JP5292058B2 - Electrolytic capacitor manufacturing method, electrolytic capacitor impregnation device, and electrolytic capacitor assembly machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing an electrolytic capacitor such as an aluminum electrolytic capacitor, an electrolytic capacitor impregnation device used for manufacturing the electrolytic capacitor, and an electrolytic capacitor assembly machine including the electrolytic capacitor impregnation device.

  In the manufacturing process of an electrolytic capacitor, a capacitor element obtained by winding an electrode foil and a separator in a cylindrical shape is impregnated with an electrolytic solution (driving electrolytic solution), and then sealed in a case. In such a manufacturing process, a large amount of excess electrolytic solution adheres to the outer peripheral surface and bottom surface of the impregnated capacitor element due to surface tension. If such an excess electrolytic solution remains attached, there is a problem that the electrolytic solution adheres to the assembling machine and soils the assembling machine. In particular, in an assembly machine in which an impregnation apparatus and a sealing portion that seals an impregnated capacitor in a case are arranged in this order along the transport path of the capacitor element, the impregnated capacitor element is directly along the transport path. Since it is transported, the assembly machine is likely to get dirty when excess electrolyte falls from the capacitor element. In addition, if the electrolytic solution adheres to the assembly machine, the electrolytic solution adheres to the outside of the assembled electrolytic capacitor, or if it is stored in the case with excess electrolytic solution attached, It also causes variations in characteristics.

Therefore, in order to remove the excess electrolyte from the impregnated capacitor element, the excess electrolyte is removed by the structure that sucks the excess electrolyte from the capacitor element or the centrifugal force when the capacitor element is rotated. The structure which performs is proposed (for example, refer patent document 1, 2).
JP 2002-43196 A JP 2000-114124 A

  However, in the configurations disclosed in the cited documents 1 and 2, since it is necessary to add a complicated mechanism, there is a problem that miniaturization and cost reduction of the apparatus are hindered. Further, in the configurations disclosed in the cited documents 1 and 2, there is a problem that when a plurality of capacitor elements are processed at once, the effect of removing excess electrolytic solution tends to vary. Furthermore, in the configurations disclosed in the cited documents 1 and 2, when trying to recover the excess electrolyte solution, moisture and foreign matters are likely to be mixed in, so the excess electrolyte solution must be discarded after being recovered. There is also.

  In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide an electrolytic capacitor manufacturing method capable of reliably removing excess electrolytic solution from an impregnated capacitor element with a simple configuration, and an electrolytic capacitor used for manufacturing the electrolytic capacitor. An object of the present invention is to provide an impregnation device and an electrolytic capacitor assembly machine including the electrolytic capacitor impregnation device.

  Further, the next problem of the present invention is to provide an electrolytic capacitor manufacturing method capable of recovering and reusing an excess electrolytic solution removed from the impregnated capacitor element, and an electrolytic capacitor impregnating apparatus used for manufacturing the electrolytic capacitor. And an electrolytic capacitor assembly machine including the electrolytic capacitor impregnation apparatus.

In order to solve the above problems, in the method for producing an electrolytic capacitor according to the present invention, an electrolytic solution tank in which an electrolytic solution for impregnating a capacitor element for an electrolytic capacitor is provided in a treatment chamber, and the treatment is performed. impregnation step of the capacitor element before impregnation with the electrolyte bath at room is relatively moved immersing the capacitor element in the electrolyte, the impregnated capacitor element out of the said electrolytic solution in said processing chamber a depressurizing step of depressurizing, after the depressurizing step, the treatment chamber closed and pressure recovery step, the back to atmospheric pressure, between about the decompression step and the backward pressure process, drips from impregnated the capacitor element downwardly The electrolytic solution droplets are received in the electrolytic solution tank .

