Capacitor Module and Capacitor

Abstract

To provide a capacitor module that enables electrical connection between capacitors by connecting a plurality of capacitors, and enables direct connection and parallel connection of the plurality of capacitors.SOLUTION: In a capacitor module 1C, each of a plurality of capacitors 10 includes a capacitor element 100, a pair of busbars 200, and an exterior body 300. Each of the busbar 200 is provided with a pair of terminal portions 220 and 230. The exterior body 300 includes a pair of parallel outer surfaces 310 and 320 facing back to each other, and the terminal portions 220, 230 of one of the busbars 200 and the terminal portions 220, 230 of the other busbar 200 are respectively exposed from the outer surfaces 310 and 320. The plurality of capacitors 10 are arrayed such that the two terminal portions 220 and 230 of the outer surfaces 310 and 320 of one of the two adjacent capacitors 10 and the two terminal portions 220 and 230 of the outer surfaces 310 and 320 of the other of the two adjacent capacitors 10 face each other closely.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a capacitor module formed by connecting a plurality of capacitors together, and a capacitor that can form the capacitor module. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a capacitor module constructed by connecting multiple capacitors using mounting members, each capacitor including a capacitor element having a pair of electrodes, an exterior body covering the capacitor element, and a pair of bus bars connected to each electrode and extending outside the exterior body.

[0003] In the capacitor module of Patent Document 1, the capacitor is a standard type, and the standard type capacitor can be used to manufacture capacitor modules with different numbers of capacitor elements, that is, different capacitor modules as products. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-153150 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the capacitor module of Patent Document 1, the capacitors are not electrically connected to each other, and in each capacitor, a pair of bus bars is exposed from the surface (top surface) of the exterior body parallel to the connecting direction of the capacitors, and multiple pairs of bus bars are lined up at predetermined intervals in the connecting direction. Therefore, when using the capacitor module, terminal connections to all of the bus bars are required.

[0006] For example, when multiple capacitors are connected in parallel in an electrical circuit, a pair of external terminals extending in the connecting direction is provided so as to cover the range of all pairs of bus bars aligned in the connecting direction. Then, all bus bars in one row are connected to one external terminal, and all bus bars in the other row are connected to the other external terminal. In this case, the size of the external terminals tends to be large.

[0007] Furthermore, for example, when multiple capacitors are connected in series in an electrical circuit, the bus bars that need to be connected for the series connection in adjacent capacitors are connected by relay terminals, and in the capacitors at both ends, a pair of external terminals is connected to the bus bars that are not connected to the bus bars of the adjacent capacitor. In this case, the need for relay terminals tends to increase the number of terminals and the number of connection operations.

[0008] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a capacitor module that allows electrical connection between multiple capacitors by linking them together, and that also allows multiple capacitors to be connected either directly or in parallel, and a capacitor that can be used to form such a capacitor module. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A first aspect of the present invention relates to a capacitor module formed by connecting a plurality of capacitors. In the capacitor module according to this aspect, each of the capacitors includes a capacitor element having a pair of end faces, with an electrode formed on each of the end faces, a pair of bus bars connected to each of the electrodes, and an exterior body covering the capacitor element and the pair of bus bars. Each of the bus bars has A pair of first terminal portions and a pair of second terminal portions The exterior bodies are provided in parallel and back-to-back positions. a pair of first surfaces and a pair of second surfaces that are perpendicular to the pair of first surfaces and are back-to-back and parallel to each other; and The first terminal portions of one of the bus bars and the first terminal portions of the other of the bus bars are exposed from each of the first surfaces, and the second terminal portions of one of the bus bars and the second terminal portions of the other of the bus bars are exposed from each of the second surfaces. On each of the first surfaces, the first terminal portions of one of the bus bars and the first terminal portions of the other of the bus bars are aligned at a predetermined interval in a third direction perpendicular to a first direction perpendicular to the first surface and a second direction perpendicular to the second surface, and extend in the second direction. On each of the second surfaces, the second terminal portions of one of the bus bars and the second terminal portions of the other of the bus bars are aligned at a predetermined interval in the third direction and extend in the first direction, and the pair of first terminal portions and the pair of second terminal portions of each of the bus bars are connected to form an annular connecting terminal portion. The plurality of capacitors are arranged such that one of two adjacent capacitors Ru2 The above-mentioned connection Terminal part and other Ru2 The above-mentioned connectionThe terminal portions are arranged so as to be closely opposed to each other.

[0010] According to the capacitor module of this embodiment, two connection By directly contacting the terminal portions and electrically connecting them, a capacitor module can be constructed in which a plurality of capacitors are electrically connected in parallel. connection The terminals are electrically connected by directly contacting each other, and the other connection By not allowing the terminal portions to come into contact with each other and to be electrically connected, a capacitor module can be formed in which a plurality of capacitors are connected in series in an electrical circuit.

[0011] Furthermore, when connecting a plurality of capacitors, electrical connections between the capacitors can be completed in advance.

[0012] A second aspect of the present invention relates to a capacitor in which a capacitor module is formed by connecting a plurality of such capacitors. The capacitor according to this aspect includes a capacitor element having a pair of end faces, each of which has an electrode formed on the end face, a pair of bus bars connected to each of the electrodes, and an exterior body covering the capacitor element and the pair of bus bars. Here, each of the bus bars has A pair of first terminal portions and a pair of second terminal portions The exterior bodies are provided in parallel and back-to-back positions. a pair of first surfaces and a pair of second surfaces that are perpendicular to the pair of first surfaces and are back-to-back and parallel to each other; and The first terminal portions of one of the bus bars and the first terminal portions of the other of the bus bars are exposed from each of the first surfaces, and the second terminal portions of one of the bus bars and the second terminal portions of the other of the bus bars are exposed from each of the second surfaces. On each of the first surfaces, the first terminal portions of one of the bus bars and the first terminal portions of the other of the bus bars are aligned at a predetermined interval in a third direction perpendicular to a first direction perpendicular to the first surface and a second direction perpendicular to the second surface, and extend in the second direction. On each of the second surfaces, the second terminal portions of one of the bus bars and the second terminal portions of the other of the bus bars are aligned at a predetermined interval in the third direction and extend in the first direction, and the pair of first terminal portions and the pair of second terminal portions of each of the bus bars are connected to form an annular connecting terminal portion. before Note 2 The above-mentioned connection The terminal portion is the same as that of the other capacitors. Note 2 The above-mentioned connection Facing the terminal , others can be coupled to the capacitor.

[0013] The capacitor according to this aspect can achieve the same effects as the capacitor module according to the first aspect. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a capacitor module in which multiple capacitors are connected together to enable electrical connection between each capacitor, and multiple capacitors can be connected either directly or in parallel, as well as a capacitor that can be used to form such a capacitor module.

