Patent ID: 12230435

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments according to the present application are explained below with reference toFIGS.1-14. In regards to the embodiments, redundant explanations with respect to the same configurations are omitted but the same reference numerals are used for labeling in the drawings.

As shown in any drawing amongFIGS.1-14, a coil component100according to the embodiments of the present application has a core body10(alternately, a core, a core molding, a core mold, or a molded core), a coil60, and a metal terminal(s)50. Specifically, the core body10is formed of (made of or includes) a magnetic substance material (magnetic material). The coil60has an embedded part61that is embedded in the core body10(for instance, shown inFIGS.8A and9) and a protruding part(s) (a first protruding part62and a second protruding part63, for instance, shown inFIG.8A) that protrudes from the core body10. Further, the metal terminal50is electrically connected to the protruding part of the coil60.

The core body10has a mounting surface11(for instance, shown inFIG.7), an upper surface12, and a side surface(s). Specifically, the upper surface12faces an opposite side to the mounting surface11. In other words, the mounting surface11and the upper surface12are outwardly opposite to each other. The side surfaces join (cross) (or are orthogonal to) the mounting surface11and the upper surface12. For instance, the side surfaces are a front surface13, a rear surface14, a left side surface15, a right side surface16, a front left surface21, a rear left surface22, a rear right surface23, and a front right surface24.

The metal terminal50has a first planar part (first plate)51, a second planar part (second plate)52, and a third planar part (third plate)53. Specifically, the first planar part51is arranged along the side surface of the core body10. The second planar part52is continuously connected to an upper end (edge) of the first planar part51and is arranged along the upper surface12of the core body10. Further, the third planar part53is continuously connected to a lower end (edge) of the first planar part51and is arranged along the mounting surface11of the core body10. The first, second, and third planar parts51,52, and53are integrally formed. In other words, a monolithic member (monolithic metal plate) configures the first, second, and third planar parts51,52, and53.

A leading edge (tip edge or forefront edge) of the second planar part52is a first recess-shaped part (first arc-shaped part or first arc part)52a(for instance, shown inFIG.8A). Specifically, the first recess-shaped part52ais hollowed (recessed or depressed) toward an upper end (edge) side of the first planar part51and the leading edge of the first recess-shaped part52ais formed to be in a planar shape (arc-planar shape). The upper edge side of the first planar part51is a base end side of the second planar part52. A recessed part30is formed in the upper surface12of the core body10. The second planar part52is arranged in the recessed part30of the upper surface12. A second recess-shaped part (second arc-shaped part or second arc part)30a(for instance, shown inFIG.8A) of the recessed part30corresponds to or is formed along the first recess-shaped part52a. The second recess-shaped part30ais formed to be in a planar shape (arc-planar shape) along the planar shape of the first recess-shaped part52a. In other words, the second recess-shaped part30aof the recessed part30extends along a configuration (shape) of the first recess-shaped part52aas shown inFIGS.1,6,8A, and10.

According to the embodiment of the present application, because the first recess-shaped part52aand the second recess-shaped part30aare provided, the area of a region that can be sucked (subject to a vacuum) by a suction nozzle of a mounter (not shown) can be sufficiently secured and ensured on the upper surface12. Note that because a suction nozzle (a suction area of the suction nozzle) is generally in a circular shape (such as “R2” shown inFIG.8A), the sucked region is efficiently secured on the upper surface12of the core body10. As a result, the suction of the coil component100by the mounter can be performed more stably.

The coil component100according to the embodiments of the present application is explained in detail below. The core body10is formed by a compression molding of powders including a magnetic substance material. During the process of the compression molding, the embedded part61of the coil60is embedded into the core body10.

The shape of the core body10is not particularly limited. However, for instance, the core body10has the mounting surface11, the upper surface12, and a plurality of side surfaces that are respectively orthogonal to the mounting surface11and the upper surface12. The mounting surface11is formed to be flat except for, for instance, a pair of second recessed parts40described below. The upper surface12is formed to be flat except for, for instance, a pair of (first) recessed parts30. Further, the upper surface12is arranged in parallel to the mounting surface11.

