Coil component

Abstract

To provide a coil component that can increase the number of turns of a coil and can increase an inner diameter of the coil.SOLUTION: A coil component includes: coil conductors 35 and 36; and coil conductors 33 and 34 adjacent to each other in a first direction D1. The coil conductor 36 includes a portion 36c adjacent to a side surface 1c and extending along the side surface 1c. The coil conductor 35 includes: a portion 35a adjacent to the side surface 1e and extending along a side surface 1e; and a portion 35b extending so that a portion 36c is located between the side surface 1e and the side surface 1c. The coil conductor 34 includes a portion 34c extending so as to overlap the portion 35a in the first direction D1. The coil conductor 33 includes: a portion 33a extending so as to overlap the portion 36c in the first direction D1; and a portion 33b overlapping the portion 35b in the first direction D1 and extending so that the portion 34c is located between the portion and the side surface 1e. The portion 35b and the portion 33b are connected to each other through a connection conductor.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a coil component. [Background technology]

[0002] A known coil component includes an element body, first and second external electrodes disposed on the element body, and a coil disposed within the element body (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The element body includes, for example, a first main surface, a second main surface opposite the first main surface, and a plurality of side surfaces connecting the first and second main surfaces. The first and second external electrodes are, for example, disposed on the first main surface and spaced apart from each other. The coil includes, for example, a plurality of coil conductor layers electrically connected to the first and second external electrodes. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-009391 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] An object of one aspect of the present invention is to provide a coil component that allows the number of turns of the coil to be increased and the inner diameter of the coil to be increased. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A coil component according to one aspect of the present invention comprises an element body including a first main surface, a second main surface opposite the first main surface, and a plurality of side surfaces connecting the first main surface and the second main surface; first and second external electrodes arranged on the first main surface and spaced apart from each other; and a coil arranged within the element body and including a plurality of coil conductor layers electrically connected to the first and second external electrodes. The side surfaces include first and second side surfaces adjacent to each other. The plurality of coil conductor layers include a first coil conductor layer including first and second coil conductors spaced apart from each other, and a second coil conductor layer adjacent to the first coil conductor layer in a direction perpendicular to the first main surface and including third and fourth coil conductors spaced apart from each other. The first coil conductor includes a first portion adjacent to the first side surface and extending along the first side surface. The second coil conductor includes a second portion adjacent to the second side surface and extending along the second side surface, and a third portion continuous with the second portion and extending such that the first portion is located between the first side surface and the second side surface. The third coil conductor includes a fourth portion adjacent to the second side surface and extending to overlap with the second portion in a direction perpendicular to the first principal surface. The fourth coil conductor includes a fifth portion adjacent to the first side surface and extending to overlap with the first portion in a direction perpendicular to the first principal surface, and a sixth portion continuous with the fifth portion and overlapping with the third portion in the direction perpendicular to the first principal surface, extending such that the fourth portion is located between the fifth portion and the second side surface. The third portion and the sixth portion are connected via a connecting conductor.

[0006] In one aspect, the coil includes first and second coil conductor layers. The first coil conductor layer includes first and second coil conductors. The second coil conductor layer includes third and fourth coil conductors. That is, one coil conductor layer includes multiple coil conductors electrically connected to the first and second external electrodes. The one aspect can increase the number of turns of the coil. In the one aspect, the first portion extends along the first side surface, and the fifth portion extends so as to overlap with the first portion in a direction perpendicular to the first main surface. The second portion extends along the second side surface, and the fourth portion is adjacent to the second side surface and extends so as to overlap with the second portion in a direction perpendicular to the first main surface. In the one aspect, the inner diameter of the coil can be increased by the extension of these first to fourth portions. In one aspect, the third portion extends so that the first portion is located between the third portion and the first side surface, and the sixth portion extends so that the fourth portion is located between the sixth portion and the second side surface. Thus, the third portion and the sixth portion extend so as not to overlap with the first portion and the fourth portion, and the connection between the first portion and the fourth portion is ensured.

[0007] In the one aspect, the first portion and the fourth portion may be connected through a connecting conductor. The configuration in which the first portion and the fourth portion are connected through the connecting conductor ensures connection between the first portion and the fourth portion.

[0008] In one aspect, the multiple side surfaces include a third side surface facing the first side surface and a fourth side surface facing the second side surface, and the multiple coil conductor layers may include a fifth coil conductor and a sixth coil conductor spaced apart from each other, and may also include another coil conductor layer adjacent to the first coil conductor layer in a direction perpendicular to the first main surface and positioned so that the first coil conductor layer is located between the second coil conductor layer. The second coil conductor may include a seventh portion continuous with the second portion, adjacent to the third side surface, and extending along the third side surface. The first coil conductor may include an eighth portion continuous with the first portion, adjacent to the fourth side surface, and extending along the fourth side surface, and a ninth portion continuous with the eighth portion and extending so that the seventh portion is located between the eighth portion and the third side surface. The fifth coil conductor may include a tenth portion adjacent to the fourth side surface and extending to overlap with the eighth portion in a direction perpendicular to the first main surface. The sixth coil conductor may include an eleventh portion adjacent to the third side surface and extending so as to overlap with the seventh portion in a direction perpendicular to the first main surface, and a twelfth portion continuous with the eleventh portion and overlapping with the ninth portion in a direction perpendicular to the first main surface, and extending so that the tenth portion is located between the fourth side surface and the eleventh portion. A configuration in which the second coil conductor includes a seventh portion and the first coil conductor includes an eighth and ninth portion can further increase the inner diameter of the coil. A configuration in which the fifth coil conductor includes a tenth portion and the sixth coil conductor includes an eleventh and twelfth portion can further increase the inner diameter of the coil.

[0009] In the one aspect, the seventh portion and the tenth portion may be connected through a connecting conductor. The seventh portion and the tenth portion are connected through a connecting conductor, which ensures connection between the seventh portion and the tenth portion.

