Coil component

Abstract

To provide a coil component which can ensure both inductance and a Q-value for electric signals in a relatively high frequency bandwidth, while allowing size reduction.SOLUTION: In a coil component 1, each of a plurality of coil conductors 10 is connected, at its end, to another coil conductor 10 of the plurality of coil conductors 10. The plurality of coil conductors 10 include a first coil conductor 11 and a second coil conductor 12. The first coil conductor 11 extends along a Y-axis direction. The second coil conductor 12 is connected to the first coil conductor 11. The second coil conductor 12 extends from the first coil conductor 11 to a second end surface 3f such that a shortest distance from a lateral surface 3a increases as it is located closer to the second end surface 3f. Viewed along a second direction perpendicular to a coil axis CA direction of a coil CL and a first direction, the first coil conductor 11 does not overlap a second lateral-surface electrode part 6b.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] A coil component is known that includes an element body, external electrodes provided on the element body, and a coil disposed inside the element body (for example, Patent Document 1). The coil is connected to the external electrodes. The coil includes a plurality of coil conductors. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-56513 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the above-described coil component, in order to ensure inductance, it is conceivable to increase the area of ​​the region surrounded by the coil as viewed along the coil axis. For coil components of the same size, the larger the area of ​​the region, the shorter the shortest distance between the coil and the external electrodes. The present inventors have focused on the phenomenon that, even if a desired Q value is ensured when an electrical signal in a relatively low frequency band is conducted through the coil, the Q value decreases when an electrical signal in a relatively high frequency band is conducted through the coil.

[0005] An object of one aspect of the present invention is to provide a coil component that can be made compact while simultaneously ensuring inductance and a Q value for electrical signals in a relatively high frequency band. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] As a result of further intensive research, the inventors of the present invention found that when there is a position where the potential difference between the coil and the external electrodes is relatively large and the distance between them is relatively short, the Q value decreases for electrical signals of relatively low frequencies. A coil component according to one aspect of the present invention includes an element body, a first external electrode, a second external electrode, and a coil. The element body has first and second end faces facing each other in a first direction and a side face connecting the first and second end faces. The first external electrode includes a first end face electrode portion provided on the first end face and a first side face electrode portion provided on the side face and extending from the first end face toward the second end face. The second external electrode includes a second end face electrode portion provided on the second end face and a second side face electrode portion provided on the side face and extending from the second end face toward the first end face. The coil is disposed inside the element body. The coil is connected to the first end face electrode portion at the first end face and to the second end face electrode portion at the second end face. The coil includes a plurality of coil conductors. Each of the plurality of coil conductors includes a pair of end portions, and the end portions are connected to another of the plurality of coil conductors. The plurality of coil conductors include a first coil conductor and a second coil conductor. The first coil conductor extends along a first direction. The second coil conductor is connected to the first coil conductor. The second coil conductor extends from the first coil conductor toward the second end face so that the shortest distance from the side surface increases as the second coil conductor approaches the second end face. When viewed along a second direction orthogonal to the coil axis direction of the coil and the first direction, the first coil conductor does not overlap with the second side electrode portion.

[0007] In this coil component, the first coil conductor connected to the first external electrode is spaced from the second external electrode when viewed along the second direction, thereby ensuring a Q value for signals in a relatively high frequency band while maintaining a compact design. The second coil conductor is connected to the first coil conductor and extends from the first coil conductor toward the second end face so that the shortest distance from the side increases as it approaches the second end face, ensuring a sufficient area surrounded by the coil when viewed along the coil axis. As a result, the inductance can be maintained while maintaining a compact design.

[0008] In one of the above aspects, the coil may further include a third coil conductor connected to one of a pair of ends of the second coil conductor, the end being different from the end connected to the first coil conductor. The third coil conductor may extend along the second direction. In this case, the area of ​​the region surrounded by the coil can be further increased when viewed along the coil axis direction. As a result, the coil can be made more compact while more reliably ensuring inductance.

[0009] In one aspect, a portion of the coil may overlap the second side electrode portion when viewed along the second direction. In this case, the area of ​​the region surrounded by the coil when viewed along the coil axis direction can be further increased. As a result, inductance can be more reliably ensured while achieving compactness.

[0010] In one aspect of the present invention, the area surrounded by the multiple coil conductors may have an octagonal shape when viewed along the coil axis. In this case, the area surrounded by the coils when viewed along the coil axis can be further increased. As a result, inductance can be more reliably ensured while achieving compactness. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] One aspect of the present invention provides a coil component that can be made compact while simultaneously ensuring inductance and a Q value for electrical signals in a relatively high frequency band. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a coil component according to the present embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of the coil component taken along the YZ-axis plane. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of the coil component taken along the XY-axis plane. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of the coil component taken along the XZ axis plane. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of a coil component taken along the YZ axis plane in a modified example of the present embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of the coil component taken along the XY-axis plane. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of the coil component taken along the XZ axis plane. [Figure 8] (a) to (d) show the coil conductors in each layer. [Figure 9] 10 is a graph showing frequency characteristics of the Q value. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same or equivalent elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0014] First, a coil component according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 4. The coil component 1 is, for example, a laminated coil component. Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the coil component according to this embodiment. Fig. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of the coil component in the YZ-axis plane. Fig. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of the coil component in the XY-axis plane. Fig. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of the coil component in the XZ-axis plane.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, the coil component 1 includes an element body 2 and external electrodes 5 and 6. For example, if the external electrode 5 is a first external electrode, the external electrode 6 corresponds to a second external electrode. The coil component 1 is mounted, for example, by soldering to an electronic device. The electronic device includes, for example, a circuit board or an electronic component. In this embodiment, the element body 2 is formed by multiple element body layers stacked in the X-axis direction.

