Capacitor for high g-force applications

An electrolytic capacitor capable of operating at 75 g or greater is provided having a case with a base and a lid, with a wound capacitor element positioned on its side, lengthwise along the bottom of the base and with the underside of the lid pressed against the length of the capacitor element, to frictionally engage the capacitor element. The case is provided with inwardly projecting surfaces, including a bulkhead at one end of the capacitor element and ridges on the lid, which function as barriers to restrict movement of the capacitor element within the case. A compartment is created at one end of the case, to allow space for terminals, which are embedded in a non-conductive support matrix.

The present invention is directed to a capacitor capable of withstanding relatively high g-forces, without failure. The invention is particularly useful for electrolytic capacitors having a wound capacitor element.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Wound capacitors, such as aluminum electrolytic capacitors, are often used in environments where they are subject to relatively high vibration, impact and centrifugal force. For example, capacitors are commonly incorporated into deep well drilling equipment and the electrical circuitry of aircraft and spacecraft. Typical wound capacitors are rated to withstand g-forces of up to 25 g. Subjecting the capacitor to higher g-forces may result in failure of the capacitor.Rubin—U.S. Pat. No. 4,584,630 discloses a mounting spacer for an electrolytic capacitor. The mounting spacer is a flexible plastic sheet, which when folded and inserted inside the tubular casing provides alignment and support for the capacitor section.Hutchins et al.—U.S. Pat. No. 4,987,519 disclose an aluminum electrolytic capacitor having a fluoro-plastic member at each end of the capacitor element. An inwardly directed annular bead deforms the case and engages the fluoro-plastic member to create a seal.Bruvelaitis et al.—U.S. Pat. No. 6,307,734 disclose an electrolytic capacitor having a silicone potting compound surrounding the capacitor within the canister (case). Indentation 108 in canister 102 compresses the silicone compound against the capacitor element to maintain the capacitor element firmly in place.Ashino et al.—US Patent Application No. 2012/0154984 disclose an electrolytic capacitor with a tape material wound around the outside of the capacitor element. The metal case is crimped inward to engage the tape material, thereby fixing the capacitor element in place relative to the case.

Despite the various prior art attempts to align, support and stabilize a wound capacitor element in a case, there remains a long felt need for a capacitor capable of functioning in high g-force applications.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to an electrolytic capacitor able to withstand relatively high g-force without failure. In particular, the capacitors of the present invention are able to withstand 35 g or more, preferably 50 g or more, most preferably 75 g or more, according to MIL-STD-202G, Method 204, Test Condition H—High Frequency Vibration Testing, without failure.

The capacitor has a wound capacitor element, having an anode, a cathode and a dielectric layer. The element has a first end and a second end opposite the first end, with the first and second ends spaced apart lengthwise. First and second tabs extend from the capacitor element and are electrically connected to the anode and cathode, respectively. The wound capacitor may be provided with an oval, flattened or elliptical shape, for example, it may have an aspect ratio of width to height of from 1.5:1 to 7:1, more particularly from 1.5:1 to 4:1. The capacitor element can be characterized by an axis, extending between the first end and the second end, centered at the core of the capacitor element.

The case for the capacitor element has a base and lid, overlaying the base. The base has a bottom, two side walls, on opposite sides of the base, a back wall and a front wall, opposite the back wall. The capacitor element is positioned in the base component of the case, aligned lengthwise, with a first end of the capacitor element facing the front wall and the second end of the capacitor element facing the back wall. A compartment is created in the case between the first end of the capacitor element and the front wall of the base, which allows room for placement of a pair of terminals for connecting the first and second tabs from the capacitor element to circuitry outside of the case.

The lid of the case has a rim along the top edge, corresponding in size to the base. The lid overlays the interior of the base, and the underside of the lid is pressed into contact with the side of the capacitor element, that is, along the length of the element. In one embodiment of the invention, the lid is pressed against the capacitor element with a pressure of 50 lbs./in2or greater, or even 75 lbs./in2or greater, before the lid is attached, for example, by welding.

The lid of the case may be provided with at least one, preferably two inward projections, such as ridges, that engage the outer surface of the capacitor element and act as barriers to movement of the capacitor element relative to the case. The projections may be aligned parallel to the axis of the capacitor element and positioned one on either side of the axis. In one example, the lid may be provided with an outer edge that is “recurved”, that is, the lid is curved downward to create inward projections and to form a concave area that is in contact with the capacitor element, and then the rim curves upward, so that the rim is facing away from the bottom of the base. In one embodiment of the invention, the rim of the lid is sized to slide within the inside perimeter of the base. When the lid is fitted into place, the rim of the lid may be approximately flush with the top edge of the base.

