Mounting Structure of Electrolytic Capacitor

Abstract

To provide a mounting structure for an electrolytic capacitor capable of improving a heat dissipation property of the electrolytic capacitor while suppressing contact between an explosion-proof valve and a metal housing.SOLUTION: A mounting structure 100 for an electrolytic capacitor 53 comprises the electrolytic capacitor 53, a substrate 51, a metal housing 20, and a heat transfer member 70. The heat transfer member 70 is formed from a silicon-based soft material having a predetermined hardness. A main body part 54 of the electrolytic capacitor 53 is fitted into a recess 22 while keeping gaps G1 and G2 in such a manner that a location exists where an interval L1 with another side face 54b of the main body part 54 with respect to the recess 22 of the metal housing 20 is larger than an interval with a circumferential surface 54c of the main body part 54. The heat transfer member 70 fills the gals G1 and G2 so as to cover the main body part 54 inside of the recess 22. The heat transfer member 70 is allowed to be deformed to limit outflow of an electrolyte 53b from the recess 22 when actuating an explosion-proof valve 56.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an attachment structure of an electrolytic capacitor.

Background Art

[0002] The attachment structure of an electrolytic capacitor includes an electrolytic capacitor, a substrate, a metal housing, and a heat transfer member. The electrolytic capacitor includes a main body portion, terminals, and an explosion-proof valve. The main body portion is cylindrical. The main body portion houses electrodes and an electrolytic solution therein. The terminals are provided on one side surface of the main body portion. The terminals are connected to the electrodes within the main body portion. The explosion-proof valve is provided on the other side surface of the main body portion. The other side surface is a surface located on the side opposite to one side surface of the main body portion. The explosion-proof valve operates when the pressure within the main body portion exceeds a predetermined pressure and discharges the electrolytic solution to the outside of the main body portion.

[0003] The terminals of the electrolytic capacitor are connected to the substrate. That is, the terminals of the electrolytic capacitor are mounted on the substrate. The substrate is fixed to the metal housing. The heat transfer member is provided between the metal housing and the electrolytic capacitor. The heat transfer member transfers the heat generated in the electrolytic capacitor to the metal housing. The heat transfer member is a member that mediates the heat dissipation of the electrolytic capacitor to the metal housing. Then, the heat of the electrolytic capacitor is dissipated from the metal housing.

[0004] For example, the steering device described in Patent Document 1 employs the above-described attachment structure of an electrolytic capacitor. The electrolytic capacitor of the above steering device has an element as an electrode, a case as a main body portion, a lead wire as a terminal, and an explosion-proof valve. The above steering device includes a heat sink as a metal housing and a heat dissipation material as a heat transfer member.

[0005] The heat sink is formed with a recess into which a part of the case including the other side surface is fitted. The recess has a bottomed shape in which a gap with a predetermined interval is formed between the recess and the fitted case. The case of the electrolytic capacitor is fitted into the recess such that the interval between the recess and the other side surface is closer than the interval between the recess and the peripheral surface of the case. And, the heat dissipation material is filled between the surface forming the recess and the other side surface of the case.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] By the way, the thinner the thickness of the heat dissipation material intervening between the other side surface of the main body part and the surface forming the recess, the more likely it is that when the explosion-proof valve operates, the explosion-proof valve will penetrate the heat dissipation material and contact the surface forming the recess. That is, there is a risk that the operating explosion-proof valve will contact the metal housing.

[0008] When the explosion-proof valve of the electrolytic capacitor operates, operations such as replacement of the electrolytic capacitor are performed by an operator. However, if the explosion-proof valve is in contact with the metal housing, since the substrate and the metal housing are electrically conductive, there is a risk of hindering the operator's work. Note that the mounting structure of the electrolytic capacitor is not limited to being applied to the steering device. Even if the mounting structure of the electrolytic capacitor is applied to a unit other than the steering device, the same concerns as described above arise.

