Patent Publication Number: US-11651886-B2

Title: Multilayer coil component

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     An aspect of the present invention relates to a multilayer coil component. 
     BACKGROUND 
     A multilayer coil component including an element having a plurality of stacked insulator layers and a coil disposed in the element is known (see, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. H7-192921 and Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2018-50022). The coil has a plurality of coil conductors and a connection conductor interconnecting the coil conductors that are adjacent to each other. 
     SUMMARY 
     In the multilayer coil component according to the related art, a plurality of the connection conductors are disposed along the extension direction of the coil conductor. When a current flows through the coil conductor in this configuration, the current is concentrated on one connection conductor disposed on the upstream side of the current flow. In particular, the current is concentrated on the surface of the connection conductor due to a skin effect as the frequency of an alternating current increases, and then it becomes difficult for the current to flow through the region that is inside the connection conductor. As a result, in the multilayer coil component, an increase in resistance arises in the connection conductor and the current flow becomes difficult. Accordingly, desired characteristics may not be obtained and degradation of characteristics may arise in the multilayer coil component according to the related art. 
     An object of an aspect of the present invention is to provide a multilayer coil component capable of suppressing degradation of characteristics. 
     A multilayer coil component according to an aspect of the present invention includes an element having a plurality of stacked insulator layers and a coil disposed in the element. The coil has a plurality of coil conductors and a connection conductor interconnecting one of the coil conductors and another of the coil conductors. A plurality of the connection conductors are spaced apart only in a direction intersecting with an extension direction of the coil conductors at a position of the connection by the connection conductor when viewed from a direction in which the plurality of insulator layers are stacked. 
     In the multilayer coil component according to an aspect of the present invention, the plurality of connection conductors are spaced apart only in the direction intersecting with the extension direction of the coil conductors at the position of the connection by the connection conductor. In other words, the plurality of connection conductors are spaced apart in a direction that is not along the extension direction of the coil conductors. As a result, when a current flows through the coil in the multilayer coil component, the current flows evenly (in a distributed manner) with respect to the plurality of connection conductors. Accordingly, in the multilayer coil component, it is possible to avoid resistance becoming high and the current flow becoming difficult due to current concentration on one connection conductor. Therefore, degradation of characteristics can be suppressed in the multilayer coil component. 
     In one embodiment, each of the plurality of connection conductors may have a shape along the coil conductor when viewed from the direction in which the plurality of insulator layers are stacked. In this configuration, the surface area of the connection conductor can be ensured. Accordingly, an increase in the resistance of the connection conductor can be suppressed, even in the case of current concentration on the surface of the connection conductor attributable to a skin effect, since the surface area is large. 
     In one embodiment, lengths of respective outer peripheries of the plurality of connection conductors may be equivalent when viewed from the direction in which the plurality of insulator layers are stacked. In this configuration, the current that flows through each connection conductor can be made even more uniform. Accordingly, it is possible to more appropriately avoid resistance becoming high and the current flow becoming difficult due to current concentration on one connection conductor. 
     In one embodiment, an irregularity may be fawned at least in part on respective outer peripheries of the plurality of connection conductors when viewed from the direction in which the plurality of insulator layers are stacked. In this configuration, the surface area of the connection conductor can be increased. As a result, in the multilayer coil component, the surface area of the connection conductor through which a current is capable of flowing in the skin effect is increased, and thus an increase in the resistance of the connection conductor can be further suppressed. 
     In one embodiment, a projecting portion of the irregularity of the other of a pair of the connection conductors may be disposed in a recessed portion of the irregularity of one of the pair of connection conductors in the pair of connection conductors disposed so as to face each other when viewed from the direction in which the plurality of insulator layers are stacked. In this configuration, the contact area between the coil conductor and the connection conductor can be ensured (to the maximum). Accordingly, a current is capable of easily flowing through the coil in the multilayer coil component. 
     According to an aspect of the present invention, degradation of characteristics can be suppressed. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view illustrating a multilayer coil component according to an embodiment. 
         FIG.  2    is an exploded perspective view illustrating the configurations of an element, a coil conductor, and a connection conductor. 
         FIG.  3    is a diagram illustrating a terminal electrode, the coil conductor, and the connection conductor. 
         FIG.  4 A  is a diagram illustrating a connection conductor of a multilayer coil component according to another embodiment. 
         FIG.  4 B  is a diagram illustrating a connection conductor of a multilayer coil component according to another embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same or corresponding elements will be denoted by the same reference numerals and redundant description will be omitted. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  1   , a multilayer coil component  1  is provided with an element  2  having a rectangular parallelepiped shape and a pair of terminal electrodes  4  and  5 . The pair of terminal electrodes  4  and  5  are respectively disposed in both end portions of the element  2 . The rectangular parallelepiped shape includes a rectangular parallelepiped shape in which corner and ridge line portions are chamfered and a rectangular parallelepiped shape in which corner and ridge line portions are rounded. 
