Patent ID: 12255022

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described as follows with reference to the attached drawings.

The present disclosure may, however, be exemplified in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the specific embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, shapes and sizes of elements in the drawings may be exaggerated for clear description, and elements indicated by the same reference numeral are the same elements in the drawings.

In the drawings, certain elements may be omitted to clearly illustrate the present disclosure, and to clearly express a plurality of layers and areas, thicknesses may be magnified. The same elements having the same function within the scope of the same concept will be described using the same reference numeral. Further, throughout the specification, it will be understood that when a portion “includes” an element, it can further include another element, not excluding another element, unless otherwise indicated.

The term “an exemplary embodiment” used herein does not refer to the same exemplary embodiment, and is provided to emphasize a particular feature different from that of another exemplary embodiment. However, exemplary embodiments provided herein may be implemented by being combined in whole or in part one with one another. For example, one element described in a particular exemplary embodiment may be understood as a description related to another exemplary embodiment even if it is not described in another exemplary embodiment, unless an opposite or contradictory description is provided therein.

In the drawings, a first direction may refer to a thickness T direction, a second direction may refer to a length L direction, and a third direction may refer to a width W direction.

FIG.1is a schematic perspective view of a multilayer electronic component according to an exemplary embodiment in the present disclosure.

FIG.2is a schematic perspective view of a body of the multilayer electronic component ofFIG.1.

FIG.3is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I′ ofFIG.1.

FIG.4is a schematic exploded perspective view of the body ofFIG.2.

FIG.5is a schematic perspective view of a substrate on which the multilayer electronic component ofFIG.1is mounted.

Hereinafter, a multilayer electronic component1000according to an exemplary embodiment in the present disclosure will be described with reference toFIGS.1to5.

The multilayer electronic component1000according to an exemplary embodiment in the present disclosure may include a body110including dielectric layers111and first and second internal electrodes121and122alternately disposed with respective dielectric layers111interposed therebetween and having first and second surfaces1and2opposing each other in a first direction, third and fourth surfaces3and4connected to the first and second surfaces1and2and opposing each other in a second direction, and fifth and sixth surfaces5and6connected to the first to fourth surfaces1,2,3, and4and opposing each other in a third direction; a first external electrode131including a first connection portion131adisposed on the third surface3, a first band portion131bextending from the first connection portion131aonto a portion of the first surface1, and a third band portion131cextending from the first connection portion131aonto a portion of the second surface2; a second external electrode132including a second connection portion132adisposed on the fourth surface4, a second band portion132bextending from the second connection portion132aonto a portion of the first surface1, and a fourth band portion132cextending from the second connection portion132aonto a portion of the second surface2; an insulating layer151disposed on the first and second connection portions131aand132aand disposed to cover the second surface2and the third and fourth band portions131cand132c; a first plating layer141disposed on the first band portion131b; and a second plating layer142disposed on the second band portion132b. The insulating layer151may include a fluorine-based organic material.

In the body110, the dielectric layers111and the internal electrodes121and122may be alternately laminated.

The body110is not limited to a particular shape, and may have a hexahedral shape or a shape similar to the hexahedral shape, as illustrated in the drawings. The body110may not have the shape of a hexahedron having perfectly straight lines because ceramic powder particles included in the body110are contracted in a process in which the body is sintered. However, the body110may have a substantially hexahedral shape.

The body110may have the first and second surfaces1and2opposing each other in the first direction, the third and fourth surfaces3and4connected to the first and second surfaces1and2and opposing each other in the second direction, and fifth and sixth surfaces5and6connected to the first and second surfaces1and2, connected to the third and fourth surfaces3and4, and opposing each other in the third direction.

In an exemplary embodiment, the body110may have a 1-3-th corner connecting the first surface1and the third surface3to each other, a 1-4-th corner connecting the first surface1and the fourth surface4to each other, a 2-3-th corner connecting the second surface2and the third surface3to each other, and a 2-4-th corner connecting the second surface2and the fourth surface4to each other. The 1-3-th corner and the 2-3-th corner may have a shape contracted to a center of the body110in the first direction toward the third surface3, and the 1-4-th corner and the 2-4-th corner may have a shape contracted to a center of the body110in the first direction toward the fourth surface4.

As a margin region, in which the internal electrodes121and122are not disposed, overlaps the dielectric layer111, a step may be formed by thicknesses of the internal electrodes121and122, so that a corner connecting the first surface1to the third to fifth surfaces3,4, and5and/or a corner connecting the second surface2to the third to fifth surfaces3,4, and5may have a shape contracted to a center of the body110in the first direction when viewed with respect to the first surface1or the second surface2. Alternatively, by a contraction behavior during a sintering process of the body110, a corner connecting the first surface1to the third to sixth surfaces3,4,5, and6and/or a corner connecting the second surface2to the third to sixth surfaces3,4,5, and6may have a shape contracted to a center of the body110in the first direction when viewed with respect to the first surface1or the second surface2. Alternatively, as a corner connecting respective surfaces of the body110to each other is rounded by performing an additional process to prevent chipping defects, or the like, a corner connecting the first surface1to the third to sixth surfaces3,4,5, and6and/or a corner connecting the second surface2to the third to sixth surfaces3,4,5, and6may have a rounded shape.

The corner may include a 1-3-th corner connecting the first surface1and the third surface3to each other, a 1-4-th corner connecting the first surface1and the fourth surface4to each other, a 2-3-th corner connecting the second surface2and the third surface4to each other, and a 2-4-th corner connecting the second surface2and the fourth surface4to each other. In addition, the corner may include a 1-5-th corners connecting the first surface1and the fifth surface5to each other, a 1-6-th corner connecting the first surface1and the sixth surface6to each other, a 2-5-th corner connecting the second surface2and the fifth surface5to each other, and a 2-6-th corner connecting the second surface2and the sixth surface6to each other. The first to sixth surfaces1,2,3,4,5, and6of the body110may be overall planar surfaces, and non-planar regions may be corners. Hereinafter, an extension line of each surface may refer to a line extending based on a planar portion of each surface.

In the external electrodes131and132, a region disposed on a corner of the body110may be referred to as a corner portion, a region disposed on the third and fourth surfaces3and4of the body110may be referred to as a connection portion, and a region disposed on the first and second surfaces1and2of the body110may be referred to as a band portion.

When margin portions114and115are formed by laminating the internal electrodes121and122, cutting the laminated internal electrodes121and122to be exposed to the fifth and sixth surfaces5and6of the body110, and laminating a single dielectric layer or two or more dielectric layers on opposite side surfaces of a capacitance formation portion Ac to suppress a step formed by the internal electrodes121and122, a portion connecting the first surface1to the fifth and sixth surfaces5and6and a portion connecting the second surface2to the fifth and sixth surfaces5and6may not have a contracted form.

A plurality of dielectric layers111forming the body110may be in a sintered state, and adjacent dielectric layers111may be integrated with each other, such that boundaries therebetween may not be readily apparent without a scanning electron microscope (SEM).

According to an exemplary embodiment in the present disclosure, a raw material of the dielectric layer111is not particularly limited as long as sufficient capacitance may be obtained. For example, a barium titanate-based material, a lead composite perovskite-based material, a strontium titanate-based material, or the like, may be used as the raw material of the dielectric layer111. The barium titanate-based material may include BaTiO3-based ceramic powder particles. Examples of the BaTiO3-based ceramic powder particles may include BaTiO3and (Ba1-xCax)TiO3(0<x<1), Ba(Ti1-yCay)O3(0<y<1), (Ba1-xCax)(Ti1-yZry)O3(0<x<1 and 0<y<1), Ba(Ti1-yZry)O3(0<y<1), or the like, in which calcium (Ca), zirconium (Zr), or the like, is partially solid-dissolved in BaTiO3.

In addition, a raw material of the dielectric layer111may include various ceramic additives, organic solvents, binders, dispersants, and the like, added to powder particles such as barium titanate (BaTiO3) powder particles, or the like, according to an object of the present disclosure.

An average thickness “td” of the dielectric layer111does not need to be limited.

However, in general, when the dielectric layer is formed to have a small thickness less than 0.6 μm, for example, when a thickness of the dielectric layer is 0.35 μm or less, reliability may be deteriorated.

According to an exemplary embodiment, by disposing a cover layer on a connection portion of an external electrode and disposing a plating layer on a band portion of the external electrode, permeation of external moisture and permeation of a plating solution, and the like, may be prevented to improve reliability. Therefore, improved reliability may be ensured even when the average thickness of the dielectric layer111is 0.35 μm or less.

Accordingly, when the average thickness of the dielectric layer111is 0.35 μm or less, a reliability improvement effect according to the present disclosure may become more remarkable.

The average thickness “td” of the dielectric layer111may refer to an average thickness of the dielectric layer111disposed between first and second internal electrodes121and122.

The average thickness of the dielectric layer111may be measured from an image obtained by scanning a cross-section of the body110in the length and thickness directions (L-T) with a scanning electron microscope (SEM) of 10,000 magnifications. More specifically, an average value may be measured by measuring thicknesses of one dielectric layer at 30 points positioned at equal intervals in the length direction in the obtained image. The 30 points positioned at equal intervals may be designated in the capacitance formation portion Ac. In addition, when an average thickness of ten dielectric layers is measured, the average thickness of the dielectric layers may further be generalized.

