Coil component

Abstract

In a coil component (1) of the present invention, an element body (2) includes: a first portion (20) including a main surface (2d) and including a region between a pair of terminal electrodes (3, 4) in a second direction (D2); a second portion (21) that is a portion between the first portion (20) in the first direction (D1) and the coil conductor layer located closest to the main surface (2d); a third portion (22), which is a portion between the coil conductor layer closest to the main surface (2c) and the coil conductor layer closest to the main surface (2d) in the first direction (D1), and which does not include a region between the coil conductor layers facing each other in the first direction (D1); and a fourth portion (23) that includes the main surface (2c) and is a portion between the main surface (2c) and the third portion (22) in the first direction (D1), the average particle diameter of the metal magnetic particles in the first portion (20) being greater than the average particle diameter of the metal magnetic particles in any of the second portion (21), the third portion (22), and the fourth portion (23).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to coil components. Background Art

[0002] The coil component includes an element body, a coil arranged inside the element body, and a pair of terminal electrodes arranged on a mounting surface of the element body and connected to the coil (for example, see Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-141079). Summary of the Invention

[0003] One object of the present disclosure is to provide a coil component that can suppress a short circuit on a pair of terminal electrodes and ensure coil characteristics.

[0004] (1) One aspect of the present disclosure provides a coil component comprising: a body formed by metal magnetic particles of a plurality of soft magnetic materials, having a mounting surface and a main surface opposite to each other in a first direction; a pair of terminal electrodes exposed and positioned on the mounting surface and arranged relative to each other in a second direction; a coil arranged in the body and composed of a plurality of coil conductors, the body comprising: a first portion including the mounting surface and including an area between the pair of terminal electrodes in the second direction; a second portion being a portion between the first portion in the first direction and the coil conductor located closest to the mounting surface; a third portion being a portion between the coil conductor located closest to the main surface in the first direction and the coil conductor located closest to the mounting surface; the third portion not including an area between the coil conductors facing each other in the first direction; a fourth portion including the main surface and being a portion between the main surface and the third portion in the first direction, the average particle size of the metal magnetic particles in the first portion being smaller than the average particle size of the metal magnetic particles in any of the second portion, the third portion, and the fourth portion.

[0005] In the coil component of one aspect of the present disclosure, the average particle size of the metal magnetic particles in the first part is smaller than the average particle size of the metal magnetic particles in any of the second part, the third part, and the fourth part. As a result, in the coil component, the number of metal magnetic particles present between a pair of terminal electrodes can be increased compared to other parts. Therefore, in the coil component, the number of interfaces of the metal magnetic particles present between a pair of terminal electrodes can be fully ensured, and the withstand voltage between the pair of terminal electrodes can be increased. Therefore, in the coil component, short circuits in a pair of terminal electrodes can be suppressed.

[0006] In the coil component, the average particle size of the metal magnetic particles in any of the second, third, and fourth portions is larger than the average particle size of the metal magnetic particles in the first portion. Consequently, the coil component maintains magnetic permeability in the second, third, and fourth portions. Consequently, the coil component maintains inductance, maintaining coil characteristics.

[0007] (2) In the coil component of (1) above, at least a portion of each of the pair of terminal electrodes may be arranged inside the element body.

[0008] (3) In the coil component of (1) or (2) above, the first dimension of the first portion in the first direction may be larger than the second dimension of the terminal electrode in the first direction. In this structure, the number of interfaces of the metal magnetic particles between the pair of terminal electrodes arranged inside the element body can be sufficiently ensured. Therefore, in the coil component, in a structure in which the pair of terminal electrodes are arranged inside the element body, the withstand voltage between the pair of terminal electrodes can be increased.

[0009] (4) In the coil component of (3) above, the first dimension may be less than or equal to twice the second dimension. If the first dimension of the first portion is greater than or equal to twice the second dimension, the magnetic permeability of the element body may decrease. In the coil component, by setting the first dimension of the first portion to be less than or equal to twice the second dimension, short circuiting in the pair of terminal electrodes can be suppressed while ensuring coil characteristics.