[0015] The effects and significance of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description of the embodiments, however, the embodiments shown below are merely examples of how the present invention can be put into practice, and the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] Fig. 1(a) is a perspective view of a capacitor according to embodiment 1. Fig. 1(b) is a perspective view of the capacitor according to embodiment 1 before an outer casing is formed. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a capacitor element and a pair of bus bars according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] 3(a) and 3(b) are a plan view and an electrical circuit diagram, respectively, of a capacitor module according to the first embodiment, in which two capacitors are linked in the X-axis direction and connected in parallel. [Figure 4] 4(a) and 4(b) are a plan view and an electrical circuit diagram, respectively, of a capacitor module according to the first embodiment, in which two capacitors are coupled in the X-axis direction and connected in series. [Figure 5] 5(a) and 5(b) are a plan view and an electrical circuit diagram, respectively, of a capacitor module according to the first embodiment, in which four capacitors are linked in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction and connected in parallel. [Figure 6] 6(a) and 6(b) are a plan view and an electrical circuit diagram, respectively, of a capacitor module according to the first embodiment, in which four capacitors are linked in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction and connected in series. [Figure 7]Fig. 7(a) is a perspective view of a capacitor according to embodiment 2. Fig. 7(b) is a perspective view of a capacitor according to embodiment 2 before an outer casing is formed. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a capacitor element and a pair of bus bars according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] Fig. 9(a) is a plan view of a capacitor module according to embodiment 2, in which two capacitors are linked in the X-axis direction and connected in parallel, and Fig. 9(b) is a view of the capacitor module according to embodiment 2, as viewed in the P direction of Fig. 9(a). [Figure 10] Fig. 10(a) is a plan view of a capacitor module according to embodiment 2, in which two capacitors are coupled in the X-axis direction and connected in series, and Fig. 10(b) is a view of the capacitor module according to embodiment 2, as viewed in the P direction of Fig. 10(a). [Figure 11] Fig. 11(a) is a plan view of a capacitor module according to embodiment 2, in which four capacitors are linked in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction and connected in parallel, and Fig. 11(b) is a view of the capacitor module according to embodiment 2, as seen in the P direction of Fig. 11(a). [Figure 12] Fig. 12(a) is a plan view of a capacitor module according to embodiment 2, in which four capacitors are linked in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction and connected in series. Figs. 12(b) to 12(e) are views of the main part of the capacitor module according to embodiment 2, as seen in the P direction, Q direction, R direction, and S direction of Fig. 12(a), respectively. [Figure 13] Fig. 13(a) is a perspective view of a capacitor according to Modification Example 1. Fig. 13(b) is a view of the capacitor according to Modification Example 1 as seen from the front side of the first surface of the exterior body. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a capacitor element and a pair of bus bars according to the first modification. [Figure 15]Fig. 15(a) is a plan view of a capacitor module according to Modification Example 1, in which eight capacitors are linked in the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction and connected in parallel. Fig. 15(b) is a view of the capacitor module as seen in the P direction of Fig. 15(a). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. For convenience, each drawing is labeled with an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis that are orthogonal to each other. The X-axis is perpendicular to a pair of end faces 101 of a capacitor element 100.

[0018] <Embodiment 1> Fig. 1(a) is a perspective view of a capacitor 10. Fig. 1(b) is a perspective view of the capacitor 10 before an exterior body 300 is formed. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a capacitor element 100 and a pair of bus bars 200.

[0019] The capacitor 10 according to the first embodiment is used as a capacitor that constitutes a capacitor module, which will be described later.

[0020] The capacitor 10 includes a capacitor element 100, a pair of bus bars 200, and an exterior body 300.

[0021] As shown in Figure 2, capacitor element 100 is a film capacitor element, and is formed into a shape similar to a flat, elongated cylinder by stacking two metallized films, each having aluminum vapor-deposited on a dielectric film, and then rolling or laminating the stacked metallized films and pressing them together.

[0022] Capacitor element 100 has a pair of end faces 101 and a peripheral surface 102 sandwiched between the pair of end faces 101. Electrodes 110 are formed on both end faces 101 of capacitor element 100 by spraying a metal such as zinc.

[0023] Although capacitor element 100 of the present embodiment is formed from a metallized film in which aluminum is vapor-deposited on a dielectric film, it may also be formed from a metallized film in which other metals such as zinc or magnesium are vapor-deposited. Alternatively, capacitor element 100 may be formed from a metallized film in which multiple metals selected from these metals are vapor-deposited, or from a metallized film in which an alloy of these metals is vapor-deposited.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 2, the pair of bus bars 200 are made of a conductive material, such as copper. Each bus bar 200 has a rectangular frame 210. The frame 210 is composed of a pair of first crosspieces 211 aligned in the X-axis direction and extending in the Y-axis direction, and a pair of second crosspieces 212 aligned in the Y-axis direction and extending in the X-axis direction. Each of the pair of first crosspieces 211 has a rectangular first flange 213 formed at opposite ends in the Y-axis direction, protruding outward from the frame 210 (in the positive and negative X-axis directions). Similarly, each of the pair of second crosspieces 212 has a rectangular second flange 214 formed at opposite ends in the X-axis direction, protruding outward from the frame 210 (in the positive and negative Y-axis directions).

[0025] Each bus bar 200 is provided with a pair of first terminal portions 220, a pair of second terminal portions 230, and an electrode terminal portion 240.

[0026] Each first terminal portion 220 has a rectangular plate shape that is long in the Z-axis direction, and one end side thereof is connected to and fixed to the first flange portion 213 of the corresponding first crosspiece 211. A tip portion 220a on one end side protrudes slightly from the surface of the frame portion 210. The surface of each first terminal portion 220 facing away from the frame portion 210 side is the terminal surface 221. The terminal surface 221 of each first terminal portion 220 is flat and perpendicular to the X-axis direction. The pair of first terminal portions 220 are located at opposite ends of the frame portion 210 in the Y-axis direction, and do not overlap each other in the X-axis direction.

[0027] Each second terminal 230 has the same shape as the first terminal 220, and one end thereof is connected to and fixed to the second flange 214 of the corresponding second crosspiece 212. A tip portion 230a on one end slightly protrudes from the surface of the frame 210. The surface of each second terminal 230 facing away from the frame 210 serves as a terminal surface 231. The terminal surface 231 of each second terminal 230 is flat and perpendicular to the Y-axis direction. The pair of second terminals 230 are located at opposite ends of the frame 210 in the X-axis direction and do not overlap with each other in the Y-axis direction.

[0028] The electrode terminal portion 240 is elongated in the Y-axis direction and has an L-shape, and is composed of a rectangular plate-shaped electrode connection portion 241 extending in the Z-axis direction, and a rectangular plate-shaped fixing portion 242 extending in the X-axis direction. The fixing portion 242 has the same size as the first flange portion 213. The electrode terminal portion 240 is fixed by having the fixing portion 242 connected to the first flange portion 213 so that the electrode connection portion 241 is parallel to one of the first terminal portions 220.

[0029] The pair of first terminal portions 220, the pair of second terminal portions 230, and the electrode terminal portion 240 can be fixed to the frame portion 210 by welding, for example.

[0030] 1(b) and 2, bus bar 200 located on the positive side of capacitor element 100 in the Z-axis direction is assembled to capacitor element 100 in a position where a pair of first terminal portions 220 and a pair of second terminal portions 230 protrude in the negative direction of the Z-axis relative to frame portion 210, and electrode terminal portion 240 is located on the positive side of capacitor element 100 in the X-axis direction. Electrode connection portion 241 of electrode terminal portion 240 of bus bar 200 is joined to electrode 110 on the positive side of the X-axis of capacitor element 100 by a joining method such as soldering, and is electrically connected to electrode 110.

[0031] Furthermore, bus bar 200 located on the negative Z-axis side relative to capacitor element 100 is assembled to capacitor element 100 in a position where a pair of first terminal portions 220 and a pair of second terminal portions 230 protrude in the positive Z-axis direction relative to frame portion 210, and electrode terminal portion 240 is located on the negative X-axis side relative to capacitor element 100. Electrode connection portion 241 of electrode terminal portion 240 of bus bar 200 is joined to electrode 110 on the negative X-axis side of capacitor element 100 by a joining method such as soldering, and is electrically connected to electrode 110.

[0032] A predetermined gap is formed between the frame portions 210 of the pair of bus bars 200 and the peripheral surface 102 of the capacitor element 100. In addition, a predetermined gap is also formed between the pair of first terminal portions 220 and the pair of electrodes 110 of the capacitor element 100, and between the pair of second terminal portions 230 and the peripheral surface 102 of the capacitor element 100.

[0033] 1(a), the exterior body 300 is formed from a thermosetting resin such as an epoxy resin, and covers the entire capacitor element 100 and parts of the pair of bus bars 200, i.e., the frame portion 210 and the electrode terminal portions 240. The exterior body 300 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape (hexahedron shape) that is flattened in the Z-axis direction, and has six outer surfaces: a pair of first surfaces 310, a pair of second surfaces 320, and a pair of third surfaces 330.

[0034] The pair of first surfaces 310 are back-to-back and parallel to each other, and aligned in the X-axis direction (perpendicular to the X-axis direction). The pair of second surfaces 320 are back-to-back and parallel to each other, and aligned in the Y-axis direction (perpendicular to the Y-axis direction). The pair of third surfaces 330 are back-to-back and parallel to each other, and aligned in the Z-axis direction (perpendicular to the Z-axis direction). The pair of second surfaces 320 are perpendicular to the pair of first surfaces 310, and the pair of third surfaces 330 are perpendicular to the pair of first surfaces 310 and the pair of second surfaces 320.