The body110may include the capacitance formation portion Ac, disposed in the body110and including the plurality of internal electrodes121and122disposed to face each other with respective dielectric layers111interposed therebetween, and the cover portions112and113, respectively disposed above and below the capacitance formation portion Ac in the first direction.

In addition, the capacitance formation portion Ac, which contributes to formation of capacitance of a capacitor, may be formed by repeatedly laminating a plurality of first and second internal electrodes121and122with respective dielectric layers111interposed therebetween.

The cover portions112and113may include an upper cover portion112, disposed above the capacitance formation portion Ac in the first direction, and a lower cover portion113disposed below the capacitance formation portion Ac in the first direction.

The upper cover portion112and the lower cover portion113may be formed by laminating a single dielectric layer or two or more dielectric layers on upper and lower surfaces of the capacitance formation portion Ac, respectively, in the thickness direction, and may basically serve to prevent damage to the internal electrodes caused by physical or chemical stress.

The upper cover portion112and the lower cover portion113may not include the internal electrodes, and may include the same material as the dielectric layer111.

For example, the upper cover portion112and the lower cover portion113may include a ceramic material such as a barium titanate (BaTiO3)-based ceramic material.

An average thickness “tc” of the cover portion112or113does not need to be limited. However, the average thickness “tc” of the cover portion112or113may be 15 μm or less to more easily achieve the miniaturization and the high capacitance of the multilayer electronic component. In addition, according to an exemplary embodiment, by disposing a cover layer on a connection portion of an external electrode and disposing a plating layer on a band portion of the external electrode, permeation of external moisture and permeation of a plating solution may be prevented to improve reliability. Therefore, improved reliability may be ensured even when the average thickness “tc” of the cover portions112or113is 15 μm or less.

The average thickness “tc” of the cover portion112or113may refer to a size of the cover portion112or113in the first direction, and may be an average value of sizes, in the first direction, of the upper cover portion112measured at five points disposed at equal intervals on the upper or lower surface of the capacitance formation portion Ac.

In addition, margin portions114and115may be disposed on side surfaces of the capacitance formation portion Ac.

The margin portions114and115may include a margin portion114, disposed on the fifth surface5of the body110, and a margin portion115disposed on the sixth surface6of the body110. For example, the margin portions114and115may be disposed on opposite end surfaces of the ceramic body110in the width direction, respectively.

The margin portions114and115may refer to regions between both distal ends of the first and second internal electrodes121and122and boundary surfaces of the body110in a cross-section of the body110taken in the width-thickness (W-T) directions, as illustrated inFIG.3.

The margin portions114and115may basically serve to prevent damage to the internal electrodes caused by physical or chemical stress.

The margin portions114and115may be formed by applying a conductive paste to ceramic green sheets, except for places in which the margin portions are to be formed to form the internal electrodes.

In addition, to suppress a step formed by the internal electrodes121and122, the margin portions114and115may be formed by laminating ceramic green sheets, cutting the laminated ceramic green sheets to expose the internal electrodes to the fifth and sixth surfaces5and6of the body110, and then laminating a single dielectric layer or two or more dielectric layers on opposite side surfaces of the capacitance formation portion Ac in the third direction (the width direction).

Widths of the margins114and115do not need to be limited. However, an average width of the margin portions114or115may be 15 μm or less to more easily achieve miniaturization and high capacitance of the multilayer electronic component. In addition, according to an exemplary embodiment, by disposing a cover layer on a connection portion of an external electrode and disposing a plating layer on a band portion of the external electrode, permeation of external moisture and permeation of a plating solution may be prevented to improve reliability. Therefore, improved reliability may be ensured even when the average width of the margin portion114or115is 15 μm or less.

The average width of the cover portion112or113may refer to an average value of sizes, in the third direction, of the margin portion112or113measured at five points disposed at equal intervals on a side surface of the capacitance formation portion Ac.

The internal electrodes121and122may be laminated alternately with the dielectric layer111.

The internal electrodes121and122may include first and second internal electrodes121and122. The first and second internal electrodes121and122may be alternately disposed to face each other with respective dielectric layers111, constituting the body110, interposed therebetween, and may be exposed to the third and fourth surfaces3and4of the body110, respectively.

Referring toFIG.3, the first internal electrode121may be spaced apart from the fourth surface4and may be exposed through the third surface3, and the second internal electrode122may be spaced apart from the third surface3and may be exposed through the fourth surface4. A first external electrode131may be disposed on the third surface3of the body to be connected to the first internal electrode121, and a second external electrode132may be disposed on the fourth surface4of the body to be connected to the second internal electrode122.

For example, the first internal electrode121may not be connected to the second external electrode132and may be connected to the first external electrode131, and the second internal electrode122may not be connected to the first external electrode131and may be connected to the second external electrode132. Accordingly, the first internal electrode121may be formed to be spaced apart from the fourth surface4by a predetermined distance, and the second internal electrode122may be formed to be spaced apart from the third surface3by a predetermined distance.

In this case, the first and second internal electrodes121and122may be electrically separated from each other by the dielectric layer111disposed therebetween.

The body110may be formed by alternately laminating a ceramic green sheet, on which the first internal electrode121is printed, and a ceramic green sheet, on which the second internal electrode122is printed, and sintering the laminated ceramic green sheets.

A material of each of the internal electrodes121and122is not limited, and may be a material having excellent electrical conductivity. For example, the internal electrodes121and122may include at least one of nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), palladium (Pd), silver (Ag), gold (Au), platinum (Pt), tin (Sn), tungsten (W), titanium (Ti), and alloys thereof.

In addition, the internal electrodes121and122may be formed by printing a conductive paste for an internal electrode including at least one of nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), palladium (Pd), silver (Ag), gold (Au), platinum (Pt), tin (Sn), tungsten (W), titanium (Ti), and alloys thereof on ceramic green sheets. A method of printing the conductive paste for an internal electrode may be a screen printing method, a gravure printing method, or the like, but exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto.

An average thickness “te” of the internal electrodes121and122does not need to be limited.

However, in general, when the internal electrode is formed to have a small thickness less than 0.6 μm, for example, when a thickness of the internal electrode is 0.35 μm or less, reliability may be deteriorated.

According to an exemplary embodiment, by disposing a cover layer on a connection portion of an external electrode and disposing a plating layer on a band portion of the external electrode, permeation of external moisture and permeation of a plating solution may be prevented to improve reliability. Therefore, improved reliability may be ensured even when the average thickness of the internal electrodes121and122is 0.35 μm or less.

Accordingly, when the average thickness of the internal electrodes121and122is 0.35 μm or less, an effect of the multilayer electronic component according to the present disclosure may become more remarkable, and miniaturization and high capacitance of the multilayer electronic component may be more easily achieved.

The average thickness “te” of the internal electrodes121and122may refer to an average thickness of the first and second internal electrodes121and122.

The average thickness of the internal electrodes121and122may be measured from an image obtained by scanning a cross-section of the body110in the length and thickness directions (L-T) with a scanning electron microscope (SEM) of 10,000 magnifications. More specifically, an average value may be measured by measuring thicknesses of one internal electrode at 30 points positioned at equal intervals in the length direction in the obtained image. The 30 points positioned at equal intervals may be designated in the capacitance formation portion Ac. In addition, when an average thickness of ten internal electrodes is measured, the average thickness of the internal electrode layer may be further generalized.

The external electrodes131and132may be disposed on the third surface3and the fourth surface4of the body110. The external electrodes131and132may include first and second external electrodes131and132, respectively disposed on the third and fourth surfaces3and4of the body110to be connected to the first and second internal electrodes121and122.

The external electrodes131and132may include a first external electrode131, including a first connection portion131adisposed on the third surface3and the first band portion131bextending from the first connection portion131aonto a portion of the first surface1, and a second external electrode132including a second connection portion132adisposed on the fourth surface4and a second band portion132bextending from the second connection portion132aonto a portion of the first surface1. The first connection portion131amay be connected to the first internal electrode121on the third surface3, and the second connection portion132amay be connected to the second internal electrode122on the fourth surface4.

In addition, the first external electrode131may include a third band portion131cextending from the first connection portion131aonto a portion of the second surface2, and the second external electrode132may include a fourth band portion132cextending from the second connection portion132aonto a portion of the second surface2. Furthermore, the first external electrode131may include a first side band portion extending from the first connection portion131aonto a portion of the fifth and sixth surfaces5and6, and the second external electrode132may include a second side band portion extending from the second connection portion132aonto a portion of the fifth and sixth surfaces5and6.

The first and second external electrodes131and132may not be disposed on the second surface2, and may also not be disposed on the fifth and sixth surfaces5and6. As the first and second external electrodes131and132are not disposed on the second surface2, the first and second external electrodes131and132may be disposed on a level the same or lower than a level of an extension line of the second surface of the body. In addition, the first and second connection portions131aand132amay be disposed to be spaced apart from the fifth and sixth surfaces5and6, and the first and second connection portions131aand132amay be disposed to be spaced apart from the second surface2. In addition, the first and second band portions131band132bmay also be disposed to be spaced apart from the fifth and sixth surfaces5and6.

When the first and second external electrodes131and132include the third and fourth band portions131cand132c, the cover layer is illustrated as being disposed on the third and fourth band portions131cand132c. However, exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto, and plating layers may be disposed on the third and fourth band portions131cand132cto improve ease of mounting. In addition, the first and second external electrodes131and132may include the third and fourth band portions131cand132c, but may not include the side band portion. In this case, the first and second connection portions131aand132a, and the first to fourth band portions131a,132b,131c, and132cmay have a shape spaced apart from the fifth and sixth surfaces.