     The element  2  has a pair of end surfaces  2   a  and  2   b  facing each other, a pair of main surfaces  2   c  and  2   d  facing each other, and a pair of side surfaces  2   e  and  2   f  facing each other. The direction in which the pair of main surfaces  2   c  and  2   d  face each other, that is, the direction that is parallel to the end surfaces  2   a  and  2   b  is a first direction D 1 . The direction in which the pair of end surfaces  2   a  and  2   b  face each other, that is, the direction that is parallel to the main surfaces  2   c  and  2   d  is a second direction D 2 . The direction in which the pair of side surfaces  2   e  and  2   f  face each other is a third direction D 3 . In the present embodiment, the first direction D 1  is the height direction of the element  2 . The second direction D 2  is the longitudinal direction of the element  2  and is orthogonal to the first direction D 1 . The third direction D 3  is the width direction of the element  2  and is orthogonal to the first direction D 1  and the second direction D 2 . 
     The pair of end surfaces  2   a  and  2   b  extend in the first direction D 1  so as to interconnect the pair of main surfaces  2   c  and  2   d . The pair of end surfaces  2   a  and  2   b  also extend in the third direction D 3 , that is, the short side direction of the pair of main surfaces  2   c  and  2   d . The pair of side surfaces  2   e  and  2   f  extend in the first direction D 1  so as to interconnect the pair of main surfaces  2   c  and  2   d . The pair of side surfaces  2   e  and  2   f  also extend in the second direction D 2 , that is, the long side direction of the pair of end surfaces  2   a  and  2   b . The multilayer coil component  1  is, for example, solder-mounted onto an electronic device (such as a circuit board or an electronic component). In the multilayer coil component  1 , the main surface  2   d  constitutes a mounting surface facing the electronic device. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  2   , the element  2  is configured by a plurality of insulator layers  6  being stacked in the third direction D 3 . The element  2  has the plurality of insulator layers  6  that are stacked. In the element  2 , the direction in which the plurality of insulator layers  6  are stacked coincides with the third direction D 3 . In the actual element  2 , the insulator layers  6  are integrated to such an extent that the boundary between the insulator layers  6  cannot be visually recognized. For example, a magnetic material constitutes each insulator layer  6 . Examples of the magnetic material include 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 each insulator layer  6  may contain a Fe alloy. A non-magnetic material may constitute each insulator layer  6 . Examples of the non-magnetic material include a glass ceramic material and a dielectric material. In the present embodiment, a sintered body of a green sheet containing the magnetic material constitutes each insulator layer  6 . 
     The terminal electrode  4  is disposed on the end surface  2   a  side of the element  2 . The terminal electrode  5  is disposed on the end surface  2   b  side of the element  2 . The pair of terminal electrodes  4  and  5  are separated from each other in the second direction D 2 . Each of the terminal electrodes  4  and  5  is embedded in the element  2 . Each of the terminal electrodes  4  and  5  is disposed in a recessed portion formed in the element  2 . The terminal electrode  4  is disposed over the end surface  2   a  and the main surface  2   d . The terminal electrode  5  is disposed over the end surface  2   b  and the main surface  2   d . In the present embodiment, the surface of the terminal electrode  4  is substantially flush with each of the end surface  2   a  and the main surface  2   d . The surface of the terminal electrode  5  is substantially flush with each of the end surface  2   b  and the main surface  2   d.    
     Each of the terminal electrodes  4  and  5  contains a conductive material. The conductive material contains, for example, Ag or Pd. Each of the terminal electrodes  4  and  5  is configured as a sintered body of conductive paste containing conductive material powder. Examples of the conductive material powder include Ag powder and Pd powder. A plating layer may be formed on the surface of each of the terminal electrodes  4  and  5 . The plating layer is formed by, for example, electroplating or electroless plating. The plating layer contains, for example, Ni, Sn, or Au. 
     The terminal electrode  4  has an L shape when viewed from the third direction D 3 . The terminal electrode  4  has a plurality of electrode parts  4   a  and  4   b . In the present embodiment, the terminal electrode  4  has a pair of electrode parts  4   a  and  4   b . The electrode part  4   a  and the electrode part  4   b  are connected in the ridge line portion of the element  2  and are electrically connected to each other. In the present embodiment, the electrode part  4   a  and the electrode part  4   b  are integrally formed. The electrode part  4   a  extends along the first direction D 1 . The electrode part  4   a  has a rectangular shape when viewed from the second direction D 2 . The electrode part  4   b  extends along the second direction D 2 . The electrode part  4   b  has a rectangular shape when viewed from the first direction D 1 . Each of the electrode parts  4   a  and  4   b  extends along the third direction D 3 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  2   , the terminal electrode  4  is configured by a plurality of electrode layers  10  being stacked. In the present embodiment, the terminal electrode  4  has the plurality of electrode layers  10  that are stacked. In the present embodiment, the number of the electrode layers  10  is “9”. Each electrode layer  10  is provided in a defect portion formed in the corresponding insulator layer  6 . The electrode layer  10  is formed by the conductive paste that is positioned in the defect portion formed in the green sheet being fired. The green sheet and the conductive paste are fired at the same time. Accordingly, when the insulator layer  6  is obtained from the green sheet, the electrode layer  10  is obtained from the conductive paste. In the actual terminal electrode  4 , the electrode layers  10  are integrated to such an extent that the boundary between the electrode layers  10  cannot be visually recognized. The defect portion formed in the green sheet allows the recessed portion of the fired element  2  where the terminal electrode  4  is disposed to be obtained. 
