EP3074991A1

EP3074991A1 - Capacitor holder

Info

Publication number: EP3074991A1
Application number: EP13798335.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Sema OKSUZ
Original assignee: Arcelik AS
Current assignee: Arcelik AS
Priority date: 2013-11-29
Filing date: 2013-11-29
Publication date: 2016-10-05
Also published as: WO2015078519A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a capacitor holder (1) which is suitable for immobilizing a capacitor (2) which comprises a cylindrical main body (3) which has an upper base (4) and a lower base (5), an electrical terminal (6) which is provided on the upper base (4) and a threaded rod (7) which is provided on the lower base (5). The capacitor holder (1) according to the present invention comprises a supporting portion which is configured to form-fittingly support the cylindrical main body (3) and a holder portion which is configured to resiliently snap into one or more than one recess (8) formed by the adjacent threads (9) of the threaded rod (7) as the capacitor (2) is pushed into the supporting portion.

Description

CAPACITOR HOLDER

The present invention relates to a fastening facility for a capacitor, in particular a capacitor holder. The present invention more particularly relates to a capacitor holder which is suitable for immobilizing a capacitor that has a threaded rod on its base.
A capacitor which has a relatively small size can be safely mounted on a mounting substrate by way of soldering its legs to respective electrical connection pads. Thus, a solder joint of a small-sized capacitor is usually sufficiently strong to firmly hold the capacitor at its location. However, the same does not apply to a capacitor which has a relatively large size. A large-sized capacitor is generally susceptible to dislocations due to its correspondingly high inertia and volume. A large-sized capacitor which is mounted on a mounting substrate is generally subjected to excessive mechanical load and stress due to vibrations and the like which are usually generated for example during a transportation. Such vibrations may eventually damage the solder joints between the capacitor and the mounting substrate. Also a large-sized capacitor which is installed in an apparatus or a machine which has moving parts can easily start vibrating and producing uncomfortable sounds. Therefore, a large-sized capacitor is generally mounted onto a mounting substrate by using an additional fastening facility. The use of an additional fastening facility is practically indispensable in view of the above-mentioned potential dangers.
A commonly known fastening facility is a treaded rod which is integrally provided with a capacitor. The threaded rod is arranged on a base of the capacitor. The capacitor is mounted to the mounting substrate by using a nut. According to this technique, the threaded rod is initially inserted into a through hole on the mounting substrate and subsequently, the nut is fastened onto the threaded rod. A drawback of this mounting technique is that a person entrusted with the mounting task is required to access both sides of the mounting substrate when mounting the capacitor. A further drawback of this technique is that the capacitor may be damaged when the nut is tightened too strongly. Similarly, the nut may eventually get loose when it is tightened too weakly. A further drawback of this technique is that an assembly of the threaded rod with the nut is time-consuming and incurs additional costs, especially when a reasonable number of capacitors are involved.
GB 2 302 447 A discloses a capacitor which has a cylindrical housing and a threaded bolt attached onto a base of its cylindrical housing.
An objective of the present invention is to provide a capacitor holder which overcomes the aforementioned problems of the prior art and which enables a simple, fast and reliable mounting of a capacitor.
This objective has been achieved by the capacitor holder according to the present invention as defined in claim 1. Further achievements have been attained by the subject-matters respectively defined in the dependent claims.
The capacitor holder of the present invention is suitable for immobilizing a capacitor comprising a cylindrical main body which has an upper base and a lower base, an electrical terminal which is provided on the upper base, and a threaded rod which is provided on the lower base. The capacitor holder according to the present invention comprises a supporting portion which is configured to form-fittingly support solely the cylindrical main body of the capacitor and a holder portion which is configured to resiliently snap into one or more than one recess formed by the adjacent threads of the threaded rod as the capacitor is pushed into the supporting portion.
