Thermoelectric device

Abstract

In order to provide a highly reliable thermoelectric device, in a thermoelectric device, a plurality of heat-radiating-side electrodes, arranged in accordance with positions where respective thermoelectric elements are to be arranged, are arrayed in an array fashion on a planer surface of a heat-radiating-side board. Heat-radiating-side end surfaces of the plurality of p-type thermoelectric elements and n-type thermoelectric elements and the heat-radiating-side electrodes are joined together by solders. Heat-absorbing-side electrodes are brought into sliding contact with heat-absorbing-side end surfaces of these thermoelectric elements.

1 . A thermoelectric device comprising: 
 a wiring board made of ceramic;    a plurality of thermoelectric elements of which one end surfaces are joined with the wiring board;    a plurality of electrode members arranged to slidably contact other end surfaces of the plurality of thermoelectric elements;    a lid made of Kovar arranged at the outside of the electronic members; and    a coupling member coupled to the wiring board by a brazing material and coupled to the lid by a brazing material and Kovar so that pressure is applied between the lid and the wiring board.    
   
   
       2 . A thermoelectric device comprising: 
 a wiring board;    a plurality of thermoelectric elements of which one end surfaces are joined with the wiring board;    a plurality of electrode members arranged to slidably contact other end surfaces of the plurality of thermoelectric elements;    a lid arranged at the outside of the electronic members;    a coupling member which couples the wiring board and the lid so that pressure is applied between the lid and the wiring board; and    a sealed hole which is arranged at the lid, and which is closed under a reduced-pressure atmosphere.    
   
   
       3 . A thermoelectric device comprising: 
 a wiring board;    a plurality of thermoelectric elements of which one end surfaces are joined with the wiring board;    a plurality of electrode members arranged to slidably contact other end surfaces of the plurality of thermoelectric elements;    a lid arranged at the outside of the electronic members;    a coupling member which couples the wiring board and the lid so that pressure is applied between the lid and the wiring board; and    an electrical through hole which is arranged at the wiring board, and which passes a wire to take out an electromotive power generated in the thermoelectric elements through the wiring board.    
   
   
       4 . The thermoelectric device of any one of  claims 1  to  3 , 
 wherein the electrode members have protruding portions which regulate positions of the thermoelectric elements, the protruding portions being provided to surround regions against which the thermoelectric elements are contacted.    
   
   
       5 . The thermoelectric device of any one of  claims 1  to  3 , 
 wherein the electrode members comprise outer members deformable structure members made of a conductive material arranged between the thermoelectric elements and the outer members.    
   
   
       6 . The thermoelectric device of any one of  claims 1  to  3 , 
 wherein insulating members which regulate positions of the thermoelectric elements are arranged respectively between the thermoelectric elements.    
   
   
       7 . The thermoelectric device of  claim 4 , 
 wherein an interval between the thermoelectric elements surrounded by the electrode member is shorter than an interval between the thermoelectric element and another thermoelectric element surrounded by another electrode member adjacent to the electrode member.    
   
   
       8 . The thermoelectric device of any one of  claims 1  to  3 , 
 wherein the coupling member is one to be joined to the wiring board by a brazing material, and a joint surface of the coupling member to the brazing material is formed into a chamfer shape.    
   
   
       9 . The thermoelectric device of an one of  claims 1  to  3 , 
 wherein a bent portion bent in a direction of the pressure is provided in the lid.