[0010] (5) In the coil component of any one of (1) to (4) above, the first portion may be provided between each of the pair of terminal electrodes and the coil in the first direction. In this configuration, the generation of parasitic capacitance between each of the pair of terminal electrodes and the coil can be suppressed.

[0011] (6) In the coil component of any one of (1) to (5) above, the first portion may include, when viewed from the first direction, an area that is larger than the size of the terminal electrode in a third direction perpendicular to the second direction. In this structure, the withstand voltage between the pair of terminal electrodes can be further increased. Therefore, in the coil component, short circuits in the pair of terminal electrodes can be further suppressed.

[0012] (7) In the coil component of any one of (1) to (6) above, the first portion may include, when viewed from the first direction, the entire region between the pair of terminal electrodes in the second direction. In this structure, the withstand voltage between the pair of terminal electrodes can be further increased. Therefore, in the coil component, short circuits in the pair of terminal electrodes can be further suppressed.

[0013] (8) In the coil component of any one of (1) to (7) above, the first portion may include an area surrounding the terminal electrode. In this structure, the withstand voltage between the pair of terminal electrodes can be further increased. Therefore, in the coil component, short circuits between the pair of terminal electrodes can be further suppressed.

[0014] (9) In the coil component of any one of (1) to (8) above, a portion of the metal magnetic particles located around the terminal electrode may be embedded in the terminal electrode in the first portion. In this structure, close contact between the element body and the terminal electrode can be ensured.

[0015] (10) In the coil component of (9) above, the first portion may include normal particles having an ellipsoidal shape and flat particles having an ellipsoidal shape that is flatter than normal particles in the thickness direction, and a portion of the flat particles may be embedded in the terminal electrode such that the longitudinal direction of the flat particles intersects the outer surface of the terminal electrode. This structure ensures close contact between the element body and the terminal electrode.

[0016] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to suppress a short circuit in a pair of terminal electrodes and ensure coil characteristics. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a coil component according to one embodiment.

[0018] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A perspective perspective view of the coil assembly is shown.

[0019] Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of the coil components.

[0020] Figure 4 Yes Figure 1 Figure 1 is a diagram of the cross-sectional structure along line IV-IV.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a diagram of the coil component as viewed from the main surface side.

[0022] Figure 6A is a diagram showing the metal magnetic particles in the first section, Figure 6B It is a diagram showing the metal magnetic particles in the second part, the third part, and the fourth part.

[0023] Figure 7A 、 Figure 7B 、 Figure 7C and Figure 7D This is a diagram of a coil component according to another embodiment as viewed from the main surface side.

[0024] Figure 8A 、 Figure 8B 、 Figure 8C and Figure 8D This is a diagram of a coil component according to another embodiment as viewed from the main surface side. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same or corresponding elements will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated description will be omitted.

[0026] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The coil component will be described. Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a coil component according to one embodiment. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The perspective view of the coil component shown in FIG. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the coil component 1 includes an element body 2, terminal electrodes 3 and 4, a coil 5, a first connection conductor 6, and a second connection conductor 7. Figure 2 In FIG, the element body 2 is represented by a dotted line.

[0027] The element body 2 is in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped. The rectangular parallelepiped shape includes a rectangular parallelepiped shape with chamfered corners and edges, and a rectangular parallelepiped shape with rounded corners and edges. The element body 2 has a pair of end faces 2a, 2b, a pair of main faces 2c, 2d, and a pair of side faces 2e, 2f as outer surfaces. The end faces 2a, 2b are opposite to each other. The main faces 2c, 2d are opposite to each other. The side faces 2e, 2f are opposite to each other. Hereinafter, the relative direction of the main faces 2c, 2d is referred to as a first direction D1, the relative direction of the end faces 2a, 2b is referred to as a second direction D2, and the relative direction of the side faces 2e, 2f is referred to as a third direction D3. The first direction D1, the second direction D2, and the third direction D3 are substantially orthogonal to each other.