[0010] In one aspect, the plurality of coil conductor layers may include a pair of coil conductors spaced apart from each other and a third coil conductor layer adjacent to the first principal surface. One of the pair of coil conductors may be located at one end of the coil and connected to the first external electrode through a connecting conductor. The other of the pair of coil conductors may be located at the other end of the coil and connected to the second external electrode through a connecting conductor. In a configuration in which one of a pair of coil conductors is located at one end of the coil and is connected to the first external electrode through the connecting conductor, and the other of the pair of coil conductors is located at the other end of the coil and is connected to the second external electrode through the connecting conductor, the connecting conductor may have a thickness in the first direction that is smaller than the thickness of each of the coil conductors in the direction perpendicular to the first main surface. The reduction in the thickness of the connecting conductor in the direction perpendicular to the first main surface allows the number of turns of the coil to be increased more reliably.

[0011] In one of the above aspects, the distance between one coil conductor and the first external electrode in a direction perpendicular to the first main surface may be equal to the distance between the other coil conductor and the second external electrode in a direction perpendicular to the first main surface. A configuration in which these spacings are equal to each other can make the length of the connecting conductor connecting one of the coil conductors and the first external electrode in a direction perpendicular to the first main surface equal to the length of the connecting conductor connecting the other of the coil conductors and the second external electrode in a direction perpendicular to the first main surface.

[0012] In one of the above aspects, the connecting conductor connecting one coil conductor and the first external electrode and the connecting conductor connecting the other coil conductor and the second external electrode may be adjacent to one of the multiple side surfaces. A configuration in which each connecting conductor is adjacent to one side surface can increase the length of each coil conductor compared to, for example, a configuration in which each connecting conductor is adjacent to a different side surface, thereby improving the inductance of the coil. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] One aspect of the present invention provides a coil component that allows the number of turns of the coil to be increased and the inner diameter of the coil to be increased. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a coil component according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a cross-sectional configuration of the coil component according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the coil and the connecting conductor. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a cross-sectional configuration of the coil component according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a cross-sectional configuration of the coil component according to this embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a cross-sectional configuration of the coil component according to this embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view showing the coil and the connecting conductor. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a cross-sectional configuration of a coil component according to a modified example of this embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description, the same elements or elements having the same functions will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0016] The configuration of a coil component ED1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 6. Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing the coil component according to this embodiment. Fig. 2 is a view showing a cross-sectional configuration of the coil component according to this embodiment. Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing a coil and a connecting conductor. Figs. 4, 5, and 6 are views showing cross-sectional configurations of the coil component according to this embodiment.

[0017] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the coil component ED1 includes an element body 1, external electrodes 10, 20, and a coil 30. The external electrodes 10, 20 are disposed on the surface of the element body 1. The coil 30 is disposed within the element body 1 and is electrically connected to the external electrodes 10, 20. In this embodiment, the coil 30 is disposed such that its coil axis is aligned with the first direction D1. The coil 30 is not shown in FIG. 1. The element body 1 is not shown in FIG. 3.

[0018] The element body 1 has, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped shape. In this specification, the rectangular parallelepiped shape includes a rectangular parallelepiped shape with chamfered corners and ridges, and a rectangular parallelepiped shape with rounded corners and ridges. The element body 1 includes a pair of opposing main surfaces 1a, 1b and multiple side surfaces 1c, 1d, 1e, and 1f connecting the pair of main surfaces 1a, 1b. In this embodiment, the surface of the element body 1 includes the pair of main surfaces 1a, 1b and four side surfaces 1c, 1d, 1e, and 1f.

[0019] The element body 1 includes, for example, a plurality of insulator layers having electrical insulation properties. In this embodiment, the element body 1 includes a plurality of insulator layers stacked in a first direction D1. The plurality of insulator layers are integrated to the extent that the boundaries between them are practically invisible. Each of the plurality of insulator layers has, for example, a rectangular shape when viewed from the first direction D1.

[0020] The insulator layer includes a plurality of metal magnetic particles. The metal magnetic particles are, for example, made of a soft magnetic alloy. The soft magnetic alloy is, for example, an Fe-Si alloy. When the soft magnetic alloy is an Fe-Si alloy, it may contain P. The soft magnetic alloy may 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. In the insulator layer, the metal magnetic particles are bonded to each other. The bond between the metal magnetic particles is achieved, for example, by bonding between oxide films formed on the surfaces of the metal magnetic particles. The element body 1 includes a resin. The resin is present between the plurality of metal magnetic particles. The resin is a resin having electrical insulating properties (insulating resin). The insulating resin includes, for example, a silicone resin, a phenolic resin, an acrylic resin, or an epoxy resin. The insulator layer may include a glass-ceramic material or a dielectric material. The glass-ceramic material may include, for example, glass and alumina. The glass-ceramic material may include, for example, strontium, calcium, alumina, and silicon oxide.

[0021] In this embodiment, the principal surface 1a constitutes a mounting surface. When the coil component ED1 is mounted on another electronic device, such as a circuit board or a laminated electronic component, the principal surface 1a faces the other electronic device. The principal surface 1b may constitute the mounting surface. Each of the pair of principal surfaces 1a, 1b and the four side surfaces 1c, 1d, 1e, and 1f has, for example, a rectangular shape. In this specification, a rectangular shape includes a shape in which each corner is chamfered or a shape in which each corner is rounded.

[0022] The pair of main surfaces 1a, 1b face each other in the first direction D1. The main surface 1a is perpendicular to the first direction D1. The pair of side surfaces 1c, 1d face each other in the second direction D2. The pair of side surfaces 1e, 1f face each other in the third direction D3. The four side surfaces 1c, 1d, 1e, 1f extend in the first direction D1 so as to connect the pair of main surfaces 1a, 1b. The pair of side surfaces 1c, 1e are adjacent to each other. The pair of side surfaces 1d, 1f are adjacent to each other. The first direction D1 intersects with the second direction D2 and with the third direction D3. The second direction D2 intersects with the third direction D3, for example. In this embodiment, the first direction D1, the second direction D2, and the third direction D3 are perpendicular to one another. For example, if side 1c includes the first side, side 1e includes the second side. For example, if side 1d includes the third side, side 1f includes the fourth side.

