Laminated coil component

Abstract

To provide a laminated coil component that can be improved in the self-resonant frequency.SOLUTION: A laminated coil component 1 comprises an elementary body 2, a coil 3 disposed within the elementary body 2, and external electrodes 41, 42 disposed on the surface of the elementary body 2. The coil 3 includes a plurality of coil conductors 30, each having a thickness and a path length. The external electrodes 41, 42 are electrically connected to the coil 3. The plurality of coil conductors 30 include coil conductors 33, 34, and 35 that are aligned in one direction and adjacent to each other. The coil conductor 34 has a path length that is shorter than each of the path lengths of the coil conductors 33 and 35, and has a thickness that is greater than the thickness of at least one of the coil conductors 33 and 35.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] A laminated coil component is known that includes an element body and a coil disposed within the element body (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The coil has a plurality of coil conductors that are electrically connected to each other. The plurality of coil conductors includes a first coil conductor and a second coil conductor. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-113309 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 laminated coil component that can improve the self-resonant frequency. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A laminated coil component according to one aspect of the present invention comprises an element body, a coil disposed within the element body, and external electrodes disposed on the surface of the element body. The coil includes a plurality of coil conductors, each having a thickness and a path length. The external electrodes are electrically connected to the coil. The plurality of coil conductors include a first coil conductor, a second coil conductor, and a third coil conductor that are aligned in one direction and adjacent to one another. The second coil conductor has a path length that is shorter than the path lengths of the first coil and the third coil, and a thickness that is greater than the thickness of at least one of the first coil and the third coil.

[0006] The self-resonant frequency of a multilayer coil component varies depending on the stray capacitance generated between multiple coil conductors included in the coil. As the stray capacitance generated between multiple coil conductors increases, the self-resonant frequency of the multilayer coil component decreases. The stray capacitance is proportional to the area of ​​two conductors facing each other and inversely proportional to the distance between the two facing conductors. Therefore, in multiple coil conductors, the stray capacitance correlates with the path length of each coil conductor and the distance between the two coil conductors.

[0007] In a multilayer coil component, multiple inductance values ​​are required for a given external size. Since the inductance value depends on the number of turns in the coil, it is difficult to determine a constant path length for each of the multiple coil conductors that make up the coil. Between multiple coil conductors with longer path lengths than other coil conductors, a stray capacitance occurs that is larger than the stray capacitance occurring between the other multiple coil conductors.

[0008] In the one aspect, the second coil conductor has a path length shorter than the path lengths of the first coil conductor and the third coil conductor, and is located between the first coil conductor and the third coil conductor in the multiple coil conductors. Because the first coil conductor and the third coil conductor have path lengths longer than the path length of the second coil conductor, the stray capacitance generated between the first coil conductor and the third coil conductor is larger than the stray capacitance generated between the first coil conductor and the third coil conductor in other configurations. The spacing between the first coil conductor and the third coil conductor varies depending on the thickness of the second coil conductor. The second coil conductor has a thickness greater than the thickness of at least one of the first coil and the third coil. The stray capacitance generated in the coil of the one aspect is smaller than the stray capacitance generated in a coil configured such that the second coil has a thickness equal to or smaller than both the thickness of the first coil and the third coil. As a result, the one aspect enables an improvement in the self-resonant frequency of the multilayer coil component. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] One aspect of the present invention provides a laminated coil component capable of improving the self-resonant frequency. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a laminated coil component according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the coil according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the coil according to this embodiment as viewed from one side. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a plan view of the coil according to this embodiment as viewed from one side. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a plan view of one main surface of the coil according to this embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an exploded view showing the configuration of the laminated coil component according to this embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a plan view of the first coil conductor according to this embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a plan view of the second coil conductor according to this embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a plan view of the third coil conductor according to this embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a laminated coil component according to a modified example of this embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a coil according to a modified example of this embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a plan view of a coil according to a modified example of this embodiment, viewed from one side. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a plan view of a coil according to a modified example of this embodiment, viewed from one main surface. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a plan view of a coil according to a modified example of this embodiment, viewed from one main surface. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is an exploded view showing the configuration of a laminated coil component according to a modified example of this embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a plan view of a first coil conductor according to a modified example. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a plan view of a second coil conductor according to a modified example. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a plan view of a third coil conductor according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same or corresponding elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted as appropriate.

[0012] The configuration of a laminated coil component 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the laminated coil component according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the coil according to this embodiment. FIG. 3 is a plan view of the coil according to this embodiment as viewed from the side surface 2e shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a plan view of the coil according to this embodiment as viewed from the side surface 2f shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a plan view of the coil according to this embodiment as viewed from the main surface 2b shown in FIG. 1. The laminated coil component 1 according to this embodiment is solder-mounted in an electronic device. The electronic device includes, for example, a circuit board or an electronic component.

[0013] 1 and 2, the laminated coil component 1 includes an element body 2, a coil 3 disposed within the element body 2, a pair of external electrodes 41, 42 disposed on the surface of the element body 2, and a pair of connecting conductors 51, 52 disposed within the element body 2. The external electrodes 41, 42 are electrically connected to the coil 3. The element body 2 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The rectangular parallelepiped shape includes a rectangular parallelepiped shape with chamfered corners and ridges, and a rectangular parallelepiped shape with rounded corners and ridges.

[0014] The element body 2 has a pair of principal surfaces 2a and 2b, a pair of side surfaces 2c and 2d, and a pair of side surfaces 2e and 2f that face each other. The principal surfaces 2a and 2b, the side surfaces 2c and 2d, and the side surfaces 2e and 2f are rectangular. The principal surfaces 2a and 2b are adjacent to the side surfaces 2c and 2d and the side surfaces 2e and 2f. The side surfaces 2c and 2d and the side surfaces 2e and 2f are adjacent to each other. When the laminated coil component 1 is solder-mounted in an electronic device, the principal surface 2a faces the electronic device to be solder-mounted.