When the lid is attached to the base, the capacitor element is sandwiched between the underside of the lid and the bottom of the base with sufficient pressure to frictionally engage the capacitor element, thereby creating strong resistance to the movement of the capacitor element relative to the case, especially in the lengthwise direction.

The movement of the capacitor element relative to the case may be restricted by designing the interior of the case to substantially conform to the capacitor element, when the capacitor is assembled. For example, the interior of the base and the underside of the lid may have curved edges so that at least 80% of the surface area of the sides of the capacitor element (i.e. excluding the first and second ends) or even at least 90% of the surface area of the sides of the capacitor element is in contact with the case. By way of further example, the interior of the base between the first side wall and the bottom and between the second side wall and the bottom may be provided with a radius of 0.125 inches or greater, through an angle of 75° or greater per junction of side wall and bottom.

In one embodiment of the invention, the base is provided with a bulkhead, positioned between the back wall and the front wall of the base. The capacitor element is positioned in the base with the first end of the capacitor element adjacent the bulkhead and the second end of the capacitor element adjacent the back wall of the base. The bulkhead may have a surface aligned substantially parallel to the back wall of the base, and extending between the side walls of the base. In one embodiment of the invention, the bulkhead is a wall extending parallel to the back wall of the base, from one side wall of the base to the other side wall.

The bulkhead functions as a barrier to movement of the capacitor element within the case, in particular, as a barrier to lengthwise movement of the capacitor element toward the front wall of the base. The height of the bulkhead may extend from the bottom of the base to a height of 20% or more of the height of the capacitor element. In one example, the bulkhead extends from the bottom of the base to a height of from 25% to 75% of the height of the capacitor element.

The bulkhead may be an integral part of the base and can be characterized as inward projection of the base that engages the capacitor element and restricts movement of the capacitor element relative to the case. The term “integral part” means that the structure of the bulkhead and the rest of the parts of the base, e.g. bottom, sides, front and back wall, are formed from a continuous sheet of material. In one example, the base is formed by stamping a metal sheet.

In the embodiments of the invention having a bulkhead, a shelf may be created in the base between the top edge of the bulkhead and the front wall of the base. The shelf may be aligned approximately parallel to the bottom of the base at a height above the bottom, to create a recess in the base of the case. It is possible to position the terminals in holes formed in the shelf (used to connect the tabs extending from the capacitor element to electrical circuitry outside of the case), whereby the terminals are raised above the bottom of the base and wherein the exterior of the front wall of the base does not have any leads or other electrical connections extending therefrom. The leads extending from the shelf formed in the base may be connected to a circuit board or other electrical circuit directly below and within the perimeter of the case.

The bulkhead may consist of or include a planar wall aligned parallel to the back wall of the base, with struts or other structural support extending from the bulkhead to the front wall of the base, for maintaining alignment of the bulkhead and preventing the capacitor element from sliding towards the front wall. Openings may be provided in the bulkhead for the first and second tabs of the capacitor element to be connected to the terminals in the compartment formed between the first end of the element and the front wall of the base.

In one embodiment of the invention, the base is provided with at least one inward projection or the lid is provided with at least one inward projection, or both the base and the lid may be provided with inward projections capable of engaging the capacitor element and restricting its movement relative the case. By way of example, both the base and the lid may be provided with inward projections that are perpendicular to each other to restrict movement of the capacitor element relative to the base in both the width and length direction of the capacitor element. Each of the base and lid may be formed from a unitary piece of metal, for example by stamping. An advantage of the present invention is that the inward projections may be formed in the base and/or lid, prior to inserting the capacitor element within the case. Thus, one avoids having to crimp the case, after the capacitor is assembled, which could otherwise damage the capacitor element.

The tabs from the anode and cathode are each electrically connected to a terminal. Each of the terminals extend from inside the case, where they are connected to one of the tabs from the capacitor element, though a hole in the case, and outside of the case. A seal is provided around each portion of the terminal extending outside of the case. The seal may be a hermetic seal.

In one example, the point of connection between the respective tabs and terminal are at approximately the same height, thereby facilitating making the connection and avoiding long tabs and slack, which may lessen the ability of the capacitor to withstand high g-forces. Accordingly, it is desirable that the tabs are bent less than 90°, preferably less than 60°.