[0023] The length of the element body 1 in the first direction D1 is, for example, 0.05 to 2.0 mm. The length of the element body 1 in the second direction D2 is, for example, 0.05 to 4.0 mm. The length of the element body 1 in the third direction D3 is, for example, 0.05 to 4.0 mm. In the element body 1, the second direction D2 is, for example, the long side direction.

[0024] The external electrodes 10, 20 are arranged on the principal surface 1a of the pair of principal surfaces 1a, 1b of the element body 1. The external electrodes 10, 20 are joined to terminals of another electronic device when the coil component ED1 is mounted. The external electrodes 10, 20 are arranged spaced apart from each other in the second direction D2 and are electrically connected to the coil 30. When viewed from the first direction D1, the external electrodes 10, 20 are spaced apart from the four ends of the element body 1. When viewed from the first direction D1, each of the four ends of the element body 1 overlaps with a corresponding side surface 1c, 1d, 1e, 1f. In this embodiment, the external electrodes 10, 20 protrude from the principal surface 1a. The external electrodes 10, 20 have, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped shape. For example, when the external electrode 10 includes a first external electrode, the external electrode 20 includes a second external electrode.

[0025] The external electrodes 10, 20 include a conductive material. The conductive material includes, for example, Ag, Pd, Cu, or Al. The conductive material includes, for example, an Ag-Pd alloy, an Ag-Cu alloy, an Ag-Au alloy, or an Ag-Pt alloy. The external electrodes 10, 20 include, for example, a Ni plating film, an Sn plating film, a Cu plating film, or an Au plating film. The external electrodes 10, 20 may have a multilayer structure of these plating films, and may include a Ni plating film and an Sn plating film formed on the Ni plating film. The thickness of the portion of the external electrodes 10, 20 located on the main surface 1a is, for example, 1 to 50 μm.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 3, the coil 30 includes a plurality of coil conductor layers L1 to L4. The plurality of coil conductor layers L1 to L4 are disposed within the element body 1 and are electrically connected to the external electrodes 10 and 20. The coil conductor layer L1 is adjacent to the main surface 1a. The coil conductor layer L2 is adjacent to the coil conductor layer L1 in the first direction D1. The coil conductor layer L3 is adjacent to the coil conductor layer L2 in the first direction D1. The coil conductor layer L4 is adjacent to the coil conductor layer L3 in the first direction D1. In the present embodiment, the coil conductor layer L1 includes a coil conductor 31 and a coil conductor 32, and the coil conductor layer L2 includes a coil conductor 33 and a coil conductor 34. The coil conductor layer L3 includes a coil conductor 35 and a coil conductor 36, and the coil conductor layer L4 includes a coil conductor 37. For example, if the coil conductor layer L1 includes a third coil conductor layer, the coil conductor layer L2 includes a first coil conductor layer, and the coil conductor layer L3 includes a second coil conductor layer. For example, the coil conductor layer L1 includes another coil conductor layer.

[0027] The multiple coil conductors 31 to 37 are disposed within the element body 1, lined up in the first direction D1, and connected to one another. The multiple coil conductors 31 to 37 are electrically connected to one another. The coil conductors 31 to 37 are disposed so that at least a portion of each overlaps with one another when viewed from the first direction D1. The coil 30 includes, for example, a coil conductor having a shape with a partially interrupted loop. The coil 30 includes a coil conductor that extends along a circular path between a pair of ends of the coil conductor. The coil 30 includes, for example, a rectangular coil conductor. For example, if coil conductor 36 includes a first coil conductor, coil conductor 35 includes a second coil conductor. For example, if coil conductor 34 includes a third coil conductor, coil conductor 33 includes a fourth coil conductor. For example, if coil conductor 33 includes a fifth coil conductor, coil conductor 34 includes a sixth coil conductor.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 3 , the coil component ED1 includes a connection conductor 42 connecting the coil conductor 31 and the external electrode 10, and a connection conductor 43 connecting the coil conductor 32 and the external electrode 20. The connection conductors 42 and 43 are located at ends of the coil 30 closer to the principal surface 1a. In this embodiment, the coil conductors 31 and 32 are closest to the external electrodes 10 and 20 within the coil 30. The connection conductor 42 is connected to the coil conductor 31. The connection conductor 43 is connected to the coil conductor 32. The coil conductor 31 is located at one end 30e1 of the coil 30. The coil conductor 32 is located at the other end 30e2 of the coil 30. The connection conductors 42 and 43 include, for example, through-hole conductors. The connection conductors 42 and 43 may include a through-hole conductor and a pad electrode. For example, when the coil conductor 31 includes one coil conductor, the coil conductor 32 includes the other coil conductor. The coil conductor 31 is connected to the external electrode 10. The coil conductor 31 is electrically connected to the external electrode 10. The coil conductor 31 is electrically connected to the external electrode 20, for example, through a connecting conductor 42. The coil conductor 31 may be connected to the external electrode 10 through a through-hole conductor. The coil conductor 31 may be connected to the external electrode 10 through one through-hole conductor. The coil conductor 31 is electrically connected to the external electrode 10, for example, through a connecting conductor 42. The coil conductor 32 is connected to the external electrode 20. The coil conductor 32 is electrically connected to the external electrode 20. The coil conductor 32 is electrically connected to the external electrode 20, for example, through a connecting conductor 43. The coil conductor 32 may be connected to the external electrode 20 through a through-hole conductor. The coil conductor 32 may be connected to the external electrode 20 through one through-hole conductor.

[0029] The distance H1 between the coil conductor 31 and the external electrode 10 in the first direction D1 and the distance H2 between the coil conductor 32 and the external electrode 20 in the first direction D1 are equal. In this specification, "equal" does not necessarily mean that multiple values are the same. Multiple values may be considered equal even if they contain slight differences within a predetermined range, manufacturing errors, or measurement errors. For example, multiple values are defined as equal if each of the multiple values falls within a range of ±10% of the average value of the multiple values.