[0016] The element body 2 has, for example, insulating properties. The element body 2 is made of, for example, a magnetic material. The magnetic material includes, for example, at least one selected from a Ni-Cu-Zn ferrite material, a Ni-Cu-Zn-Mg ferrite material, and a Ni-Cu ferrite material. The magnetic material that makes up the element body 2 may include an Fe alloy or the like. The element body 2 may be made of a non-magnetic material. The non-magnetic material includes, for example, at least one selected from a glass ceramic material and a dielectric material.

[0017] The element body 2 has, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The rectangular parallelepiped shape includes a rectangular parallelepiped shape with chamfered corners and ridges, a rectangular parallelepiped shape with rounded corners and ridges, and a rectangular parallelepiped shape with a recess.

[0018] The element body 2 has a pair of side surfaces 3a facing each other, a pair of side surfaces 3c facing each other, and a pair of end surfaces 3e, 3f facing each other. Each of the side surfaces 3a, 3c is connected to a pair of end surfaces 3e, 3f. The pair of side surfaces 3a, the pair of side surfaces 3c, and the pair of end surfaces 3e, 3f form a rectangular shape. The direction in which the pair of side surfaces 3a face each other is the third direction D3. The direction in which the pair of side surfaces 3c face each other is the second direction D2. The direction in which the pair of end surfaces 3e, 3f face each other is the first direction D1. The first direction D1 and the second direction D2 intersect with each other. The third direction D3 intersects with the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. In the example shown in this embodiment, the first direction D1, the second direction D2, and the third direction D3 are perpendicular to each other.

[0019] The coil component 1 is solder-mounted to an electronic device. The electronic device includes, for example, a circuit board or a laminated coil component. One side surface 3a of the coil component 1 faces the electronic device. The one side surface 3a is arranged to form a mounting surface. The one side surface 3a is the mounting surface. Of the pair of side surfaces 3c, one side surface 3c may be arranged to form the mounting surface. For example, when the side surface 3a forms a first side surface, the side surface 3c forms a second side surface.

[0020] For example, the third direction D3 is perpendicular to each side surface 3a. The first direction D1 is parallel to each side surface 3a and each side surface 3c. The second direction D2 is perpendicular to each side surface 3c. In this embodiment, the length of the element body 2 in the first direction D1 is greater than the length of the element body 2 in the second direction D2 and is also greater than the length of the element body 2 in the third direction D3. The first direction D1 is the longitudinal direction of the element body 2. The length of the element body 2 in the second direction D2 and the length of the element body 2 in the third direction D3 may be equal to each other. 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 may be different from each other. In the example shown in this embodiment, the first direction D1 corresponds to the Y-axis direction, the second direction D2 corresponds to the X-axis direction, and the third direction D3 corresponds to the Z-axis direction.

[0021] The length of the element body 2 in the third direction D3 is the height of the element body 2. The length of the element body 2 in the second direction D2 is the width of the element body 2. The length of the element body 2 in the first direction D1 is the length of the element body 2. In this embodiment, the height T of the element body 2 is 0.05 to 1 mm, the width W of the element body 2 is 0.05 to 1 mm, and the length L of the element body 2 is 0.1 to 2 mm. For example, the height T of the element body 2 is 0.3 mm, the width W of the element body 2 is 0.2 mm, and the length L of the element body 2 is 0.4 mm.

[0022] The pair of side surfaces 3c extend in the third direction D3 to connect the pair of side surfaces 3a. The pair of side surfaces 3c also extend in the first direction D1. The pair of end surfaces 3e, 3f extend in the third direction D3 to connect the pair of side surfaces 3a. The pair of end surfaces 3e, 3f also extend in the second direction D2.

[0023] The element body 2 has four ridge lines 3g, four ridge lines 3i, and four ridge lines 3j. The ridge lines 3g are located between the end faces 3e, 3f and the side face 3a. The ridge lines 3i are located between the end faces 3e, 3f and the side face 3c. The ridge lines 3j are located between the side face 3a and the side face 3c. In this embodiment, the ridge lines 3g, 3i, and 3j are rounded so as to be curved. The element body 2 is subjected to so-called R-chamfering. The end faces 3e, 3f and the side face 3a are indirectly adjacent to each other via the ridge lines 3g. The end faces 3e, 3f and the side face 3c are indirectly adjacent to each other via the ridge lines 3i. The side face 3a and the side face 3c are indirectly adjacent to each other via the ridge lines 3j.

[0024] The pair of external electrodes 5, 6 are arranged spaced apart on the outer surface of the element body 2. The pair of external electrodes 5, 6 face each other in the Z-axis direction. The pair of external electrodes 5, 6 are spaced apart in the Z-axis direction. The external electrodes 5, 6 are provided on each of the pair of side surfaces 3c and the pair of side surfaces 3a, respectively.

[0025] The pair of external electrodes 5, 6 are formed by a known method. The pair of external electrodes 5, 6 are made of, for example, a metal material. The metal material is, for example, copper, silver, gold, nickel, or chromium. The pair of external electrodes 5, 6 are formed, for example, by plating an electrode layer. The electrode layer is made of, for example, a conductive paste. The conductive paste is applied, for example, by a dipping method, a printing method, or a transfer method. The electrode layer may be formed, for example, by a photolithography method. The plating process is, for example, electrolytic plating or electroless plating. This plating process forms a plating layer on the outer surface of the conductive paste.