For instance, the side surfaces of the core body10has the front surface13, the rear surface14, the left side surface15, and the right side surface16. Specifically, the rear surface14is arranged in parallel to the front surface13and faces the opposite side to the front surface13. The left side surface15is orthogonal to the front surface13and the rear surface14. Further, the right side surface16is arranged in parallel to the left side surface15and faces the opposite side to the left side surface15.

The core body10has, for instance, the front left surface21, the rear left surface22, the rear right surface23, and the front right surface24as the side surfaces. Specifically, the front left surface21is arranged between the front surface13and the left side surface15and connects the front surface13with the left side surface15. The rear left surface22is arranged between the left side surface15and the rear surface14and connects the left side surface15with the rear surface14. The rear right surface23is arranged between the rear surface14and the right side surface16and connects the rear surface14with the right side surface16. Further, the front right surface24is arranged between the right side surface16and the front surface13and connects the right side surface16with the front surface13. The front left surface21is, for instance, tilted relative to each of the front surface13and the left side surface15at an angle of 135 degrees. The rear left surface22is, for instance, tilted relative to each of the left side surface15and the rear surface14at an angle of 135 degrees. The rear right surface23is, for instance, tilted relative to each of the rear surface14and the right side surface16at an angle of 135 degrees. Further, the front right surface24is, for instance, tilted relative to each of the right side surface16and the front surface13at an angle of 135 degrees. For instance, all of the rear left surface22, the rear right surface23, and the front right surface24have the same shapes and the same sizes (the same areas). However, with respect to a width dimension, the front left surface21is smaller than the rear left surface22, the rear right surface23, and the front right surface24as shown inFIG.8A. With respect to an area, the front left surface21is smaller than the rear left surface22, the rear right surface23, and the front right surface24.

Each of the front surface13, the rear surface14, the left side surface15, the right side surface16, the front left surface21, the rear left surface22, the rear right surface23, and the front right surface24is, for instance, formed to be flat.

In the present embodiment, a pair of left and right (first) recessed parts30is formed on the upper surface12. A pair of left and right second recessed parts40is formed on the mounting surface11.

As an example, the coil60is configured by a single round wire. In this case, the coil60has the embedded part61that is configured by winding the (single) round wire and a pair of protruding parts (the first protruding part62and the second protruding part63) that protrude toward an outside in the radial direction from the embedded part61. An axis direction of the coil60is in the vertical direction. The first protruding part62is configured by one end of the (single) round wire. The second protruding part63is configured by the other end of the (single) round wire. The first protruding part62and the second protruding part63horizontally protrude from the embedded part61. For instance, the first protruding part62and the second protruding part63mutually protrude in the opposite directions from the embedded part61. The first protruding part62horizontally protrudes from, for instance, the lower part of the rear left surface22of the core body10. The second protruding part63horizontally protrudes from, for instance, the lower part of the front right surface24of the core body10. For instance, the protruding direction of the first protruding part62protruded from the rear left surface22is orthogonal to the rear left surface22. The protruding direction of the second protruding part63protruded from the front right surface24is orthogonal to the front right surface24.

Further, the coil60is not limited to be configured by the single round wire according to the embodiments of the present application. However, the coil60may be, for instance, an edgewise coil that is configured by winding a flat wire.

As shown inFIG.14, the metal terminal50is, for instance, configured by a folding process of a single metal plate.

The metal terminal50has the first planar part (first plate)51, the second planar part (second plate)52, and the third planar part (third plate)53that are respectively formed to be a flat-shaped plate. The second planar part52is continuously connected to the upper end of the first planar part51and is substantially orthogonal to the first planar part51. The third planar part53is continuously connected to the lower end of the first planar part51and is substantially orthogonal to the first planar part51. The second planar part52and the third planar part53are located at opposite positions to each other and are substantially parallel to each other (refer toFIG.9).

As shown inFIGS.4and5, the first planar part(s)51is, for instance, formed to be in a rectangular shape that is vertically long.