[0009] On the other hand, there is a demand to improve the heat dissipation performance of the electrolytic capacitor. There is a demand to reduce the gap between the other side surface of the main body part and the surface forming the recess, but as described above, there is a risk that the explosion-proof valve will contact the metal housing. For this reason, a method for improving the heat dissipation performance of the electrolytic capacitor has been studied.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0010] The mounting structure of the electrolytic capacitor for solving the above problems includes a cylindrical main body that houses electrodes and electrolytic solution inside, a terminal provided on one side surface of the main body and connected to the electrodes, and an explosion-proof valve provided on the other side surface of the main body for discharging the electrolytic solution to the outside. It also includes an electrolytic capacitor, a substrate on which the terminal of the electrolytic capacitor is mounted, a metal housing to which the substrate is fixed and from which the heat of the electrolytic capacitor is dissipated, and a heat transfer member provided between the metal housing and the electrolytic capacitor for mediating the heat dissipation to the metal housing. The heat transfer member is formed of a silicon-based soft material having a predetermined hardness. In the metal housing, a bottomed recess is formed into which a part of the main body including the other side surface of the electrolytic capacitor is inserted, and a gap with a predetermined interval is formed between the inserted main body. The main body of the electrolytic capacitor is inserted into the recess while maintaining the gap such that there is a portion where the interval between the other side surface with respect to the recess is larger than the interval between the other surfaces of the main body. The heat transfer member is filled in the gap so as to cover the main body in the recess, and when the explosion-proof valve operates, a deformation that restricts the outflow of the electrolytic solution from the recess is allowed.

[0011] According to the above configuration, the heat of the electrolytic capacitor is transmitted to the metal housing through the heat transfer member. Therefore, the heat of the electrolytic capacitor is dissipated to the metal housing by the heat transfer member. Also, when the explosion-proof valve operates, the heat transfer member deforms so as to restrict the outflow of the electrolytic solution from the recess. Thus, leakage of the electrolytic solution can be suppressed even when the explosion-proof valve operates.

[0012] Furthermore, the main body of the electrolytic capacitor is inserted into the recess while maintaining a gap such that there is a portion where the distance between the other side surface of the main body with respect to the recess is larger than the distance from the other surfaces of the main body. Therefore, when the explosion-proof valve operates, while suppressing the explosion-proof valve from contacting the metal housing by penetrating the heat transfer member, it becomes easier to dissipate the heat of the electrolytic capacitor from the other surface of the main body to the surface forming the recess. Accordingly, the heat dissipation performance of the electrolytic capacitor can be improved while suppressing the contact between the explosion-proof valve and the metal housing.

[0013] In the above attachment structure of the electrolytic capacitor, it is preferable that the heat transfer member is a mastic material. According to the above configuration, the heat transfer member is a mastic material in which the inside remains flexible even when the outside is hardened. For this reason, for example, even if vibration occurs in the electrolytic capacitor, it becomes easier for the heat transfer member to absorb the vibration of the electrolytic capacitor. Therefore, the connection state between the terminal of the electrolytic capacitor and the substrate is stabilized.

[0014] In the above attachment structure of the electrolytic capacitor, a part of the main body of one electrolytic capacitor is inserted into the recess, the main body has a peripheral surface as the other surface connecting the one side surface and the other side surface, the gap has a first gap between the other side surface and the recess and a second gap between the peripheral surface and the recess, and it is preferable that the first gap is larger than the second gap.

[0015] According to the above configuration, a part of the main body of one electrolytic capacitor is inserted into the recess. For this reason, for example, if a plurality of electrolytic capacitors are mounted on a substrate and recesses corresponding to each of all the electrolytic capacitors are provided, the heat dissipation performance of each of all the electrolytic capacitors is improved.

[0016] In the above attachment structure of the electrolytic capacitor, a part of the main bodies of a plurality of electrolytic capacitors are inserted into the recess, and it is preferable that the heat transfer member is interposed between the main bodies of all the electrolytic capacitors.

[0017] According to the above configuration, since the heat transfer member is in contact with each of the main body portions of all the electrolytic capacitors, the heat of all the electrolytic capacitors is transmitted to the metal housing through the heat transfer member. Therefore, the heat of all the electrolytic capacitors can be efficiently radiated to the metal housing.

[0018] In the mounting structure of the electrolytic capacitor described above, before the explosion-proof valve operates, it is preferable that the heat transfer member is filled only in the recess. According to the above configuration, before the explosion-proof valve operates, the heat transfer member is filled only in the recess. When the explosion-proof valve operates and the heat transfer member is deformed, the heat transfer member approaches the opening of the recess or bulges out of the recess. For this reason, it is possible to confirm whether or not the explosion-proof valve has operated without separating the heat transfer member from the main body portion of the electrolytic capacitor. As a result, it is possible to confirm whether or not the explosion-proof valve has operated without removing the substrate from the metal housing. Therefore, it is possible to suitably confirm the operation of the explosion-proof valve.

[0019] In the mounting structure of the electrolytic capacitor described above, it is preferable that the heat transfer member is provided so as to bulge out of the recess, and the main body portion of the electrolytic capacitor is also covered by the heat transfer member that has bulged out of the recess.