[0015] The direction D3 in which the pair of principal surfaces 2a, 2b face each other is perpendicular to the principal surfaces 2a, 2b, respectively. The direction D1 in which the pair of side surfaces 2c, 2d face each other is perpendicular to the side surfaces 2c, 2d, respectively. The direction D2 in which the pair of side surfaces 2e, 2f face each other is perpendicular to the side surfaces 2e, 2f, respectively. The direction D3 is perpendicular to the directions D1 and D2. The directions D1 and D2 are perpendicular to each other. A pair of recesses corresponding to the pair of external electrodes 41, 42 are formed in the element body 2.

[0016] The external electrodes 41 and 42 have an L-shaped cross section when viewed from direction D1. The recesses corresponding to the external electrodes 41 and 42 formed in the element body 2 are L-shaped when viewed from direction D1. The external electrode 41 includes a portion 41a and a portion 41b. The surface of the portion 41a faces the same direction as the side surface 2e, and the surface of the portion 41b faces the same direction as the main surface 2a. The portions 41a and 41b are continuous along the ridge between the side surface 2e and the main surface 2a. The external electrode 42 includes a portion 42a and a portion 42b. The surface of the portion 42a faces the same direction as the side surface 2f, and the surface of the portion 42b faces the same direction as the main surface 2a. The portions 42a and 42b are continuous along the ridge between the side surface 2f and the main surface 2a. The main surface 2a includes surfaces that define the recesses corresponding to the portions 41b and 42b. The side surface 2e includes a surface that defines a recess corresponding to the portion 41a. The side surface 2f includes a surface that defines a recess corresponding to the portion 42a. The external electrode 41 is disposed on the main surface 2a and the side surface 2e. The external electrode 42 is disposed on the main surface 2a and the side surface 2f.

[0017] In this embodiment, the length of the external electrodes 41, 42 in direction D3 is longer than the length of the external electrodes 41, 42 in direction D2. The portions 41b, 42b are arranged so as to be exposed in the same direction as the main surface 2a. The surfaces of the portions 41b, 42b and the main surface 2a may be located on the same plane. The surfaces of the portions 41b, 42b may protrude from the main surface 2a. The portion 41a is arranged so as to be exposed in the same direction as the side surface 2e. The surface of the portion 41a and the side surface 2e may be located on the same plane. The surface of the portion 41a may protrude from the side surface 2e. The portion 42a is arranged on the side surface 2f so as to be exposed in the same direction as the side surface 2f. The surface of the portion 42a and the side surface 2f may be located on the same plane. The surface of the portion 42a may protrude from the side surface 2f. In this embodiment, the length of the portions 41a, 42a in direction D3 is longer than the length of the portions 41b, 42b in direction D2.

[0018] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, the coil 3 has a plurality of coil conductors 30. The plurality of coil conductors 30 are electrically connected to one another. The plurality of coil conductors 30 includes coil conductors 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, and 37. The coil conductors 31 to 37 are arranged in that order along the direction D1 and are adjacent to one another. The coil conductor 31 is the endmost coil conductor including one end of the coil 3 in the direction D1. The coil conductor 37 is the endmost coil conductor including the other end of the coil 3 in the direction D1. The coil 3 is composed of seven coil conductors 31 to 37 connected in the direction D1. The number of turns in the coil 3 is 2.5. Each of the coil conductors 31 to 37 forms part of a circular orbit centered on the coil axis X1 of the coil 3. Each of the coil conductors 31 to 37 has, for example, a shape with a partially interrupted loop. Each of the plurality of coil conductors 30 has a path length and a thickness.

[0019] Each of the coil conductors 31 to 37 includes a first end corresponding to one end of the partially interrupted loop and a second end corresponding to the other end of the partially interrupted loop. Each of the coil conductors 31 to 37 extends along a path from the first end to the second end in each layer of the coil conductors 31 to 37. The length of the path from the first end to the second end of each of the coil conductors 31 to 37 is referred to as the path length of each of the coil conductors 31 to 37. The path length may be the minimum length from the end face of the first end to the end face of the second end of each of the coil conductors 31 to 37. For example, the path length may be the inner circumference from the end face of the first end to the end face of the second end of each of the coil conductors 31 to 37. Each of the layers of the coil conductors 31 to 37 corresponds to a layer constituting the laminated coil component 1. Each of the layers of the coil conductors 31 to 37 extends along a plane intersecting the direction D1 in which the coil conductors 31 to 37 are arranged. In this embodiment, the layers of the coil conductors 31 to 37 extend along directions D2 and D3.

[0020] Coil conductors 33, 34, and 35 are arranged in the direction D1 in the order of coil conductor 33, coil conductor 34, and coil conductor 35. Coil conductor 33 and coil conductor 34 are adjacent to each other, and coil conductor 34 and coil conductor 35 are adjacent to each other. Coil conductor 34 is located between coil conductor 33 and coil conductor 35 in the multiple coil conductors 30. Coil conductor 33 and coil conductor 35 are separated in direction D1 by the thickness of coil conductor 34. Coil conductor 33 and coil conductor 35 each include portions that face each other in direction D1 and are separated by the thickness of coil conductor 34. For example, coil conductor 33 is defined as a first coil conductor, coil conductor 34 is defined as a second coil conductor, and coil conductor 35 is defined as a third coil conductor.

[0021] The widths of the coil conductors 31 to 37 in the direction perpendicular to their paths are equal to each other. In this specification, "equal" does not necessarily mean that the values ​​are the same. The values ​​may be considered equal even if they include slight differences within a preset range, manufacturing errors, or measurement errors.

[0022] The coil conductors 31, 32, 33, 35, 36, and 37 have the same thickness. In this specification, the "thickness" of a coil conductor refers to the distance between one surface of the coil conductor in the direction D1 and the other surface located opposite the one surface. The average distance between one surface and the other surface of the coil conductor in the direction D1 may be defined as the thickness of the coil conductor. In one example, the distance between one surface of the coil conductor facing an adjacent coil conductor at a first end of the coil conductor and the other surface of the coil conductor facing another adjacent coil conductor at a second end of the coil conductor may be defined as the thickness of the coil conductor.