As shown inFIG.6, the second planar part(s)52is, for instance, formed to be in a rectangular shape that is longer in a front-rear direction than in a right-left direction in the plan view. However, the leading edge(s) of the second planar part(s)52is the first recess-shaped part(s) (first arc-shaped part or first arc part)52aas explained above. Further, it is preferred that a lateral width dimension (in the sight-left direction) of the second planar part(s)52is, for instance, more than two times of a plate thickness of the metal terminal50. It is also preferred that the lateral width dimension (in the sight-left direction) of the second planar part(s)52is, for instance, more than three times of the plate thickness of the metal terminal50. As a result of setting the dimensions of the second planar part52as explained above, the bending (folding) process of the metal terminal50to form the second planar part52can be stably performed.

As shown inFIG.7, the third planar part(s)53is, for instance, formed to be in a rectangular shape that is longer in the front-rear direction than in the right-left direction in the plan view.

Further, as shown inFIGS.4,5, and14, the metal terminal50has a fourth planar part (fourth plate)54and a fifth planar part (fifth plate)55. Specifically, the fourth planar part54is continuously connected to a side edge51aof the first planar part51and joins (crosses) the first planar part51. The fifth planar part55is continuously connected to a leading edge (tip edge or forefront edge)54aof the fourth planar part54and joins (crosses) the fourth planar part54. Because the fourth planar part54and the fifth planar part55are formed by the bending (folding) process of the metal terminal50, the side edge51aand the leasing edge54aare folds or ridges of the metal terminal50. The fourth planar part54and the fifth planar part55are also respectively formed to be a flat-shaped plate. As shown in such asFIGS.1-5, each of the fourth planar part54and the fifth planar part55is, for instance, formed to be in a rectangular shape that is vertically long.

In the plan view, an angle between the first planar part51and the fourth planar part54is, for instance, set to be 135 degrees (refer to such asFIG.8A). In the plan view, an angle between the fourth planar part54and the fifth planar part55is, for instance, set to be 90 degrees (refer to such asFIG.8A).

The first planar part51, the fourth planar part54, and the fifth planar part55are respectively vertically arranged or extend in the vertical (up and down) direction. The second planar part52and the third planar part53are respectively substantially horizontally arranged or substantially extend in the horizontal direction.

A welded piece (welded strip)56is formed at a lower end part of the fifth planar part55. The welded piece(s)56is welded to the protruding part(s) (the first protruding part62and the second protruding part63) of the coil60(refer to such asFIG.7).

In the present embodiment, the coil component100has a pair of left and right metal terminals (first and second metal terminals)50. For instance, the pair of metal terminals50are mutually formed to be in the same shapes and the same sizes.

The first planar part51of one (the left side) of the metal terminals50is arranged along the left side surface15. The second planar part52of this metal terminal50is arranged at or in the recessed part30on the left side. The third planar part53of this metal terminal50is arranged at or in the second recessed part40on the left side. The fourth planar part54of this metal terminal50on the left side is, for instance, arranged along the rear left surface22. Further, the fifth planar part55of this metal terminal50substantially vertically raises relative to (substantially uprises with respect to or substantially stands from) the rear left surface22.

The first planar part51of the other (the right side) of the metal terminals50is arranged along the right side surface16. The second planar part52of this metal terminal50is arranged at or in the recessed part30on the right side. The third planar part53of this metal terminal50is arranged at or in the second recessed part40on the right side. The fourth planar part54of this metal terminal50on the right side is, for instance, arranged along the front right surface24. Further, the fifth planar part55of this metal terminal50substantially vertically raises relative to (substantially uprises with respect to or substantially stands from) the front right surface24.

As explained above, the second recessed parts40at or in which the third planar parts53are arranged are formed on the mounting surface11.

Further, the fourth planar parts54are arranged along the side surfaces of the core body10. The fifth planar parts55raise relative to the side surfaces of the core body10.