In the present invention, when the depressurizing step of depressurizing the capacitor element in the processing chamber in a state where the impregnated capacitor element is taken out of the electrolytic solution, a part of the electrolytic solution impregnated in the capacitor element is outside the capacitor element. Extruded. The reason is that when the pressure is reduced, an electrolyte vapor is generated in the impregnated capacitor element, and the electrolyte vapor expands to push a part of the electrolyte impregnated in the capacitor element to the outside of the capacitor element. it is conceivable that. As a result, a large amount of electrolytic solution adheres to the outside of the capacitor element and falls as droplets. Thereafter, when the processing chamber is returned to the atmospheric pressure in the pressure-reducing step, the gas expanded in the capacitor element contracts, so that the electrolytic solution adhering to the outside of the capacitor element is sucked into the capacitor element. Therefore, since a state where a large amount of excess electrolyte is attached to the outside of the capacitor element can be solved, the problem that the electrolyte is attached to the assembly machine or the like and becomes dirty can be solved. In addition, even when a plurality of capacitor elements are processed at once, the pressure in the processing chamber acts evenly on each of the plurality of capacitor elements, so that the effect of removing excess electrolyte between the plurality of capacitor elements Does not vary. In addition, since only the pressure in the processing chamber is changed, the excess electrolytic solution removed from the capacitor element does not contain moisture or foreign matter. Moreover, the excess electrolyte solution dropped from the capacitor element can be recovered as it is in the electrolyte bath. Therefore, the recovered excess electrolyte solution can be used as it is for the subsequent impregnation, so that the waste amount of the electrolyte solution can be significantly reduced.

  In this invention, when the said capacitor | condenser element winds electrode foil and a separator in a cylinder shape, when performing the said pressure reduction process, it is preferable to set it as the attitude | position which orient | assigned the axial direction of the said capacitor | condenser element up and down. In the case of a wound type capacitor element, the electrolytic solution enters and exits in the axial direction. Therefore, when the pressure reducing process is performed in a posture in which the axial direction of the capacitor element is directed up and down, the electrolytic solution accumulates on the lower end surface of the capacitor element and easily drops as a droplet. Further, when the pressure is returned to the atmospheric pressure in the decompression step, the electrolytic solution is smoothly sucked into the capacitor element.

An electrolytic capacitor impregnating apparatus for realizing such a method includes a relative movement of a processing chamber having an electrolytic solution tank in which an electrolytic solution is stored, and a holder for holding the electrolytic solution tank and the capacitor element to move the capacitor element. An elevating mechanism that switches between a state in which the capacitor element is immersed in the electrolytic solution and a state in which the capacitor element comes out of the electrolytic solution, a evacuating device for evacuating the processing chamber, the elevating mechanism, and the evacuating device. A control device for controlling, the control device controls the elevating mechanism and the evacuating device to move the electrolytic solution tank and the capacitor element before impregnation relative to each other in the processing chamber. After the impregnation step of immersing the element in the electrolytic solution, the depressurization step of depressurizing the impregnated capacitor element taken out from the electrolytic solution in the processing chamber, and after the depressurization step, And a return pressure step for returning the inside of the processing chamber to atmospheric pressure, and during the pressure reduction step and the return pressure step, the droplet of the electrolyte solution that hangs downward from the impregnated capacitor element is transferred to the electrolyte solution tank. It is characterized by receiving.

  In such an electrolytic capacitor impregnation apparatus, when the capacitor element is formed by winding an electrode foil and a separator in a cylindrical shape, the holder is impregnated while the processing chamber is in the reduced pressure state by the vacuuming device. It is preferable that the capacitor element has a posture in which the axial direction is vertically directed.

  In the present invention, in the impregnation step, it is preferable that after depressurizing the processing chamber, the capacitor element is immersed in the electrolytic solution, and in this state, the processing chamber is returned to a pressure higher than the pressure during impregnation. If comprised in this way, vacuum impregnation can be performed using the vacuum drawing apparatus for removing excess electrolyte solution as it is.

  According to this method, in the electrolytic capacitor impregnation apparatus to which the present invention is applied, before the capacitor chamber is impregnated with the electrolytic solution, the processing chamber is decompressed by the vacuuming device, and the capacitor element is placed in the electrolytic solution. This can be realized by adopting a configuration in which the pressure is returned to a pressure higher than the pressure at the time of impregnation while being immersed in the substrate.

  In the present invention, in the pressure reducing step, it is preferable to intermittently evacuate the processing chamber to avoid boiling of the electrolytic solution. If comprised in this way, it can prevent that the electrolyte solution impregnated at the capacitor | condenser will come out of a capacitor | condenser element excessively by boiling. In addition, when an electrolytic bath is provided in the processing chamber, the electrolyte solution in the electrolytic bath foams and soils the processing chamber, and the low boiling point component evaporates from the electrolytic solution in the electrolytic bath and the composition changes. Can be prevented. Such a method can be realized by adopting a configuration in which the vacuum evacuation apparatus intermittently evacuates the processing chamber to avoid boiling of the electrolyte in the electrolytic capacitor impregnation apparatus to which the present invention is applied. it can.