     Each electrode layer  10  has an L shape when viewed from the third direction D 3 . The electrode layer  10  has a plurality of layer parts  10   a  and  10   b . In the present embodiment, the electrode layer  10  has a pair of layer parts  10   a  and  10   b . The layer part  10   a  extends along the first direction D 1 . The layer part  10   b  extends along the second direction D 2 . The electrode part  4   a  is configured by the layer parts  10   a  of the electrode layers  10  being stacked. At the electrode part  4   a , the layer parts  10   a  are integrated to such an extent that the boundary between the layer parts  10   a  cannot be visually recognized. The electrode part  4   b  is configured by the layer parts  10   b  of the electrode layers  10  being stacked. At the electrode part  4   b , the layer parts  10   b  are integrated to such an extent that the boundary between the layer parts  10   b  cannot be visually recognized. 
     The terminal electrode  5  has an L shape when viewed from the third direction D 3 . The terminal electrode  5  has a plurality of electrode parts  5   a  and  5   b . In the present embodiment, the terminal electrode  5  has a pair of electrode parts  5   a  and  5   b . The electrode part  5   a  and the electrode part  5   b  are connected in the ridge line portion of the element  2  and are electrically connected to each other. In the present embodiment, the electrode part  5   a  and the electrode part  5   b  are integrally formed. The electrode part  5   a  extends along the first direction D 1 . The electrode part  5   a  has a rectangular shape when viewed from the second direction D 2 . The electrode part  5   b  extends along the second direction D 2 . The electrode part  5   b  has a rectangular shape when viewed from the first direction D 1 . Each of the electrode parts  5   a  and  5   b  extends along the third direction D 3 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  2   , the terminal electrode  5  is configured by a plurality of electrode layers  11  being stacked. In the present embodiment, the terminal electrode  5  has the plurality of electrode layers  11  that are stacked. In the present embodiment, the number of the electrode layers  11  is “9”. Each electrode layer  11  is provided in a defect portion formed in the corresponding insulator layer  6 . The electrode layer  11  is formed by the conductive paste that is positioned in the defect portion formed in the green sheet being fired. As described above, the green sheet and the conductive paste are fired at the same time. Accordingly, when the insulator layer  6  is obtained from the green sheet, the electrode layer  10  is obtained and the electrode layer  11  is obtained from the conductive paste. In the actual terminal electrode  5 , the electrode layers  11  are integrated to such an extent that the boundary between the electrode layers  11  cannot be visually recognized. The defect portion formed in the green sheet allows the recessed portion of the fired element  2  where the terminal electrode  5  is disposed to be obtained. 
     Each electrode layer  11  has an L shape when viewed from the third direction D 3 . The electrode layer  11  has a plurality of layer parts  11   a  and  11   b . In the present embodiment, the electrode layer  11  has a pair of layer parts  11   a  and  11   b . The layer part  11   a  extends along the first direction D 1 . The layer part  11   b  extends along the second direction D 2 . The electrode part  5   a  is configured by the layer parts  11   a  of the electrode layers  11  being stacked. At the electrode part  5   a , the layer parts  11   a  are integrated to such an extent that the boundary between the layer parts  11   a  cannot be visually recognized. The electrode part  5   b  is configured by the layer parts  11   b  of the electrode layers  11  being stacked. At the electrode part  5   b , the layer parts  11   b  are integrated to such an extent that the boundary between the layer parts  11   b  cannot be visually recognized. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  3   , the multilayer coil component  1  is provided with a coil  8  disposed in the element  2 . A coil axis AX of the coil  8  extends along the third direction D 3 . The outer shape of the coil  8  has a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from the direction that is along the third direction D 3 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  2   , the coil  8  has a first coil conductor  20 , a second coil conductor  21 , a third coil conductor  22 , a fourth coil conductor  23 , and a fifth coil conductor  24 . The first coil conductor  20 , the second coil conductor  21 , the third coil conductor  22 , the fourth coil conductor  23 , and the fifth coil conductor  24  are disposed along the third direction D 3  in the order of the first coil conductor  20 , the second coil conductor  21 , the third coil conductor  22 , the fourth coil conductor  23 , and the fifth coil conductor  24 . The first coil conductor  20 , the second coil conductor  21 , the third coil conductor  22 , the fourth coil conductor  23 , and the fifth coil conductor  24  substantially have a shape in which a part of a loop is interrupted and have one and the other ends. The first coil conductor  20 , the second coil conductor  21 , the third coil conductor  22 , the fourth coil conductor  23 , and the fifth coil conductor  24  have parts linearly extending along the first direction D 1  and the second direction D 2 . The first coil conductor  20 , the second coil conductor  21 , the third coil conductor  22 , the fourth coil conductor  23 , and the fifth coil conductor  24  are formed so as to have a predetermined width. 