A structure, in which the multilayer electronic component1000has two external electrodes131and132, has been described in the present embodiment. However, the number and shape of the external electrodes131and132may vary depending on the shape of the internal electrodes121and122or other objects.

The external electrodes131and132may be formed of any material having electrical conductivity, such as a metal, and a specific material of each of the external electrodes131and132may be determined in consideration of electrical characteristics, structural stability, and the like. Furthermore, the external electrodes131and132may have a multilayer structure.

The electrode layers131and132may be sintered electrodes including a conductive metal and glass or resin-based electrodes including a conductive metal or a resin.

Alternatively, the electrode layers131and132may have a form in which sintered electrodes and resin-based electrodes are sequentially formed on the body. In addition, the electrode layers131and132may be formed by a method of transferring a sheet including a conductive metal to the body or be formed by a method of transferring a sheet including a conductive metal to a sintered electrode.

The conductive metal, included in the electrode layers131and132, is not limited as long as it is any material that may be electrically connected to the internal electrodes in order to form capacitance, and may include at least one selected from the group consisting of, for example, nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), palladium (Pd), silver (Ag), gold (Au), platinum (Pt), tin (Sn), tungsten (W), titanium (Ti), and alloys thereof. In detail, the external electrodes131and132may include at least one of nickel (Ni) and a Ni alloy, and thus, connectivity with the internal electrodes121and122including Ni may be further improved.

The insulating layer151may be disposed on the first and second connection portions131aand132a.

Since the first and second connection portions131aand132aare portions connected to the internal electrodes121and122, they may be a path along which a plating solution permeates in a plating process or moisture permeates during actual use. In the present disclosure, since the cover layer151is disposed on the connection portions131aand132a, the permeation of external moisture or permeation of a plating solution may be prevented.

The insulating layer151may be disposed to be in contact with the first and second plating layers141and142. In this case, the insulating layer151may partially cover and be in contact with distal ends of the first and second plating layers141and142, or the first and second plating layers141and142may partially cover and be in contact with a distal end of the cover layer151.

The insulating layer151may be disposed on the first and second connection portions131aand132aand may be disposed to cover the second surface2and the third and fourth band portions131cand132c. In this case, the insulating layer151may be disposed to cover a region, in which the third and fourth band portions131cand132care not disposed, of the second surface and the third and fourth band portions131cand132c. Accordingly, the insulating layer151may cover a region, in which the distal ends of the third and fourth band portions131cand132cand the body110are in contact with each other, to block a moisture permeation path, resulting in further improved moisture resistance reliability.

The insulating layer151may be disposed on the second surface2to extend to the first and second connection portions131aand132a. Also, when the external electrodes131and132are not disposed on the second surface2, the insulating layer151may be disposed to cover the entire second surface2. The insulating layer151does not need to be disposed on the second surface2. The insulating layer151may not be disposed on a portion or an entirety of the second surface2, and may be divided into two insulating layers, respectively disposed on the first and second connection portions131aand132a. When the insulating layer151is not disposed on the entire second surface2, the insulating layer151may be disposed on a level the same as or lower than a level of an extension line of the second surface2. In addition, the insulating layer151may not be disposed on the second surface2, but extend to the fifth and sixth surfaces5and6on the first and second connection portions131aand132ato constitute a single insulating layer.

Furthermore, the insulating layer151may be disposed to cover the first and second side band portions and portions of the fifth surface5and the sixth surface6. In this case, the portions of the fifth and sixth surfaces5and6, which are not covered with the cover layer151, may be exposed to the outside.

In addition, the insulating layer151may be disposed to cover an entirety of the first and second side band portions, the fifth surface5, and the sixth surface6. In this case, the fifth surface5and the sixth surface6may not be exposed to the outside, resulting in improved moisture resistance reliability. In addition, the connection portions131aand132amay not be directly exposed to the outside, resulting in improved reliability of the multilayer electronic component1000. For example, the insulating layer151may cover an entirety of the first and second side band portions, and may cover all regions of the fifth and sixth surfaces5and6except for a region in which the first and second side band portions are formed.

The insulating layer151may serve to prevent the plating layers141and142from being formed on the external electrodes131and132on which the cover layer151is disposed, and may serve to improve sealing characteristics to prevent moisture or a plating solution from externally permeating.

The insulating layer151may include a fluorine-based organic material.

In the related art, a glass-based material is generally used for an insulating layer. However, due to characteristics of the glass-based material, severe agglomeration may occur during sintering to cause difficulty in forming a uniform layer, and since heat is required during sintering, stress in the body110may be generated to cause cracking or delamination. In addition, when an insulating layer including a glass-based material is used, a method of sintering an insulating layer including a glass-based material after sintering the external electrode is used. However, during sintering of the insulating layer, a metal material may be diffused to the internal electrode to cause radial cracking. Furthermore, since a general glass-base material has hard characteristics, the glass-base material may be broken even by a small impact.

In the present disclosure, a fluorine-based organic material, rather than a glass-based material, may be applied to the insulating layer to address the issues of the insulating layer including a glass-base material. Since the fluorine-based organic material has not only insulating properties but also hydrophobicity, a contact angle with moisture or a plating solution is large. Accordingly, permeation of moisture and permeation of a plating solution may be effectively prevented. Furthermore, fluorine-based organic materials have improved impact resistance, as compared with the glass-based materials, and may be cured at low temperature to suppress cracking caused by thermal contraction, radial cracking caused by metal diffusion, and the like.

The type of the fluorine-based organic material included in the insulating layer151does not need to be limited. The fluorine-based organic material may be a fluorine-based resin, a fluorine-based polymer, or the like. As a detailed example, the fluorine-based organic material may be a polymer including at least one of monofluoroethylene, difluoroethylene, trifluoroethylene, tetrafluoroethylene, vinyl fluoride, fluoride, vinylidene fluoride, hexafluoropropylene, chlorotrifluoroethylene, and perfluoropropylenevinyl ether.

In addition, the fluorine-based organic material may include a covalent bond between a carbon (C) atom and a fluorine (F) atom. Covalent bonding force between the carbon (C) atom and the fluorine (F) atom may be significantly higher than general carbon-carbon bonding force or carbon-hydrogen bonding force, so that the fluorine-based organic material can exhibit improved heat resistance, chemical resistance, high durability, and the like. By determining whether a covalent bond peak between atoms appears during analysis of analysis of Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and GC-MS (gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer), a determination may be made as to whether the fluorine-based organic material includes a covalent bond between a carbon (C) atom and a fluorine (F) atom.

In addition, the covalent bond between the carbon (C) atom and the fluorine (F) atom may be C—F, CF3, CF═CF2, CF═CF, or the like. Since the bonding energy is different depending on the bonding type, a method of bonding carbon (C) atoms and fluorine (F) atoms and a component ratio between carbon (C) atoms and fluorine (F) atoms may be inferred through analysis such as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).

A content of the fluorine-based organic material included in the insulating layer151does not need to be limited but may be, for example, 10 wt % or more of the insulating layer151. When the content of the fluorine-based organic material is less than 10 wt %, the insulating layer151may be vulnerable to external impact. On the other hand, an upper limit of the content of the fluorine-based organic material included in the insulating layer151does not need to be limited, and the insulating layer151may be formed of a fluorine-based organic material except for impurities.

In an exemplary embodiment, the insulating layer151may include at least one selected from the group consisting of TiO2, BaTiO3, Al2O3, SiO2, BaO, and the like, as a ceramic additive in addition to the fluorine-based organic material. Since the ceramic additive has improved adhesion to the dielectric material included in the body110and the glass included in the external electrodes131and132, adhesion to the body110and the external electrodes131and132may be improved.

In this case, the content of the ceramic additive may be 10 wt % or less (excluding 0 wt %). When the content of the ceramic additive is more than 10 wt %, the insulating layer151may be vulnerable to external impact, and the strength of the multilayer electronic component may be reduced.

A method of forming the insulating layer151does not need to be limited. For example, the insulating layer151may be formed by forming external electrodes131and132on the body110and then printing a fluorine-based organic material, or manufacturing a fluorine-based organic material into a sheet and transferring the sheet, or by dipping the external electrodes into a paste containing the fluorine-based organic material. In addition, one or more of the above methods may be applied to form the insulating layer151.

In an exemplary embodiment, the insulating layer151may be disposed to be in direct contact with the first and second external electrodes131and132, and the first and second external electrodes131and132may include a conductive metal and glass. Accordingly, the plating layers141and142may not be disposed on a region, in which the cover layer151is disposed, of external surfaces of the first and second external electrodes131and132, erosion of the external electrodes caused by a plating solution may be effectively suppressed.

In this case, the first plating layer141is disposed to cover a distal end disposed on the first external electrode131of the cover layer151, and the second plating layer142may be disposed to cover a distal end disposed on the132of the second external electrode of the cover layer151. By forming the cover layer151before forming the plating layers141and142on the external electrodes131and132, permeation of the plating solution during formation of the cover layer may be more reliably suppressed. As the cover layer is formed before forming the plating layer, the plating layers141and142may have a shape covering the distal end of the cover layer151.