The electrolytic capacitor impregnation apparatus to which the present invention is applied is particularly effective when mounted on an electrolytic capacitor assembly machine. In such an electrolytic capacitor assembling machine, the electrolytic capacitor impregnation device and a sealing portion for sealing the impregnated capacitor element in a case are sequentially arranged along the transport path of the capacitor element . For this reason, since the impregnated capacitor element is transported along the transport path as it is, the assembly machine tends to get dirty if excess electrolyte falls from the capacitor element, but according to the present invention, this problem is surely solved. can do.

  In the present invention, with the impregnated capacitor element taken out of the electrolytic solution, the capacitor element is decompressed in the processing chamber, and a part of the electrolytic solution impregnated in the capacitor element is pushed out of the capacitor element. For this reason, since a large amount of electrolytic solution adheres to the outside of the capacitor element, it falls as droplets. Thereafter, when the pressure in the processing chamber is returned to atmospheric pressure, the gas expanded in the capacitor element contracts, so that the electrolytic solution adhering to the outside of the capacitor element is sucked into the capacitor element. Therefore, since a state where a large amount of excess electrolyte is attached to the outside of the capacitor element can be solved, the problem that the electrolyte is attached to the assembly machine or the like and becomes dirty can be solved. In addition, even when a plurality of capacitor elements are processed at once, the pressure in the processing chamber acts evenly on each of the plurality of capacitor elements, so that the effect of removing excess electrolyte between the plurality of capacitor elements Does not vary. In addition, since only the pressure in the processing chamber is changed, the excess electrolytic solution removed from the capacitor element does not contain moisture or foreign matter. Therefore, the recovered excess electrolyte solution can be used as it is for the subsequent impregnation, so that the waste amount of the electrolyte solution can be significantly reduced.

  With reference to the drawings, an electrolytic capacitor manufacturing method, an electrolytic capacitor impregnation apparatus, and an electrolytic capacitor assembly machine to which the present invention is applied will be described.

[Configuration of electrolytic capacitor]
FIG. 1 is an explanatory view of an electrolytic capacitor (aluminum electrolytic capacitor). FIGS. 1A and 1B are a longitudinal sectional view of the electrolytic capacitor and an explanatory view of the capacitor element, respectively. As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, an electrolytic capacitor 200 generally has a capacitor element 11 formed by winding an anode foil 111, a cathode foil 112, and electrolytic paper 113, 114 into a cylindrical shape. The capacitor element 11 is impregnated with an electrolytic solution and then accommodated in a bottomed cylindrical case 210, and the opening of the case 210 is sealed with a sealing body 220 having elasticity such as rubber. A lead wire 115 (anode lead and cathode lead) is drawn out from one end face of the capacitor element 11 in the axial direction, and the lead wire 115 is drawn out from the through hole of the sealing body 220. The electrolytic capacitor 200 has a structure in which the vicinity of the opening of the case 210 is sealed by curling from the outside. Although not shown in FIG. 1, a synthetic resin sleeve is put on the outside of the case 210.

  The electrolytic solution is formed by, for example, boric acid or an ammonium salt of an organic acid blended in a solvent blended with ethylene glycol or water as necessary. The electrolytic solution is formed by blending an organic acid ammonium salt or amine salt with an organic solvent such as γ-butyrolactone.

(Configuration of electrolytic capacitor assembly machine)
FIG. 2 is an explanatory view of an electrolytic capacitor assembling machine to which the present invention is applied. The electrolytic capacitor 200 is manufactured by, for example, an assembly machine 100 (electrolytic capacitor assembly machine) shown in FIG. 1 and 2, the assembling machine 100 is provided with an element alignment unit 140, an impregnation device 1, a sealing unit 120, and a sleeve covering unit 130 along the conveyance path of the capacitor element 11, and the element supply unit 141. When the capacitor element 11 before impregnation is supplied to the assembly machine 100 from the assembly machine 100, it is automatically discharged from the assembly machine 100 in a state where the impregnation, sealing, and sleeve covering are completed. An element supply unit 141 for supplying the unimpregnated capacitor element 11 is provided for the element alignment unit 140. The sealing part 120 is generally composed of a sealing body attaching part 123 and a curling part 126. In the sealing body attaching part 123, the lead wire 115 drawn out from the impregnated capacitor element 11 is passed through the through hole of the sealing body 220 supplied from the sealing body supply part 124. In the curling unit 126, the capacitor element 11 to which the sealing body 220 is attached is stored in the case 210 supplied from the case supply unit 127, and then curling is performed. In the sleeve covering portion 130, the sleeve supplied from the sleeve supply portion 131 is covered with the case 210, and then heated and thermally contracted to cover the sleeve. At that time, since the sleeve is supplied in a long state, the long sleeve is cut into a predetermined size and then covered with the case 210, or the long sleeve is put over the case 210 and then the long sleeve is covered. The structure which cut | disconnects a sleeve to a predetermined dimension is employ | adopted.