When assembling the capacitor with the capacitor holder, the cylindrical main body is initially inserted into the supporting portion and subsequently pushed along its long axis until the holder portion resiliently snaps into a recess formed by threads of the rod. Thereby the capacitor can be quickly assembled with the capacitor holder or disassembled from the capacitor holder. By the supporting portion the cylindrical main body can be easily aligned and stably held at its designated position whereas by the holder portion, the cylindrical body is prevented from moving forward or backward under the influence of mechanical load and stress. In the assembled state, the supporting portion firmly grips the outer surface of the cylindrical main body. Thereby, an improved stability is attained. Hence, the capacitor is prevented from producing any buzzing sound or the like.
In an embodiment, the supporting portion is an elastically deformable clamp. In an alternative embodiment, the supporting portion is a cylindrical shell.
In another embodiment, the holder portion is an arc-shaped rib which has a form that matches into the recess formed by the adjacent threads of the rod. In another alternative embodiment, the holder portion is an annular edge formed in a thin elastically deformable wall and has a contour that matches into the recess formed by the adjacent threads of the rod.
In another embodiment, the holder portion is configured by an elastically deformable lever arm which is easy to grip. The lever arm facilitates assembling/disassembling of the capacitor and the capacitor holder.
In another embodiment, the capacitor holder has an abutting portion, in particular a wall which limits the forward movement of the cylindrical main body at its holded position.
In another embodiment, the capacitor holder has a base portion, in particular a base plate which is integrally formed with an engaging portion for detachably connecting the capacitor holder to a mounting module of a household appliance, in particular a domestic refrigerator, a laundry washer and/or dryer, a display device or the like.
In another embodiment, the engaging portion is a snap-fit. Alternatively, one or more than one screw, adhesives or the like are used for connecting the capacitor holder to the mounting module.
In another alternative embodiment, the base portion is integrally formed with mounting module.
In another embodiment, the supporting portion is arranged to contact the cylindrical main body only outside its safety region which encloses a safety mechanism in particular an overpressure break-action mechanism.
By the present invention a capacitor is reliably prevented from producing any buzzing sound and being dislocated under mechanical load and stress. By the present invention a capacitor can be quickly and securely mounted at its designated position without impeding its proper operation.
Additional advantages of the capacitor holder according to the present will become apparent with the detailed description of the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 – is a schematic front perspective view of a capacitor holder which is integrally provided with a mounting module according to a first embodiment of the present invention prior to inserting a pair of capacitors;
Figure 2 – is another schematic front perspective view of the capacitor holder which is integrally provided with the mounting module according to the first embodiment of the present invention prior to inserting a pair of capacitors;
Figure 3 – is schematic rear view of the capacitor holder which is integrally provided with the mounting module according to the first embodiment of the present invention prior to inserting a pair of capacitors;
Figure 4 – is schematic cross sectional partial view of the capacitor holder shown in Fig. 3, taken along the direction A-A;
Figure 5 – is schematic enlarged partial view of the detail B in Fig. 3;
Figure 6 – is a schematic front perspective view of a capacitor holder which is detachably mountable to a mounting module according to a second embodiment of the present invention prior to engaging with the mounting module and prior to inserting a pair of capacitors;
Figure 7 – is a schematic enlarged perspective view of the capacitor holder in Fig. 6;
Figure 8 – is a schematic enlarged rear view of the capacitor holder in Fig. 6;
Figure 9 – is a schematic side view of the capacitor holder shown in Fig. 6 after being assembled with the mounting module and a pair of capacitors;
Figure 10 – is schematic cross sectional partial rear view of the capacitor holder shown in Fig. 9, taken along the direction C-C;
Figure 11 – is schematic cross sectional partial side view of the capacitor holder shown in Fig. 9, taken along the direction D-D;
Figure 12 – is schematic enlarged partial view of the detail E in Fig. 11.
The reference signs appearing on the drawings relate to the following technical features.