[0026] The external electrode 5 includes, for example, an end surface electrode portion 5a and a side surface electrode portion 5b. The end surface electrode portion 5a is provided on the end surface 3e. The side surface electrode portion 5b is provided on a pair of side surfaces 3a and a pair of side surfaces 3c. The side surface electrode portion 5b extends from the end surface 3e toward the end surface 3f. The external electrode 6 includes, for example, an end surface electrode portion 6a and a side surface electrode portion 6b. The end surface electrode portion 6a is provided on the end surface 3f. The side surface electrode portion 6b is provided on a pair of side surfaces 3a and a pair of side surfaces 3c. The side surface electrode portion 6b extends from the end surface 3f toward the end surface 3e. The side surface electrode portion 5b and the side surface electrode portion 6b cover, for example, a portion of each side surface 3a and a portion of each side surface 3c.

[0027] In the example shown in this embodiment, the side electrode portion 5b of the external electrode 5 and the side electrode portion 6b of the external electrode 6 are formed in a ring shape. On each side surface 3a, 3c, the area covered by the side electrode portion 5b and the side electrode portion 6b has a rectangular shape when viewed, for example, from the X-axis direction or the Z-axis direction. In this specification, "connected" means connected in a state of direct contact. "Directly contacted" means connected to each other without passing through other members shown in this specification. "Directly contacted" does not exclude connection via members not explicitly shown in this specification. Unless otherwise specified, "connected" includes not only a state of direct contact but also a state of being physically separated and electrically connected.

[0028] The coil device 1 further includes a coil CL as shown in Fig. 2 to Fig. 4. The coil CL is disposed inside the element body 2. Fig. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of the coil device taken along the YZ-axis plane. Fig. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of the coil device taken along the XY-axis plane. Fig. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of the coil device taken along the XZ-axis plane.

[0029] The coil CL electrically connects the external electrode 5 and the external electrode 6. The coil CL forms a coil axis CA along the opposing direction of the pair of side surfaces 3c. The coil axis CA extends, for example, in the X-axis direction. That is, the X-axis direction corresponds to the coil axis direction. The coil CL includes end portions CL1 and CL2 that are spaced apart from each other. For example, the coil CL has a spiral structure that progresses clockwise from end portion CL1 to end portion CL2 when viewed from the X-axis direction.

[0030] An end CL1 of the coil CL is connected to the external electrode 5. An end CL2 of the coil CL is connected to the external electrode 6. A portion of the coil CL overlaps with the side electrode portions 5b and 6b when viewed along the Z-axis direction. The coil CL includes multiple coil conductors 10. The multiple coil conductors 10 correspond to internal conductors. The multiple coil conductors 10 include multiple coil conductors 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 21, 22, 23, and 24. In the example shown in this embodiment, the coil CL is a triple-wound coil and includes three of each of the coil conductors 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 21, 22, 23, and 24. Each of the multiple coil conductors 10 is connected to another coil conductor 10 at its end. In the example shown in this embodiment, when viewed along the coil axis CA, i.e., the X-axis direction, the region R surrounded by the multiple coil conductors 10 has an octagonal shape.

[0031] The multiple coil conductors 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 21, 22, 23, and 24 are electrically connected to one another. In the example shown in this embodiment, the multiple coil conductors 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15 are provided in the same layer. The multiple coil conductors 11, 12, 13, and 14 form a coil conductor layer 17. The multiple coil conductors 21, 22, 23, and 24 are provided in the same layer. The multiple coil conductors 21, 22, 23, and 24 form a coil conductor layer 27. The multiple coil conductor layers 17 and the multiple coil conductor layers 27 are provided at different positions in the X-axis direction.

[0032] Coil conductor 11 includes a pair of ends 11a and 11b. Coil conductor 12 includes a pair of ends 12a and 12b. Coil conductor 13 includes a pair of ends 13a and 13b. Coil conductor 14 includes a pair of ends 14a and 14b. Coil conductor 15 includes a pair of ends 15a and 15b.

[0033] The end 11a of the coil conductor 11 is exposed from the end face 3e of the element body 2 and is connected to the end face electrode portion 5a of the external electrode 5 at the end face 3e. The end 11b of the coil conductor 11 and the end 12a of the coil conductor 12 are connected to each other. The end 12b of the coil conductor 12 and the end 13a of the coil conductor 13 are connected to each other. The end 13b of the coil conductor 13 and the end 14a of the coil conductor 14 are connected to each other. The end 14b of the coil conductor 14 and the end 15a of the coil conductor 15 are connected to each other.

[0034] The coil conductor 11 extends along the Y-axis direction. When viewed along the Z-axis direction, which is perpendicular to the direction of the coil axis CA of the coil CL and the Y-axis direction, the coil conductor 11 does not overlap with a portion 6c of the side electrode portion 6b that is closest to the coil conductor 11. The portion 6c corresponds to an edge of the side electrode portion 6b that faces the side electrode portion 5b in the Y-axis direction, and the coil conductor 11 does not overlap with a boundary BD formed by this edge. The coil conductor 11 is separated from the portion 6c of the side electrode portion 6b that is closest to the coil conductor 11 in the Y-axis direction. In the example shown in this embodiment, when viewed along the Z-axis direction, the coil conductor 11 does not overlap with the side electrode portion 6b provided on the side 3a of the pair of side surfaces 3a that is closer to the coil conductor 11. In the example shown in this embodiment, when viewed along the Z-axis direction, the coil conductor 11 does not overlap with the side electrode portion 6b provided on each of the pair of side surfaces 3a. The coil conductor 11 is separated from the side electrode portion 6b provided on each of the pair of side surfaces 3a in the Y-axis direction.

[0035] The coil conductor 12 extends from the coil conductor 11 toward the end face 3f so that the shortest distance from the side face 3a increases as the coil conductor 12 approaches the end face 3f. In other words, the coil conductor 12 extends from the coil conductor 11 toward the end face 3e so that the shortest distance from the side face 3a decreases as the coil conductor 12 moves away from the end face 3f. A portion of the coil conductor 12 overlaps with the side electrode portion 6b when viewed along the Z-axis direction. A boundary BD passes through the coil conductor 12. The coil conductor 12 extends in a direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction and inclined relative to the Y-axis and Z-axis directions.