(Configuration of impregnation device 1)
3 and 4 are a perspective view and a front view of the impregnation apparatus 1 provided in the assembly machine 100 of the present embodiment. FIG. 5 is an explanatory view schematically showing the impregnation apparatus 1 provided in the assembly machine 100 of the present embodiment.

  3 and 4, the impregnation apparatus 1 includes a processing chamber 2 (vacuum impregnation chamber), an endless chain 3, a jig 4, an upper liquid level sensor 5, a lower liquid level sensor 6, and a lifting device 7. And a control device (not shown). The processing chamber 2 is used for vacuum impregnating the capacitor element 11 with the electrolytic solution 12, and includes a storage body 13 having an opening on the front side and a lid body 14. The storage body 13 is fixed to the base 17. A packing 15 is attached to the joint between the storage main body 13 and the lid body 14 over the entire circumference, and when the opening of the storage main body 13 is covered with the lid body 14, the processing chamber 2 is closed in an airtight state.

  On the ceiling of the storage main body 13, a plurality of shafts 16 project inward, and a sprocket 18 is rotatably fitted to the shaft 16. The endless chain 3 is wound around the sprocket 18 and travels. The jig 4 (holder) is for holding the lead wire 115 of the electrolytic capacitor element 11 and is fixed to the endless chain 3 at a predetermined interval. The jig 4 is generally composed of a holding body and an elastic member. By sandwiching the lead wire 115 of the capacitor element 11 between the holding body and the elastic member, the axial direction of the capacitor element 11 is directed vertically. The capacitor element 11 is held.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, a vacuum evacuation tube 81 is connected to the processing chamber 2, and a evacuation device 80 is connected to the tube 81. The vacuuming device 80 exhausts the air in the processing chamber 2 to bring the processing chamber 2 into a reduced pressure state (vacuum state). Such evacuation is controlled by an electromagnetic valve 82 connected to the tube 81. In addition, the atmosphere release pipe 91 is connected to the processing chamber 2, and the atmosphere release pipe 91 introduces the atmosphere into the processing chamber 2 in a reduced pressure state and returns the processing chamber 2 to atmospheric pressure. Such return is controlled by an electromagnetic valve 92 connected to the atmosphere release pipe 91.

  The vacuuming device 80 can be constituted by a vacuum pump. Further, the vacuuming device 80 may be configured by a vacuum pump and a damper, and when this configuration is adopted, the damper is connected to the pipe 81. An electromagnetic valve is connected between the damper and the vacuum pump, and the vacuum pump evacuates the damper even when the processing chamber 2 is not evacuated. For this reason, even when the capacity of the vacuum pump is small, the inside of the processing chamber 2 can be evacuated at a stretch by the damper.

  3 and 4 again, the lid body 14 of the impregnation apparatus 1 is provided with a viewing window 14a. The lid body 14 is for closing the opening of the storage main body 13, and the upper right end is fixed to the support shaft 19. Therefore, the lid body 14 rotates around the support shaft 19. . A pin 21 is fixed to the upper left end of the lid body 14, and the pin 21 engages with the groove of the engagement shaft 20. The support shaft 19 and the engagement shaft 20 are connected to the piston rod of the air cylinder 22. By operating the air cylinder 22, the support shaft 19 and the engagement shaft 20 are moved in the axial direction to store the lid body 14. Separate from or approach the body 13.

  The upper liquid level sensor 5 is for detecting the liquid level of the electrolytic solution 12 stored in the electrolytic solution tank 10 when the electrolytic solution tank 10 moves to the impregnation position (upper position). The main body 13 is arranged so as to protrude downward from the ceiling. The liquid level detection level of the upper liquid level sensor 5 is set above the upper end surface of the capacitor element 11 held by the jig 4. The upper liquid level sensor 5 detects that the liquid level of the electrolytic solution 12 has come into contact with the upper liquid level sensor 5 when the electrolytic solution tank 10 is raised, and sends a detection signal to a control device (not shown). .

