Electronic component

In an embodiment, an electronic component includes: an element body part 10 constituted by an insulative body of rectangular solid shape; an internal conductor 30 provided inside the element body part 10; and external electrodes 50 provided at least on the bottom face 14 (mounting surface) of the element body part 10 and electrically connected to the internal conductor 30; wherein the element body part 10 has: a conductor-containing layer 20 in which a coil conductor 36 (functional part) that will become a part of the internal conductor 30 to demonstrate electrical performance, is provided; and a high-hardness layer 22 which is provided side by side with the conductor-containing layer 20 in a direction parallel with the bottom face 14 (mounting surface) of the element body part 10, and which has a higher hardness compared to the conductor-containing layer 20. The electronic component has improve mechanical strength.

BACKGROUND

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an electronic component.

Description of the Related Art

Electronic components whose internal conductor provided inside an insulative body of rectangular solid shape is electrically connected to external electrodes provided on the surface of the insulative body, are known. Electronic components used in high-frequency circuits are facing a demand for size reduction and improvement of high-frequency characteristics. For example, it is known that, with respect to an electronic component constituted by an insulative body and a coil conductor provided therein, the loss due to high-frequency resistance would decrease and therefore a higher Q-value would be obtained by orienting the coil axis in parallel with the mounting surface of the insulative body and also orthogonal to the opposing direction of the pair of external electrodes formed on the end faces of the insulative body (refer to Patent Literature 1, for example).

BACKGROUND ART LITERATURES

SUMMARY

For example, in the case of an electronic component like the one described in Patent Literature 1, comprising an element body part constituted by an insulative body as well as a coil conductor provided therein, an insulating material of low dielectric constant may be used for the element body part in order to achieve a high Q-value. However, an insulating material of low dielectric constant would cause the mechanical strength of the element body part to drop and allow cracks, etc., to generate easily.

The present invention was developed in light of the aforementioned problems and its object is to improve the mechanical strength.

Any discussion of problems and solutions involved in the related art has been included in this disclosure solely for the purposes of providing a context for the present invention, and should not be taken as an admission that any or all of the discussion were known at the time the invention was made.

The present invention represents an electronic component comprising: an element body part constituted by an insulative body of rectangular solid shape; an internal conductor provided inside the element body part; and external electrodes provided at least on the mounting surface of the element body part and electrically connected to the internal conductor; wherein the element body part has: a conductor-containing layer in which a functional part, or part demonstrating electrical performance, of the internal conductor is provided; and a high-hardness layer which is provided side by side with the conductor-containing layer in a direction parallel with the mounting surface, and which has a higher hardness compared to the conductor-containing layer. In some embodiments, the conductor-containing layer and the high-hardness layer extend in the direction orthogonal to the mounting surface and are layered in the direction parallel with the mounting surface, i.e., in the X-axis or Y-axis direction as defined in this disclosure, and adhere to each other.

Under the aforementioned constitution, the high-hardness layer may be constituted in such a way that it contains, by a higher percentage than does the conductor-containing layer, a filler made of at least metal oxide or silicon oxide.

Under the aforementioned constitution, the element body part may be constituted in such a way that multiple high-hardness layers are provided, and the multiple high-hardness layers are provided in a manner sandwiching the conductor-containing layer.

Under the aforementioned constitution, the high-hardness layer may be constituted in such a way that it is provided side by side with the conductor-containing layer in a direction parallel with the mounting surface of the element body part and also with the end faces adjoining the mounting surface of the element body part.

Under the aforementioned constitution, the conductor-containing layer may be constituted in such a way that it is recessed with respect to the high-hardness layer on the end faces, while the external electrodes may be constituted in such a way that they extend from the mounting surface, to the end faces, of the element body part and that they are provided at least on the conductor-containing layer on the end faces.

Under the aforementioned constitution, the external electrodes may be constituted in such a way that they are provided only on the conductor-containing layer, among the conductor-containing layer and high-hardness layer, on the end faces.

Under the aforementioned constitution, the conductor-containing layer may be constituted in such a way that it is thicker than the high-hardness layer in the direction in which the conductor-containing layer and high-hardness layer are provided side by side.

Under the aforementioned constitution, the internal conductor may be constituted in such a way that it has a coil conductor as the functional part.

Under the aforementioned constitution, the coil conductor may be constituted in such a way that it is provided only in the conductor-containing layer, among the conductor-containing layer and high-hardness layer.

Under the aforementioned constitution, the conductor-containing layer may be constituted in such a way that its dielectric constant is lower than that of the high-hardness layer.

Under the aforementioned constitution, the conductor-containing layer and high-hardness layer may each be constituted by a material containing glass or resin, and they may also be constituted in such a way that the content by percentage of the silicon component in the material constituting the conductor-containing layer is higher than the content by percentage of the silicon component in the material constituting the high-hardness layer.

Under the aforementioned constitution, the coil conductor may be constituted in such a way that it has a coil axis running roughly in parallel with the mounting surface.

Under the aforementioned constitution, the functional part may be constituted in such a way that it is electrically connected to the external electrodes, via lead conductors, at the mounting surface, or at the end faces adjoining the mounting surface, of the element body part.

Under the aforementioned constitution, a marker part may be provided on the element body part.

According to the present invention, the mechanical strength can be improved.

DESCRIPTION OF THE SYMBOLS

10Element body part

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Examples of the present invention are explained below by referring to the drawings.

FIG. 1is an oblique perspective view of the electronic component pertaining to Example 1.FIG. 2Ais a top cross-sectional view,FIG. 2Bis a side cross-sectional view, andFIG. 2Cis an end cross-sectional view, of the electronic component pertaining to Example 1. As shown inFIG. 1toFIG. 2C, the electronic component100in Example 1 comprises an element body part10constituted by an insulative body, an internal conductor30, and external electrodes50.

The element body part10has a top face12corresponding to a second face, a bottom face14corresponding to a first face, a pair of end faces16, and a pair of side faces18, and constitutes a rectangular solid shape having a width-direction side in the X-axis direction, a length-direction side in the Y-axis direction and a height-direction side in the Z-axis direction. The bottom face14represents a mounting surface, while the top face12is opposing the bottom face14. The end faces16are each connected to a pair of sides (such as short sides) of the top face12and bottom face14, while the side faces18are each connected to a pair of sides (such as long sides) of the top face12and bottom face14. The element body part10has a width dimension of 0.05 mm to 0.3 mm, a length dimension of 0.1 mm to 0.6 mm, and a height dimension of 0.05 mm to 0.5 mm, for example. Even when the height dimension is set smaller than the length dimension and width dimension, for example, the mechanical strength of the component can still be enhanced. It should be noted that the element body part10is not limited to a perfect rectangular solid shape; instead, it may have a roughly rectangular solid shape whose apexes are each rounded, whose ridges (boundaries of faces) are each rounded, or whose surfaces are each curved, or the like, for example. In other words, the term “rectangular solid shape” includes roughly rectangular solid shapes as described above. It should be noted that each apex may be rounded to a radius of curvature R corresponding to less than 20% of the length of the short side of the element body part10. As for the roundness of the ridge formed by the bottom face14and the end face16, the roundness of the high-hardness layer22part may be smaller than the roundness of the conductor-containing layer20part. This way, the component will have a more stable posture when mounted. Each surface may be smoothed to a surface irregularity of 30 μm or less per plane, from the viewpoint of ensuring stability when the component is mounted on a mounting board.

The internal conductor30is provided inside the element body part10. The element body part10has a conductor-containing layer20in which at least a functional part, or part demonstrating electrical performance, of the internal conductor30is provided, as well as high-hardness layers22in which no functional part of the internal conductor30is provided. The conductor-containing layer20and high-hardness layers22are provided side by side in the X-axis direction (width direction). The high-hardness layers22are provided in a manner sandwiching the conductor-containing layer20from both sides in the X-axis direction (width direction), to constitute the side faces18. In the X-axis direction, the conductor-containing layer20is thicker than the high-hardness layer22.

Here, the mechanical strength of the element body part10is primarily due to the high-hardness layers22. Accordingly, with an understanding that sufficient mechanical strength can be ensured by making the high-hardness layer22higher (longer in the Z-axis direction), each dimension of the high-hardness layer22is determined according to the material used. Also, each dimension of the high-hardness layer22takes into consideration the length (length in the Y-axis direction) and width (length in the X-axis direction) of the electronic component. As an example, if the length of the electronic component is greater than its width and the conductor-containing layer20and high-hardness layers22are provided side by side in the width direction (X-axis direction) of the element body part10, then preferably the height of the high-hardness layer22is greater than its width. In other words, sufficient mechanical strength can be ensured by the height of the high-hardness layers22and thus they can be made narrower, which in turn allows for an increase in the ratio of the conductor-containing layer20that houses the functional part of the internal conductor30.

For example, the thickness of the conductor-containing layer20in the X-axis direction is 0.17 mm, while the total thickness of the high-hardness layers22is 0.03 mm. As for the length and height of the high-hardness layer22in the Y-axis direction and Z-axis direction, respectively, the smaller the ratio of the length to the height, the better. When this ratio is 1:2 or less, the aforementioned thickness ratio of the conductor-containing layer20and the high-hardness layer22can be achieved.

As for the length and height to which the conductor-containing layer20is formed in the Y-axis direction and Z-axis direction, respectively, they may be equal to or slightly smaller than the length and height of the high-hardness layer22. This way, the conductor-containing layer20is protected by the high-hardness layers22. By setting the length and height of the conductor-containing layer20with a difference of 0 μm to −60 μm from the length and height of the high-hardness layer22, respectively, any impact on the nozzle pickup and ease of mounting, when the component is mounted on a mounting board, can be minimized.

The conductor-containing layer20and high-hardness layer22are each formed by an insulating material whose primary component is a resin, for example. For this resin, any resin that can be cured by heat, light, chemical reaction, etc., is used, where examples include polyimide, epoxy resin, and liquid crystal polymer, or the like. Also, the conductor-containing layer20and high-hardness layer22may each be formed by an insulating material whose primary component is glass, or it may be formed by a ferrite, dielectric ceramic, magnetic body using soft magnetic alloy material, or resin mixed with magnetic powder.

When the conductor-containing layer20is formed by resin, glass, etc., the color of the high-hardness layer22may be made darker than that of the conductor-containing layer20, or the transparency of the conductor-containing layer20may be made higher than that of the high-hardness layer22, or their insulating materials may be made visibly different. This way, the orientation of the electronic component can be identified by identifying each color based on image, by identifying each insulating material based on transparency, by identifying the orientation of the internal conductor based on transmission of light, or the like. Because of this, aligning operations in the production process becomes easier and fewer problems occur when the components are mounted on mounting boards.

The high-hardness layer22has a higher hardness compared to the conductor-containing layer20. The “hardness” is resistance of the material constituting each layer to indentation under a static load or to scratching. For example, the Vickers hardness and Knoop hardness (or equivalent thereto), both of which can be measured in a very small area, of the high-hardness layer22are higher than those of the conductor-containing layer20. As an example, the Vickers hardness of the high-hardness layer22is 650 N/mm2, while the Vickers hardness of the conductor-containing layer20is 400 N/mm2. Since the hardness is correlated to the strength, the fact that the high-hardness layer22has a higher hardness compared to the conductor-containing layer20means that the high-hardness layer22has higher strength (mechanical strength) compared to the conductor-containing layer20.

The conductor-containing layer20and high-hardness layer22may both be formed by the same insulating material, or they may each be formed by a different insulating material, so long as the hardness of the high-hardness layer22is higher than that of the conductor-containing layer20. For example, the high-hardness layer22has a higher hardness compared to the conductor-containing layer20because it contains, by a higher percentage (such as percent by volume) than the conductor-containing layer20does, a filler made of at least metal oxide or silicon oxide (SiO2). Here, the term “filler” refers to a strength substance that has been added to the insulating material in the form of grains. The added filler is present as grains inside the non-crystalline part of the glass, resin, etc., and its presence can be observed based on SEM (scanning electron microscope) analysis or TEM (transmission electron microscope) analysis. By observing the two layers at the same magnification and calculating the area percentage of filler grains in each layer on the observed image, the filler contents in the two layers can be compared. Metal oxides that contribute to higher hardness include, for example, aluminum oxide (Al2O3), zirconium oxide (ZrO2), strontium oxide (SrO), titanium oxide (TiO2), and the like. It should be noted that the conductor-containing layer20may or may not contain a filler made of at least a metal oxide or SiO2.

The conductor-containing layer20and high-hardness layer22can each use a material whose primary component is the same or different. If they each use a material whose primary component is different, the conductor-containing layer20and high-hardness layer22are put through a sintering process that has been adjusted to prevent the materials from affecting each other, or they are bonded and laminated after sintering, or otherwise treated, to form the element body part10. If materials whose primary component is the same are used for the conductor-containing layer20and high-hardness layer22, respectively, on the other hand, adhesion of the conductor-containing layer20and high-hardness layer22at their interface can be ensured easily and the difference between the linear expansion coefficients of the two can be reduced. This way, sufficient strength can be ensured, and reliability based on heat cycle test, etc., can also be ensured, for the element body part10as a whole. Additionally, when the external electrode50is formed over the conductor-containing layer20and high-hardness layer22, the external electrode50can be evaluated with respect to the conductor-containing layer20and also with respect to the high-hardness layer22, in one evaluation, which not only makes it easy to select the external electrode50, but also naturally facilitates ensuring adhesion. Similar effects are also achieved in terms of reliability, in particular.

The conductor-containing layer20has a lower dielectric constant compared to the high-hardness layer22. For example, the conductor-containing layer20has a lower dielectric constant compared to the high-hardness layer22because the content by percentage (such as percent by weight) of the silicon (Si) component (that is, not Si in SiO2, etc., used for the filler) in the material constituting the conductor-containing layer20is higher than the content by percentage (such as percent by weight) of the Si component in the material constituting the high-hardness layer22. For example, the content by percentage of the Si component in the glass, resin, etc., constituting the conductor-containing layer20is higher than the content by percentage of the Si component in the glass, resin, etc., constituting the high-hardness layer22.

The internal conductor30has multiple first conductors32and multiple second conductors34, and as these multiple first conductors32and multiple second conductors34are connected together, a coil conductor36is formed. In other words, the coil conductor36is constituted as a spiral shape that includes the multiple first conductors32and multiple second conductors34, and it has specified winding units and a coil axis crossing roughly at right angles with the surfaces specified by the winding units. The coil conductor36represents a functional part, which demonstrates electrical performance, of the internal conductor30.

The multiple first conductors32are divided into two conductor groups that are opposing each other roughly in the Y-axis direction. The first conductors32constituting each of the two conductor groups extend along the Z-axis direction and are placed at prescribed intervals in the X-axis direction. The multiple second conductors34are formed in parallel with the XY plane, and divided into two conductor groups that are opposing each other in the Z-axis direction. The second conductors34constituting each of the two conductor groups, extend along the Y-axis direction, are placed at prescribed intervals in the X-axis direction, and interconnect the first conductors32individually. This way, a coil conductor36which has a coil axis running in the X-axis direction and its opening has a rectangular shape, is formed inside the element body part10. In other words, the coil conductor36has a coil axis running in a direction roughly parallel with the bottom face14of the element body part10, and is wound vertically. It should be noted that the term “roughly parallel with” also includes “a direction slightly or insubstantially inclined with respect to the X-axis direction.”

The external electrode50is an external terminal used for surface mounting, and two external electrodes are provided in a manner opposing each other in the Y-axis direction. The external electrodes50are provided in a manner extending from the bottom face14, to the end faces16, of the element body part10, and covering parts of the bottom face14and parts of the end faces16. In other words, the external electrodes50each have an L-shape. The external electrodes50are formed only on the surface of the conductor-containing layer20, and not on the surface of the high-hardness layer22, for example. Also, the external electrodes50may be formed across the surface of the conductor-containing layer20and the surface of the high-hardness layer22, for example.

The internal conductor30further has lead conductors38as non-functional parts, in addition to the coil conductor36which is a functional part constituted by the multiple first conductors32and multiple second conductors34. The lead conductors38are placed on the same XY plane shared by the second conductors34positioned on the bottom-face14side of the element body part10, and provided in parallel with the Y-axis direction. The coil conductor36is electrically connected, via the lead conductor38, to the external electrodes50at the bottom face14(mounting surface), or at the end faces16, of the element body part10.

The internal conductor30is formed by copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), nickel (Ni), silver (Ag), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), or other metal material, or alloy metal material containing any of the foregoing, for example. The external electrode50is formed by silver (Ag), copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), nickel (Ni), or other metal material, or a multilayer film constituted by silver (Ag), copper (Cu), or aluminum (Al), with nickel (Ni) plating and tin (Sn) plating, or a multilayer film constituted by nickel (Ni) with tin (Sn) plating.

Next, how the electronic component100in Example 1 is manufactured, is explained. In the case of the electronic component100in Example 1, multiple wafers are produced simultaneously and then separated into individual elements. Also, the electronic component100in Example 1 is formed layer by layer from the top-face12side of the element body part10.

FIG. 3AtoFIG. 4Dare cross-sectional views showing how the electronic component pertaining to Example 1 is manufactured.FIGS. 3AtoFIG. 3C,FIG. 4Aand FIG.4B are drawings corresponding to side cross-sectional views, whileFIG. 3DtoFIG. 3F,FIG. 4CandFIG. 4Dare drawings corresponding to end cross-sectional views, of the electronic component in Example 1. As shown inFIG. 3AandFIG. 3D, a resin material is printed or applied, or a resin film is bonded, for example, on a silicon substrate, glass substrate, sapphire substrate, or other support substrate90, for example, to form a first layer20aof conductor-containing layer20, and a first layer22aof high-hardness layer22in a manner sandwiching and in contact with the first layer20a. On the first layer20aof conductor-containing layer20, second conductors34of internal conductor30are formed according to the sputtering method, while a second layer20bof conductor-containing layer20is also formed in a manner covering the second conductors34. On the first layer22aof high-hardness layer22, a second layer22bof high-hardness layer22is formed in a manner sandwiching and in contact with the second layer20bof conductor-containing layer20. The second layer20bof conductor-containing layer20, and the second layer22bof high-hardness layer22, are each formed by printing or applying a resin material or bonding a resin film. Thereafter, the second layer20bof conductor-containing layer20, and the second layer22bof high-hardness layer22, are polished, to expose the top faces of the second conductors34.

Next, a seed layer (not illustrated) is formed on the second layer20bof conductor-containing layer20, and on the second layer22bof high-hardness layer22, after which a resist film92with openings is formed on the seed layer. After the resist film92has been formed, a descum process may be performed to remove the remaining resist in the openings. Thereafter, top parts32aof first conductors32are formed inside the openings in the resist film92according to the electroplating method.

As shown inFIG. 3BandFIG. 3E, the resist film92and seed layer are removed, after which a third layer20cof conductor-containing layer20is formed in a manner covering the top parts32aof first conductors32, and a third layer22cof high-hardness layer22is formed in a manner sandwiching and in contact with the third layer20c. The third layer20cof conductor-containing layer20, and the third layer22cof high-hardness layer22, are each formed by printing or applying a resin material or bonding a resin film. Thereafter, the third layer20cof conductor-containing layer20, and the third layer22cof high-hardness layer22, are polished to expose the surfaces of the top parts32aof first conductors32.

As shown inFIG. 3CandFIG. 3F, bottom parts32bof first conductors32are formed, and a fourth layer20dof conductor-containing layer20is formed in a manner covering the bottom parts32bof first conductors32, on the third layer20cof conductor-containing layer20. On the third layer22cof high-hardness layer22, a fourth layer22dof high-hardness layer22is formed in a manner sandwiching and in contact with the fourth layer20dof conductor-containing layer20. The bottom parts32bof first conductors32are formed in a manner connecting to the top parts32aof first conductors32. The bottom parts32bof first conductors32, the fourth layer20dof conductor-containing layer20, and the fourth layer22dof high-hardness layer22, may be formed according to methods similar to how the top parts32aof first conductors32, the third layer20cof conductor-containing layer20, and the third layer22cof high-hardness layer22, are formed.

As shown inFIG. 4AandFIG. 4C, a seed layer (not illustrated), and a resist film94with openings, are formed on the fourth layer20dof conductor-containing layer20and on the fourth layer22dof high-hardness layer22, and then second conductors34and lead conductors38(not illustrated) are formed inside the openings in the resist film94according to the electroplating method.