Further, because the fifth planar parts55raise from the side surfaces of the core body10, the satisfactory or excellent heat dissipation from the fifth planar parts55can be realized. It is preferred that the vertical dimension (length) of each of the fifth planar parts55is half or more of the vertical dimension (length or height) of the core body10. It is more preferred that the vertical dimension (length) of each of the fifth planar parts55is two thirds or more of the vertical dimension (length or height) of the core body10.

For instance, the metal terminal50is adhered and fixed to the core body10. For instance, as shown inFIG.9, the first planar part51is in surface contact with the side surface of the core body10and is surface-joined to the core body10by an adhesive.

The welded piece56of the metal terminal50on the left side is welded to one of the protruding parts (the first protruding part62) of the coil60. Similarly, the welded piece56of the metal terminal50on the right side is welded to the other of the protruding parts (the second protruding part63) of the coil60.

For instance, the welded piece56and the first protruding part62of the metal terminal50on the left side are mutually welded at a first welding part71that is in a spherical shape. Similarly, the welded piece56and the second protruding part63of the metal terminal50on the right side are mutually welded at a second welding part72that is in a spherical shape.

As shown inFIGS.11and12, the recessed part30on the left side of the pair of left and right recessed parts30is arranged at the left end of the upper surface12. The recessed part30on the right side is arranged at the right end of the upper surface12.

For instance, each of the recessed parts30is configured with a first step31(a bottom surface), a first tilted (inclined) surface (wall)32(an upper tilted surface), a second step35, a second tilted surface36, and a pair of vertical surfaces (walls)37. Specifically, the first tilted surface32is arranged at the peripheral edge of the recessed part30. The second step35is arranged at a lower step as compared with the first step31. Further, the second tilted surface36is arranged between the first step31and the second step35and is tilted downward toward the side of the second step35from the side of the first step31.

The first step31occupies the most of the plane area of the recessed part30. A bottom surface of the first step31is substantially horizontally arranged. However, in the present embodiment, the first step31increases in depth as it becomes far from the side surface of the core body10.

The left edge of the first step31of the recessed part30on the left side linearly extends in the front-rear direction. Each of the front and rear edges of the first step31of the recessed part30on the left side linearly extends in the right-left direction. The second step35of the recessed part30on the left side linearly extends in the front-rear direction along the left edge of the first step31of the recessed part30on the left side, and at the same time, is substantially horizontally arranged. The left edge of the second step35of the recessed part30on the left side serves as the upper edge of the left side surface15at a position where the recessed part30on the left side is formed.

Similarly, the right edge of the first step31of the recessed part30on the right side linearly extends in the front-rear direction. Each of the front and rear edges of the first step31of the recessed part30on the right side linearly extends in the right-left direction. The second step35of the recessed part30on the right side linearly extends in the front-rear direction along the right edge of the first step31of the recessed part30on the right side, and at the same time, is substantially horizontally arranged. The right edge of the second step35of the recessed part30on the right side serves as the upper edge of the right side surface16at a position where the recessed part30on the right side is formed.

In the plan view, the second tilted surface36is arranged between the first step31and the second step35.

The second tilted surface36of the recessed part30on the left side extends in the front-rear direction along the left edge of the first step31of the recessed part30on the left side and is tilted downward toward the left side.

The first tilted surface32of the recessed part30on the left side is continuously arranged along the right edge, the front edge, and the rear edge of this recessed part30.

Similarly, the second tilted surface36of the recessed part30on the right side extends in the front-rear direction along the right edge of the first step31of the recessed part30on the right side and is tilted downward toward the right side.

Similarly, the first tilted surface32of the recessed part30on the right side is continuously arranged along the left edge, the front edge, and the rear edge of this recessed part30.

Each of the first tilted surfaces32is tilted to a direction in which the recessed part30becomes smaller (narrow) toward the depth direction (downward) of each of the recessed parts30. In other words, each of the first tilted surfaces32is tilted downward and inward with respect to the recessed part30. The first tilted surface32works as a draft angle when the core body10is pulled (taken out) from a mold after being formed by a molding process.

At each of the recessed parts30, the lower end of the first tilted surface32is positioned at the same height position as the bottom surface of the first step31. The vertical surfaces37, which are vertically arranged, are respectively arranged between both ends of the second step35and the second tilted surface36in the front-rear direction and the lower end of the first tilted surface32.