  The lower liquid level sensor 6 is for detecting the liquid level of the electrolytic solution 12 stored in the electrolytic solution tank 10 when the electrolytic solution tank 10 is in the standby position (downward position). 13 is arranged to protrude downward from the ceiling. The liquid level detection level of the lower liquid level sensor 6 is set below the lower end surface 116 of the capacitor element 11 held by the jig 4. The lower liquid level sensor 6 detects that the liquid level of the electrolytic solution 12 is separated from the lower liquid level sensor 6 when the electrolytic solution tank 10 is lowered, and sends a detection signal to the control device.

  The elevating device 7 is for raising and lowering the electrolytic solution tank 10 between the impregnation position and the standby position, and includes a ball screw 25, a servo motor 8, and a movable base (not shown). Has been. The ball screw 25 includes a screw shaft 26 having a screw groove formed on the outer periphery thereof, and a nut 28 that is screwed onto the screw shaft 26. The screw shaft 26 is rotatable to a support base 29 in a vertical orientation. It is supported by. A timing belt 38 is wound around a toothed pulley 30 fixed to the upper end of the screw shaft 26 and a toothed pulley (not shown) fixed to the rotating shaft of the servo motor 8. The screw shaft 26 is rotated by rotating 8. Two rods 32 are connected to the connection block 33, and the rods 32 are arranged so as to penetrate the ceiling of the processing chamber 2 in an airtight state and move in the vertical direction. The connecting block 33 is fixed to the nut 28, and when the nut 28 is raised or lowered as the screw shaft 26 rotates, the two rods 32 also move in the vertical direction. At the lower ends of the two rods 32, an arm 34 is provided in the horizontal direction, and the electrolyte bath 10 is loaded on the arm 34. For this reason, the electrolytic solution tank 10 can be raised or lowered in the processing chamber 2 by driving the servo motor 8.

  The control device (not shown) is an electric control device for receiving the detection signals from the upper liquid level sensor 5 and the lower liquid level sensor 6 and controlling the servo motor 8. Alternatively, a forward rotation command signal and a reverse rotation command signal for performing reverse rotation are transmitted. That is, the control device transmits a stop signal to the servo motor 8 when detecting that the electrolytic solution tank 10 has risen from the standby position and has reached the impregnation position and the liquid level of the electrolytic solution 12 has contacted the upper liquid level sensor 5. To do. Further, when the control device detects that the electrolytic solution tank 10 is lowered from the impregnation position and reaches the standby position and the liquid level of the electrolytic solution 12 is separated from the lower liquid level sensor 6, a stop signal is transmitted to the servo motor 8. To do. In this way, the control device stops the servo motor 8 at the impregnation position or the standby position.

  An electrolytic solution replenishing device 50 is disposed in the upper part of the processing chamber 2. The electrolytic solution supply device 50 includes an electrolytic solution tank 40 above the processing chamber 2. The electrolyte solution tank 40 communicates with a nozzle (not shown) provided through the ceiling of the processing chamber 2 via an electromagnetic valve 42 and a pipe 43. A level sensor 44 is disposed outside the electrolyte tank 40, and is controlled so as to detect the amount of the electrolyte 12 in the electrolyte tank 40 and always store a predetermined amount in the electrolyte tank 40. ing. When the amount of the electrolytic solution 12 stored in the electrolytic solution tank 10 decreases, the electrolytic solution replenishing device 50 opens the electromagnetic valve 42 and supplies the electrolytic solution 12 in the electrolytic solution tank 40 to the electrolytic solution tank 10 from the nozzle. To do.

(Operation)
In the impregnation apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, when the air cylinder 22 is operated under the command of the control device, the support shaft 19 and the engagement shaft 20 move and the lid body 14 is separated from the storage body 13. Can be opened. In this state, the endless chain 3 is intermittently traveled by one block, and the capacitor element 11 held by the jig 4 is conveyed into the storage body 13 by a predetermined number.