The terminals may be embedded in a non-conductive matrix material, which insulates the terminals from the case and stabilizes the terminals from movement relative to the case. The non-conductive matrix material may form a continuous layer on a portion of the interior of the base and conform thereto. For example, the matrix material may overlay the shelf formed between the front wall and the bulkhead. In one embodiment of the invention, both terminals are supported in a matrix material, with the matrix material having been formed into a unitary part.

The terminals in electrolytic capacitors may be crafted from two different metal compositions. For example, aluminum or other valve metal may comprise a first component of the terminal or rivet, positioned in the interior of the case and connected to a tab extending from the capacitor element. The component of the terminal that extends through the seal and exterior to the case may be a metal rod that can be soldered to the tube component of a glass hermetic seal, such as tin plated copper. The portion of the rod from the point at which it is bonded to the rivet to the point at which it enters the seal may be protected from the electrolyte in the case by encapsulating the rod in the non-conductive matrix material, or by the introduction of suitable seals and gaskets, as is hereinafter detailed.

Additional stability of the capacitor element within the case may be achieved by providing a capacitor element with the cathode extending 0.080 inches or more beyond the anode, at one or both of the ends of the capacitor element. The cathode is able to absorb greater shock than the anode, without a deterioration in performance.

For high g-force applications, it is desirable to minimize movement of the capacitor element within the case. Accordingly, the invention incorporates one or more of the following features, and combinations thereof. The inside of the case may frictionally engage the outside of the capacitor element, for example by assembling the capacitor with pressure exerted against the capacitor element by the lid and bottom of the base. The base and/or lid of the case may be provided with inward projections, to restrict movement of the capacitor element within the case. The case may be designed to follow the contours of a capacitor element having an oval or elliptical cross-section, when the capacitor is assembled. The terminals that connect the tabs of the capacitor element to electrical circuitry may be embedded in a matrix conforming to the interior of the case, to prevent movement of the terminals relative to the case.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Without limiting the scope of the invention, the preferred embodiments and features are hereinafter set forth. Any United States patents and published patent applications cited in the specification are hereby incorporated by reference. Unless otherwise indicated, conditions are 25° C., 1 atmosphere of pressure, 50% relative humidity, and the percentage of materials in compositions are by weight.

The capacitor of the present invention may be an electrolytic capacitor. The electrolytic capacitor has a capacitor element positioned in a case. The capacitor element is made up of an anode, a cathode, a dielectric and an electrolyte solution, forming a capacitor capable of supporting a direct current potential, and thereby storing an electrical charge and energy. The anode is a valve metal upon which resides a dielectric, which is generally grown from the base metal in an anodizing electrochemical bath. A “valve metal” is defined as a metal which grows an electrically insulating oxide in the presence of an electrolyte when a positive potential is applied to the metal with respect to the electrolyte. Examples of such metals are aluminum, tantalum, niobium, tungsten, titanium and zirconium. The anode metal contacts the dielectric on its positively charged side, and the electrolyte contacts the dielectric on its negatively-charged side and conveys the charge to the cathode.

The potentials of the anode and cathode may be conducted to positive and negative terminals, respectively, by means of a tab, wire or other metallic conductor. With respect to the cathode, the capacitor case may be used for the negative terminal.

The anode may be in the form of foil, which may be treated to enhance its performance, as is known in the art, for example, the foil may be etched to increase its surface area. The cathode may be the same or a different metal than the anode or the cathode may be a non-metal, and it is not required that the cathode be capable of forming an oxide. The form of the cathode is selected to be compatible with the anode, to meet the objective of creating a capacitor. The cathode may be a foil. This invention can be employed with both polarized and non-polarized wet electrolytic capacitors.

The anode and cathode are sheets that are wound together with a paper separator, to create an oval, flattened or elliptical cross-section. By way of example, the capacitor element may have an aspect ratio of width to height of from 1.5:1 to 7:1, more particularly from 1.5:1 to 4:1.

An electrolyte solution is provided in the case, in sufficient quantity to immerse the capacitor element. Generally, the electrolyte solution may be formed of solutes that ionize upon dissolution in a suitable solvent to create an electrically conductive medium. A liquid, electrolyte solution may be added to the capacitor, or the solute and solvent may be added separately to the capacitor, with dissolution occurring in situ. Examples of suitable solutes include organic acids and bases, and inorganic acids and bases. Examples of suitable solvents include water, ethylene glycol, dimethylformamide (DMF), N-methylformamide (NMF), and gamma-butyrolactone (GBL). Particularly useful electrolyte solutions include solutions of sulfuric acid, boric acid and ammonium adipate.