As shown inFIG. 4BandFIG. 4D, the resist film94and seed layer are removed, after which a fifth layer20eof conductor-containing layer20is formed in a manner covering the second conductors34and lead conductors38, and a fifth layer22eof high-hardness layer22is formed in a manner sandwiching and in contact with the fifth layer20e. Thereafter, a sixth layer20fof conductor-containing layer20, and a sixth layer22fof high-hardness layer22, are formed on the fifth layer20eof conductor-containing layer20and on the fifth layer22eof high-hardness layer22. The conductor-containing layer20is constituted by the first layer20ato the sixth layer20f. The high-hardness layer22is constituted by the first layer22ato the sixth layer22f. Thereafter, external electrodes50are formed on the surface of the element body part10. The electronic component100in Example 1 has thus been formed.

FIG. 5is an oblique perspective view of the electronic component pertaining to Comparative Example 1. As shown inFIG. 5, an electronic component1000in Comparative Example 1 is such that the element body part10has no high-hardness layer22and has a conductor-containing layer20in areas corresponding to where the high-hardness layer22was provided in Example 1. Other constitutions are the same as in Example 1 and therefore not explained.

The inventor conducted a deflection test on the electronic components in Example 1 and Comparative Example 1. The deflection test involved mounting each electronic component on the top face of a mounting board, applying pressure to the mounting board from its bottom face to deflect the mounting board, and checking whether or not the electronic component would generate cracks. The electronic components on which the deflection test was conducted had a size of 0.2 mm in width, 0.4 mm in length, and 0.2 mm in height, for both Example 1 and Comparative Example 1. Also, in Example 1, a high-hardness layer22of 0.015 mm in thickness and 650 N/mm2in Vickers hardness was provided on both sides of a conductor-containing layer20of 0.17 mm in thickness and 400 N/mm2in Vickers hardness.

Table 1 shows the deflection test results. As shown in Table 1, none of the 10 chips tested under Example 1 generated cracks, while three of the 10 chips according to Comparative Example 1 generated cracks, when the deflection amount of the mounting board was adjusted to 2 mm. When the deflection amount of the mounting board was adjusted to 4 mm, none of the 10 chips according to Example 1 generated cracks, while all of the 10 chips according to Comparative Example 1 generated cracks. These results show that generation of cracks was suppressed under Example 1 but not under Comparative Example 1. This is probably because, in Example 1, the high-hardness layer22was provided side by side with the conductor-containing layer20.

As shown above, according to Example 1, the element body part10has the conductor-containing layer20in which the coil conductor36(functional part) is provided, as well as the high-hardness layer22provided side by side with the conductor-containing layer20in a direction parallel with the bottom face14(mounting surface) of the element body part10. Because the high-hardness layer22having a higher hardness compared to the conductor-containing layer20is provided side by side with the conductor-containing layer20in a direction parallel with the bottom face14of the element body part10, as described above, generation of cracks in the deflection test can be suppressed as explained using Table 1, and therefore the mechanical strength of the element body part10can be improved.

Also, according to Example 1, the high-hardness layer22contains, by a higher percentage than does the conductor-containing layer20, a filler made of at least metal oxide or SiO2. Because of this, the hardness of the high-hardness layer22can be increased beyond that of the conductor-containing layer20with ease, which means that the mechanical strength of the element body part10can be improved with ease.

Also, according to Example 1, the coil conductor36is provided inside the conductor-containing layer20, and not inside the high-hardness layer22. Because of this, the conductor-containing layer20can be formed using a material suitable for the electrical characteristics of the coil conductor36to improve the electrical characteristics, while also improving the mechanical strength of the element body part10at the same time.

Also, according to Example 1, the conductor-containing layer20having the coil conductor36inside, has a lower dielectric constant compared to the high-hardness layer22. Because of this, the parasitic capacitance generating between the conductor parts of the coil conductor36can be reduced to improve the self-resonating frequency, and therefore the Q-value can be improved. For example, the conductor-containing layer20may have a lower dielectric constant compared to the high-hardness layer22owing to the fact that it contains, by a higher percentage than does the high-hardness layer22, the Si component in the material constituting the layer. In addition, when the dielectric constant of the conductor-containing layer20is lower than that of the high-hardness layer22, preferably the coil conductor36is provided inside the conductor-containing layer20, and not inside the high-hardness layer22, from the viewpoint of improving the Q-value.

Also, according to Example 1, the coil conductor36has a coil axis running roughly in parallel with the bottom face14(mounting surface) of the element body part10. When the coil axis is present in a direction vertical to the bottom face14(mounting surface) of the element body part10, for example, the magnetic flux may change due to the alternating current that flows through the coil conductor, and therefore eddy current may generate on the mounting board where the electronic component is mounted. This results in a lower Q-value. When the coil axis is present in a direction roughly parallel with the bottom face14(mounting surface) of the element body part10, on the other hand, generation of eddy current on the mounting board is suppressed and therefore lowering of the Q-value can be suppressed.

FIG. 6is an oblique perspective view of the electronic component pertaining to Variation Example 1 of Example 1. As shown inFIG. 6, an electronic component110in Variation Example 1 of Example 1 is such that the external electrodes50are provided only on both Y-axis direction ends of the bottom face14of the element body part10, and not on the end faces16. The coil conductor36is electrically connected to the external electrodes50, via the lead conductors38, at the bottom face14of the element body part10. Other constitutions are the same as in Example 1 and therefore not explained.

In Example 1, the coil conductor36was electrically connected to the external electrodes50, via the lead conductors38, at the end faces16of the element body part10, as shown inFIG. 1; instead, the coil conductor36may be electrically connected to the external electrodes50, via the lead conductors38, at the bottom face14(mounting surface) of the element body part10, as shown in Variation Example 1 of Example 1. In addition, by providing the external electrodes50only on the bottom face14of the element body part10and causing the coil conductor36to be electrically connected to the external electrodes50at the bottom face14of the element body part10, the parasitic capacitance generating between the external electrodes50and internal conductor30can be reduced.

Although not illustrated, the coil conductor36may be electrically connected to the external electrodes50, via the lead conductors38, at the side faces18of the element body part10.

FIG. 7AtoFIG. 7Care top cross-sectional views of the electronic component pertaining to Variation Example 2 to Variation Example 4 of Example 1. As shown inFIG. 7A, an electronic component120in Variation Example 2 of Example 1 is such that the conductor-containing layer20is shifted toward one of the pair of side faces18of the element body part10. Accordingly, one of the high-hardness layers22sandwiching the conductor-containing layer20is thinner than the other in the X-axis direction. Other constitutions are the same as in Example 1 and therefore not explained.

Example 1 shows a case where the conductor-containing layer20was provided at the center of the pair of side faces18of the element body part10; instead, as shown in Variation Example 2 of Example 1, the conductor-containing layer20may be shifted toward one of the pair of side faces18. In this case, the orientation of the electronic component can be identified from the difference in thickness between the high-hardness layers22sandwiching the conductor-containing layer20.

As shown inFIG. 7B, an electronic component130in Variation Example 3 of Example 1 is such that the conductor-containing layer20which has the coil conductor36(functional part) inside is provided inside the element body part10, with the high-hardness layer22provided in a manner covering the conductor-containing layer20. The lead conductors38, which are non-functional parts of the internal conductor30, are provided in the high-hardness layer22. Other constitutions are the same as in Example 1 and therefore not explained.

Example 1 shows a case where the conductor-containing layer20extended from one, to the other, of the pair of end faces16of the element body part10; instead, as shown in Variation Example 3 of Example 1, the conductor-containing layer20may be provided inside the element body part10. In this case, mechanical strength can be improved further because the high-hardness layer22is provided around the conductor-containing layer20. In addition, providing the lead conductors38, or non-functional parts, in the high-hardness layer22has minimal impact on the electrical characteristics.

As shown inFIG. 7C, an electronic component140in Variation Example 4 of Example 1 is such that the conductor-containing layer20is thinner than the high-hardness layer22in the X-axis direction. Other constitutions are the same as in Example 1 and therefore not explained.

Example 1 shows a case where the conductor-containing layer20was thicker than the high-hardness layer22in the X-axis direction; instead, as shown in Variation Example 4 of Example 1, the conductor-containing layer20may be thinner than the high-hardness layer22in the X-axis direction. When the conductor-containing layer20is thicker than the high-hardness layer22, the coil conductor36can be made larger and therefore the inductance value can be increased. When the high-hardness layer22is thicker than the conductor-containing layer20, on the other hand, the mechanical strength of the element body part10can be enhanced.

FIG. 8is an oblique perspective view of the electronic component pertaining to Example 2. As shown inFIG. 8, an electronic component200in Example 2 is such that the high-hardness layer22is provided only on one side of the conductor-containing layer20, while the part corresponding to the other side where the high-hardness layer22was provided in Example 1 is occupied by the conductor-containing layer20. Other constitutions are the same as in Example 1 and therefore not explained.

The inventor conducted a deflection test on the electronic component in Example 2. The deflection test was conducted according to the same method explained in Example 1, and the dimensions of the electronic component, etc., were the same as in Example 1. Table 2 shows the deflection test results. It should be noted that the test results of Comparative Example 1 in Table 1 are also shown for the purpose of comparison.

As shown in Table 2, none of the 10 chips tested under Example 2 generated cracks when the deflection amount of the mounting board was adjusted to 2 mm. When the deflection amount of the mounting board was adjusted to 4 mm, two of the 10 chips according to Example 2 generated cracks.

As shown in Example 2, the mechanical strength of the element body part10can be improved so long as the high-hardness layer22is provided side by side with the conductor-containing layer20in a direction parallel with the bottom face14(mounting surface) of the element body part10, even when the high-hardness layer22is provided only on one side of the conductor-containing layer20. In addition, the test results in Table 1 and Table 2 show that, from the viewpoint of improving the mechanical strength of the element body part10, preferably the high-hardness layer22is provided in a manner sandwiching the conductor-containing layer20.

FIG. 9is an oblique perspective view of the electronic component pertaining to Example 3. It should be noted that, inFIG. 9, the internal conductor30has the same structure as in Example 1 and is therefore not illustrated inFIG. 9. As shown inFIG. 9, an electronic component300in Example 3 is such that external electrodes50are provided in a manner extending from the bottom face14, via the end faces16, to the top face12, while also extending from the end faces16, to the side faces18, of the element body part10. In other words, the external electrodes50cover the entire end faces16, as well as parts of the top face12, bottom face14, and side faces18. Other constitutions are the same as in Example 1 and therefore not explained.

The inventor conducted a deflection test on the electronic component in Example 3. The deflection test was conducted according to the same method explained in Example 1, and the dimensions of the electronic component, etc., were the same as in Example 1. Table 3 shows the deflection test results. It should be noted that the test results of Comparative Example 1 in Table 1 are also shown for the purpose of comparison.

As shown in Table 3, none of the 10 chips tested under Example 3 generated cracks when the deflection amount of the mounting board was adjusted to 2 mm or 4 mm.

The deflection tests results of Example 1 to Example 3 show that the mechanical strength of the element body part10can be improved so long as the high-hardness layer22is provided side by side with the conductor-containing layer20in a direction parallel with the bottom face14(mounting surface) of the element body part10, no matter what the shape of the external electrode50is.

FIG. 10Ais an oblique perspective view, andFIG. 10Bis a top cross-sectional view, of the electronic component pertaining to Example 4. As shown inFIG. 10AandFIG. 10B, an electronic component400in Example 4 is such that the internal conductor30has conductor patterns40, via hole conductors42and lead conductors38. Also, on the end faces16, the conductor-containing layer20is recessed with respect to the high-hardness layer22. Other constitutions are the same as in Example 1, so the following explains the internal conductor30and the remainder is not explained.

In the internal conductor30, the via hole conductors42electrically connect the multiple conductor patterns40. The conductor patterns40include C-shaped patterns44and I-shaped patterns46, for example.

FIG. 11is a drawing explaining a C-shaped pattern and an I-shaped pattern. As shown inFIG. 11, the C-shaped pattern44represents a polygonal conductor pattern having three or more apexes. For example, the C-shaped pattern44corresponds to a roughly rectangular shape having four apexes and also missing a part of one side of the roughly rectangular shape. It should be noted that the term “roughly rectangular shape” is not limited to the rectangular shape shown inFIG. 11, but it also includes oval and other shapes that can approximate a rectangle. It includes shapes having four apexes like the one shown inFIG. 11, as well as roughly rectangular shapes that have no clear apexes but have locations that can be recognized as apexes on a rectangle they approximate. It should be noted that the dotted lines inFIG. 11indicate positions where via hole conductors42are formed.

The I-shaped pattern46supplements the missing part of one side of the C-shaped pattern in the roughly rectangular shape. Matching the actual shape of the roughly rectangular shape, the I-shaped pattern46may be linear, as shown inFIG. 11, or it may have a curved shape constituting a part of an oval shape. Combined use of the C-shaped pattern44and the I-shaped pattern46increases the dimensional stability of the coil conductor and makes it possible to narrow the tolerance on inductance. Preferably the length of the I-shaped pattern46is greater than the length of the missing part of the C-shaped pattern44. This further increases the reliability of electrical connection.

Next, how the electronic component400in Example 4 is manufactured, is explained.FIG. 12is a drawing showing how the electronic component in Example 4 is manufactured. It should be noted that the electronic component400in Example 4 is formed by stacking green sheets, each constituted by an insulating material, layer by layer from one side, to the other side, of the pair of side faces18of the element body part10.

As shown inFIG. 12, green sheets G1to G10that are precursors of the insulative layers which will constitute the element body part10, are prepared. A green sheet is formed by, for example, applying on a film a slurry of insulating material whose primary ingredient is glass, etc., using the doctor blade method, etc. It should be noted that, for the insulating material, a ferrite, dielectric ceramic, magnetic body using soft magnetic alloy material, or resin mixed with magnetic powder, or the like, may be used in addition to a material whose primary component is glass. The thickness of a green sheet is not limited in any way, and is between 5 μm and 60 μm, for example, where one example is 20 μm. Multiple types of green sheets with different contents by percentage of filler constituted by metal oxide and silicon are prepared. The green sheets G1, G10represent green sheets containing a filler constituted by metal oxide by a higher percentage, while the green sheets G2to G9represent green sheets containing silicon by a higher percentage.