Capacitor holder
Capacitor
Main body
Upper base
Lower base
Terminal
Rod
Recess
Thread
Safety region
Clamp
Lever arm

12a. Linear arm
12b. Arc-shaped arm
13. Arc-shaped rib
13´. Arc-shaped recess
14. First wall
15. Base plate
16. Cylindrical shell
17. Straight rib
18. Second wall
19. Through hole
20. Annular edge
21. Void
22. Mounting module
23. Snap-fit
The capacitor holder (1) is suitable for immobilizing a capacitor (2) comprising a cylindrical main body (3) which has an upper base (4) and a lower base (5), an electrical terminal (6) which is provided on the upper base (4) and a threaded rod (7) which is provided on the lower base (5) (Figs. 1 and 2; Figs. 6 and 9).
The capacitor holder (1) according to the present invention comprises a supporting portion which is configured to form-fittingly support the cylindrical main body (3) of the capacitor (2) and a holder portion which is configured to resiliently snap into one or more than one recess (8) each formed by two adjacent threads (9) on the threaded rod (7) as the capacitor (2) is pushed into the supporting portion (Figs. 1 and 2; Figs. 6 and 9).
In a first embodiment, the supporting portion is configured by an elastically deformable C-shaped clamp (11) (Figs. 1 to 5). When assembling the capacitor (2) with the capacitor holder (1), the cylindrical main body (3) is initially inserted into the C-shaped clamp (11) and subsequently pushed along its long axis until the holder portion resiliently snaps into the recess (8) which is formed by two adjacent threads (9) on the rod (7). Thereby the capacitor (2) can be quickly assembled with the capacitor holder (1). In the assembled state, the C-shaped clamp (11) firmly grips the outer surface of the cylindrical main body (3). Thereby, an improved stability is attained. The capacitor is prevented from producing any buzzing sound or the like.
In a version of the first embodiment, the holder portion is configured by an elastically deformable lever arm (12) which has an arc-shaped rib (13) for snapping into the recess (8) which is formed by two adjacent threads (9) on the threaded rod (7) (Fig. 4). When assembling the capacitor (2) with the capacitor holder (1), the cylindrical main body (3) is initially inserted into C-shaped clamp (11), and subsequently pushed along its axis until the arc-shaped rib (13) resiliently snaps into the recess (8) which is formed by two adjacent threads (9) on the rod (7). When disassembling the capacitor (2) from the capacitor holder (1), the lever arm (12) is initially lifted to move the arc-shaped rib (13) out of the recess (8), and subsequently the cylindrical main body (3) is withdrawn out of the C-shaped clamp (11). Thereby, the capacitor (2) can be quickly disassembled from the capacitor holder (1).
In an alternative version of the first embodiment, instead of the arc-shaped rib (13) an arc-shaped recess (13´) is formed on the lever arm (12) (Fig. 5). When assembling the capacitor (2) with the capacitor holder (1), the arc-shaped recess (13´) resiliently snaps onto a thread (9) of the rod (7).
In another version of the first embodiment, the lever arm (12) is further configured by a linear arm (12a) and arc-shaped arm (12b) (Fig.4). The inner side of the arc-shaped arm (12b) is arranged to oppose the threaded rod (7) (Figs. 1 and 2). The arc-shaped rib (14) is formed on an inner side of the arc-shaped arm (12b). The linear arm (12a) is easy to grip and, thus, facilitates handling when assembling/disassembling the capacitor (2) and the capacitor holder (1). The arc-shaped arm (12b) also improves the contact between the arc-shaped rib (13) and the recess (8).
In another version of the first embodiment, the capacitor holder (1) has an abutting portion which is configured to abut against a lower base (5) of the capacitor (2) (Figs. 1 and 2). The abutting portion limits a forward movement of the cylindrical main body (3) of the capacitor (2) when assembling the capacitor (2) with capacitor holder (1).
In another version of the first embodiment, the abutting portion is configured by a first wall (14) which is arranged parallel to a lower base (5) of the capacitor (2) (Fig. 4). As the cylindrical main body (3) is pushed along its axis when assembling the capacitor (2) with the capacitor holder (1), the lower base (5) gets into contact with the first wall (14) and the cylindrical main body (3) is eventually stopped. Thereby, the capacitor (2) can be reliably mounted to its designated position within the capacitor holder (1).
In another version of the first embodiment, the capacitor holder (1) has a base portion which is configured by a base plate (15) (Figs. 1 to 5). The C-shaped clamp (11), the lever arm (12), and the first wall (14) are formed on one side of the base plate (15). The base plate (15) includes one or more than capacitor holder (1). The capacitor holders (1) may be alternatively arranged on both sides of the base plate (15).
In a second embodiment, the supporting portion is configured by a cylindrical shell (16) (Figs. 1 to 5). When assembling the capacitor (2) with the capacitor holder (1), the cylindrical main body (3) is initially inserted into the cylindrical shell (16), and subsequently pushed along its long axis until the holder portion resiliently snaps into the recess (8) which is formed by two adjacent threads (9) on the rod (7). Thereby, the capacitor (2) can be quickly assembled with the capacitor holder (1). In the assembled state, the cylindrical shell (16) firmly grips the outer surface of the cylindrical main body (3). Thereby, an improved stability is attained. The capacitor is prevented from producing any buzzing sound or the like.