[0035] A first terminal portion 220 of one bus bar 200 and a first terminal portion 220 of the other bus bar 200 are exposed from each first surface 310. On each first surface 310, the two first terminal portions 220 are lined up in the Y-axis direction at a predetermined interval. The terminal surfaces 221 of the two first terminal portions 220 are parallel to the first surface 310. The dimension of the two first terminal portions 220 in the Z-axis direction is the same as the dimension of the first surface 310 in the Z-axis direction.

[0036] A second terminal portion 230 of one bus bar 200 and a second terminal portion 230 of the other bus bar 200 are exposed from each second surface 320. On each second surface 320, the two second terminal portions 230 are lined up in the X-axis direction at a predetermined interval. The terminal surfaces 231 of the two second terminal portions 230 are parallel to the second surface 320. The dimension of the two second terminal portions 230 in the Z-axis direction is the same as the dimension of the second surface 320 in the Z-axis direction.

[0037] In the present embodiment, the pair of first terminals 220 and the pair of second terminals 230 are entirely exposed from the exterior body 300. However, the pair of first terminals 220 and the pair of second terminals 230 may be partially embedded in the exterior body 300.

[0038] A capacitor module can be configured by arranging and connecting multiple capacitors 10 in the X-axis and / or Y-axis directions. The number of capacitors 10 that make up a capacitor module can be determined according to the required specifications, such as capacitance. The configuration of the capacitor module, i.e., whether it is a one-dimensional or two-dimensional array, can be determined based on the size and shape of the location where the capacitor module is to be placed. A one-dimensional array is a configuration in which multiple capacitors 10 are arranged one-dimensionally, and a two-dimensional array is a configuration in which multiple capacitors 10 are arranged two-dimensionally.

[0039] Below, as examples of capacitor modules with a one-dimensional arrangement, a capacitor module 1A in which two capacitors 10 are connected in the X-axis direction and are connected in parallel in terms of an electrical circuit, and a capacitor module 1B in which two capacitors 10 are connected in the X-axis direction and are connected in series in terms of an electrical circuit, are shown.

[0040] Furthermore, as examples of capacitor modules in a two-dimensional arrangement, a capacitor module 1C in which four capacitors 10 are connected in parallel in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, and a capacitor module 1D in which four capacitors 10 are connected in series in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction are shown.

[0041] 3(a) and 3(b) are respectively a plan view and an electrical circuit diagram of a capacitor module 1A in which two capacitors 10 are linked in the X-axis direction and connected in parallel.

[0042] The capacitor module 1A includes two capacitors 10 connected in the X-axis direction. The two capacitors 10 are arranged so that the two first terminal portions 220 on the first surface 310 of one of the capacitors 10, i.e., the terminal surfaces 221 thereof, are closely opposed to the two first terminal portions 220 on the first surface 310 of the other capacitor 10, i.e., the terminal surfaces 221 thereof. The two closely opposed first terminal portions 220 are in direct contact with each other and electrically connected. As a result, the two capacitors 10 are connected in parallel, as shown in FIG. 3(b).

[0043] Two first terminals 220 that come into direct contact with each other are bonded together by a conductive double-sided adhesive tape 400 sandwiched between the terminals. The thickness of the conductive double-sided adhesive tape 400 is, for example, 0.05 mm to 0.1 mm. The adhesion allows the first terminals 220 to be firmly connected to each other. Furthermore, regardless of the surface accuracy of the terminal surfaces 221 of the two first terminals 220, the terminal surfaces 221 can be sufficiently surface-connected to each other.

[0044] A band-shaped fixing member 500 is wound around the two capacitors 10 so as to surround the first surface 310 and the third surface 330. This fixes the two capacitors 10. The fixing member 500 is, for example, a cable tie. Alternatively, the fixing member 500 may be an adhesive tape.

[0045] The fixing member 500 is passed through the first surface 310 between the two first terminal portions 220. This makes it difficult for the fixing member 500 to come off in a direction perpendicular to the winding direction (Y-axis direction).

[0046] In Figure 3(a), in the capacitor module 1A, the first terminal portion 220 and the second terminal portion 230 that constitute one pole and the first terminal portion 220 and the second terminal portion 230 that constitute the other pole are hatched with diagonal lines to make it easier to see.

[0047] For example, as shown in FIG. 3(a), in the electrical circuit to which the capacitor module 1A is connected, the P-pole external terminal 610, which is the P-pole side, is connected to one first terminal portion 220, which is the pole on one side, and the N-pole external terminal 620, which is the N-pole side, is connected to one first terminal portion 220, which is the pole on the other side.

[0048] The P-pole external terminal 610 may be connected to any one of the first terminal portion 220 and the second terminal portion 230 present on the outer surface of the capacitor module 1A, provided that they are terminal portions that serve as one pole. Similarly, the N-pole external terminal 620 may be connected to any one of the first terminal portion 220 and the second terminal portion 230 present on the outer surface of the capacitor module 1A, provided that they are terminal portions that serve as the other pole.

[0049] 4(a) and 4(b) are a plan view and an electrical circuit diagram, respectively, of a capacitor module 1B in which two capacitors 10 are coupled in the X-axis direction and connected in series.

[0050] The capacitor module 1B differs from the capacitor module 1A in the following respects. That is, in the capacitor module 1B, of the two first terminal portions 220 that face closely to each other on two adjacent first surfaces 310, one first terminal portion 220 is in direct contact with each other and electrically connected, while the other first terminal portions 220 are not in contact with each other and are not electrically connected. That is, the other first terminal portions 220 are insulated from each other by a sheet-like insulating member 700 such as insulating paper sandwiched between the terminal portions. As a result, as shown in FIG. 4(b), the two capacitors 10 are series It will be in connected state.

[0051] The thickness of insulating member 700 is, for example, 0.05 mm to 0.1 mm, and is desirably approximately the same as the thickness of conductive double-sided adhesive tape 400. The length and width of insulating member 700 are made larger than the size of terminal surface 221 of first terminal portion 220 so as to ensure a creepage distance between the terminal portions.

[0052] In Figure 4(a), in the capacitor module 1B, the first terminal portion 220 and the second terminal portion 230 that constitute one pole and the first terminal portion 220 and the second terminal portion 230 that constitute the other pole are hatched with diagonal lines to make it easier to see.

[0053] For example, as shown in Figure 4(a), in the electrical circuit to which the capacitor module 1B is connected, the P-pole external terminal 610, which is the P-pole side, is connected to one first terminal portion 220, which is one pole of one capacitor 10, and the N-pole external terminal 620, which is the N-pole side, is connected to one first terminal portion 220, which is the other pole of the other capacitor 10.

[0054] Note that the P-pole external terminal 610 may be connected to any one of the first terminal portion 220 and the second terminal portion 230 present on the outer surface of one of the capacitors 10, provided that they are terminal portions that serve as one pole. Similarly, the N-pole external terminal 620 may be connected to any one of the first terminal portion 220 and the second terminal portion 230 present on the outer surface of the other capacitor 10, provided that they are terminal portions that serve as the other pole.

[0055] In the above example, two capacitors 10 were connected in the X-axis direction, i.e., connected so that their first surfaces 310 faced each other, to form a series or parallel capacitor module 1A, 1B. However, two capacitors 10 may also be connected in the Y-axis direction, i.e., connected so that their second surfaces 320 faced each other, to form a series or parallel capacitor module. In this case, two second terminal portions 230 of the capacitor module face each other closely. Alternatively, three or more capacitors 10 may be connected in the X-axis or Y-axis direction to form a series or parallel capacitor module.

[0056] 5(a) and 5(b) are a plan view and an electrical circuit diagram, respectively, of a capacitor module 1C in which four capacitors 10 are linked in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction and connected in parallel.