The first and second plating layers141and142may be disposed on the first and second band portions131band132b, respectively. The plating layers141and142may serve to improve mounting characteristics, and may be disposed on the band portions131band132bto significantly reduce a mounting space and to significantly reduce permeation of a plating solution into an internal electrode to improve reliability. One distal end of each of the first and second plating layers141and142may be in contact with the first surface1, and the other end thereof may be in contact with the insulating layer151.

The type of the plating layers141and142is not limited. Each of the plating layers141and142may be a plating layer including at least one of Cu, Ni, Sn, Ag, Au, Pd, and alloys thereof, and may be formed as a plurality of layers.

As a more specific example of the plating layers141and142, the plating layers141and142may be Ni plating layers or Sn plating layers, and may have a form in which Ni plating layers and Sn plating layers are sequentially formed on the first and second band portions131band132b.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first and second plating layers141and142may disposed to extend to partially cover the first and second connection portions131aand132a, respectively. In the present embodiment, H1>H2 (or H1≥H2), where “H1” is an average size to an internal electrode, disposed to be closest to the first surface1, among the first and second internal electrodes121and122, in the first direction, and “H2” is an average size from the extension line E1 of the first surface1to a distal end of each of the first and second plating layers141and142disposed on the first and second connection portions131aand132ain the first direction. Accordingly, the permeation of the plating solution into the internal electrode during the plating process may be suppressed to improve reliability.

The average sizes “H1” and “H2” may be values obtained by averaging values measured at five points at equal intervals, in the third direction, in a cross-section of the body110taken in the first and second directions (an L-T cross-section). The average size “H1” may be an average of values measured at a point in which internal electrode disposed to be closest to the first surface1is connected to an external electrode in each cross-section, and the average size “H2” may be an average of values measured based on a distal end of the plating layer in contact with the external electrode. Extension lines of the first surface1, serving as a reference when the average sizes “H1” and “H2” are measured, may be the same.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first plating layer141is disposed to cover a distal end disposed on the first external electrode131of the insulating layer151, and the second plating layer142may be disposed to cover a distal end disposed on the external electrode132of the insulating layer151. Accordingly, the adhesion between the insulating layer151and the plating layers141and142may be increased to improve the reliability of the multilayer electronic component1000.

In an exemplary embodiment, the insulating layer151is disposed to cover an end disposed on the first external electrode131of the first plating layer141, and the insulating layer151may be disposed to cover a distal end disposed on the external electrode132. Accordingly, the adhesion between the insulating layer151and the plating layers141and142may be increased to improve the reliability of the multilayer electronic component1000.

In an exemplary embodiment, 0.2≤B1/L≤0.4 and 0.2≤B2/L≤0.4, where “L” is an average size of the body110in the second direction, “B1” is an average size from an extension line of the third surface to the distal end of the first band portion in the second direction, and “B2” an average size from an extension line of the fourth surface to a distal end of the second band portion in the second direction.

When B1/L and B2/L are each less than 0.2, it may be difficult to secure sufficient adhesion strength. On the other hand, when B2/L is greater than 0.4, leakage current may be generated between the first band portion131band the second band portion132bunder high-voltage current, and the first band portion131band the second band portion132bmay be electrically connected to each other by plating spreading, or the like, during a plating process.

The average sizes B1, B2, and L may be values obtained by averaging values measured at five points at equal intervals, in the third direction, in a cross-section of the body110taken in the first and second directions (an L-T cross-section).

Referring toFIG.5illustrating a mounting substrate1100on which the multilayer electronic component1000is mounted, the plating layers141and142of the multilayer electronic component1000may be bonded to each other by electrode pads181and182and solders191and192disposed on a substrate180.

When the internal electrodes121and122are laminated in the first direction, the multilayer electronic component1000may be horizontally mounted on the substrate180such that the internal electrodes121and122are parallel to a mounting surface. However, exemplary embodiments are not limited to the case of horizontal mounting. When the internal electrodes121and122are laminated in the third direction, the multilayer electronic component1000may be vertically mounted on the substrate180such that the internal electrodes121and122are perpendicular to the mounting surface.

A size of the multilayer electronic component1000does not need to be limited.

However, to achieve both miniaturization and high capacitance, the number of laminated layers should be increased by thinning dielectric layers and internal electrodes. An effect of improving reliability and capacitance per unit volume according to the present disclosure may become more remarkable.

Accordingly, when the multilayer electronic component1000has a length of 1.1 mm or less and a width of 0.55 mm or less in consideration of a manufacturing error and a size of an external electrode, a reliability improvement effect according to the present disclosure may be more remarkable. The length of the multilayer electronic component1000may refer to a maximum size of the multilayer electronic component1000in the second direction, and the width of the multilayer electronic component1000may refer to a maximum size of the multilayer electronic component1000in the third direction.

FIG.6is a schematic perspective view of a multilayer electronic component1001according to an exemplary embodiment in the present disclosure.FIG.7is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II′ ofFIG.6.

Referring toFIGS.6and7, in the multilayer electronic component1001according to an exemplary embodiment, first and second plating layers141-1and142-1may be disposed on a level the same as or lower than a level of an extension line E1 of a first surface. Accordingly, during mounting, a height of a solder may be significantly decreased and a mounting space may be significantly reduced.

Also, the insulating layer151-1may be disposed to extend to a level the same as or lower than a level of the extension line E1 of the first surface to be in contact with the first and second plating layers141-1and142-1.

FIG.8is a schematic perspective view of a multilayer electronic component1002according to an exemplary embodiment in the present disclosure.FIG.9is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III′ ofFIG.8.

Referring toFIGS.8and9, the multilayer electronic component1002according to an exemplary embodiment may further include an additional insulating layer161disposed on a first surface1and disposed between a first band portion131band a second band portion132b. Thus, leakage current, which may be generated between the first band portion131band the second band portion132bunder high-voltage current, or the like, may be prevented.

The type of the additional insulating layer161does not need to be limited. For example, the additional insulating layer161may include a fluorine-based organic material, similarly to the insulating layer151. Materials of the additional insulating layer161and the insulating layer151do not need to be the same, and may be different from each other. The additional insulating layer161may include at least one selected from the group consisting of an epoxy resin, an acrylic resin, ethyl cellulose, and the like, or may include glass. Also the additional insulating layer161may include at least one selected from the group consisting of TiO2, BaTiO3, Al2O3, SiO2, BaO, and the line, as an additive in addition to a polymer resin. Accordingly, adhesion to a body or an external electrode may be improved.

FIG.10is a schematic perspective view of a multilayer electronic component1003according to an exemplary embodiment in the present disclosure.FIG.11is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV′ ofFIG.10.

Referring toFIGS.10and11, the multilayer electronic component1003according to an exemplary embodiment may satisfy H1<H2, where “H1” is an average size from a first surface1to an internal electrode, disposed to be closest to the first surface1, among first and second internal electrodes121and122, in a first direction, and “H2” is an average size from an extension line of the first surface1to a distal end of plating layers141-3and142-3, disposed on first and second connection portions141-3and142-3, in the first direction. Accordingly, an area in contact with a solder during mounting may be increased to improve adhesion strength.

In more detail, H2<T/2, where “T” is an average size of a body110in the first direction. For example, H1<H2<T/2. This is because when the average size “H2” is greater than or equal to T/2, an effect of improving moisture resistance reliability by a cover layer may be reduced.

The average sizes “H1,” “H2,” and “T” may be values obtained by averaging values measured at five points at equal intervals, in the third direction, in a cross-section of the body110taken in first and second directions (an L-T cross-section). The average size “H1” may be an average of values measured at a point in which an internal electrode disposed to be closest to the first surface1is connected to an external electrode in each cross-section, and the average size “H2” may be an average of values measured from a distal end of a plating layer in contact with an external electrode with respect to the extension line E1 of the first surface1in each cross-section. In addition, the average size “T” may be a value averaged after measuring a maximum size of the body110in the first direction in each cross-section.

FIG.12is a schematic perspective view of a multilayer electronic component1004according to an exemplary embodiment in the present disclosure.FIG.13is a cross-sectional view taken along line V-V′ ofFIG.12.

Referring toFIGS.12and13, in the multilayer electronic component1004according to an exemplary embodiment, an average length “B1” of a first band portion131b-4is greater than an average length “B3” of a third band portion131c-4, and an average length “B2” of a second band portion132b-4may be greater than an average length “B4” of a fourth band portion132c-4. Accordingly, an area in contact with a solder during mounting may be increased to improve adhesion strength.

In more detail, B3<B1 and B4<B2, where “B1” is an average size from an extension line of a third surface3to a distal end of the first band portion131b-4in a second direction, “B2” is an average size from an extension line of a fourth surface4to a distal end of the second band portion132b-4in the second direction, “B3” is an average size from an extension line of a third surface3to a distal end of the third band portion131c-4in the second direction, and “B4” is an average size from an extension line of a fourth surface4to a distal end of the fourth band portion132c-4in the second direction.

In this case, 0.2≤B1/L≤0.4 and 0.2≤B2/L≤0.4, where “L” is a size of the body110in the second direction.

The average sizes “B1,” “B2,” “B,” “B4,” and “L” may be values obtained by averaging values measured at five points at equal intervals, in a third direction, in a cross-section of the body110taken in first and second directions (an L-T cross-section).

