Capacitor

Abstract

This invention provides a capacitor that can alleviate the stress generated in the busbar. [Solution] The capacitor 1 comprises a capacitor element 2, a case 3 housing the capacitor element 2, a filling resin 4 having an exposed surface 40 that is exposed to the outside and filled inside the case 3 to seal the capacitor element 2, and a busbar 5 connected to the capacitor element 2. The busbar 5 has a protruding portion 6 that protrudes from the inside to the outside of the filling resin 4, a flat portion 7, and a first external connection terminal portion 81. The flat portion 7 has a first end 71 and a second end 72 that is opposite to the first end 71 and connects the protruding portion 6 and the first external connection terminal portion 81. At the second end 72, the flat portion 7 and the protruding portion 6 are bent in one direction about a first axis 91, and further, the flat portion 7 and the first external connection terminal portion 81 are bent in the opposite direction about a second axis 92. The first axis 91 and the second axis 92 are positioned facing the exposed surface 40.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to capacitors, and more particularly to capacitors having capacitor elements.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a capacitor. In this capacitor, a capacitor element and a pair of positive and negative external connection electrode plates are housed in a case. The capacitor element has electrode portions at both ends. The pair of positive and negative external connection electrode plates includes external connection portions.

[0003] A plurality of capacitor elements are arranged with their electrode portions facing outward, and are connected to the external connection electrode plates via an element electrode plate that commonly connects these capacitor elements.

[0004] The pair of positive and negative external connection electrode plates each have a main body portion that overlaps in the vertical direction above the capacitor element and is connected to the element electrode plate, and the external connection portions extend from the outer edge of the main body portion, respectively.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] However, in the capacitor described in Patent Document 1, the external connection portion merely protrudes upward from the surface of the resin filling the case. Therefore, for example, when attaching the capacitor to an external device, if an external force acts on the external connection portion, stress tends to concentrate near the base of the external connection portion. This can cause cracks to form between the external connection portion and the resin, and if these cracks deepen, it can adversely affect the sealing performance of the capacitor element. Furthermore, if the stress increases, there is a risk that the external connection portion may break or be damaged.

[0007] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a capacitor that can alleviate the stress generated in the busbar during installation work on external equipment, etc. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A capacitor according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a capacitor element, a case housing the capacitor element, a filling resin having an exposed surface that is exposed to the outside and filling the case to seal the capacitor element, and a busbar connected to the capacitor element and extending from the exposed surface of the filling resin to the outside. The busbar has a protruding portion projecting from the inside of the filling resin to the outside, a flat portion, and at least one first external connection terminal portion. The flat portion has a first end and a second end opposite to the first end and connecting the protruding portion and the first external connection terminal portion. At the second end, the flat portion and the protruding portion are bent in one direction about a first axis, and further, the flat portion and the first external connection terminal portion are bent in the opposite direction about a second axis. The first axis and the second axis are positioned opposite the exposed surface. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to this disclosure, it is possible to alleviate the stress generated in the busbar during installation work on external equipment, etc. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1]Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a capacitor according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the same capacitor. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the same capacitor. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a front view showing the busbar used in the capacitor shown above. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a plan view showing the busbar shown above. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is an enlarged plan view of section A in Figure 5. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a side view showing the busbar shown above. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a perspective view showing a capacitor according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view showing the same capacitor. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the same capacitor. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a front view showing the busbar used in the capacitor shown above. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a plan view showing the busbar shown above. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a side view showing the busbar shown above. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a perspective view showing a modified capacitor. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a perspective view showing a capacitor relating to another modified example. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] 1. Overview As previously described, the capacitor described in Patent Document 1 had a problem in that stress tended to concentrate near the base of the external connection part during installation on external equipment. This problem could lead to the occurrence of cracks between the external connection part and the resin, and consequently to the sealing performance of the capacitor element.

[0012] Therefore, in order to fundamentally solve the above problems, the inventors of the present invention conducted intensive research and as a result, developed the following capacitor 1.

[0013] That is, as shown in FIG. 1, the capacitor 1 according to the present embodiment includes a capacitor element 2, a case 3 that houses the capacitor element 2, an exposed surface 40 that is exposed to the outside, a filling resin 4 that is filled in the case 3 and seals the capacitor element 2, and a bus bar 5 that is connected to the capacitor element 2 and extends from the exposed surface 40 of the filling resin 4 to the outside.

[0014] Also, as shown in FIG. 3, the bus bar 5 has a protruding portion 6 that protrudes from the inside of the filling resin 4 to the outside, a flat portion 7, and at least one first external connection terminal portion 81.

[0015] Also, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the flat portion 7 has a first end 71 and a second end 72 that faces the first end 71 and connects the protruding portion 6 and the first external connection terminal portion 81.

[0016] Also, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, at the second end 72, the flat portion 7 and the protruding portion 6 are bent in one direction around the first axis 91, and further, the flat portion 7 and the first external connection terminal portion 81 are bent in a direction opposite to the one direction around the second axis 92. The first axis 91 and the second axis 92 are arranged at positions facing the exposed surface 40.

[0017] When the capacitor 1 is attached to an external device, the first external connection terminal portion 81 is used. In this case, an external force can act on the first external connection terminal portion 81. Here, between the first external connection terminal portion 81 and the protruding portion 6, the bus bar 5 is bent twice. That is, it is bent twice around the first axis 91 and the second axis 92, respectively. It is presumed that the stress applied to the bus bar 5 is dispersed at the two bent portions and the flat portion 7.

[0018] [[ID=

[0019] As will be described later, the busbar 5 may also have a second external connection terminal 82, but in this embodiment, as mentioned above, the main focus is on relieving the stress that occurs in the busbar 5 when the first external connection terminal 81 is used.

[0020] 2.Details The capacitor 1 according to the first and second embodiments will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 15. Each figure is a schematic representation, and the ratios of the size and thickness of each component in each figure do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratios.

[0021] The arrows in each diagram indicating the vertical, horizontal, and front-to-back directions are not intended to specify the direction in which capacitor 1 should be used, but are merely there to make the explanation easier to understand and do not represent any actual physical direction. Viewing along the vertical direction is called a "plan view," viewing along the horizontal direction is called a "side view," and viewing along the front-to-back direction is called a "front view."

[0022] (1) First Embodiment Hereinafter, a capacitor 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 7. As shown in Figure 1, the capacitor 1 comprises at least one capacitor element 2, a case 3, a filling resin 4, and at least one busbar 5. In the first embodiment, the capacitor 1 comprises six capacitor elements 2 and two busbars 5, but the number of capacitor elements 2 and the number of busbars 5 are not particularly limited. The capacitor 1 may further comprise an insulating member 39.

[0023] <Capacitor element> The capacitor element 2 is not particularly limited, but examples include wound film capacitor elements and multilayer film capacitor elements. The capacitor element 2 has an element body 20, a first end face electrode 21, and a second end face electrode 22 (see Figures 2 and 3).

[0024] ≪Element Body≫ The shape of the element body 20 is not particularly limited, but in the first embodiment, the element body 20 has a rectangular shape in plan view, a rectangular shape in side view, and a flattened circular shape in front view. Although not shown, the element body 20 includes a dielectric film, a first metal film, and a second metal film.

[0025] The material of the dielectric film is not particularly limited, but examples include polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

[0026] The first metal film and the second metal film face each other within the element body 20 via a dielectric film. The first metal film and the second metal film are provided on the dielectric film. The first metal film and the second metal film are formed, for example, by vapor deposition. The materials of the first metal film and the second metal film are not particularly limited, but examples include aluminum (Al), magnesium (Mg), and alloys thereof.

[0027] <<First end-face electrode and second end-face electrode>> The first end electrode 21 is provided on the front surface of the element body 20. The second end electrode 22 is provided on the rear surface of the element body 20. The first end electrode 21 and the second end electrode 22 are formed, for example, by metal spraying (metallicon). The metal to be sprayed is not particularly limited, but examples include zinc (Zn), tin (Sn), and alloys thereof.

[0028] The first end electrode 21 is electrically connected to the first metal film inside the element body 20. On the other hand, the second end electrode 22 is electrically connected to the second metal film inside the element body 20.

[0029] ≪Arrangement form≫ In the first embodiment, the six capacitor elements 2 are arranged in the left-to-right direction. The six capacitor elements 2 are arranged horizontally. That is, the six capacitor elements 2 are arranged so that the first end face electrode 21 and the second end face electrode 22 are aligned in the front-to-back direction.

[0030] <Case> Case 3 houses the capacitor element 2. Case 3 has an opening at the top (see Figure 2). The material of Case 3 is not particularly limited, but examples include polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), epoxy resin (EP), etc.

[0031] <Filling resin> The filler resin 4 is filled into the case 3 (see Figures 1 and 3). The filler resin 4 is a cured liquid curable resin and has electrical insulating properties. The curable resin is not particularly limited, but examples include thermosetting resins and photocurable resins. Specifically, the curable resin is not particularly limited, but examples include epoxy resins.

[0032] The filling resin 4 seals the capacitor element 2. In this way, the capacitor element 2 is protected from contact with the outside air, moisture, dust, etc. The filling resin 4 also seals a portion of the busbar 5.

[0033] The filler resin 4 has an exposed surface 40. The exposed surface 40 is a surface that is exposed to the outside. In the first embodiment, the exposed surface 40 is the upper surface of the filler resin 4 and is a flat surface.

[0034] <Bus bar> The busbar 5 is a conductive member used to electrically connect the capacitor element 2 to external equipment (not shown, the same applies hereinafter). The busbar 5 is formed by cutting a metal plate into a predetermined shape and bending it as appropriate. The metal plate is not particularly limited, but examples include copper plates and aluminum plates. The external equipment is not particularly limited, but examples include components that make up an inverter and DC power supplies (batteries).

[0035] In the first embodiment, the busbar 5 includes a first busbar 5a and a second busbar 5b. The first busbar 5a is connected to the first end face electrode 21 of the capacitor element 2. On the other hand, the second busbar 5b is connected to the second end face electrode 22 of the capacitor element 2. In this way, the busbar 5 is connected to the capacitor element 2.

[0036] In the following, the first bus bar 5a and the second bus bar 5b will be described collectively as bus bar 5. When it is necessary to distinguish between the first bus bar 5a and the second bus bar 5b, the components of the first bus bar 5a will be represented by adding "a" to the symbols of the components of bus bar 5, and the components of the second bus bar 5b will be represented by adding "b" to the symbols of the components of bus bar 5.

[0037] The busbar 5 extends outward from the exposed surface 40 of the filler resin 4 (see Figure 3). In other words, a portion of the busbar 5 is sealed by the filler resin 4. Specifically, a portion of the first busbar 5a and the second busbar 5b is sealed by the filler resin 4. The remainder of the first busbar 5a and the second busbar 5b are outside the filler resin 4.

[0038] The busbar 5 has a protruding portion 6, a flat portion 7, at least one first external connection terminal portion 81, and an element connection portion 50. In the first embodiment, the busbar 5 further has a second external connection terminal portion 82. Specifically, the first busbar 5a has a protruding portion 6a, a flat portion 7a, three first external connection terminal portions 81a, an element connection portion 50a, and a second external connection terminal portion 82a. On the other hand, the second busbar 5b has a protruding portion 6b, a flat portion 7b, three first external connection terminal portions 81b, an element connection portion 50b, and a second external connection terminal portion 82b. The number of first external connection terminal portions 81 on the busbar 5 is not particularly limited.

[0039] ≪Protrusion≫ The protruding portion 6 extends from the inside to the outside of the filling resin 4 (see Figure 3). In the first embodiment, the protruding portion 6 extends in the vertical direction. The protruding portion 6a and the protruding portion 6b face each other via an insulating member 39.

[0040] ≪Plane part≫ The flat portion 7 is plate-shaped. In the first embodiment, the flat portion 7 has thickness in the vertical direction, width in the front-to-back direction, and extends longer in the left-to-right direction than its width (see Figure 2).

[0041] The flat portion 7 and the exposed surface 40 of the filler resin 4 face each other (see Figure 3). In the first embodiment, the entire flat portion 7a faces the exposed surface 40. On the other hand, a part of the flat portion 7b does not face the exposed surface 40, but the rest of the flat portion 7b faces the exposed surface 40. Thus, a part of the flat portion 7 may protrude from the case 3.

[0042] The flat portion 7 is separated from the filler resin 4 (see Figure 3). That is, the flat portion 7 does not directly contact the exposed surface 40. In the first embodiment, the flat portion 7 also does not directly contact the case 3.

[0043] In the first embodiment, the flat portion 7 is parallel to the exposed surface 40 of the filler resin 4. However, the flat portion 7 may be inclined with respect to the exposed surface 40 of the filler resin 4, as long as it does not impair the effects of the present disclosure.

[0044] As shown in Figure 5, in a plan view, the planar portion 7 is approximately rectangular in shape. The planar portion 7 has a first end 71, a second end 72, a third end 73, and a fourth end 74. In a plan view, the planar portion 7 is the part enclosed by the first end 71, the second end 72, the third end 73, and the fourth end 74.

[0045] [First end] As shown in Figure 5, in the planar section 7a, the first end 71a is the end located at the front. On the other hand, in the planar section 7b, the first end 71b is the end located at the rear.

[0046] [Second end] As shown in Figure 5, in the planar section 7a, the second end 72a is the rear end. On the other hand, in the planar section 7b, the second end 72b is the front end. Thus, in the planar section 7, the second end 72 is opposite the first end 71. As shown in Figure 3, the second end 72a of the planar section 7a and the second end 72b of the planar section 7b are opposite each other via an insulating member 39.

[0047] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the second end 72 connects the protruding portion 6 and the first external connection terminal portion 81. To further explain, the protruding portion 6 and the first external connection terminal portion 81 are not directly connected, but are indirectly connected via the second end 72 of the planar portion 7.

[0048] Specifically, the second end 72a connects the protruding portion 6a and the first external connection terminal portion 81a. The protruding portion 6a and the first external connection terminal portion 81a are indirectly connected via the second end 72a of the flat portion 7a. On the other hand, the second end 72b connects the protruding portion 6b and the first external connection terminal portion 81b. The protruding portion 6b and the first external connection terminal portion 81b are indirectly connected via the second end 72b of the flat portion 7b.