[0057] The capacitor module 1C includes four capacitors 10 connected in the X-axis and Y-axis directions. Two capacitors 10 aligned in the X-axis direction have two first terminals 220 on the first surface 310 of one of the capacitors 10 and two first terminals 220 on the first surface 310 of the other capacitor 10, respectively, closely facing each other. The two closely facing first terminals 220 are in direct contact and electrically connected. Two capacitors 10 aligned in the Y-axis direction have two second terminals 230 on the second surface 320 of one of the capacitors 10, i.e., the terminal surfaces 231 thereof, closely facing each other. The two closely facing second terminals 230 are in direct contact and electrically connected. The two first terminals 220 and the two second terminals 230 are bonded together by a conductive double-sided adhesive tape 400 sandwiched between the terminals. In this way, the four capacitors 10 are connected in parallel as shown in FIG. 5(b).

[0058] Two fixing members 500a are wound around the four capacitors 10 so as to surround the first surface 310 and the third surface 330, and two fixing members 500b are wound around the second surface 320 and the third surface 330. This fixes the four capacitors 10. The two fixing members 500a pass between the two first terminal portions 220 on the first surface 310. The two fixing members 500b pass between the two second terminal portions 230 on the second surface 320.

[0059] For example, as shown in FIG. 5(a), the P-pole external terminal 610 is connected to one of the first terminal portions 220 which constitutes one of the poles, and the N-pole external terminal 620 is connected to one of the first terminal portions 220 which constitutes the other of the poles.

[0060] 6(a) and 6(b) are a plan view and an electrical circuit diagram, respectively, of a capacitor module 1D in which four capacitors 10 are linked in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction and connected in series.

[0061] The capacitor module 1D differs from the capacitor module 1C in the following respects. That is, in the capacitor module 1D, of the two closely opposing first terminal portions 220 on the two opposing first surfaces 310 of two sets of two capacitors 10 aligned in the X-axis direction, one of the first terminal portions 220 is in direct contact with each other and electrically connected, while the other of the first terminal portions 220 is not in contact with each other and is not electrically connected. That is, the other of the first terminal portions 220 is insulated from each other by the insulating member 700 sandwiched between the terminal portions.

[0062] Furthermore, of the two sets of two capacitors 20 aligned in the Y-axis direction, on the two opposing second surfaces 320 of the two capacitors 10 in the set on the negative side of the X-axis, of the two closely opposing second terminals 230, one of the second terminals 230 is in direct contact and electrically connected, while the other second terminals 230 are not in contact and are not electrically connected due to the presence of the insulating member 700. Furthermore, on the two opposing second surfaces 320 of the two capacitors 10 in the set on the positive side of the X-axis, the two closely opposing second terminals 230 are not in contact and are not electrically connected due to the presence of the insulating member 700.

[0063] In this way, the four capacitors 10 are connected in series as shown in FIG. 6(b).

[0064] For example, as shown in Figure 6(a), the P-pole external terminal 610 is connected to one first terminal portion 220 which is one pole of one of two capacitors 10 lined up in the Y-axis direction on the positive side of the X-axis, and the N-pole external terminal 620 is connected to one first terminal portion 220 which is the other pole of the other capacitor 10.

[0065] In the above example, four capacitors 10 were connected in the X-axis and Y-axis directions to form series or parallel capacitor modules 1A, 1B. However, five or more capacitors 10 may be connected in the X-axis and Y-axis directions to form a series or parallel capacitor module. Furthermore, the number of capacitors 10 connected in the X-axis and Y-axis directions may differ from that in the Y-axis directions.

[0066] Furthermore, depending on how multiple capacitors 10 are arranged, a two-dimensionally arranged capacitor module can be formed that is not rectangular overall, such as the capacitor modules 1C and 1D, but rather has a cross, L-shape, U-shape, or other shape.

[0067] Capacitor modules such as the capacitor modules 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D described above can be manufactured by a manufacturing method in which multiple capacitors 10 are connected so that two first terminal portions 220 and / or two second terminal portions 230 are closely opposed to each other, and the resulting group of capacitors is fixed with fixing members 500 (500a, 500b).

[0068] <Effects of the First Embodiment> As described above, according to this embodiment, the following effects are achieved.

[0069] Capacitor modules 1A and 1B are configured by connecting a plurality of capacitors 10, and each capacitor 10 includes a capacitor element 100 having a pair of end faces 101, with an electrode 110 formed on each of the end faces 101; a pair of bus bars 200 connected to the electrodes 110; and an exterior housing 300 covering the capacitor element 100 and the pair of bus bars 200. Each bus bar 200 is provided with a pair of first terminals 220 (second terminals 230). Exterior housing 300 has a pair of first surfaces 310 (second surfaces 320) facing back to back and parallel to each other, and the first terminal 220 (second terminal 230) of one bus bar 200 and the first terminal 220 (second terminal 230) of the other bus bar 200 are exposed from each of the first surfaces 310 (second surfaces 320). The multiple capacitors 10 are arranged so that the two first terminal portions 220 (second terminal portions 230) on the first surface 310 (second surface 320) of one of two adjacent capacitors 10 are closely opposed to the two first terminal portions 220 (second terminal portions 230) on the first surface 310 (second surface 320) of the other capacitor.

[0070] According to this configuration, by directly contacting and electrically connecting two first terminal portions 220 (second terminal portions 230) together, it is possible to configure a capacitor module 1A in which a plurality of capacitors 10 are connected in parallel in an electrical circuit. Also, by directly contacting and electrically connecting one first terminal portion 220 (second terminal portion 230) together and not contacting and electrically connecting the other first terminal portions 220 (second terminal portions 230) together, it is possible to configure a capacitor module 1B in which a plurality of capacitors 10 are connected in series in an electrical circuit.

[0071] Furthermore, when connecting multiple capacitors 10, electrical connections can be made between each of the capacitors 10. Therefore, when using the capacitor modules 1A and 1B, it is sufficient to connect external terminals to the two first terminal portions 220 (second terminal portions 230) that have opposite polarities. This makes it easy to connect terminals to the capacitor modules 1A and 1B.

[0072] Furthermore, in the capacitor modules 1C and 1D, the multiple capacitors 10 are arranged in a first direction (X-axis direction) perpendicular to the pair of first surfaces 310 and a second direction (Y-axis direction) perpendicular to the pair of second surfaces 320. Of two capacitors 10 adjacent to each other in the first direction, two first terminal portions 220 on the first surface 310 of one capacitor face closely opposite to two first terminal portions 220 on the first surface 310 of the other capacitor. Furthermore, of two capacitors 10 adjacent to each other in the second direction, two second terminal portions 230 on the second surface 320 of one capacitor face closely opposite to two second terminal portions 230 on the second surface 320 of the other capacitor face closely opposite to

[0073] According to this configuration, it is possible to configure capacitor modules 1C and 1D in which a plurality of capacitors 10 are arranged two-dimensionally.

[0074] Furthermore, each first terminal portion 220 (each second terminal portion 230) has a terminal surface 221 (231) parallel to each first surface 310 (second surface 320), and the terminal surfaces 221 (231) are closely opposed to each other.

[0075] According to this configuration, the distance between adjacent capacitors 10 can be reduced, allowing capacitor modules 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D to be configured compactly.

[0076] <Embodiment 2> Fig. 7(a) is a perspective view of capacitor 20. Fig. 7(b) is a perspective view of capacitor 20 before exterior body 300 is formed. Fig. 8 is a perspective view of capacitor element 100 and a pair of bus bars 800.

[0077] The capacitor 20 according to the second embodiment is used as a capacitor that constitutes a capacitor module, which will be described later.

[0078] Capacitor 20 includes capacitor element 100, a pair of bus bars 800, and an exterior body 300. Capacitor 20 differs in the shape of pair of bus bars 800 from the pair of bus bars 200 included in capacitor 10 of the first embodiment.

[0079] 8, a pair of bus bars 800 are formed from a conductive material, for example, copper. Each bus bar 800 includes a pair of first terminal portions 810, a pair of second terminal portions 820, and an electrode terminal portion 830.