     The coil  8  has a first connection conductor  30 , a second connection conductor  31 , a third connection conductor  32 , a fourth connection conductor  33 , a fifth connection conductor  34 , a sixth connection conductor  35 , a seventh connection conductor  36 , and an eighth connection conductor  37 . The first connection conductor  30  and the second connection conductor  31 , the third connection conductor  32  and the fourth connection conductor  33 , the fifth connection conductor  34  and the sixth connection conductor  35 , and the seventh connection conductor  36  and the eighth connection conductor  37  are disposed along the third direction D 3  in the order of the first connection conductor  30  and the second connection conductor  31 , the third connection conductor  32  and the fourth connection conductor  33 , the fifth connection conductor  34  and the sixth connection conductor  35 , and the seventh connection conductor  36  and the eighth connection conductor  37 . 
     The first coil conductor  20  is positioned in the same layer as one electrode layer  10  and one electrode layer  11 . The first coil conductor  20  is connected to the electrode layer  11  via a connecting conductor  25 . The connecting conductor  25  is positioned in the same layer as the first coil conductor  20 . One end of the first coil conductor  20  is connected to the connecting conductor  25 . The connecting conductor  25  is connected to the layer part  11   a . The connecting conductor  25  connects the first coil conductor  20  and the electrode layer  11  to each other. The connecting conductor  25  may be connected to the layer part  11   b . The first coil conductor  20  is separated from the electrode layer  10  positioned in the same layer. In the present embodiment, the first coil conductor  20 , the connecting conductor  25 , and the electrode layer  11  are integrally formed. 
     The first connection conductor  30  and the second connection conductor  31  are disposed on the insulator layer  6  between the first coil conductor  20  and the second coil conductor  21 . One electrode layer  10  and one electrode layer  11  are positioned on the insulator layer  6  where the first connection conductor  30  and the second connection conductor  31  are disposed. The first connection conductor  30  and the second connection conductor  31  are separated from the electrode layers  10  and  11  positioned in the same layer. The first connection conductor  30  and the second connection conductor  31  are connected to the other end of the first coil conductor  20  and are connected to one end of the second coil conductor  21 . The first connection conductor  30  and the second connection conductor  31  connect the first coil conductor  20  and the second coil conductor  21  to each other. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  3   , each of the first connection conductor  30  and the second connection conductor  31  has a rectangular shape. As viewed from the third direction D 3 , the length of an outer periphery  30   a  of the first connection conductor  30  is equivalent to the length of an outer periphery  31   a  of the second connection conductor  31 . In other words, as viewed from the third direction D 3 , the cross-sectional area of the first connection conductor  30  (cross-sectional area in a plane along the first direction D 1  and the second direction D 2 ) is equivalent to the cross-sectional area of the second connection conductor  31 . The equivalence does not necessarily mean equal values. The values may be equivalent even in a case where the values include a slight difference, a manufacturing error, or a measurement error within a preset range. 
     Each of the first connection conductor  30  and the second connection conductor  31  is disposed so as to have a longitudinal direction along the second direction D 2 . Each of the first connection conductor  30  and the second connection conductor  31  is disposed such that the longitudinal direction is along the extension direction of the first coil conductor  20  and the second coil conductor  21 . The first connection conductor  30  and the second connection conductor  31  are disposed so as to overlap the other end of the first coil conductor  20  and one end of the second coil conductor  21  when viewed from the third direction D 3 . Specifically, the first connection conductor  30  and the second connection conductor  31  are spaced apart in the first direction D 1 . In other words, the first connection conductor  30  and the second connection conductor  31  are spaced apart only in the direction intersecting with the extension direction of the first coil conductor  20  and the second coil conductor  21  (second direction D 2 ) at the position of the connection by the first connection conductor  30  and the second connection conductor  31 . In other words, the first connection conductor  30  and the second connection conductor  31  are not disposed side by side in the direction along the extension direction of the first coil conductor  20  and the second coil conductor  21 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  2   , the second coil conductor  21  is positioned in the same layer as one electrode layer  10  and one electrode layer  11 . The second coil conductor  21  is separated from the electrode layers  10  and  11  positioned in the same layer. The first coil conductor  20  and the second coil conductor  21  are adjacent to each other in the third direction D 3  with the insulator layer  6  interposed between the first coil conductor  20  and the second coil conductor  21 . The other end of the first coil conductor  20  and one end of the second coil conductor  21  overlap each other when viewed from the third direction D 3 . 
     The third connection conductor  32  and the fourth connection conductor  33  are disposed on the insulator layer  6  between the second coil conductor  21  and the third coil conductor  22 . One electrode layer  10  and one electrode layer  11  are positioned on the insulator layer  6  where the third connection conductor  32  and the fourth connection conductor  33  are disposed. The third connection conductor  32  and the fourth connection conductor  33  are separated from the electrode layers  10  and  11  positioned in the same layer. The third connection conductor  32  and the fourth connection conductor  33  are connected to the other end of the second coil conductor  21  and are connected to one end of the third coil conductor  22 . The third connection conductor  32  and the fourth connection conductor  33  connect the second coil conductor  21  and the third coil conductor  22  to each other. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  3   , each of the third connection conductor  32  and the fourth connection conductor  33  has a rectangular shape. As viewed from the third direction D 3 , the length of an outer periphery  32   a  of the third connection conductor  32  is equivalent to the length of an outer periphery  33   a  of the fourth connection conductor  33 . In other words, as viewed from the third direction D 3 , the cross-sectional area of the third connection conductor  32  (cross-sectional area in the plane along the first direction D 1  and the second direction D 2 ) is equivalent to the cross-sectional area of the fourth connection conductor  33 . 