The planar shape of the recessed part30corresponds to the planar shape of the second planar part52. Each of the second planar parts52enters into each of the recessed parts30.

Further, as explained above, the leading edge of the second planar part52of the metal terminal50is the first recess-shaped part52a. The first recess-shaped part52ais hollowed (recessed or depressed) toward the upper edge side of the first planar part51and is formed to be in the planar shape.

In other words, in the plan view, a right edge (the leading edge) of the second planar part52of the metal terminal50on the left side is hollowed toward the left side. A left edge (the leading edge) of the second planar part52of the metal terminal50on the right side is hollowed toward the right side. More specifically, the right edge of the second planar part52of the metal terminal50on the left side is hollowed toward the left side in a circular arc shape (in an arc shape). The left edge of the second planar part52of the metal terminal50on the right side is hollowed toward the right side in the circular arc shape (in the arc shape).

Further, both ends of the leading edge of the second planar part52(in the present embodiment, the front and rear ends of the right edge of the second planar part52on the left side and the front and rear ends of the left edge of the second planar part52on the right side) are respectively formed to be in a projecting circular arc shape toward the outside of the second planar part52.

Further, with respect to the recessed part30, the portions that correspond to both ends of the leading edge of the second planar part52are respectively formed to be in the circular arc shape along both ends of the leading edge of the second planar part52. As a result, in the configuration in which the second recess-shaped part30ais formed at the recessed part30according to the present embodiment, such as a chipping of the core body10can be suppressed, and at the same time, an interference of the second planar part52with the core body10can also be suppressed.

Further, as explained above, with respect to each of the recessed parts30, the portion of the recessed parts30that corresponds to the first recess-shaped part52ais the second recess-shaped part30athat is formed to be in the planar shape along the first recess-shaped part52a.

In other words, the planar shape of the right edge of the first step31of the recessed part30on the left side and the planar shape of the portion that is arranged along the right edge of the first step31of the first tilted surface32of the recessed part30on the left side are formed to be in the recessed shape that is hollowed toward the left side and is in a circular arc shape.

Similarly, the planar shape of the left edge of the first step31of the recessed part30on the right side and the planar shape of the portion that is arranged along the left edge of the first step31of the first tilted surface32of the recessed part30on the right side are formed to be in the recessed shape that is hollowed toward the right side and is in a circular arc shape.

Further, the second recess-shaped part30aof the recessed part30on the left side and the second recess-shaped part30aof the recessed part30on the right side are mutually arranged on the same circumference in the plan view. In other words, these (two of) second recess-shaped parts30aextend along the same circumference of a circle R1(seeFIG.8A) (are concentrically arranged) on the upper surface12of the core body10in the plan view.

As explained above, the pair of recessed parts30are formed in the upper surface12. The coil60has the pair of protruding parts (the first protruding part62and the second protruding part63). The coil component100has the pair of metal terminals50. One of the pair of metal terminals50is electrically connected to one of the pair of protruding parts. The other of the pair of metal terminals50is electrically connected to the other of the pair of protruding parts. The second planar part52of one of the pair of metal terminals50is arranged at or in one of the pair of recessed parts30. The second planar part52of the other of the pair of metal terminals50is arranged at or in the other of the pair of recessed parts30. The second recess-shaped part30aof one of the pair of recessed parts30and the second recess-shaped part30aof the other of the pair of recessed parts30are mutually arranged on the same circumference in the plan view. In other words, these (two of) second recess-shaped parts30aextend along the same circumference of a circle R1(seeFIG.8A) (are concentrically arranged) on the upper surface12of the core body10in the plan view.

As a result, the circular region being surrounded by the second recess-shaped parts30aof the pair of recessed parts30on the upper surface12can be excellently sucked by a suction nozzle of a mounter.

Specifically, as shown inFIG.8A, the circular region being surrounded by two second recess-shaped parts30acorresponds to the circle R1. Further, a circle R2corresponds to, for example, a periphery of the suction nozzle of the mounter or the sucked region.