[0080] The pair of first terminal portions 810 are aligned in the X-axis direction. Each first terminal portion 810 has a rectangular plate shape that is elongated in the Y-axis direction. The pair of second terminal portions 820 are aligned in the Y-axis direction. Each second terminal portion 820 has a rectangular plate shape that is elongated in the Y-axis direction. The pair of first terminal portions 810 and the pair of second terminal portions 820 are connected to form a rectangular frame-shaped connecting terminal portion 840.

[0081] The surface that forms the outer circumferential surface of the connection terminal portion 840 of each first terminal portion 810 is the terminal surface 811. The terminal surface 811 of each first terminal portion 810 is a flat surface that is perpendicular to the X-axis direction. The surface that forms the outer circumferential surface of the connection terminal portion 840 of each second terminal portion 820 is the terminal surface 821. The terminal surface 821 of each second terminal portion 820 is a flat surface that is perpendicular to the Y-axis direction.

[0082] The electrode terminal 830 is elongated in the Y-axis direction and has an L-shape, and is composed of a rectangular plate-like electrode connecting portion 831 extending in the Z-axis direction, and a rectangular plate-like fixing portion 832 extending in the X-axis direction. The electrode terminal 830 is fixed by having the fixing portion 832 connected to the surface opposite the terminal surface 811 of one of the first terminals 810. The electrode connecting portion 831 is parallel to the one of the first terminals 810. The electrode terminal 830 can be fixed to the first terminal 810 by welding, for example.

[0083] The pair of bus bars 800 are configured to connect a pair of first terminal portions 810 and a pair of second terminal portions 820 to form a frame shape, and the electrode terminal portion 830 is fixed to the frame. This eliminates the need for a member that connects the electrode terminal portion 830 to the pair of first terminal portions 810 and the pair of second terminal portions 820, as in the frame portion 210 of the pair of bus bars 200 in the first embodiment, thereby simplifying the structure.

[0084] 7(b) and 8, bus bar 800 located on the positive side of capacitor element 100 in the Z-axis direction is assembled to capacitor element 100 in a position where its electrode terminal portion 830 is located on the positive side of capacitor element 100 in the X-axis direction. Electrode connection portion 831 of electrode terminal portion 830 of bus bar 800 is joined to electrode 110 on the positive side of capacitor element 100 in the X-axis direction by a joining method such as soldering, and is electrically connected to electrode 110.

[0085] Furthermore, bus bar 800 located on the negative Z-axis side of capacitor element 100 is assembled to capacitor element 100 in a position where its electrode terminal portion 830 is located on the negative X-axis side of capacitor element 100. Electrode connection portion 831 of electrode terminal portion 830 of bus bar 800 is joined to electrode 110 on the negative X-axis side of capacitor element 100 by a joining method such as soldering, and is electrically connected to electrode 110.

[0086] A predetermined gap is formed between the pair of first terminals 810 and the pair of electrodes 110 of the capacitor element 100 and between the pair of second terminals 820 and the peripheral surface 102 of the capacitor element 100 .

[0087] As shown in FIG. 7(a), a first terminal portion 810 of one bus bar 800 and a first terminal portion 810 of the other bus bar 800 are exposed from each first surface 310 of exterior body 300. On each first surface 310, two first terminal portions 810 are lined up in the Z-axis direction at a predetermined interval. The terminal surfaces 811 of the two first terminal portions 810 are parallel to first surface 310. The dimension of the two first terminal portions 810 in the Y-axis direction is approximately the same as the dimension of first surface 310 in the Y-axis direction.

[0088] A second terminal portion 820 of one bus bar 800 and a second terminal portion 820 of the other bus bar 800 are exposed from each second surface 320 of exterior body 300. On each second surface 320, two second terminal portions 820 are lined up in the Z-axis direction at a predetermined interval. The terminal surfaces 821 of the two second terminal portions 820 are parallel to second surface 320. The dimension of the two second terminal portions 820 in the X-axis direction is approximately the same as the dimension of second surface 320 in the X-axis direction.

[0089] In the present embodiment, the pair of first terminals 810 and the pair of second terminals 820 are entirely exposed from the exterior body 300. However, the pair of first terminals 810 and the pair of second terminals 820 may be partially embedded in the exterior body 300.

[0090] A capacitor module having a one-dimensional or two-dimensional arrangement can be configured by arranging and connecting a plurality of capacitors 20 in the X-axis direction and / or the Y-axis direction.

[0091] Below, as examples of capacitor modules with a one-dimensional arrangement, a capacitor module 2A in which two capacitors 20 are connected in the X-axis direction and are connected in parallel in terms of an electrical circuit, and a capacitor module 2B in which two capacitors 20 are connected in the X-axis direction and are connected in series in terms of an electrical circuit, are shown.

[0092] Furthermore, as examples of capacitor modules with a two-dimensional arrangement, a capacitor module 2C in which four capacitors 20 are connected in parallel in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, and a capacitor module 2D in which four capacitors 20 are connected in series in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction are shown.

[0093] Figure 9(a) is a plan view of a capacitor module 2A in which two capacitors 20 are linked in the X-axis direction and connected in parallel, and Figure 9(b) is a view of the capacitor module 2A viewed in the P direction of Figure 9(a).

[0094] The capacitor module 2A includes two capacitors 20 connected in the X-axis direction. The two capacitors 20 are arranged so that two first terminals 810 on the first surface 310 of one of the capacitors 20, i.e., the terminal surfaces 811 thereof, are closely opposed to two first terminals 810 on the first surface 310 of the other capacitor 20, i.e., the terminal surfaces 811 thereof. The two closely opposed first terminals 810 are in direct contact with each other and are electrically connected. The two first terminals 810 are adhered to each other by a conductive double-sided adhesive tape 400 sandwiched between the terminals. In this way, the two capacitors 20 are connected in parallel.

[0095] A band-shaped fixing member 500 is wound around the two capacitors 20 so as to go around the first surface 310 and the second surface 320. This fixes the two capacitors 20. The fixing member 500 is passed between the two first terminal portions 810 on the first surface 310, and between the two second terminal portions 820 on the second surface 320. This makes it difficult for the fixing member 500 to come off in a direction perpendicular to the winding direction (the Z-axis direction).

[0096] For example, as shown in Figures 9(a) and (b), the P-pole external terminal 610 is connected to one first terminal portion 810 which is one pole, and the N-pole external terminal 620 is connected to one first terminal portion 810 which is the other pole.

[0097] The P-pole external terminal 610 may be connected to any one of the first terminal portion 810 and the second terminal portion 820 present on the outer surface of the capacitor module 2A, provided that they are terminal portions that serve as one pole. Similarly, the N-pole external terminal 620 may be connected to any one of the first terminal portion 810 and the second terminal portion 820 present on the outer surface of the capacitor module 2A, provided that they are terminal portions that serve as the other pole.

[0098] Figure 10(a) is a plan view of a capacitor module 2B in which two capacitors 20 are linked in the X-axis direction and connected in series, and Figure 10(b) is a view of the capacitor module 2B as viewed in the P direction of Figure 10(a).

[0099] The capacitor module 2B differs from the capacitor module 2A in the following respects. That is, in the capacitor module 2B, of two closely opposing first terminals 810 on two adjacent first surfaces 310, one first terminal 810 is in direct contact with each other and electrically connected, while the other first terminal 810 is not in contact with each other and electrically connected. That is, the other first terminal 810 is insulated from each other by the insulating member 700 sandwiched between the terminals. As a result, the two capacitors 20 are connected in series.

[0100] For example, as shown in Figures 10(a) and (b), the P-pole external terminal 610 is connected to one first terminal portion 810 which is one pole of one capacitor 20, and the N-pole external terminal 620 is connected to one first terminal portion 810 which is the other pole of the other capacitor 20.

[0101] Note that, as long as they are terminal portions that serve as one pole on one side, the P-pole external terminal 610 may be connected to any one of the first terminal portion 810 and the second terminal portion 820 that exist on the outer surface of one of the capacitors 20. Similarly, as long as they are terminal portions that serve as the other pole on the other side, the N-pole external terminal 620 may be connected to any one of the first terminal portion 810 and the second terminal portion 820 that exist on the outer surface of the other capacitor 20.

