Electronic components

Abstract

To provide an electronic component capable of suppressing the generation of a crack to an element by releasing a stress.SOLUTION: An electronic component 1 comprises: a body part 21 that covers an end surface 2a of an element 2; and an external electrode 3 having a wrap-around part 22 that is wrapped to a side surface 2c. In the wrap-around part 22 of this external electrode 3, a second distance D2 is larger than a first distance D1 and a third distance D3, and a fourth distance D4 is larger than a third distance D3 and a fifth distance D5. In this case, the wrap-around part 22 includes an uneven shape projected to a Y-shaft direction in a second part 42 and a fourth part 44. In this case, a stress acted to the element body 2 can be easily released in the wrap-around part 22.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to electronic components.

Background Art

[0002] An electronic component including a body and external electrodes formed by baking a metal paste on a surface of the body is known (for example, Patent Document 1). In Patent Document 1, the external electrode has a main body portion that covers a predetermined surface of the body and a recessed portion that extends into a surface orthogonal to the predetermined surface.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In an electronic component having the above configuration, cracks may occur in the body due to stress acting on the body. When cracks occur in the body, there is a problem that the reliability of the electronic component is impaired.

[0005] One aspect of the present invention aims to provide an electronic component capable of relaxing stress and suppressing cracks from occurring in the body.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An electronic component in one aspect of the present invention comprises a body having a pair of first faces facing a first direction, a pair of second faces facing a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and a pair of third faces facing a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions; and an external electrode having a main body portion covering at least the second faces, and a first wrap-around portion that wraps around to the third faces, wherein the wrap-around portion of the external electrode has, in order from one side in the first direction to the other side, a first portion having a first distance in the second direction, a second portion having a second distance, a third portion having a third distance, a fourth portion having a fourth distance, and a fifth portion having a fifth distance, wherein the second distance is greater than the first and third distances, and the fourth distance is greater than the third and fifth distances.

[0007] This electronic component comprises a main body portion that covers at least a second surface of the element, and an external electrode having a first extension portion that wraps around to the third surface. In the extension portion of the external electrode, the second distance is greater than the first and third distances, and the fourth distance is greater than the third and fifth distances. In this case, the first extension portion has an uneven shape that protrudes in the second direction in the second and fourth portions. In this case, the first extension portion can easily distribute the stress acting on the element. As a result, stress can be relieved and crack formation in the element can be suppressed.

[0008] The second and fourth parts may be positioned on either side of the central position of the base body in the first direction. In this case, the second and fourth parts, which have larger protrusions, can be distributed in the first direction. This makes it possible to obtain uniform stress distribution performance of the base body in the first direction.

[0009] The thickness of the second and fourth parts in the third direction may be greater than the thickness of the first, third, and fifth parts. In this case, ensuring the thickness of the second and fourth parts makes it easier to distribute stress further.

[0010] The second and fourth parts may be positioned closer to the first surface than to the central position in the first direction of the base body. In this case, an uneven shape can be provided near the corner between the first surface and the third surface, which is a place where stress tends to concentrate, making it easier to distribute the stress at that location.

[0011] The electronic component further includes a coil provided within the main body, and the coil portion of the coil does not need to overlap with the second and fourth portions when viewed from a third direction. In this case, the occurrence of stray capacitance due to overlap between the first resonant portion and the coil can be suppressed. Therefore, by extending the self-resonant frequency to high frequencies, noise countermeasures over a wide bandwidth can be achieved.

[0012] The external electrode has a pair of first bending portions that wrap around a pair of third surfaces, and a pair of second bending portions that wrap around a pair of first surfaces, wherein the second distance between the pair of first bending portions may be greater than the first distance and the third distance, and the fourth distance may be greater than the third distance and the fifth distance. In this case, a structure can be made that facilitates stress distribution on both sides of the pair of first bending portions. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an electronic component that can relieve stress and suppress the occurrence of cracks in the base material. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of the electronic component in this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view along the line II-II shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] This is a view of an electronic component from the Z-axis direction. [Figure 4] This diagram shows a method for forming an external electrode. [Figure 5] This diagram shows the positional relationship between the external electrode and the coil. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view of an electronic component relating to Modification Example 1. [Figure 7] It is a perspective view of an electronic component according to Modification 2. [Figure 8] It is a diagram showing how a substrate is deflected to simulate the stress acting on an electronic component. [Figure 9] It is an image showing the simulation result. [Figure 10] It is a graph showing the simulation result.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail while referring to the accompanying drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same reference numerals are used for the same or equivalent elements, and duplicate descriptions are omitted.

[0016] First, referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the schematic configuration of the electronic component 1 in the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the electronic component 1 in the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II of FIG. 1. FIG. 3(a) is a plan view of the electronic component 1 viewed from the positive side in the Z-axis direction. FIG. 3(b) is a bottom view of the electronic component 1 viewed from the negative side in the Z-axis direction. The X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction are directions that intersect each other. The electronic component in the present embodiment is formed by laminating a plurality of layers in the Z-axis direction. The boundaries between the layers are integrated to such an extent that they are not visible. In the present embodiment, the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction are orthogonal to each other. Although not particularly limited, in the present embodiment, the X-axis direction corresponds to the "first direction" in the claims, the Y-axis direction corresponds to the "second direction" in the claims, and the Z-axis direction corresponds to the "third direction" in the claims.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, the electronic component 1 includes a body 2 and external electrodes 3 and 4. The electronic component 1 is, for example, soldered to an electronic device. The electronic device includes, for example, a circuit board or an electronic component. In the present embodiment, the body 2 is formed by a plurality of body layers laminated in the Z-axis direction.

[0018] The element body 2, for example, has insulation. The element body 2 is constituted by, for example, a magnetic material. The magnetic material includes, for example, at least one selected from a Ni-Cu-Zn-based ferrite material, a Ni-Cu-Zn-Mg-based ferrite material, and a Ni-Cu-based ferrite material. The magnetic material constituting the element body 2 may include an Fe alloy or the like. The element body 2 may be constituted by a non-magnetic material. The non-magnetic material includes, for example, at least one selected from a glass-ceramic material and a dielectric material.

[0019] The element body 2, for example, exhibits a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The rectangular parallelepiped shape includes the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped with chamfered corners and edges, and the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped with rounded corners and edges. The shape of the element body 2 is not limited to the rectangular parallelepiped shape. For example, the element body 2 may exhibit a cylindrical shape.

[0020] The element body 2 has, as its outer surface, a pair of end faces 2a, 2b (see FIG. 2), a pair of side faces 2c, 2d, and a pair of side faces 2e, 2f (see FIG. 1). For example, the area of each of the side faces 2c, 2d is larger than the area of any of the end faces 2a, the end face 2b, the side face 2e, and the side face 2f. For example, the pair of end faces 2a, 2b, the pair of side faces 2c, 2d, and the pair of side faces 2e, 2f are each a plane.

[0021] The pair of end faces 2a, 2b face each other in the Y-axis direction. The pair of side faces 2c, 2d face each other in the Z-axis direction. The pair of side faces 2e, 2f face each other in the X-axis direction. The body 2 has, for example, lengths in the Z-axis direction and X-axis direction that are smaller than its length in the Y-axis direction. The body 2 has, for example, lengths in the Z-axis direction that are smaller than its lengths in the X-axis direction and Y-axis direction. The length ratios of the body 2 in the X-axis direction, Y-axis direction and Z-axis direction are not limited to these. The Y-axis direction is, for example, the longitudinal direction. In this embodiment, the X-axis direction corresponds to the "first direction" in the claim, the Y-axis direction corresponds to the "second direction" in the claim, and the Z-axis direction corresponds to the "third direction" in the claim. In this embodiment, the side faces 2e, 2f correspond to the "first face" in the claim, the end faces 2a, 2b correspond to the "second face" in the claim, and the side faces 2c, 2d correspond to the "third face" in the claim.

[0022] The pair of external electrodes 3 and 4 are positioned on the outer surface of the base body 2, spaced apart from each other. The pair of external electrodes 3 and 4 face each other in the Y-axis direction. The pair of external electrodes 3 and 4 are separated from each other in the Y-axis direction.

[0023] The pair of external electrodes 3 and 4 are formed, for example, by the method described below. The pair of external electrodes 3 and 4 are made of, for example, a metallic material. The metallic material is, for example, copper, silver, gold, nickel, or chromium. The pair of external electrodes 3 and 4 are formed, for example, by plating the electrode layer. The electrode layer consists 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 plating method is, for example, electroplating or electroless plating. This plating method forms a plating layer on the outer surface of the conductive paste.

[0024] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the external electrode 3 includes, for example, a main body 21, a pair of wrap-around parts 22, 23 (first wrap-around parts), and a pair of wrap-around parts 24, 26 (second wrap-around parts, see Figure 1). The main body 21 of the external electrode 3 is provided to cover the end face 2a. The wrap-around parts 22, 23 of the external electrode 3 are provided to wrap around a pair of side surfaces 2c, 2d. The wrap-around parts 24, 26 of the external electrode 3 are provided to wrap around a pair of side surfaces 2e, 2f. The main body 21 of the external electrode 3 covers, for example, the entire surface of the end face 2a. The wrap-around parts 22, 23, 24, 26 of the external electrode 3 cover, for example, a portion of the pair of side surfaces 2c, 2d and the pair of side surfaces 2e, 2f. The main body 21 of the external electrode 3 is connected to the wrap-around parts 22, 23, 24, 26 of the external electrode 3. On each side 2c and 2d, the areas covered by the retracted portions 22 and 23 of the external electrode 3 have an uneven shape (details will be described later). On each side 2e and 2f, the areas covered by the retracted portions 24 and 26 of the external electrode 3 have, for example, a rectangular shape.

[0025] The external electrode 4 includes, for example, a main body 31, a pair of wrap-around parts 32, 33, and a pair of wrap-around parts 34, 36 (see Figure 1). The main body 31 of the external electrode 4 is provided to cover the end face 2b. The wrap-around parts 32, 33 of the external electrode 4 are provided to wrap around a pair of side surfaces 2c, 2d. The wrap-around parts 34, 36 of the external electrode 4 are provided to wrap around a pair of side surfaces 2e, 2f. The main body 31 of the external electrode 4 covers, for example, the entire surface of the end face 2b. The wrap-around parts 32, 33, 34, 36 of the external electrode 4 cover, for example, a portion of the pair of side surfaces 2c, 2d and the pair of side surfaces 2e, 2f. The main body 31 of the external electrode 4 is connected to the wrap-around parts 32, 33, 34, 36 of the external electrode 4. On each side 2c and 2d, the areas covered by the retracted portions 32 and 33 of the external electrode 4 have an uneven shape (details will be described later). On each side 2e and 2f, the areas covered by the retracted portions 34 and 36 of the external electrode 4 have, for example, a rectangular shape.

[0026] The electronic component 1 further includes a coil 10 located inside the base body 2, as shown in Figures 2 and 3. The coil 10 has a coil axis AX extending in the Z-axis direction. That is, the Z-axis direction corresponds to the coil axis direction. When the electronic component 1 is mounted on the electrode pads 101 and 102 of the substrate 100, the coil axis AX of the coil 10 is parallel to the upper surface 100a of the substrate 100. The external electrodes 3 and 4 of the coil 10 are connected to the electrode pads 101 and 102 via solder 103 and 104.

[0027] As shown in Figure 2(a), the coil 10 comprises a coil section 12 formed in a spiral shape by connecting coil conductors 11 formed in each layer, a lead section 13 drawn out from the coil section 12 to the external electrode 3, and a lead section 14 drawn out from the coil section 12 to the external electrode 4. The coil conductors 11 are made of, for example, a metallic material. The metallic material may be, for example, copper, silver, gold, nickel, or chromium. In the example shown in Figure 2(a), the coil section 12 of the coil 10 has an annular shape when viewed from the Z-axis direction. The coil section 12 is formed by connecting arc-shaped conductor patterns formed in each layer in a spiral shape in the stacking direction.

[0028] Next, referring to Figure 3(a), the configuration of the positive Z-axis direction curved portion 22 of the external electrode 3 will be described. Note that, as shown in Figure 3(b), the negative Z-axis direction curved portion 23 of the external electrode 3 has a configuration similar to that of the curved portion 22, so its description will be omitted. As shown in Figure 3(a), the curved portion 32 of the external electrode 4 has a configuration that is symmetrical to that of the curved portion 22, so its description will be omitted. As shown in Figure 3(b), the curved portion 33 of the external electrode 4 has a configuration that is symmetrical to that of the curved portion 23, so its description will be omitted. In other words, the positional relationships of the parts 41, 42, 43, 44, and 45 of the curved portion 22 also hold true for the other curved portions 23, 32, and 33.

[0029] The curved portion 22 of the external electrode 3 has, in order from the positive side to the negative side in the X-axis direction, a first portion 41 having a first distance D1 in the Y-axis direction, a second portion 42 having a second distance D2, a third portion 43 having a third distance D3, a fourth portion 44 having a fourth distance D4, and a fifth portion 45 having a fifth distance D5. In this case, the second distance D2 is greater than the first distance D1 and the third distance D3. Also, the fourth distance D4 is greater than the third distance D3 and the fifth distance D5. The lower limit is not particularly limited, but the magnitudes of distances D2 and D4 are preferably greater than 100% of the magnitudes of the other distances D1, D3, and D5, and more preferably 105% or more. The upper limit is not particularly limited, but the magnitudes of distances D2 and D4 are preferably 150% or less of the magnitudes of the other distances D1, D3, and D5, and more preferably 130% or less.

[0030] In this embodiment, the curved portion 22 has protruding portions 46 and 47, the edges 22a on the positive side in the Y-axis direction protruding in the positive side in the Y-axis direction. The protruding portions 46 and 47 have a curved shape that is convex in the positive side in the Y-axis direction. The protruding portions 46 and 47 are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the X-axis direction. A recess 48 is formed between the protruding portions 46 and 47, with the edge 22a recessed in the negative side in the Y-axis direction. Here, the recess 48 has a curved shape that is convex in the negative side in the Y-axis direction.

[0031] In this configuration, the portion corresponding to the positive side surface 2e in the X-axis direction corresponds to the first portion 41. The portion corresponding to the maximum part of the protrusion 46 located furthest to the positive side in the Y-axis direction corresponds to the second portion 42. The portion corresponding to the minimum part of the recess 48 located furthest to the negative side in the Y-axis direction corresponds to the third portion 43. The portion corresponding to the maximum part of the protrusion 47 located furthest to the positive side in the Y-axis direction corresponds to the fourth portion 44. The portion corresponding to the negative side surface 2f in the X-axis direction corresponds to the fifth portion 45.

[0032] The second portion 42 and the fourth portion 44 are positioned on either side of the center position of the base body 2 in the X-axis direction. That is, the protrusion 46 and the second portion 42 are positioned on the positive side of the X-axis direction relative to the center line CL1 in the X-axis direction. The protrusion 47 and the fourth portion 44 are positioned on the negative side of the X-axis direction relative to the center line CL1.

[0033] The second part 42 is positioned closer to the side 2e than the center position of the base body 2 in the X-axis direction. If a center line CL2 is set in the X-axis direction between the center line CL1 and the side 2e, the second part 42 is positioned on the positive side of the X-axis direction relative to the center line CL2. The fourth part 44 is positioned closer to the side 2f than the center position of the base body 2 in the X-axis direction. If a center line CL3 is set in the X-axis direction between the center line CL1 and the side 2f, the fourth part 44 is positioned on the negative side of the X-axis direction relative to the center line CL3.

[0034] The position of the second part 42 in the X-axis direction is not particularly limited, but for example, if the width dimension W1 of the base body 2 in the X-axis direction is 100%, the second part 42 should be within a range of 20% from the center line CL2. The fourth part 44 should be within a range of 20% from the center line CL3.

[0035] The thicknesses of the second portion 42 and the fourth portion 44 in the Z-axis direction are greater than the thicknesses of the first portion 41, the third portion 43, and the fifth portion 45. Specifically, as shown in Figure 2, the thickness t1 of the second portion 42 is the dimension in the Z-axis direction between the positive side surface 2c and the top surface of the second portion 42. The thickness t2 of the third portion 43 is the dimension in the Z-axis direction between the positive side surface 2c and the top surface of the third portion 43. For example, the thickness t2 is 15 to 35 μm. In contrast, the thickness t1 is 100 to 170% of the thickness t2.

[0036] As shown in Figure 3(a), the coil portion 12 of the coil 10 does not overlap with the second portion 42 and the fourth portion 44 when viewed from the Z-axis direction. The negative region of the coil portion 12 in the Y-axis direction is positioned to fit into the recess 48 while maintaining its position on the positive side of the Y-axis direction relative to the protrusions 46, 47 and the recess 48. The same applies to the positive region of the coil portion 12 in the Y-axis direction.

[0037] Next, with reference to Figure 4, an example of a method for forming the external electrode 3 on the base body 2 as described above will be explained. As shown in Figure 4(a), multiple base bodies 2 are inserted into a silicon alignment jig 60. When forming the external electrode 3 on the end face 2a side, the base body 2 is inserted into the holding hole 61 of the alignment jig 60 so that the end face 2a is facing downwards. As shown in Figure 4(c), the holding hole 61 has holding parts 61a, 61b, 61c, and 61d that rub against the sides 2c, 2d, 2e, and 2f. Siloxane is attached to the rubbed parts of the base body 2 to give it hydrophobic properties. In the parts of the base body 2 that are in close contact with the holding hole 61, the protruding parts 46 and 47 are less likely to be formed. On the inner circumferential surface of the holding hole 61, there is a gap between the base body 2 and the parts other than the holding parts 61a, 61b, 61c, and 61d. As shown in Figure 4(b), with multiple base bodies 2 held by the alignment jig 60, the base bodies 2 are immersed in the electrode paste 66 placed on the electrode paste receiver 65. At this time, the electrode paste 66 adheres to the parts of the base bodies 2 that are exposed below the alignment jig 60. Furthermore, the electrode paste 66 enters the areas that are not in close contact with the base bodies held by the holding holes 61, forming protrusions 46 and 47.

[0038] Next, the operation and effects of the electronic component 1 according to this embodiment will be described. The explanation of the operation and effects will mainly focus on the routing portion 22 of the external electrode 3, but similar operations and effects will apply to the other routing portions 23, 32, and 33 as well.

[0039] This electronic component 1 comprises an external electrode 3 having a main body portion 21 that covers the end face 2a of the base body 2, and a curved portion 22 that wraps around to the side surface 2c. In the curved portion 22 of the external electrode 3, the second distance D2 is greater than the first distance D1 and the third distance D3, and the fourth distance D4 is greater than the third distance D3 and the fifth distance D5. In this case, the curved portion 22 has an uneven shape that protrudes in the Y-axis direction in the second portion 42 and the fourth portion 44. In this case, the curved portion 22 can easily distribute the stress acting on the base body 2. As a result, stress can be relieved and crack formation in the base body 2 can be suppressed.

[0040] The second portion 42 and the fourth portion 44 may be positioned on either side of the central position of the base body 2 in the Y-axis direction. In this case, the second portion 42 and the fourth portion 44, which have larger protrusions, can be distributed in the X-axis direction. This makes it possible to obtain uniform stress distribution performance of the base body 2 in the X-axis direction.

[0041] The thickness of the second portion 42 and the fourth portion 44 in the Z-axis direction may be greater than the thickness of the first portion 41, the third portion 43, and the fifth portion 45. In this case, by ensuring the thickness of the second portion 42 and the fourth portion 44, stress can be further distributed more easily.

[0042] The second part 42 and the fourth part 44 may be positioned closer to the sides 2e and 2f than to the center of the body 2 in the X-axis direction. In this case, an uneven shape can be provided near the corner between 2e and 2f, which are areas where stress tends to concentrate, and the side 2c, thereby making it easier to distribute the stress at that location.

[0043] The electronic component 1 further includes a coil 10 provided within the base body 2, and the coil portion 12 of the coil 10 does not need to overlap with the second portion 42 and the fourth portion 44 when viewed from the Z-axis direction. In this case, the occurrence of stray capacitance due to overlap between the recirculation portion 22 and the coil portion 12 of the coil 10 can be suppressed. Therefore, by extending the self-resonant frequency to a high frequency, noise countermeasures over a wide bandwidth can be made possible.

[0044] For example, in the comparative example shown in Figure 5(c), a protrusion 246 is formed at the center of the external electrodes 203 and 204. In this case, as shown in Figure 5(d), the area near the end of the coil portion 12 (region E1) overlaps with the protrusion 246 of the external electrodes 3 and 4. In this case, stray capacitance is generated in region E1. In this case, the self-resonant frequency (SRF) shifts to the lower frequency side, narrowing the frequency range in which noise suppression is possible. In contrast, as shown in Figures 5(a) and 5(b), the coil portion 12 of the coil 10 is positioned in the recess 48 between the protrusions 46 and 47, and does not overlap with the external electrodes 3 and 4. Therefore, stray capacitance like that in the comparative example does not occur, and by extending the self-resonant frequency to a high frequency, it is possible to achieve broadband noise suppression.

[0045] The external electrode 3 has a pair of curved portions 22, 23 that wrap around a pair of sides 2c, 2d, and a pair of curved portions 24, 26 that wrap around a pair of sides 2e, 2d. In the pair of curved portions 22, 23, the second distance D2 may be greater than the first distance D1 and the third distance D3, and the fourth distance D4 may be greater than the third distance D3 and the fifth distance D5. In this case, a structure can be made that makes it easier to distribute stress on both sides of the pair of curved portions 22, 23.

[0046] Next, the simulation results of the embodiment and comparative examples 1 and 2 will be explained with reference to Figures 6 to 10. Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the electronic component 150 according to comparative example 1. As shown in Figure 6, in comparative example 1, the curved portions of the external electrodes 153 and 154 do not have protrusions or recesses, and the edges 153a and 154a extend linearly in the X-axis direction. Figure 7 is a perspective view showing the electronic component 200 according to comparative example 2. As shown in Figure 7, in comparative example 2, the curved portions of the external electrodes 203 and 204 have a protrusion 246 at the central position in the X-axis direction.

[0047] As shown in Figure 8, the substrate 100 on which the electronic components 1,150 and 200 according to the example and comparative examples 1 and 2 were mounted was deflected to the negative side in the Z-axis direction, and the stress acting on the electronic components 1,150 and 200 at that time was measured by simulation.

[0048] Figures 9(a) to 9(c) are images showing the simulation results illustrating the stress acting on the base body 2. Figures 9(a) to 9(c) are images of the base body 2 viewed from the mounting side. Figure 9(a) shows the results for Comparative Example 1, Figure 9(b) shows the results for Comparative Example 2, and Figure 9(c) shows the results for the Example. As shown in the edge region E2 of the external electrode in Figures 9(a) to 9(c), Comparative Example 1 has the highest stress, Comparative Example 2 has the next highest stress, and the Example has the lowest stress. As shown in Figure 10(a), the stress in Comparative Example 2 is reduced by 18% compared to Comparative Example 1, and the stress in the Example is reduced by 5% compared to Comparative Example 2.

[0049] Figures 9(d) to 9(f) are images showing the simulation results illustrating the stresses acting on the base body 2 and the external electrodes. Figures 9(d) to 9(f) are images of the base body 2 viewed from the mounting side. Figure 9(d) shows the results for Comparative Example 1, Figure 9(e) shows the results for Comparative Example 2, and Figure 9(f) shows the results for the Example. As shown in Figure 10(b), the stress in Comparative Example 2 is reduced by 26% compared to Comparative Example 1, and the stress in the Example is reduced by 18% compared to Comparative Example 2.

[0050] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above.

[0051] The shape of the external electrode's routing portion is not limited to that shown in Figure 3. For example, the recess 48 does not have to have a curved shape, and as shown in Figure 5(a), the recess 48 may have a straight shape. Similarly, the protrusions 46 and 47 do not have to have a curved shape, and the area near their tops may have a straight shape.

[0052] The positions of the second portion 42 and the fourth portion 44 in the X-axis direction are not particularly limited. For example, the second portion 42 and the fourth portion 44 may be positioned closer to the center line CL1 than to the center lines CL2 and CL3. Alternatively, both the second portion 42 and the fourth portion 44 may be positioned on one side in the X-axis direction relative to the center line CL1.

[0053] In the above embodiment, the coil portion has an annular shape when viewed from the Z-axis, but the shape of the coil portion is not particularly limited and may have a rectangular annular shape or a polygonal annular shape. [Explanation of symbols]

[0054] 1...Electronic component, 2...Base body, 2e, 2f...Side (first surface), 2a, 2b...End face (second surface), 2c, 2d...Side (third surface), 10...Coil, 12...Coil section, 3, 4...External electrodes, 21, 31...Main body section, 22, 23, 32, 33...Reversing section (first reversing section), 24, 26, 34, 36...Reversing section (second reversing section), 41...First part, 42...Second part, 43...Third part, 44...Fourth part, 45...Fifth part.

Claims

1. A body having a pair of first faces facing a first direction, a pair of second faces facing a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and a pair of third faces facing a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions, The aforementioned body comprises a main body portion that covers at least the second surface, and an external electrode having a first wrapping portion that wraps around to the third surface, The external electrode comprises an electrode layer and a plating layer formed on the electrode layer and covering the entire surface of the electrode layer. The first curved portion of the external electrode has, in order from one side to the other in the first direction, a first portion having a first distance in the second direction, a second portion having a second distance, a third portion having a third distance, a fourth portion having a fourth distance, and a fifth portion having a fifth distance. The second distance is greater than the first distance and the third distance. The fourth distance is greater than the third distance and the fifth distance. The second and fourth portions are electronic components positioned closer to the first surface than to the central position in the first direction of the body.

2. The electronic component according to claim 1, wherein the second portion and the fourth portion are arranged on either side of the central position of the base body in the first direction.

3. The above body further comprises a coil provided within it. The electronic component according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the coil portion of the coil does not overlap with the second portion and the fourth portion when viewed from the third direction.

4. The external electrode has a pair of first wrapping portions that wrap around the pair of third surfaces, and a pair of second wrapping portions that wrap around the pair of first surfaces. The electronic component according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein in a pair of the first retractable portions, the second distance is greater than the first distance and the third distance, and the fourth distance is greater than the third distance and the fifth distance.

Images