[0036] Of the pair of ends 12a, 12b of the coil conductor 12, the coil conductor 13 is connected to the end 12b other than the end 12a connected to the coil conductor 11. The coil conductor 13 extends in the Z-axis direction. The longitudinal direction of the coil conductor 13 is perpendicular to the pair of side surfaces 3a. The entire coil conductor 13 overlaps with the side electrode portion 6b when viewed along the Z-axis direction.

[0037] The coil conductor 14 extends from the coil conductor 15 toward the end face 3f so that the shortest distance from the side face 3a increases with increasing distance from the end face 3f. In other words, the coil conductor 14 extends from the coil conductor 13 toward the end face 3e so that the shortest distance from the side face 3a decreases with increasing distance from the end face 3f. A portion of the coil conductor 14 overlaps the side electrode portion 6b when viewed along the Z-axis direction. The coil conductor 14 extends in a direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction and inclined relative to the Y-axis and Z-axis directions.

[0038] The coil conductor 15 extends along the Y-axis direction. When viewed along the Z-axis direction, which is perpendicular to the direction of the coil axis CA of the coil CL and the Y-axis direction, the coil conductor 15 does not overlap with a portion 5c of the side electrode portion 5b that is closest to the coil conductor 15. When viewed along the Z-axis direction, the coil conductor 15 does not overlap with a portion 6c of the side electrode portion 6b that is closest to the coil conductor 15. The coil conductor 15 is separated from the portion 5c of the side electrode portion 5b that is closest to the coil conductor 15 in the Y-axis direction. The coil conductor 15 is separated from the portion 6c of the side electrode portion 6b that is closest to the coil conductor 15 in the Y-axis direction. The coil conductor 15 is connected to the end 14b of a pair of ends 14a, 14b of the coil conductor 14, which is different from the end 14a that is connected to the coil conductor 13.

[0039] In the example shown in this embodiment, when viewed along the Z-axis direction, the coil conductor 15 does not overlap with the side electrode portion 5b provided on the side 3a of the pair of side surfaces 3a that is closer to the coil conductor 15. When viewed along the Z-axis direction, the coil conductor 15 does not overlap with the side electrode portion 6b provided on the side 3a of the pair of side surfaces 3a that is closer to the coil conductor 15. In the example shown in this embodiment, when viewed along the Z-axis direction, the coil conductor 15 does not overlap with the side electrode portion 5b provided on each of the pair of side surfaces 3a. When viewed along the Z-axis direction, the coil conductor 15 does not overlap with the side electrode portion 6b provided on each of the pair of side surfaces 3a. The coil conductor 15 is separated in the Y-axis direction from the side electrode portions 5b, 6b provided on each of the pair of side surfaces 3a.

[0040] The coil conductor 21 includes a pair of ends 21a and 21b. The plurality of coil conductors 22 include the above-mentioned ends 22a and 22b. The plurality of coil conductors 23 include the above-mentioned ends 23a and 23b. The plurality of coil conductors 24 include the above-mentioned ends 24a and 24b.

[0041] The end 21a of the coil conductor 21 is exposed from the end 3f of the pair of end faces 3e, 3f opposite the end face 3e where the end 11a is exposed, and is connected to the end face electrode portion 6a of the external electrode 6 at the end face 3f. The end 21b of the coil conductor 21 and the end 22a of the coil conductor 22 are connected to each other. The end 22b of the coil conductor 22 and the end 23a of the coil conductor 23 are connected to each other. The end 23b of the coil conductor 23 and the end 24a of the coil conductor 24 are connected to each other. The end 24b of the coil conductor 24 and the end 15b of the coil conductor 15 are connected to each other via a via 31.

[0042] The coil conductor 21 extends along the Y-axis direction. When viewed along the Z-axis direction, which is perpendicular to the direction of the coil axis CA of the coil CL and the Y-axis direction, the coil conductor 21 does not overlap with the portion 5c of the side electrode portion 5b that is closest to the coil conductor 21. The coil conductor 21 is separated in the Y-axis direction from the portion 5c of the side electrode portion 5b that is closest to the coil conductor 21. In the example shown in this embodiment, when viewed along the Z-axis direction, the coil conductor 21 does not overlap with the side electrode portion 5b that is provided on the side 3a of the pair of side surfaces 3a that is closer to the coil conductor 21. In the example shown in this embodiment, when viewed along the Z-axis direction, the coil conductor 21 does not overlap with the side electrode portion 5b that is provided on each of the pair of side surfaces 3a. The coil conductor 21 is separated in the Y-axis direction from the side electrode portion 5b that is provided on each of the pair of side surfaces 3a.

[0043] The coil conductor 22 extends from the coil conductor 21 toward the end face 3f so that the shortest distance from the side face 3a increases with increasing distance from the end face 3e. In other words, the coil conductor 22 extends from the coil conductor 21 toward the end face 3e so that the shortest distance from the side face 3a decreases with increasing distance from the end face 3e. A portion of the coil conductor 22 overlaps with the side electrode portion 5b when viewed along the Z-axis direction. The coil conductor 22 extends in a direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction and inclined relative to the Y-axis and Z-axis directions.

[0044] The coil conductor 23 is connected to the end 22b of the pair of ends 22a, 22b of the coil conductor 22. The coil conductor 23 extends in the Z-axis direction. The longitudinal direction of the coil conductor 23 is perpendicular to the pair of side surfaces 3a. The entire coil conductor 23 overlaps with the side electrode portion 5b when viewed along the Z-axis direction.

[0045] The coil conductor 24 extends from the coil conductor 15 toward the end face 3e so that the shortest distance from the side face 3a increases with increasing distance from the end face 3e. In other words, the coil conductor 24 extends from the coil conductor 23 toward the end face 3e so that the shortest distance from the side face 3a decreases with increasing distance from the end face 3f. A portion of the coil conductor 24 overlaps with the side electrode portion 5b when viewed along the Z-axis direction. The coil conductor 24 extends in a direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction and inclined relative to the Y-axis and Z-axis directions.

[0046] The coil CL is made of a conductive material. The internal conductor layer provided inside the coil component 1 is made of a conductive material. The conductive material includes, for example, at least one selected from Ag and Pd.

[0047] Next, a coil device 1A according to a modified example of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 8. FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of the coil device in the YZ-axis plane according to a modified example of this embodiment. FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of the coil device in the XY-axis plane. FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of the coil device in the XZ-axis plane. FIGS. 8(a) to 8(d) show the coil conductors in each layer. This modified example is generally similar to or the same as the coil device 1 according to the above-described embodiment. This modified example differs from the above-described embodiment in that the configuration of the coil CL is different. Below, the differences between the above-described embodiment and the modified example will be mainly described.

[0048] The coil CL includes a plurality of coil conductors 40. The plurality of coil conductors 40 correspond to internal conductors. The plurality of coil conductors 40 include a plurality of coil conductors 41, 42, 43, 44, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55 and a plurality of coil conductors 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76. In this modification, the coil CL is a single-wound coil. The plurality of coil conductors 41, 42, 43, 44, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55 and the plurality of coil conductors 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76 are electrically connected to each other.

[0049] In this modified example, the multiple coil conductors 41, 42, 43, and 44 are provided in the same layer. The multiple coil conductors 41, 42, 43, and 44 form a coil conductor layer 47. The multiple coil conductors 51, 52, 53, 54, and 55 are provided in the same layer. The multiple coil conductors 51, 52, 53, 54, and 55 form a coil conductor layer 57. The multiple coil conductors 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, and 65 are provided in the same layer. The multiple coil conductors 61, 62, 63, 64, and 65 form a coil conductor layer 67. The multiple coil conductors 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, and 76 are provided in the same layer. The multiple coil conductors 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, and 76 form a coil conductor layer 77. The coil conductor layer 47, the coil conductor layer 57, the coil conductor layer 67, and the coil conductor layer 77 are provided at different positions in the X-axis direction.

[0050] The coil conductor 41 includes a pair of ends 41a and 41b. The coil conductor 42 includes a pair of ends 42a and 42b. The coil conductor 43 includes a pair of ends 43a and 43b. The coil conductor 44 includes a pair of ends 44a and 44b.

[0051] The end 41a of the coil conductor 41 is exposed from the end face 3e of the element body 2 and is connected to the end face electrode portion 5a of the external electrode 5 at the end face 3e. The end 41b of the coil conductor 41 and the end 42a of the coil conductor 42 are connected to each other. The end 42b of the coil conductor 42 and the end 43a of the coil conductor 43 are connected to each other. The end 43b of the coil conductor 43 and the end 44a of the coil conductor 44 are connected to each other.

[0052] The coil conductor 41 extends along the Y-axis direction. When viewed along the Z-axis direction, which is perpendicular to the direction of the coil axis CA of the coil CL and the Y-axis direction, the coil conductor 41 does not overlap with the portion 6c of the side electrode portion 6b that is closest to the coil conductor 41. The coil conductor 41 is separated from the portion 6c of the side electrode portion 6b that is closest to the coil conductor 41 in the Y-axis direction. In the example shown in this embodiment, when viewed along the Z-axis direction, the coil conductor 41 does not overlap with the side electrode portion 6b that is provided on the side 3a of the pair of side surfaces 3a that is closer to the coil conductor 41. In the example shown in this embodiment, when viewed along the Z-axis direction, the coil conductor 41 does not overlap with the side electrode portion 6b that is provided on each of the pair of side surfaces 3a. The coil conductor 41 is separated from the side electrode portion 6b that is provided on each of the pair of side surfaces 3a in the Y-axis direction.

[0053] The coil conductor 42 extends from the coil conductor 41 toward the end face 3f so that the shortest distance from the side face 3a increases with increasing distance from the end face 3f. In other words, the coil conductor 42 extends from the coil conductor 43 toward the end face 3e so that the shortest distance from the side face 3a decreases with increasing distance from the end face 3f. A portion of the coil conductor 42 overlaps with the side electrode portion 6b when viewed along the Z-axis direction. The coil conductor 42 extends in a direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction and inclined relative to the Y-axis and Z-axis directions.

[0054] Of the pair of ends 42a, 42b of the coil conductor 42, the coil conductor 43 is connected to the end 42b, which is different from the end 42a connected to the coil conductor 44. The coil conductor 43 extends in the Z-axis direction. The longitudinal direction of the coil conductor 43 is perpendicular to the pair of side surfaces 3a. The entire coil conductor 43 overlaps with the side electrode portion 6b when viewed along the Z-axis direction.

[0055] The coil conductor 44 extends from the coil conductor 45 toward the end face 3f so that the shortest distance from the side face 3a increases with increasing distance from the end face 3f. In other words, the coil conductor 44 extends from the coil conductor 43 toward the end face 3e so that the shortest distance from the side face 3a decreases with increasing distance from the end face 3f. A portion of the coil conductor 44 overlaps with the side electrode portion 6b when viewed along the Z-axis direction. The coil conductor 44 extends in a direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction and inclined relative to the Y-axis and Z-axis directions.

[0056] The coil conductor 51 includes a pair of ends 51a, 51b. The plurality of coil conductors 52 include the above-mentioned ends 52a, 52b. The plurality of coil conductors 53 include the above-mentioned ends 53a, 53b. The plurality of coil conductors 54 include the above-mentioned ends 54a, 54b. The plurality of coil conductors 55 include the above-mentioned ends 55a, 55b.