[0023] The coil conductor 34 has a thickness greater than the thickness of the coil conductors 33 and 35. The coil conductor 34 only needs to have a thickness greater than the thickness of at least one of the coil conductors 33 and 35. The coil conductor 34 has a thickness that is 1.25 times or more the thickness of the coil conductors 33 and 35. The coil conductor 34 may have a thickness that is two times or more, or three times or more the thickness of the coil conductors 33 and 35. The coil conductor 34 may have the greatest thickness among the multiple coil conductors 30. The coil conductors 33 and 35 may have the smallest thickness among the multiple coil conductors 30.

[0024] Among the multiple coil conductors 30, the ends of a pair of adjacent coil conductors overlap and are connected to each other. In this embodiment, the ends of a pair of adjacent coil conductors among the multiple coil conductors 30 completely overlap each other, but it is sufficient if the ends overlap at least partially. Coil conductors 31 and 32, coil conductors 32 and 33, coil conductors 33 and 34, coil conductors 34 and 35, coil conductors 35 and 36, and coil conductors 36 and 37 are pairs of coil conductors adjacent to each other in direction D1. For example, the second end of coil conductor 33 and the first end of coil conductor 34 overlap and are connected to each other in direction D1, and the second end of coil conductor 34 and the first end of coil conductor 35 overlap and are connected to each other in direction D1. Among the multiple coil conductors 30, the ends of a pair of adjacent coil conductors are directly and physically connected to each other.

[0025] The connecting conductor 51 connects the coil 3 and the external electrode 41 to each other. The coil 3 and the external electrode 41 are electrically and physically connected to each other via the connecting conductor 51. The connecting conductor 51 is continuous with the coil conductor 31 in the same layer as the coil conductor 31. The connecting conductor 51 extends between a first end of the coil conductor 31 and a portion 41a of the external electrode 41. The thickness of the connecting conductor 51 is equal to the thickness of the coil conductor 31. The connecting conductor 52 connects the coil 3 and the external electrode 42 to each other. The coil 3 and the external electrode 42 are electrically and physically connected to each other via the connecting conductor 52. The connecting conductor 52 is continuous with the coil conductor 37 in the same layer as the coil conductor 37. The connecting conductor 52 extends between a second end of the coil conductor 37 and a portion 42a of the external electrode 42. The thickness of the connecting conductor 52 is equal to the thickness of the coil conductor 37. The connecting conductors 51 and 52 have the same thickness.

[0026] FIG. 6 is an exploded view showing the configuration of a laminated coil component 1 according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, the laminated direction of the laminated coil component 1 is along direction D1. FIG. 6 shows the multiple layers constituting the laminated coil component 1 as viewed from direction D1. The multiple layers constituting the laminated coil component 1 include a layer constituting the element body 2, a layer constituting the coil 3, a layer constituting the external electrodes 41 and 42, and a layer constituting the connecting conductors 51 and 52. The multiple layers have the same thickness. Below, the element body 2, the multiple coil conductors 30 of the coil 3, the external electrodes 41 and 42, and the connecting conductors 51 and 52 will be described with reference to FIG. 6.

[0027] The element body 2 is composed of multiple stacked insulator layers 20. In this embodiment, the number of the multiple insulator layers 20 is 13. FIG. 6 shows nine insulator layers 20, omitting the two insulator layers 20 located at both ends in the direction D1. In an actual element body 2, the insulator layers 20 are integrated to the extent that the boundaries between the insulator layers 20 are not visible. Each insulator layer 20 is composed of, for example, a non-magnetic material. The non-magnetic material includes, for example, a glass ceramic material or a dielectric material. In this embodiment, each insulator layer 20 is composed of a sintered body of a green sheet containing a non-magnetic material. Each insulator layer 20 may also be composed of a magnetic material.

[0028] The external electrodes 41 and 42 are each composed of a plurality of stacked electrode layers 410 and 420. In this embodiment, the number of the plurality of electrode layers 410 and 420 is nine. In the actual external electrode 41, the electrode layers 410 are integrated to the extent that the boundaries between the electrode layers 410 are not visible. In the actual external electrode 42, the electrode layers 420 are integrated to the extent that the boundaries between the electrode layers 420 are not visible. Each electrode layer 410 and 420 is provided in a recess formed in the corresponding insulator layer 20. The recess formed in each insulator layer 20 forms a pair of depressions corresponding to the external electrodes 41 and 42. Each electrode layer 410 and 420 is composed of, for example, a conductive material. The conductive material includes, for example, Ag or Pd. In this embodiment, each electrode layer 410 and 420 is composed of a sintered body of a conductive paste containing a powder of a conductive material.

[0029] The connecting conductors 51 and 52 are respectively composed of electrode layers 510 and 520. The electrode layer 510 is continuous with the coil conductor layer 310, and the electrode layer 520 is continuous with the coil conductor layer 370. Each of the electrode layers 510 and 520 is provided in a defect formed in the corresponding insulator layer 20. Each of the electrode layers 510 and 520 is composed of, for example, the same material as each of the electrode layers 410 and 420. Each of the electrode layers 510 and 520 is composed of, for example, a sintered body of conductive paste.

[0030] The multiple coil conductors 30 are composed of multiple coil conductor layers corresponding to each of the multiple coil conductors 30. Coil conductor 31 is composed of coil conductor layer 310. Coil conductor 32 is composed of coil conductor layer 320. Coil conductor 33 is composed of coil conductor layer 330. Coil conductor 34 is composed of multiple coil conductor layers 340 that overlap each other overall. In this embodiment, the number of multiple coil conductor layers 340 is "3". Coil conductor 35 is composed of coil conductor layer 350. Coil conductor 36 is composed of coil conductor layer 360. Coil conductor 37 is composed of coil conductor layer 370.