     Each of the third connection conductor  32  and the fourth connection conductor  33  is disposed so as to have a longitudinal direction along the first direction D 1 . Each of the third connection conductor  32  and the fourth connection conductor  33  is disposed such that the longitudinal direction is along the extension direction of the second coil conductor  21  and the third coil conductor  22 . The third connection conductor  32  and the fourth connection conductor  33  are disposed so as to overlap the other end of the second coil conductor  21  and one end of the third coil conductor  22  when viewed from the third direction D 3 . Specifically, the third connection conductor  32  and the fourth connection conductor  33  are spaced apart in the second direction D 2 . In other words, the third connection conductor  32  and the fourth connection conductor  33  are spaced apart only in the direction intersecting with the extension direction of the second coil conductor  21  and the third coil conductor  22  (first direction D 1 ) at the position of the connection by the third connection conductor  32  and the fourth connection conductor  33 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  2   , the third coil conductor  22  is positioned in the same layer as one electrode layer  10  and one electrode layer  11 . The third coil conductor  22  is separated from the electrode layers  10  and  11  positioned in the same layer. The second coil conductor  21  and the third coil conductor  22  are adjacent to each other in the third direction D 3  with the insulator layer  6  interposed between the second coil conductor  21  and the third coil conductor  22 . The other end of the second coil conductor  21  and one end of the third coil conductor  22  overlap each other when viewed from the third direction D 3 . 
     The fifth connection conductor  34  and the sixth connection conductor  35  are disposed on the insulator layer  6  between the third coil conductor  22  and the fourth coil conductor  23 . One electrode layer  10  and one electrode layer  11  are positioned on the insulator layer  6  where the fifth connection conductor  34  and the sixth connection conductor  35  are disposed. The fifth connection conductor  34  and the sixth connection conductor  35  are separated from the electrode layers  10  and  11  positioned in the same layer. The fifth connection conductor  34  and the sixth connection conductor  35  are connected to the other end of the third coil conductor  22  and are connected to one end of the fourth coil conductor  23 . The fifth connection conductor  34  and the sixth connection conductor  35  connect the third coil conductor  22  and the fourth coil conductor  23  to each other. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  3   , each of the fifth connection conductor  34  and the sixth connection conductor  35  has a rectangular shape. As viewed from the third direction D 3 , the length of an outer periphery  34   a  of the fifth connection conductor  34  is equivalent to the length of an outer periphery  35   a  of the sixth connection conductor  35 . In other words, as viewed from the third direction D 3 , the cross-sectional area of the fifth connection conductor  34  (cross-sectional area in the plane along the first direction D 1  and the second direction D 2 ) is equivalent to the cross-sectional area of the sixth connection conductor  35 . 
     Each of the fifth connection conductor  34  and the sixth connection conductor  35  is disposed so as to have a longitudinal direction along the second direction D 2 . Each of the fifth connection conductor  34  and the sixth connection conductor  35  is disposed such that the longitudinal direction is along the extension direction of the third coil conductor  22  and the fourth coil conductor  23 . The fifth connection conductor  34  and the sixth connection conductor  35  are disposed so as to overlap the other end of the third coil conductor  22  and one end of the fourth coil conductor  23  when viewed from the third direction D 3 . Specifically, the fifth connection conductor  34  and the sixth connection conductor  35  are spaced apart in the first direction D 1 . In other words, the fifth connection conductor  34  and the sixth connection conductor  35  are spaced apart only in the direction intersecting with the extension direction of the third coil conductor  22  and the fourth coil conductor  23  (second direction D 2 ) at the position of the connection by the fifth connection conductor  34  and the sixth connection conductor  35 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  2   , the fourth coil conductor  23  is positioned in the same layer as one electrode layer  10  and one electrode layer  11 . The fourth coil conductor  23  is separated from the electrode layers  10  and  11  positioned in the same layer. The third coil conductor  22  and the fourth coil conductor  23  are adjacent to each other in the third direction D 3  with the insulator layer  6  interposed between the third coil conductor  22  and the fourth coil conductor  23 . The other end of the third coil conductor  22  and one end of the fourth coil conductor  23  overlap each other when viewed from the third direction D 3 . 
     The seventh connection conductor  36  and the eighth connection conductor  37  are disposed on the insulator layer  6  between the fourth coil conductor  23  and the fifth coil conductor  24 . One electrode layer  10  and one electrode layer  11  are positioned on the insulator layer  6  where the seventh connection conductor  36  and the eighth connection conductor  37  are disposed. The seventh connection conductor  36  and the eighth connection conductor  37  are separated from the electrode layers  10  and  11  positioned in the same layer. The seventh connection conductor  36  and the eighth connection conductor  37  are connected to the other end of the fourth coil conductor  23  and are connected to one end of the fifth coil conductor  24 . The seventh connection conductor  36  and the eighth connection conductor  37  connect the fourth coil conductor  23  and the fifth coil conductor  24  to each other. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  3   , each of the seventh connection conductor  36  and the eighth connection conductor  37  has a rectangular shape. As viewed from the third direction D 3 , the length of an outer periphery  36   a  of the seventh connection conductor  36  is equivalent to the length of an outer periphery  37   a  of the eighth connection conductor  37 . In other words, as viewed from the third direction D 3 , the cross-sectional area of the seventh connection conductor  36  (cross-sectional area in the plane along the first direction D 1  and the second direction D 2 ) is equivalent to the cross-sectional area of the eighth connection conductor  37 . 