In a version of the second embodiment, the cylindrical shell (16) has a plurality of straight ribs (17) which are formed on an inner side of the cylindrical shell (16) (Figs. 6 to 8). The straight ribs (17) extend in a direction which is parallel to an axis of the cylindrical main body (3) (Figs. 6 to 8). When assembling the capacitor (2) with the capacitor holder (1), the straight ribs (17) facilitate alignment of the cylindrical main body (3) into cylindrical shell (16). In addition, the straight ribs (17) provide a gap between cylindrical main body (3) and an inner surface of cylindrical shell (16). Thereby, a friction between the latter two is reduced and, thus, handling of the capacitor holder (1) is also improved.
In another version of the second embodiment, the holder portion is configured by an elastically deformable second wall (18) which has a through hole (19) that defines an annular edge (20) for circumferentially snapping into the recess (8) formed by the adjacent threads (9) of the rod (7) (Fig. 7). When assembling the capacitor (2) with the capacitor holder (1), the cylindrical main body (3) is initially inserted into the cylindrical shell (16), and subsequently pushed along its axis until the annular edge (20) resiliently snaps into the recess (8) which is formed by two adjacent threads (9) on the rod (7). Thereby the capacitor (2) can be quickly assembled with the capacitor holder (1). In this embodiment, the second wall (18) has also the function of an abutting portion similar to the function of the first wall (14) in the first embodiment.
In another version of the second embodiment, the annular edge (20) is tapered. Thereby an engagement between the annular edge (20) and the recess (8) formed by the adjacent threads (9) of the rod (7) is also improved.
In another version of the second embodiment, the second wall (18) has two elongate-shaped diametrically opposing voids (21) which are formed around a periphery of the through hole (19) (Figs. 7 and 8). As the annular edge (20) contacts the threads (9) of the rod (7) when assembling the capacitor (2) with the capacitor holder (1), the annular edge (20) deforms in a radial direction i.e., away from the rod (7) by virtue of the voids (21). As the annular edge (20) snaps into the recess (8), the annular edge (20) returns to its initial position in the radial direction i.e., towards the rod (7). Thereby, an engagement between the annular edges (20) and the recess (8) can be more easily established.
In another version of the second embodiment, the capacitor holder (1) has a base portion which is configured by a base plate (15) (Figs. 6 to 9). The cylindrical shell (16) and the second wall (18) are formed, for example, on a lateral side of the base plate (15). The base plate (15) includes one or more than capacitor holder (1).
In another respective version of the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the base portion is integrally formed with an engaging portion for detachably connecting the same to a mounting module (22) of a household appliance, in particular a domestic refrigerator, a laundry washer and/or dryer, a display device or the like.
In another respective version of the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the engaging portion is a snap-fit (23). Alternatively, screws (not shown), adhesives (not shown) or the like can be used.
In another alternative respective version of the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the base portion is integrally formed with mounting module (22) of a household appliance, in particular a domestic refrigerator, a laundry washer and/or dryer, a display device or the like.
In another respective version of the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the supporting portion is arranged to contact the cylindrical main body (3) only at a region which is outside a safety region (10) that encloses a safety mechanism of the capacitor (2), in particular an overpressure break-action mechanism which disconnects the capacitor from the mains in case of malfunctioning. Thereby, the operation of the safety mechanism is not impeded by the pressure exerted through the supporting portion and, thus, a proper operation is safeguarded for example in case of short-circuit, aging or the like. However, the capacitor holder (1) is not limited to the use of a capacitor (2) with a safety mechanism.
The capacitor holder (1) of the present invention has a size which is determined in accordance with a size of a standard available capacitor (2) of interest. The capacitor holder (1) of the present invention is not limited to a specific large sized-capacitor (2) and can be prepared in various different sizes.
By the present invention a fastening facility for a capacitor has been provided which enables a quick and secure mounting.
The capacitor holder (1) and the capacitors (2) are suitable for use in household appliances, such as laundry washing machines, washing-drying machines, laundry dryers or dishwashers.