[0020] According to the above configuration, since the main body portion of the electrolytic capacitor is covered by the heat transfer member that has bulged out of the recess, the heat of the electrolytic capacitor is easily transmitted from the heat transfer member to the metal housing. Therefore, the heat dissipation of the electrolytic capacitor can be improved.

Advantages of the Invention

[0021] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the heat dissipation of the electrolytic capacitor while suppressing the contact between the explosion-proof valve and the metal housing.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0023] [First Embodiment] Hereinafter, a first embodiment in which the mounting structure of the electrolytic capacitor is embodied will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. Note that the mounting structure of the electrolytic capacitor of the present embodiment is applied to, for example, an electric compressor used in a vehicle air conditioner.

[0024] <Electric Compressor> As shown in FIG. 1, the electric compressor 10 includes a metal housing 20, a compression part 30, an electric motor 40, and an inverter 50. The metal housing 20 is cylindrical. The metal housing 20 is made of, for example, aluminum. Note that the metal housing 20 is composed of a plurality of housing components that can be divided in the axial direction.

[0025] The compression unit 30 compresses the refrigerant as a fluid. The compression unit 30 is of a scroll type composed of a fixed scroll and a movable scroll (not shown). The electric motor 40 drives the compression unit 30. The inverter 50 drives the electric motor 40. The metal housing 20 houses the compression unit 30, the electric motor 40, and the inverter 50.

[0026] In the metal housing 20, a motor chamber S1 and an inverter chamber S2 are formed. The electric motor 40 is housed in the motor chamber S1. The inverter 50 is housed in the inverter chamber S2. The metal housing 20 has a partition wall 21 that separates the motor chamber S1 and the inverter chamber S2.

[0027] The electric compressor 10 includes an airtight terminal 60 and a plurality of electric wirings 61. The airtight terminal 60 penetrates the partition wall 21. The airtight terminal 60 is provided on the partition wall 21 while maintaining the airtightness between the motor chamber S1 and the inverter chamber S2. The plurality of electric wirings 61 connect the airtight terminal 60 and the inverter 50, and also connect the airtight terminal 60 and the electric motor 40.

[0028] <Inverter> The inverter 50 has a substrate 51. Mounted on the substrate 51 are switching elements and electric circuits (not shown). The switching elements convert the DC voltage from an external power source into an AC voltage. The electric circuits supply the AC voltage converted by the switching operation of the switching elements (not shown) to the electric motor 40 via the airtight terminal 60 and the plurality of electric wirings 61. Therefore, the electric motor 40 is driven by the inverter 50.

[0029] The substrate 51 is fixed to the partition wall 21 by a fixing member 52. That is, the substrate 51 is fixed to the metal housing 20. The substrate 51 has a mounting surface 51a facing the partition wall 21. A plurality of electrolytic capacitors 53 are mounted on the mounting surface 51a. In the present embodiment, two electrolytic capacitors 53 are employed. In the present embodiment, the two electrolytic capacitors 53 are the same product having the same shape and the same dimensions. The two electrolytic capacitors 53 are arranged on the mounting surface 51a with a space therebetween.

[0030] The electrolytic capacitor 53 is an electronic component that forms a smoothing circuit on the substrate 51 together with a coil (not shown). The electrolytic capacitor 53 is a filter element that reduces noise contained in the current input from the outside to the substrate 51.

[0031] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the electrolytic capacitor 53 includes a cylindrical main body portion 54 and terminals 55. The main body portion 54 houses an electrode 53a and an electrolytic solution 53b therein. As shown in FIG. 2, the main body portion 54 has a first side surface 54a, a second side surface 54b, and a circumferential surface 54c as another surface. The first side surface 54a faces the mounting surface 51a of the substrate 51. The second side surface 54b is a surface located on the side opposite to the first side surface 54a of the main body portion 54. The second side surface 54b faces the partition wall 21. The circumferential surface 54c is a surface connecting the first side surface 54a and the second side surface 54b. The terminals 55 are provided on the first side surface 54a of the main body portion 54. The terminals 55 are connected to the electrode 53a in the main body portion 54. The terminals 55 are electrically connected to the substrate 51. The terminals 55 are connected to an electrical circuit (not shown) of the substrate 51.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 3, the electrolytic capacitor 53 includes an explosion-proof valve 56. The explosion-proof valve 56 is provided on the second side surface 54b of the main body portion 54. The explosion-proof valve 56 operates when the pressure inside the main body portion 54 exceeds a predetermined pressure and discharges the electrolytic solution 53b to the outside of the main body portion 54.