[0102] Furthermore, two capacitors 20 may be connected in the Y-axis direction to form a series or parallel capacitor module, or three or more capacitors 20 may be connected in the X-axis or Y-axis direction to form a series or parallel capacitor module.

[0103] Figure 11(a) is a plan view of a capacitor module 2C in which four capacitors 20 are linked in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction and connected in parallel, and Figure 11(b) is a view of the capacitor module 2C viewed in the P direction of Figure 11(a).

[0104] The capacitor module 2C includes four capacitors 20 connected in the X-axis and Y-axis directions. Two capacitors 20 aligned in the X-axis direction have two first terminals 810 on the first surface 310 of one of the capacitors 20 facing closely to each other, and are in direct contact and electrically connected. Two capacitors 20 aligned in the Y-axis direction have two second terminals 820 on the second surface 320 of one of the capacitors 20, i.e., the terminal surfaces 821, facing closely to each other, and are in direct contact and electrically connected. The two first terminals 810 and the two second terminals 820 are bonded to each other by conductive double-sided adhesive tape 400 sandwiched between the terminals. Thus, the four capacitors 20 are connected in parallel.

[0105] The fixing member 500 is wound around the four capacitors 20 so as to surround the first surface 310 and the second surface 320. This fixes the four capacitors 20. The fixing member 500 is passed between the two first terminal portions 810 on the first surface 310, and between the two second terminal portions 820 on the second surface 320.

[0106] For example, as shown in Figures 11(a) and (b), the P-pole external terminal 610 is connected to one first terminal portion 810 which is one pole, and the N-pole external terminal 620 is connected to one first terminal portion 810 which is the other pole.

[0107] Figure 12(a) is a plan view of a capacitor module 2D in which four capacitors 20 are linked in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction and connected in series, and Figures 12(b) to (e) are views of the main parts of the capacitor module 2D as seen in the P direction, Q direction, R direction and S direction of Figure 12(a), respectively.

[0108] The capacitor module 2D differs from the capacitor module 2C in the following respects. That is, as shown in Figures 12(b) and 12(c), in the capacitor module 2D, on the two opposing first surfaces 310 of two sets of two capacitors 20 aligned in the X-axis direction, of the two closely opposing first terminal portions 810, one first terminal portion 810 is in direct contact with each other and electrically connected, while the other first terminal portions 810 are not in contact with each other and are not electrically connected. That is, the other first terminal portions 810 are insulated from each other by the insulating member 700 sandwiched between the terminal portions.

[0109] 12(d), of the two pairs of capacitors 20 arranged in the Y-axis direction, on the two opposing second surfaces 320 of the two capacitors 20 in the pair on the negative X-axis side, the two closely facing second terminals 820 of one pair are in direct contact and electrically connected, while the other pair of second terminals 820 are not in contact and are not electrically connected due to the presence of the insulating member 700. Also, as shown in FIG. 12(e), on the two opposing second surfaces 320 of the two capacitors 20 in the pair on the positive X-axis side, the two closely facing second terminals 820 of one pair are not in contact and are not electrically connected due to the presence of the insulating member 700.

[0110] In this way, the four capacitors 20 are connected in series.

[0111] For example, as shown in Figure 12(a), the P-pole external terminal 610 is connected to one first terminal portion 810 which is one pole of one of two capacitors 20 lined up in the Y-axis direction on the positive side of the X-axis, and the N-pole external terminal 620 is connected to one first terminal portion 810 which is the other pole of the other capacitor 20.

[0112] Three or more capacitors 20 may be connected in the X-axis direction or the Y-axis direction to form a series or parallel capacitor module. Also, the number of capacitors 20 connected in the X-axis direction may differ from the number of capacitors 20 connected in the Y-axis direction.

[0113] Furthermore, depending on how multiple capacitors 20 are arranged, a two-dimensionally arranged capacitor module can be formed that is not rectangular overall, such as the capacitor modules 2C and 2D, but is instead cross-shaped, L-shaped, U-shaped, or other shapes other than rectangular.

[0114] The capacitor modules 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, etc. described above can be manufactured by a manufacturing method in which multiple capacitors 20 are connected so that two first terminal portions 810 and / or two second terminal portions 820 are closely opposed to each other, and the resulting group of capacitors is fixed with a fixing member 500.

[0115] The configuration of the second embodiment can also achieve the same effects as those of the first embodiment.

[0116] The above describes embodiments of the present invention (embodiments 1 and 2), but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and application examples of the present invention can be modified in various ways in addition to the above embodiments.

[0117] <Change example 1> Fig. 13(a) is a perspective view of capacitor 10A according to Modification 1. Fig. 13(b) is a view of capacitor 10A according to Modification 1 as viewed from the front side of first surface 310 of exterior body 300. Fig. 14 is a perspective view of capacitor element 100 and a pair of bus bars 200A according to Modification 1.

[0118] The capacitor 10 according to the first embodiment includes a pair of bus bars 200, each of which includes a pair of first terminal portions 220 and a pair of second terminal portions 230. A plurality of capacitors 10 are connected in the X-axis direction and / or the Y-axis direction to form a capacitor module in a one-dimensional or two-dimensional array.

[0119] In contrast, in capacitor 10A according to modified example 1, a pair of bus bars 200A each includes a pair of first terminals 220, a pair of second terminals 230, and a pair of third terminals 250. In modified example 1, multiple capacitors 10A can be connected not only in the X-axis direction and Y-axis direction, but also in the Z-axis direction, making it possible to configure not only one-dimensional and two-dimensional array capacitor modules, but also a three-dimensional array capacitor module in which multiple capacitors 10A are arranged three-dimensionally.

[0120] Capacitor 10A includes capacitor element 100, a pair of bus bars 200A, and exterior body 300.

[0121] 14, each bus bar 200A includes a frame portion 210, a pair of first terminal portions 220, a pair of second terminal portions 230, and an electrode terminal portion 240, similar to each bus bar 200 in the first embodiment. Furthermore, each bus bar 200A is provided with a pair of third terminal portions 250.

[0122] The pair of third terminal portions 250 have a rectangular plate shape that is long in the Y-axis direction. One third terminal portion 250 is connected to a tip portion 230a of one second terminal portion 230 that protrudes slightly from the surface of the frame portion 210. There is a predetermined gap between the third terminal portion 250 and the frame portion 210. The other third terminal portion 250 is connected to a tip portion 230b of the other second terminal portion 230 that is opposite to the tip portion 230a on the frame portion 210 side. The pair of third terminal portions 250 are parallel to the frame portion 210.

[0123] In each third terminal portion 250, the surface facing away from the frame portion 210 is a terminal surface 251. In each third terminal portion 250, the terminal surface 251 is a flat surface that is perpendicular to the Z-axis direction.

[0124] In addition, between one bus bar 200 and the other bus bar 200, the second terminal portion 230 in which the third terminal portion 250 is connected to the tip portion 230a on the frame portion 210 side and the second terminal portion 230 in which the third terminal portion 250 is connected to the tip portion 230b on the opposite side from the frame portion 210 are reversed (swapped).

[0125] 13(a) and 13(b), third terminal portion 250 of one bus bar 200A and third terminal portion 250 of the other bus bar 200A are exposed from each third surface 330 of exterior body 300. On each third surface 330, two third terminal portions 250 are lined up in the X-axis direction at a predetermined interval. The terminal surfaces 251 of the two third terminal portions 250 are parallel to third surface 330.

[0126] The two third terminals 250 on the third surface 330 are connected to different electrodes 110 from the two second terminals 230 located on the tip side thereof. Therefore, the dimension of the third terminal 250 in the Y-axis direction is made smaller than the dimension of the third surface 330 in the Y-axis direction by an amount sufficient to ensure an insulating distance from the two second terminals 230 located on the tip side of the terminals.

[0127] The pair of bus bars 200A may be configured such that the pair of third terminal portions 250 are connected to the pair of first terminal portions 220, rather than the pair of second terminal portions 230. In this case, the orientation of the pair of third terminal portions 250 changes by 90 degrees, so that the two third terminal portions 250 are aligned in the Y-axis direction on the third surface 330.