[0057] End 51b of coil conductor 51 and end 52a of coil conductor 52 are connected to each other. End 52b of coil conductor 52 and end 53a of coil conductor 53 are connected to each other. End 53b of coil conductor 53 and end 54a of coil conductor 54 are connected to each other. End 54b of coil conductor 54 and end 55a of coil conductor 55 are connected to each other.

[0058] The coil conductor 51 extends in the same direction as the coil conductor 44. When viewed along the X-axis direction, the coil conductor 51 and the coil conductor 44 are positioned on the same straight line. The end 44b of the coil conductor 44 and the end 51a of the coil conductor 51 are connected to each other via a via 81.

[0059] The coil conductor 52 extends along the Y-axis direction. When viewed along the Z-axis direction, which is perpendicular to the direction of the coil axis CA of the coil CL and the Y-axis direction, the coil conductor 52 does not overlap with a portion 5c of the side electrode portion 5b that is closest to the coil conductor 52. When viewed along the Z-axis direction, the coil conductor 52 does not overlap with a portion 6c of the side electrode portion 6b that is closest to the coil conductor 52. The coil conductor 52 is separated from the portion 5c of the side electrode portion 5b that is closest to the coil conductor 52 in the Y-axis direction. The coil conductor 52 is separated from the portion 6c of the side electrode portion 6b that is closest to the coil conductor 52 in the Y-axis direction. The coil conductor 52 is connected to the end 51b of the coil conductor 51.

[0060] In this modified example, when viewed along the Z-axis direction, the coil conductor 52 does not overlap with the side electrode portion 5b provided on the side 3a of the pair of side surfaces 3a that is closer to the coil conductor 52. When viewed along the Z-axis direction, the coil conductor 52 does not overlap with the side electrode portion 6b provided on the side 3a of the pair of side surfaces 3a that is closer to the coil conductor 52. In the example shown in the present embodiment, when viewed along the Z-axis direction, the coil conductor 52 does not overlap with the side electrode portion 5b provided on each of the pair of side surfaces 3a. When viewed along the Z-axis direction, the coil conductor 52 does not overlap with the side electrode portion 6b provided on each of the pair of side surfaces 3a. The coil conductor 52 is separated in the Y-axis direction from the side electrode portions 5b, 6b provided on each of the pair of side surfaces 3a.

[0061] The coil conductor 53 extends from the coil conductor 52 toward the end face 3f so that the shortest distance from the side face 3a increases with increasing distance from the end face 3e. In other words, the coil conductor 53 extends from the coil conductor 52 toward the end face 3e so that the shortest distance from the side face 3a decreases with increasing distance from the end face 3e. A portion of the coil conductor 53 overlaps the side electrode portion 5b when viewed along the Z-axis direction. The coil conductor 53 extends in a direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction and inclined relative to the Y-axis and Z-axis directions.

[0062] The coil conductor 54 is connected to the end portion 53b of the pair of ends 53a, 53b of the coil conductor 53. The coil conductor 54 extends in the Z-axis direction. The longitudinal direction of the coil conductor 54 is perpendicular to the pair of side surfaces 3a. The entire coil conductor 54 overlaps with the side electrode portion 5b when viewed along the Z-axis direction.

[0063] The coil conductor 55 extends from the coil conductor 54 toward the end face 3f so that the shortest distance from the side face 3a increases with increasing distance from the end face 3e. In other words, the coil conductor 55 extends from the coil conductor 54 toward the end face 3f so that the shortest distance from the side face 3a decreases with increasing distance from the end face 3e. A portion of the coil conductor 55 overlaps the side electrode portion 5b when viewed along the Z-axis direction. The coil conductor 55 extends in a direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction and inclined relative to the Y-axis and Z-axis directions.

[0064] The coil conductor 61 includes a pair of ends 61a, 61b. The plurality of coil conductors 62 include the above-mentioned ends 62a, 62b. The plurality of coil conductors 63 include the above-mentioned ends 63a, 63b. The plurality of coil conductors 64 include the above-mentioned ends 64a, 64b. The plurality of coil conductors 65 include the above-mentioned ends 65a, 65b.

[0065] The end 61b of the coil conductor 61 and the end 62a of the coil conductor 62 are connected to each other. The end 62b of the coil conductor 62 and the end 63a of the coil conductor 63 are connected to each other. The end 63b of the coil conductor 63 and the end 64a of the coil conductor 64 are connected to each other. The end 64b of the coil conductor 64 and the end 66a of the coil conductor 66 are connected to each other.

[0066] The coil conductor 61 extends in the same direction as the coil conductor 55. When viewed along the X-axis direction, the coil conductor 61 and the coil conductor 55 are positioned on the same straight line. The end 55b of the coil conductor 55 and the end 61a of the coil conductor 61 are connected to each other via a via 91.

[0067] The coil conductor 62 extends along the Y-axis direction. When viewed along the Z-axis direction, which is perpendicular to the direction of the coil axis CA of the coil CL and the Y-axis direction, the coil conductor 62 does not overlap with a portion 5c of the side electrode portion 5b that is closest to the coil conductor 62. When viewed along the Z-axis direction, the coil conductor 62 does not overlap with a portion 6c of the side electrode portion 6b that is closest to the coil conductor 62. The coil conductor 62 is separated from the portion 5c of the side electrode portion 5b that is closest to the coil conductor 52 in the Y-axis direction. The coil conductor 62 is separated from the portion 6c of the side electrode portion 6b that is closest to the coil conductor 62 in the Y-axis direction. The coil conductor 62 is connected to an end portion 61b of the coil conductor 61.