As shown inFIG.13, the second recessed part40on the left side of a pair of left and right second recessed parts40is arranged at the left end of the mounting surface11. The second recessed part40on the right side is arranged at the right end of the mounting surface11.

For instance, each of the second recessed parts40is configured with a first step41(a bottom surface), a first tilted surface (wall)42(a lower tilted surface), a pair of front and rear second tilted surfaces (walls)43(lower tilted surfaces), a second step45, a third tilted surface46, and a pair of vertical surfaces (walls)47. Specifically, the first tilted surface42and the pair of front and rear second tilted surfaces43are arranged at a peripheral edge of second recessed part40. The second step45is arranged in the upward position (on the side of the upper surface12) as compared with the first step41. Further, the third tilted surface46is arranged between the first step41and the second step45and is tilted (tilted upward) toward the side of the second step45from the side of the first step41.

The first step41occupies the most of the plane area of the second recessed part40. A bottom surface of the first step41is substantially horizontally arranged. But, in the present embodiment, the first step41increases in depth as it becomes far from the side surface of the core body10. However, the bottom surface of the first step41is not limited to the above configuration and may be arranged horizontally (to be parallel to the mounting surface11).

Each of the left and right edges of the first step41of the second recessed part40on the left side linearly extends in the front-rear direction. Each of the front and rear edges of the first step41of the second recessed part40on the left side linearly extends in the right-left direction. The second step45of the second recessed part40on the left side linearly extends in the front-rear direction along the left edge of the first step41of the second recessed part40on the left side, and at the same time, is substantially horizontally arranged. The left edge of the second step45of the second recessed part40on the left side serves as the lower edge of the left side surface15at a position where the second recessed part40on the left side is formed.

Similarly, each of the left and right edges of the first step41of the second recessed part40on the right side linearly extends in the front-rear direction. Each of the front and rear edges of the first step41of the second recessed part40on the right side linearly extends in the right-left direction. The second step45of the second recessed part40on the right side linearly extends in the front-rear direction along the right edge of the first step41of the second recessed part40on the right side, and at the same time, is substantially horizontally arranged. The right edge of the second step45of the second recessed part40on the right side serves as the lower edge of the right side surface16at a position where the second recessed part40on the right side is formed.

In the plan view, the third tilted surface46is arranged between the first step41and the second step45.

The third tilted surface46of the second recessed part40on the left side extends in the front-rear direction along the left edge of the first step41of the second recessed part40on the left side and is tilted upward toward the left side. The first tilted surface42of the second recessed part40on the left side extends in the front-rear direction along the right edge of this second recessed part40. The second tilted surface43at the front side of the second recessed part40on the left side extends in the right-left direction along the front edge of the second recessed part40on the left side. The second tilted surface43at the rear side of the second recessed part40on the left side extends in the right-left direction along the rear edge of the second recessed part40on the left side.

Similarly, the third tilted surface46of the second recessed part40on the right side extends in the front-rear direction along the right edge of the first step41of the second recessed part40on the right side and is tilted upward toward the right side. The first tilted surface42of the second recessed part40on the right side extends in the front-rear direction along the left edge of this second recessed part40. The second tilted surface43at the front side of the second recessed part40on the right side extends in the right-left direction along the front edge of the second recessed part40on the right side. The second tilted surface43at the rear side of the second recessed part40on the right side extends in the right-left direction along the rear edge of the second recessed part40on the right side.

With respect to each of the second recessed parts40, the first tilted surface42and the pair of second tilted surfaces43are tilted to a direction in which the second recessed part40becomes smaller toward the depth direction (upward) of each of the second recessed parts40. The first tilted surface42and the pair of second tilted surfaces43work as draft angles when the core body10is pulled (taken out) from a mold after being formed by s molding process.

At each of the second recessed parts40, the upper end of each of the second tilted surfaces43is positioned at the same height position as the bottom surface of the first step41. The vertical surfaces47, which are vertically arranged, are respectively arranged between both ends of the second step45and the third tilted surface46in the front-rear direction and the upper ends of the second tilted surfaces43.