[0033] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a heat transfer member 70 is provided between the partition wall 21 and the two electrolytic capacitors 53. That is, a heat transfer member 70 is provided between the metal housing 20 and the electrolytic capacitor 53.

[0034] The heat transfer member 70 is a silicon-based soft material having a predetermined hardness. The heat transfer member 70 is, for example, SilCool manufactured by Momentive Performance Materials. TM It is a TIS420C curable heat dissipation silicone gap filler.

[0035] <Mounting structure of electrolytic capacitor> The mounting structure 100 of the electrolytic capacitor 53 includes two electrolytic capacitors 53, a substrate 51, a metal housing 20, and a heat transfer member 70. The two electrolytic capacitors 53 are mounted on the substrate 51 and are in contact with the heat transfer member 70. The electrolytic capacitor 53 is positioned with respect to the metal housing 20 by being sandwiched between the substrate 51 and the heat transfer member 70.

[0036] The heat generated by the two electrolytic capacitors 53 is transmitted to the heat transfer member 70. The heat transmitted to the heat transfer member 70 is radiated to the outside from the partition wall 21, that is, the metal housing 20. The heat of the electrolytic capacitor 53 is radiated from the metal housing 20. The heat transfer member 70 mediates the heat dissipation from the electrolytic capacitor 53 to the metal housing 20.

[0037] The mounting structure 100 of the electrolytic capacitor 53 will be described in more detail below. As shown in FIG. 2, a bottomed recess 22 that is recessed in the direction in which the electrolytic capacitor 53 protrudes from the substrate 51 is formed in the partition wall 21. A part of the main body 54 of the plurality of electrolytic capacitors 53 is fitted into the recess 22. The surface forming the recess 22 has a bottom surface 22a and a side surface 22b. The side surface 22b is continuous with the bottom surface 22a.

[0038] On each of the other sides 54b of the two electrolytic capacitors 53, there is a gap G1 with respect to the bottom surface 22a of the recess 22, and they are facing each other. On each of the circumferential surfaces 54c of the two electrolytic capacitors 53, there is a gap G2 with respect to the side surface 22b of the recess 22, and they are facing each other. That is, in the metal housing 20, a part of the main body 54 including the other side 54b of the electrolytic capacitor 53 is inserted, and a recess 22 is formed in which gaps G1 and G2 with a predetermined interval are formed between the inserted main body 54 and the recess 22.

[0039] Let the interval between the other side 54b of the main body 54 and the bottom surface 22a of the recess 22 be interval L1. One of the two electrolytic capacitors 53 is the first electrolytic capacitor 531, and the other is the second electrolytic capacitor 532. Note that the interval L1 can be changed depending on the inclination and shape of the bottom surface 22a, but it indicates the length of the closest part between the other side 54b of the main body 54 and the bottom surface 22a.

[0040] The smallest interval L2 among the intervals between the circumferential surface 54c of the main body 54 in the first electrolytic capacitor 531 and the side surface 22b of the recess 22 is smaller than the interval L1. Therefore, there is at least a portion smaller than the interval L1 in the interval between the circumferential surface 54c of the main body 54 in the first electrolytic capacitor 531 and the side surface 22b of the recess 22.

[0041] The smallest interval L3 among the intervals between the circumferential surface 54c of the main body 54 in the second electrolytic capacitor 532 and the side surface 22b of the recess 22 is smaller than the interval L1. Therefore, there is at least a portion smaller than the interval L1 in the interval between the circumferential surface 54c of the main body 54 in the second electrolytic capacitor 532 and the side surface 22b of the recess 22. That is, the main body 54 of the electrolytic capacitor 53 is inserted into the recess 22 while maintaining the gaps G1 and G2 such that there is a portion where the interval L1 between the other side 54b with respect to the recess 22 is larger than the interval between the circumferential surface 54c of the main body 54.