[0030] Among the multiple connection conductors 42, adjacent connection conductors 42 are connected to each other, for example, through-hole conductors. The connection conductor 42 farthest from the coil 30 is connected to the outer electrode 10, for example, through a through-hole conductor. The connection conductor 42 closest to the coil 30 is connected to the coil 30, for example, through a through-hole conductor. Among the multiple connection conductors 43, adjacent connection conductors 43 are connected to each other, for example, through separate through-hole conductors. The connection conductor 43 farthest from the coil 30 is connected to the external electrode 20, for example, through separate through-hole conductors. The connection conductor 43 closest to the coil 30 is connected to the coil 30, for example, through separate through-hole conductors.

[0031] The connecting conductor 42 and the connecting conductor 43 are adjacent to one of the side surfaces 1c, 1d, 1e, and 1f. In this embodiment, the connecting conductor 42 and the connecting conductor 43 are closer to the side surface 1f than to the side surface 1e. The connecting conductor 42 and the connecting conductor 43 may be closer to the side surface 1e than to the side surface 1f.

[0032] The coil conductors 31 to 37 adjacent to each other in the first direction D1 are connected to each other at the ends of the coil conductors 31 to 37. The coil conductors 31 to 37 are electrically connected to each other at the ends of the coil conductors 31 to 37. The coil component ED1 includes, for example, a connecting conductor 41. In this embodiment, the connecting conductor 41 includes a plurality of connecting conductors 41. The coil conductors 31 to 37 are electrically connected to each other at the ends of the coil conductors 31 to 37 through the connecting conductors 41. The connecting conductor 41 includes, for example, a through-hole conductor. The connecting conductor 41 may include a through-hole conductor and a pad electrode.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 4, the coil conductor 31 includes portions 31a, 31b, and 31c. The portion 31a is adjacent to the side surface 1e and extends along the side surface 1e. The portion 31b is continuous with the portion 31a and extends so that the portion 31b is located between the portion 31a and the side surface 1c. The portion 31c is continuous with the portion 31a. The portion 31c is adjacent to the side surface 1d and extends along the side surface 1d. The portion 31c is closer to the side surface 1d than the portion 31b. The portion 31c is connected to the connecting conductor 42. The portion 31c is connected to the connecting conductor 42, for example, via another through-hole conductor. The coil conductor 32 includes a portion 32a and a portion 32b. The portion 32a is adjacent to the side surface 1c and extends along the side surface 1c. The portion 32b is continuous with the portion 32a. The portion 32b is adjacent to the side surface 1c and extends along the side surface 1c. The portion 32a is closer to the side surface 1f than the portion 32b. The portion 32b is connected to the coil conductor 34. The portion 32b is electrically connected to the coil conductor 34. The portion 32b is connected to the coil conductor 34 through a connecting conductor 41. The portion 32a is connected to the connecting conductor 43. The portion 32a is electrically connected to the connecting conductor 43, for example, through a through-hole conductor.

[0034] The coil conductor 33 and the coil conductor 34 are adjacent to the coil conductor 31 and the coil conductor 32 in the first direction D1. The coil conductor 33 is connected to the coil conductor 31. The coil conductor 33 is electrically connected to the coil conductor 31. The coil conductor 33 is electrically connected to the coil conductor 31 through the connecting conductor 41. The coil conductor 34 is spaced apart from the coil conductor 33. The coil conductor 34 is connected to the coil conductor 32. The coil conductor 34 is electrically connected to the coil conductor 32. The coil conductor 34 is electrically connected to the coil conductor 32 through the connecting conductor 41.

[0035] The coil conductor 33 includes a portion 33a, a portion 33b, and a portion 33c. The portion 33a is adjacent to the side surface 1c and extends along the side surface 1c. The portion 33b is continuous with the portion 33a and extends so that the portion 34c is located between the portion 33a and the side surface 1e. The portion 33c is continuous with the portion 33a. The portion 33c is adjacent to the side surface 1f and extends along the side surface 1f. The portion 33c is closer to the side surface 1f than the portion 33b. The portion 33b is connected to the coil conductor 31. The portion 33b is electrically connected to the coil conductor 31. The portion 33b is electrically connected to the coil conductor 31 through the connecting conductor 41. In this embodiment, the portions 33b and 31b are connected to each other through the connecting conductor 41. The portions 33b and 31b intersect with each other when viewed from the first direction D1. The intersection angle between the portions 33b and 31b at the connection region between the portions 33b and 31b is, for example, greater than 180 degrees when measured inside the coil conductor. The coil conductor 34 includes portions 34a, 34b, and 34c. Portion 34a is adjacent to side surface 1d and extends along side surface 1d. Portion 34b is continuous with portion 34a and extends such that portion 33c is located between portion 34a and side surface 1f. Portion 34c is continuous with portion 34a. Portion 34c is adjacent to side surface 1e and extends along side surface 1e. Portion 34c is closer to side surface 1e than portion 34b. Portion 34c is connected to the coil conductor 32. Portion 34c is electrically connected to the coil conductor 32. Portion 34c is electrically connected to the coil conductor 32 through a connecting conductor 41. In this embodiment, portion 34c and portion 32b are connected through the connecting conductor 41.

[0036] Portion 32a extends so as to overlap portion 33a in the first direction D1. Portion 32b is adjacent to portion 31b of coil conductor 31 in the second direction D2 and is exposed from coil conductor 33 in the first direction D1. Portion 33b extends so as to overlap portion 31b. Portion 33b is adjacent to portion 34c in the third direction D3 and includes a region exposed from coil conductor 32 in the first direction D1. Portion 34c extends so as to overlap portion 31b. Portion 34c extends in the first direction D1 so as to overlap portion 31a. Portion 34c is adjacent to portion 33b in the third direction D3 and includes a region exposed from coil conductor 31 in the first direction D1. Portion 31b overlaps and is electrically connected to portion 33b when viewed from the first direction D1. In the example shown in FIG. 4 , when viewed from the first direction D1, the outer edge of the coil conductor 31 has portions that overlap with the outer edges of the coil conductors 33 and 34. When viewed from the first direction D1, the outer edge of the coil conductor 31 does not have to have portions that overlap with the outer edges of the coil conductors 33 and 34. The width of the coil conductor 31 may be, for example, equivalent to the width of the coil conductors 33 and 34. When viewed from the first direction D1, the outer edge of the coil conductor 32 has portions that overlap with the outer edges of the coil conductors 33 and 34. When viewed from the first direction D1, the outer edge of the coil conductor 32 does not have to have portions that overlap with the outer edges of the coil conductors 33 and 34. The width of the coil conductor 31 may be, for example, equivalent to the width of the coil conductors 33 and 34.

[0037] In the present embodiment, a combination of the coil conductor layer L2 and the coil conductor layer L3 forms one structural unit G1, and at least one structural unit G1 is included in the coil 30. The coil 30 includes a coil conductor layer L4. The coil conductor layer L4 includes a coil conductor 37. Of the coil conductor layers L2 and L3 included in the structural unit G1, the coil conductor layer L3 located closest to the main surface 1b is connected to the coil conductor layer L4. The coil conductor layer L3 located closest to the main surface 1b is electrically connected to the coil conductor layer L4. In the present embodiment, the coil conductors 35 and 36 are adjacent to the coil conductor 37 in the first direction D1. The coil conductor 37 includes, for example, one end electrically connected to the coil conductor 35 and the other end electrically connected to the coil conductor 36. In the example shown in FIG. 5 , when viewed from the first direction D1, the outer edge of the coil conductor 33 has portions that overlap with the outer edges of the coil conductors 35 and 36. When viewed from the first direction D1, the outer edge of the coil conductor 33 does not have to have portions that overlap with the outer edges of the coil conductors 35 and 36. The width of the coil conductor 33 may be, for example, equivalent to the width of the coil conductors 35 and 36. When viewed from the first direction D1, the outer edge of the coil conductor 34 has portions that overlap with the outer edges of the coil conductors 35 and 36. When viewed from the first direction D1, the outer edge of the coil conductor 34 does not have to have portions that overlap with the outer edges of the coil conductors 35 and 36. The width of the coil conductor 34 may be, for example, equivalent to the width of the coil conductors 35 and 36.

[0038] As shown in Fig. 5, the coil conductor 35 includes portions 35a, 35b, and 35c. Portion 35a is adjacent to side surface 1e and extends along side surface 1e. Portion 35b is continuous with portion 35a and extends to side surface 1c, with portion 35c being located between portion 35a and side surface 1c. Portion 35c is adjacent to side surface 1d and includes a region extending along side surface 1d. Portion 35c is closer to side surface 1d than portion 35b. Portion 35b is connected to portion 33b. Portion 35b is electrically connected to portion 33b. Portion 35b is connected to portion 33b through connecting conductor 41. Portion 35c is connected to portion 33c. Portion 35c is electrically connected to portion 33c. Portion 35c is connected to portion 33c through connecting conductor 41. The coil conductor 36 includes portions 36a, 36b, and 36c. The portion 36a is adjacent to the side surface 1f and extends along the side surface 1f. The portion 36b is continuous with the portion 36a and extends so that the portion 36c is located between the portion 36a and the side surface 1d. The portion 36c is continuous with the portion 36a, is adjacent to the side surface 1c, and includes a region extending along the side surface 1c. The portion 36c is closer to the side surface 1c than the portion 36b. Portion 36b is connected to portion 34b. Portion 36b is electrically connected to portion 34b. Portion 36b is connected to portion 34b through connecting conductor 41. Portion 36b and portion 34b intersect with each other when viewed from first direction D1. The intersection angle between portion 36b and portion 34b in the connection region between portion 36b and portion 34b is, for example, greater than 180 degrees when measured inside the coil conductor. Portion 36c is connected to portion 34c. Portion 36c is electrically connected to portion 34c. Portion 36c is connected to portion 34c through connecting conductor 41.

[0039] 5, the portion 33b extends in the second direction D2, and the portion 35b extends in the third direction D3, so that the portions 33b and 35b intersect with each other when viewed from the first direction D1. The intersection angle between the portions 33b and 35b at the connection region between the portions 33b and 35b is, for example, greater than 180 degrees when measured inside the coil conductor. In this embodiment, portion 33b may include a region that is continuous with portion 33a and extends in second direction D2, and a connection region that is continuous with the region extending in second direction D2 and changes its extending direction toward side surface 1e to approach portion 35b. Portion 35b may include a region that is continuous with portion 35a and extends in third direction D3, and a connection region that is continuous with the region extending in third direction D3 and changes its extending direction toward side surface 1c to approach portion 33b. In this case, in the connection region between portions 33b and 35b, the extending directions of portions 33b and 35b are, for example, approximately parallel. That is, the intersection angle between portions 33b and 35b is approximately 180 degrees. As shown in FIG. 6, the coil conductor 37 includes a portion 37a, a portion 37b, and a portion 37c. The portion 37a is adjacent to the side surface 1c and extends along the side surface 1c. The portion 37b is continuous with the portion 37a and extends so that the portion 37c is located between the portion 37a and the side surface 1e. The portion 37c is continuous with the portion 37a. The portion 37c is adjacent to the side surface 1e and includes a region that extends along the side surface 1e. The portion 37c is closer to the side surface 1e than the portion 37b. The portion 37c overlaps with the portion 35a in the first direction D1 and includes a region that is exposed from the coil conductor 35. Portion 37b overlaps portion 35b when viewed from the first direction D1. Portion 37b is connected to portion 35b. Portion 37b is electrically connected to portion 35b. Portion 37b is connected to portion 35b through a connecting conductor 41. Portions 37b and 35b intersect with each other when viewed from the first direction D1. The intersection angle between portions 37b and 35b at the connection region between portions 37b and 35b is, for example, greater than 180 degrees when measured inside the coil conductor. Portion 37c overlaps portion 36c when viewed from the first direction D1 and is connected to portion 36c. Portion 37c is electrically connected to portion 36c. Portion 37c is connected to portion 36c through a connecting conductor 41. In the example shown in FIG. 6, when viewed from the first direction D1, the outer edge of the coil conductor 35 has a portion that overlaps with the outer edge of the coil conductor 37. When viewed from the first direction D1, the outer edge of the coil conductor 35 does not have to have a portion that overlaps with the outer edge of the coil conductor 37. The width of the coil conductor 35 may be, for example, equal to the width of the coil conductor 37. When viewed from the first direction D1, the outer edge of the coil conductor 36 has a portion that overlaps with the outer edge of the coil conductor 37. When viewed from the first direction D1, the outer edge of the coil conductor 36 does not have to have a portion that overlaps with the outer edge of the coil conductor 37. The width of the coil conductor 36 may be, for example, equal to the width of the coil conductor 37. In FIGS. 4 to 6, the two-dot chain line schematically indicates part of the contour of the external shape of the element body 1. For example, if portion 36c includes the first portion, portion 36a includes the eighth portion, and portion 36b includes the ninth portion. For example, if portion 35a includes the second portion, portion 35b includes the third portion, and portion 35c includes the seventh portion. For example, if portion 34c includes the fourth portion, portion 34a includes the eleventh portion, and portion 34b includes the twelfth portion. For example, if portion 33a includes the fifth portion, portion 33b includes the sixth portion, and portion 33c includes the tenth portion.