[0068] In this modified example, when viewed along the Z-axis direction, the coil conductor 62 does not overlap with the side electrode portion 5b provided on the side 3a of the pair of side surfaces 3a that is closer to the coil conductor 62. When viewed along the Z-axis direction, the coil conductor 62 does not overlap with the side electrode portion 6b provided on the side 3a of the pair of side surfaces 3a that is closer to the coil conductor 62. In the example shown in the present embodiment, when viewed along the Z-axis direction, the coil conductor 62 does not overlap with the side electrode portion 5b provided on each of the pair of side surfaces 3a. When viewed along the Z-axis direction, the coil conductor 62 does not overlap with the side electrode portion 6b provided on each of the pair of side surfaces 3a. The coil conductor 62 is separated in the Y-axis direction from the side electrode portions 5b, 6b provided on each of the pair of side surfaces 3a.

[0069] The coil conductor 63 extends from the coil conductor 62 toward the end face 3f so that the shortest distance from the side face 3a increases as the coil conductor 63 approaches the end face 3f. In other words, the coil conductor 62 extends from the coil conductor 63 toward the end face 3e so that the shortest distance from the side face 3a decreases as the coil conductor 62 moves away from the end face 3f. A portion of the coil conductor 62 overlaps with the side electrode portion 6b when viewed along the Z-axis direction. The coil conductor 62 extends in a direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction and inclined relative to the Y-axis and Z-axis directions.

[0070] The coil conductor 64 is connected to the end 63b of the coil conductor 63. The coil conductor 63 extends in the Z-axis direction. The longitudinal direction of the coil conductor 63 is perpendicular to the pair of side surfaces 3a. The entire coil conductor 63 overlaps with the side electrode portion 6b when viewed along the Z-axis direction.

[0071] The coil conductor 65 extends from the coil conductor 55 toward the end face 3f so that the shortest distance from the side face 3a increases with increasing distance from the end face 3f. In other words, the coil conductor 65 extends from the coil conductor 64 toward the end face 3e so that the shortest distance from the side face 3a decreases with increasing distance from the end face 3f. A portion of the coil conductor 65 overlaps with the side electrode portion 6b when viewed along the Z-axis direction. The coil conductor 65 extends in a direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction and inclined relative to the Y-axis and Z-axis directions.

[0072] The coil conductor 71 includes a pair of ends 71a, 71b. The multiple coil conductors 72 include the above-mentioned ends 72a, 72b. The multiple coil conductors 73 include the above-mentioned ends 73a, 73b. The multiple coil conductors 74 include the above-mentioned ends 74a, 74b. The multiple coil conductors 75 include the above-mentioned ends 75a, 75b. The multiple coil conductors 76 include the above-mentioned ends 76a, 76b.

[0073] End 71b of coil conductor 71 and end 72a of coil conductor 72 are connected to each other. End 72b of coil conductor 72 and end 73a of coil conductor 73 are connected to each other. End 73b of coil conductor 73 and end 74a of coil conductor 74 are connected to each other. End 74b of coil conductor 74 and end 75a of coil conductor 75 are connected to each other. End 75b of coil conductor 75 and end 76a of coil conductor 76 are connected to each other.

[0074] The coil conductor 71 extends in the same direction as the coil conductor 65. When viewed along the X-axis direction, the coil conductor 71 and the coil conductor 65 are positioned on the same straight line. The end 65b of the coil conductor 65 and the end 71a of the coil conductor 71 are connected to each other via a via 81.

[0075] Coil conductor 72 has the same shape as coil conductor 52 and the same configuration as coil conductor 52. Coil conductor 72 is connected to end 71b of coil conductor 71. Coil conductor 73 has the same shape as coil conductor 53 and the same configuration as coil conductor 53. Coil conductor 73 is connected to end 72b of coil conductor 72. Coil conductor 74 has the same shape as coil conductor 54 and the same configuration as coil conductor 54. Coil conductor 74 is connected to end 73b of coil conductor 73.

[0076] The coil conductor 75 extends from the coil conductor 74 toward the end face 3f so that the shortest distance from the side face 3a increases with increasing distance from the end face 3e. In other words, the coil conductor 75 extends from the coil conductor 74 toward the end face 3f so that the shortest distance from the side face 3a decreases with increasing distance from the end face 3e. A portion of the coil conductor 75 overlaps the side electrode portion 5b when viewed along the Z-axis direction. The coil conductor 75 extends in a direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction and inclined relative to the Y-axis and Z-axis directions.

[0077] The coil conductor 76 extends along the Y-axis direction. When viewed along the Z-axis direction, the coil conductor 76 does not overlap with the portion 5c of the side electrode portion 5b that is closest to the coil conductor 21. The coil conductor 76 is separated in the Y-axis direction from the portion 5c of the side electrode portion 5b that is closest to the coil conductor 76. In the example shown in this embodiment, when viewed along the Z-axis direction, the coil conductor 76 does not overlap with the side electrode portion 5b that is provided on the side 3a of the pair of side surfaces 3a that is closer to the coil conductor 76.

[0078] Next, the effects of the coil components 1 and 1A in this embodiment and the modified example will be described.

[0079] FIG. 9 is a graph showing the frequency characteristics of the Q value. Data DA1 shows the frequency characteristics of the Q value for a normal coil component. Data DA2 shows the frequency characteristics of the Q value when the coil is short-circuited to the external electrode at a portion other than the end. Data DA3 shows data for a configuration in which the desired Q value is ensured when an electrical signal in a relatively low frequency band is conducted through the coil, and the Q value decreases when an electrical signal in a relatively high frequency band is conducted through the coil. When there is a position where the potential difference between the coil and the external electrode is relatively large and the distance is relatively short, as shown in data DA3, the Q value decreases for electrical signals of a relatively low frequency.