[0128] Furthermore, in this modified example, the pair of third terminal portions 250 are entirely exposed from the exterior body 300. However, the pair of third terminal portions 250 may be partially embedded in the exterior body 300.

[0129] Next, as an example of a capacitor module in a three-dimensional array, a capacitor module 3 in which eight capacitors 10A are linked in the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction and connected in parallel will be described.

[0130] Figure 15(a) is a plan view of a capacitor module 3 according to modified example 1, in which eight capacitors 10A are linked in the X-axis direction, Y-axis direction, and Z-axis direction and connected in parallel, and Figure 15(b) is a view of the capacitor module 3 viewed in the P direction of Figure 15(a).

[0131] The capacitor module 3 includes eight capacitors 10A connected in the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions. In two capacitors 10A aligned in the X-axis direction, two closely facing first terminals 220 are in direct contact with each other on two opposing first surfaces 310, and are electrically connected. In two capacitors 10A aligned in the Y-axis direction, two closely facing second terminals 230 are in direct contact with each other on two opposing second surfaces 320, and are electrically connected. In two capacitors 10A aligned in the Z-axis direction, two closely facing third terminals 250, i.e., their terminal surfaces 251, are in direct contact with each other on two opposing third surfaces 330, and are electrically connected. The two first terminals 220, the two second terminals 230, and the two third terminals 250 are bonded together by conductive double-sided adhesive tape 400 sandwiched between the terminals. Thus, the eight capacitors 10A are connected in parallel.

[0132] Two fixing members 500a are wound around the eight capacitors 10 so as to surround the first surface 310 and the third surface 330, and two fixing members 500b are wound around the second surface 320 and the third surface 330. This fixes the eight capacitors 10. The two fixing members 500a are passed between the two first terminals 220 on the first surface 310 and over the two third terminals 250 on the third surface 330. The two fixing members 500b are passed between the two second terminals 230 on the second surface 320 and between the two third terminals 250 on the third surface 330.

[0133] 15(a) and 15(b), the P-pole external terminal 610 is connected to one first terminal 220 which constitutes one pole, and the N-pole external terminal 620 is connected to one first terminal 220 which constitutes the other pole. Note that the P-pole external terminal 610 may be connected to one second terminal 230 or third terminal 250 which constitutes one pole, and the N-pole external terminal 620 may be connected to one second terminal 230 or third terminal 250 which constitutes the other pole.

[0134] Furthermore, by connecting eight capacitors 10A in the X-axis direction, Y-axis direction, and Z-axis direction, and electrically connecting or insulating two first terminal portions 220, two second terminal portions 230, and two third terminal portions 250 together so that the eight capacitors 10A are connected in series, similar to the capacitor module 1D of Figure 6(a), a series-type capacitor module can be configured in a three-dimensional array form.

[0135] Furthermore, nine or more capacitors 10A may be connected in the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions to form a series or parallel capacitor module. Also, the number of connected capacitors 10A may differ between the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions.

[0136] Furthermore, depending on how multiple capacitors 10A are arranged, a three-dimensionally arranged capacitor module can be formed, which is not a capacitor module formed in an overall rectangular parallelepiped shape like the capacitor module 3 described above, but rather a capacitor module having another three-dimensional shape.

[0137] In this way, according to the configuration of the first modified example, it is possible to configure a capacitor module 3 in which a plurality of capacitors 10A are arranged three-dimensionally.

[0138] In capacitor 20 according to the second embodiment, bus bar 800 can be changed to a bus bar having a pair of third terminals, as in modified example 1. Then, by connecting a plurality of modified capacitors 20 in the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction, a capacitor module having a three-dimensional array configuration can be formed.

[0139] <Other change examples> In the first and second embodiments, the conductive double-sided adhesive tape 400 is used to bond the first terminals 220, 810 together and / or the second terminals 230, 820 together, but other adhesives may also be used. Furthermore, as long as strong contact and sufficient surface connection are possible, the first terminals 220, 810 do not have to be bonded together and / or the second terminals 230, 820 do not have to be bonded together. Similarly, in the configuration of the first modified example, an adhesive other than the conductive double-sided adhesive tape 400 may be used to bond the third terminals 250 together, and the third terminals 250 do not have to be bonded together.

[0140] Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments and the first modification, the connected capacitors 10, 20, and 10A are fixed by being wrapped around the fixing member 500. However, the method for fixing the connected capacitors 10, 20, and 10A is not limited to the above. For example, a method may be employed in which a convex portion is formed on one side of each of the two opposing first, second, and third surfaces 310, 320, and 330, a concave portion is formed on the other side, an adhesive is applied between the convex portion and the concave portion, and they are fitted together.

[0141] Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments described above, the capacitors 10 and 20 are configured such that the pair of bus bars 200 and 800 include a pair of first terminal portions 220 and 810 and a pair of second terminal portions 230 and 820, and two first terminal portions 220 and 810 are exposed from each first surface 310 of the exterior body 300, and two second terminal portions 230 and 820 are exposed from each second surface 320. However, the capacitors 10 and 20 may be configured such that the pair of bus bars 200 and 800 include only a pair of first terminal portions 220 and 810, and two first terminal portions 220 and 810 are arranged only on each first surface 310, or such that the pair of bus bars 200 and 800 include only a pair of second terminal portions 230 and 820, and two second terminal portions 230 and 820 are arranged only on each second surface 320. When capacitors 10, 20 are configured such that a pair of bus bars 200, 800 includes only a pair of first terminal portions 220, 810, exterior body 300 may not be rectangular parallelepiped in shape, but may be shaped like an elongated cylinder similar to the shape of capacitor element 100. In other words, exterior body 300 does not necessarily have to be rectangular parallelepiped (hexahedron) in shape.

[0142] Furthermore, the capacitor 10 may be configured such that a pair of bus bars 200 include a pair of first terminal portions 220 or a pair of second terminal portions 230 and a pair of third terminal portions 250, and two first terminal portions 220 are exposed from each first surface 310 of the outer casing 300, or two second terminal portions 230 are exposed from each second surface 320, and two third terminal portions 250 are exposed from each third surface 330.

[0143] Furthermore, in the above-described first and second embodiments, the capacitors 10 and 20 include one unit made up of the capacitor element 100 and a pair of bus bars 200 and 800, and this unit is covered with one exterior housing 300. However, the capacitors 10 and 20 may include a plurality of the above units, for example, two units, and these units may be covered with one exterior housing 300. In this case, in the exterior housing 300, multiple sets of two first terminals 220 and 810 are exposed from each first surface 310, and multiple sets of two second terminals 230 and 820 are exposed from each second surface 320.

[0144] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned embodiments 1 and 2, capacitor element 100 is formed by stacking two metallized films with aluminum vapor-deposited on a dielectric film and then rolling or laminating the stacked metallized films. However, capacitor element 100 may also be formed by stacking a metallized film with aluminum vapor-deposited on both sides of a dielectric film and an insulating film, and then rolling or laminating the resulting film.

[0145] Furthermore, in the above-described first and second embodiments, the capacitors 10 and 20 are film capacitors. However, the capacitors 10 and 20 may be capacitors other than film capacitors.

