, the waterproof frame 72 absorbs, for example, a minute dimensional change of the waterproof frame 72 and a minute relative displacement between the high temperature side heat exchanger 12 and the low temperature side heat exchanger 14 mainly by deformation of the thin lip portion 76. For example, a relatively large change in size (posture) of the waterproof frame 72 and relative displacement between the high temperature side heat exchanger 12 and the low temperature side heat exchanger 14 are caused by deformation of the deformation absorbing portion 72B as shown in FIG. It is designed to be absorbed.

  Other configurations of the exhaust thermoelectric generator 70 are the same as the corresponding configurations of the exhaust thermoelectric generator 60.

  Therefore, the exhaust gas thermoelectric generator 60 according to the third embodiment can obtain the same effect by the same operation as the exhaust thermoelectric generator 60 according to the second embodiment. Supplementing the sealing performance by the waterproof frame 72, in the exhaust thermoelectric generator 70, since the waterproof frame 72 has the labyrinth seal portion 72A, the sealing performance between the high temperature side heat exchanger 12 and the low temperature side heat exchanger 14 is good. It is. Further, since the waterproof frame 72 has the deformation absorbing portion 72B, when the waterproof frame 72 extends up and down due to thermal expansion, the deformation absorbing portion 72B is deformed (bent) as shown in FIG. Long sentences can be absorbed, and the contact state between the tips of the thin lip portions 76 and the groove bottom surfaces 52A and 54A is reliably maintained. That is, in the exhaust thermoelectric generator 70, the required sealing performance can be ensured even if the waterproof frame 72 is thermally expanded.

  Similarly, between the specific part of the groove bottom surface 52A and the specific part of the groove bottom surface 54A, the longitudinal direction (exhaust gas flow method) of the exhaust thermoelectric generator 70, the high temperature side heat exchanger 12 and the low temperature side heat exchanger are arranged. 14, even in the case where relative displacement in the direction of contact / separation occurs with the exhaust thermoelectric generator 70, the deformation absorbing portion 72B of the waterproof frame 72 can be deformed to ensure the required sealing performance.

  In each of the above embodiments, the high temperature side heat exchanger 12 and the low temperature side heat exchanger 14 have the seal grooves 52 and 54, respectively, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the seal groove is on the high temperature side. It is good also as a structure provided only in any one of the heat exchanger 12 and the low temperature side heat exchanger 14, and it is good also as a structure which does not provide a seal groove.

  Moreover, in each said embodiment, although the waterproof frames 50, 62, and 72 showed the example which is a sealing means common to several (4) thermoelectric generation modules 16, this invention is not limited to this, For example, It is good also as a structure which provided the sealing means which seals each thermoelectric generation module 16 separately.

  Further, in each of the above embodiments, the example in which the window portion 56 (lead wire waterproof plug 58) for leading out the lead wire 48 is provided in the waterproof frame 50 or the like is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. As a configuration in which the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 and the insulating member interposed between the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 and the like are set, a configuration without the window portion 56 and the lead wire waterproof plug 58 is also possible. .

1 is an exploded perspective view of an exhaust heat power generator according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a perspective view of an exhaust heat power generator according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 in FIG. 2. (A) is sectional drawing which expands and shows the seal part of the exhaust-heat-generation apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention, (B) is sectional drawing which expands and shows this seal part further. It is a figure which shows the lead wire derivation | leading-out structure of the exhaust heat power generator which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention, Comprising: (A) is a sectional side view, (B) is a front view. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is a figure which shows the thermoelectric generation module which comprises the exhaust thermoelectric generator which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention, Comprising: (A) is a perspective view, (B) is a side view, (C) is a perspective view of a modification. It is. It is a figure which shows the principal part of the exhaust heat power generator which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention, Comprising: (A) is sectional drawing before a waterproof frame produces thermal expansion, (B) is a case where a waterproof frame expands thermally Sectional drawing which shows one form example, (C) is sectional drawing which shows another example when a waterproof frame expands thermally. It is a figure which shows the principal part of the exhaust heat power generator which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention, Comprising: (A) is sectional drawing before a waterproof frame produces thermal expansion, (B) is a case where a waterproof frame expands thermally It is sectional drawing which shows one example of a form.

Explanation of symbols

10 Exhaust thermoelectric generator (Thermoelectric generator)
12 High temperature side heat exchanger (heating unit)
14 Low temperature side heat exchanger (cooling section)
16 Thermoelectric module (thermoelectric generator)
50 Waterproof frame (sealing means)
52 ・ 54 Seal groove (groove)
60/70 Exhaust heat power generator (Thermoelectric power generator)
62/72 Waterproof frame (sealing means)
62A end (seal maintenance structure)
72B Deformation absorber (seal maintenance structure)

Claims (4)

A thermoelectric generator that generates an electromotive force due to a temperature difference between the high temperature side and the low temperature side,
A heating unit provided in contact with the high temperature side of the thermoelectric generator, for heating the high temperature side of the thermoelectric generator;
A cooling unit for cooling the low temperature side of the thermoelectric generator, provided in contact with the low temperature side of the thermoelectric generator so as to sandwich the thermoelectric generator between the heating unit,
A heat-resistant sealing means which forms a frame shape surrounding the thermoelectric generator from the periphery, and is sandwiched between the heating unit and the cooling unit to seal between the heating unit and the cooling unit;
Thermoelectric generator with   2. The thermoelectric generator according to claim 1, wherein an annular groove portion into which an end portion of the sealing means enters the entire circumference is formed around a contact surface with the thermoelectric generator in the heating portion or the cooling portion.   The thermoelectric generator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sealing means has a seal maintaining structure that absorbs a dimensional change due to heat and maintains a seal between the heating unit and the cooling unit.   The thermoelectric generator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the sealing means has a single frame shape and surrounds a plurality of the thermoelectric generators.

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