[0040] The coil 30, the connecting conductor 41, and the connecting conductors 42, 43 include a conductive material. The conductive material includes, for example, Ag, Pd, Au, Cu, or Al. The conductive material includes, for example, an Ag-Pd alloy, an Ag-Cu alloy, an Ag-Au alloy, or an Ag-Pt alloy. The coil 30, the connecting conductor 41, and the connecting conductors 42, 43 include, for example, the same conductive material as the external electrodes 10, 20. The coil 30, the connecting conductor 41, and the connecting conductors 42, 43 may include a conductive material different from that of the external electrodes 10, 20. When the coil component ED1 includes through-hole conductors and pad electrodes, the through-hole conductors and the pad electrodes include, for example, the above-mentioned conductive materials.

[0041] A modified example of the coil component ED1 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 7 and 8. Fig. 7 is an exploded perspective view showing a coil and a connecting conductor. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing a cross-sectional configuration of a coil component according to the modified example of the present embodiment. The coil component ED1 according to the modified example has the same configuration as the coil component ED1 according to the above-described embodiment, except for the configuration of part of the coil conductor. The coil component ED1 according to the modified example includes coil conductors 33, 34, and 38 instead of the coil conductor 37 included in the coil component ED1 according to the embodiment.

[0042] The coil 30 includes a coil conductor 33 and a coil conductor 34 such that the coil conductor 35 and the coil conductor 36 are located closer to the main surface 1a than the coil conductors 33 and 34 in the first direction D1. The coil conductor 33 is adjacent to the coil conductor 34 in the third direction D3 and is connected to the coil conductor 35. The coil conductor 33 is electrically connected to the coil conductor 35. The coil conductor 34 is adjacent to the coil conductor 33 in the third direction D3 and is connected to the coil conductor 36. The coil conductor 34 is electrically connected to the coil conductor 36. The coil conductor 33 is electrically connected to the coil conductor 38. The coil conductor 33 is electrically connected to the coil conductor 38 through the connecting conductor 41. The coil conductor 34 is electrically connected to the coil conductor 38. The coil conductor 34 is electrically connected to the coil conductor 38 through the connecting conductor 41.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 8, the coil conductor 38 includes portions 38a, 38b, and 38c. Portion 38a is adjacent to side surface 1f and extends along side surface 1f. Portion 38b is continuous with portion 38a and extends to side surface 1d, with portion 38c being located between portion 38a and side surface 1d. Portion 38c is continuous with portion 38a. Portion 38c is adjacent to side surface 1d and includes a region extending along side surface 1d. Portion 38c is closer to side surface 1d than portion 38b. Portion 38c overlaps portion 34a in the first direction D1 and includes a region exposed from the coil conductor 34. Portion 38c overlaps portion 34a in the first direction D1 and includes a region exposed from the coil conductor 34. Portion 38b overlaps portion 34b when viewed from the first direction D1. Portion 38b is connected to portion 34b. Portion 38b is electrically connected to portion 34b. Portion 38b is connected to portion 34b through a connecting conductor 41. Portion 38c overlaps and is connected to portion 33c when viewed from the first direction D1. Portion 38c is connected to portion 33c. Portion 38c is electrically connected to portion 33c. Portion 38c is connected to portion 33c through a connecting conductor 41. In the example shown in Figure 8, when viewed from the first direction D1, the outer edges of the coil conductors 33 and 34 have portions that overlap with the outer edge of the coil conductor 38. When viewed from the first direction D1, the outer edges of the coil conductors 33 and 34 do not have to have portions that overlap with the outer edge of the coil conductor 38. The width of the coil conductors 33 and 34 may be, for example, equal to the width of the coil conductor 38. In Figure 8, the two-dot chain line schematically indicates part of the contour of the external shape of the element body 1.

[0044] As described above, in the coil component ED1, the coil 30 includes coil conductor layers L2 and L3. The coil conductor layer L2 includes coil conductors 33 and 34. The coil conductor layer L3 includes coil conductors 35 and 36. In other words, one coil conductor layer includes multiple coil conductors electrically connected to the external electrodes 10 and 20. The coil component ED1 can more reliably increase the number of turns of the coil 30. In the coil component ED1, the portion 36c extends along the side surface 1c, and the portion 33a extends to overlap with the portion 36c in the first direction D1. The portion 35a extends along the side surface 1e, and the portion 34c is adjacent to the side surface 1e and extends to overlap with the portion 35a in the first direction D1. In the coil component ED1, the inner diameter of the coil 30 can be increased. In the coil device ED1, the portion 35b extends so that the portion 36c is located between the portion 35b and the side surface 1c, and the portion 33b extends so that the portion 34c is located between the portion 35b and the side surface 1e. Therefore, the portions 35b and 33b extend so as not to overlap with the portions 36c and 34c, and the connection between the portions 36c and 34c is ensured.

[0045] In the coil part ED1, the portion 36c and the portion 34c are connected via a connecting conductor 41. The coil part ED1 ensures the connection between the portion 36c and the portion 34c.

