Capacitor module, method of using the capacitor module, and method of manufacturing the capacitor module

Abstract

This capacitor module is configured by linking a plurality of capacitors (a first capacitor and a second capacitor). The capacitors each include: a capacitor element having a pair of end surfaces and electrodes formed on each of the end surfaces; a busbar connected to each of the electrodes; and an exterior body covering the entirety of the capacitor element and a part of the busbar. The plurality of capacitors are arranged so that the electrodes of adjacent capacitors face each other through the exterior body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a capacitor module, a method of using the capacitor module, and a method of manufacturing the capacitor module.

Background Art

[0002] For example, a capacitor in which a plurality of capacitor elements each having electrode portions on both end faces are arranged such that the electrode portions face each other and housed in a case, and the case is filled with resin is described in Patent Document 1.

[0003] In the capacitor of Patent Document 1, in each capacitor element, a first lead terminal is connected to one electrode portion, and a second lead terminal is connected to the other electrode portion. Each first lead terminal is connected to a first electrode plate, and each second lead terminal is connected to a second electrode plate. Each electrode plate has an external connection terminal that extends outside the case.

[0004] The two opposing electrode portions are connected to the same electrode plate via lead terminals so that their polarities are the same.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] In the above capacitor, for example, by connecting two opposing electrode portions to different electrode plates via lead terminals, the polarities of these electrode portions can be made different.

[0007] In this configuration, when current flows through multiple capacitor elements, magnetic fluxes in opposite directions are generated in adjacent capacitor elements, causing these fluxes to cancel each other out and become smaller. This makes it possible to reduce the equivalent series inductance (ESL) of each capacitor element.

[0008] However, on the other hand, if the positioning accuracy is low when housing multiple capacitor elements in a case, adjacent capacitor elements each other different Naru very sex There is a risk that the electrode parts may come too close together or touch each other, making it impossible to ensure sufficient insulation between them.

[0009] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a capacitor module that can reduce the equivalent series inductance and ensure sufficient insulation between the electrodes of adjacent capacitor elements, a method for using the capacitor module, and a method for manufacturing the capacitor module. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] A first aspect of the present invention relates to a capacitor module including a plurality of connected capacitors. Each of the plurality of capacitors is a capacitor element having a pair of end faces, with electrodes formed on each of the pair of end faces, a busbar connected to the electrodes, and an outer casing covering the entire capacitor element and a part of the busbar. A retaining member covered by the exterior body, Includes. The holding member has a connecting portion exposed from the outer casing, and the holding members of two adjacent capacitors are connected to each other by the connecting portion.

[0011] A second aspect of the present invention relates to a method for using a capacitor module. The method of use according to this aspect involves using the capacitor module according to the first aspect described above. The aforementioned adjacent two In a capacitor, the two opposing electrodes are each other different Polarity It is characterized by being used in such a way as follows.

[0012] A third aspect of the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a capacitor module. The manufacturing method according to this aspect is: electrodes formed on a pair of end faces of a capacitor element. The device comprises a busbar connected to the electrode and a holding member having a connecting portion. A step of forming a capacitor element unit; a step of creating a plurality of capacitors by covering the capacitor element unit with an outer casing; and a step of connecting the plurality of capacitors by the connecting portion exposed from the outer casing. Includes. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a capacitor module that can reduce the equivalent series inductance and ensure sufficient insulation between the electrodes of adjacent capacitor elements, a method for using the capacitor module, and a method for manufacturing the capacitor module.

[0014] The effects and significance of the present invention will become even clearer from the description of the embodiments shown below. However, the embodiments shown below are merely examples of how to implement the present invention, and the present invention is not limited in any way to those described in the embodiments below. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a capacitor module according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figures 2(a) and 2(b) are perspective views and exploded perspective views, respectively, of the first capacitor element unit constituting the first capacitor according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3(a) is a plan view of a first holding member that holds a pair of busbars according to an embodiment, and Figures 3(b) and (c) are cross-sectional views AA' and BB' of Figure 3(a), respectively. [Figure 4] Figures 4(a) and 4(b) are perspective and exploded perspective views, respectively, of the second capacitor element unit constituting the second capacitor according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a front view of a capacitor module according to an embodiment, in which the outer casing is depicted as transparent and the cable ties are omitted. [Figure 6]FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a method of manufacturing a capacitor module according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] FIGS. 7(a) and (b) are diagrams for explaining a method of manufacturing a capacitor module according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a front view of a capacitor module according to a modified example. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a configuration for holding a pair of bus bars by a first holding member according to a modified example. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion according to a modified example. [Figure 11] FIG. 11(a) is a plan view of a fixed portion provided with a connecting portion according to a modified example, and FIG. 11(b) is a plan view of a second holding member holding a bus bar according to a modified example.