[0031] In the coil conductor 34 of the actual coil 3, the coil conductor layers 340 are integrated to the extent that the boundaries between the coil conductor layers 340 are not visible. Each of the coil conductor layers 310-370 is provided in a defect formed in the corresponding insulator layer 20. Each of the coil conductor layers 310-370 is made of, for example, the same material as each of the electrode layers 410, 420. Each of the coil conductor layers 310-370 is made of, for example, a sintered body of conductive paste.

[0032] The coil 3 and the multiple coil conductors 30 will be described below with reference to Figs. 2 to 9. Coil conductor layers 310 to 370 shown in Fig. 6 correspond to the coil conductors 31 to 37 when viewed from direction D1, and the electrode layers 410, 420 correspond to the external electrodes 41, 42 when viewed from direction D1. Fig. 7 is a plan view of a first coil conductor according to this embodiment. Fig. 8 is a plan view of a second coil conductor according to this embodiment. Fig. 9 is a plan view of a third coil conductor according to this embodiment.

[0033] When viewed from direction D1, the coil 3 has a pentagonal shape. The pentagon is symmetrical in direction D2 with respect to a center line along direction D3. The pentagon includes a first side closest to the main surface 2b, a second side closest to the side surface 2f, a third and fourth sides closest to the main surface 2a, and a fifth side closest to the side surface 2e. The first and second sides are connected at a first vertex, the second and third sides are connected at a second vertex, the third and fourth sides are connected at a third vertex, the fourth and fifth sides are connected at a fourth vertex, and the fifth side is connected to the first side at a fifth vertex. The second and fifth sides are symmetrical with each other with respect to a center line passing through the third vertex between the third and fourth sides, and the third and fourth sides are symmetrical with each other with respect to each other. The first side is longer than the second and fifth sides. The second and fifth sides are longer than the third and fourth sides. When viewed from direction D1, the path of each of the plurality of coil conductors 30 includes at least one of the first to fifth sides.

[0034] The paths of the coil conductors 31, 34, and 37 include a first side. The path lengths of the coil conductors 31, 34, and 37 are 1 / 2 turn or less. The path of the coil conductors 32 and 35 include a second side, a third side, and a fourth side. The path of the coil conductors 33 and 36 include a third side, a fourth side, and a fifth side. The path lengths of the coil conductors 32, 33, 35, and 36 are 1 / 2 turn or more. The path lengths of the coil conductors 31 and 37 are equal to each other. The path lengths of the coil conductors 32, 33, 35, and 36 are equal to each other. The coil conductor 34 has a path length shorter than the path lengths of the coil conductors 33 and 35. The coil conductors 33 and 35 each have a path length longer than the path length of the coil conductor 34. The coil conductors 33 and 35 may have the longest path length among the multiple coil conductors 30. The coil conductor 34 may have the shortest path length among the plurality of coil conductors 30 .

[0035] A portion of the coil conductor 33 including the fifth side is adjacent to the portion 41a of the external electrode 41. The portion of the coil conductor 33 adjacent to the portion 41a of the external electrode 41 has a longer path length than the portion of the coil conductor 34 adjacent to the portion 41a of the external electrode 41. A portion of the coil conductor 33 including the fourth side is adjacent to the portion 41b of the external electrode 41. The coil conductor 34 does not have a portion adjacent to the portion 41b of the external electrode 41. A portion of the coil conductor 35 including the second side is adjacent to the portion 42a of the external electrode 42. The portion of the coil conductor 35 adjacent to the portion 42a of the external electrode 42 has a longer path length than the portion of the coil conductor 34 adjacent to the portion 42a of the external electrode 42. A portion of the coil conductor 35 including the third side is adjacent to the portion 42b of the external electrode 42. The coil conductor 34 does not have a portion adjacent to the portion 42b of the external electrode 42.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 7, the coil conductor 33 includes an outer surface 33a and an inner surface 33b that face each other in the radial direction of the coil 3. In this embodiment, the radial direction of the coil 3 is perpendicular to the coil axis X1 of the coil 3. As shown in FIG. 8, the coil conductor 34 includes an outer surface 34a and an inner surface 34b that face each other in the radial direction. As shown in FIG. 9, the coil conductor 35 includes an outer surface 35a and an inner surface 35b that face each other in the radial direction. The outer surfaces 33a, 34a, and 35a are located adjacent to the surface of the element body 2. The inner surfaces 33b, 34b, and 35b are located facing the coil axis X1. The outer surfaces 33a, 34a, and 35a correspond to the first outer surface, the second outer surface, and the third outer surface, respectively. The inner surfaces 33b, 34b, and 35b correspond to the first inner surface, the second inner surface, and the third inner surface, respectively.

[0037] The outer surface 33a includes a region S3 to which perpendicular lines can be drawn from the external electrodes 41 and 42 to the outer surface 33a. Region S3 includes regions S3a and S3b. A perpendicular line can be drawn from the external electrode 41 to region S3a. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 7, region S3a is defined by a perpendicular line L1 from the end of the portion 41a of the external electrode 41 and a perpendicular line L2 from the end of the portion 41b of the external electrode 41. A perpendicular line can be drawn from the external electrode 42 to region S3b. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 7, region S3b is defined by a perpendicular line L3 from the end of the portion 42a of the external electrode 42 and a perpendicular line L4 from the end of the portion 42b of the external electrode 42. The outer surface 34a includes a region S4 where perpendicular lines can be drawn from the external electrodes 41 and 42 to the outer surface 34a. Region S4 includes regions S4a and S4b. A perpendicular line can be drawn from the external electrode 41 to region S4a. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 8, region S4a is defined by a perpendicular line L5 from the end of the portion 41a of the external electrode 41 and a perpendicular line L6 from the end of the portion 41b of the external electrode 41. A perpendicular line can be drawn from the external electrode 42 to region S4b. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 8, region S4b is defined by a perpendicular line L7 from the end of the portion 42a of the external electrode 42 and a perpendicular line L8 from the end of the portion 42b of the external electrode 42. The outer surface 35a includes a region S5 where perpendicular lines can be drawn from the external electrodes 41 and 42 to the outer surface 35a. Region S5 includes regions S5a and S5b. A perpendicular line can be drawn from the external electrode 41 to region S5a. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 9, region S5a is defined by a perpendicular line L9 from the end of the portion 41a of the external electrode 41 and a perpendicular line L10 from the end of the portion 41b of the external electrode 41. A perpendicular line can be drawn from the external electrode 42 to region S5b. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 9, region S5b is defined by a perpendicular line L11 from the end of the portion 42a of the external electrode 42 and a perpendicular line L12 from the end of the portion 42b of the external electrode 42. The area of ​​region S4 is smaller than at least one of the areas of region S3 and region S5. In this embodiment, the area of ​​region S4 is smaller than both the areas of region S3 and region S5. The area of ​​region S3 is the sum of the areas of region S3a and region S3b. The area of ​​region S4 is the sum of the areas of region S4a and region S4b. The area of ​​region S5 is the sum of the areas of region S5a and region S5b.