The planar shape of the second recessed part40corresponds to the planar shape of the third planar part53. Each of the third planar parts53enters into each of the second recessed parts40.

As shown inFIG.9, for instance, the second planar part52is spaced apart from the bottom surface of the recessed part30. On the other hand, the third planar part53comes in contact with the bottom surface of the second recessed part40, or alternatively, a distance between the third planar part53and the bottom surface of the second recessed part40is smaller than a distance between the second planar part52and the bottom surface of the recessed part30.

As a result, since the third planar parts53work as mounting terminals, a position accuracy of the third planar parts53can be improved. In addition, as mentioned above, the interferences between the second planar parts52and the recessed parts30(the core body10) can be suppressed.

When the metal terminal(s)50is attached on (is assembled to) the core body10, for instance, the second planar part52is joined (caulked) by being pressed downward. The second step35and the second tilted surface36are respectively arranged at the boundary part between the upper surface12and the left side surface15and at the boundary part between the upper surface12and the right side surface16. Therefore, when the metal terminal50is attached on (is assembled to) the core body10and the second planar part52is joined (caulked) (by being pressed downward), the interferences between the second planar parts52and the core body10can be suppressed. Further, as explained above, the first step31increases in depth as it becomes far from the side surface. Therefore, after the second planar part52is joined (caulked) to the core body10, it is possible to suppress a case in which the second planar part52is detached from the recessed part30toward the outside. That is, it is possible to respectively suppress cases in which the second planar part52on the left side is detached from the recessed part30on the left side in the left direction and the second planar part52on the right side is detached from the recessed part30on the right side in the right direction.

Further, the second step45and the third tilted surface46are respectively arranged at the boundary part between the mounting surface11and the left side surface15and at the boundary part between the mounting surface11and the right side surface16. Therefore, when the metal terminal(s)50is attached on (is assembled to) the core body10, the interferences between the third planar parts53and the core body10can be suppressed.

As explained above, the first tilted surface32of the recessed part30is tilted to the direction in which the recessed part30becomes smaller toward the depth direction (downward) of the recessed part30. Similarly, the first tilted surface42and the pair of second tilted surfaces43of the second recessed part40are tilted to the direction in which the second recessed part40becomes smaller toward the depth direction (upward) of the second recessed part40.

However, in the present embodiment, the tilt angle of the first tilted surface32is steeper (more acute) (closer to 90 degrees) than the tilt angle of each of the first tilted surface42and the second tilted surfaces43.

As explained above, the upper tilted surface (the first tilted surface32), which is tilted to the direction in which the recessed part30becomes smaller toward the depth direction of the recessed part30, is formed on the peripheral edge of the recessed part30. The lower tilted surfaces (the first tilted surface42and the second tilted surfaces43), which are tilted to the direction in which the second recessed part40becomes smaller toward the depth direction of the second recessed part40, are formed on the peripheral edge of the second recessed part40. The tilt angle of the upper tilted surface is steeper (more acute) than the tilt angle of each of the lower tilted surfaces.

As a result, the area of the sucked region that can be sucked by a suction nozzle of a mounter can be secured more sufficiently on the upper surface12of the core body10.

As shown inFIG.4, a width dimension W1(for instance, a width dimension in the front-rear direction) of the upper end of the first planar part51is smaller than a width dimension W2(for instance, a width dimension in the front-rear direction) of the lower end of the first planar part51. Therefore, the joining process (attaching process) (caulking process) of the second planar part52can be performed easily.

Further, the dimension of the second planar part52is smaller than the dimension of the third planar part53in the radial direction of the coil component100. Therefore, the area of the sucked region that can be sucked by the suction nozzle of the mounter can be secured more sufficiently on the upper surface12of the core body10.

Further, the first protruding part62and the second protruding part63of the coil60protrude from the lower part of the core body10. The first protruding part62and the second protruding part63are respectively electrically connected to each of the metal terminals50at the lower part of the coil component100. Therefore, the distance between each of the first protruding part62and the second protruding part63and each of the third planar parts53, which are mounting terminals, can be shorten. As a result, a direct current resistance (DCR) of the coil component100is decreased.