     Each of the seventh connection conductor  36  and the eighth connection conductor  37  is disposed so as to have a longitudinal direction along the first direction D 1 . Each of the seventh connection conductor  36  and the eighth connection conductor  37  is disposed such that the longitudinal direction is along the extension direction of the fourth coil conductor  23  and the fifth coil conductor  24 . The seventh connection conductor  36  and the eighth connection conductor  37  are disposed so as to overlap the other end of the fourth coil conductor  23  and one end of the fifth coil conductor  24  when viewed from the third direction D 3 . Specifically, the seventh connection conductor  36  and the eighth connection conductor  37  are spaced apart in the second direction D 2 . In other words, the seventh connection conductor  36  and the eighth connection conductor  37  are spaced apart only in the direction intersecting with the extension direction of the fourth coil conductor  23  and the fifth coil conductor  24  (first direction D 1 ) at the position of the connection by the seventh connection conductor  36  and the eighth connection conductor  37 . 
     The fifth coil conductor  24  is positioned in the same layer as one electrode layer  10  and one electrode layer  11 . The fifth coil conductor  24  is connected to the electrode layer  10  via a connecting conductor  26 . The connecting conductor  26  is positioned in the same layer as the fifth coil conductor  24 . The other end of the fifth coil conductor  24  is connected to the connecting conductor  26 . The connecting conductor  26  is connected to the layer part  10   a . The connecting conductor  26  connects the fifth coil conductor  24  and the electrode layer  10  to each other. The connecting conductor  26  may be connected to the layer part  10   b . The fifth coil conductor  24  is separated from the electrode layer  11  positioned in the same layer. In the present embodiment, the fifth coil conductor  24 , the connecting conductor  26 , and the electrode layer  10  are integrally formed. 
     The first coil conductor  20 , the second coil conductor  21 , the third coil conductor  22 , the fourth coil conductor  23 , and the fifth coil conductor  24  are electrically connected through the first connection conductor  30 , the second connection conductor  31 , the third connection conductor  32 , the fourth connection conductor  33 , the fifth connection conductor  34 , the sixth connection conductor  35 , the seventh connection conductor  36 , and the eighth connection conductor  37 . The first coil conductor  20 , the second coil conductor  21 , the third coil conductor  22 , the fourth coil conductor  23 , and the fifth coil conductor  24  constitute the coil  8 . The coil  8  is electrically connected to the terminal electrode  5  through the connecting conductor  25 . The coil  8  is electrically connected to the terminal electrode  4  through the connecting conductor  26 . 
     The first coil conductor  20 , the second coil conductor  21 , the third coil conductor  22 , the fourth coil conductor  23 , and the fifth coil conductor  24 , the connecting conductors  25  and  26 , and the first connection conductor  30 , the second connection conductor  31 , the third connection conductor  32 , the fourth connection conductor  33 , the fifth connection conductor  34 , the sixth connection conductor  35 , the seventh connection conductor  36 , and the eighth connection conductor  37  contain a conductive material. The conductive material contains Ag or Pd. The first coil conductor  20 , the second coil conductor  21 , the third coil conductor  22 , the fourth coil conductor  23 , and the fifth coil conductor  24 , the connecting conductors  25  and  26 , and the first connection conductor  30 , the second connection conductor  31 , the third connection conductor  32 , the fourth connection conductor  33 , the fifth connection conductor  34 , the sixth connection conductor  35 , the seventh connection conductor  36 , and the eighth connection conductor  37  are configured as sintered bodies of conductive paste containing conductive material powder. Examples of the conductive material powder include Ag powder and Pd powder. 
     In the present embodiment, the first coil conductor  20 , the second coil conductor  21 , the third coil conductor  22 , the fourth coil conductor  23 , and the fifth coil conductor  24 , the connecting conductors  25  and  26 , and the first connection conductor  30 , the second connection conductor  31 , the third connection conductor  32 , the fourth connection conductor  33 , the fifth connection conductor  34 , the sixth connection conductor  35 , the seventh connection conductor  36 , and the eighth connection conductor  37  contain the same conductive material as each of the terminal electrodes  4  and  5 . The first coil conductor  20 , the second coil conductor  21 , the third coil conductor  22 , the fourth coil conductor  23 , and the fifth coil conductor  24 , the connecting conductors  25  and  26 , and the first connection conductor  30 , the second connection conductor  31 , the third connection conductor  32 , the fourth connection conductor  33 , the fifth connection conductor  34 , the sixth connection conductor  35 , the seventh connection conductor  36 , and the eighth connection conductor  37  may contain a conductive material different from the conductive material of each of the terminal electrodes  4  and  5 . 