[0038] As described above, the coil conductor 34 has a path length shorter than the path lengths of the coil conductors 33 and 35, and is located between the coil conductors 33 and 35 in the plurality of coil conductors 30. Because the coil conductors 33 and 35 have a path length longer than the path length of the coil conductor 34, the stray capacitance generated between the coil conductors 33 and 35 is larger than the stray capacitance generated between the coil conductors 33 and 35 in other configurations. The spacing between the coil conductors 33 and 35 varies depending on the thickness of the coil conductor 34. The coil conductor 34 has a thickness greater than the thickness of at least one of the coil conductors 33 and 35. The stray capacitance generated in the coil 30 is smaller than the stray capacitance generated in a coil configured such that the thickness of the coil conductor 34 is equal to or less than the thicknesses of both the coil conductors 33 and 35. As a result, the multilayer coil component 1 can improve the self-resonant frequency of the multilayer coil component.

[0039] In the laminated coil component 1, the area of ​​the region S4 of the coil conductor is smaller than at least one of the area of ​​the region S3 of the coil conductor 33 and the area of ​​the region S5 of the coil conductor . The area of ​​region S3 is the area where the coil conductor 33 and the external electrodes 41, 42 face each other. The area of ​​region S4 is the area where the coil conductor 34 and the external electrodes 41, 42 face each other. The area of ​​region S5 is the area where the coil conductor 35 and the external electrodes 41, 42 face each other. Therefore, the stray capacitance generated between the coil conductors 33 to 35 and the external electrodes 41, 42 changes depending on the area of ​​each of regions S3, S4, and S5. In the laminated coil component 1, the coil conductor 34 is arranged so that the area of ​​the coil conductor 34 is smaller than at least one of the area of ​​the region S3 of the coil conductor 33 and the area of ​​the region S5 of the coil conductor 35. Compared to a laminated coil component in which the coil conductor 34 is arranged so that the area of ​​the region S4 is equal to or greater than both the area of ​​the region S3 and the area of ​​the region S5, the laminated coil component 1 can reduce the stray capacitance generated between the coil conductors 33 to 35 and the external electrodes 41, 42. As a result, the laminated coil component 1 can further improve the self-resonant frequency of the laminated coil component.

[0040] In the laminated coil component 1, the ends of a pair of adjacent coil conductors among the plurality of coil conductors 30 overlap and are connected to each other. In a multilayer coil component having a different configuration in which the ends of a pair of adjacent coil conductors overlap and are not connected to each other, the coil includes another conductor connecting the ends of the pair of adjacent coil conductors. In this multilayer coil component having the different configuration, the area where the coil 3 faces the external electrodes 41, 42 includes the area where the another conductor faces the external electrodes 41, 42, which can result in increased stray capacitance. In a multilayer coil component having the same configuration in which the ends of a pair of adjacent coil conductors overlap and are connected to each other, the area where the coil 3 faces the external electrodes 41, 42 does not include the area where the another conductor faces the external electrodes 41, 42. Therefore, the multilayer coil component having the same configuration in which the ends of a pair of adjacent coil conductors overlap and are connected to each other can reduce stray capacitance and further improve the self-resonant frequency.

[0041] In the laminated coil component 1, the coil conductor 34 has the greatest thickness among the multiple coil conductors 30. In a configuration in which coil conductor 34 has the largest thickness among the multiple coil conductors 30, the spacing between coil conductor 33 and coil conductor 35 is wider than in other configurations, so the stray capacitance generated between coil conductor 33 and coil conductor 35 is further reduced, making it possible to further improve the self-resonant frequency.

[0042] Next, the configuration of a laminated coil component 1A according to a modified example of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 14. The laminated coil component 1A according to the modified example includes a coil 6, external electrodes 43 and 44, and connecting conductors 53 and 54 instead of the coil 3, external electrodes 41 and 42, and connecting conductors 51 and 52. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the laminated coil component according to the modified example. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the coil according to the modified example. FIG. 12 is a plan view of the coil according to the modified example as seen from the side surface 2e. FIG. 13 is a plan view of the coil according to the modified example as seen from the main surface 2b. FIG. 14 is a plan view of the coil according to the modified example as seen from the main surface 2a. The following mainly describes the differences between the above-described embodiment and this modified example.

[0043] The element body 2 has a pair of recesses corresponding to the pair of external electrodes 43, 44. The main surface 2a includes a surface that defines the recesses corresponding to the external electrodes 43, 44. The external electrodes 43, 44 are arranged only on the main surface 2a among the main surfaces 2a, 2b, side surfaces 2c, 2d, and side surfaces 2e, 2f. The surfaces of the external electrodes 43, 44 face only the same direction as the main surface 2a among the main surfaces 2a, 2b, side surfaces 2c, 2d, and side surfaces 2e, 2f. The surfaces of the external electrodes 43, 44 and the main surface 2a may be located on the same plane. The surfaces of the external electrodes 43, 44 may protrude from the main surface 2a. The external electrodes 43 and 44 are arranged side by side and spaced apart in direction D2. When viewed from direction D3, the external electrodes 43, 44 are located away from the ridges between the main surface 2a and each of the side surfaces 2c, 2d, 2e, and 2f.