Claims

A capacitor holder (1) for immobilizing a capacitor (2) comprising a cylindrical main body (3) which has an upper base (4) and a lower base (5), an electrical terminal (6) which is provided on the upper base (4) and a threaded rod (7) which is provided on the lower base (5), characterized in that

- a supporting portion which is configured to form-fittingly support the cylindrical main body (3) and

- a holder portion which is configured to resiliently snap into one or more than one recess (8) formed by the adjacent threads (9) of the threaded rod (7) as the capacitor (2) is pushed into the supporting portion.
The capacitor holder (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the supporting portion is arranged to contact the cylindrical main body (3) only at a region which is outside a safety region (10) that encloses a safety mechanism of the capacitor (2).
The capacitor holder (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the supporting portion is configured by an elastically deformable C-shaped clamp (11).
The capacitor holder (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the holder portion is configured by an elastically deformable lever arm (12) which has an arc-shaped rib (13) for snapping into the recess (8) formed by two adjacent threads (9) of the threaded rod (7) as the capacitor (2) is pushed in.
The capacitor holder (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the lever arm (12) is further configured by a linear arm (12a) and arc-shaped arm (12b), wherein the inner side of the arc-shaped arm (12b) is arranged to oppose the threaded rod (7), and wherein the arc-shaped rib (14) is formed on an inner side of the arc-shaped arm (12b).
The capacitor holder (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that an abutting portion which is configured to abut against a lower base (5) of the capacitor (2) when the capacitor (2) is at holded position.
The capacitor holder (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the abutting portion is configured by a first wall (14) which is arranged parallel to a lower base (5) of the capacitor (2).
The capacitor holder (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that a base portion which is configured by a base plate (15), wherein the C-shaped clamp (11), the lever arm (12), and the first wall (14) are formed on the base plate (15).
The capacitor holder (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the supporting portion is configured by a cylindrical shell (16).
The capacitor holder (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the shell (16) has a plurality of straight ribs (17) which are formed on an inner side of the shell (16) so as to extend in a direction which is parallel to an axis of the cylindrical main body (3).
The capacitor holder (1) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the holder portion is configured by an elastically deformable second wall (18) which has a through hole (19) that defines an annular edge (20) for circumferentially snapping into the recess (8) formed by the adjacent threads (9) of the rod (7) as the capacitor (2) is pushed in.
The capacitor holder (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that the annular edge (20) is tapered.
The capacitor holder (1) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the second wall (18) has two elongate-shaped diametrically opposing voids (21) which are formed around a periphery of the through hole (19).
The capacitor holder (1) according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that a base portion which is configured by a base plate (15), wherein the cylindrical shell (16) and the second wall (18) are formed on the base plate (15).
The capacitor holder (1) according to claim 8 or 14, characterized in that the base portion is integrally formed with an engaging portion for detachably connecting the same to a mounting module (22) of a household appliance.