[0028] End surfaces 2a and 2b extend in a first direction D1 so as to connect principal surfaces 2c and 2d. End surfaces 2a and 2b also extend in a third direction D3 so as to connect side surfaces 2e and 2f. Principal surfaces 2c and 2d extend in a second direction D2 so as to connect the end surfaces 2a and 2b. Principal surfaces 2c and 2d also extend in a third direction D3 so as to connect side surfaces 2e and 2f. Side surfaces 2e and 2f extend in the first direction D1 so as to connect principal surfaces 2c and 2d. Side surfaces 2e and 2f also extend in the second direction D2 so as to connect the end surfaces 2a and 2b.

[0029] The main surface 2d is a mounting surface, for example, when the coil component 1 is mounted on another electronic device (e.g., a circuit board or a laminated electronic component) not shown, the surface facing the other electronic device. The end surfaces 2a and 2b are surfaces continuous from the mounting surface (i.e., the main surface 2d).

[0030] The length of the element body 2 in the second direction D2 is longer than the length of the element body 2 in the first direction D1 and the length of the element body 2 in the third direction D3. The length of the element body 2 in the third direction D3 is longer than the length of the element body 2 in the first direction D1. That is, in this embodiment, the end faces 2a, 2b, the main faces 2c, 2d, and the side faces 2e, 2f are rectangular. The length of the element body 2 in the first direction D1 can be equal to or shorter than the length of the element body 2 in the third direction D3.

[0031] In this embodiment, "equal" may include values ​​within a predetermined range that include slight differences or manufacturing errors, etc. For example, if multiple values ​​are within a range of ±5% of their average, the values ​​are considered equal.

[0032] The element body 2 is a plurality of element body layers (insulator layers) 10a to 10g (see Figure 3 ) are stacked in the first direction D1. That is, the stacking direction of the element body 2 is the first direction D1. The specific stacking structure will be described later. In the actual element body 2, the multiple element layers 10a to 10g are integrated to the extent that the boundaries between the layers are indistinguishable.

[0033] The element layers 10a to 10g include a plurality of metal magnetic particles P1 and P2 (see Figure 6A , B). The metal magnetic particles P1 and P2 are composed of a soft magnetic alloy (soft magnetic material). The soft magnetic alloy is, for example, an Fe-Si alloy. When the soft magnetic alloy is an Fe-Si alloy, it may also contain P. The soft magnetic alloy may also be, for example, an Fe-Ni-Si-M alloy. "M" includes one or more elements selected from Co, Cr, Mn, P, Ti, Zr, Hf, Nb, Ta, Mo, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Zn, B, Al, and rare earth elements.

[0034] In element body 2, the metal magnetic particles are bonded together. This bonding is achieved, for example, through the bonding of an oxide film (not shown) formed on the surface of the metal magnetic particles. The thickness of the oxide film is, for example, 5 nm to 60 nm. The oxide film may also be composed of one or more layers.

[0035] The terminal electrode 3 and the terminal electrode 4 are respectively provided on the element body 2. The terminal electrode 3 and the terminal electrode 4 are respectively arranged on the main surface 2d of the element body 2. The terminal electrode 3 and the terminal electrode 4 are respectively provided on the element body 2 so as to be separated from each other in the second direction D2. Specifically, the terminal electrode 3 is arranged on the end surface 2a side of the element body 2. The terminal electrode 4 is arranged on the end surface 2b side of the element body 2. The terminal electrode 3 and the terminal electrode 4 are buried in the element body 2. In the present embodiment, the surfaces of the terminal electrode 3 and the terminal electrode 4 are substantially flush with the main surface 2d.

[0036] Terminal electrodes 3 and 4 are each made of a conductive material such as Cu, Ni, Sn, or Au. In this embodiment, terminal electrodes 3 and 4 are plated electrodes (plated conductors) formed by plating (electrolytic plating or electroless plating). Terminal electrodes 3 and 4 may each have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure.

[0037] The coil 5 is arranged in the element body 2. The coil 5 is composed of a plurality of coil conductor layers (coil conductors) 12a to 12e (see Figure 3 ) is composed of a plurality of coil conductor layers 12a to 12e, which are electrically connected to each other to form a coil 5 in the element body 2. The coil axis of the coil 5 is set along the first direction D1. The coil conductor layers 12a to 12e are arranged so that at least a portion overlaps with each other when viewed from the first direction D1. The plurality of coil conductor layers 12b to 12e are composed of a conductive material (for example, Ag or Pd). In the present embodiment, the plurality of coil conductor layers 12a, 12c, and 12e are plated conductors. The coil conductor layers 12a to 12e are separated and arranged from the end faces 2a, 2b, the main faces 2c, 2d, and the side faces 2e, 2f.

[0038] The first connecting conductor 6 is disposed in the element body 2. The first connecting conductor 6 connects the terminal electrode 3 and the coil 5. The first connecting conductor 6 is a through-hole conductor. The first connecting conductor 6 extends along the first direction D1 and connects the terminal electrode 3 and one end of the coil 5. The first connecting conductor 6 is composed of a plurality of first connecting conductor layers 14a (see Figure 3 In this embodiment, the first connecting conductor 6 has a rectangular cross section (a cross section along the second direction D2 and the third direction D3) perpendicular to the extending direction (the first direction D1). That is, the first connecting conductor 6 has a prismatic shape.

[0039] The second connecting conductor 7 is disposed within the element body 2. The second connecting conductor 7 connects the terminal electrode 4 and the coil 5. The second connecting conductor 7 is a through-hole conductor. The second connecting conductor 7 extends along the first direction D1 and connects the terminal electrode 4 and the other end of the coil 5. The second connecting conductor 7 is composed of a plurality of second connecting conductor layers 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, and 16e (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 3 In this embodiment, the second connecting conductor 7 has a rectangular cross section (a cross section along the second direction D2 and the third direction D3) perpendicular to the extending direction (the first direction D1). That is, the second connecting conductor 7 has a prismatic shape.

[0040] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The exploded perspective view of the coil component is shown in FIG. Figure 3As shown, the coil component 1 includes multiple layers La, Lb, Lc, Ld, Le, Lf, and Lg. The coil component 1 is constructed by stacking layers La to Lg in order from the main surface 2c side. In the coil component 1 of this embodiment, multiple layers Lc and Lg are respectively included.

[0041] The layer La is composed of the element body layer 10 a and constitutes the principal surface 2 c of the element body 2 .

[0042] Layer Lb is formed by combining element layer 10b and coil conductor layer 12a. Element layer 10b has a shape corresponding to coil conductor layer 12a and includes a missing portion (not shown) that fits into coil conductor layer 12a. Element layer 10b and coil conductor layer 12a complement each other.

[0043] Layer Lc is formed by combining the element body layer 10c, the coil conductor layer 12b, and the second connecting conductor layer 16a. The element body layer 10c has a shape corresponding to the coil conductor layer 12b and the second connecting conductor layer 16a, and includes a missing portion (not shown) that fits into the coil conductor layer 12b and the second connecting conductor layer 16a. The element body layer 10c, the coil conductor layer 12b, and the second connecting conductor layer 16a are mutually complementary.

[0044] Layer Ld is formed by combining the element layer 10d, the coil conductor layer 12c, and the second connecting conductor layer 16b. The element layer 10d has a shape corresponding to the coil conductor layer 12c and the second connecting conductor layer 16b and includes a missing portion (not shown) that fits into the coil conductor layer 12c and the second connecting conductor layer 16b. The element layer 10d, the coil conductor layer 12c, and the second connecting conductor layer 16b are complementary to each other.

[0045] Layer Le is formed by combining the element layer 10e, the coil conductor layer 12d, and the second connecting conductor layer 16c. The element layer 10e has a shape corresponding to the coil conductor layer 12d and the second connecting conductor layer 16c, and includes a missing portion (not shown) that fits into the coil conductor layer 12d and the second connecting conductor layer 16c. The element layer 10e, the coil conductor layer 12d, and the second connecting conductor layer 16c are complementary to each other overall.