[0080] In the coil component 1, the coil conductor 11 connected to the external electrode 5 is spaced apart from the external electrode 6 when viewed along the Y-axis, thereby enabling compactness while ensuring a Q value for signals in a relatively high frequency band. The coil conductor 12 is connected to the coil conductor 11 and extends from the coil conductor 11 toward the end face 3e so that the shortest distance from the side face 3a increases as it approaches the end face 3e, ensuring the area of ​​the region R surrounded by the coil CL when viewed along the coil axis CA. As a result, compactness can be achieved while also ensuring inductance. The coil component 1A has a similar configuration.

[0081] In the example shown in this embodiment, the coil CL further includes a coil conductor 13 connected to the end 12b of the coil conductor 12. The coil conductor 13 extends along the Z-axis direction. In this case, the area of ​​the region R surrounded by the coil CL can be further increased when viewed along the coil axis CA. As a result, the coil component 1A can be made more compact while still ensuring inductance. The coil component 1A also has a similar configuration.

[0082] In the example shown in this embodiment, a portion of the coil CL overlaps with the side electrode portion 6b when viewed along the Z-axis direction. In this case, the area of ​​the region R surrounded by the coil CL can be further increased when viewed along the coil axis CA. As a result, the coil component 1A can be made more compact while still ensuring inductance. The coil component 1A also has a similar configuration.

[0083] In the example shown in this embodiment, the region R surrounded by the multiple coil conductors 11 has an octagonal shape when viewed along the coil axis CA. In this case, the area of ​​the region R surrounded by the coil CL can be further increased when viewed along the coil axis CA. As a result, the inductance can be more reliably ensured while achieving compactness.

[0084] The above describes embodiments and modifications of the present invention, but the present invention is not necessarily limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0085] For example, in the examples and modifications shown in the above-described embodiments, the region R has an octagonal shape when viewed along the X-axis direction. However, the shape of the region R is not limited to this. For example, the region R may have a hexagonal shape or a polygonal shape having 10 or more sides when viewed along the X-axis direction. The region R does not have to have a strict polygonal shape, and the coil conductors 10 constituting the sides do not have to be linear.

[0086] As can be understood from the above description of the embodiments, the present specification includes disclosure of the following aspects. (Appendix 1) an element body having first and second end faces facing each other in a first direction and side faces connected to the first and second end faces; a first external electrode including a first end surface electrode portion provided on the first end surface and a first side surface electrode portion provided on the side surface and extending from the first end surface toward the second end surface; a second external electrode including a second end surface electrode portion provided on the second end surface and a second side surface electrode portion provided on the side surface and extending from the second end surface toward the first end surface; a coil disposed inside the element body, connected to the first end surface electrode portion at the first end surface, and connected to the second end surface electrode portion at the second end surface; the coil includes a plurality of coil conductors, each including a pair of ends; each of the plurality of coil conductors is connected to another of the plurality of coil conductors at the end; the plurality of coil conductors include a first coil conductor extending along the first direction, and a second coil conductor connected to the first coil conductor and extending from the first coil conductor toward the second end face so that the shortest distance from the side surface increases as the second coil conductor approaches the second end face; A coil component in which, when viewed along a second direction perpendicular to the coil axis direction of the coil and the first direction, the first coil conductor does not overlap with the portion of the second side electrode portion closest to the first coil conductor. (Appendix 2) the coil further includes a third coil conductor connected to one of the pair of ends of the second coil conductor, the third coil conductor being connected to an end different from the end connected to the first coil conductor; 2. The coil component according to claim 1, wherein the third coil conductor extends in the second direction. (Appendix 3) 3. The coil component according to claim 1, wherein a portion of the coil overlaps with the second side electrode portion when viewed along the second direction. (Appendix 4) 4. The coil component according to claim 1, wherein an area surrounded by the plurality of coil conductors has an octagonal shape when viewed along the coil axis direction. [Explanation of symbols]

[0087] 1...coil component, 2...element body, 3a, 3c...side surface, 3e, 3f...end surface, 5, 6...external electrode, 5a, 6a...end surface electrode portion, 5b, 6b...side surface electrode portion, 10, 11, 12, 13...coil conductor, 6c...portion, CL...coil, CA...coil axis, R...region.

Claims

1. an element body having first and second end faces facing each other in a first direction and side faces connected to the first and second end faces; a first external electrode including a first end surface electrode portion provided on the first end surface and a first side surface electrode portion provided on the side surface and extending from the first end surface toward the second end surface; a second external electrode including a second end surface electrode portion provided on the second end surface and a second side surface electrode portion provided on the side surface and extending from the second end surface toward the first end surface; a coil disposed inside the element body, connected to the first end surface electrode portion at the first end surface, and connected to the second end surface electrode portion at the second end surface; the coil includes a plurality of coil conductors, each including a pair of ends; each of the plurality of coil conductors is connected to another of the plurality of coil conductors at the end; the plurality of coil conductors include a first coil conductor extending along the first direction, and a second coil conductor connected to the first coil conductor and extending from the first coil conductor toward the second end face so that the shortest distance from the side surface increases as the second coil conductor approaches the second end face; A coil component in which, when viewed along a second direction perpendicular to the coil axis direction of the coil and the first direction, the first coil conductor does not overlap with the portion of the second side electrode portion closest to the first coil conductor.

2. the coil further includes a third coil conductor connected to one of the pair of ends of the second coil conductor, the third coil conductor being connected to an end different from the end connected to the first coil conductor; The coil component according to claim 1 , wherein the third coil conductor extends in the second direction.

3. The coil component according to claim 1 , wherein a portion of the coil overlaps with the second side electrode portion when viewed along the second direction.

4. The coil component according to claim 1 , wherein an area surrounded by the plurality of coil conductors has an octagonal shape when viewed along the coil axis direction.

Images