[0049] Figure 6 is an enlarged plan view of part A of Figure 5 (the area enclosed by the dashed line). As shown in Figure 6, the second end 72 includes at least one first axis 91 and at least one second axis 92. The first axis 91 and the second axis 92 are virtual axes (shown as dashed lines in Figure 6), and the busbar 5 is bent around these axes. In the first embodiment, the first axis 91 and the second axis 92 extend in the left-right direction; that is, the first axis 91 and the second axis 92 are parallel. However, the first axis 91 and the second axis 92 do not have to be parallel, as long as the effects of the present disclosure are not impaired.

[0050] The first axis 91 and the second axis 92 are positioned opposite the exposed surface 40. In a plan view, the first axis 91 and the second axis 92 overlap the exposed surface 40. For the sake of clarity in the drawing, the first axis 91 and the second axis 92 are only shown in Figure 6.

[0051] As shown in Figure 5, the second end 72a includes four first axes 91a and three second axes 92a. On the other hand, the second end 72b includes four first axes 91b and three second axes 92b.

[0052] In the first embodiment, the first axis 91 and the second axis 92 are arranged alternately along the left-right direction. The first axis 91 and the second axis 92 may or may not be on the same straight line. For example, the first axis 91 and the second axis 92 may be offset in the front-rear direction.

[0053] Specifically, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, the first axis 91a and the second axis 92a are arranged alternately along the left-right direction and lie on approximately the same straight line. On the other hand, the first axis 91b and the second axis 92b are arranged alternately along the left-right direction and lie on approximately the same straight line. The second axis 92a is opposite the first axis 91b. The second axis 92b is opposite the first axis 91a. The first axis 91a and the first axis 91b may or may not be opposite each other.

[0054] As shown in Figures 4 to 7, at the second end 72, the flat portion 7 and the protruding portion 6 are bent in one direction around the first axis 91. The portion bent around the first axis 91 in this way is the first bent portion 910. That is, the first bent portion 910 is the corner formed by the flat portion 7 and the protruding portion 6. The first bent portion 910 may be rounded.

[0055] Specifically, at the second end 72a of the flat portion 7a, the protruding portion 6a is bent downwards around the first axis 91a to form the first bent portion 910a. On the other hand, at the second end 72b of the flat portion 7b, the protruding portion 6b is bent downwards around the first axis 91b to form the first bent portion 910b.

[0056] As shown in Figures 4 to 7, at the second end 72, the flat portion 7 and the first external connection terminal portion 81 are further bent in opposite directions around the second axis 92. The portion bent around the second axis 92 in this way is the second bent portion 920. That is, the second bent portion 920 is the corner formed by the flat portion 7 and the first external connection terminal portion 81. The second bent portion 920 may be rounded.

[0057] Specifically, at the second end 72a of the flat portion 7a, the first external connection terminal portion 81a is bent upward around the second axis 92a to form the second bent portion 920a. On the other hand, at the second end 72b of the flat portion 7b, the first external connection terminal portion 81b is bent upward around the second axis 92b to form the second bent portion 920b.

[0058] As previously described, the first axis 91 and the second axis 92 are arranged alternately along the left-right direction, so the first bent portion 910 and the second bent portion 920 are also arranged alternately along the left-right direction. Furthermore, since the second axis 92a is opposite the first axis 91b, the second bent portion 920a is opposite the first bent portion 910b. Similarly, since the second axis 92b is opposite the first axis 91a, the second bent portion 920b is opposite the first bent portion 910a.

[0059] The first bent portion 910 and the second bent portion 920 are located outside the filler resin 4. Specifically, the first bent portion 910a and the second bent portion 920a are located above the exposed surface 40. Similarly, the first bent portion 910b and the second bent portion 920b are located above the exposed surface 40.

[0060] [Third and fourth ends] As shown in Figure 5, the third end 73 is the end located to the left of the planar portion 7. That is, the third end 73a is located at the left end of the planar portion 7a. On the other hand, the third end 73b is located at the left end of the planar portion 7b.

[0061] On the other hand, the fourth end 74 is the end located to the right of the planar portion 7. That is, the fourth end 74a is located at the right end of the planar portion 7a. On the other hand, the fourth end 74b is located at the right end of the planar portion 7b.

[0062] <<First External Connection Terminal Section>> The first external connection terminal portion 81 is connected to an external device by fastening or the like. The first external connection terminal portion 81 extends in the same direction as the protruding portion 6. In the first embodiment, the first external connection terminal portion 81 extends in the vertical direction. Therefore, the first external connection terminal portion 81 and the protruding portion 6 are parallel. However, the first external connection terminal portion 81 and the protruding portion 6 do not have to be parallel as long as the effects of this disclosure are not impaired.