[0046] Layer Lf is formed by combining the element layer 10f, the coil conductor layer 12e, and the second connecting conductor layer 16d. The element layer 10f has a shape corresponding to the coil conductor layer 12e and the second connecting conductor layer 16d, and includes a missing portion (not shown) that fits into the coil conductor layer 12e and the second connecting conductor layer 16d. The element layer 10f, the coil conductor layer 12e, and the second connecting conductor layer 16d are complementary to each other.

[0047] Layer Lg is formed by combining the element body layer 10g, the first connecting conductor layer 14a, and the second connecting conductor layer 16e. The element body layer 10g has a shape corresponding to the first connecting conductor layer 14a and the second connecting conductor layer 16e, and includes a defective portion (not shown) that fits into the first and second connecting conductor layers 14a and 16e. The element body layer 10g, the first and second connecting conductor layers 14a and 16e complement each other as a whole. Layer Lg forms the main surface 2d of the element body 2.

[0048] Figure 4 It means along Figure 1 The cross-sectional structure of the IV-IV line in FIG. Figure 4 As shown, the element body 2 includes a first portion 20, a second portion 21, a third portion 22, and a fourth portion 23. The first portion 20, the second portion 21, the third portion 22, and the fourth portion 23 exist in this order from the main surface 2d toward the main surface 2c.

[0049] The first portion 20 includes the main surface 2d and includes the region A between the terminal electrode 3 and the terminal electrode 4 in the second direction D2 (see Figure 5 ) part. Figure 5 As shown, when viewed from the first direction D1, the first portion 20 includes the area A of the terminal electrodes 3 and 4 in the third direction D3 that is greater than the dimension W. When viewed from the first direction D1, the first portion 20 includes all areas A between the pair of terminal electrodes 3 and 4 in the second direction D2. In this embodiment, the first portion 20 includes all areas A of the principal surface 2d.

[0050] like Figure 4 As shown, first portion 20 includes the area surrounding each of terminal electrode 3 and terminal electrode 4. First portion 20 is provided between each of terminal electrode 3 and terminal electrode 4 and coil 5 (coil conductor layer 12e) in first direction D1. A first dimension T1 of first portion 20 in first direction D1 is larger than a second dimension T2 of terminal electrodes 3 and 4 in first direction D1 (T1>T2). First dimension T1 is no greater than twice second dimension T2.

[0051] The second portion 21 is a portion between the first portion 20 and the coil conductor layer 12 e located closest to the main surface 2 d in the first direction D1 .

[0052] The third portion 22 is the portion between the coil conductor layer 12a located closest to the principal surface 2c and the coil conductor layer 12e located closest to the principal surface 2d in the first direction D1. Specifically, the third portion 22 is the portion between the surface of the coil conductor layer 12a on the principal surface 2c side and the surface of the coil conductor layer 12e on the principal surface 2d side in the first direction D1. The third portion 22 does not include the area between the coil conductor layers that are opposite to each other in the first direction D1. Specifically, the third portion 22 does not include the area between the coil conductor layers 12a and 12c that are opposite to each other in the first direction D1, nor does it include the area between the coil conductor layers 12c and 12e that are opposite to each other in the first direction D1.

[0053] The fourth portion 23 includes the main surface 2 c and is a portion between the main surface 2 c and the third portion 22 in the first direction D1 .

[0054] In the coil component 1, the metal magnetic particles P1 ( Figure 6A ) is larger than the average particle size of the metal magnetic particles P2 ( Figure 6B ) has a smaller average particle size. In this embodiment, the average particle size of the metal magnetic particles P1 in the first portion 20 is smaller than the average particle size of the metal magnetic particles P2 in the second portion 21, the third portion 22, and the fourth portion 23. In this embodiment, the particle size is defined by the equivalent circular diameter. The equivalent circular diameters of the metal magnetic particles P1 and P2 can be obtained, for example, as follows.