[0042] The heat transfer member 70 is filled in the gaps G1 and G2 so as to cover each main body portion 54 within the recess 22. When the heat transfer member 70 is filled in the gaps G1 and G2 of the recess 22, it is in a gel state. For all the electrolytic capacitors 53, the heat transfer member 70 is interposed between adjacent main body portions 54. After the gaps G1 and G2 are filled with the heat transfer member 70, when a predetermined time elapses after a part of the main body portion 54 of all the electrolytic capacitors 53 is inserted into the recess 22, the surface hardens. And the inside of the heat transfer member 70 becomes in a state having flexibility. The heat transfer member 70 is a mastic material. The mastic material is a material in a state where internal curing has not advanced. The heat transfer member 70 is in contact with the other side surface 54b of the main body portion 54 of the electrolytic capacitor 53. The heat transfer member 70 covers the entire circumference of the peripheral surface 54c of the main body portion 54 located within the recess 22.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 1, the heat transfer member 70 is provided so as to bulge from the recess 22. The main body portion 54 of the electrolytic capacitor 53 is also covered by the bulged heat transfer member 70. The heat transfer member 70 bulged from the recess 22 covers a part of the peripheral surface 54c of the main body portion 54 located outside the recess 22. Note that the interval L1 is set to a size such that when the explosion-proof valve 56 of the electrolytic capacitor 53 operates, the explosion-proof valve 56 does not reach the bottom surface 22a of the recess 22. More specifically, the interval L1 is set in consideration of the balance between the protruding amount of the explosion-proof valve 56 from the other side surface 54b of the main body portion 54 assumed when the explosion-proof valve 56 operates and the hardness of the heat transfer member 70.

[0044] <Mounting posture of the electric compressor> FIG. 4 shows a state of a front view of the inverter chamber S2 in the axial direction of the metal housing 20. In FIG. 4, the substrate 51 and the recess 22 are virtually shown by a two-dot chain line.

[0045] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the electric compressor 10 is mounted on the vehicle such that all the electrolytic capacitors 53 are located above the airtight terminal 60 in the vertical direction Vd. <Partition wall> Partition wall 21 is formed with a partition wall 23. That is, the metal housing 20 has a partition wall 23. The partition wall 23 projects from the partition wall 21 toward the substrate 51. The partition wall 23 is integrally formed with the partition wall 21. Therefore, the partition wall 23 is made of the same metal material as the metal housing 20. The partition wall 23 does not contact the mounting surface 51a of the substrate 51.

[0046] The partition wall 23 extends so as to partition between the two electrolytic capacitors 53 and the hermetic terminal 60. The partition wall 23 has a first opposing surface 23a and a second opposing surface 23b. The first opposing surface 23a faces the electrolytic capacitor 53 in the vertical direction Vd. The first opposing surface 23a is the upper surface of the partition wall 23. The second opposing surface 23b faces the hermetic terminal 60 in the vertical direction Vd. The second opposing surface 23b is the lower surface of the partition wall 23.

[0047] [Operation of the present embodiment] The operation of the present embodiment will be described. The heat of the electrolytic capacitor 53 is transmitted to the metal housing 20 through the heat transfer member 70. For this reason, the heat of the electrolytic capacitor 53 is radiated to the metal housing 20 by the heat transfer member 70.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 5, the explosion-proof valve 56 operates when the pressure inside the main body 54 of the electrolytic capacitor 53 exceeds a predetermined pressure. When the explosion-proof valve 56 operates, the electrolytic solution 53b is discharged to the outside of the main body 54. At this time, the explosion-proof valve 56 expands a part of the heat transfer member 70, thereby forming a liquid reservoir space 71 between the heat transfer member 70 and the electrolytic capacitor 53 in which the explosion-proof valve 56 has operated. For this reason, the electrolytic solution 53b is stored in the liquid reservoir space 71.

[0049] The heat transfer member 70 is pressed against the side surface 22b of the recess 22 by the amount by which it is expanded to form the liquid reservoir space 71. When the heat transfer member 70 is pressed against the side surface 22b of the recess 22, the peripheral surface 54c of the electrolytic capacitor 53 and the heat transfer member 70 adhere more firmly. Then, since the airtightness of the liquid reservoir space 71 is enhanced, it becomes difficult for the electrolytic solution 53b to leak from between the heat transfer member 70 and the peripheral surface 54c of the electrolytic capacitor 53. Therefore, the heat transfer member 70 is allowed to deform to restrict the outflow of the electrolytic solution 53b from the recess 22 during the operation of the explosion-proof valve 56.

[0050] Also, assume a case where the electrolytic solution 53b flows out from the recess 22 while passing between the heat transfer member 70 and the peripheral surface 54c of the electrolytic capacitor 53. In this case, the outflowing electrolytic solution 53b flows downward in the vertical direction Vd due to its own weight. However, since the partition wall 23 is provided between the electrolytic capacitor 53 and the airtight terminal 60, the outflowing electrolytic solution 53b is blocked by the first facing surface 23a of the partition wall 23 as shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 5. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the outflowing electrolytic solution 53b from reaching the airtight terminal 60.