[0063] In the first embodiment, the first external connection terminal portion 81 and the protruding portion 6 are located on the same plane extending in the vertical and horizontal directions. However, the first external connection terminal portion 81 and the protruding portion 6 do not need to be located on the same plane, as long as the effects of this disclosure are not impaired.

[0064] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the first external connection terminal portion 81 has a through hole 83. The through hole 83 is used for connecting external equipment. The through hole 83 extends in the front-to-back direction.

[0065] As shown in Figures 3 and 7, in a side view, focusing on the protruding portion 6, the flat portion 7, and the first external connection terminal portion 81 of the busbar 5, they form a roughly T-shape. In other words, the protruding portion 6 and the first external connection terminal portion 81 are folded back in opposite directions from one end (second end 72) of the flat portion 7.

[0066] In other words, the direction of rotation in which the first axis 91 is bent is the same as the direction of rotation in which the second axis 92 is bent. Specifically, in a side view (viewed from the right), with respect to the protruding portion 6a, the flat portion 7a is bent counterclockwise around the first axis 91a. Furthermore, with respect to the flat portion 7a, the first external connection terminal portion 81a is bent counterclockwise around the second axis 92a. Thus, the direction of rotation in which the first axis 91 and the second axis 92 are bent is the same.

[0067] To put it another way, the surface of the busbar 5 is inverted between the protruding portion 6 and the first external connection terminal portion 81. Specifically, the surface of the first busbar 5a refers to, for example, the upper and lower surfaces of the flat portion 7a. The upper surface of the flat portion 7a is connected to the rear surface of the protruding portion 6a. On the other hand, the lower surface of the flat portion 7a is connected to the rear surface of the first external connection terminal portion 81a. Furthermore, the rear surface of the first external connection terminal portion 81a (the surface connected to the lower surface of the flat portion 7a) is located above the rear surface of the protruding portion 6a (the surface connected to the upper surface of the flat portion 7a). Therefore, the surface of the busbar 5 is inverted between the protruding portion 6 and the first external connection terminal portion 81.

[0068] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 4 to 6, in the front view and the plan view, the first bent portion 910 and the second bent portion 920 are arranged alternately along the left-right direction, so the protruding portion 6 and the first external connection terminal portion 81 are arranged alternately along the left-right direction. In addition, the first external connection terminal portion 81a and the first external connection terminal portion 81b are arranged alternately along the left-right direction.

[0069] In the first embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, the first external connection terminal portion 81 is formed by cutting and bending, and a through hole 53 (cut-and-bent hole) is formed as a result. This through hole 53 extends from directly below the first external connection terminal portion 81, through the space between two adjacent protrusions 6 on the left and right, to the element connection portion 50.

[0070] The busbar 5 of the first embodiment has the same number of through holes 53 as the first external connection terminal portion 81. As described above, the through holes 53 are formed by cutting and bending, so the area of ​​the through holes 53 is approximately equal to the area of ​​the first external connection terminal portion 81. As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the through holes 53 are adjacent to the first external connection terminal portion 81, the protruding portion 6, and the element connection portion 50. Most of the through holes 53 are embedded in the filling resin 4.

[0071] ≪Element connection section≫ The element connection portion 50 is connected to the capacitor element 2. The element connection portion 50 extends forward or backward from the lower end of the protruding portion 6, and further downward. The tip of the element connection portion 50 is provided with at least the same number of electrode pins 500 as the capacitor element 2.

[0072] Specifically, the element connection portion 50a extends forward from the lower end of the protruding portion 6a and further downward. Six electrode pins 500a are provided at the tip of the element connection portion 50a. The electrode pins 500a are connected to the first end face electrode 21, for example by soldering. On the other hand, the element connection portion 50b extends rearward from the lower end of the protruding portion 6b and further downward. Six electrode pins 500b are provided at the tip of the element connection portion 50b. The electrode pins 500b are connected to the second end face electrode 22, for example by soldering.

[0073] ≪Second External Connection Terminal≫ The second external connection terminal 82 is connected to a DC power supply by fastening or the like. The second external connection terminal 82 is connected to the flat section 7 (see Figure 2). Specifically, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the second external connection terminal 82a extends upward from the third end 73 of the flat section 7a, then extends backward, and is further bent to the left. The total length of the second external connection terminal 82a is longer than the total length of the first external connection terminal 81. On the other hand, the second external connection terminal 82b extends upward from the first end 71, which is close to the third end 73 of the flat section 7a.

[0074] In the first embodiment, the second external connection terminal portion 82 has a through hole 84. The through hole 84 is used for connecting a DC power supply. The through hole 84 extends in the front-to-back direction.