[0055] Obtain a cross-sectional photograph of the coil component 1. Perform image processing on the obtained cross-sectional photograph using software. Through image processing, the boundaries of the metal magnetic particles P1 and P2 are identified, and the areas of the metal magnetic particles P1 and P2 are calculated. Based on the areas of the metal magnetic particles P1 and P2 obtained, the particle sizes converted into equivalent circular diameters are respectively calculated. Here, the particle sizes of more than 100 metal magnetic particles P1 and P2 are calculated, and the particle size distribution of these metal magnetic particles P1 and P2 is obtained. The particle size (d50) at which the cumulative value of the obtained particle size distribution is 50% is set as the "average particle size". There is no particular restriction on the particle shape of the metal magnetic particles P1 and P2.

[0056] like Figure 6AAs shown, in more detail, the metal magnetic particles P1 include normal particles P11 formed into an ellipsoidal shape, and flat particles P12 formed into an ellipsoidal shape (disk-shaped) that is flatter than normal particles in the thickness direction. The thickness direction is a prescribed direction for convenience. The normal particles P11 have a surface including a major axis direction and a minor axis direction perpendicular to the thickness direction. Similarly, the flat particles P12 have a surface including a major axis direction and a minor axis direction perpendicular to the thickness direction. For example, a particle whose length in the major axis direction perpendicular to the thickness direction is less than 3 times the length in the thickness direction is set as a normal particle P11, and a particle whose length in the major axis direction perpendicular to the thickness direction exceeds 3 times the length in the thickness direction is set as a flat particle P12.

[0057] The normal particles P11 and the flat particles P12 have a major diameter and a minor diameter when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction and when viewed from the thickness direction, respectively. In the relationship between the normal particles P11 and the flat particles P12, the major diameter of the normal particles P11 is smaller than the major diameter of the flat particles P12, and the minor diameter of the normal particles P11 is larger than the minor diameter of the flat particles P12. The volume of the normal particles P11 is larger than the volume of the flat particles P12. The volume of the normal particles P11 may also be twice the volume of the flat particles P12.

[0058] The minor and major diameters of the normal particles P11 and flat particles P12, as well as their volumes, can be measured using, for example, a scanning electron microscope (SEM). In this case, a cross-sectional photograph of the element body 2 is obtained using the SEM, and the particle diameter and minor diameter are measured by performing an elliptical approximation of the particle cross-section. The volume is calculated based on the average particle size of the normal particles P11 and flat particles P12 present in each cross-section perpendicular to the first direction D1, the second direction D2, and the third direction D3 within a predetermined region of the element body 2.

[0059] The normal particles P11 and flat particles P12 arranged around the terminal electrode 3 (terminal electrode 4) are partially embedded in the terminal electrode 3 (terminal electrode 4). Embedding in the terminal electrode 3 (terminal electrode 4) can be described as embedding, embedding, pressing into, or intruding. The flat particles P12 are embedded in the terminal electrode 3 (terminal electrode 4) so ​​that their major diameter (longitudinal direction) intersects the outer surface 3a (outer surface 4a) of the terminal electrode 3 (terminal electrode 4).

[0060] As described above, in the coil component 1 of this embodiment, the average particle size of the metal magnetic particles P1 in the first portion 20 of the element body 2 is smaller than the average particle size of the metal magnetic particles P2 in the second portion 21, the third portion 22, and the fourth portion 23. As a result, in the coil component 1, the number of metal magnetic particles P1 present between the pair of terminal electrodes 3 and 4 can be increased compared to the second portion 21, the third portion 22, and the fourth portion 23. Therefore, in the coil component 1, the number of interfaces of the metal magnetic particles P1 present between the pair of terminal electrodes 3 and 4 can be sufficiently ensured, and the withstand voltage between the pair of terminal electrodes 3 and 4 can be improved. Therefore, in the coil component 1, short circuits in the pair of terminal electrodes 3 and 4 can be suppressed.