Examples of suitable capacitor elements for use in electrolytic capacitors of the present invention may be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,206,186 B1 and 7,274,551 B1.

Referring toFIG. 1, the capacitor of the subject invention is shown in an exploded view. Capacitor1has a case2made up of base3and lid4. Capacitor element5is characterized by a length “L,” width “W” and height “H.” Capacitor element has tabs6and7electrically connected to the anode and cathode of capacitor element5. Capacitor element5is positioned lengthwise in base3of case2, with a first end8facing front wall9of base3and a second end10facing back wall11of base3. The axis of the capacitor element is parallel to the bottom of the base and the lid.

The tabs from the capacitor element may be conveniently positioned approximately midway along each of the sheets forming the anode and the cathode of the capacitor element. In various embodiment of the invention, a tab is positioned midway along the length of the sheet (with the length based on the linear extent of the unwound sheet) plus or minus 15% of the length, or in particular plus or minus 10% of the length. The tabs may be positioned to extend from the first end of the capacitor element at a height of ½ or greater of the height of the capacitor element, as measured from the bottom of the base.

The case is made from a material that is substantially impermeable to gases. By way of example, the case may be made out of metal, in particular, steels (stainless or other alloys), copper, tantalum, aluminum, titanium, niobium, nickel, iron, and zinc. Preferably, the case is made out of steel or steel alloys, including cold-rolled steel, mild steel and stainless steel, tantalum, titanium and niobium. If the case material is susceptible to corrosion, either internally or externally, the material may be coated, plated or provided with other protective treatment, as is known to those skilled in the art.

FIGS. 2 and 3show the interior and exterior view of base3, respectively. Base3has front wall9, back wall11, bottom12, and side walls13and14. Bulkhead15is aligned substantially parallel to back wall11and extends laterally between side walls13and14, perpendicular to the axis of capacitor element5. Bulkhead15extends upward from bottom12of base3and provides an inward projection that is a barrier to the movement of capacitor element5towards front wall9. A shelf16connects bulkhead15to front wall9. Shelf16has holes17and18for connecting the capacitor element to electrical components located exterior to case2. It can be understood that holes17and18may be located in front wall9of base3. Nevertheless, the position of the holes through shelf16is believed to provide certain advantages, namely that a recess is created underneath the shelf and electrical connections can be made within the outer perimeter of the case.

Referring toFIG. 4, a partially assembled capacitor is shown, prior to lid4being attached. The first end8of capacitor element5is adjacent bulkhead15and the second end10of capacitor element5is adjacent back wall11. A compartment19is created between the front end8of capacitor element5and front wall9of base3. Terminals20and21are positioned in compartment19and at least partially embedded in non-conductive matrix22, which conforms the interior of base3and is supported on shelf16. Tabs6and7of capacitor element5are electrically connected to terminals20and21, respectively.

Referring toFIG. 5, a cross-sectional view of the assembled capacitor is shown. Capacitor element5is sandwiched between bottom12of base3and the underside23of lid4. Lid4has rim24along its peripheral edge, where lid4is attached to the upper perimeter25of base3. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 5, lid4has a recurved lip26, extending downward from the underside23of lid4, with rim24facing upward, away from bottom12of base3. Recurved lip26creates two inward projections or ridges27and a concave area in the portion of underside23of lid4in contact along the length of capacitor element5. Ridges27of recurved lip26extend into the interior of case2and engages capacitor element5along both sides of its length to create a barrier to sideways movement of capacitor element5within case2, in particular, movement of capacitor element5towards either of side walls13and14.

Before lid4is attached to base3, downward pressure is applied to lid4to compress capacitor element5, urging capacitor element5against the interior of base3, in particular, against side walls13and14. By way of example, downward pressure of 50 lbs./in2or greater, or even 75 lbs./in2or greater is applied to the lid when the capacitor is assembled, thereby compressing the capacitor element between the lid and the bottom of the base. In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 1,4and5, lid4fits inside upper perimeter25of base3and may slide against the interior of base3, as pressure is applied to lid4. Base3and lid4can be attached together to create a hermetic seal using a suitable technique, including by soldering, welding, such as a tungsten inert gas weld (TIG), plasma weld, or laser weld, or other means to create a metallurgical bond. For example, rim24of lid4may be positioned flush with upper perimeter25of base3and welded thereto. Galvanic corrosion may be minimized by employing the same metal for the base and the lid.

When the capacitor is assembled, capacitor element5frictionally engages the interior of case2. In one embodiment of the invention, 80% or greater, or even 90% or greater of the exterior of capacitor element5, not including first end8and second end10, is in contact with the inside of case2. It can be understood that the coefficient of friction between capacitor element5and the interior of case2can be increased by treating the interior surface of case2with a suitable coating or abrading or roughing the surface, and/or treating the exterior of capacitor element5with a suitable coating or wrapping the exterior with a suitable film or sheet.

In one embodiment of the invention, the radius between the bottom12of base3and side walls13and14is selected to conform to the dimensions of capacitor element5when case2is assembled with pressure against capacitor element5. Referring toFIG. 5, the radius between bottom12and side walls13and14is at least 0.125 inches through an angle of at least 75°.

FIGS. 6 and 7show details of terminals20and21, non-conductive matrix22and the hermetic seals associated with the terminals. Terminal20has rivet28, which is attached to lead29, for example, by welding the two materials together. Rivet28is electrically connected to tab6, and fixed in place by deforming (bucking) the rivet. Rivet28and lead29are made of dissimilar metals. Rivet28may be aluminum or other valve metal resistant to the electrolyte in the capacitor. Lead29may be a metal that can be welded to rivet28and can be soldered to the hermetic seal, such as a tin plated copper lead. While the details of construction are illustrated with regard to terminal20, it can be understood that terminal21may be constructed the same or similar to terminal20. Referring toFIG. 7, terminal21has rivet30and lead31, extending therefrom.

In one embodiment of the invention, terminals20and21are embedded in the non-conductive matrix22prior to final assembly. For example, non-conductive matrix22may be cast, molded, sprayed or otherwise formed around terminal20and terminal21. Matrix22is designed to conform to the internal shape of base3, in particular, to rest on shelf16in compartment19, and to span and abut side walls13and14. In one embodiment of the invention, matrix22is a unitary part. It can be understood that matrix22supports the terminals, thereby minimizing movement or vibration of the terminals relative to the case, which may otherwise cause the capacitor to fail under high g-forces.

It is desirable that lead29not be in contact with the electrolyte. Accordingly, O-ring32is provided at the interface between non-conductive matrix22and base3and/or the hermetic seal. Hermetic seal33is attached to base3, for example, by welding, outer sleeve34to base3. In the embodiment shown, outer sleeve34is partially inserted into hole17until shoulder35abuts the exterior of base3. Washer36and tube37are positioned around lead29. Glass seal38is created by pouring molten glass into the space between outer sleeve34and tube37. To complete the assembly of the hermetic seal, lead29is pulled downward, i.e. away from base3, to compress O-ring32, and lead29is soldered to tube37.

The configuration and operation of the terminal and the hermetic seal have been described with regard to terminal20. Referring toFIG. 8, it can be understood that terminal21can be provided with hermetic seal39and that such components may be assembled and provided with an O-ring and washer, as is terminal20, to provide the same structure and corresponding functionality.

Once capacitor element5is inserted into base3, tabs6and7have been electrically connected to terminals20and21, respectively, and lid4attached to base3, the capacitor can be filled with the electrolyte. Referring toFIG. 1, lid4is provided with fill-hole40. After the capacitor is filled with electrolyte, fill-hole40is sealed, for example, by welding.

While the use of the present invention in combination with electrolytic capacitor is believed to confer the greatest benefits, in one alternative embodiment of the invention, the capacitor is a film capacitor. Examples of suitable capacitor elements for use in film capacitors of the present invention may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 8,098,479 B2.

Testing

Capacitors of the present invention were constructed and tested for use in high g-force applications according to the military standards in effect on Jan. 1, 2013, namely MIL-STD-202G, Method 204, Test Condition H, Vibration—High Frequency, referred to herein as “MIL-STD-202G, Method 204.” The high frequency vibration test is performed for the purpose of determining the effect on component parts of vibration in the frequency ranges of 10 to 500 hertz (Hz), 10 to 2,000 Hz or 10 to 3,000 Hz, as may be encountered in aircraft, missiles, and tanks. The test was conducted 12 times in each perpendicular direction (x-y-z), for 20 minutes each time, for a total of 12 hours of testing for each capacitor.

Electrolytic capacitors of the design shown inFIGS. 1-8and described herein were tested according to MIL-STD-202/Method 204. The capacitors were tested at 80 g, without failure.

There are, of course, many alternative embodiments and modifications of the invention, which are intended to be included in the following claims.