[0046] In the coil device ED1, the multiple side surfaces 1c, 1d, 1e, and 1f include a side surface 1d facing the side surface 1c and a side surface 1f facing the side surface 1e, and the multiple coil conductor layers L1 to L4 include a coil conductor 33 and a coil conductor 34 that are spaced apart from each other, and another coil conductor layer L1 that is adjacent to the coil conductor layer L2 in the first direction D1 and is arranged so that the coil conductor layer L2 is located between the coil conductor layer L2 and the coil conductor layer L3. The coil conductor 35 includes a portion 35c that is continuous with the portion 35a and adjacent to the side surface 1d and extends along the side surface 1d. The coil conductor 36 includes a portion 36a that is continuous with the portion 36c and adjacent to the side surface 1f and extends along the side surface 1f, and a portion 36b that is continuous with the portion 36a and extends so that the portion 35c is located between the portion 35a and the side surface 1d. Coil conductor 33 includes portion 33c adjacent to side surface 1f and extending to overlap portion 36a in the first direction D1. Coil conductor 34 includes portion 34a adjacent to side surface 1d and extending to overlap portion 35c in the first direction D1, and portion 34b continuous with portion 34a, overlapping portion 36b in the first direction D1, and extending such that portion 33c is located between portion 34a and side surface 1f. Portions 36b and 34b are connected via connecting conductor 41. The coil part ED1 can further increase the inner diameter of the coil 30.

[0047] In the coil part ED1, the portion 35c and the portion 33c are connected via a connecting conductor 41. The coil part ED1 ensures the connection between the portion 35c and the portion 33c.

[0048] In the coil component ED1, the multiple coil conductor layers include a pair of coil conductors that are spaced apart from each other and a coil conductor layer L1 that is adjacent to the main surface 1a. One of the pair of coil conductors is located at one end 30e1 of the coil 30 and is connected to the external electrode 10 through a connecting conductor 42. The other of the pair of coil conductors is located at the other end 30e2 of the coil 30 and is connected to the external electrode 20 through a connecting conductor 43. In the coil component ED1, the connecting conductors 42 and 43 may have a thickness in the first direction D1 that is smaller than the thickness in the first direction D1 of each of the coil conductors 31, 32, 33, and 34. The number of coil turns of the coil 30 can be reliably increased by the amount corresponding to the reduction in the thickness in the first direction D1 of the connecting conductors 42 and 43.

[0049] In the coil part ED1, the interval H1 and the interval H2 are equal. In the coil component ED1, the length of the connecting conductor 42 in the first direction D1 can be made equal to the length of the connecting conductor 43 in the first direction D1. For example, in the coil component ED1, the length of the connecting conductor 42 in the first direction D1 is equal to the length of the connecting conductor 43 in the first direction D1.

[0050] In the coil component ED1, the connecting conductor 42 connecting one coil conductor 31 and the external electrode 10 and the connecting conductor 43 connecting the other coil conductor 32 and the external electrode 20 are adjacent to one side surface 1f among the multiple side surfaces. The coil component ED1 can increase the length of each coil conductor compared to, for example, a configuration in which the connecting conductors 42 and 43 are adjacent to each other on different sides. Therefore, the coil component ED1 improves the inductance of the coil 30.

[0051] The above describes embodiments and modifications of the present invention, but the present invention is not necessarily limited to the above-described embodiments and modifications, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0052] In the coil component ED1, the interval H1 and the interval H2 do not have to be equal to each other. As described above, a configuration in which the interval H1 and the interval H2 are equal to each other can make the length of the connecting conductor 42 in the first direction D1 equal to the length of the connecting conductor 43 in the first direction D1. In the coil component ED1, the connecting conductors 42 and 43 do not have to be adjacent to one of the side surfaces 1f among the multiple side surfaces. In a configuration in which the connecting conductors 42 and 43 are adjacent to one side surface, as described above, the length of each coil conductor can be increased compared to, for example, a configuration in which the connecting conductors 42 and 43 are adjacent to different side surfaces. Therefore, the coil component ED1 improves the inductance of the coil 30.

[0053] As can be understood from the above description of the embodiments and modifications, the present specification includes disclosure of the following aspects. (Appendix 1) an element body including a first main surface, a second main surface opposite to the first main surface, and a plurality of side surfaces connecting the first main surface and the second main surface; a first external electrode and a second external electrode disposed on the first main surface and spaced apart from each other; a coil disposed within the element body and including a plurality of coil conductor layers electrically connected to the first external electrode and the second external electrode, the plurality of side surfaces include a first side surface and a second side surface adjacent to each other, The plurality of coil conductor layers include: a first coil conductor layer including a first coil conductor and a second coil conductor spaced apart from each other; a second coil conductor layer adjacent to the first coil conductor layer in a direction perpendicular to the first main surface and including a third coil conductor and a fourth coil conductor spaced apart from each other, The first coil conductor is a first portion adjacent to the first side surface and extending along the first side surface; The second coil conductor is a second portion adjacent to the second side surface and extending along the second side surface; a third portion that is continuous with the second portion and extends between the first side surface and the third portion such that the first portion is located between the third portion and the first side surface, The third coil conductor is a fourth portion adjacent to the second side surface and extending so as to overlap with the second portion in the direction perpendicular to the first main surface, The fourth coil conductor is a fifth portion adjacent to the first side surface and extending so as to overlap with the first portion in the direction perpendicular to the first main surface; a sixth portion that is continuous with the fifth portion, overlaps with the third portion in the direction perpendicular to the first main surface, and extends such that the fourth portion is located between the sixth portion and the second side surface, The third portion and the sixth portion are connected to each other through a connecting conductor. (Appendix 2) The coil component according to claim 1 , wherein the first portion and the fourth portion are connected to each other through a connecting conductor. (Appendix 3) the plurality of side surfaces further include a third side surface facing the first side surface and a fourth side surface facing the second side surface, The plurality of coil conductor layers include: the coil conductor layer includes a fifth coil conductor and a sixth coil conductor that are spaced apart from each other, and another coil conductor layer that is adjacent to the first coil conductor layer in a direction perpendicular to the first main surface and is arranged so that the first coil conductor layer is located between the first coil conductor layer and the second coil conductor layer; The second coil conductor is a seventh portion that is continuous with the second portion, adjacent to the third side surface, and extends along the third side surface; The first coil conductor is an eighth portion that is continuous with the first portion and adjacent to the fourth side surface and extends along the fourth side surface; a ninth portion that is continuous with the eighth portion and extends between the eighth portion and the third side surface such that the seventh portion is located between the ninth portion and the third side surface, The fifth coil conductor is a tenth portion adjacent to the fourth side surface and extending so as to overlap with the eighth portion in the direction perpendicular to the first main surface, The sixth coil conductor is an eleventh portion adjacent to the third side surface and extending so as to overlap with the seventh portion in the direction perpendicular to the first main surface; a twelfth portion that is continuous with the eleventh portion, overlaps with the ninth portion in the direction perpendicular to the first main surface, and extends such that the tenth portion is located between the ninth portion and the fourth side surface, 3. The coil component according to claim 1, wherein the ninth portion and the twelfth portion are connected through a connecting conductor. (Appendix 4) 4. The coil component according to claim 3, wherein the seventh portion and the tenth portion are connected through a connecting conductor. (Appendix 5) The plurality of coil conductor layers include: a third coil conductor layer including a pair of coil conductors spaced apart from each other and adjacent to the first main surface; one of the pair of coil conductors is located at one end of the coil and is connected to a first external electrode through a connecting conductor; 5. The coil component according to claim 1, wherein the other of the pair of coil conductors is located at the other end of the coil and is connected to a second external electrode through a connecting conductor. (Appendix 6) A coil component as described in Appendix 5, wherein the distance between the one coil conductor and the first external electrode in the direction perpendicular to the first main surface is equal to the distance between the other coil conductor and the second external electrode in the direction perpendicular to the first main surface. (Appendix 7) 7. The coil component according to claim 5, wherein the connection conductor connecting the one coil conductor and the first external electrode and the connection conductor connecting the other coil conductor and the second external electrode are adjacent to one of the side surfaces. [Explanation of symbols]