[0044] As shown in FIGS. 11 to 14, the coil 6 has a plurality of coil conductors 60. The plurality of coil conductors 60 are electrically connected to one another. The plurality of coil conductors 60 include coil conductors 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, and 67. The coil conductors 61 to 67 are arranged in that order along the direction D1 and are adjacent to one another. The coil conductor 61 is the endmost coil conductor including one end of the coil 6 in the direction D1. The coil conductor 67 is the endmost coil conductor including the other end of the coil 6 in the direction D1. The coil 6 is composed of seven coil conductors 61 to 67 connected in the direction D1. The number of turns in the coil 6 is 2.5. Each of the coil conductors 61 to 67 forms a part of a circular orbit centered on the coil axis X2 of the coil 6.

[0045] The coil conductors 63, 64, and 65 are arranged in the direction D1 in the order of coil conductor 63, coil conductor 64, and coil conductor 65. Coil conductor 63 and coil conductor 64 are adjacent to each other, and coil conductor 64 and coil conductor 65 are adjacent to each other. Coil conductor 64 is located between coil conductor 63 and coil conductor 65 in the multiple coil conductors 60. Coil conductor 63 and coil conductor 65 are separated in direction D1 by the thickness of coil conductor 64. Coil conductor 63 and coil conductor 65 each include portions that face each other in direction D1 and are separated by the thickness of coil conductor 64. For example, coil conductor 63 is defined as a first coil conductor, coil conductor 64 is defined as a second coil conductor, and coil conductor 65 is defined as a third coil conductor.

[0046] The coil conductors 61, 62, 63, 65, 66, and 67 have the same thickness. The coil conductor 64 has a thickness greater than the thicknesses of the coil conductors 63 and 65. It is sufficient for the coil conductor 64 to have a thickness greater than the thickness of at least one of the coil conductors 63 and 65.

[0047] The connecting conductor 53 connects the coil 6 and the external electrode 43 to each other. The coil 6 and the external electrode 43 are electrically and physically connected to each other via the connecting conductor 53. The connecting conductor 53 is continuous with the coil conductor 61 in the same layer as the coil conductor 61. The connecting conductor 53 extends between a first end of the coil conductor 61 and the external electrode 43. The thickness of the connecting conductor 53 is equal to the thickness of the coil conductor 61. The connecting conductor 54 connects the coil 6 and the external electrode 44 to each other. The coil 6 and the external electrode 44 are electrically and physically connected to each other via the connecting conductor 54. The connecting conductor 54 is continuous with the coil conductor 67 in the same layer as the coil conductor 67. The connecting conductor 54 extends between a second end of the coil conductor 67 and the external electrode 44. The thickness of the connecting conductor 54 is equal to the thickness of the coil conductor 67. The connecting conductors 53 and 54 have the same thickness.

[0048] The coil conductors 60 of the coil 6, the external electrodes 43, 44, and the connecting conductors 53, 54 will be described below with reference to Fig. 15. Fig. 15 is an exploded view showing the configuration of a laminated coil component according to a modified example.

[0049] The external electrodes 43, 44 are each composed of a plurality of stacked electrode layers 430, 440. In this modification, the number of the plurality of electrode layers 430, 440 is nine. Each electrode layer 430, 440 is provided in a recess formed in the corresponding insulator layer 20. The recess formed in each insulator layer 20 forms a pair of recesses corresponding to the external electrodes 43, 44. The connecting conductors 53, 54 are each composed of electrode layers 530, 540. The electrode layer 530 is continuous with the coil conductor layer 610, and the electrode layer 540 is continuous with the coil conductor layer 670. Each electrode layer 530, 540 is provided in a recess formed in the corresponding insulator layer 20. Each electrode layer 530, 540 is made of, for example, the same material as the electrode layers 430, 440.

[0050] The multiple coil conductors 60 are composed of multiple coil conductor layers corresponding to each of the multiple coil conductors 60. Coil conductors 61 to 63 are composed of coil conductor layers 610 to 630, respectively. Coil conductor 64 is composed of multiple coil conductor layers 640 that overlap each other overall. In this modification, the number of multiple coil conductor layers 640 is "3". Coil conductors 65 to 67 are composed of coil conductor layers 650 to 670, respectively.

[0051] The coil 6 and the multiple coil conductors 60 will be described below with reference to Fig. 11 and Fig. 14 to Fig. 18. Coil conductor layers 610 to 670 shown in Fig. 15 correspond to the coil conductors 61 to 67 when viewed from direction D1, and the electrode layers 430, 440 correspond to the external electrodes 43, 44 when viewed from direction D1. Fig. 16 is a plan view of a first coil conductor according to a modified example. Fig. 17 is a plan view of a second coil conductor according to a modified example. Fig. 18 is a plan view of a third coil conductor according to a modified example.

[0052] When viewed from direction D1, the coil 6 has a quadrilateral shape. The quadrilateral has, for example, a rectangular shape including a pair of long sides along direction D2 and a pair of short sides along direction D3. The quadrilateral includes a first side closest to the side surface 2e, a second side closest to the main surface 2b, a third side closest to the side surface 2f, and a fourth side closest to the main surface 2a. The first and second sides are connected at a first vertex, the second and third sides are connected at a second vertex, the third and fourth sides are connected at a third vertex, and the fourth side and the first side are connected at a fourth vertex. The first and third sides are a pair of short sides along direction D3. The second and fourth sides are a pair of long sides along direction D2. The second and fourth sides are each longer than the first and third sides. When viewed from direction D1, each path of the multiple coil conductors 60 includes at least one of the first to fourth sides.

[0053] The path of coil conductor 61 includes a first side and a second side. The paths of coil conductors 62 and 65 include a third side and a fourth side. The paths of coil conductors 63 and 66 include a first side and a fourth side. The path of coil conductor 64 includes a second side. The path of coil conductor 67 includes a second side and a third side. The path lengths of coil conductors 61 and 67 are equal to each other. The path lengths of coil conductors 62, 63, 65, and 66 are equal to each other. Coil conductor 64 has a path length shorter than the path lengths of coil conductors 62, 63, 65, and 66. Coil conductor 64 may have the shortest path length among the multiple coil conductors 60.

[0054] The coil conductors 63, 65 are arranged closer to the external electrodes 43, 44 than the coil conductor 64. Portions of the coil conductors 63, 65 including their fourth sides are adjacent to the external electrodes 43, 44. The coil conductor 64 does not have a portion adjacent to the external electrodes 43, 44. The shortest distance between the coil conductor 63 and the external electrode 43 is shorter than the shortest distance between the coil conductor 64 and the external electrode 43. The shortest distance between the coil conductor 65 and the external electrode 44 is shorter than the shortest distance between the coil conductor 64 and the external electrode 44. The coil conductors 63, 65 are located closer to the external electrodes 43, 44 than the coil conductor 64. The coil conductor 64 is farther from the external electrodes 43, 44 than the coil conductors 63, 65.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 16 , the coil conductor 63 includes an outer surface 63a and an inner surface 63b that face each other in the radial direction of the coil 6. In this modification, the radial direction of the coil 6 is perpendicular to the coil axis X2. As shown in FIG. 17 , the coil conductor 64 includes an outer surface 64a and an inner surface 64b that face each other in the radial direction. As shown in FIG. 18 , the coil conductor 65 includes an outer surface 65a and an inner surface 65b that face each other in the radial direction. The outer surfaces 63a, 64a, and 65a are located adjacent to the surface of the element body 2. The inner surfaces 63b, 64b, and 65b are located facing the coil axis X2. The outer surfaces 63a, 64a, and 65a correspond to the first outer surface, the second outer surface, and the third outer surface, respectively. The inner surfaces 63b, 64b, and 65b correspond to the first inner surface, the second inner surface, and the third inner surface, respectively.

[0056] The outer surface 63a includes a region S6 where perpendicular lines can be drawn from the external electrodes 43 and 44 to the outer surface 63a. Region S6 includes regions S6a and S6b. A perpendicular line can be drawn from the external electrode 43, perpendicular to region S6a. As shown in FIGS. 14 and 16, region S6a is defined by a perpendicular line L13 from the end of the external electrode 43 closer to side surface 2f and a perpendicular line L14 from the end of the external electrode 43 closer to side surface 2e. A perpendicular line can be drawn from the external electrode 44, perpendicular to region S6b. As shown in FIGS. 14 and 16, region S6b is defined by a perpendicular line L15 from the end of the external electrode 44 closer to side surface 2f and a perpendicular line L16 from the end of the external electrode 44 closer to side surface 2e. The outer surface 64a does not include an area where perpendicular lines perpendicular to the outer surface 64a can be drawn from the external electrodes 43, 44. As shown in Figures 14 and 17, the area of ​​the area where perpendicular lines perpendicular to the outer surface 64a can be drawn from the external electrodes 43, 44 is zero. The outer surface 65a includes a region S7 where perpendicular lines can be drawn from the external electrodes 43 and 44 to the outer surface 65a. Region S7 includes regions S7a and S7b. A perpendicular line can be drawn from the external electrode 43, perpendicular to region S7a. As shown in FIGS. 14 and 18, region S7a is defined by a perpendicular line L17 from the end of the external electrode 43 closer to side surface 2f and a perpendicular line L18 from the end of the external electrode 43 closer to side surface 2e. A perpendicular line can be drawn from the external electrode 44, perpendicular to region S7b. As shown in FIGS. 14 and 18, region S7b is defined by a perpendicular line L19 from the end of the external electrode 44 closer to side surface 2f and a perpendicular line L20 from the end of the external electrode 44 closer to side surface 2e. The outer surface 64a does not include an area where perpendicular lines perpendicular to the outer surface 64a can be drawn from the external electrodes 43, 44. Therefore, the area of ​​the area where perpendicular lines perpendicular to the outer surface 64a can be drawn from the external electrodes 43, 44 is smaller than both the area of ​​area S6 and the area of ​​area S7. The area of ​​area S6 is the sum of the area of ​​area S6a and the area of ​​area S6b. The area of ​​area S7 is the sum of the area of ​​area S7a and the area S7b.

[0057] As described above, in the laminated coil component 1A according to the modified example, the surface of the element body 2 includes the principal surfaces 2a and 2b. The external electrodes 43 and 44 are disposed only on the principal surface 2a of the principal surfaces 2a and 2b. Compared with a configuration in which the external electrodes are arranged on surfaces of the element body 2 other than the main surface 2a, a configuration in which the external electrodes 43, 44 are arranged only on the main surface 2a makes it easier to ensure the distance between the coil conductor 64 and the external electrodes 43, 44. Therefore, in the laminated coil component 1A according to the modified example, the stray capacitance generated between the external electrodes 43, 44 and the coil 6 is further reduced, and the self-resonant frequency can be further improved.

[0058] The present invention has been described in detail above based on the embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Various modifications of the present invention are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The embodiments and modifications can be combined as appropriate.

[0059] When viewed from the direction D1, the coil 3 may have a polygonal shape other than a pentagon or a square, or may have a circular shape. The coil conductor 34 does not have to have a path length shorter than the path lengths of the coil conductors 33 and 35. For example, the coil conductor 34 may have a thickness greater than the thickness of the coil conductor 33. The coil conductor 33 may include an outer surface 33a and an inner surface 33b that face each other in the radial direction of the coil 3, and the coil conductor 34 may include an outer surface 34a and an inner surface 34b that face each other in the radial direction. The outer surface 33a may include a region S3 where perpendicular lines are drawn from the external electrodes 41 and 42 to the outer surface 34a. The outer surface 34a may include a region S4 where perpendicular lines are drawn from the external electrodes 41 and 42 to the outer surface 34a. The area of ​​the region S4 may be smaller than the area of ​​the region S3. Coil conductor 34 may have a thickness greater than at least one of coil conductor 33 and coil conductor 35. The area of ​​region S4 may be smaller than at least one of the area of ​​region S3 and the area of ​​region S5.

[0060] As can be understood from the above description of the embodiment and modified examples, the present specification includes the disclosure of the following aspects. The laminated coil component described in Supplementary Note 6 may be applied to any one of Supplementary Notes 2, 4, and 5. (Appendix 1) The base body and a coil disposed within the element body and including a plurality of coil conductors, each having a thickness and a path length; an external electrode disposed on a surface of the element body and electrically connected to the coil; the plurality of coil conductors include a first coil conductor, a second coil conductor, and a third coil conductor that are aligned in one direction and adjacent to each other, the second coil conductor has a path length shorter than the path lengths of the first coil conductor and the third coil conductor, and a thickness greater than a thickness of at least one of the first coil conductor and the third coil conductor; Multilayer coil components. (Appendix 2) 2. The laminated coil component according to claim 1, wherein the second coil conductor has a thickness that is 1.25 times or more the thickness of at least one of the first coil conductor and the third coil conductor. (Appendix 3) 3. The laminated coil component according to claim 1, wherein the first coil conductor includes a first outer surface and a first inner surface that face each other in a radial direction of the coil, the second coil conductor includes a second outer surface and a second inner surface that face each other in the radial direction, the third coil conductor includes a third outer surface and a third inner surface that face each other in the radial direction, the first outer surface includes a first region to which a perpendicular line can be drawn from the external electrode perpendicular to the first outer surface, the second outer surface includes a second region to which a perpendicular line can be drawn from the external electrode perpendicular to the second outer surface, and the third outer surface includes a third region to which a perpendicular line can be drawn from the external electrode perpendicular to the third outer surface, and an area of ​​the second region is smaller than at least one of an area of ​​the first region and an area of ​​the third region. 3. The laminated coil component according to claim 1 or 2. (Appendix 4) the surface of the element body includes at least one main surface, 4. The laminated coil component according to claim 1, wherein the external electrodes are disposed on only one of the at least one main surface. (Appendix 5) 5. The laminated coil component according to claim 1, wherein the ends of a pair of adjacent coil conductors among the plurality of coil conductors overlap and are connected to each other. (Appendix 6) 1. A laminated coil component comprising: an element body; a coil disposed within the element body, the coil including a plurality of coil conductors, each having a thickness; and external electrodes disposed on a surface of the element body and electrically connected to the coil, wherein the plurality of coil conductors include a first coil conductor and a second coil conductor adjacent to each other, the second coil conductor having a thickness greater than that of the first coil conductor, the first coil conductor including a first outer surface and a first inner surface facing each other in a radial direction of the coil, the second coil conductor including a second outer surface and a second inner surface facing each other in the radial direction, the first outer surface including a first region along which a perpendicular line can be drawn from the external electrode to the first outer surface, the second outer surface including a second region along which a perpendicular line can be drawn from the external electrode to the second outer surface, and the area of ​​the second region is smaller than the area of ​​the first region. [Explanation of symbols]

[0061] 1... multilayer coil component, 2... element body, 2a... main surface, 3,6... coil, 30,60... multiple coil conductors, 31,32,33,34,35,36,37,61,62,63,64,65,66,67... coil conductors, 41,42,43,44... external electrodes, D1,D2,D3... direction.

Claims

1. The base body and a coil disposed within the element body and including a plurality of coil conductors, each having a thickness and a path length; an external electrode disposed on a surface of the element body and electrically connected to the coil; the plurality of coil conductors include a first coil conductor, a second coil conductor, and a third coil conductor that are aligned in one direction and adjacent to each other, the second coil conductor has a path length shorter than the path lengths of the first coil conductor and the third coil conductor, and a thickness greater than a thickness of at least one of the first coil conductor and the third coil conductor; Multilayer coil components.

2. 2. The laminated coil component according to claim 1, wherein the second coil conductor has a thickness that is 1.25 times or more the thickness of at least one of the first coil conductor and the third coil conductor.

3. the first coil conductor includes a first outer surface and a first inner surface that face each other in a radial direction of the coil; the second coil conductor includes a second outer surface and a second inner surface that face each other in the radial direction, the third coil conductor includes a third outer surface and a third inner surface that face each other in the radial direction, the first outer surface includes a first region along which a perpendicular line perpendicular to the first outer surface can be drawn from the external electrode; the second outer surface includes a second region along which a perpendicular line perpendicular to the second outer surface can be drawn from the external electrode; the third outer surface includes a third region along which a perpendicular line perpendicular to the third outer surface can be drawn from the external electrode; 3. The laminated coil component according to claim 1, wherein an area of ​​the second region is smaller than at least one of an area of ​​the first region and an area of ​​the third region.

4. the surface of the element body includes at least one main surface, 3. The laminated coil component according to claim 1, wherein the external electrodes are disposed on only one of the at least one main surface.

5. 3. The laminated coil component according to claim 1, wherein ends of a pair of adjacent coil conductors among the plurality of coil conductors overlap and are connected to each other.

6. The base body and a coil disposed within the element body and including a plurality of coil conductors each having a thickness; an external electrode disposed on a surface of the element body and electrically connected to the coil; the plurality of coil conductors include a first coil conductor and a second coil conductor adjacent to each other, the second coil conductor has a thickness greater than a thickness of the first coil conductor; the first coil conductor includes a first outer surface and a first inner surface that face each other in a radial direction of the coil; the second coil conductor includes a second outer surface and a second inner surface that face each other in the radial direction, the first outer surface includes a first region along which a perpendicular line perpendicular to the first outer surface can be drawn from the external electrode; the second outer surface includes a second region along which a perpendicular line perpendicular to the second outer surface can be drawn from the external electrode; The area of ​​the second region is smaller than the area of ​​the first region. Multilayer coil components.

Images