[0061] In coil component 1, the average particle size of metal magnetic particles P2 in second portion 21, third portion 22, and fourth portion 23 of element body 2 is larger than the average particle size of metal magnetic particles P1 in first portion 20. Consequently, coil component 1 maintains magnetic permeability in second portion 21, third portion 22, and fourth portion 23 of element body 2. Consequently, coil component 1 maintains inductance, maintaining coil characteristics.

[0062] In the coil component 1 of this embodiment, the first dimension T1 of the first portion 20 of the element body 2 in the first direction D1 is larger than the second dimension T2 of the terminal electrodes 3 and 4 in the first direction D1. This structure ensures a sufficient number of interfaces between the metal magnetic particles P1 between the pair of terminal electrodes 3 and 4 arranged inside the element body 2. Therefore, in the coil component 1 in which the pair of terminal electrodes 3 and 4 are arranged inside the element body 2, the withstand voltage between the pair of terminal electrodes 3 and 4 can be increased.

[0063] In the coil component 1 of this embodiment, the first dimension T1 of the first portion 20 may be less than or equal to twice the second dimension T2 of the terminal electrodes 3 and 4. If the first dimension T1 of the first portion 20 is greater than twice the second dimension T2, the magnetic permeability of the element body 2 may decrease. In the coil component 1, by setting the first dimension T1 of the first portion 20 to less than or equal to twice the second dimension T2, short circuits in the pair of terminal electrodes can be suppressed while maintaining coil characteristics.

[0064] In the coil component 1 of this embodiment, the first portion 20 of the element body 2 is provided in the first direction D1 between each of the pair of terminal electrodes 3 and 4 and the coil 5. This structure can suppress the generation of parasitic capacitance between each of the pair of terminal electrodes 3 and 4 and the coil 5.

[0065] In the coil component 1 of this embodiment, when viewed from the first direction D1, the first portion 20 of the element body 2 includes the entire region between the pair of terminal electrodes 3 and 4 in the second direction D2. This structure further improves the withstand voltage between the pair of terminal electrodes 3 and 4. Therefore, in the coil component 1, short circuits between the pair of terminal electrodes 3 and 4 can be further suppressed.

[0066] In coil component 1 of this embodiment, in first portion 20 of element body 2, a portion of metal magnetic particles P1 surrounding terminal electrodes 3 and 4 is embedded in terminal electrodes 3 and 4. This structure ensures close contact between element body 2 and terminal electrodes 3 and 4.

[0067] In the coil component 1 of this embodiment, the metal magnetic particles P1 in the first portion 20 of the element body 2 include normal particles P11 formed into an ellipsoidal shape and flat particles P12 formed into an ellipsoidal shape that is flatter than normal particles P11 in the thickness direction. A portion of the flat particles P12 is embedded in the terminal electrode 3 (terminal electrode 4) such that the major axis of the flat particles P12 intersects the outer surface 3a (4a) of the terminal electrode 3 (terminal electrode 4). This structure ensures close contact between the element body 2 and the terminal electrodes 3 and 4.

[0068] As mentioned above, although embodiment of this disclosure was described, this disclosure is not necessarily limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, Various changes can be made without departing from the scope of the gist of this disclosure.

[0069] In the above embodiment, the terminal electrodes 3 and 4 are each embedded in the element body 2 as an example. Specifically, in the above embodiment, the surfaces of the terminal electrodes 3 and 4 are approximately flush with the principal surface 2d. However, the terminal electrodes may be at least partially embedded in the element body 2 or may be arranged on the principal surface 2d. The terminal electrodes 3 and 4 may be positioned so as to be exposed on the principal surface 2d.

[0070] In the above embodiment, the terminal electrodes 3 and 4 are rectangular when viewed from the first direction D1. However, the shapes of the terminal electrodes 3 and 4 are not limited and may be other shapes (circular, elliptical, polygonal, etc.).