Through holes are formed in the green sheets G3to G7by means of laser processing, etc., at prescribed positions, or specifically positions where via hole conductors42are to be formed. Then, a conductive material is printed on the green sheets G3to G8using a printing method, to form C-shaped patterns44, I-shaped patterns46and via hole conductors42. The conductive material may have silver, copper or other metal as its primary component.

Next, the green sheets G1to G10are stacked in a prescribed order, and pressure is applied in the stacking direction to pressure-bond the green sheets. Then, the pressure-bonded green sheets are cut to individual chips, which are then sintered at a prescribed temperature (in a range of 700° C. to 900° C. or so, for example) to form element body parts10. Now, because the green sheets G1, G10contain a filler constituted by metal oxide and silicon, by different percentages than the green sheets G2to G9, the two sets of green sheets exhibit different rates of contraction during sintering, and as a result, the conductor-containing layer20has a recessed shape with respect to the high-hardness layer22, as shown inFIG. 10AandFIG. 10B.

Next, external electrodes50are formed at prescribed positions on the element body part10. External electrodes50are formed by applying an electrode paste whose primary component is silver or copper, and then baking it at a prescribed temperature (in a range of 600° C. to 900° C. or so, for example), followed by electroplating, etc. For this electroplating, copper, nickel, or tin, etc., may be used, for example. The electronic component400in Example 4 has thus been formed.

The inventor conducted a test of mounting the electronic component in Example 4 on a mounting board.FIG. 13AandFIG. 13Bare drawings explaining the electronic component mounting test.FIG. 13Ashows that the electronic component400is mounted at an appropriate position, with the electronic component400soldered to lands70of the mounting board. In the mounting test, in contrast, the electronic component400was intentionally mounted at a position shifted by 50 μm with respect to the lands70, and the applicable mounting condition was checked. It should be noted that each land70has a rectangular shape of 0.2 mm long and 0.15 mm wide. The electronic component400has a size of 0.2 mm in width, 0.4 mm in length and 0.2 mm in height.

Table 4 shows the mounting test results. It should be noted that the test result of mounting the electronic component1000in Comparative Example 1 on a mounting board is also shown for the purpose of comparison. The size of the electronic component1000in Comparative Example 1 is the same as that of the electronic component400in Example 4. As shown in Table 4, while the rate of mounting defects was 0% under Example 4, it was 2.25% under Comparative Example 1. It should be noted that “mounting defects” refer to phenomena of standing chips (such as the Manhattan phenomenon and tombstone phenomenon).

As shown above, Example 4 resulted in fewer mounting defects compared to Comparative Example 1. The probable reason for this is explained as follows. To be specific, when the electronic component is mounted on the mounting board by soldering the external electrodes50of the electronic component to the lands70of the mounting board, the tensions from the molten solder act as driving force to produce the self-alignment effect, at the time of mounting, which moves the electronic component to the center of the mounting position so as to balance the tensions generated in the external electrodes50provided on the respective faces of the element body part10. This self-alignment effect can suppress the turning of the electronic component in the horizontal direction with respect to the mounting surface, as well as the standing of the component (phenomenon where the electronic component separates from one land and stands upright on the other land), at the time of mounting.

The larger the amount of solder, the greater the self-alignment effect (self-alignment force) becomes, and also because solder spreads over and wets the external electrodes50, the larger the area of the external electrodes50, the greater the self-alignment effect becomes. While the end faces16of the conductor-containing layer20are flat faces in Comparative Example 1, the end faces16of the conductor-containing layer20have a recessed shape with respect to the high-hardness layer22in Example 4. Because of this, a larger amount of solder can be supplied to the lands70and also the external electrodes50are soldered over a larger area, and consequently the self-alignment effect becomes greater, in Example 4, compared to Comparative Example 1. Also, in Example 4, the conductor-containing layer20has a curved shape which is recessed with respect to the high-hardness layer22, on the end faces16of the element body part10, and therefore the external electrodes50provided on the conductor-containing layer20also have a curved shape. Because of this, the self-alignment force acts toward the center of the mounting position and therefore the electronic component can be moved to an appropriate position with ease. Example 4 resulted in fewer mounting defects compared to Comparative Example 1, probably due to the foregoing.

According to Example 4, the conductor-containing layer20is recessed with respect to the high-hardness layer22on the end faces16of the element body part10. The external electrodes50extend from the bottom face14, to the end faces16, of the element body part10and are provided at least on the conductor-containing layer20on the end faces16. This way, the self-alignment property of the electronic component when it is mounted on a mounting board, can be improved. It should be noted that, as shown in Example 4, preferably the external electrodes50are provided only on the conductor-containing layer20, and not on the high-hardness layer22, on the end faces16. In addition, when external electrodes50are formed on the conductor-containing layer20, the formation of external electrodes50in a manner spreading onto the high-hardness layer22can be suppressed because the conductor-containing layer20is recessed with respect to the high-hardness layer22. In other words, external electrodes50can be formed only on the surface of the conductor-containing layer20, and not on the high-hardness layer22, with ease.

FIG. 14Ais an oblique perspective view,FIG. 14Bis a view from the top-face side, andFIG. 14Cis a view from the end-face side, of the electronic component pertaining to Variation Example 1 of Example 4. As shown inFIG. 14AtoFIG. 14C, an electronic component410in Variation Example 1 of Example 4 is such that the external electrodes50are provided on both the conductor-containing layer20and high-hardness layer22on the bottom face14and end faces16of the element body part10. On the end faces16, the external electrodes50have a curved shape along the conductor-containing layer20, bending in such a way that their height in the Z-axis direction is greater on the high-hardness layer22than on the conductor-containing layer20. The external electrodes50also have a curved shape on the bottom face14. It should be noted that the external electrodes50may protrude onto the side faces18of the element body part10. Other constitutions are the same as in Example 4 and therefore not explained. The self-alignment property can also be improved in Variation Example 1 of Example 4, as in Example 4.

FIG. 15is a top cross-sectional view of the electronic component pertaining to Variation Example 2 of Example 4. As shown inFIG. 15, an electronic component420in Variation Example 2 of Example 4 is such that the high-hardness layer22is provided only on one side of the conductor-containing layer20. Other constitutions are the same as in Example 4 and therefore not explained.

The inventor conducted a test of mounting the electronic component in Variation Example 2 of Example 4 on a mounting board. The mounting test was conducted according to the same method explained in Example 4, and the dimensions of the electronic component, etc., were the same as in Example 4. Table 5 shows the mounting test results. It should be noted that the test results of Comparative Example 1 shown in Table 4 are also shown for the purpose of comparison.

As shown in Table 5, the rate of mounting defects under Variation Example 2 of Example 4 was 0.75%.

The self-alignment property can still be improved even when the high-hardness layer22is provided only on one side of the conductor-containing layer20, as is the case of Variation Example 2 of Example 4. The test results in Table 4 and Table 5 show that, from the viewpoint of improving the self-alignment property, preferably the high-hardness layer22is provided in a manner sandwiching the conductor-containing layer20.

FIG. 16Ais a top cross-sectional view,FIG. 16Bis a side cross-sectional view, andFIG. 16Cis an end cross-sectional view, of the electronic component pertaining to Example 5. As shown inFIG. 16AtoFIG. 16C, an electronic component500in Example 5 is such that the coil conductor36has a coil axis running in the Y-axis direction (length direction) and its opening has a rectangular shape. Other constitutions are the same as in Example 1 and therefore not explained.

Example 1 to Example 4 show cases where the coil conductor36is wound around the coil axis running in the X-axis direction; instead, the coil conductor36may be wound around the coil axis running in the Y-axis direction, as shown in Example 5.

FIG. 17Ais a top cross-sectional view,FIG. 17Bis a side cross-sectional view, andFIG. 17Cis an end cross-sectional view, of the electronic component pertaining to Example 6. As shown inFIG. 17AandFIG. 17C, an electronic component600in Example 6 is such that the coil conductor36provided in it has a coil axis running in the Z-axis direction (height direction) and its opening has a rectangular shape. In other words, the coil conductor36is wound horizontally. The coil conductor36is provided on the side closer to the top face12, of the center of the element body part10in the Z-axis direction. Other constitutions are the same as in Example 1 and therefore not explained.

FIG. 18toFIG. 19Bare drawings showing how the electronic component pertaining to Example 6 is manufactured.FIG. 19AandFIG. 19Bare drawings corresponding to top cross-sectional views of the electronic component in Example 6. As shown inFIG. 18, multiple insulating green sheets G11to G16that are precursors of the conductor-containing layer20, are prepared. The green sheets were explained in Example 4 and are therefore not explained here.

Through holes are formed in the green sheets G12to G15by means of laser processing, etc., at prescribed positions. Then, a conductive material is printed on the green sheets G12to G16using a printing method, to form an internal conductor30.

Next, the green sheets G11to G16are stacked in a prescribed order, and pressure is applied in the stacking direction to pressure-bond the green sheets. Then, the pressure-bonded green sheets are cut into individual chips, which are then sintered at a prescribed temperature (in a range of 700° C. to 900° C. or so, for example). This way, a conductor-containing layer20having an internal conductor30inside, is formed, as shown inFIG. 19A.

Next, as shown inFIG. 19B, a slurry, paste, ink, etc., is printed, dip-coated, or formed into the shape of a sheet and then bonded, or the like, on both sides of the conductor-containing layer20, to form high-hardness layers22. This way, an element body part10having the high-hardness layers22provided in a manner sandwiching the conductor-containing layer20, is formed. Thereafter, external electrodes50are formed at prescribed positions on the element body part10. The electronic component600in Example 6 has thus been formed.

The conductor-containing layer20may be formed using: a method whereby through holes are formed in the green sheets, and then internal conductor parts are formed, as described above, after which the green sheets are stacked in a prescribed order and then pressure-bonded to form a coil, followed by sintering of the pressure-bonded sheets; a method not involving sintering whereby the internal conductor, etc., are produced by the thin film method using resin, etc., for insulating layers; or a method not involving sintering whereby a conductor which will become the internal conductor is wound in the shape of a coil and then fixed in place using resin, etc. In addition, the coil winding direction includes horizontal winding where the coil axis is running orthogonal to the mounting surface, and two types of vertical winding where the coil axis is running in parallel with the mounting surface and the coil axis roughly corresponds to the length direction or width direction of the mounting surface, and any of the foregoing three types of winding may be applied.

The high-hardness layer22can be formed by means of printing, dip-coating, sheet-bonding, or the like, but depending on the slurry, paste, ink, adhesive, binder, etc., used for each such method, sintering can or cannot be performed. If sintering can be performed, the process procedure may be such that the two layers are sintered simultaneously when the conductor-containing layer20is sintered during the course of its production, or the process procedure may be such that each layer is sintered separately. If sintering cannot be performed, on the other hand, the conductor-containing layer20is completed first, and then the high-hardness layer22is formed, regardless of whether or not the conductor-containing layer20is sintered during the course of its production.

When the high-hardness layer22is added to/formed on the conductor-containing layer20, aligning multiple conductor-containing layers20and placing them on an adhesive sheet, etc., enables more efficient adding/forming compared to when an individual high-hardness layer22is added/formed separately.

In Example 1 to Example 5, the coil conductor36was wound vertically; instead, the coil conductor36may be wound horizontally as shown in Example 6. Also, according to Example 6, the coil conductor36is provided at a position closer to the top face12of the element body part10. Because of this, the coil conductor36is placed away from the bottom face14being the mounting surface, and therefore any impact of the parasitic capacitance the coil conductor36receives from the mounting board after the electronic component has been installed on the mounting board, can be reduced, and consequently change in characteristics can be suppressed.

FIG. 20Ais a top cross-sectional view,FIG. 20Bis a side cross-sectional view, andFIG. 20Cis an end cross-sectional view, of the electronic component pertaining to Example 7. As shown inFIG. 20AtoFIG. 20C, an electronic component700in Example 7 is such that the internal conductor30includes multiple flat electrodes60. The area where the multiple flat electrodes60overlap one another represents a capacitor part62, which is a functional part of the internal conductor30where electrical performance is demonstrated. The non-overlapping areas of the multiple flat electrodes60correspond to lead parts that electrically connect the capacitor part62to the external electrodes50. In other words, the internal conductor30has a functional part which is the capacitor part62constituted by the area where the multiple flat electrodes60overlap one another, as well as non-functional parts corresponding to the non-overlapping areas of the multiple flat electrodes60. Other constitutions are the same as in Example 1 and therefore not explained.

Example 1 to Example 6 show cases where the internal conductor30included a coil conductor36as its functional part, i.e., the electronic component was an inductor element; however, the present invention is not limited to these examples. As shown in Example 7, the internal conductor30may include a capacitor part62as its functional part, i.e., the electronic component may be a capacitor element. In addition, even when a capacitor part62is included as a functional part, the capacitor part62may be electrically connected to the external electrodes50, via lead conductors, at the bottom face14of the element body part10, in the same manner as inFIG. 6, or it may be electrically connected to the external electrodes50at the side faces18of the element body part10.

FIG. 21Ais an oblique perspective view of the electronic component pertaining to Example 8, whileFIG. 21Bis an oblique perspective view of the electronic component pertaining to Variation Example 1 of Example 8. As shown inFIG. 21A, an electronic component800in Example 8 is such that the high-hardness layer22is provided side by side with the conductor-containing layer20in the Y-axis direction (length direction). The high-hardness layer22is provided on both sides of the conductor-containing layer20in a manner sandwiching the conductor-containing layer20in the Y-axis direction (length direction), to constitute the end faces16of the element body part10. In the Y-axis direction, the thickness of the conductor-containing layer20is greater than that of the high-hardness layer22. The coil conductor36(functional part) of the internal conductor30is provided inside the conductor-containing layer20. Other constitutions are the same as in Example 1 and therefore not explained. As shown inFIG. 21B, an electronic component810in Variation Example 1 of Example 8 is such that the width (length in the X-axis direction) of the element body part10is longer than its length (length in the Y-axis direction). Other constitutions are the same as in Example 8 and therefore not explained.

Example 1 to Example 7 show cases where the high-hardness layer22was provided side by side with the conductor-containing layer20in the X-axis direction; instead, the high-hardness layer22may be provided side by side with the conductor-containing layer20in the Y-axis direction, as in Example 8 and Variation Example 1 of Example 8, so long as the high-hardness layer22is provided side by side with the conductor-containing layer20in a direction parallel with the bottom face14(mounting surface) of the element body part10.

When an electronic component is mounted on a mounting board, stress tends to concentrate on the edges of the external electrodes50and the edges of the internal conductor30, and therefore cracks tend to generate between these parts. Accordingly, the presence of the high-hardness layer22at these parts allows for suppression of crack generation. Also, in Variation Example 1 of Example 8, the mechanical strength of the element body part10is related to the length and width, not just the height, of the high-hardness layer22. If the width of the electronic component is greater than its length, as in Variation Example 1 of Example 8, sufficient strength of the element body part10in the width direction can be ensured because the conductor-containing layer20and high-hardness layer22are provided side by side in the length direction of the element body part10.

Example 1 to Example 8 show cases where the external electrodes50are L-shaped and extend from the bottom face14, to the end faces16, of the element body part10, and they are also narrower than the width (width in the X-axis direction) of the element body part10; however, the present invention is not limited to these examples.FIG. 22AtoFIG. 22Nare oblique perspective views showing other examples of external electrode shapes. The external electrodes50may be provided only on the bottom face, as shown inFIG. 22A, or they may be provided only on the bottom sides of the end faces, as shown inFIG. 22B, or they may be provided on the entire end faces, as shown inFIG. 22C. Or, they may be provided in a manner extending from the bottom face to the top face via the end faces, as shown inFIG. 22D, or they may extend further onto the side faces, as shown inFIG. 22E, or their length on the top face may be shorter than that on the bottom face, as shown inFIG. 22FandFIG. 22G. Or, they may be provided in a manner extending from the bottom face to parts of the end faces, as shown inFIG. 22H, or they may be provided in a manner extending from the bottom face to cover the entire end faces, as shown inFIG. 22I. Or, they may be provided in triangular shapes at the ends of the bottom face, as shown inFIG. 22JandFIG. 22K, or they may be provided in a manner covering parts of the bottom face, parts of the side faces, and parts of the end faces, as shown inFIG. 22L, or they may be provided in a manner covering parts of the bottom face, parts of the side faces, and the entire end faces, as shown inFIG. 22MandFIG. 22N. It should be noted that, even in the cases ofFIG. 22AtoFIG. 22N, the external electrodes50may still be narrower than the width of the element body part10.

It should be noted that Example 1 shows a case where the electronic component was manufactured using electroplating, while Examples 4 and 5 show cases where the electronic component was manufactured by stacking sheets; however, the electronic component may be manufactured either by means of electroplating or stacking of sheets in any of Example 1 to Example 8. Also, the manufacturing method is not limited to the aforementioned methods and any method may be used, or any manufacturing method combining multiple methods may also be used, so long as it can achieve the structure of the present invention.

FIG. 23Ais an oblique perspective view, andFIG. 23Bis a top cross-sectional view, of the electronic component pertaining to Example 9. It should be noted that, inFIG. 23A, the coil conductor36, etc., are not illustrated for the sake of clarification of the figure (the same applies toFIG. 24AandFIG. 24Bdescribed later). As shown inFIG. 23AandFIG. 23B, an electronic component900in Example 9 is such that a marker part80is provided inside the element body part10. For example, a marker part80is provided inside the high-hardness layer22and is different from the high-hardness layer22at least in one of the three attributes of color (hue, saturation, and brightness). In other words, the position of the marker part80can be identified. The marker part80may be formed using a material different from that of the high-hardness layer22, or it may be formed using the same material as that of the high-hardness layer22, and contains a pigment different in color from the high-hardness layer22. In addition, the marker part80may have a higher hardness compared to the conductor-containing layer20, just like the high-hardness layer22does. Other constitutions are the same as in Example 1 and therefore not explained.

According to Example 9, a marker part80is provided in the element body part10. This way, the orientation of the electronic component900can be identified. Accordingly, the electronic components can be easily aligned in the production process and fewer problems occur as they are mounted on mounting boards.

FIG. 24Ais an oblique perspective view of the electronic component pertaining to Variation Example 1 of Example 9, whileFIG. 24Bis an oblique perspective view of the electronic component pertaining to Variation Example 2 of Example 9. As is the case of an electronic component910in Variation Example 1 of Example 9 shown inFIG. 24A, marker parts80may be provided on the side faces (specifically the surfaces of the high-hardness layers22) of the element body part10. Or, as is the case of an electronic component920in Variation Example 2 of Example 9 shown inFIG. 24B, a marker part80may be provided on the surface of the element body part10across the conductor-containing layer20and high-hardness layers22. When the marker part80is provided across the conductor-containing layer20and high-hardness layers22, preferably the marker part80is different from both the conductor-containing layer20and high-hardness layer22in at least one of the three attributes of color. It should be noted that, whileFIG. 24Bshows an example where the marker part80is provided on the top face12of the element body part10, it may be provided on the bottom face14or an end face16. The marker part80on the surface of the element body part10may be formed by means of printing, for example.

The foregoing described the examples of the present invention; however, the present invention is not limited to these specific examples and various variations/changes can be made so long as they are within the scope of the key points of the present invention as described in “What Is Claimed Is.”

In the present disclosure where conditions and/or structures are not specified, a skilled artisan in the art can readily provide such conditions and/or structures, in view of the present disclosure, as a matter of routine experimentation. Also, in the present disclosure including the examples described above, any ranges applied in some embodiments may include or exclude the lower and/or upper endpoints, and any values of variables indicated may refer to precise values or approximate values and include equivalents, and may refer to average, median, representative, majority, etc. in some embodiments. Further, in this disclosure, “a” may refer to a species or a genus including multiple species, and “the invention” or “the present invention” may refer to at least one of the embodiments or aspects explicitly, necessarily, or inherently disclosed herein. The terms “constituted by” and “having” refer independently to “typically or broadly comprising”, “comprising”, “consisting essentially of”, or “consisting of” in some embodiments. In this disclosure, any defined meanings do not necessarily exclude ordinary and customary meanings in some embodiments.

The present application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2016-193271, filed Sep. 30, 2016, and No. 2017-151115, filed Aug. 3, 2017, each disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety including any and all particular combinations of the features disclosed therein.