[0146] In addition, the embodiments of the present invention can be modified in various ways as appropriate within the scope of the technical ideas set forth in the claims. [Industrial Applicability]

[0147] The present invention is useful for capacitors used in various electronic devices, electrical devices, industrial devices, vehicle electrical equipment, and the like. [Explanation of symbols]

[0148] 1A~1D capacitor module 2A~2D capacitor module 3 Capacitor Module 10 Capacitors 10A capacitor 20 Capacitor 100 capacitor element 101 End face 110 electrodes 200 Busbar 220 1st terminal section (terminal section) 221 Terminal surface 230 2nd terminal section (terminal section) 231 Terminal surface 250 3rd terminal section (terminal section) 251 Terminal surface 300 exterior body 310 1st surface (outer surface) 320 2nd surface (outer surface) 330 3rd surface (outer surface) 800 busbar 810 1st terminal section (terminal section) 811 Terminal surface 820 2nd terminal section (terminal section) 821 Terminal surface

Claims

1. In a capacitor module formed by connecting a plurality of capacitors, Each of the capacitors is a capacitor element having a pair of end faces, each of which has an electrode formed on one of the end faces; a pair of bus bars each connected to one of the electrodes; an exterior body that covers the capacitor element and the pair of bus bars, Each of the bus bars is provided with a pair of first terminal portions and a pair of second terminal portions, the exterior body has a pair of first surfaces that are back-to-back and parallel to each other, and a pair of second surfaces that are perpendicular to the pair of first surfaces and back-to-back and parallel to each other, the first terminal portion of one of the bus bars and the first terminal portion of the other of the bus bars are exposed from each of the first surfaces; the second terminal portion of one of the bus bars and the second terminal portion of the other of the bus bars are exposed from each of the second surfaces, On each of the first surfaces, the first terminal portion of one of the bus bars and the first terminal portion of the other of the bus bars are aligned at a predetermined interval in a third direction perpendicular to a first direction perpendicular to the first surface and a second direction perpendicular to the second surface, and extend in the second direction, On each of the second surfaces, the second terminal portion of one of the bus bars and the second terminal portion of the other of the bus bars are arranged at a predetermined interval in the third direction and extend in the first direction, the pair of first terminal portions and the pair of second terminal portions of each of the bus bars are connected to form an annular connection terminal portion, The plurality of capacitors are arranged such that two of the connection terminal portions of one of two adjacent capacitors are closely opposed to two of the connection terminal portions of the other adjacent capacitor. A capacitor module characterized by:

2. A capacitor module formed by connecting a plurality of capacitors, Each of the capacitors is a capacitor element having a pair of end faces and a peripheral surface sandwiched between the pair of end faces, with electrodes formed on each of the end faces; a pair of bus bars each connected to one of the electrodes; an exterior body that covers the capacitor element and the pair of bus bars, Each of the bus bars is provided with a pair of first terminal portions and a pair of second terminal portions, the exterior body has a pair of first surfaces that are back-to-back and parallel to each other, and a pair of second surfaces that are perpendicular to the pair of first surfaces and back-to-back and parallel to each other, the first terminal portion of one of the bus bars and the first terminal portion of the other of the bus bars are exposed from each of the first surfaces; the second terminal portion of one of the bus bars and the second terminal portion of the other of the bus bars are exposed from each of the second surfaces, each bus bar includes a pair of first bars extending in a second direction perpendicular to the second surface and a pair of second bars extending in a first direction perpendicular to the first surface, and has a frame portion disposed within the exterior body so as to have a predetermined gap between the frame portion and the peripheral surface; the frame portion is connected to the pair of first terminal portions and the pair of second terminal portions, The plurality of capacitors are arranged in the first direction and the second direction, two first terminal portions on the first surface of one of the capacitors adjacent to each other in the first direction are closely opposed to two first terminal portions on the first surface of the other capacitor; two second terminal portions on the second surface of one of the capacitors adjacent to each other in the second direction are closely opposed to two second terminal portions on the second surface of the other capacitor; A capacitor module characterized by:

3. The capacitor module according to claim 2, Each of the bus bars is further provided with a pair of third terminal portions, the exterior body further has a pair of third surfaces perpendicular to the pair of first surfaces and the pair of second surfaces, the third terminal portion of one of the bus bars and the third terminal portion of the other of the bus bars are exposed from each of the third surfaces, the plurality of capacitors are arranged in the first direction, the second direction, and a third direction perpendicular to the pair of third surfaces; two third terminal portions on the third surface of one of the two capacitors adjacent to each other in the third direction are closely opposed to two third terminal portions on the third surface of the other capacitor; A capacitor module characterized by:

4. The capacitor module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, Each of the first terminal portions and each of the second terminal portions has a terminal surface parallel to each of the first surfaces and each of the second surfaces, and the terminal surfaces are closely opposed to each other. A capacitor module characterized by:

5. A capacitor in which a capacitor module is formed by connecting a plurality of the capacitors, a capacitor element having a pair of end faces, each of which has an electrode formed on one of the end faces; a pair of bus bars each connected to one of the electrodes; an exterior body that covers the capacitor element and the pair of bus bars, Each of the bus bars is provided with a pair of first terminal portions and a pair of second terminal portions, the exterior body has a pair of first surfaces that are back-to-back and parallel to each other, and a pair of second surfaces that are perpendicular to the pair of first surfaces and back-to-back and parallel to each other, the first terminal portion of one of the bus bars and the first terminal portion of the other of the bus bars are exposed from each of the first surfaces; the second terminal portion of one of the bus bars and the second terminal portion of the other of the bus bars are exposed from each of the second surfaces, On each of the first surfaces, the first terminal portion of one of the bus bars and the first terminal portion of the other of the bus bars are aligned at a predetermined interval in a third direction perpendicular to a first direction perpendicular to the first surface and a second direction perpendicular to the second surface, and extend in the second direction, On each of the second surfaces, the second terminal portion of one of the bus bars and the second terminal portion of the other of the bus bars are arranged at a predetermined interval in the third direction and extend in the first direction, the pair of first terminal portions and the pair of second terminal portions of each of the bus bars are connected to form an annular connection terminal portion, The capacitor can be connected to another capacitor such that the two connection terminal portions face the two connection terminal portions of the other capacitor. A capacitor characterized by:

6. A capacitor in which a capacitor module is formed by connecting a plurality of the capacitors, a capacitor element having a pair of end faces and a peripheral surface sandwiched between the pair of end faces, with electrodes formed on each of the end faces; a pair of bus bars each connected to one of the electrodes; an exterior body that covers the capacitor element and the pair of bus bars, the exterior body has a pair of first surfaces that are back-to-back and parallel to each other, and a pair of second surfaces that are perpendicular to the pair of first surfaces and back-to-back and parallel to each other, Each of the bus bars is provided with a pair of first terminal portions and a pair of second terminal portions, the first terminal portion of one of the bus bars and the first terminal portion of the other of the bus bars are exposed from each of the first surfaces; the second terminal portion of one of the bus bars and the second terminal portion of the other of the bus bars are exposed from each of the second surfaces, each bus bar includes a pair of first bars extending in a second direction perpendicular to the second surface and a pair of second bars extending in a first direction perpendicular to the first surface, and has a frame portion disposed within the exterior body so as to have a predetermined gap between the frame portion and the peripheral surface; the frame portion is connected to the pair of first terminal portions and the pair of second terminal portions, the capacitor can be connected to another capacitor in the first direction such that the two first terminal portions on the first surface face the two first terminal portions on the first surface of the other capacitor; the capacitor can be connected to another capacitor in the second direction such that the two second terminal portions on the second surface face the two second terminal portions on the second surface of the other capacitor; A capacitor characterized by:

7. 7. The capacitor according to claim 6, Each of the bus bars is further provided with a pair of third terminal portions, the exterior body further has a pair of third surfaces perpendicular to the pair of first surfaces and the pair of second surfaces, the third terminal portion of one of the bus bars and the third terminal portion of the other of the bus bars are exposed from each of the third surfaces, the capacitor can be connected to another capacitor in a direction perpendicular to the pair of third surfaces such that the two third terminal portions on the third surfaces face the two third terminal portions on the third surfaces of the other capacitor; A capacitor characterized by:

8. A capacitor module formed by connecting a plurality of capacitors, Each of the capacitors is a capacitor element having a pair of end faces, each of which has an electrode formed on one of the end faces; a pair of bus bars each connected to one of the electrodes; an exterior body that covers the capacitor element and the pair of bus bars, Each of the bus bars is provided with a pair of terminal portions, The exterior body has a pair of outer surfaces that are back-to-back and parallel to each other, the terminal portion of one of the bus bars and the terminal portion of the other of the bus bars are exposed from each of the outer surfaces, The plurality of capacitors are arranged such that, of two terminal portions on the outer surface of one of two adjacent capacitors, and two terminal portions on the outer surface of the other adjacent capacitor, the terminal portions on one side are closely opposed to each other and electrically connected, and the terminal portions on the other side are closely opposed to each other but are not electrically connected. A capacitor module characterized by:

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