Embodiments of the Invention

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. For convenience, the directions of front and back, left and right, and up and down are appropriately added to each drawing. Note that the directions shown in the drawings only indicate the relative directions of the capacitor module and do not indicate absolute directions.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a capacitor module 1. FIGS. 2( a ) and ( b ) are a perspective view and an exploded perspective view of a first capacitor element unit C1 constituting a first capacitor 10A, respectively. FIG. 3( a ) is a plan view of a first holding member 300A holding a pair of bus bars 200, and FIGS. 3( b ) and ( c ) are a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' and a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B' of FIG. 3( a ), respectively. FIGS. 4( a ) and ( b ) are a perspective view and an exploded perspective view of a second capacitor element unit C2 constituting a second capacitor 10B, respectively.

[0018] Referring to Figure 1, the capacitor module 1 comprises multiple components, for example, two first capacitors 10A and two second capacitors 10B. The multiple first capacitors 10A are connected in the left-right direction, and a second capacitor 10B is connected to each of the first capacitors 10A at the left and right ends. The two second capacitors 10B on the left and right are oriented in opposite directions. The number of first capacitors 10A is determined according to the required specifications, such as capacitance. Therefore, depending on the required specifications, the capacitor module 1 may have a configuration that does not include any first capacitors 10A, but only two second capacitors 10B.

[0019] Figures 1 to 3 ( c Referring to (), the first capacitor 10A comprises a capacitor element 100, a pair of busbars 200, a first retaining member 300A, and an outer casing 400. The capacitor element 100, the pair of busbars 200, and the first retaining member 300A constitute the first capacitor element unit C1.

[0020] The capacitor element 100 is formed by stacking two metallized films, each having aluminum deposited on a dielectric film, winding or laminating the stacked metallized films, and pressing them into a flattened shape. The capacitor element 100 is formed in a shape close to a flattened elongated cylinder and has a pair of end faces 101 and a circumferential surface 102 sandwiched between the pair of end faces 101. Electrodes 110 are formed on both end faces 101 of the capacitor element 100 by spraying a metal such as zinc.

[0021] In this embodiment, the capacitor element 100 is formed from a metallized film in which aluminum is deposited on a dielectric film. However, it may also be formed from a metallized film in which other metals such as zinc or magnesium are deposited. Alternatively, the capacitor element 100 may be formed from a metallized film in which multiple of these metals are deposited, or from a metallized film in which an alloy of these metals is deposited.

[0022] A pair of busbars 200 are formed into a predetermined shape by appropriately cutting and bending a conductive material plate, such as a copper plate. Each busbar 200 consists of an electrode terminal portion 210 having a rectangular plate shape extending in the front-to-back direction, a connection terminal portion 220 having a rectangular plate shape extending in the up-to-down direction, and a relay portion 230 having a rectangular plate shape extending in the left-to-right direction, which connects the electrode terminal portion 210 and the connection terminal portion 220.

[0023] Each busbar 200 is a terminal member electrically connected to each electrode 110, and its electrode terminal portion 210 is joined to each electrode 110 of the capacitor element 100 by a joining method such as soldering.

[0024] The first retaining member 300A is formed of a thermoplastic resin such as polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) and includes a main body portion 310, a first connecting portion 320, and a second connecting portion 330.

[0025] The main body 310 has a rectangular plate shape. The main body 310 has two first openings 311, two second openings 312, and two third openings 313. The two first openings 311 are rectangular in shape and are located in the center of the front and rear ends of the main body 310. The two second openings 312 are rectangular in shape and are located at the left rear and right front corners of the main body 310. The two third openings 313 are rectangular in shape and are located at the left front and right rear corners of the main body 310. The area of ​​the first openings 311 is larger than the area of ​​the second openings 312, and the area of ​​the second openings 312 is larger than the area of ​​the third openings 313.

[0026] Figure 3 ( b As shown in the diagram, the first opening 311, the second opening 312, and the third opening 313 have tapered inner wall surfaces on the front, back, left, and right sides. shape The device has these features, and their diameters increase from the lower side to the upper side of the main body 310, i.e., in the upward direction (away from the capacitor element 100).

[0027] The first connecting portion 320 and the second connecting portion 330 are formed to rise from the left and right ends, which are opposite ends of the main body portion 310, respectively. The first connecting portion 320 has a recess 321 on the front side of its upper end and an engaging piece 322 that protrudes to the left, and an engaging projection 323 that protrudes upward on the rear side of its upper end. The second connecting portion 330 has a recess 331 on the rear side of its upper end and an engaging piece 332 that protrudes to the right, and an engaging projection 333 that protrudes upward on the front side of its upper end. The engaging piece 322 and engaging projection 323 of the first connecting portion 320 and the engaging piece 332 and engaging projection 333 of the second connecting portion 330 have the same configuration, and the two recesses 321 and 331 have shapes corresponding to the two engaging projections 323 and 333.

[0028] The first holding member 300A is positioned close to the top of the capacitor element 100 so as to face the circumferential surface 102 of the capacitor element 100, and holds the pair of busbars 200. That is, as shown in Figure 3( c As shown in the diagram, the pair of busbars 200 are insert-molded into the first retaining member 300A such that the base portions of the connection terminals 220 are embedded in the main body 310, and are held so as not to move in the vertical, horizontal, and lateral directions. The connection terminals 220 protrude upward from the main body 310. By holding the pair of busbars 200 in the first retaining member 300A in this way, good dimensional accuracy between the two connection terminals 220 is ensured.

[0029] The outer casing 400 is formed from a thermosetting resin such as epoxy resin and has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The outer casing 400 covers the entire capacitor element 100, the pair of busbars 200, and a part of the first retaining member 300A. The connection terminals 220 of the pair of busbars 200 and the first connecting portion 320 and the second connecting portion 330 of the first retaining member 300A are exposed to the outside from the upper surface 400A, which is one side of the outer casing 400.

[0030] Figures 1 and 4 ( a ) and ( bReferring to (), the second capacitor 10B, like the first capacitor 10A, comprises a capacitor element 100, a pair of busbars 200, and an outer casing 400. Furthermore, the second capacitor 10B includes a second retaining member 300B in place of the first retaining member 300A. The capacitor element 100, the pair of busbars 200, and the second retaining member 300B constitute the second capacitor element unit C2.

[0031] The second retaining member 300B, like the first retaining member 300A, is positioned close to the capacitor element 100 so as to face the circumferential surface 102 of the capacitor element 100, and holds the pair of busbars 200.

[0032] The second retaining member 300B, like the first retaining member 300A, includes a main body portion 310 and a first connecting portion 320. Furthermore, the second retaining member 300B includes a fixing portion 340 instead of the second connecting portion 330.

[0033] The fixing portion 340 has a semi-elliptical plate shape. A circular hole 341 is formed in the fixing portion 340. A metal collar 342 is embedded in the hole 341 for reinforcement.

[0034] In the second capacitor 10B, the connection terminals 220 of the pair of busbars 200 and the first connecting portion 320 of the second retaining member 300B are exposed to the outside from the upper surface 400A of the outer casing 400, and the fixing portion 340 of the second retaining member 300B is exposed from the side surface 400B of the outer casing 400.

[0035] As shown in Figure 1, in the second retaining member 300B of the second capacitor 10B on the left side, which is oriented in the opposite direction, the first connecting portion 320 has the same configuration as the second connecting portion 330 and functions as the second connecting portion 330.

[0036] The first connecting portion 320 of one first capacitor 10A and the second connecting portion 330 of the other first capacitor 10A are connected, thereby connecting multiple (two in Figure 1) first capacitors 10A in the left-right direction, that is, in a direction parallel to the upper surface 400A of the outer casing 400 where the connection terminal portions 220 of the pair of busbars 200 are exposed. At this time, the engaging projection 323 of the first connecting portion 320 engages with the engaging piece 332 by fitting into the recess 331 of the engaging piece 332 of the second connecting portion 330, and the engaging projection 333 of the second connecting portion 330 engages with the engaging piece 322 by fitting into the recess 321 of the engaging piece 322 of the first connecting portion 320. As a result, the vertical and horizontal movement of the multiple first capacitors 10A is restricted. The vertical, horizontal, and horizontal positions between the first capacitors 10A are determined.

[0037] Similarly, the second connection portion 330 of the rightmost first capacitor 10A and the first connection portion 320 of the rightmost second capacitor 10B are connected, thereby connecting the first capacitor 10A and the second capacitor 10B in the left-right direction. Furthermore, the first connection portion 320 of the leftmost first capacitor 10A and the first connection portion 320 (functioning as the second connection portion 330) of the leftmost second capacitor 10B are connected, thereby connecting the first capacitor 10A and the second capacitor 10B in the left-right direction. The vertical, horizontal, and left-right positions between the first capacitor 10A and the second capacitor 10B are thus determined.

[0038] Multiple first capacitors 10A and two second capacitors 10B are fixed by adhesive between the first connecting portion 320 and the second connecting portion 330, and by wrapping cable ties 500 around the sides (circumferential surfaces) of the connected, solid outer casing 400. However, the method of fixing these first capacitors 10A and second capacitors 10B is not limited to the above method. For example, a method may be adopted in which cable ties 500 are not used, and the first connecting portion 320 and the second connecting portion 330 are fixed with adhesive, and the sides of two adjacent outer casings 400 are fixed with adhesive, or a method may be adopted in which adhesive is not used, and the capacitors are fixed only by cable ties 500. Also, for example, instead of cable ties 500, adhesive tape may be wrapped around the sides (circumferential surfaces) of the solid outer casing 400.

[0039] Figure 5 is a front view of the capacitor module 1, in which the outer casing 400 is depicted as transparent and the cable ties 500 are omitted.

[0040] In the first capacitor 10A, the first connecting portion 320 and the second connecting portion 330 of the first holding member 300A are provided in the direction (left-right direction) in which the pair of end faces 101 of the capacitor element 100, i.e., the pair of electrodes 110, face. Similarly, in the second capacitor 10B, the first connecting portion 320 of the second holding member 300B is provided in the direction (left-right direction) in which the pair of electrodes 110 of the capacitor element 100 face. As a result, as shown in Figure 5, multiple first capacitors 10A and two second capacitors 10B are connected in the direction in which the pair of electrodes 110 face. Consequently, in adjacent capacitors 10A and 10B (capacitor elements 100), the electrodes 110 face each other via the outer casing 400.

[0041] Figures 6 and 7 ( a ) and ( b Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the manufacturing method of capacitor module 1. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of the capacitor module manufacturing process. a ) and ( bThis is a diagram illustrating the flow of the exterior body formation process.

[0042] The manufacturing process for capacitor module 1 includes a capacitor manufacturing process and a module assembly process. In the capacitor manufacturing process, a first capacitor 10A and a second capacitor 10B are produced. In the module assembly process, the capacitor module 1 is assembled by connecting multiple first capacitors 10A and second capacitors 10B produced in the capacitor manufacturing process.

[0043] The capacitor manufacturing process consists of an element unit formation process and an casing formation process. First, the element unit formation process is performed. A pair of busbars 200 held by a first holding member 300A are connected to both electrodes 110 of the capacitor element 100 to form a first capacitor element unit C1. Then, a pair of busbars 200 held by a second holding member 300B are connected to both electrodes 110 of the capacitor element 100 to form a second capacitor element unit C2.

[0044] Next, the exterior body forming process is carried out. In the exterior body forming process, a casting container 2A for the first capacitor 10A and a casting container 2B for the second capacitor 10B are used as mold members. The casting containers 2A and 2B are made of metal and have a roughly rectangular box shape with an open top, corresponding to the shape of the exterior body 400. A recess 21 corresponding to the fixing portion 340 of the second holding member 300B is formed at the upper end of the casting container 2B.

[0045] Figure 7 aAs shown in the diagram, the first capacitor element unit C1 is housed in the casting container 2A. At this time, the first connecting portion 320 and the second connecting portion 330 are fixed by a fixing jig (not shown), and the first capacitor element unit C1 is positioned relative to the casting container 2A. Next, a thermosetting resin in liquid phase, such as epoxy resin, is poured into the casting container 2A. The capacitor element 100, the electrode terminal portions 210 and relay portions 230 of the pair of busbars 200, and the main body portion 310 of the first holding member 300A are immersed in the thermosetting resin in liquid phase. After that, the thermosetting resin in the casting container 2A is heated. As a result, the thermosetting resin hardens to form an outer casing 400, and the first capacitor 10A is created by covering the first capacitor element unit C1 with the outer casing 400. The first connecting portion 320, the second connecting portion 330, and the two connection terminal portions 220 are exposed to the outside from the outer casing 400.

[0046] Similarly, Figure 7( b As shown in the diagram, the second capacitor element unit C2 is housed in the casting container 2B. At this time, the first connecting portion 320 is fixed by a fixing jig (not shown), and the base end portion of the fixing portion 340 fits into the recess 21, thereby positioning the second capacitor element unit C2 relative to the casting container 2B. The fixing portion 340 comes out of the casting container 2B. The recess 21 is sealed with a sealing member 22 after the fixing portion 340 is inserted. A thermosetting resin in liquid phase is poured into the casting container 2B and heated. As a result, the thermosetting resin hardens to form an outer casing 400, and the second capacitor 10B is created by covering the second capacitor element unit C2 with the outer casing 400. The first connecting portion 320, the fixing portion 340, and the two connection terminal portions 220 are exposed from the outer casing 400.

[0047] Furthermore, the main body 310 of the first holding member 300A and the second holding member 300B has two first openings 311, two second openings 312, and two third openings 313 formed therein, and when the thermosetting resin in liquid phase is injected into the casting containers 2A and 2B, it flows through these openings 311, 312, and 313. This makes it easier for the thermosetting resin to spread throughout the casting containers 2A and 2B, and allows for the smooth molding of the outer casing 400.

[0048] Next, the module assembly process is carried out. Multiple first capacitors 10A and two second capacitors 10B on the left and right are connected by first connecting parts 320 and second connecting parts 330 so that the electrodes 110 of adjacent capacitors 10A and 10B face each other via the outer casing 400, and are fixed in place with adhesive or cable ties 500.

[0049] In this way, the capacitor module 1 is completed as shown in Figure 1.

[0050] The capacitor module 1 can be mounted on an external device, such as an inverter device for driving an electric motor in an electric vehicle. The capacitor module 1 is fixed to the external device by screw fastening through holes 341 at the left and right fixing portions 340 of the second capacitor 10B. A pair of external busbars (external terminals) from the external device are connected to the connection terminal portions 220 of a pair of busbars 200 of multiple first capacitors 10A and second capacitors 10B.

[0051] For example, an external busbar that acts as the anode is connected to the left electrode 110 of the capacitor element 100 of capacitors 10A and 10B, and an external busbar that acts as the cathode is connected to the right electrode 110 of the capacitor element 100 of capacitors 10A and 10B. In this case, the left electrode 110 becomes the anode and the right electrode 110 becomes the cathode, so the two opposing electrodes 110 in adjacent capacitors 10A and 10B are each other different Polarity This is the result.

[0052] In this way, the capacitor module 1 has two opposing electrodes 110 in adjacent capacitors 10A and 10B. each other different Polarity When used in this manner, the capacitor module 1 is energized, and when current flows through each capacitor element 100, magnetic fluxes in opposite directions are generated between adjacent capacitor elements 100. As a result, these magnetic fluxes cancel each other out and become smaller. This reduces the equivalent series inductance (ESL) of each capacitor element 100.

[0053] <Effects of the Embodiment> As described above, this embodiment provides the following effects.

[0054] Capacitor module 1 is, Linked Multiple capacitors (first capacitor 10A, second capacitor 10B) including Each capacitor includes a capacitor element 100 having a pair of end faces 101, with electrodes 110 formed on each end face 101; a busbar 200 connected to each electrode 110; and an outer casing 400 covering the entire capacitor element 100 and a portion of the busbar 200. Multiple capacitors are arranged such that the electrodes 110 of adjacent capacitors face each other via the outer casing 400.

[0055] In this configuration, the capacitor module 1 has two opposing electrodes 110 in adjacent capacitors (first capacitor 10A, second capacitor 10B) each other different Polarity It can be used in such a way that when current flows through each capacitor element 100, it generates magnetic fluxes in opposite directions in adjacent capacitor elements 100, canceling out these magnetic fluxes and reducing their size. This makes it possible to reduce the equivalent series inductance (ESL) of each capacitor element 100.

[0056] Furthermore, since the capacitor elements 100, which are already covered by the outer casing 400, are placed next to each other, the presence of the outer casing 400 prevents the opposing electrodes 110 from touching or getting too close to each other. This ensures sufficient insulation between the opposing electrodes 110.

[0057] Furthermore, the capacitor module 1 includes retaining members (first retaining member 300A, second retaining member 300B) that hold the busbar 200 and are covered by the outer casing, and the retaining members are exposed from the outer casing 400. It has a connecting part death, adjacent Capacitor (first capacitor 10A, second capacitor 10B) holding member teeth, Connecting part (first connecting part 320, second connecting part 330) Connected by It is structured in such a way.

[0058] This configuration allows for the creation of a capacitor module 1 having a number of capacitor elements 100 corresponding to the required specifications by connecting multiple capacitors using their connecting parts (first connecting part 320, second connecting part 330). This enables the use of common capacitors for capacitor modules 1 with different numbers of capacitor elements 100, thereby standardizing capacitor components and manufacturing processes, and improving productivity. Furthermore, improved productivity may lead to a reduction in product costs.

[0059] Furthermore, the connecting parts (first connecting part 320, second connecting part 330) connect the holding members (first holding member 300A, second holding member 300B) that hold a pair of busbars 200 of adjacent capacitors (first capacitor 10A, second capacitor 10B), thus improving the dimensional accuracy between the busbars 200 of adjacent capacitors in the capacitor module 1.

[0060] Furthermore, the capacitor module 1 has a circumferential surface 102 in which the capacitor element 100 is sandwiched between a pair of end faces 101, and the holding members (first holding member 300A, second holding member 300B) are arranged to face the circumferential surface 102.

[0061] With this configuration, the holding members (first holding member 300A, second holding member 300B) are positioned between the two electrodes 110, making it easier to hold the two busbars 200 extending from the two electrodes 110 with the holding members.

[0062] Furthermore, the capacitor module 1 has an outer casing 400 that is rectangular in shape, and the bus bar 200 is , outside Exposed from one side (top surface 400A) of the body 400. It has a connection terminal portion 220, and the connection terminal portion 220 is , on the exterior of the outer casing 400 at External terminals to Connect Exterior body 400 one side (Top surface 400A) In a direction parallel to that, adjacent Capacitor The retaining members (first retaining member 300A, second retaining member 300B) are connected by connecting parts (first connecting part 320, second connecting part 330) The configuration is designed to allow for interconnection.

[0063] With this configuration, in the capacitor module 1, the connection terminals 220 of each capacitor (first capacitor 10A, second capacitor 10B) are arranged on the same plane, making it easier to connect external terminals to the connection terminals 220.

[0064] Furthermore, the capacitor module 1 is configured such that the retaining members (first retaining member 300A, second retaining member 300B) are made of resin material, and the busbar 200 is insert-molded into the retaining members.

[0065] This configuration makes it possible to improve the dimensional accuracy between the two busbars 200 held by the holding members (first holding member 300A, second holding member 300B) in the capacitor (first capacitor 10A, second capacitor 10B).

[0066] Furthermore, the capacitor module 1 has retaining members (first retaining member 300A, second retaining member 300B) teeth, openings (first opening 311, second opening 312, third opening 313) that penetrate the holding member in the direction in which the holding member and the capacitor element 100 are aligned. has It is structured in such a way.

[0067] This configuration increases the contact area between the surfaces of the retaining members (first retaining member 300A, second retaining member 300B) and the outer casing 400 along the direction of alignment, thereby strengthening the bonding force between the retaining members and the outer casing 400 in that direction. As a result, even if a large force is applied to the retaining members through the connecting parts (first connecting part 320, second connecting part 330) in the direction of alignment, particularly in the direction that moves the retaining members away from the capacitor element 100, the outer casing 400 is less likely to be damaged.

[0068] Furthermore, the capacitor module 1 has an inner wall surface of the opening (first opening 311, second opening 312, third opening 313) teeth The diameter of the opening tapers, increasing as it moves away from the capacitor element 100. Having a shape It is structured in such a way.

[0069] With this configuration, an anchoring effect is generated by the resin that has entered into the openings (first opening 311, second opening 312, third opening 313), so that when a large force is applied to the holding members (first holding member 300A, second holding member 300B) in the direction of separation, the outer casing 400 is less likely to be damaged.

[0070] Furthermore, the capacitor module 1 is configured such that the holding member (second holding member 300B) of the capacitor (second capacitor 10B) is provided with a fixing portion 340 that can be fixed to an external device.

[0071] With this configuration, the capacitor module 1 can be fixed to an external device using the fixing part 340. Moreover, since the fixing part 340 is provided on the holding member (second holding member 300B) that holds the bus bar 200, the positional accuracy of the bus bar 200 with respect to the fixing part 340 can be improved.

[0072] Furthermore, in the capacitor module 1, two opposing electrodes 110 in adjacent capacitors (first capacitor 10A, second capacitor 10B) each other different Polarity It is used in such a way.

[0073] According to this method of use, when current flows through each capacitor element 100, magnetic fluxes in opposite directions are generated between adjacent capacitor elements 100, and these magnetic fluxes can be canceled out and reduced. As a result, the equivalent series inductance (ESL) of each capacitor element 100 can be reduced.

[0074] Furthermore, the capacitor module 1 is manufactured by a manufacturing method that includes the steps of: forming capacitor element units C1 and C2 by connecting busbars 200 to electrodes 110 formed on a pair of end faces 101 of a capacitor element 100 (element unit formation step); creating capacitors (first capacitor 10A, second capacitor 10B) by housing the capacitor element units C1 and C2 in mold members (casting containers 2A, 2B) and injecting a liquid resin (thermosetting resin) into the mold members so that the entire capacitor element 100 is immersed in the resin and curing it, thereby creating capacitors (first capacitor 10A, second capacitor 10B) in which the cured resin covers the capacitor element units C1 and C2 as an outer casing 400; and connecting a plurality of capacitors such that the electrodes 110 of adjacent capacitors face each other via the outer casing 400 (module assembly step).

[0075] This manufacturing method makes it possible to reduce the equivalent series inductance (ESL) of each capacitor element 100 and to provide a capacitor module 1 that can sufficiently ensure insulation between opposing electrodes 110.

[0076] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications are possible to the application examples of the present invention other than those described above.

[0077] For example, in the above embodiment, the capacitors (first capacitor 10A, capacitor 10B) are configured such that the entire main body portion 310 of the retaining members (first retaining member 300A, second retaining member 300B) is embedded inside the outer casing 400. However, as shown in Figure 8, the capacitors 10A and 10B may be configured such that a part of the main body portion 310 of the retaining members 300A and 300B, i.e., the upper side, is exposed from the outer casing 400. In the above configuration, the increased contact area between the retaining members 300A and 300B and the outer casing 400 due to the openings formed in the main body portion 310 (first opening 311, second opening 312, third opening 313), and the anchoring effect due to the taper of the openings, prevent damage to the capacitors 10A and 10B that would cause the retaining members 300A and 300B to detach from the upper end portion of the outer casing 400.

[0078] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the pair of busbars 200 were held by the retaining members 300A and 300B by insert molding into the main body portion 310 of the retaining members (first retaining member 300A, second retaining member 300B). However, the configuration for holding the pair of busbars 200 in the retaining members 300A and 300B is not limited to insert molding. For example, the pair of busbars 200 may be attached to the retaining members 300A and 300B by a predetermined mounting structure.

[0079] Figure 9 ( a ) and ( b The figure shows a modified example configuration for holding a pair of busbars 200 in a first holding member 300A, and is a bottom view and a side cross-sectional view of the first holding member 300A in which the busbars 200 are held, respectively.

[0080] A pair of busbars 200 have circular holes 231 formed in the intermediate portion 230. The first retaining member 300A has two slit-shaped holes 314 formed in the main body portion 310, corresponding to the connection terminal portions 220 of the pair of busbars 200. The main body portion 310 also has circular projections 315 that correspond to the holes 231 of the pair of busbars 200. The connection terminal portions 220 of the pair of busbars 200 are passed through the holes 314 from the lower side of the main body portion 310. Furthermore, the projections 315 of the main body portion 310 are fitted into the holes 231 of the pair of busbars 200. In this way, the pair of busbars 200 are held by the first retaining member 300A. The second retaining member 300B has a similar configuration to the first retaining member 300A.

[0081] Furthermore, the configuration of the first connecting portion 320 and the second connecting portion 330 is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment, and may be any configuration. For example, as shown in Figure 10, the first connecting portion 320 may include a flange portion 326 having a plurality (2) of protrusions 325, and the second connecting portion 330 may include a flange portion 336 having a plurality (2) of holes 335. In this configuration, the first connecting portion 320 and the second connecting portion 330 are connected by overlapping the two flange portions 326, 336 so that the protrusions 325 are inserted into the holes 335. In addition, the first connecting portion 320 and the second connecting portion 330 may be fixed not only in the front-back and left-right directions but also in the up-down direction by applying heat to the protrusions 325 and crushing the protrusions 325 toward the holes 335.

[0082] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the fixing portion 340 was integrally formed with the main body portion 310 of the second holding member 300B. However, the fixing portion 340 may be formed separately from the main body portion 310 of the second holding member 300B and coupled to the main body portion 310. For example, Figure 11( a As shown in Figure 11, a connecting portion 345 is provided on the fixing portion 340. The connecting portion 345 has the same configuration as the first connecting portion 320 and includes an engaging piece 347 having a recess 346 and an engaging projection 348. bAs shown in the diagram, the second holding member 300B, which integrally includes the fixing part 340, is formed when the connecting part 345 of the fixing part 340 is connected to the second connecting part 330 of the first holding member 300A and fixed with an adhesive or the like.

[0083] The timing at which the fixing part 340 is attached to the first holding member 300A and the second holding member 300B is formed may be at any timing (step) in the process of manufacturing the capacitor module 1. For example, the formation timing may be before the capacitor manufacturing process in Figure 6, at the end of the element unit formation step in the capacitor manufacturing process, or after the casing formation step in the capacitor manufacturing process. Alternatively, it may be at the end of the module assembly step in Figure 6.

[0084] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the main body portion 310 of the retaining member (first retaining member 300A, second retaining member 300B) is provided with two first openings 311, two second openings 312, and two third openings 313. However, the number, position, size, and shape of the openings provided in the main body portion 310 may be any. Furthermore, the main body portion 310 may not even be provided with any openings.

[0085] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the inner wall surface of the opening (first opening 311, second opening 312, third opening 313) teeth taper It had the shape However, taper It does not have a shape That's good too.

[0086] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the capacitor module 1 is composed of a plurality of first capacitors 10A and two second capacitors 10B. However, the number of second capacitors 10B may be just one. Moreover, if the fixing part 340 is not required when attaching to an external device, the capacitor module 1 may be composed of only a plurality of first capacitors 10A.

[0087] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the second retaining member 300B is provided with one fixing portion 340 at the right end of the main body portion 310. However, the position and number of fixing portions 340 may be changed as appropriate. Also, the shape of the fixing portion 340 may be any shape as long as it can be fixed to an external device.

[0088] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the busbar 200 is provided with one connection terminal portion 220. The number of connection terminal portions 220 may be changed as appropriate. In addition, the electrode terminal portion 210 may include a connection pin, and this connection pin may be connected to the electrode 110 of the capacitor element 100 by soldering or the like. Thus, the configuration (shape) of the busbar 200 may be changed as appropriate.

[0089] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, each capacitor (first capacitor 10A, second capacitor 10B) contains one capacitor element 100. However, these capacitors 10A and 10B may contain multiple capacitor elements 100.

[0090] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the outer casing 400 was formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape. However, the outer casing 400 may be formed in other shapes, for example, an elongated cylindrical shape similar to the shape of the capacitor element 100.

[0091] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the capacitor element 100 is formed by stacking two metallized films, each having aluminum deposited on a dielectric film, and winding or laminating the stacked metallized films. However, the capacitor element 100 may also be formed by stacking a metallized film, each having aluminum deposited on both sides of a dielectric film, with an insulating film, and then winding or laminating the resulting layers.

[0092] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the capacitors (first capacitor 10A, second capacitor 10B) were film capacitors. However, capacitors 10A and 10B may be capacitors other than film capacitors.

[0093] In addition, the embodiments of the present invention can be modified in various ways as appropriate within the scope of the technical idea set forth in the claims.

[0094] In the description of the above embodiment, terms indicating directions such as "upward" and "downward" refer to relative directions that depend only on the relative positional relationship of the constituent members, and do not refer to absolute directions such as vertical or horizontal directions. [Industrial applicability]

[0095] This invention is useful for capacitors used in various electronic devices, electrical equipment, industrial equipment, vehicle electrical systems, etc. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0096] 1 Capacitor module 2A Casting container (mold component) 2B Casting container (mold component) 10A First Capacitor (Capacitor) 10B Second Capacitor (Capacitor) 100 Capacitor element 101 End face 102 Peripheral surface 110 electrodes 200 bus bar 220 Connection terminal section 300A First retaining member (retaining member) 300B First retaining member (retaining member) 311 Opening 320 1st connection part (connection part) 330 2nd connection part (connection part) 340 Fixed part 400 Exterior 400A top surface (one side) C1 First capacitor element unit (capacitor element unit) C2 Second capacitor element unit (capacitor element unit)

Claims

1. A capacitor module comprising multiple connected capacitors, Each of the aforementioned multiple capacitors is A capacitor element having a pair of end faces, with electrodes formed on each of the pair of end faces, A busbar connected to the electrode, An outer casing that covers the entire capacitor element and a part of the busbar, The retaining member covered by the exterior body is included, The retaining member has a connecting portion that is exposed from the outer casing, The holding members of two adjacent capacitors are connected to each other by the connecting portion. A capacitor module characterized by the following features.

2. In the capacitor module according to claim 1, The retaining member holds the bus bar. A capacitor module characterized by the following features.

3. In the capacitor module according to claim 1 or 2, The plurality of capacitors are arranged such that the electrodes of two adjacent capacitors face each other via the outer casing. A capacitor module characterized by the following features.

4. In the capacitor module according to claim 1 or 2, The capacitor element has a circumferential surface sandwiched between the pair of end faces, The retaining member is arranged to face the circumferential surface, A capacitor module characterized by the following features.

5. In the capacitor module according to claim 1 or 2, The exterior body has a rectangular parallelepiped shape, The busbar has a connection terminal portion exposed from one side of the exterior body, The aforementioned connection terminal is connected to an external terminal outside the outer casing, In a direction parallel to the one surface of the exterior body, the holding members of the two adjacent capacitors are connected by the connecting portion. A capacitor module characterized by the following features.

6. In the capacitor module according to claim 1 or 2, The retaining member is formed from a resin material, The bus bar is insert-molded into the retaining member. A capacitor module characterized by the following features.

7. In the capacitor module according to claim 1 or 2, The retaining member has an opening that penetrates the retaining member in a direction in which the retaining member and the capacitor element are aligned. A capacitor module characterized by the following features.

8. In the capacitor module according to claim 7, The inner wall surface of the opening has a tapered shape, where the diameter of the opening increases as it moves away from the capacitor element. A capacitor module characterized by the following features.

9. In the capacitor module according to claim 1 or 2, At least one of the holding members of the plurality of capacitors has a fixing portion that can be fixed to an external device. A capacitor module characterized by the following features.

10. The capacitor module according to claim 1 or 2 is used such that the two opposing electrodes in the two adjacent capacitors have different polarities. A method for using a capacitor module characterized by the following features.

11. A step of forming a capacitor element unit comprising electrodes formed on a pair of end faces of a capacitor element, a busbar connected to the electrodes, and a holding member having a connecting portion, A process for creating multiple capacitors by covering the aforementioned capacitor element units with an outer casing, The process includes connecting a plurality of the capacitors by the connecting portion exposed from the outer casing, A method for manufacturing a capacitor module, characterized by the following:

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