The first external electrode131-4may include a first side band portion extending from the first connection portion131a-4onto a portion of the fifth and sixth surfaces5and6, and the second external electrode132-4may include a second side band portion extending from the second connection portion132a-4onto a portion of the fifth and sixth surfaces5and6. In this case, sizes of the first and second side band portions in the second direction may be gradually increased in a direction toward the first surface1. For example, the first and second side band portions may be disposed to have a tapered shape or a trapezoidal shape.

Furthermore, B3≤G1 and B4≤G2, where “B3” is the average size from the extension line E3 of the third surface3to the distal end of the third band portion131c-4in the second direction, “B4” is the average size from the extension line E4 of the fourth surface4to the distal end of the fourth band portion132c-4, “G1” is an average size of a region, in which the third surface3and the second internal electrode122are spaced apart from each other, in the second direction, and “G2” is an average size of a region, in which the fourth surface4and the first internal electrode121are spaced apart from each other, in the second direction. Accordingly, a volume occupied by an external electrode may be significantly reduced to increase capacitance per unit volume of the multilayer electronic component1104.

The average size “G1” may be a value obtained by averaging sizes spaced apart from the third surface3in the second direction and measured with respect to five arbitrary second internal electrodes disposed in a central portion in the first direction, and the average size “G2” may be a value obtained by averaging sizes of the regions, spaced apart from the fourth surface4measured with respect to five arbitrary first internal electrodes disposed in the central portion in the first direction, in the second direction, in a cross-section of the body taken from a center thereof in the first and second directions.

Furthermore, the average sizes “G1” and “G2” may be obtained at five points at equal intervals, in the third direction, in a cross-section of the body110taken in first and second directions (an L-T cross-section), and an average value of the average sizes “G1” and “G2” may be further generalized.

However, the present disclosure does not intend to be limited to B3≤G1 and B4≤G2, and a case in which B3≥G1 and B4≥G2 may be included as an exemplary embodiment. Therefore, in an exemplary embodiment, B3≥G1 and B4≥G2, where “B3” is the average from the extension line E3 of the third surface3to the distal end of the third band portion in the second direction, “B4” is the average size from the extension line E4 of the fourth surface4to the distal end of the fourth band portion in the second direction, “G1” is an average size of a region, in which a third surface3and the second internal electrode are spaced apart from each other, in the second direction, and “G2” is an average size of a region, in which a fourth surface4and the first internal electrode are spaced apart from each other, in the second direction.

In an exemplary embodiment, B1≥G1 and B2≥G2, where “B1” is the average size from the extension line E3 of the third surface3to the distal end of the first band portion in the second direction, and “B2” is the average size from the extension line E4 of the fourth surface4to the distal end of the second band portion in the second direction. Accordingly, adhesion strength between the multilayer electronic component1004and a substrate180may be improved.

FIG.14is a schematic perspective view of a multilayer electronic component1005according to an exemplary embodiment in the present disclosure.FIG.15is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI′ ofFIG.14.FIG.16is a view illustrating a modified example ofFIG.14.

Referring toFIGS.14and15, first and second external electrodes131-5and132-5of the multilayer electronic component1005according to an exemplary embodiment may not be disposed on a second surface and may be disposed third, fourth, and first surfaces to have an L-shape. For example, the first and second external electrodes131-5and132-5may be disposed on a level the same or lower than a level of an extension line of the second surface.

The first external electrode131-5may include a first connection portion131a-5, disposed on the third surface3, and a first band portion131b-5extending from the first connection portion131a-5onto a portion of the first surface1. The second externa electrode132-5may include a second connection portion132a-5, disposed on the fourth surface4, and a second band portion132b-5extending from the second connection portion132a-5onto a portion of the first surface1. The external electrodes131-5and132-5may not be disposed on the second surface2, so that an insulating layer151-5may be disposed to cover an entire second surface2. Accordingly, a volume occupied by the external electrodes131-5and132-5may be significantly reduced to further improve capacitance per unit volume of the multilayer electronic component1005. However, the insulating layer151-5is not limited to a form covering the entire second surface2. The cover layer may not cover a portion or an entity of the second surface2, and may have a form divided into two cover layers, respectively covering the first and second connection portions131a-5and132a-5.

In addition, the insulating layer151-5may be disposed to cover a portion of the fifth and sixth surfaces, resulting in further improved reliability. In this case, portions of the fifth and sixth surfaces which are not covered by the insulating layer151-5may be exposed to the outside.

In addition, the insulating layer151-5may be disposed to cover an entirety of the fifth and sixth surfaces. In this case, the fifth and sixth surfaces may not be exposed to the outside, resulting in further improved moisture resistance reliability.

A first plating layer141-5may be disposed on a first band portion131b-5, and a second plating layer142-5may be disposed on a second band portion132b-5. The first and second plating layers141-5and142-5may be disposed to extend to a portion on the first and second connection portions132a-5and132b-5.

In this case, the external electrodes131-5and132-5may not be disposed even on fifth and sixth surfaces5and6. For example, the external electrodes131-5and132-5may be disposed on only the third, fourth, and first surfaces.

In addition, H1<H2, where “H1” is an average size from a first surface1to an internal electrode disposed to be closest to the first surface1, among the first and second internal electrodes121and122, in a first direction, and “H2” is an average size from an extension line E1 of the first surface1to plating layers141-5and142-5, disposed on first and second connection portions131a-5and132a-5, in the first direction. Accordingly, an area in contact with a solder during mounting may be increased to improve adhesion strength, and contact areas between external electrodes131-5and132-5and plating layers141-5and142-5may be increased to suppress an increase in equivalent series resistance (ESR).

In more detail, H2<T/2, where “T” is an average size of the body110in the first direction. For example, H1<H2<T/2. This is because when “H2” is greater than or equal to T/2, an effect of improving moisture resistance reliability by a cover layer may be decreased.

The first and second plating layers141-5and142-5may be disposed to cover a portion of the insulating layer151-1on the third and fourth surfaces. For example, the plating layers141-5and142-5may be disposed to cover distal ends of the insulating layer151-5on the third and fourth surfaces. Accordingly, adhesion between the insulating layer151-5and the plating layers141-5and142-5may be increased to improve reliability of the multilayer electronic component1005.

The insulating layer151-5may be disposed to cover portions of the first and second plating layers141-5and142-5on the third and fourth surfaces. For example, the insulating layer151-5may be disposed to cover distal ends of the plating layers141-5and142-5on the third and fourth surfaces. Accordingly, the adhesion between the insulating layer151-5and the plating layers141-5and142-5may be increased to improve the reliability of the multilayer electronic component1005.

FIG.16illustrates a modified example ofFIG.14. Referring toFIG.16, in a modified example1006of the multilayer electronic component1005according to an exemplary embodiment, a first additional electrode layer134may be disposed between a first connection portion131a-6and a third surface and a second additional electrode layer135may be disposed between a second connection portion132a-6and a fourth surface. The first additional electrode layer134may be disposed within a range that are not outside the third surface, and the second additional electrode layer135may be disposed within a range that are not outside the fourth surface. The first and second additional electrode layers134and135may improve electrical connectivity between internal electrodes121and122and external electrodes131-6and132-6, and may have improved adhesion to the external electrodes131-6and132-6to serve to further improve mechanical adhesion between the external electrodes131-6and132-6.

The first external electrode131-6may include a first connection portion131a-6, disposed on the first additional electrode layer134, and a first band portion131b-6extending from the first connection portion131a-6onto a portion of the first surface1. The second external electrode132-6may include a second connection portion132a-6, disposed on the second additional electrode layer135, and a second band portion132b-6extending from132a-6onto a portion of the first surface1.

The first and second additional electrode layers134and135may be formed of any material such as a metal as long as it has electrical conductivity, and a specific material may be determined in consideration of electrical characteristics and structural stability. In addition, the first and second additional electrode layers134and135may be sintered electrodes including a conductive metal and glass, or resin-based electrodes including a conductive metal and a resin. In addition, the first and second additional electrode layers131-6and132-6may be formed by transferring a sheet, including a conductive metal, to a body.

As the conductive metal included in the first and second additional electrode layers134and135, a material having improved electrical conductivity may be used, but is not limited. For example, the conductive metal may be at least one of Cu, Ni, Pd, Ag, Sn, Cr, and alloys thereof. The first and second additional electrode layers134and135may include at least one of, in detail, Ni or a Ni-alloy. Thus, connectivity to the internal electrodes121and122including Ni may be further improved.

FIG.17is a schematic perspective view of a multilayer electronic component1007according to an exemplary embodiment in the present disclosure.FIG.18is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII′ ofFIG.17.

Referring toFIGS.17and18, in the multilayer electronic component1007according to an exemplary embodiment, an average thickness “t1” of first and second plating layers141-6and142-6may be smaller than an average thickness “t2” of an insulating layer151-6.

The insulating layer151-6may serve to prevent permeation of external moisture or a plating solution, but may have weak connectivity to the plating layers141-6and142-6to cause delamination of the plating layers141-6and142-6. When the plating layer is delaminated, adhesion strength to a substrate180may be reduced. The “delamination of a plating layer” may mean that a plating layer is partially removed or is physically separated from the external electrodes131-5and132-5. Since connectivity between a plating layer and a cover layer is weak, there is high possibility that a gap at an interface between the cover layer and the plating layer may be increased or foreign objects may permeate through the gap, and there is high possibility that the plating layer may be delaminated due to vulnerability to external impact, or the like.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the plating layer may be formed to have the average thickness “t1” greater than the average thickness “t2” of the cover layer, so that a contact area between the plating layer and the cover layer may be reduced. Thus, occurrence of delamination may be suppressed to improve adhesion strength to the substrate180of the multilayer electronic component1007.