[0075] <Insulating material> The insulating member 39 is a member for preventing a short circuit between the first busbar 5a and the second busbar 5b. The insulating member 39 has a bottom plate portion 391 and a partition wall portion 392 (see Figure 2). The bottom plate portion 391 has thickness in the vertical direction and width in the front-to-back direction, and extends longer in the left-to-right direction than this width. The partition wall portion 392 has thickness in the front-to-back direction and height in the vertical direction, and extends in the left-to-right direction with approximately the same length as the bottom plate portion 391. The partition wall portion 392 rises upward from approximately the center of the width direction of the bottom plate portion 391. Thus, the insulating member 39 has a roughly T-shape when viewed from the side and extends in the left-to-right direction (see Figures 2 and 3).

[0076] As shown in Figure 3, the corner formed by the protrusion 6a and the element connection part 50a is located at the front corner formed by the bottom plate portion 391 and the partition wall portion 392. On the other hand, the corner formed by the protrusion 6b and the element connection part 50b is located at the rear corner formed by the bottom plate portion 391 and the partition wall portion 392.

[0077] The material of the insulating member 39 is not particularly limited, but examples include polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), epoxy resin (EP), etc.

[0078] <Effects and Effects> When attaching the capacitor 1 according to the first embodiment to an external device, the first external connection terminal portion 81 is used. In this case, external forces can act mainly on the first external connection terminal portion 81 in the front-rear direction. Here, the busbar 5 is bent twice between the first external connection terminal portion 81 and the protruding portion 6. That is, it is bent twice around the first axis 91 and the second axis 92, which extend in a direction (left-right direction) substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the external force acts. It is presumed that the stress on the busbar 5 is distributed between these two bent portions and the flat portion 7.

[0079] Therefore, according to the capacitor 1 of the first embodiment, the stress generated in the busbar 5 during installation work on external equipment can be alleviated. As a result, cracks are less likely to occur between the protruding portion 6 and the filling resin 4. Furthermore, by suppressing the increase in stress, the busbar 5 is less likely to break or be damaged.

[0080] In particular, the closer the first axis 91 and the second axis 92 are to being parallel, the easier it becomes to distribute the stress generated in the busbar 5. This makes it easier to further alleviate the stress generated in the busbar 5.

[0081] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the first bent portion 910 and the second bent portion 920 are located outside the filler resin 4. In this way, since the first bent portion 910 and the second bent portion 920 are not fixed by the filler resin 4, it becomes easier to distribute the stress generated in the busbar 5. In other words, because elastic deformation is possible in the first bent portion 910 and the second bent portion 920, it becomes easier to distribute the stress generated in the busbar 5.

[0082] Furthermore, since the flat surface 7 and the exposed surface 40 of the filler resin 4 face each other, space can be saved compared to the case where the flat surface 7 and the exposed surface 40 of the filler resin 4 do not face each other at all.

[0083] Furthermore, the flat portion 7 is isolated from the filler resin 4. In this way, since the flat portion 7 does not directly contact the filler resin 4, it is easier to distribute the stress generated in the busbar 5. That is, for example, even if elastic deformation occurs in the first bent portion 910 and the second bent portion 920 and the flat portion 7 is tilted slightly, new stress is less likely to be generated inside the flat portion 7.

[0084] Furthermore, since the protruding portion 6 and the first external connection terminal portion 81 extend in the same direction (up and down in the first embodiment), it becomes easier to distribute the stress generated in the busbar 5.

[0085] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, since the busbar 5 has through holes 53, these through holes 53 are presumed to contribute to stress relaxation. Moreover, since most of the through holes 53 are embedded in the filling resin 4, the adhesion between the busbar 5 and the filling resin 4 can be improved by the anchoring effect.

[0086] Furthermore, in the capacitor 1 according to the first embodiment, the first external connection terminal 81 can be connected to an external device (e.g., a semiconductor device), and the second external connection terminal 82 can be connected to a DC power supply (battery). In this case, the flat portion 7 also plays a role as a path through which direct current (DC current) flows. Since the flat portion 7 is located outside the filling resin 4, the heat generated by the current flowing through the flat portion 7 is dissipated by natural convection.

[0087] (2) Second Embodiment Next, the capacitor 1 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 8 to 13. In the second embodiment, components similar to those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment, and detailed descriptions may be omitted. The following description will focus on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0088] <Difference 1> In the first embodiment, the first busbar 5a and the second busbar 5b are each composed of a single member, but in the second embodiment, the first busbar 5a and the second busbar 5b are each composed of multiple members. It is also possible that one of the first busbar 5a and the second busbar 5b is composed of multiple members, while the other is composed of a single member.

[0089] Specifically, in the second embodiment, the busbar 5 includes a first member 51 and a second member 52. More specifically, the first busbar 5a includes a first member 51a and a second member 52a. On the other hand, the second busbar 5b includes a first member 51b and a second member 52b. The materials of the first member 51 and the second member 52 may be the same or different.