[0051] Also, the main body portion 54 of the electrolytic capacitor 53 is fitted into the recess 22 while maintaining the gaps G1 and G2 such that there is a portion where the interval L1 is larger than the interval L2. Therefore, while suppressing the heat transfer member 70 from penetrating and contacting the metal housing 20 when the explosion-proof valve 56 operates, it is easy to dissipate the heat of the electrolytic capacitor 53 from the peripheral surface 54c of the main body portion 54 to the side surface 22b of the recess 22.

[0052] [Effects of the present embodiment] The effects of the present embodiment will be described. (1-1) According to the present embodiment, it is easy to realize a state in which the peripheral surface 54c of the main body portion 54 is brought close to the side surface 22b of the recess 22 while separating the explosion-proof valve 56 from the bottom surface 22a of the recess 22. Therefore, the heat dissipation performance of the electrolytic capacitor 53 can be improved while suppressing the contact between the explosion-proof valve 56 and the metal housing 20.

[0053] (1-2) The heat transfer member 70 is a mastic material that remains flexible inside even when its exterior hardens. For this reason, for example, even if vibration occurs in the electrolytic capacitor 53, the heat transfer member 70 makes it easier to absorb the vibration of the electrolytic capacitor 53. Thus, the connection state between the terminal 55 of the electrolytic capacitor 53 and the substrate 51 becomes stable.

[0054] (1-3) A heat transfer member 70 is interposed between the main body portions 54 of all the electrolytic capacitors 53. For this reason, since the heat transfer member 70 is in contact with each of the main body portions 54 of all the electrolytic capacitors 53, the heat of all the electrolytic capacitors 53 is transmitted to the metal housing 20 via the heat transfer member 70. Thus, the heat of all the electrolytic capacitors 53 can be efficiently dissipated to the metal housing 20.

[0055] (1-4) The main body portion 54 of the electrolytic capacitor 53 is also covered by the heat transfer member 70 bulging from the recess 22. For this reason, the heat of the electrolytic capacitor 53 is more likely to be transmitted from the heat transfer member 70 to the metal housing 20. Thus, the heat dissipation performance of the electrolytic capacitor 53 can be improved.

[0056] (1-5) Even if the explosion-proof valve 56 operates, the heat transfer member 70 deforms so that the electrolytic solution 53b does not flow out from the recess 22. Thus, since it is not necessary to pre-form a liquid reservoir space 71 for the electrolytic solution 53b between the other side surface 54b of the main body portion 54 and the heat transfer member 70, the sealing structure of the electrolytic solution 53b is simplified.

[0057] (1-6) Even if the electrolytic solution 53b flows out from the recess 22 after the explosion-proof valve 56 operates, it is blocked by the partition wall 23, making it difficult for the electrolytic solution 53b to reach the hermetic terminal 60. Thus, a short circuit of the hermetic terminal 60 and the inverter 50 can be suppressed.

[0058] [Second Embodiment] Hereinafter, a second embodiment in which the mounting structure of the electrolytic capacitor is embodied will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. For the same configurations as those in the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are given, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0059] <Relationship between the recess and the heat transfer member> As shown in FIG. 6, the heat transfer member 70 is filled only in the recess 22. In the present embodiment, the heat transfer member 70 fills the entire area within the recess 22 and does not bulge outside the recess 22.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 7, when the explosion-proof valve 56 operates, a part of the heat transfer member 70 bulges outside the recess 22. That is, before the explosion-proof valve 56 operates, the heat transfer member 70 is filled only in the recess 22.

[0061] [Operation and Effect of the Present Embodiment] The operation and effect of the present embodiment will be described. (2-1) Before the explosion-proof valve 56 operates, the heat transfer member 70 is filled only in the recess. When the explosion-proof valve 56 operates and the heat transfer member 70 is deformed, it bulges outside the recess 22. Therefore, it is possible to confirm whether the explosion-proof valve 56 has operated without separating the heat transfer member 70 from the main body portion 54 of the electrolytic capacitor 53. As a result, it is possible to confirm whether the explosion-proof valve 56 has operated without removing the substrate 51 from the metal housing 20. Thus, it is possible to suitably confirm the presence or absence of the operation of the explosion-proof valve 56.