  Next, when the air cylinder 22 is operated in the direction opposite to the above and the lid body 14 is pulled in and brought into contact with the storage body 13, the lid body 14 and the storage body 13 are as shown in FIG. The processing chamber 2 is closed by the packing 15 in an airtight state. Next, the electromagnetic valve 92 is closed, the electromagnetic valve 82 is opened, and as shown by an arrow A in FIG. 5A, the processing chamber 2 is vacuum-sucked by the vacuuming device 80 to reduce the pressure (vacuum state). And

  Next, when the control device rotates the servo motor 8 in the normal direction, the screw shaft 26 rotates in the normal direction and the nut 28 is raised, so that the electrolytic solution tank 10 is raised from the standby position as shown in FIG. . As a result, the capacitor element 11 is immersed in the electrolytic solution 12. Here, when the liquid level of the electrolytic solution 12 comes into contact with the upper liquid level sensor 5, the control device stops the servo motor 8 and stops the electrolytic solution tank 10 at the impregnation position. Therefore, the positional relationship between the capacitor element 11 and the liquid surface of the electrolytic solution 12 is made constant even when the amount of the electrolytic solution 12 stored in the electrolytic solution tank 10 and the size and number of the capacitor elements 11 vary. Can do.

  When vacuum impregnation is performed in this manner, the control device closes the electromagnetic valve 82 and then opens the electromagnetic valve 92. As a result, as indicated by an arrow B in FIG. 5B, the atmosphere is introduced into the processing chamber 2 through the atmosphere opening pipe 91, so that the inside of the processing chamber 2 is at atmospheric pressure. At that time, the electrolytic solution 12 is impregnated into the capacitor element 11 at once.

(Excess electrolyte removal process and action)
FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 are explanatory diagrams showing a method for removing an excess electrolyte solution to which the present invention is applied, and graphs showing the effects thereof.

  When the impregnation step is completed by the above method, the air cylinder 22 is operated under the instruction of the control device to open the opening of the storage body 13 and the impregnated capacitor element 11 is carried out of the processing chamber 2. However, in this state, as shown in FIG. 5 (c) and FIG. 6 (a), the excess electrolyte solution 12a is attached to the lower end surface 116 of the capacitor element 11, and the capacitor element remains in this state. If 11 is conveyed, the excess electrolyte solution 12a will drip from the capacitor | condenser element 11, and the assembly machine 100 (refer FIG. 2) will become dirty.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, as described below, a removal step of removing excess electrolyte from the impregnated capacitor element 11 is performed, and then the impregnated capacitor element 11 is carried out of the processing chamber 2.

  In performing this removal process, in the present embodiment, in the decompression process shown in FIG. 5D, the control device closes the electromagnetic valve 92, opens the electromagnetic valve 82, and shows the arrow A by the vacuuming device 80. As described above, the processing chamber 2 is evacuated to make the inside of the processing chamber 2 in a reduced pressure state. As a result, as shown in FIG. 6B, a part of the electrolytic solution 12 impregnated in the capacitor element 11 is pushed out to the lower end surface 116 (outside) of the capacitor element 11. The reason for this is that the electrolyte vapor 11 s is generated in the impregnated capacitor element 11, and the electrolyte vapor 11 s expands so that a part of the electrolyte 12 impregnated in the capacitor element 11 is the lower end surface of the capacitor element 11. 116 (outside). As a result, since a larger amount of the electrolytic solution 12b is attached to the lower end surface 116 of the capacitor element 11 than in the state shown in FIG. 6A, it falls as a droplet 12c. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6C, the electrolyte solution 12b adhering to the lower end surface 116 of the capacitor element 11 is reduced from the state shown in FIG. 6B, and the state shown in FIG. It becomes the same level as.

  When performing such a decompression step, the control device intermittently evacuates the inside of the processing chamber 2 in the vacuuming device 80 to avoid boiling of the electrolyte solution 12 as shown in FIG. If comprised in this way, the vacuum degree of the process chamber 2 can be raised as much as possible in the range which does not boil the electrolyte solution 12 impregnated in the capacitor | condenser element 11, and the electrolyte solution 12 stored in the electrolyte tank 10. it can.

  Thereafter, in the return pressure step shown in FIG. 5 (e), the control device closes the electromagnetic valve 82, opens the electromagnetic valve 92, and removes the atmosphere from the atmosphere release pipe 91 as indicated by the arrow B. 2 to return the inside of the processing chamber 2 to the atmospheric pressure state. As a result, as shown in FIG. 6D, the electrolytic solution vapor 11s expanded in the capacitor element 11 contracts, so that the electrolytic solution 12b attached to the lower end surface 116 of the capacitor element 11 (FIG. 6C). Is sucked into the capacitor element 11. Therefore, the capacitor element 11 can be in a state of being impregnated with a sufficient amount of the electrolyte solution 12, and the state where a large amount of excess electrolyte solution adheres to the outside of the capacitor element 11 can be eliminated. .