[0071] In the above embodiment, the first dimension T1 of the first portion 20 in the first direction D1 is larger than the second dimension T2 in the first direction D1 of the terminal electrodes 3 and 4 (T1>T2). However, the first dimension T1 may be smaller than the second dimension T2.

[0072] In the above embodiment, the first portion 20 is provided around each of the terminal electrodes 3 and 4. However, the first portion may not be provided around each of the terminal electrodes 3 and 4.

[0073] In the above embodiment, the first portion 20 includes the entire region A of the principal surface 2d. However, the first portion 20 only needs to include the region A between the pair of terminal electrodes 3 and 4 in the second direction D2 as at least a portion.

[0074] like Figure 7A As shown, the first portion 20 may include a portion of the region A between a pair of terminal electrodes 3 and 4, as shown in FIG. Figure 7B As shown in FIG. 1 , the first portion 20 may also be in a U-shape (channel shape) so as to include a portion of the region A between the pair of terminal electrodes 3 and 4. Figure 7C As shown, the first portion 20 may include a portion of the region A between a pair of terminal electrodes 3 and 4, as shown in FIG. Figure 7D As shown, the first portion 20 may also be H-shaped so as to include a portion of the region A between the pair of terminal electrodes 3 and 4 .

[0075] like Figure 8A As shown, the first portion 20 may include only the region A between a pair of terminal electrodes 3 and 4. Figure 8B As shown, the first portion 20 may also be in the shape of a frame surrounding the terminal electrodes 3 and 4 so as to include a portion of the region A between the pair of terminal electrodes 3 and 4. Figure 8C As shown, the first portion 20 may include the region A between the pair of terminal electrodes 3 and 4 and not include the edge of the main surface 2d, as shown in FIG. Figure 8D As shown, the first portion 20 may include a plurality of regions A between the pair of terminal electrodes 3 and 4 .

Claims

1. A coil component, wherein: have: a body formed of a plurality of metal magnetic particles of a soft magnetic material, and having a mounting surface and a main surface facing each other in a first direction; a pair of terminal electrodes exposed and positioned on the mounting surface and arranged opposite to each other in the second direction; as well as The coil is arranged in the element body and is composed of a plurality of coil conductors. The element body comprises: a first portion including the mounting surface and including a region between a pair of the terminal electrodes in the second direction; a second portion between the first portion in the first direction and the coil conductor located closest to the mounting surface; a third portion between the coil conductor located closest to the main surface and the coil conductor located closest to the mounting surface in the first direction, the third portion excluding a region between the coil conductors facing each other in the first direction; and a fourth portion including the main surface and being a portion between the main surface and the third portion in the first direction, The average particle size of the metal magnetic particles in the first portion is smaller than the average particle size of the metal magnetic particles in any of the second portion, the third portion, and the fourth portion.

2. The coil component according to claim 1, wherein At least a portion of each of the pair of terminal electrodes is disposed inside the element body.

3. The coil component according to claim 1 or 2, wherein A first dimension of the first portion in the first direction is larger than a second dimension of the terminal electrode in the first direction. The coil component according to claim 3 , wherein: The first size is less than or equal to twice the second size.

5. The coil component according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The first portion is provided between each of the pair of terminal electrodes and the coil in the first direction.

6. The coil component according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The first portion includes a region larger than a size of the terminal electrode in a third direction perpendicular to the second direction when viewed from the first direction.

7. The coil component according to claim 1 or 2, wherein When viewed from the first direction, the first portion includes all of the region between the pair of terminal electrodes in the second direction.

8. The coil component according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The first portion includes a region surrounding the terminal electrode.

9. The coil component according to claim 1 or 2, wherein In the first portion, a portion of the metal magnetic particles located around the terminal electrode is embedded in the terminal electrode.

10. The coil component according to claim 9, wherein In the first portion, the metal magnetic particles include normal particles formed in an ellipsoidal shape and flat particles formed in an ellipsoidal shape that is flatter than the normal particles in the thickness direction. Part of the flat particles is embedded in the terminal electrode so that the longitudinal direction of the flat particles intersects with the outer surface of the terminal electrode.

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