     The first coil conductor  20 , the second coil conductor  21 , the third coil conductor  22 , the fourth coil conductor  23 , and the fifth coil conductor  24 , the connecting conductors  25  and  26 , and the first connection conductor  30 , the second connection conductor  31 , the third connection conductor  32 , the fourth connection conductor  33 , the fifth connection conductor  34 , the sixth connection conductor  35 , the seventh connection conductor  36 , and the eighth connection conductor  37  are provided in the defect portion formed in the corresponding insulator layer  6 . The first coil conductor  20 , the second coil conductor  21 , the third coil conductor  22 , the fourth coil conductor  23 , and the fifth coil conductor  24 , the connecting conductors  25  and  26 , and the first connection conductor  30 , the second connection conductor  31 , the third connection conductor  32 , the fourth connection conductor  33 , the fifth connection conductor  34 , the sixth connection conductor  35 , the seventh connection conductor  36 , and the eighth connection conductor  37  are formed by the conductive paste that is positioned in the defect portion formed in the green sheet being fired. As described above, the green sheet and the conductive paste are fired at the same time. Accordingly, when the insulator layer  6  is obtained from the green sheet, each of the first coil conductor  20 , the second coil conductor  21 , the third coil conductor  22 , the fourth coil conductor  23 , and the fifth coil conductor  24 , the connecting conductors  25  and  26 , and the first connection conductor  30 , the second connection conductor  31 , the third connection conductor  32 , the fourth connection conductor  33 , the fifth connection conductor  34 , the sixth connection conductor  35 , the seventh connection conductor  36 , and the eighth connection conductor  37  is obtained from the conductive paste. 
     The defect portion formed in the green sheet is formed by, for example, the following process. First, the green sheet is formed by element paste that contains a photosensitive material and the constituent material of the insulator layer  6  being applied onto a base material. The base material is, for example, a PET film. The photosensitive material contained in the element paste may be either a negative-type photosensitive material or a positive-type photosensitive material and a known photosensitive material can be used as the photosensitive material contained in the element paste. Next, the green sheet is exposed and developed by a photolithography method and by means of a mask corresponding to the defect portion, which results in defect portion formation in the green sheet on the base material. The green sheet where the defect portion is formed is an element pattern. 
     The electrode layers  10  and  11 , the first coil conductor  20 , the second coil conductor  21 , the third coil conductor  22 , the fourth coil conductor  23 , and the fifth coil conductor  24 , the connecting conductors  25  and  26 , and the first connection conductor  30 , the second connection conductor  31 , the third connection conductor  32 , the fourth connection conductor  33 , the fifth connection conductor  34 , the sixth connection conductor  35 , the seventh connection conductor  36 , and the eighth connection conductor  37  are formed by, for example, the following process. 
     First, a conductor material layer is formed by conductive paste that contains a photosensitive material being applied onto a base material. The photosensitive material contained in the conductive paste may be either a negative-type photosensitive material or a positive-type photosensitive material and a known photosensitive material can be used as the photosensitive material contained in the conductive paste. Next, the conductor material layer is exposed and developed by a photolithography method and by means of a mask corresponding to the defect portion, and then a conductor pattern corresponding to the shape of the defect portion is formed on the base material. 
     The multilayer coil component  1  is obtained by, for example, the following process following the process described above. A sheet in which the element pattern and the conductor pattern are in the same layer is prepared by the conductor pattern being combined with the defect portion of the element pattern. A predetermined number of the sheets are prepared, a laminate is obtained by the sheets being stacked, the laminate is heat-treated, and then a plurality of green chips are obtained from the laminate. In this process, the green laminate is cut into chips by means of a cutting machine or the like. As a result, the plurality of green chips having a predetermined size can be obtained. Next, the green chip is fired. The multilayer coil component  1  is obtained as a result of the firing. The terminal electrodes  4  and  5  and the coil  8  are integrally formed in the multilayer coil component  1 . 
     As described above, in the multilayer coil component  1  according to the present embodiment, the first connection conductor  30  and the second connection conductor  31  are spaced apart only in the direction intersecting with the extension direction of the first coil conductor  20  and the second coil conductor  21  at the position of the connection by the first connection conductor  30  and the second connection conductor  31  when viewed from the third direction D 3 . In other words, the first connection conductor  30  and the second connection conductor  31  are spaced apart in a direction that is not along the extension direction of the first coil conductor  20  and the second coil conductor  21 . As a result, when a current flows through the coil  8  in the multilayer coil component  1 , the current flows evenly (in a distributed manner) with respect to the first connection conductor  30  and the second connection conductor  31 . Accordingly, in the multilayer coil component  1 , it is possible to avoid resistance becoming high and the current flow becoming difficult due to current concentration on one connection conductor. Therefore, degradation of characteristics can be suppressed in the multilayer coil component  1 . 
     In the multilayer coil component  1  according to the present embodiment, each of the first connection conductor  30  and the second connection conductor  31  has a shape along the first coil conductor  20  and the second coil conductor  21  when viewed from the third direction D 3 . In this configuration, the surface areas of the first connection conductor  30  and the second connection conductor  31  can be ensured. Accordingly, an increase in the resistance of the first connection conductor  30  and the second connection conductor  31  can be suppressed, even in the case of current concentration on the surfaces of the first connection conductor  30  and the second connection conductor  31  attributable to a skin effect, since the surface areas are large. 