[0062] [Third Embodiment] Hereinafter, a third embodiment in which the mounting structure of the electrolytic capacitor is embodied will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. For the same components as those in the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are given, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0063] <Relationship between the electrolytic capacitor, the recess, and the heat transfer member> As shown in FIG. 8, in the present embodiment, a part of the main body portion 54 of one electrolytic capacitor 53 is fitted into the recess 22. The gap G1 is the first gap between the other side surface 54b of the main body portion 54 and the recess 22. The gap G2 is the second gap between the peripheral surface 54c of the main body portion 54 and the recess 22.

[0064] The distance L1 between the other side surface 54b of the main body portion 54 and the bottom surface 22a of the recess 22 is the same as that in the first embodiment. The distance L4 between the peripheral surface 54c of the main body portion 54 and the side surface 22b of the recess 22 is smaller than the distance L1 over the entire circumference in the circumferential direction of the main body portion 54. That is, the gap G1 is larger than the gap G2. Note that the distance L4 is set to a size such that the heat of the electrolytic capacitor 53 can be radiated from the side surface 22b of the recess 22.

[0065] Before the explosion-proof valve 56 operates, the heat transfer member 70 is filled only in the recess 22. The heat transfer member 70 is filled in the gap G1. The heat transfer member 70 is in contact with the bottom surface 22a of the recess 22 and a part of the side surface 22b of the recess 22. The heat transfer member 70 covers only the other side surface 54b in the main body portion 54. That is, the heat transfer member 70 is not filled in the gap G2.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 9, when the explosion-proof valve 56 operates, a part of the heat transfer member 70 bulges between the peripheral surface 54c of the main body portion 54 and the side surface 22b of the recess 22. In the present embodiment, the heat transfer member 70 does not bulge out from the recess 22. That is, when the explosion-proof valve 56 operates, the heat transfer member 70 approaches the opening of the recess 22.

[0067] [Operations and Effects of the Present Embodiment] According to the present embodiment, the same operations as those in the first embodiment and the same effects as those in (1-1) of the first embodiment are achieved, and the following effects can be obtained.

[0068] (3-1) Before the explosion-proof valve 56 operates, the heat transfer member 70 is filled only in the recess 22. When the explosion-proof valve 56 operates and the heat transfer member 70 is deformed, the heat transfer member 70 approaches the opening of the recess 22. Therefore, it is possible to confirm whether or not the explosion-proof valve 56 has operated without separating the heat transfer member 70 from the main body portion 54 of the electrolytic capacitor 53. As a result, it is possible to confirm whether or not the explosion-proof valve 56 has operated without removing the substrate 51 from the metal housing 20. Thus, it is possible to suitably confirm the operation of the explosion-proof valve 56.

[0069] (3-2) A part of the main body 54 of one electrolytic capacitor 53 is inserted into the recess 22. Therefore, for example, if a plurality of electrolytic capacitors 53 are mounted on the substrate 51 and the recesses 22 corresponding to each of all the electrolytic capacitors 53 are provided, the heat dissipation performance of each of all the electrolytic capacitors 53 is improved.

[0070] [Modification Example] Note that each of the above embodiments can be modified as follows. Each of the above embodiments and the following modification examples can be implemented in combination with each other within a technically non - conflicting range.

[0071] ○ In the third embodiment, before the explosion - proof valve 56 operates, the heat - transfer member 70 may be filled in the gap G2. Before the explosion - proof valve 56 operates, the heat - transfer member 70 may bulge out from the recess 22. And the main body 54 may be covered by the heat - transfer member 70 bulging out from the recess 22. When the explosion - proof valve 56 operates, the heat - transfer member 70 may bulge out from the recess 22 to the outside.

[0072] ○ In the first and second embodiments, three or more electrolytic capacitors 53 may be employed. Even in such a modified case, it is preferable that a heat - transfer member 70 is interposed between the main bodies 54 of all the electrolytic capacitors 53.

[0073] ○ In the first and second embodiments, and the above modification examples, all the electrolytic capacitors 53 do not have to be the same product having the same shape and the same dimensions. The distance between the other side surface 54b of the main body 54 of all the electrolytic capacitors 53 and the bottom surface 22a of the recess 22 may vary depending on the electrolytic capacitor 53. In this case, for each of the main bodies 54 of all the electrolytic capacitors 53, it is modified such that there is a portion where the distance between the other side surface 54b with respect to the recess 22 is larger than the distance between the circumferential surface 54c of the main body 54.