[0090] The first member 51 is a member having a first bent portion 910. Specifically, the first member 51 has a protruding portion 6, a first flat portion 710, and an element connecting portion 50. In the second embodiment, the first bent portion 910 is the corner formed by the first flat portion 710 and the protruding portion 6. In this case as well, the first bent portion 910 may be rounded. The first flat portion 710 constitutes the flat portion 7.

[0091] On the other hand, the second member 52 is a member having a second bent portion 920. Specifically, the second member 52 has a second flat portion 720, at least one first external connection terminal portion 81, and a second external connection terminal portion 82. The second bent portion 920 is the corner formed by the second flat portion 720 and the first external connection terminal portion 81. In this case as well, the second bent portion 920 may be rounded. The second flat portion 720 also constitutes the flat portion 7, similar to the first flat portion 710. That is, the flat portion 7 is composed of the first flat portion 710 and the second flat portion 720. In the second embodiment, the first flat portion 710 and the second flat portion 720 are stacked in the vertical direction (see Figure 10).

[0092] In the flat section 7, the first member 51 and the second member 52 are joined together. Specifically, the upper surface of the first flat section 710 and the lower surface of the second flat section 720 are overlapped, thereby joining the first flat section 710 and the second flat section 720. The joining method is not particularly limited, but examples include welding.

[0093] In the second embodiment, the thicknesses of the first member 51 and the second member 52 are different. Specifically, the thickness of the second member 52 is greater than the thickness of the first member 51.

[0094] Here, the thickness of the second member 52 refers to the thickness of the second flat portion 720, the thickness of the first external connection terminal portion 81, and the thickness of the second external connection terminal portion 82 if they are the same. If the thickness of the second flat portion 720, the thickness of the first external connection terminal portion 81, and the thickness of the second external connection terminal portion 82 are different, it refers to the smallest of these thicknesses.

[0095] On the other hand, the thickness of the first member 51 refers to the thickness of the protruding portion 6, the first flat portion 710, and the element connection portion 50 if they are the same. If the thickness of the protruding portion 6, the first flat portion 710, and the element connection portion 50 are different, it refers to the maximum thickness among them.

[0096] <Difference 2> In the second embodiment, the arrangement of the capacitor elements 2 differs from that of the first embodiment. Specifically, in the first embodiment, the six capacitor elements 2 are arranged horizontally, but in the second embodiment, the six capacitor elements 2 are arranged vertically. That is, the six capacitor elements 2 are arranged so that the first end face electrode 21 and the second end face electrode 22 are aligned vertically. Accordingly, in the second embodiment, the shape of the element connection portion 50 of the busbar 5, the shape of the case 3, etc., also differ from those of the first embodiment.

[0097] <Effects and Effects> The second embodiment also produces the same effects and advantages as the first embodiment.

[0098] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, since the busbar 5 is composed of multiple members (first member 51 and second member 52), it becomes easier to manufacture the capacitor 1. That is, for example, the first member 51 and the second member 52 may be joined after the capacitor element 2 has been sealed with the filler resin 4, which makes it easier to manufacture the capacitor 1.

[0099] Furthermore, since the thickness of the second member 52 is greater than that of the first member 51, the electrical resistance of the second member 52 is smaller than that of the first member 51, thereby suppressing heat generation during current flow. In addition, since the second member 52 is located outside the filler resin 4, the heat of the second member 52 is dissipated by natural convection. In other words, the second member 52 enhances heat dissipation. On the other hand, since the thickness of the first member 51 is thinner than that of the second member 52, it is easier to process, including when soldering to the capacitor element 2, and manufacturing costs can be reduced.

[0100] 3. Variant Figure 14 shows a modified example of the capacitor 1 according to the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, the six capacitor elements 2 are arranged horizontally, but in this modified example, the six capacitor elements 2 are arranged vertically.

[0101] Figure 15 shows a modified example of the capacitor 1 according to the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, the six capacitor elements 2 are arranged vertically, but in this modified example, the six capacitor elements 2 are arranged horizontally.

[0102] In the capacitor 1 according to the first and second embodiments (including modified versions), a heat sink, heat spreader, etc., may be attached. This can further improve heat dissipation.

[0103] 4. Appearance As will be apparent from the above embodiments and modifications, this disclosure includes the following aspects. In the following, reference numerals are enclosed in parentheses solely to indicate their correspondence with the embodiments.

[0104] The first embodiment is a capacitor (1) comprising a capacitor element (2), a case (3) housing the capacitor element (2), a filling resin (4) having an exposed surface (40) exposed to the outside and filled inside the case (3) to seal the capacitor element (2), and a busbar (5) connected to the capacitor element (2) and extending to the outside from the exposed surface (40) of the filling resin (4). The busbar (5) has a protruding portion (6) protruding from the inside to the outside of the filling resin (4), a flat portion (7), and at least one first external connection terminal portion (81). The flat portion (7) has a first end (71) and a second end (72) opposite the first end (71) and connecting the protruding portion (6) and the first external connection terminal portion (81). At the second end (72), the flat portion (7) and the protruding portion (6) are bent in one direction about the first axis (91), and the flat portion (7) and the first external connection terminal portion (81) are bent in the opposite direction about the second axis (92). The first axis (91) and the second axis (92) are positioned opposite the exposed surface (40).