     In the multilayer coil component  1 , the third connection conductor  32  and the fourth connection conductor  33 , the fifth connection conductor  34  and the sixth connection conductor  35 , and the seventh connection conductor  36  and the eighth connection conductor  37  have the same configuration as the first connection conductor  30  and the second connection conductor  31 . Accordingly, in the multilayer coil component  1 , the same action and effect as in the first connection conductor  30  and the second connection conductor  31  can be obtained in the third connection conductor  32  and the fourth connection conductor  33 , the fifth connection conductor  34  and the sixth connection conductor  35 , and the seventh connection conductor  36  and the eighth connection conductor  37 . 
     Although an embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not necessarily limited to the embodiment described above and various modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention. 
     In the embodiment described above, a form in which the first connection conductor  30 , the second connection conductor  31 , the third connection conductor  32 , the fourth connection conductor  33 , the fifth connection conductor  34 , the sixth connection conductor  35 , the seventh connection conductor  36 , and the eighth connection conductor  37  have a rectangular shape has been described as an example. However, the connection conductors are not limited to the shape described above. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  4 A , an irregularity  42  is formed at a part of an outer periphery  40   a  of a connection conductor  40 . Specifically, when viewed from the third direction D 3 , the irregularity  42  is formed at a part that faces a connection conductor  41  disposed so as to face the irregularity  42 . The irregularity  42  has a triangular shape. An irregularity  43  is formed at a part of an outer periphery  41   a  of the connection conductor  41 . Specifically, when viewed from the third direction D 3 , the irregularity  43  is formed at a part that faces the connection conductor  40  disposed so as to face the irregularity  43 . The irregularity  43  has a triangular shape. When viewed from the third direction D 3 , the projecting portion of the other connection conductor  41  is disposed in the recessed portion of one connection conductor  40  in the pair of connection conductors  40  and  41  disposed so as to face each other. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  4 B , an irregularity  52  is formed at a part of an outer periphery  50   a  of a connection conductor  50 . Specifically, when viewed from the third direction D 3 , the irregularity  52  is formed at a part that faces a connection conductor  51  disposed so as to face the irregularity  52 . The irregularity  52  has a triangular shape. An irregularity  53  is formed at a part of an outer periphery  51   a  of the connection conductor  51 . Specifically, when viewed from the third direction D 3 , the irregularity  53  is formed at a part that faces the connection conductor  50  disposed so as to face the irregularity  53 . The irregularity  53  has a triangular shape. When viewed from the third direction D 3 , the projecting portion of the other connection conductor  51  is disposed in the recessed portion of one connection conductor  50  in the pair of connection conductors  50  and  51  disposed so as to face each other. 
     In the connection conductors  40 ,  41 ,  50 , and  51 , the irregularities  42 ,  43 ,  52 , and  53  are formed on the outer peripheries  40   a ,  41   a ,  50   a , and  51   a . In this configuration, the surface areas of the connection conductors  40 ,  41 ,  50 , and  51  can be increased. As a result, the surface areas of the connection conductors  40 ,  41 ,  50 , and  51  through which a current is capable of flowing in the skin effect are increased, and thus an increase in the resistance of the connection conductors  40 ,  41 ,  50 , and  51  can be further suppressed. In addition, in the connection conductors  40 ,  41 ,  50 , and  51 , the projecting portions of the irregularities  43  and  53  of the other connection conductors  41  and  51  are disposed in the recessed portions of the irregularities  42  and  52  of one connection conductors  40  and  50 . In this configuration, the contact area between the coil conductor and the connection conductors  40 ,  41 ,  50 , and  51  can be ensured (to the maximum). Accordingly, a current is capable of easily flowing through the coil  8 . 
     In the embodiment described above, a form in which the coil  8  has the first coil conductor  20 , the second coil conductor  21 , the third coil conductor  22 , the fourth coil conductor  23 , and the fifth coil conductor  24 , the connecting conductors  25  and  26 , and the first connection conductor  30 , the second connection conductor  31 , the third connection conductor  32 , the fourth connection conductor  33 , the fifth connection conductor  34 , the sixth connection conductor  35 , the seventh connection conductor  36 , and the eighth connection conductor  37  has been described as an example. However, the number of conductors constituting the coil  8  is not limited to the value described above. 
     In the embodiment described above, a form in which one coil conductor and another coil conductor are connected by two connection conductors has been described as an example. However, one coil conductor and another coil conductor may be connected by three or more connection conductors. 
     In the embodiment described above, a form in which the coil axis AX of the coil  8  extends along the third direction D 3  has been described as an example. However, the coil axis AX of the coil  8  may extend along the first direction D 1  In this case, the direction in which the plurality of insulator layers  6  are stacked coincides with the first direction D 1 . 
     In the embodiment described above, a form in which the terminal electrode  4  has the electrode part  4   a  and the electrode part  4   b  has been described as an example. However, the terminal electrode  4  may have only the electrode part  4   a  and may have only the electrode part  4   b . Likewise, the terminal electrode  5  may have only the electrode part  5   a  and may have only the electrode part  5   b . Each of the terminal electrodes  4  and  5  may not be disposed in the recessed portion formed in the element  2 . In this case, each of the terminal electrodes  4  and  5  is disposed on the surface of an element where no recessed portion is formed.