  For example, after performing the weight before impregnation of the capacitor element 11 consisting of samples 1 to 10, the amount of increase in the weight of the capacitor element immediately after the impregnation step (the amount of impregnation of the electrolytic solution 12), and the above-described excess electrolytic solution removing step When the weight of the electrolyte solution was measured, results indicated by lines L1, L2, and L3 shown in FIG. 7 were obtained. As can be seen from FIG. 7, it is understood that the weight of the electrolytic solution 12 held in the capacitor element 11 is reduced when the above-described removing step (the pressure reducing step and the pressure reducing step) is performed. In addition, it can be seen that when the above-described removal process (the decompression process and the decompression process) is performed, the weight variation of the electrolyte solution 12 held in the capacitor element 11 is reduced.

(Main effects of this form)
As described above, in the electrolytic capacitor manufacturing method, the impregnation apparatus 1, and the assembly machine 100 to which the present invention is applied, the pressure in the processing chamber 2 is reduced while the impregnated capacitor element 11 is removed from the electrolytic solution 12. The process is performed, and then the processing chamber 2 is returned to the atmospheric pressure in the decompression process. For this reason, in the decompression step, a part of the electrolytic solution 12 impregnated in the capacitor element 11 is pushed out of the capacitor element 11 and falls as droplets. In the pressure-recovery step, the electrolyte that has adhered to the outside of the capacitor element 11 is sucked into the capacitor element 11. Therefore, the state in which a large amount of excess electrolyte is attached to the outside of the capacitor element 11 can be solved, so that the problem that the electrolyte is attached to the assembly machine 100 or the like and becomes dirty can be solved. .

  Further, even when the plurality of capacitor elements 11 are collectively processed, if the pressure is in the processing chamber 2, it acts on each of the plurality of capacitor elements 11 evenly. The effect of removing the liquid does not vary.

  In addition, since only the pressure in the processing chamber 2 is changed, the excess electrolytic solution removed from the capacitor element 11 does not contain moisture or foreign matter. Therefore, since the recovered excess electrolyte solution 12 can be used as it is for the subsequent impregnation, the waste amount of the electrolyte solution 12 can be significantly reduced. In particular, in this embodiment, the electrolytic solution tank 10 is positioned below the impregnated capacitor element 11 during the decompression step and the decompression step, and the excess electrolytic solution dropped from the capacitor element 11 is directly used in the electrolytic solution tank 10. to recover. For this reason, while being able to collect | recover the electrolyte solution 12 which fell from the capacitor | condenser element 11 reliably and easily, the collect | recovered electrolyte solution 12 can be utilized as it is.

  Further, in this embodiment, since the pressure reducing process and the pressure reducing process are performed in a posture in which the axial direction of the cylindrical capacitor element 11 is directed upward and downward, the electrolytic solution easily enters and exits the capacitor element 11. Therefore, in the decompression step, the electrolytic solution 12 is easily collected on the lower end surface 116 of the impregnated capacitor element 11 and easily drops as a droplet. When the pressure is returned to atmospheric pressure in the decompression step, the electrolytic solution is placed inside the capacitor element 11. 12 is sucked in smoothly.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, a vacuuming step when removing excess electrolyte solution 12 is performed using a vacuuming device 80 for vacuum impregnation. For this reason, it is possible to remove excess electrolyte without adding a new device. Therefore, it is advantageous for downsizing and cost reduction of the apparatus.

[Other embodiments]
In the above embodiment, the atmospheric pressure is returned to the atmospheric pressure after the impregnation step. However, the atmospheric pressure may not be used as long as the pressure is shifted to a pressure higher than that in the vacuum impregnation. In the above embodiment, vacuum impregnation is performed in the impregnation step, but other impregnation methods such as impregnation only by immersion may be employed. In the above embodiment, the impregnation step and the excess electrolyte solution removal step (decompression step and decompression step) are performed in the same processing chamber 2, but each step may be performed in separate processing chambers.

  In the above-described embodiment, air is introduced into the processing chamber 2 in the decompression process, but it is better to introduce dry air. When returning to atmospheric pressure in the vacuum impregnation step, the capacitor element 11 is in the electrolyte solution 12, but in the return pressure step, the capacitor element 11 comes out of the electrolyte solution 12. Accordingly, when the atmosphere is introduced into the processing chamber 2 in the re-pressure process, the amount of water in the electrolytic solution impregnated in the capacitor element 11 is increased by moisture in the atmosphere, but the processing chamber 2 is brought to atmospheric pressure by dry air. By adopting the configuration of returning to (2), it is possible to prevent the capacitor element 11 from absorbing moisture.

It is explanatory drawing of an electrolytic capacitor. It is explanatory drawing of the electrolytic capacitor assembly machine to which this invention is applied. It is a perspective view of the impregnation apparatus provided in the assembly machine to which this invention is applied. It is a front view of the impregnation apparatus provided in the assembly machine to which the present invention is applied. It is explanatory drawing which shows typically the impregnation apparatus provided in the assembly machine to which this invention is applied. It is explanatory drawing which shows the removal method of the excess electrolyte solution to which this invention is applied. It is a graph which shows the effect of the removal method of the excess electrolyte solution to which this invention is applied.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Impregnation apparatus 2 Processing chamber 10 Electrolyte tank 11 Capacitor element 12 Electrolyte 80 Vacuum drawing apparatus 100 Assembly machine 200 Electrolytic capacitor

Claims (9)

In the processing chamber, an electrolytic solution tank in which an electrolytic solution for impregnating the capacitor element for the electrolytic capacitor is stored is provided,
And impregnating step of immersing the capacitor element in the electrolyte by relatively moving the capacitor element prior to impregnation with the electrolyte bath in the processing chamber,
A depressurizing step of depressurizing the impregnated capacitor element out of the said electrolytic solution in said processing chamber,
After the pressure reducing step, a pressure returning step for returning the processing chamber to atmospheric pressure;
I have a,
A method of manufacturing an electrolytic capacitor, wherein the electrolytic solution tank receives droplets of the electrolytic solution that hang downward from the impregnated capacitor element during the decompression step and the decompression step . The capacitor element is formed by winding an electrode foil and a separator in a cylindrical shape,
The method for manufacturing an electrolytic capacitor according to claim 1, wherein when the pressure reducing step is performed, the capacitor element is set in a posture in which an axial direction is vertically directed. 2. In the impregnation step, after reducing the pressure in the processing chamber, the capacitor element is immersed in the electrolytic solution, and in this state, the processing chamber is returned to a pressure higher than the pressure at the time of impregnation. Or the manufacturing method of the electrolytic capacitor of 2. 4. The method for manufacturing an electrolytic capacitor according to claim 1 , wherein in the decompression step, the processing chamber is intermittently evacuated to avoid boiling of the electrolytic solution . 5. A state in which the capacitor element is immersed in the electrolytic solution by relatively moving a processing chamber including an electrolytic solution tank in which the electrolytic solution is stored, a holder for holding the electrolytic solution tank and the capacitor element, and the capacitor element is An impregnation apparatus for electrolytic capacitors, comprising: an elevating mechanism for switching to a state of coming out of the electrolytic solution; a evacuating apparatus for evacuating the processing chamber; and a control apparatus for controlling the elevating mechanism and the evacuating apparatus. There,
The control device controls the elevating mechanism and the vacuuming device to move the electrolytic solution tank and the pre-impregnated capacitor element relative to each other in the processing chamber to immerse the capacitor element in the electrolytic solution. And a decompression step of decompressing the impregnated capacitor element taken out of the electrolytic solution in the processing chamber, and a decompression step of returning the processing chamber to atmospheric pressure after the decompression step,
An electrolytic capacitor impregnation apparatus, wherein the electrolytic solution tank receives droplets of the electrolytic solution that hang down from the impregnated capacitor element during the decompression step and the decompression step. The capacitor element is formed by winding an electrode foil and a separator in a cylindrical shape,
6. The electrolysis according to claim 5, wherein, while the processing chamber is in a reduced pressure state by the vacuuming device, the holder takes the impregnated capacitor element in a posture in which an axial direction is directed up and down. Capacitor impregnation equipment. Before the capacitor element is impregnated with the electrolytic solution, the processing chamber is reduced in pressure by the vacuuming device, and is returned to a pressure higher than the pressure at the time of impregnation while the capacitor element is immersed in the electrolytic solution. The impregnation apparatus for electrolytic capacitors according to claim 6. 8. The electrolytic capacitor impregnation apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein the evacuation device intermittently evacuates the processing chamber to avoid boiling of the electrolytic solution . 9. An electrolytic capacitor assembly machine comprising the electrolytic capacitor impregnation device according to any one of claims 5 to 8,
An electrolytic capacitor assembling machine, wherein the electrolytic capacitor impregnation device and a sealing portion for sealing the impregnated capacitor element in a case are arranged in order along a transport path of the capacitor element.

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