[0074] ○ In the first and second embodiments and the above modification example, there may be a location where the heat transfer member 70 is not interposed between the main body portions 54 of all the electrolytic capacitors 53. The heat transfer member 70 only needs to cover at least the other side surface 54b of the main body portion 54 in all the electrolytic capacitors 53.

[0075] ○ In each of the above embodiments, the recess 22 has the bottom surface 22a and the side surface 22b, but the shape of the surface forming the recess 22 may be appropriately changed. The shape of the surface forming the recess 22 is such that the main body portion 54 can be fitted into the recess 22 so that there is a location where the distance between the recess 22 and the other side surface 54b is larger than the distance between the recess 22 and the peripheral surface 54c of the main body portion 54.

[0076] ○ In each of the above embodiments, the heat transfer member 70 may be made of, for example, a silicone compound material which is a silicone-based soft material. The silicone compound material is, for example, a softer material than the adhesive seal of the silicone rubber material. That is, the silicone-based soft material forming the heat transfer member 70 may be appropriately changed. And as the material used for forming the heat transfer member 70 is changed, the heat transfer member 70 does not have to be a mastic material.

[0077] ○ In each of the above embodiments, the partition wall 23 may have its shape appropriately changed as long as it can partition between the electrolytic capacitor 53 and the hermetic terminal 60. Also, the partition wall 23 does not have to be integrally formed with the partition wall 21. The partition wall 23 may be a separate member attached to the partition wall 21.

[0078] ○ In each of the above embodiments, the metal housing 20 may omit the partition wall 23. ○ In each of the above embodiments, the compression portion 30 is not limited to the scroll type, and may be, for example, a piston type, a vane type, or the like.

[0079] ○ In each of the above embodiments, the electric compressor 10 has been used in a vehicle air conditioner, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the electric compressor 10 may be mounted on a fuel cell vehicle and compress air as a fluid supplied to the fuel cell.

[0080] ○ The mounting structure 100 of the electrolytic capacitor 53 has been applied to the electric compressor 10, but the application destination may be changed.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0081] 20... metal housing, 22... recess, 51... substrate, 53... electrolytic capacitor, 53a... electrode, 53b... electrolytic solution, 54... main body, 54a... one side surface, 54b... the other side surface, 54c... peripheral surface, 55... terminal, 56... explosion-proof valve, 70... heat transfer member, 100... mounting structure of the electrolytic capacitor, G1, G2... gap, L1, L2, L3, L4... interval.

Claims

1. A cylindrical main body that houses an electrode and an electrolytic solution therein, a terminal provided on one side surface of the main body and connected to the electrode, and an explosion-proof valve provided on the other side surface of the main body for discharging the electrolytic solution to the outside, and an electrolytic capacitor; A substrate on which the terminal of the electrolytic capacitor is mounted; A metal housing to which the substrate is fixed and from which the heat of the electrolytic capacitor is dissipated; A heat transfer member provided between the metal housing and the electrolytic capacitor for mediating heat dissipation to the metal housing, the mounting structure of the electrolytic capacitor comprising: The heat transfer member is formed of a silicon-based soft material having a predetermined hardness; The metal housing is formed with a bottomed recess into which a part of the main body including the other side surface of the electrolytic capacitor is fitted, and a gap having a predetermined interval is formed between the fitted main body; The main body of the electrolytic capacitor is fitted into the recess while maintaining the gap such that there is a portion where the distance between the other side surface with respect to the recess is larger than the distance between the other surfaces of the main body; A part of the main body of one electrolytic capacitor is fitted into the recess; The main body has a peripheral surface as the other surface connecting the one side surface and the other side surface; The gap has a first gap between the other side surface and the recess and a second gap between the peripheral surface and the recess; The first gap is larger than the second gap; The first gap is sized such that when the explosion-proof valve operates, the explosion-proof valve does not reach the bottom surface of the recess; The heat transfer member is filled in the first gap and the second gap so as to cover the other side surface and the peripheral surface of the main body located in the recess and is provided so as to bulge from the recess, and the peripheral surface of the main body is also covered by the heat transfer member bulging from the recess, and when the explosion-proof valve operates, a deformation that restricts the outflow of the electrolytic solution from the recess is allowed, the mounting structure of the electrolytic capacitor being characterized thereby.

2. The heat transfer member is a mastic material, the mounting structure of the electrolytic capacitor according to claim 1.

3. A part of the main body of a plurality of electrolytic capacitors is fitted into the recess; The heat transfer member is interposed between the main bodies of all the electrolytic capacitors, the mounting structure of the electrolytic capacitor according to claim 1 or claim 2.

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