In addition, the first protruding part62, the second protruding part63, the first welding part71, and the second welding part72are arranged at the lower part of the coil component100. Therefore, since a position of a center of gravity of the coil component100can be more lowered, a vibration resistance of the coil component100can be improved.

Further, applications or uses of the coil component100are not particularly limited. However, for instance, the coil component100according to the embodiments of the present application can be used as an inductor assembled in a vehicle.

The embodiments of the coil component are explained with reference to the drawings. However, these embodiments are examples of the present invention. Thus, it will be apparent that the same may be varied in many ways.

The embodiments of the present application include the following technical ideas or technical concepts.

<1> A coil component including:a core body formed of a magnetic material, the core body having:a mounting surface;an upper surface, the upper surface and the mounting surface being outwardly opposite to each other; anda first side surface joining the mounting surface and the upper surface;a coil having:an embedded part embedded in the core body; anda first protruding part protruding from the core body; anda first metal terminal electrically connected to the first protruding part of the coil, the first metal terminal having:a first plate arranged along the first side surface of the core body;a second plate continuously extending from an upper end of the first plate and arranged along the upper surface of the core body; anda third plate continuously extending from a lower end of the first plate and arranged along the mounting surface of the core body,wherein a leading edge of the second plate is recessed toward the upper end of the first plate to form a first arc-shaped part,the upper surface of the core body has a first recess in which the second plate is arranged, andthe first recess has a second arc-shaped part at a portion facing the first arc-shaped part, and the second arc-shaped part extends along a contour of the first arc-shaped part.

<2> The coil component according to <1>, further including:a second metal terminal having:a fourth plate arranged along a second side surface of the core body;a fifth plate continuously extending from an upper end of the fourth plate and arranged along the upper surface of the core body; anda sixth plate continuously extending from a lower end of the fourth plate and arranged along the mounting surface of the core body,wherein the second side surface of the core body joins the mounting surface and the upper surface,the coil has a second protruding part protruding from the core body, and the second metal terminal is electrically connected to the second protruding part,the upper surface of the core body has a second recess in which the fifth plate is arranged,a leading edge of the fifth plate is recessed toward the upper end of the fourth plate to form a third arc-shaped part,the second recess has a fourth arc-shaped part at a portion facing the third arc-shaped part, and the fourth arc-shaped part extends along a contour of the third arc-shaped part, andthe second arc-shaped part of the first recess and the fourth arc-shaped part of the second recess extend along a same circumference of a circle (are concentrically arranged) on the upper surface of the core body in a plan view.

<3> The coil component according to <1> or <2>,wherein the mounting surface has a third recess in which the third plate of the first metal terminal is arranged.

<4> The coil component according to <3>,wherein the second plate of the first metal terminal is spaced apart from a bottom of the first recess via a first distance,the third plate of the first metal terminal contacts a bottom of the third recess or is spaced apart from the bottom of the third recess via a second distance, and the second distance is smaller than the first distance.

<5> The coil component according to <3> or <4>,wherein a first inner wall of the first recess is inwardly inclined by a first angle, and an area of a bottom of the first recess is smaller than an area of a top of the first recess,a second inner wall of the third recess is inwardly inclined by a second angle, and area of a bottom of the third recess is smaller than an area of a top of the third recess, andthe first angle is more acute than the second angle.

<6> The coil component according to any one of <1>-<5>,wherein the first metal terminal further has:a seventh plate continuously extending at an angle from a side edge of the first plate; andan eighth plate continuously extending at an angle from a leading edge of the seventh plate,the seventh plate extends along another side surface of the core body, andthe eighth plate uprises with respect to the another side surface.

<7> The coil component according to <6>, further including:a welded piece provided at a lower end part of the eighth plate of the first metal terminal,wherein the welded piece is welded to the first protruding part of the coil.

The coil component being thus described, it will be apparent that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims. Further, the above embodiments can be combined with each other and such combinations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention.