Capacitor

Abstract

To achieve low ESL and miniaturization.SOLUTION: A capacitor 10 includes a first capacitor element 1, a second capacitor element 2, a first anode terminal plate 5, a second anode terminal plate 6, a first cathode terminal plate 7, a second cathode terminal plate 8 and a resin part 9. The second capacitor element 2 is adjacent to the first capacitor element 1 in a second direction D2 perpendicular to a first direction D1. In the first capacitor element 1, in the first direction D1, a first outer lead part 142 of a first anode lead 14, and a first cathode 13 are aligned in this order. In the second capacitor element 2, in the first direction D1, a second cathode 23, and a second outer lead part 242 of a second anode lead 24 are aligned in this order. In side view from the second direction D2, the first outer lead part 142 overlaps the second anode 23. In side view, the second outer lead part 242 overlaps the first cathode 13.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to capacitors, and more particularly relates to a capacitor including a plurality of capacitor elements. [Background Art]

[0002] Conventionally, as a capacitor, a decoupling device including a first capacitor element, a second capacitor element, a pair of anode terminals, a cathode terminal, and a resin layer (resin portion) is known (Patent Document 1).

[0003] The first capacitor element includes an anode body (first anode), an anode portion (first anode lead), a dielectric layer (first dielectric layer), and a cathode portion (first cathode).

[0004] The second capacitor element includes an anode body (second anode), an anode portion (second anode lead), a dielectric layer (second dielectric layer), and a cathode portion (second cathode). [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2010 / 023990 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0006] In capacitors, in addition to reducing ESL (Equivalent Series Inductance), size reduction may be required in some cases.

[0007] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a capacitor capable of achieving low ESL and size reduction. [Means for Solving the Problem]

[0008] A capacitor according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a first capacitor element, a second capacitor element, a first anode terminal plate, a second anode terminal plate, a first cathode terminal plate, a second cathode terminal plate, and a resin portion. The first capacitor element includes a first anode, a first dielectric layer, a first cathode, and a first anode lead. The first anode has a first end face and a second end face that are separated from each other in a first direction, and an outer peripheral surface. The first dielectric layer covers the first end face, the second end face, and the outer peripheral surface of the first anode. The first cathode covers the first dielectric layer. The first anode lead has a first outer lead portion that protrudes from the first end face of the first anode. The second capacitor element is adjacent to the first capacitor element in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The second capacitor element includes a second anode, a second dielectric layer, a second cathode, and a second anode lead. The second anode has a first end face and a second end face that are separated from each other in the first direction, and an outer circumferential surface. The second dielectric layer covers the first end face, the second end face, and the outer circumferential surface of the second anode. The second cathode covers the second dielectric layer. The second anode lead has a second outer lead portion that protrudes from the first end face of the second anode. The first anode terminal plate has a first anode terminal portion. The first anode terminal plate is connected to the first outer lead portion. The second anode terminal plate has a second anode terminal portion. The second anode terminal plate is connected to the second outer lead portion. The first cathode terminal plate has a first cathode terminal portion. The first cathode terminal plate is connected to the first cathode. The second cathode terminal plate has a second cathode terminal portion. The second cathode terminal plate is connected to the second cathode. The resin portion covers the first capacitor element and the second capacitor element. The resin portion exposes the first anode terminal portion, the second anode terminal portion, the first cathode terminal portion, and the second cathode terminal portion. In the first capacitor element, The first anode terminal portion, The first outer lead portion, the first cathode and the first cathode terminal portion is, in the first direction, the first anode terminal portion, The first outer lead portion, the first cathode and the first cathode terminal portion They are arranged in order. In the second capacitor element mentioned above, The second cathode terminal portion, The second cathode, the second outer lead portion And the second anode terminal portion is, in the first direction, the second cathode terminal portion, The second cathode, the second outer lead portion and the second anode terminal They are lined up in order. In a side view from the second direction, the first cathode and the second cathode overlap. In the side view from the second direction, the first outer lead portion overlaps with the second cathode. Furthermore, it does not overlap with the second outer lead portion. In the aforementioned side view, the second outer lead portion overlaps with the first cathode. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] A capacitor according to one aspect of this disclosure can be made smaller and have a lower ESL (Electronic Slip Level). [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a capacitor according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a front view of the same capacitor. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a plan view of the same capacitor. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a bottom view of the same capacitor. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a side view of the same capacitor. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows the same capacitor and is a cross-sectional view taken along the line Y1-Y1 in Figure 3. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows the same capacitor, and is a cross-sectional view taken along the line Y2-Y2 in Figure 3. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows the same capacitor, and is a cross-sectional view taken along the line X1-X1 in Figure 3. [Figure 9] Figures 9A to 9C are explanatory diagrams for the manufacturing method of the capacitors mentioned above. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the capacitor shown above. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a front view of a capacitor according to a modified example 1 of Embodiment 1. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a perspective view of a capacitor according to a modified example 2 of Embodiment 1. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a front view of the same capacitor. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a plan view of a capacitor according to Modification 3 of Embodiment 1. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a bottom view of the same capacitor. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a front view of the same capacitor. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a plan view of a capacitor according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a bottom view of the same capacitor. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a plan view of a capacitor according to Embodiment 3. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a bottom view of the same capacitor. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 illustrates the same capacitor, and is a cross-sectional view taken along line X1-X1 in FIG. 19. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 illustrates the same capacitor, and is a cross-sectional view taken along line X2-X2 in FIG. 19. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 illustrates the same capacitor, and is a cross-sectional view taken along line X3-X3 in FIG. 19. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a bottom view of a capacitor according to Modification 4 of Embodiment 1. [Figure 25] FIG. 25 is a bottom view of a capacitor according to Modification 5 of Embodiment 1. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a bottom view of a capacitor according to Modification 6 of Embodiment 1. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a front view of a capacitor according to Modification 7 of Embodiment 1. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is a front view of a capacitor according to Modification 8 of Embodiment 1. [Figure 29] FIG. 29 is a front view of a capacitor according to Modification 9 of Embodiment 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The figures described in the embodiments below are schematic diagrams, and the ratios of the size and thickness of each component shown in the figures do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratios.

[0012] (Embodiment 1) In the following, the capacitor 10 according to Embodiment 1 will be described based on Figures 1 to 10.

[0013] (1) Overview The capacitor 10 according to Embodiment 1 comprises a first capacitor element 1 and a second capacitor element 2, as shown in Figures 1 to 5. The capacitor 10 is, for example, a surface-mount type electrolytic capacitor and is equipped with a first anode terminal plate 5, a second anode terminal plate 6, a first cathode terminal plate 7, and a second cathode terminal plate 8 as multiple external terminals for mounting on a circuit board such as a motherboard. The first anode terminal plate 5, the second anode terminal plate 6, the first cathode terminal plate 7, and the second cathode terminal plate 8 are joined to the circuit board by solder or the like.

[0014] The first capacitor element 1 is a solid electrolytic capacitor and has a first anode lead 14 and a first cathode 13. The second capacitor element 2 is a solid electrolytic capacitor and has a second anode lead 24 and a second cathode 23. In capacitor 10, the first anode lead 14 of the first capacitor element 1 is connected to the first anode terminal plate 5, and the first cathode 13 of the first capacitor element 1 is connected to the first cathode terminal plate 7. Also in capacitor 10, the second anode lead 24 of the second capacitor element 2 is connected to the second anode terminal plate 6, and the second cathode 23 is connected to the second cathode terminal plate 8. The resin part 9 covers the first capacitor element 1 and the second capacitor element 2. As shown in Figures 6-8, the resin part 9 exposes a portion of the first anode terminal plate 5, a portion of the second anode terminal plate 6, a portion of the first cathode terminal plate 7, and a portion of the second cathode terminal plate 8.

[0015] (2) Details The configuration of the capacitor 10 according to Embodiment 1 will be described in detail with reference to Figures 1 to 10.

[0016] As shown in Figures 1 to 8, the capacitor 10 comprises a first capacitor element 1, a second capacitor element 2, a first anode terminal plate 5, a second anode terminal plate 6, a first cathode terminal plate 7, a second cathode terminal plate 8, and a resin part 9.

[0017] (2.1) First Capacitor Element As shown in Figures 6 and 8, the first capacitor element 1 includes a first anode (first anode body) 11, a first dielectric layer 12, a first solid electrolyte layer 15, a first cathode 13, and a first anode lead 14. Note that the first solid electrolyte layer 15 is not shown in Figures 1 to 5, etc.

[0018] The first anode 11 is electrically conductive. The material of the first anode 11 includes, for example, tantalum. The material of the first anode 11 is not limited to tantalum, but may be, for example, aluminum, niobium, titanium, zirconium, or hafnium, or it may be an alloy containing one or more metals selected from the group consisting of tantalum, aluminum, niobium, titanium, zirconium, and hafnium.

[0019] The first anode 11 is rectangular in shape and has a first end face 111 and a second end face 112 that are separated from each other in a first direction D1, and an outer circumferential surface 113. The outer circumferential surface 113 includes, for example, four side surfaces 113a to 113d (hereinafter also referred to as the first side surface 113a, second side surface 113b, third side surface 113c, and fourth side surface 113d) that connect the outer edge of the first end face 111 and the outer edge of the second end face 112, but does not include the first end face 111 and the second end face 112. The first anode 11 is, for example, a porous body containing a valve metal, and more specifically, a porous sintered body containing tantalum. The first anode 11 is not limited to a porous sintered body, but may also be, for example, a metal foil with a porous surface portion.

[0020] The first dielectric layer 12 covers the first end face 111, the second end face 112, and the outer peripheral surface 113 of the first anode 11. More specifically, the first dielectric layer 12 covers the surface of the porous body constituting the first anode 11. The material of the first dielectric layer 12 includes, for example, tantalum oxide. The first dielectric layer 12 can be formed, for example, by anodic oxidation of the first anode 11. The material of the first dielectric layer 12 is not limited to tantalum oxide, but may be, for example, aluminum oxide, niobium oxide, titanium oxide, zirconium oxide, or hafnium oxide. The first dielectric layer 12 is formed along the surface of the porous body constituting the first anode 11.

[0021] The first solid electrolyte layer 15 covers the first dielectric layer 12. The material of the first solid electrolyte layer 15 includes, for example, a conductive polymer. Examples of conductive polymers that can be used include polypyrrole, polythiophene, polyaniline, and their derivatives. The material of the first solid electrolyte layer 15 is not limited to a conductive polymer; for example, a manganese compound may also be used.

[0022] The first cathode 13 covers the first solid electrolyte layer 15. That is, the first cathode 13 covers the first dielectric layer 12 via the first solid electrolyte layer 15. The first cathode 13 has, for example, a first conductive layer 13b covering the first solid electrolyte layer 15 and a first cathode layer 13c covering the first conductive layer 13b.

[0023] The first conductive layer 13b is, for example, a conductive carbon layer. The conductive carbon layer includes, for example, a conductive carbon material such as graphite.

[0024] The first cathode layer 13c includes, for example, a metal (e.g., silver) and a resin. The first cathode layer 13c is formed using a conductive paste (e.g., silver paste).

[0025] The first cathode 13 has an end face 132 that overlaps with the second end face 112 of the first anode 11 in the first direction D1, and an outer peripheral surface 133. The outer peripheral surface 133 of the first cathode 13 includes a first side surface 133a facing the first cathode terminal plate 7, a second side surface 133b parallel to the first side surface 133a, a third side surface 133c facing the second capacitor element 2, and a fourth side surface 133d parallel to the third side surface 133c. The first side surface 133a is the surface along the first side surface 113a of the first anode 11. The second side surface 133b is the surface along the second side surface 113b of the first anode 11. The third side surface 133c is the surface along the third side surface 113c of the first anode 11. The fourth side surface 133d is the surface along the fourth side surface 113d of the first anode 11.

[0026] The material of the first anode lead 14 is metal. The material of the first anode lead 14 may be the same as the material of the first anode 11, or it may be a different material. The first anode lead 14 has a first inner lead portion 141 embedded in the first anode 11 and a first outer lead portion 142 protruding from the first end face 111 of the first anode 11. The first anode lead 14 is wire-shaped and has a circular cross-section perpendicular to the first direction D1.

[0027] (2.2) Second Capacitor Element As shown in Figures 7 and 8, in the second direction D2, which is perpendicular to the first direction D1, the second capacitor element 2 is adjacent to the first capacitor element 1. In other words, the second capacitor element 2 is positioned to align with the first capacitor element 1 in the second direction D2.

[0028] The second capacitor element 2 includes a second anode (second anode body) 21, a second dielectric layer 22, a second solid electrolyte layer 25, a second cathode 23, and a second anode lead 24. Note that the second solid electrolyte layer 25 is not shown in Figures 1, 3, and 4.

[0029] The second anode 21 is conductive. The material of the second anode 21 is the same as the material of the first anode 11.

[0030] The second anode 21 has a first end face 211 and a second end face 212 that are separated from each other in the first direction D1, and an outer circumferential surface 213. The outer circumferential surface 213 includes, for example, four side surfaces 213a to 213d (hereinafter also referred to as the first side surface 213a, second side surface 213b, third side surface 213c, and fourth side surface 213d) that connect the outer edge of the first end face 211 and the outer edge of the second end face 212, but does not include the first end face 211 and the second end face 212. The second anode 21 is, for example, a porous body containing a valve-acting metal, and more specifically, a porous sintered body containing tantalum. The second anode 21 is not limited to a porous sintered body, and may be, for example, a metal foil with a porous surface portion.

[0031] The second dielectric layer 22 covers the first end face 211, the second end face 212, and the outer peripheral surface 213 of the second anode 21. More specifically, the second dielectric layer 22 covers the surface of the porous material constituting the second anode 21. The material of the second dielectric layer 22 is, for example, the same as the material of the first dielectric layer 12.

[0032] The second solid electrolyte layer 25 covers the second dielectric layer 22. The material of the second solid electrolyte layer 25 is, for example, the same as the material of the first solid electrolyte layer 15.

[0033] The second cathode 23 covers the second solid electrolyte layer 25. In other words, the second cathode 23 covers the second dielectric layer 22 via the second solid electrolyte layer 25. The second cathode 23 has, for example, a second conductive layer 23b covering the second solid electrolyte layer 25 and a second cathode layer 23c covering the second conductive layer 23b.

[0034] The second conductive layer 23b is, for example, a conductive carbon layer. The conductive carbon layer includes, for example, a conductive carbon material such as graphite. The material of the second conductive layer 23b is the same as the material of the first conductive layer 13b.

[0035] The second cathode layer 23c includes, for example, a metal (e.g., silver) and a resin. The second cathode layer 23c is formed using a conductive paste (e.g., silver paste). The material of the second cathode layer 23c is the same as the material of the first cathode layer 13c.

[0036] The second cathode 23 has an end face 232 that overlaps with the second end face 112 of the second anode 21 in the first direction D1, and an outer peripheral surface 233. The outer peripheral surface 233 of the second cathode 23 includes a first side surface 233a facing the second cathode terminal plate 8, a second side surface 233b parallel to the first side surface 233a, a third side surface 233c facing the first capacitor element 1, and a fourth side surface 233d parallel to the third side surface 233c. The first side surface 233a is the surface along the first side surface 213a of the second anode 21. The second side surface 233b is the surface along the second side surface 213b of the second anode 21. The third side surface 233c is the surface along the third side surface 213c of the second anode 21. The fourth side surface 233d is the surface along the fourth side surface 213d of the second anode 21.

[0037] The material of the second anode lead 24 is the same as the material of the first anode lead 14. The second anode lead 24 has a second inner lead portion 241 embedded in the second anode 21 and a second outer lead portion 242 protruding from the first end face 211 of the second anode 21. The second anode lead 24 is wire-shaped and has a circular cross-section perpendicular to the first direction D1.

[0038] (2.3) First anode terminal board, second anode terminal board, first cathode terminal board and second cathode terminal board The material of the first anode terminal plate 5, the second anode terminal plate 6, the first cathode terminal plate 7, and the second cathode terminal plate 8 (see Figures 3 and 4) includes, for example, copper or a copper alloy. The first anode terminal plate 5, the second anode terminal plate 6, the first cathode terminal plate 7, and the second cathode terminal plate 8 have the same thickness. The first anode terminal plate 5, the second anode terminal plate 6, the first cathode terminal plate 7, and the second cathode terminal plate 8 are formed from, for example, a single lead frame, but are not limited to this.

[0039] In capacitor 10, in the first direction D1, the first anode terminal plate 5 and the first cathode terminal plate 7 are arranged in the order of first anode terminal plate 5 and first cathode terminal plate 7. Also in capacitor 10, in the first direction D1, the second cathode terminal plate 8 and the second anode terminal plate 6 are arranged in the order of second cathode terminal plate 8 and second anode terminal plate 6. Also in capacitor 10, in the second direction D2, the first anode terminal plate 5 and the second cathode terminal plate 8 are arranged in the order of first anode terminal plate 5 and second cathode terminal plate 8. Also in capacitor 10, in the second direction D2, the first cathode terminal plate 7 and the second anode terminal plate 6 are arranged in the order of first cathode terminal plate 7 and second anode terminal plate 6.

[0040] The first anode terminal plate 5 is connected to the first outer lead portion 142 of the first anode lead 14. The first anode terminal plate 5 is, for example, L-shaped and has a first anode terminal portion 51 arranged along the lower surface 91 of the resin portion 9, and a first rising portion 52 projecting in a third direction D3 toward the first outer lead portion 142 of the first anode lead 14 from the first anode terminal portion 51. The first anode terminal portion 51 is exposed from the lower surface 91 of the resin portion 9. A first positioning groove 52b is formed at the tip 52a of the first rising portion 52, into which a part of the first outer lead portion 142 fits. The first rising portion 52 and the first outer lead portion 142 of the first anode lead 14 are connected, for example, by welding.

[0041] The second anode terminal plate 6 is connected to the second outer lead portion 242 of the second anode lead 24. The second anode terminal plate 6 is, for example, L-shaped and has a second anode terminal portion 61 arranged along the lower surface 91 of the resin portion 9, and a second rising portion 62 projecting in a third direction D3 toward the second outer lead portion 242 of the second anode lead 24 from the second anode terminal portion 61. The second anode terminal portion 61 is exposed from the lower surface 91 of the resin portion 9. A second positioning groove 62b is formed at the tip 62a of the second rising portion 62, into which a part of the second outer lead portion 242 fits. The second rising portion 62 and the second outer lead portion 242 of the second anode lead 24 are connected, for example, by welding.

[0042] The first cathode terminal plate 7 is electrically connected to the first cathode 13 of the first capacitor element 1. The first cathode terminal plate 7 has a first cathode terminal portion 71, a first mounting portion 72, and a first protruding portion 73.

[0043] The first cathode terminal portion 71 is positioned along the lower surface 91 of the resin portion 9 and is exposed from the lower surface 91 of the resin portion 9. The first cathode terminal portion 71 is, for example, rectangular in shape when viewed from above, but is not limited to this.

[0044] The first mounting portion 72 extends in the direction opposite to the first direction D1 from the tip of the first stepped portion 75, which protrudes diagonally upward from the first cathode terminal portion 71. The first mounting portion 72 is located between the lower surface 91 of the resin portion 9 and the first cathode 13 of the first capacitor element 1 in the third direction D3. The first mounting portion 72 is separated from the lower surface 91 of the resin portion 9 and the first cathode 13 of the first capacitor element 1. The first mounting portion 72 is, for example, rectangular in shape in plan view. In the first direction D1, the length of the first mounting portion 72 is shorter than the length of the first cathode 13 of the first capacitor element 1. In the third direction D3, which is perpendicular to the first direction D1 and the second direction D2, the first mounting portion 72 overlaps the first cathode 13, and the first capacitor element 1 is mounted on it. The capacitor 10 further comprises a first bonding portion (adhesive layer) 19 interposed between the first cathode 13 of the first capacitor element 1 and the first mounting portion 72. The first bonding portion 19 is conductive. The first bonding portion 19 includes, for example, a metal (e.g., silver) and a resin. The first bonding portion 19 is formed using, for example, a conductive paste (e.g., silver paste).

[0045] The first protrusion 73 protrudes from the first mounting portion 72 in a third direction D3 and is located between the first cathode 13 and the second cathode 23. The first protrusion 73 functions as a positioning portion for the first capacitor element 1 in a second direction D2. In the capacitor 10, the first protrusion 73 and the third side surface 133c of the first cathode 13 of the first capacitor element 1 are in contact, but the first junction 19 may extend between the first protrusion 73 and the third side surface 133c of the first cathode 13 of the first capacitor element 1. Also, in the capacitor 10, the first protrusion 73 and the third side surface 233c of the second cathode 23 of the second capacitor element 2 are separated from each other and are not in contact.

[0046] The second cathode terminal plate 8 is electrically connected to the second cathode 23 of the second capacitor element 2. The second cathode terminal plate 8 has a second cathode terminal portion 81, a second mounting portion 82, and a second protruding portion 83.

[0047] The second cathode terminal portion 81 is positioned along the lower surface 91 of the resin portion 9 and is exposed from the lower surface 91 of the resin portion 9. The second cathode terminal portion 81 is, for example, rectangular in shape when viewed from above, but is not limited to this.

[0048] The second mounting portion 82 extends in the first direction D1 from the tip of the second stepped portion 85, which protrudes diagonally upward from the second cathode terminal portion 81. In the third direction D3, the second mounting portion 82 is located between the lower surface 91 of the resin portion 9 and the second cathode 23 of the second capacitor element 2. The second mounting portion 82 is separated from the lower surface 91 of the resin portion 9 and the second cathode 23 of the second capacitor element 2. The second mounting portion 82 is, for example, rectangular in shape in plan view. In the first direction D1, the length of the second mounting portion 82 is shorter than the length of the second cathode 23 of the second capacitor element 2. In the third direction D3, the second mounting portion 82 overlaps the second cathode 23, and the second capacitor element 2 is mounted on it. The capacitor 10 further includes a second bonding portion (adhesive layer) 29 interposed between the second cathode 23 of the second capacitor element 2 and the second mounting portion 82. The second bonding portion 29 is conductive. The second joint 29 includes, for example, a metal (e.g., silver) and a resin. The second joint 29 is formed using, for example, a conductive paste (e.g., silver paste).

[0049] The second protrusion 83 protrudes from the second mounting portion 82 in the third direction D3 and is located between the second cathode 23 and the first cathode 13. The second protrusion 83 functions as a positioning portion for the second capacitor element 2 in the second direction D2. In the capacitor 10, the second protrusion 83 and the third side surface 233c of the second cathode 23 of the second capacitor element 2 are in contact, but the second junction 29 may extend between the second protrusion 83 and the third side surface 233c of the second cathode 23 of the second capacitor element 2. Also, in the capacitor 10, the second protrusion 83 and the third side surface 133c of the first cathode 13 of the first capacitor element 1 are separated from each other and are not in contact.

[0050] In capacitor 10, the lower surfaces of the first anode terminal portion 51, the second anode terminal portion 61, the first cathode terminal portion 71, and the second cathode terminal portion 81 are located on the same plane.

[0051] In the capacitor 10 according to Embodiment 1, the first cathode terminal plate 7 and the second cathode terminal plate 8 are integrated. In other words, in the capacitor 10 according to Embodiment 1, the first cathode terminal plate 7 and the second cathode terminal plate 8 are integrally formed by a single conductive plate. That is, in the capacitor 10 according to Embodiment 1, the first cathode terminal plate 7 and the second cathode terminal plate 8 are connected without the need for separate components.

[0052] The first anode terminal plate 5 and the second anode terminal plate 6 are positioned apart from each other and are electrically insulated from each other.

[0053] (2.4) Resin part As shown in Figures 6-8, the resin part 9 covers the first capacitor element 1 and the second capacitor element 2. The resin part 9 also covers the first rising portion 52 of the first anode terminal plate 5, the second rising portion 62 of the second anode terminal plate 6, the first mounting portion 72 and the first protruding portion 73 of the first cathode terminal plate 7, and the second mounting portion 82 and the second protruding portion 83 of the second cathode terminal plate 8.

[0054] The resin part 9 is a molded part that is roughly rectangular in shape. The resin part 9 has a bottom surface 91, an top surface 92, a first side surface 93, a second side surface 94, a third side surface 95, and a fourth side surface 96. The bottom surface 91 and top surface 92 of the resin part 9 are located on opposite sides of each other when viewed from the first capacitor element 1 and the second capacitor element 2 in the third direction D3. The bottom surface 91 and top surface 92 of the resin part 9 intersect the third direction D3. The first side surface 93 and the second side surface 94 of the resin part 9 are located on opposite sides of each other when viewed from the first capacitor element 1 and the second capacitor element 2 in the first direction D1. The third side surface 95 and the fourth side surface 96 of the resin part 9 are located on opposite sides of each other when viewed from the first capacitor element 1 and the second capacitor element 2 in the second direction D2. The resin part 9 may have angles between the first side surface 93, the second side surface 94, the third side surface 95, and the fourth side surface 96 and the bottom surface 91 that are less than 90 degrees, taking into consideration the release properties during the molding process of the resin part 9.

[0055] The resin part 9 has its first anode terminal 51, second anode terminal 61, first cathode terminal 71, and second cathode terminal 81 exposed on its lower surface 91.

[0056] The resin part 9 has electrical insulating properties. The material of the resin part 9 includes a resin (for example, epoxy resin). The resin part 9 may also contain a filler in addition to the resin. The resin is not limited to epoxy resin, but may also be, for example, phenolic resin, urea resin, polyimide, polyamide-imide, polyurethane, diallyl phthalate, unsaturated polyester, polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), etc. As a filler, for example, insulating particles and / or fibers are preferred. Examples of insulating materials constituting the filler include insulating compounds (oxides, etc.) such as silica and alumina, glass, mineral materials (talc, mica, clay, etc.). The resin part 9 may contain one of these fillers, or two or more.

[0057] (3) Capacitor manufacturing method After preparing the first capacitor element 1 and the second capacitor element 2, the first, second, and third steps are performed in order. The first anode 11, first dielectric layer 12, first solid electrolyte layer 15, first cathode 13, and first anode lead 14 of the first capacitor element 1 and the second anode 21, second dielectric layer 22, second solid electrolyte layer 25, second cathode 23, and second anode lead 24 of the second capacitor element 2 are made of the same material. In addition, the first anode 11, first dielectric layer 12, first solid electrolyte layer 15, first cathode 13, and first anode lead 14 of the first capacitor element 1 and the second anode 21, second dielectric layer 22, second solid electrolyte layer 25, second cathode 23, and second anode lead 24 of the second capacitor element 2 are made of the same material. The dimensions of the components of the first capacitor element 1 and the second capacitor element 2 that have the same function are not limited to being exactly the same; it is sufficient if the dimensions of the components of the second capacitor element 2 are between 90% and 110% of the dimensions of the components of the first capacitor element 1.

[0058] In the first step, conductive pastes 19a and 29a are applied to the first mounting portion 72 of the first cathode terminal plate 7 and the second mounting portion 82 of the second cathode terminal plate 8, respectively (see Figure 9A).

[0059] In the second step, the second outer lead portion 242 of the second anode lead 24 of the second capacitor element 2 is placed on the second positioning groove 62b at the tip 62a of the second rising portion 62 of the second anode terminal plate 6, and the second capacitor element 2 is placed on the conductive paste 29a on the second mounting portion 82 (see Figure 9B). Also in the second step, the first outer lead portion 142 of the first anode lead 14 of the first capacitor element 1 is placed on the first positioning groove 52b at the tip 52a of the first rising portion 52 of the first anode terminal plate 5, and the first capacitor element 1 is placed on the conductive paste 19a on the first mounting portion 72 (see Figure 9B). In the second step, the first joint portion 19 is formed by hardening the conductive paste 19a, and the second joint portion 29 is formed by hardening the conductive paste 29a.

[0060] In the third step, the welding electrode is brought into contact with the first outer lead portion 142, and a current is passed through it while applying a predetermined pressing force from above, thereby welding the first outer lead portion 142 to the first rising portion 52 of the first anode terminal plate 5 (see Figure 9C). This mechanically and electrically connects the first outer lead portion 142 to the first rising portion 52 of the first anode terminal plate 5. In the third step, the welding electrode is brought into contact with the second outer lead portion 242, and a current is passed through it while applying a predetermined pressing force from above, thereby welding the second outer lead portion 242 to the second rising portion 62 of the second anode terminal plate 6 (see Figure 9C). This mechanically and electrically connects the second outer lead portion 242 to the second rising portion 62 of the second anode terminal plate 6.

[0061] (4) Summary The capacitor 10 according to Embodiment 1 comprises a first capacitor element 1, a second capacitor element 2, a first anode terminal plate 5, a second anode terminal plate 6, a first cathode terminal plate 7, a second cathode terminal plate 8, and a resin part 9. The first capacitor element 1 includes a first anode 11, a first dielectric layer 12, a first cathode 13, and a first anode lead 14. The first anode 11 has a first end face 111 and a second end face 112, and an outer peripheral surface 113, which are separated from each other in a first direction D1. The first dielectric layer 12 covers the first end face 111, the second end face 112, and the outer peripheral surface 113 of the first anode 11. The first cathode 13 covers the first dielectric layer 12. The first anode lead 14 has a first outer lead portion 142 that protrudes from the first end face 111 of the first anode 11. The second capacitor element 2 is adjacent to the first capacitor element 1 in a second direction D2 that is perpendicular to the first direction D1. The second capacitor element 2 includes a second anode 21, a second dielectric layer 22, a second cathode 23, and a second anode lead 24. The second anode 21 has a first end face 211 and a second end face 212, and an outer circumferential surface 213, which are separated from each other in the first direction D1. The second dielectric layer 22 covers the first end face 211, the second end face 212, and the outer circumferential surface 213 of the second anode 21. The second cathode 23 covers the second dielectric layer 22. The second anode lead 24 has a second outer lead portion 242 that protrudes from the first end face 211 of the second anode 21. The first anode terminal plate 5 has a first anode terminal portion 51. The first anode terminal plate 5 is connected to the first outer lead portion 142. The second anode terminal plate 6 has a second anode terminal portion 61. The second anode terminal plate 6 is connected to the second outer lead portion 242. The first cathode terminal plate 7 has a first cathode terminal portion 71. The first cathode terminal plate 7 is connected to the first cathode 13. The second cathode terminal plate 8 has a second cathode terminal portion 81. The second cathode terminal plate 8 is connected to the second cathode 23. The resin portion 9 covers the first capacitor element 1 and the second capacitor element 2. The resin portion 9 exposes the first anode terminal portion 51, the second anode terminal portion 61, the first cathode terminal portion 71, and the second cathode terminal portion 81. In the first capacitor element 1, in the first direction D1, the first outer lead portion 142 and the first cathode 13 are arranged in the order of first outer lead portion 142 and first cathode 13.In the second capacitor element 2, in the first direction D1, the second cathode 23 and the second outer lead portion 242 are arranged in the order of second cathode 23 and second outer lead portion 242. In a side view from the second direction D2, the first outer lead portion 142 overlaps with the second cathode 23. In a side view, the second outer lead portion 242 overlaps with the first cathode 13.

[0062] The capacitor 10 according to Embodiment 1 makes it possible to achieve low ESL (Equivalent Series Inductance) and miniaturization. More specifically, in the capacitor 10 according to Embodiment 1, the first outer lead portion 142 and the first cathode 13 of the first capacitor element 1 are arranged in the order of first outer lead portion 142 and first cathode 13, and the second cathode 23 and the second outer lead portion 242 of the second capacitor element 2 are arranged in the order of second cathode 23 and second outer lead portion 242. As a result, in the capacitor 10 according to Embodiment 1, the direction of the current flowing from the first cathode terminal portion 71 to the first anode terminal portion 51 in the first capacitor element 1 and the direction of the current flowing from the second cathode terminal portion 81 to the second anode terminal portion 61 in the second capacitor element 2 are opposite. Therefore, in the capacitor 10 according to Embodiment 1, the magnetic field generated by the current flowing through the first capacitor element 1 and the magnetic field generated by the current flowing through the second capacitor element 2 cancel each other out, so that the magnetic flux generated in the first capacitor element 1 and the second capacitor element 2 is reduced. As a result, the capacitor 10 according to Embodiment 1 can reduce ESL (Equivalent Series Inductance) and achieve low impedance. In addition, in the capacitor 10 according to Embodiment 1, in a side view from the second direction D2, the first outer lead portion 142 overlaps with the second cathode 23, and in a side view, the second outer lead portion 242 overlaps with the first cathode 13, so that the dead space where neither the first capacitor element 1 nor the second capacitor element 2 is located can be reduced, and miniaturization can be achieved. As a result, the capacitor 10 according to Embodiment 1 can have a larger capacitance per unit volume. Furthermore, the capacitor 10 according to Embodiment 1 can form a current path from the first anode terminal 51 to the second cathode terminal 81, and can also shorten the current path from the second anode terminal 61 to the first cathode terminal 71. By simultaneously achieving the effect of shortening the current path, it is possible to further reduce ESL.Figure 10 illustrates, with arrows, the current I12 flowing through the current path from the first anode terminal 51 to the second cathode terminal 81, and the current I21 flowing through the current path from the second anode terminal 61 to the first cathode terminal 71.

[0063] Furthermore, in the capacitor 10 according to Embodiment 1, the first anode terminal portion 51, the first outer lead portion 142, the first cathode 13, and the first cathode terminal portion 71 are arranged in the order of first anode terminal portion 51, first outer lead portion 142, first cathode 13, and first cathode terminal portion 71 in the first direction D1. Furthermore, in the capacitor 10 according to Embodiment 1, the second cathode terminal portion 81, the second cathode 23, the second outer lead portion 242, and the second anode terminal portion 61 are arranged in the order of second cathode terminal portion 81, second cathode 23, second outer lead portion 242, and second anode terminal portion 61 in the first direction D1. As a result, in the capacitor 10 according to Embodiment 1, as shown in Figure 10, the first current I1 flowing from the first anode terminal 51 to the first cathode terminal 71 is in the direction along the first direction D1, and the second current I2 flowing from the second anode terminal 61 to the second cathode terminal 81 is in the direction opposite to the first direction D1. Therefore, the cancellation effect between the magnetic field generated by the first current I1 and the magnetic field generated by the second current I2 can be enhanced, and the ESL can be further reduced.

[0064] Furthermore, since the capacitor 10 according to Embodiment 1 has a first cathode terminal plate 7 and a second cathode terminal plate 8 integrated into one unit, it is possible to connect the first capacitor element 1 and the second capacitor element 2 in parallel by connecting the first anode terminal portion 51 and the second anode terminal portion 61 on a motherboard, for example.

[0065] Furthermore, in the capacitor 10 according to Embodiment 1, the first anode terminal portion 51 and the second anode terminal portion 61 are arranged along the lower surface 91 of the resin portion 9. The first anode terminal plate 5 has a first rising portion 52 that protrudes from the first anode terminal portion 51 toward the first outer lead portion 142, and the second anode terminal plate 6 has a second rising portion 62 that protrudes from the second anode terminal portion 61 toward the second outer lead portion 242. A first positioning groove 52b is formed at the tip 52a of the first rising portion 52 into which a part of the first outer lead portion 142 fits, and a second positioning groove 62b is formed at the tip 62a of the second rising portion 62 into which a part of the second outer lead portion 242 fits. As a result, the capacitor 10 according to Embodiment 1 can improve the positional accuracy of the first outer lead portion 142 of the first anode lead 14 and the second outer lead portion 242 of the second anode lead 24, and can improve the accuracy of the ESL.

[0066] Furthermore, in the capacitor 10 according to Embodiment 1, the positional accuracy of the first capacitor element 1 can be improved by having a first projection 73 on the first cathode terminal plate 7, and the positional accuracy of the second capacitor element 2 can be improved by having a second projection 83 on the second cathode terminal plate 8. As a result, the capacitor 10 according to Embodiment 1 can reduce the variation in the distance between the first capacitor element 1 and the second capacitor element 2 in the second direction D2, and can increase the parallelism between the first capacitor element 1 and the second capacitor element 2, thereby improving the accuracy of the ESL.

[0067] (5) Modified form of Embodiment 1 (5.1) Variation 1 The capacitor 10 according to the modified example 1 differs from the capacitor 10 according to embodiment 1 in that, as shown in Figure 11, the first cathode terminal plate 7 further has a third protrusion 74, and the second cathode terminal plate 8 further has a fourth protrusion 84.

[0068] The third protrusion 74 protrudes from the first mounting portion 72 in a third direction D3 and faces the first protrusion 73 with the first capacitor element 1 in between. The third protrusion 74 and the first protrusion 73 face each other in a second direction D2. The third protrusion 74 and the first protrusion 73 function as two first positioning pieces that limit the arrangement range of the first capacitor element 1 in the second direction D2. In the capacitor 10 according to Modification 1, the third protrusion 74 and the fourth side surface 133d of the first cathode 13 of the first capacitor element 1 may be in contact, or a first junction 19 may extend between the third protrusion 74 and the fourth side surface 133d of the first cathode 13 of the first capacitor element 1.

[0069] The fourth protrusion 84 protrudes from the second mounting portion 82 in the third direction D3 and faces the second protrusion 83 with the second capacitor element 2 in between. The fourth protrusion 84 and the second protrusion 83 face each other in the second direction D2. The fourth protrusion 84 and the second protrusion 83 function as two second positioning pieces that limit the arrangement range of the second capacitor element 2 in the second direction D2. In the capacitor 10 according to the modified example 1, the fourth protrusion 84 and the fourth side surface 233d of the second cathode 23 of the second capacitor element 2 may be in contact, or a second junction 29 may extend between the fourth protrusion 84 and the fourth side surface 233d of the second cathode 23 of the second capacitor element 2.

[0070] In the capacitor 10 according to Modified Example 1, the first cathode terminal plate 7 further has a third protrusion 74, which makes it possible to improve the positional accuracy of the first capacitor element 1 in the second direction D2. Furthermore, in the capacitor 10 according to Modified Example 1, the second cathode terminal plate 8 further has a fourth protrusion 84, which makes it possible to improve the positional accuracy of the second capacitor element 2 in the second direction D2. Therefore, the capacitor 10 according to Modified Example 1 makes it possible to improve the accuracy of the distance between the first capacitor element 1 and the second capacitor element 2 in the second direction D2, and thus improve the accuracy of the ESL.

[0071] (5.2) Variation 2 The capacitor 10 according to the modified example 2 differs from the capacitor 10 according to embodiment 1 in that, as shown in Figures 12 and 13, it further comprises a conductive portion 98 interposed between the first cathode 13 of the first capacitor element 1 and the second cathode 23 of the second capacitor element 2. The conductive portion 98 is interposed between the third side surface 133c of the first cathode 13 and the third side surface 233c of the second cathode 23. The conductive portion 98 is conductive. The conductive portion 98 electrically connects the first cathode 13 and the second cathode 23. The conductive portion 98 includes, for example, a metal (e.g., silver) and a resin. The conductive portion 98 is formed using a conductive paste (e.g., silver paste).

[0072] The capacitor 10 according to the modified example 2 includes a conductive part 98, which makes it possible to further reduce the ESL and achieve even lower impedance.

[0073] (5.3) Modification 3 The capacitor 10 according to the modified example 3 differs from the capacitor 10 according to embodiment 1 in that, as shown in Figures 14 to 16, it further comprises a third capacitor element 3, a fourth capacitor element 4, a third anode terminal plate 50, a fourth anode terminal plate 60, a third cathode terminal plate 70, and a fourth cathode terminal plate 80.

[0074] In the capacitor 10 according to modified example 3, in the second direction D2, the first capacitor element 1, the second capacitor element 2, the third capacitor element 3, and the fourth capacitor element 4 are arranged in the order of first capacitor element 1, second capacitor element 2, third capacitor element 3, and fourth capacitor element 4.

[0075] The third capacitor element 3 includes a third anode (not shown), a third dielectric layer 32, a third solid electrolyte layer (not shown), a third cathode 33, and a third anode lead 34. The third anode 31, third dielectric layer 32, third solid electrolyte layer, third cathode 33, and third anode lead 34 of the third capacitor element 3 are made of the same material as the first anode 11 (see Figures 6 and 8), first dielectric layer 12, first solid electrolyte layer 15, first cathode 13, and first anode lead 14 of the first capacitor element 1. Furthermore, the dimensions of the third anode, third dielectric layer 32, third solid electrolyte layer, third cathode 33, and third anode lead 34 of the third capacitor element 3 are the same as the dimensions of the first anode 11, first dielectric layer 12, first solid electrolyte layer, first cathode 13, and first anode lead 14 of the first capacitor element 1. The dimensions of components that have the same function in the third capacitor element 3 and the first capacitor element 1 are not limited to being exactly the same; it is sufficient if the dimensions of the components of the third capacitor element 3 are 90% or more and 110% or less of the dimensions of the components of the first capacitor element 1.

[0076] The fourth capacitor element 4 includes a fourth anode (not shown), a fourth dielectric layer 42, a fourth solid electrolyte layer (not shown), a fourth cathode 43, and a fourth anode lead 44. The fourth anode, fourth dielectric layer 42, fourth solid electrolyte layer, fourth cathode 43, and fourth anode lead 44 of the fourth capacitor element 4 are made of the same material as the first anode 11, first dielectric layer 12, first solid electrolyte layer 15, first cathode 13, and first anode lead 14 of the first capacitor element 1. Furthermore, the fourth anode, fourth dielectric layer 42, fourth solid electrolyte layer, fourth cathode 43, and fourth anode lead 44 of the fourth capacitor element 4 are made of the same material as the first anode 11, first dielectric layer 12, first solid electrolyte layer 15, first cathode 13, and first anode lead 14 of the first capacitor element 1. The dimensions of components that have the same function in the fourth capacitor element 4 and the first capacitor element 1 are not limited to being exactly the same; it is sufficient if the dimensions of the components of the fourth capacitor element 4 are 90% or more and 110% or less of the dimensions of the components of the first capacitor element 1.

[0077] The third anode terminal plate 50 has a third anode terminal portion 501 arranged along the lower surface 91 of the resin portion 9, and a third rising portion 502 that protrudes from the third anode terminal portion 501 in a third direction D3, to which the third outer lead portion 342 of the third anode lead 34 is connected. The third anode terminal portion 501 and the third rising portion 502 of the third anode terminal plate 50 have the same shape as the first anode terminal portion 51 and the first rising portion 52 of the first anode terminal plate 5, respectively.

[0078] The fourth anode terminal plate 60 has a fourth anode terminal portion 601 arranged along the lower surface 91 of the resin portion 9, and a fourth rising portion 602 that protrudes from the fourth anode terminal portion 601 in the third direction D3, to which the fourth outer lead portion 442 of the fourth anode lead 44 is connected. The fourth anode terminal portion 601 and the fourth rising portion 602 of the fourth anode terminal plate 60 have the same shape as the second anode terminal portion 61 and the second rising portion 62 of the second anode terminal plate 6, respectively.

[0079] The third cathode terminal plate 70 has a third cathode terminal portion 701 arranged along the lower surface 91 of the resin portion 9, and a third mounting portion 702 to which the third cathode 33 of the third capacitor element 3 is joined via a third junction portion 39.

[0080] The fourth cathode terminal plate 80 has a fourth cathode terminal portion 801 arranged along the lower surface 91 of the resin portion 9, and a fourth mounting portion 802 to which the fourth cathode 43 of the fourth capacitor element 4 is joined via a fourth junction portion 49.

[0081] In the capacitor 10 according to modified example 3, the resin part 9 covers the first capacitor element 1, the second capacitor element 2, the third capacitor element 3, and the fourth capacitor element 4. The resin part 9 also covers the first rising portion 52 of the first anode terminal plate 5, the second rising portion 62 of the second anode terminal plate 6, the third rising portion 502 of the third anode terminal plate 50, the fourth rising portion 602 of the fourth anode terminal plate 60, the first mounting portion 72 of the first cathode terminal plate 7, the second mounting portion 82 of the second cathode terminal plate 8, the third mounting portion 702 of the third cathode terminal plate 70, and the fourth mounting portion 802 of the fourth cathode terminal plate 80.

[0082] The resin part 9 has the first anode terminal 51, second anode terminal 61, third anode terminal 501, fourth anode terminal 601, first cathode terminal 71, second cathode terminal 81, third cathode terminal 701, and fourth cathode terminal 801 exposed on its lower surface 91.

[0083] In the third capacitor element 3, in the first direction D1, the third outer lead portion 342 and the third cathode 33 are arranged in the order of third outer lead portion 342 and third cathode 33. In the fourth capacitor element 4, in the first direction D1, the fourth cathode 43 and the fourth outer lead portion 442 are arranged in the order of fourth cathode 43 and fourth outer lead portion 442. In a side view from the second direction D2, the third outer lead portion 342 overlaps with the fourth cathode 43. In a side view, the fourth outer lead portion 442 overlaps with the third cathode 33.

[0084] In the capacitor 10 according to Modification 3, the first cathode terminal plate 7 and the second cathode terminal plate 8 are integrated, so for example, by connecting the first anode terminal portion 51 and the second anode terminal portion 61 on the motherboard, it becomes possible to connect the first capacitor element 1 and the second capacitor element 2 in parallel. Also, in the capacitor 10 according to Modification 3, the third cathode terminal plate 70 and the fourth cathode terminal plate 80 are integrated, so for example, by connecting the third anode terminal portion 501 and the fourth anode terminal portion 601 on the motherboard, it becomes possible to connect the third capacitor element 3 and the fourth capacitor element 4 in parallel.

[0085] (Embodiment 2) Capacitor 10A according to Embodiment 2 will be described with reference to Figures 17 and 18. With respect to capacitor 10A according to Embodiment 2, components similar to those of capacitor 10 according to Embodiment 1 (see Figures 1 to 8) are denoted by the same reference numerals and their description is omitted.

[0086] In the capacitor 10A according to Embodiment 2, the second cathode terminal plate 8 is a separate conductive plate from the first cathode terminal plate 7. In the capacitor 10A according to Embodiment 2, the first anode terminal plate 5, the second anode terminal plate 6, the first cathode terminal plate 7, and the second cathode terminal plate 8 are formed from, for example, a single lead frame, but are not limited to this.

[0087] In capacitor 10A, the second mounting portion 82 of the second cathode terminal plate 8 and the first mounting portion 72 of the first cathode terminal plate 7 are separated in the second direction D2, and a part of the resin portion 9 is interposed between the second mounting portion 82 and the first mounting portion 72. Therefore, the first cathode terminal plate 7 and the second cathode terminal plate 8 are electrically insulated from each other in capacitor 10A.

[0088] The capacitor 10A according to Embodiment 2 allows the user to choose whether to use it in a first form, where the first cathode terminal board 7 and the second cathode terminal board 8 are connected on the motherboard, or in a second form, where the first cathode terminal board 7 and the second cathode terminal board 8 are not connected on the motherboard, when the capacitor 10A is mounted and used on a motherboard, for example.

[0089] (Embodiment 3) The capacitor 10B according to Embodiment 3 will be described with reference to Figures 19 to 23. With respect to the capacitor 10B according to Embodiment 3, components that are the same as those of the capacitor 10 according to Embodiment 1 (see Figures 1 to 8) are denoted by the same reference numerals and their description is omitted.

[0090] In capacitor 10B, the first anode terminal plate 5 and the second anode terminal plate 6 are integrated, and the first cathode terminal plate 7 and the second cathode terminal plate 8 are integrated.

[0091] Furthermore, in capacitor 10B, the first anode terminal portion 51 of the first anode terminal board 5 and the second anode terminal portion 61 of the second anode terminal board 6 are combined into one anode terminal portion, and the first cathode terminal portion 71 of the first cathode terminal board 7 and the second cathode terminal portion 81 of the second cathode terminal board 8 are combined into one cathode terminal portion. Therefore, in capacitor 10B, the first anode terminal portion 51 and the second anode terminal portion 61 are a common anode terminal portion, and the first cathode terminal portion 71 and the second cathode terminal portion 81 are a common cathode terminal portion. In capacitor 10B, one anode terminal portion connects the first rising portion 52 and the second rising portion 62. In capacitor 10B, the second cathode terminal portion 81 also serves as the first cathode terminal portion 71. Therefore, capacitor 10B is a two-terminal capacitor that includes one anode terminal and one cathode terminal, serving as multiple external terminals for mounting on a circuit board such as a motherboard.

[0092] In capacitor 10B, one anode terminal and one cathode terminal are located apart in the second direction D2. In the first direction D1, the length of one anode terminal is the same as the length of one cathode terminal.

[0093] In the capacitor 10B according to Embodiment 3, the first outer lead portion 142 and the first cathode 13 of the first capacitor element 1 are arranged in the order of first outer lead portion 142 and first cathode 13 in the first direction D1, and the second cathode 23 and the second outer lead portion 242 of the second capacitor element 2 are arranged in the order of second cathode 23 and second outer lead portion 242 in the first direction D1. As a result, in the capacitor 10B according to Embodiment 3, the direction of the current flowing from the first cathode terminal portion 71 to the first anode terminal portion 51 in the first capacitor element 1 and the direction of the current flowing from the second cathode terminal portion 81 to the second anode terminal portion 61 in the second capacitor element 2 are opposite. Therefore, in the capacitor 10B according to Embodiment 3, the magnetic field generated by the current flowing through the first capacitor element 1 and the magnetic field generated by the current flowing through the second capacitor element 2 cancel each other out, so that the magnetic flux generated in the first capacitor element 1 and the second capacitor element 2 is reduced. As a result, the capacitor 10B according to Embodiment 3 can reduce ESL and achieve low impedance. In addition, in the capacitor 10B according to Embodiment 3, in a side view from the second direction D2, the first outer lead portion 142 overlaps with the second cathode 23, and in a side view, the second outer lead portion 242 overlaps with the first cathode 13, so that the dead space where neither the first capacitor element 1 nor the second capacitor element 2 is located can be reduced, and miniaturization can be achieved. As a result, the capacitor 10B according to Embodiment 3 can have a larger capacitance per unit volume.

[0094] Furthermore, the capacitor 10B according to Embodiment 3 has a first capacitor element 1 and a second capacitor element 2 connected in parallel, and has a two-terminal structure similar to a general-purpose capacitor, which improves usability.

[0095] (Other variations) The embodiments described above (1-3, etc.) are merely one of many embodiments of this disclosure. These embodiments (1-3, etc.) can be modified in various ways depending on the design, etc., as long as the objectives of this disclosure are achieved.

[0096] For example, in the capacitor 10 according to Embodiment 1, the shapes of the first anode terminal plate 5, the second anode terminal plate 6, the first cathode terminal plate 7, and the second cathode terminal plate 8 may be different shapes.

[0097] For example, in another example of the capacitor 10 according to Embodiment 1, there is a portion connecting the first cathode terminal plate 7 and the second cathode terminal plate 8, and this portion and the first cathode terminal plate 7 and the second cathode terminal plate 8 are integral, and this portion and the first cathode terminal plate 7 and the second cathode terminal plate 8 may be formed from a single lead frame.

[0098] Furthermore, the first anode terminal plate 5 and the second anode terminal plate 6 may be shaped to overlap both the first capacitor element 1 and the second capacitor element 2 in a plan view from the third direction D3, as in any of the modified examples 4 shown in Figure 24, 5 shown in Figure 25, or 6 shown in Figure 26. In Figures 24 to 26, the impedance of both the first anode terminal plate 5 and the second anode terminal plate 6 can be reduced. In the capacitor 10 according to modified example 5 shown in Figure 25, the lengths of the first cathode terminal plate 7 and the second cathode terminal plate 8 in the first direction D1 are longer than the lengths of the first cathode terminal plate 7 and the second cathode terminal plate 8 in the capacitor 10 according to modified example 4 shown in Figure 24, thereby reducing the impedance between the first cathode terminal plate 7 and the second cathode terminal plate 8. Also, in the capacitor 10 according to modified example 5 shown in Figure 25 and the capacitor 10 according to modified example 6 shown in Figure 26, the first cathode terminal plate 7 and the second cathode terminal plate 8 are symmetrical with respect to a center line perpendicular to the second direction D2. Figures 24-26 show the shape of the first cathode terminal plate 7 before the portion that becomes the first protrusion 73 is bent, and the shape of the second cathode terminal plate 8 before the portion that becomes the second protrusion 83 is bent.

[0099] Furthermore, the first anode terminal plate 5 may have a shape that does not have a first rising portion 52. In this case, for example, it is sufficient to have a first connecting member that connects the first anode terminal portion 51 and the first outer lead portion 142 of the first anode terminal plate 5. The first connecting member is conductive. The first connecting member may be formed using a conductive paste, for example, or it may be a first metal plate joined to the first anode terminal portion 51.

[0100] Furthermore, the second anode terminal plate 6 may have a shape that does not have a second rising portion 62. In this case, for example, it is sufficient to have a second connecting member that connects the second anode terminal portion 61 of the second anode terminal plate 6 to the second outer lead portion 242. The second connecting member is conductive. The second connecting member may be formed using a conductive paste, for example, or it may be a second metal plate joined to the second anode terminal portion 61.

[0101] Furthermore, in the capacitor 10 according to Embodiment 1, the first outer lead portion 142 is located at the center of the first capacitor element 1 in the third direction D3, and the second outer lead portion 242 is located at the center of the second capacitor element 2 in the third direction D3, but this is not limited to this. For example, as in the capacitor 10 according to Modification 7 shown in Figure 27, the first outer lead portion 142 may be located at the lower end of the first capacitor element 1 in the third direction D3, and the second outer lead portion 242 may be located at the lower end of the second capacitor element 2 in the third direction D3. In the capacitor 10 according to Modification 7, for example, when mounted on a circuit board such as a motherboard, the distance between the first outer lead portion 142 and the circuit board can be shortened compared to Embodiment 1, and the distance between the second outer lead portion 242 and the circuit board can be shortened compared to Embodiment 1, so the current path is shortened and the ESL can be further reduced.

[0102] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 28 for the modified example 8 and Figure 29 for the modified example 9, the first outer lead portion 142 and the second outer lead portion 242 may have a rectangular shape when viewed from the front in the first direction D1. In other words, the first anode lead 14 and the second anode lead 24 are not limited to a wire shape, but may also have a plate shape, foil shape, or rectangular prism shape.

[0103] Furthermore, in the capacitor 10 according to Embodiment 1, the first cathode terminal plate 7 has a first protrusion 73, but it is not limited to this configuration, and the first cathode terminal plate 7 may not have a first protrusion 73, or the first protrusion 73 may be fixed to the first cathode terminal plate 7, formed from a separate material from the first cathode terminal plate 7. The second cathode terminal plate 8 has a second protrusion 83, but it is not limited to this configuration, and the second cathode terminal plate 8 may not have a second protrusion 83, or the second protrusion 83 may be fixed to the second cathode terminal plate 8, formed from a separate material from the second cathode terminal plate 8.

[0104] (Appearance) Based on embodiments 1 to 3 described above, the following embodiments are disclosed in this specification.

[0105] A capacitor (10; 10A; 10B) according to the first embodiment comprises a first capacitor element (1), a second capacitor element (2), a first anode terminal plate (5), a second anode terminal plate (6), a first cathode terminal plate (7), a second cathode terminal plate (8), and a resin part (9). The first capacitor element (1) includes a first anode (11), a first dielectric layer (12), a first cathode (13), and a first anode lead (14). The first anode (11) has a first end face (111) and a second end face (112) and an outer peripheral surface (113) that are separated from each other in a first direction (D1). The first dielectric layer (12) covers the first end face (111), the second end face (112), and the outer peripheral surface (113) of the first anode (11). The first cathode (13) covers the first dielectric layer (12). The first anode lead (14) has a first outer lead portion (142) protruding from the first end face (111) of the first anode (11). The second capacitor element (2) is adjacent to the first capacitor element (1) in a second direction (D2) perpendicular to the first direction (D1). The second capacitor element (2) includes a second anode (21), a second dielectric layer (22), a second cathode (23), and a second anode lead (24). The second anode (21) has a first end face (211) and a second end face (212) and an outer circumferential surface (213) that are separated from each other in the first direction (D1). The second dielectric layer (22) covers the first end face (211), the second end face (212), and the outer peripheral surface (213) of the second anode (21). The second cathode (23) covers the second dielectric layer (22). The second anode lead (24) has a second outer lead portion (242) protruding from the first end face (211) of the second anode (21). The first anode terminal plate (5) has a first anode terminal portion (51). The first anode terminal plate (5) is connected to the first outer lead portion (142). The second anode terminal plate (6) has a second anode terminal portion (61). The second anode terminal plate (6) is connected to the second outer lead portion (242). The first cathode terminal plate (7) has a first cathode terminal portion (71). The first cathode terminal plate (7) is connected to the first cathode (13). The second cathode terminal plate (8) has a second cathode terminal portion (81). The second cathode terminal plate (8) is connected to the second cathode (23).The resin part (9) covers the first capacitor element (1) and the second capacitor element (2). The resin part (9) exposes the first anode terminal (51), the second anode terminal (61), the first cathode terminal (71), and the second cathode terminal (81). In the first capacitor element (1), in the first direction (D1), the first outer lead portion (142) and the first cathode (13) are arranged in the order of first outer lead portion (142) and first cathode (13). In the second capacitor element (2), in the first direction (D1), the second cathode (23) and the second outer lead portion (242) are arranged in the order of second cathode (23) and second outer lead portion (242). In a side view from the second direction (D2), the first outer lead portion (142) overlaps with the second cathode (23). In a side view, the second outer lead portion (242) overlaps with the first cathode (13).

[0106] This embodiment makes it possible to achieve lower ESL and miniaturization.

[0107] In the capacitor (10;10B) according to the second embodiment, the first cathode terminal plate (7) and the second cathode terminal plate (8) are integrated as one unit, as in the first embodiment.

[0108] According to this embodiment, by connecting the first anode terminal portion (51) and the second anode terminal portion (61), it becomes possible to connect the first capacitor element (1) and the second capacitor element (2) in parallel.

[0109] The capacitor (10) according to the third embodiment further comprises a conductive portion (98) in the second embodiment. The conductive portion (98) is interposed between the first cathode (13) and the second cathode (23) and connects the first cathode (13) and the second cathode (23).

[0110] According to this embodiment, it becomes possible to further reduce ESL and achieve even lower impedance.

[0111] In the capacitor (10A) according to the fourth embodiment, in the first embodiment, the second cathode terminal plate (8) is a separate conductive plate from the first cathode terminal plate (7).

[0112] According to this embodiment, for example, when a capacitor (10A) is mounted on a motherboard, the user can choose to use either a first form in which the first cathode terminal board (7) and the second cathode terminal board (8) are connected on the motherboard, or a second form in which the first cathode terminal board (7) and the second cathode terminal board (8) are not connected on the motherboard.

[0113] In the capacitor (10; 10A; 10B) according to the fifth embodiment, in any one of the first to fourth embodiments, the resin portion (9) has a lower surface (91) and an upper surface (92) that intersect in a third direction (D3) perpendicular to the first direction (D1) and the second direction (D2). The first anode terminal portion (51) and the second anode terminal portion (61) are arranged along the lower surface (91) of the resin portion (9). The first anode terminal plate (5) has a first rising portion (52) that protrudes from the first anode terminal portion (51) in the third direction (D3). A first positioning groove (52b) is formed at the tip (52a) of the first rising portion (52), into which a part of the first outer lead portion (142) is inserted. The second anode terminal plate (6) has a second rising portion (62) that protrudes from the second anode terminal portion (61) in the third direction (D3). A second positioning groove (62b) is formed at the tip (62a) of the second rising portion (62), into which a part of the second outer lead portion (242) is inserted.

[0114] According to this embodiment, it is possible to improve the positional accuracy of the first outer lead portion (142) of the first anode lead (14) and the second outer lead portion (242) of the second anode lead (24), thereby improving the accuracy of the ESL.

[0115] The capacitor (10;10A) according to the sixth embodiment is based on any one of the first to fifth embodiments. The first anode terminal (51), first outer lead (142), first cathode (13), and first cathode terminal (71) are arranged in the order of first anode terminal (51), first outer lead (142), first cathode (13), and first cathode terminal (71) in the first direction (D1). The second cathode terminal (81), second cathode (23), second outer lead (242), and second anode terminal (61) are arranged in the order of second cathode terminal (81), second cathode (23), second outer lead (242), and second anode terminal (61) in the first direction (D1).

[0116] According to this embodiment, the direction of flow of the first current (I1) flowing from the first anode terminal (51) to the first cathode terminal (71) is along the first direction (D1), and the direction of flow of the second current (I2) flowing from the second anode terminal (61) to the second cathode terminal (81) is along the direction opposite to the first direction (D1). Therefore, the cancellation effect between the magnetic field generated by the first current (I1) and the magnetic field generated by the second current (I2) can be increased, and the ESL can be further reduced.

[0117] In the capacitor (10; 10A; 10B) according to the seventh embodiment, in any one of the first to sixth embodiments, the first cathode terminal plate (7) further comprises a first mounting portion (72) and a first protrusion (73). The first mounting portion (72) overlaps the first cathode (13) in a third direction D3 perpendicular to the first direction (D1) and the second direction (D2), and the first capacitor element (1) is mounted on it. The first protrusion (73) protrudes from the first mounting portion (72) in the third direction (D3) and is located between the first cathode (13) and the second cathode (23). The second cathode terminal plate (8) further comprises a second mounting portion (82) and a second protrusion (83). The second mounting portion (82) overlaps the second cathode (23) in the third direction D3, and the second capacitor element (2) is mounted on it. The second protrusion (83) protrudes from the second mounting portion (82) in the third direction (D3) and is located between the first cathode (13) and the second cathode (23).

[0118] According to this embodiment, it is possible to reduce the variation in the distance between the first capacitor element (1) and the second capacitor element (2) in the second direction (D2), and to increase the parallelism between the first capacitor element (1) and the second capacitor element (2), thereby improving the accuracy of the ESL. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0119] 1. First capacitor element 11 1st anode 111 First end face 112 Second end face 113 Outer surface 12 First Dielectric Layer 13 First Cathode 14. First Anode Lead 141 First inner lead section 142 First outer lead section 15 First solid electrolyte layer 2. Second capacitor element 21 Second anode 211 1st end face 212 Second end face 213 Outer surface 22 Second Dielectric Layer 23 Second Cathode 24. Second Anode Lead 241 Second inner lead section 242 Second outer lead section 25 Second solid electrolyte layer 3. Third Capacitor Element 4. Fourth Capacitor Element 5 First anode terminal plate 51 1st anode terminal section 52 First rising section 52a Tip 52b First positioning groove 6 Second anode terminal plate 61 2nd anode terminal section 62 Second rising section 62a Tip 62b Second positioning groove 7. First cathode terminal plate 71 First cathode terminal 72 First Equipped Unit 73 First protrusion 74 Third salient 8. Second cathode terminal plate 81 Second cathode terminal section 82 Second Equipped Unit 83 Second protrusion 84 Fourth protrusion 9. Resin Section 91 Below 92 above 98 Conductive Part 10, 10A, 10B コンデンサ D1 Direction 1 D2 Direction 2 D3 3rd direction I1 First Current I2 Second Current

Claims

1. A first capacitor element comprising: a first anode having a first end face and a second end face and an outer circumferential surface that are separated from each other in a first direction; a first dielectric layer covering the first end face, the second end face and the outer circumferential surface of the first anode; a first cathode covering the first dielectric layer; and a first anode lead having a first outer lead portion protruding from the first end face of the first anode; A second capacitor element comprising: a second anode adjacent to the first capacitor element in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, having a first end face and a second end face and an outer circumferential surface that are separated from each other in the first direction; a second dielectric layer covering the first end face, the second end face and the outer circumferential surface of the second anode; a second cathode covering the second dielectric layer; and a second anode lead having a second outer lead portion protruding from the first end face of the second anode; A first anode terminal plate having a first anode terminal portion and connected to the first outer lead portion, A second anode terminal plate having a second anode terminal portion and connected to the second outer lead portion, A first cathode terminal plate having a first cathode terminal portion and connected to the first cathode, A second cathode terminal plate having a second cathode terminal portion and connected to the second cathode, The first capacitor element and the second capacitor element are covered by a resin portion that exposes the first anode terminal portion, the second anode terminal portion, the first cathode terminal portion, and the second cathode terminal portion. In the first capacitor element, The first anode terminal, the first outer lead, the first cathode, and the first cathode terminal are arranged in the order of the first anode terminal, the first outer lead, the first cathode, and the first cathode terminal in the first direction. In the aforementioned second capacitor element, The second cathode terminal portion, the second cathode, the second outer lead portion, and the second anode terminal portion are arranged in the order of the second cathode terminal portion, the second cathode, the second outer lead portion, and the second anode terminal portion in the first direction. In a side view from the second direction, the first cathode and the second cathode overlap, In a side view from the second direction, the first outer lead portion overlaps with the second cathode, and does not overlap with the second outer lead portion. In the aforementioned side view, the second outer lead portion overlaps with the first cathode. Capacitor.

2. The first cathode terminal plate and the second cathode terminal plate are integrated. The capacitor according to claim 1.

3. The device further comprises a conductive portion interposed between the first cathode and the second cathode, which connects the first cathode and the second cathode. The capacitor according to claim 2.

4. The second cathode terminal plate is a conductive plate separate from the first cathode terminal plate. The capacitor according to claim 1.

5. The resin portion has a lower surface and an upper surface that intersect in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction. The first anode terminal portion and the second anode terminal portion are arranged along the lower surface of the resin portion. The first anode terminal plate has a first rising portion that protrudes from the first anode terminal portion in the third direction, A first positioning groove is formed at the tip of the first rising portion, into which a part of the first outer lead portion is inserted. The second anode terminal plate has a second rising portion that protrudes from the second anode terminal portion in the third direction, A second positioning groove is formed at the tip of the second rising portion, into which a part of the second outer lead portion is inserted. A capacitor according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The first cathode terminal plate is A first mounting portion is provided, which overlaps with the first cathode in a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions, and on which the first capacitor element is mounted. It further has a first projection that protrudes from the first mounting portion in the third direction and is located between the first cathode and the second cathode, The second cathode terminal plate is, A second mounting portion which overlaps with the second cathode in the third direction and on which the second capacitor element is mounted, It further comprises a second projection that protrudes from the second mounting portion in the third direction and is located between the first cathode and the second cathode, A capacitor according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

Images