[0105] According to this embodiment, the stress generated in the busbar (5) during installation work on external equipment can be relieved.

[0106] The second embodiment is a capacitor (1) based on the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, a first bent portion (910) bent about a first axis (91) and a second bent portion (920) bent about a second axis (92) are located outside the filler resin (4).

[0107] According to this embodiment, since the first bent portion (910) and the second bent portion (920) are not fixed by the filler resin (4), it becomes easier to distribute the stress generated in the busbar (5).

[0108] A third embodiment is a capacitor (1) based on the first or second embodiment. In the third embodiment, the planar portion (7) and the exposed surface (40) of the filling resin (4) face each other.

[0109] According to this embodiment, space can be saved compared to the case where the flat portion (7) and the exposed surface (40) of the filler resin (4) do not face each other at all.

[0110] The fourth embodiment is a capacitor (1) based on any one of the first to third embodiments. In the fourth embodiment, the planar portion (7) is separated from the filler resin (4).

[0111] In this embodiment, since the flat portion (7) is not in direct contact with the filler resin (4), it becomes easier to distribute the stress generated in the busbar (5).

[0112] The fifth embodiment is a capacitor (1) based on any one of the first to fourth embodiments. In the fifth embodiment, the protruding portion (6) and the first external connection terminal portion (81) extend in the same direction.

[0113] According to this embodiment, it becomes easier to distribute the stress generated in the busbar (5).

[0114] The sixth embodiment is a capacitor (1) based on any one of the first to fifth embodiments. In the sixth embodiment, the busbar (5) includes a first member (51) having a first bent portion (910) and a second member (52) having a second bent portion (920). The first member (51) and the second member (52) are joined at the planar portion (7).

[0115] According to this embodiment, for example, the capacitor element (2) may be sealed with the filling resin (4) and then the first member (51) and the second member (52) may be joined together, which makes it easier to manufacture the capacitor (1).

[0116] The seventh embodiment is a capacitor (1) based on any one of the first to sixth embodiments. In the seventh embodiment, the thickness of the second member (52) is greater than the thickness of the first member (51).

[0117] According to this embodiment, the electrical resistance of the second member (52) becomes smaller than that of the first member (51), thereby suppressing heat generation during energization.

[0118] The eighth aspect is a capacitor (1) based on any one of the first to seventh aspects. In the eighth aspect, the busbar (5) further has a second external connection terminal (82) connected to the planar portion (7).

[0119] According to this embodiment, the first external connection terminal (81) can be connected to an external device (for example, a semiconductor device), and the second external connection terminal (82) can be connected to a DC power supply (battery). [Explanation of Symbols]

[0120] 1 Capacitor 2 Capacitor elements 3 cases 4. Filling resin 40 Exposed surface 5 Bus Bar 51 First Member 52 Second Member 6 Protrusion 7 Plane part 71 1st end 72 2nd end 81 First external connection terminal section 82 Second external connection terminal section 91 1st axis 910 1st bending section 92 2nd axis 920 2nd bending section

Claims

1. Capacitor element and A case for housing the aforementioned capacitor element, A filling resin having an exposed surface that is exposed to the outside, which is filled inside the case and seals the capacitor element, The capacitor element is connected to a busbar that extends from the exposed surface of the filling resin to the outside, The busbar has a protruding portion that extends from the inside of the filling resin to the outside, a flat portion, and at least one first external connection terminal portion. The planar portion has a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, which connects the protruding portion and the first external connection terminal portion. At the second end, the flat portion and the protruding portion are bent in one direction about the first axis, and further, the flat portion and the first external connection terminal portion are bent in the opposite direction about the second axis. The first and second axes are positioned opposite the exposed surface. Capacitor.

2. The first bent portion, which is bent about the first axis, and the second bent portion, which is bent about the second axis, are located outside the filler resin. The capacitor according to claim 1.

3. The flat portion and the exposed surface of the filling resin face each other. The capacitor according to claim 1.

4. The flat portion is separated from the filling resin. The capacitor according to claim 1.

5. The protruding portion and the first external connection terminal portion extend in the same direction. The capacitor according to claim 1.

6. The busbar includes a first member having the first bent portion and a second member having the second bent portion. In the planar portion, the first member and the second member are joined together. The capacitor according to claim 2.

7. The thickness of the second member is greater than the thickness of the first member. The capacitor according to claim 6.

8. The busbar further has a second external connection terminal portion connected to the planar portion. A capacitor according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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