[0054] 1...element body, 1a...main surface, 10, 20...external electrode, 30...coil, 30e1...one end, 30e2...other end, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36...coil conductor, 32b, 33a, 33b, 33c, 34a, 34b, 34c, 35a, 35b, 35c, 36b, 36c...portion, 41...connecting conductor, 42, 43...connecting conductor, H1, H2...spacing, ED1...coil component.

Claims

1. an element body including a first main surface, a second main surface opposite to the first main surface, and a plurality of side surfaces connecting the first main surface and the second main surface; a first external electrode and a second external electrode disposed on the first main surface and spaced apart from each other; a coil disposed within the element body and including a plurality of coil conductor layers electrically connected to the first external electrode and the second external electrode, the plurality of side surfaces include a first side surface and a second side surface adjacent to each other, The plurality of coil conductor layers include: a first coil conductor layer including a first coil conductor and a second coil conductor spaced apart from each other; a second coil conductor layer adjacent to the first coil conductor layer in a direction perpendicular to the first main surface and including a third coil conductor and a fourth coil conductor spaced apart from each other, The first coil conductor is a first portion adjacent to the first side surface and extending along the first side surface; The second coil conductor is a second portion adjacent to the second side surface and extending along the second side surface; a third portion that is continuous with the second portion and extends between the first side surface and the third portion such that the first portion is located between the third portion and the first side surface, The third coil conductor is a fourth portion adjacent to the second side surface and extending so as to overlap with the second portion in the direction perpendicular to the first main surface, The fourth coil conductor is a fifth portion adjacent to the first side surface and extending so as to overlap with the first portion in the direction perpendicular to the first main surface; a sixth portion that is continuous with the fifth portion, overlaps with the third portion in the direction perpendicular to the first main surface, and extends such that the fourth portion is located between the sixth portion and the second side surface, The third portion and the sixth portion are connected to each other through a connecting conductor.

2. The coil component according to claim 1 , wherein the first portion and the fourth portion are connected to each other through a connecting conductor.

3. the plurality of side surfaces further include a third side surface facing the first side surface and a fourth side surface facing the second side surface, The plurality of coil conductor layers include: the coil conductor layer includes a fifth coil conductor and a sixth coil conductor that are spaced apart from each other, and another coil conductor layer that is adjacent to the first coil conductor layer in a direction perpendicular to the first main surface and is arranged so that the first coil conductor layer is located between the first coil conductor layer and the second coil conductor layer; The second coil conductor is a seventh portion that is continuous with the second portion, adjacent to the third side surface, and extends along the third side surface; The first coil conductor is an eighth portion that is continuous with the first portion and adjacent to the fourth side surface and extends along the fourth side surface; a ninth portion that is continuous with the eighth portion and extends between the eighth portion and the third side surface such that the seventh portion is located between the ninth portion and the third side surface, The fifth coil conductor is a tenth portion adjacent to the fourth side surface and extending so as to overlap with the eighth portion in the direction perpendicular to the first main surface, The sixth coil conductor is an eleventh portion adjacent to the third side surface and extending so as to overlap with the seventh portion in the direction perpendicular to the first main surface; a twelfth portion that is continuous with the eleventh portion, overlaps with the ninth portion in the direction perpendicular to the first main surface, and extends such that the tenth portion is located between the ninth portion and the fourth side surface, The coil component according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the ninth portion and the twelfth portion are connected to each other through a connecting conductor.

4. The coil component according to claim 3 , wherein the seventh portion and the tenth portion are connected to each other through a connecting conductor.

5. The plurality of coil conductor layers include: a third coil conductor layer including a pair of coil conductors spaced apart from each other and adjacent to the first main surface; one of the pair of coil conductors is located at one end of the coil and is connected to the first external electrode through a connecting conductor; The coil component according to claim 1 , wherein the other of the pair of coil conductors is located at the other end of the coil and is connected to the second external electrode through a connecting conductor.

6. 6. The coil component according to claim 5, wherein the distance between one of the coil conductors and the first external electrode in the direction perpendicular to the first main surface is equal to the distance between the other of the coil conductors and the second external electrode in the direction perpendicular to the first main surface.

7. 7. The coil component according to claim 5, wherein the connecting conductor connecting the one coil conductor and the first external electrode and the connecting conductor connecting the other coil conductor and the second external electrode are adjacent to one of the plurality of side surfaces.

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