The average thickness “t1” of the first and second plating layers141-6and142-6may be an average value of thicknesses measured at five points disposed at equal intervals on first and second connection portions131a-5and132a-5or first and second band portions131b-5and132b-5, and the average thickness “t2” of the insulating layer151-6may be an average value of thicknesses measured at five points disposed at equal intervals on the first and second connection portions131a-5and132a-5.

FIG.19is a schematic perspective view of a multilayer electronic component2000according to an exemplary embodiment in the present disclosure.FIG.20is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII′ ofFIG.19.

Hereinafter, the multilayer electronic component2000according to an exemplary embodiment will be described in detail with reference toFIGS.19and20. However, descriptions of the configurations overlapping with those described in the above-described multilayer electronic component will be omitted to avoid overlapping descriptions.

The multilayer electronic component2000according to an exemplary embodiment may include a body110including dielectric layers111and first and second internal electrodes121and122alternately disposed with respective dielectric layers111interposed therebetween, and having first and second surfaces1and2opposing each other in a first direction, third and fourth surfaces3and4connected to the first and second surfaces1and2and opposing each other in a second direction, and fifth and sixth surfaces5and6connected to the first to fourth surfaces1,2,3, and4and opposing each other in a third direction; a first external electrode231including a first connection electrode231a, disposed on the third surface3, and a first band electrode231bdisposed on the first surface to be connected to the first connection electrode231a; a second external electrode232including a second connection electrode232a, disposed on the fourth surface4, and a second band electrode232bdisposed on the first surface1to be connected to the second connection electrode232a; a first insulating layer251disposed on the first connection electrode231a; a second insulating layer252disposed on the second connection electrode232a; a first plating layer241disposed on the first band electrode231b; and a second plating layer242disposed on the second band electrode232b. The first and second insulating layers251and252may include a fluorine-based organic material.

The first connection electrode231amay be disposed on the third surface3to be connected to the first internal electrode121, and the second connection electrode231bmay be disposed on the fourth surface4to be connected to the second internal electrode122. In addition, the first insulating layer251may be disposed on the first connection electrode231a, and the second insulating layer252may be disposed on the second connection electrode232a.

In the related art, a method of dipping a surface, on which an internal electrode of a body is exposed, into a paste including a conductive metal has been mainly used when forming an external electrode. However, in the external electrode formed by the dipping method, a thickness of a central portion in a thickness direction may be significantly large. In addition to a thickness imbalance issue of the external electrode according to the dipping method, due to exposure of internal electrodes to third and fourth surface of the body, each of the external electrodes disposed on the third and fourth surfaces may be formed to have a thickness, greater than or equal to a predetermined thickness, to suppress permeation of moisture and a plating solution through the external electrodes.

Meanwhile, in the present disclosure, the insulating layers251and252are disposed on the connection electrodes231aand232a, so that sufficient reliability may be secured even when the connection electrodes231aand232aare formed to be thin on the third and fourth surfaces on which internal electrodes are exposed.

The first and second connection electrodes231aand232amay have a shape corresponding to the third and fourth surfaces3and4, respectively. A surface directed toward the body110from the first and second connection electrodes231aand232amay have the same area as each of the third and fourth surfaces of the body110. The first and second connection electrodes231aand232amay be disposed within a range that is not outside the third and fourth surfaces3and4, respectively. The connection electrodes231aand232amay be disposed to not extend to the first, second, fifth, and sixth surfaces1,2,5, and6of the body110. For example, in an exemplary embodiment, the first and second connection electrodes231aand232amay be disposed to be spaced apart from the fifth and sixth surfaces5and6. Accordingly, a volume occupied by the external electrodes may be significantly reduced to further increase capacitance per unit volume of the multilayer electronic component2000while securing sufficient connectivity between the internal electrodes121and122and the external electrodes231and232.

In this regard, the first and second connection electrodes231aand231amay be disposed to be spaced apart from the second surface2. For example, as the external electrodes231and231are not disposed on the second surface2, a volume occupied by the external electrodes231and232may be further significantly decreased to further increase capacitance per unit volume of the multilayer electronic component200.

However, the connection electrodes231aand232amay include a corner portion extending to a corner of the body110to be disposed on the corner. For example, in an exemplary embodiment, the first connection electrode may include a corner portion disposed to extend upwardly of a 1-3-th corner and a 2-3-th corner, and the second connection electrode may include a corner portion disposed to extend upwardly of a 1 th corner and a 2-4-th corner.

In addition, each of the connection electrodes231aand232amay have a uniform and low thickness, as compared with an external electrode formed by a dipping method according to the related art.

A method of forming the connection electrodes231aand232adoes not need to be limited. For example, the connection electrodes231aand232amay be formed by transferring a sheet, including organic materials such as a conductive metal and a binder, to the third and fourth surfaces3and4, but exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the connection electrodes231aand232amay be a sintered layer, formed by sintering a conductive metal, or a plating layer.

A thickness of each of the connection electrodes231aand232ais not limited, but may be, for example, 2 to 7 μm. The thickness of each of the connection electrodes231aand232amay refer to a maximum thickness thereof, and may refer to a size of each of the connection electrodes231aand232ain a second direction.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first and second connection electrodes231aand232amay include the same metal and glass as those included in the internal electrodes121and122. As the first and second connection electrodes231aand232ainclude the same metal as the metal included in the internal electrodes121and122, electrical connectivity to the internal electrodes121and122may be improved. In addition, as the first and second connection electrodes231aand232ainclude glass, adhesion to the body110and/or the insulating layers251and252may be improved. In this case, the same metal as the metal included in the internal electrodes121and122may be nickel (Ni).

The first and second insulating layers251and252may be respectively disposed on the first and second connection electrodes231aand232ato serve to prevent a plating layer from being formed on the first and second connection electrodes231aand232a. In addition, the first and second insulating layers251and252may serve to improve sealing characteristics to significantly reduce permeation of external moisture or an external plating solution.

The first and second insulating layers251and252may include a fluorine-based organic material. Accordingly, moisture resistance reliability may be further improved, and cracking caused by thermal contraction and cracking caused by metal diffusion may be suppressed.

The first and second band electrodes231band232bmay be disposed on the first surface1of the body110. The first and second band electrodes231band232bmay be in contact with the first and second connection electrodes231aand232ato be electrically connected to the first and second internal electrodes121and122, respectively.

An external electrode formed by the dipping method according to the related art may have a large thickness on third and fourth surfaces and may partially extend to the first, second, fifth and sixth surfaces, so that it may be difficult to secure a high effective volume ratio.

Meanwhile, according to an exemplary embodiment in the present disclosure, the first and second connection electrodes231aand232amay be disposed on a surface, on which internal electrodes are exposed, and the first and second band electrodes231band232bmay be disposed on a surface mounted on a substrate, so that a high effective volume ratio may be secured.

When the internal electrodes121and122are laminated in a first direction, the multilayer electronic component2000may be horizontally mounted on a substrate such that the internal electrodes121and122are parallel to a mounting surface. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the case in which the multilayer electronic component2000is horizontally mounted and, when the internal electrodes121and122are laminated in the third direction, the multilayer electronic component2000may be vertically mounted on the substrate such that the internal electrodes121and122are perpendicular to the mounting surface.

The first and second band electrodes231band232bmay be formed of any material such as a metal as long as it has electrical conductivity, and a specific material may be determined in consideration of electrical characteristics and structural stability. For example, the first and second band electrodes231and232bmay be sintered electrodes including conductive metal and glass, and may be formed using a method of applying a paste, including a conductive metal and glass, the first surface of the body. However, exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto, and each of the first and second band electrodes231and232bmay be a plating layer formed by plating a conductive metal on the first surface of the body.

As the conductive metal included in the first and second band electrodes231band232b, a material having improved electrical conductivity may be used, and is not limited. For example, the conductive metal may be at least one of nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), and alloys thereof, and may include the same metal as the metal included in the internal electrodes121and122.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first external electrode231may further include a third band electrode (not illustrated) disposed on the second surface2to be connected to the first connection electrode231a, and the second external electrode232may further include a fourth band electrode (not illustrated) disposed on the second surface2to be connected to the second connection electrode232a.

In the present embodiment, B1≥G1, B3≤G1, B2> G2, and B4≤G2, where “B1” is a distance from an extension line E3 of the third surface3to a distal end of the first band electrode231b, “B2” is a distance from an extension line E4 of the fourth surface4to a distal end of the second band electrode232b, “B3” is a distance from an extension line of the third surface E3 to a distal end of the third band electrode (not illustrated), “B4” is a distance from an extension line E4 of the fourth surface4to a distal end of the fourth band electrode (not illustrated), “G1” is an average size of a region, in which he third surface3and the second internal electrode122are spaced apart from each other, in a second direction, and “G2” is an average size of a region, in which the fourth surface4and the first internal electrode121are spaced apart from each other, in the second direction. Accordingly, a volume occupied by the external electrode may be significantly reduced to increase capacitance per unit volume of the multilayer electronic component2000and to increase an area in contact with the solder during mounting, resulting in improved adhesion strength.

However, the present disclosure does not intend to be limited to invention to B1≥G1, B3≤G1, B2≥G2, and B4≤G2, and a case in which B1≥G1, B3≥G1, B2≥G2, and B4≥G2 may be included as an exemplary embodiment. Accordingly, in the present embodiment, B1≥G1, B3≥G1, B2≥G2, and B4≥G2, where “B1” is a distance from the extension line E3 of the third surface3to the distal end of the first band electrode231b, “B2” is the distance from the extension line E4 of the fourth surface4to the distal end of the second band electrode232b, “B3” is the distance from the extension line E3 of the third surface3to the distal end of the third band electrode (not illustrated), “B4” is the distance from the extension line E4 of the fourth surface4to the distal end of the fourth band electrode (not illustrated), “G1” is the average size of the region in which the third surface3and the second internal electrode122are spaced apart from each other, in the second direction, and “G2” is the average size of the region, in which the fourth surface4and the first internal electrode121are spaced apart from each other, in the second direction. Accordingly, one of the first and second surfaces may be used as the mounting surface, so that ease of mounting may be improved.

The first and second plating layers241and242may be disposed on the first and second band electrodes231band232b. The first and second plating layers241and242serve to improve mounting characteristics. The types of the first and second plating layers241and242are not limited, and each of the first and second plating layers241and242may be a plating layer including at least one of Ni, Sn, Pd, and alloys thereof and may be formed as a plurality of layers.

As a more specific example of the first and second plating layers241and242, each of the first and second plating layers241and242may be a Ni plating layer or a Sn plating layer. Alternatively, the plating layers341and342may have a form in which a Ni plating layer and a Sn plating layer may be sequentially formed on the first and second band electrodes231band232b.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first and second plating layers241and242may extend to partially cover the first and second connection electrodes231aand232a, respectively.

In the present embodiment, H1≥H2 (or H1≥H2), where “H1” is an average size from the first surface1to the internal electrode disposed to be closest to the first surface1, among the first and second internal electrodes121and122, in the first direction, and “H2” is an average size from an extension line E1 of the first surface1to distal ends of the first and second plating layers241and242, disposed on the first and second connection electrodes231aand232a, in the first direction. Accordingly, a plating solution may be prevented from permeating into an internal electrode during a plating process to improve reliability.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first and second insulating layers251and252are disposed to be in direct contact with the first and second connection electrodes231aand232a, respectively, and the first and second connection electrodes231aand232amay include a conductive metal and a resin. Accordingly, the plating layers241and242may not be disposed in a region in which the insulating layers251and252are disposed, among the external surfaces of the first and second connection electrodes231aand232a, so that erosion of external electrodes caused by a plating solution may be effectively suppressed.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first plating layer241may be disposed to cover a distal end disposed on the first external electrode231of the first insulating layer251, and the second plating layer242may be disposed to cover a distal end disposed on the second external electrode232of the second insulating layer252. Accordingly, adhesion between the insulating layers251and252and the plating layers241and242may be increased to improve reliability of the multilayer electronic component3000. In addition, by forming the first and second insulating layers251and252before forming the plating layers241and242on the external electrodes231and232, the permeation of the plating solution during formation of the plating layer may be more reliably suppressed. As the insulating layer is formed before forming the plating layer, the plating layers241and242may have a form covering distal ends of the insulating layers251and252.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first insulating layer251may be disposed to cover a distal end disposed on the first external electrode231of the first plating layer241, and the second insulating layer252may be disposed to cover a distal end dispose on the second external electrode232of the second plating layer242. Accordingly, adhesion between the insulating layer251and the plating layers241and242may be increased to improve reliability of the multilayer electronic component200.

FIG.21is a view illustrating a modified example ofFIG.19. Referring toFIG.21, in a modified example2001of the multilayer electronic component2000according to an exemplary embodiment, first and second insulating layers251-1and252-1may extend to fifth and sixth surfaces5and6to be connected to each other to constitute a single insulating layer253-1. The insulating layer253-1, including the first and second insulating layers251-1and252-1connected to each other, may be disposed to cover portions of the fifth and sixth surfaces.

FIG.22is a schematic perspective view of a multilayer electronic component2002according to an exemplary embodiment in the present disclosure.FIG.23is a cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX′ ofFIG.22.

Referring toFIGS.22and23, in the multilayer electronic component2002according to an exemplary embodiment, first and second plating layers241-2and242-2may be disposed on a level the same as or lower than a level of the extension line E1 of the first surface1. Accordingly, a height of a solder may be significantly reduced during mounting, and a mounting space may be significantly reduced.

In addition, the first and second insulating layers251-2and252-2may extend to a level the same as or lower than the extension line E1 of the first surface1to be in contact with the first and second plating layers241-2and242-2.

FIG.24is a view illustrating a modified example2003ofFIG.22. Referring toFIG.24, in the modified example2003of the multilayer electronic component2002according to an exemplary embodiment, first and second insulating layers251-3and252-3may extend to fifth and sixth surfaces5and6to be connected to each other to constitute a single insulating layer253-3. The insulating layer253-1, including the first and second insulating layers251-3and252-3connected to each other, may be disposed to cover the entire fifth and sixth surfaces.

FIG.25is a schematic perspective view of a multilayer electronic component2004according to an exemplary embodiment in the present disclosure.FIG.26is a cross-sectional view taken along line X-X′ ofFIG.25.

Referring toFIGS.25and26, the multilayer electronic component2004according to an exemplary embodiment may further include an additional insulating layer261disposed on a first surface1and disposed between a first band electrode231band a second band electrode232b. Accordingly, leakage current, which may be generated between the first band electrode231band the second band electrode232bunder a high-voltage current, may be prevented.

The type of the additional insulating layer261does not need to be limited. For example, the additional insulating layer261may include at least one selected from the group consisting of an epoxy resin, an acrylic resin, ethyl cellulose, and the like, or may include glass.

FIG.27is a view illustrating a modified example2005ofFIG.25. Referring toFIG.27, in the modified example2005of the multilayer electronic component2004according to an exemplary embodiment, first and second insulating layers251-5and252-5may extend to fifth and sixth surfaces5and6to be connected to each other to constitute a single insulating layer253-1.

FIG.28is a schematic perspective view of a multilayer electronic component2006according to an exemplary embodiment in the present disclosure.FIG.29is a cross-sectional view taken along line XI-XI′ ofFIG.28.

Referring toFIGS.28and29, the multilayer electronic component2006according to an exemplary embodiment may include a first insulating layer251-6, disposed on a first connection electrode231a, and a second insulating layer252-6disposed on a second connection electrode232a. In the present embodiment, H1<H2, where H1 is an average size from a first surface1to an internal electrode disposed to be closest to the first surface1, among first and second internal electrodes121and122, in a first direction, and H2 is an average size from an extension line E1 of the first surface1to a distal end of first and second plating layers241-6and242-6, disposed on the first and second connection electrodes231aand232a, in the first direction. Accordingly, an area in contact with a solder during mounting may be increased to improve adhesion strength.

In more detail, H2<T/2, where “T” is an average size of a body110in the first direction. For example, H1<H2<T/2. This is because when H2 is greater than or equal to T/2, an effect of improving moisture resistance reliability by a insulating layer may be decreased.

FIG.30is a view illustrating a modified example2007ofFIG.28. Referring toFIG.30, in the modified example2007of the multilayer electronic component2006according to an exemplary embodiment, first and second insulating layers251-7and252-7may extend to fifth and sixth surfaces5and6to be connected to each other to constitute a single insulating layer253-7.

FIG.31is a schematic perspective view of a multilayer electronic component2008according to an exemplary embodiment in the present disclosure.FIG.32is a cross-sectional view taken along line XII-XII′ ofFIG.31.

Referring toFIGS.31and32, in the multilayer electronic component2008according to an exemplary embodiment may extend to second, fifth, and sixth surfaces2,5, and6to be connected to each other to constitute a single insulating layer253-8. As illustrated inFIG.33, the insulating layer253-8may have a form covering an entirety of the second surface and only portions of the fifth and sixth surfaces.

FIG.33is a schematic perspective view of a multilayer electronic component2009according to an exemplary embodiment in the present disclosure.FIG.34is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIII-XIII′ ofFIG.33.

Referring toFIGS.33and34, in the multilayer electronic component2009according to an exemplary embodiment, an average thickness “t1′” of first and second plating layers241-9and242-9may be smaller than an average thickness “t2′” of insulating layers251-9and252-9.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the first and second plating layers241-9and242-9may be formed to have an average thickness “t1′” smaller than an average thickness “t2′” of the first and second insulating layers251-9and252-9, so that a contact area between a plating layer and an insulating layer may be reduced. Thus, occurrence of delamination may be suppressed to improve adhesion strength to the substrate180of the multilayer electronic component2009.

91 The average thickness “t1” of the first and second plating layers241-9and242-9may be an average value of thicknesses measured at five points at equal intervals on the first and second connection electrodes231aand232aor the first and second band electrodes231band232b, and the average thickness “t2′” of the insulating layers251-9and252-9may be an average value of thicknesses measured at five points at equal intervals on the first and second connection electrodes231aand232a.

FIG.35is a view illustrating a modified embodiment2010ofFIG.3. Referring toFIG.35, in a modified example2010of the multilayer electronic component2009according to an exemplary embodiment, first and second insulating layers251-10and252-10may extend to fifth and sixth surfaces5and6to be connected to each other to constitute a single insulating layer253-10.

FIG.36is a schematic perspective view of a multilayer electronic component3000according to an exemplary embodiment in the present disclosure. FIG.37is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIV-XIV′ ofFIG.36.FIG.38is an enlarged view of region K1 ofFIG.36.

Referring toFIGS.36to38, the multilayer electronic component3000according to an exemplary embodiment may include a body110including dielectric layers111and first and second internal electrodes121and122alternately disposed with respective dielectric layers111interposed therebetween and having first and second surfaces1and2opposing each other in a first direction, third and fourth surfaces3and4connected to the first and second surfaces1and2and opposing each other in a second direction, and fifth and sixth surfaces connected to the first to fourth surfaces1to4and opposing each other in a third direction; a first external electrode331including a first connection portion331adisposed on the third surface of the body110, a first band portion331bextending from the first connection portion331aonto a portion of the first surface1, and a first corner portion331cdisposed to extend from the first connection portion331ato a corner connecting the second and third surfaces2and3to each other; a second external electrode332including a second connection portion332adisposed on the fourth surface of the body110, a second band portion332bextending from the second connection portion332aonto a portion of the first surface1, and a second corner portion332cdisposed to extend from the second connection portion332ato a corner connecting the second and fourth surfaces2and4of the body110; an insulating layer351disposed on the first and second connection portions331aand332aand disposed to cover the second surface2and the first and second corner portions331cand332c; a first plating layer341disposed on the first band portion331b; and a second plating layer342disposed on the second band portion332b. The insulating layer351may include a fluorine-based organic material.

In an exemplary embodiment, B3≤G1 and B4≤G2, where B3 is an average size from an extension line E3 of the third surface3to a distal end of the first corner portion331cin the second direction, B4 is an average size from an extension line E4 of the fourth surface4to a distal end of the second corner portion332cin the second direction, G1 is an average size of a region, in which the third surface3and the second internal electrode122are spaced apart from each other, in the second direction, and G2 is an average size of a region, in which the fourth surface3and the first internal electrode121are spaced apart from each other, in the second direction. Accordingly, a volume occupied by the external electrodes331and332may be significantly reduced to increase capacitance per unit volume of the multilayer electronic component3000.

In this case, B1≥G1 and B2≥G2, where B1 is the average size from the extension line E3 of the third surface3to the distal end of the first band portion331bin the second direction, and B2 is the average size from the extension line E4 of the fourth surface4to the distal end of the second band portion332bin the second direction. Accordingly, an area in contact with the solder during mounting may be increased to improve adhesion strength.

The multilayer electronic component3000according to an exemplary embodiment may include a body110including dielectric layers111and first and second internal electrodes121and122alternately disposed with respective dielectric layers111interposed therebetween and having first and second surfaces1and2opposing each other in a first direction, third and fourth surfaces3and4connected to the first and second surfaces1and2and opposed each other in a second direction, and fifth and sixth surfaces5and6connected to the first to fourth surfaces1to4and opposing each other in a third direction. The body110of the multilayer electronic component3000may have the same configuration as the body110of the multilayer electronic component1000, except that an end portion of the first or second surface of the body has a contracted shape, as will be described later.

The external electrodes331and332may be disposed on the third surface3and the fourth surface4of the body110. The external electrodes331and332may include first and second external electrodes331and332, respectively disposed on the third and fourth surfaces3and4of the body110to be connected to the first and second internal electrodes121and122.

The external electrodes331and332may include a first external electrode331, including a first connection portion331adisposed on the third surface3, a first band portion331bextending from the first connection portion331aonto a portion of the first surface1, and a first corner portion331cdisposed to extend from the first connection portion331ato a corner connecting the second and third surfaces2and3to each other, and a second external electrode332including a second connection portion332adisposed on the fourth surface4, a second band portion332bextending from the second connection portion332aonto a portion of the first surface1, and a second corner portion332cdisposed to extend from the second connection portion332ato a corner connecting the second and fourth surfaces2and4to each other. The first connection portion331amay be connected to the first internal electrode121on the third surface, and the second connection portion332amay be connected to the second internal electrode122on the fourth surface.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first and second connection portions331aand332amay be disposed to be spaced apart from the fifth and sixth surfaces. Accordingly, a proportion of the external electrodes331and332may be significantly reduced to further miniaturize the multilayer electronic component3000.

As a margin region, in which the internal electrodes121and122are not disposed, overlaps the dielectric layer111, a step may be formed due to a thickness of each of the internal electrodes121and122. Therefore, a corner connecting the first surface to the third to fifth surfaces and/or a corner connecting the second surface to the third to fifth surfaces may have a form contracted toward a center of the body110in the first direction, when viewed with respect to the first surface or the second surface. Alternatively, a corner connecting the first surface1to the third to sixth surfaces3,4,5, and6and/or a corner connecting the second surface2to the third to sixth surfaces3,4,5, and6may have a form contracted toward the center of the body110in the first direction by a shrinkage behavior in a process of sintering the body110, when viewed with respect to the first surface1or the second surface2. Alternatively, as a corner connecting the respective surfaces of the body110is rounded by an additional process to prevent a chipping defect, or the like, a corner connecting the first surface1to the third to sixth surfaces3,4,5, and6and/or a corner connecting the second surface2to the third to sixth surfaces3,4,5, and6may have a rounded form.

The corner may include a 1-3-th corner c1-3connecting the first surface1and the third surface3to each other, a 1-4-th corner c1-4connecting the first surface1and the fourth surface4to each other, a 2-3-th corner c2-3connecting the second surface2and the third surface3to each other, and a 2-4-th corner c2-4connecting the second surface2and the fourth surface4to each other. Also, the corner may include a 1-5 corner connecting the first surface1and the fifth surface5to each other, a 1-6-th corner connecting the first surface1and the sixth surface6to each other, a 2-5-th corner connecting the second surface2and the fifth surface5to each other, and a 2-6-th corner connecting the second surface2and the sixth surface6to each other. However, to suppress a step formed by the internal electrodes121and122, after lamination, the internal electrodes may be cut to be exposed to the fifth and sixth surfaces5and6of the body110, and then a single dielectric layer or two or more dielectric layers are laminated on opposite side surfaces of a capacitance formation portion Ac in a third direction (a width direction) to form margin portions114and115. In this case, a portion connecting the first surface1to the fifth and sixth surfaces5and6and a portion connecting the second surface2to the fifth and sixth surfaces5and6may not have a contracted form.

The first to sixth surfaces of the body110may be overall planar surfaces, and a non-planar regions may be considered to be corners. A region, disposed on a corner, of the external electrodes131and132may be considered to be a corner portion.

In this regard, the first and second corner portions331cand332cmay be disposed on a level the same as or lower than a level of an extension line E2 of the second surface2, and the first and second corner portions331cand332cmay be disposed to be spaced apart from the second surface2. For example, the external electrodes331and332are not disposed on the second surface2, so that a volume occupied by the external electrodes331and332may be further significantly reduced to further increase capacitance per unit volume of the multilayer electronic component3000. In addition, the first corner portion331cmay be disposed on a portion of the 2-3-th corner C2-3connecting the third surface3and the second surface2to each other, and the second corner portion332cmay be disposed on a portion of the 2-4-th corner C2-4connecting the fourth surface4and the second surface2to each other.

The extension line E2 of the second surface may be defined as follows.

In a cross-section of the multilayer electronic component3000taken in length-thickness directions from a center thereof in a width direction (L-T cross-section), seven straight lines P0, P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, P6, and P7 having a uniform thickness from the third surface3to the fourth surface4in a length direction may be drawn, and a straight line passing through a point, at which the straight line P2 and the second surface2meet, and a point, at which the straight line P4 and the second surface2meet, may be defined as the extension line E2 of the second surface2.

The external electrodes331and332may be formed of any material having electrical conductivity, such as a metal, and a specific material of each of the external electrodes131and132may be determined in consideration of electrical characteristics, structural stability, and the like. Furthermore, the external electrodes331and332may have a multilayer structure.

The external electrodes331and332may be sintered electrodes including a conductive metal and glass, or may be resin-based electrodes including a conductive metal and resin.

In addition, the electrode layers331and332may have a form in which sintered electrodes and resin-based electrodes are sequentially formed on the body. In addition, the electrode layers331and332may be formed by a method of transferring a sheet including a conductive metal to the body or be formed by a method of transferring a sheet including a conductive metal to a sintered electrode.

As the conductive metal included in the external electrodes331and332, a material having improved electrical conductivity may be used and is not limited. For example, the conductive metal may be at least one of copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), palladium (Pd), silver (Ag), tin (Sn), chromium (Cr), and alloys thereof. The external electrodes331and332may include at least one of, in detail, Ni and a Ni alloy. Accordingly, connectivity to the internal electrodes121and122including Ni may be further improved.

The insulating layer351may be disposed on the first and second connection portions331aand332a.

The first and second connection portions331aand332aare portions connected to the internal electrodes121and122, and thus, may be paths along which a plating solution permeates during a plating process or moisture permeates during actual use. In the present disclosure, since the insulating layer351is disposed on the connection portions331aand332a, permeation of external moisture or permeation of an external plating solution may be prevented.

The insulating layer351may be disposed to be in contact with the first and second plating layers341and342. In this case, the insulating layer351may have a form contacting and covering a portion of distal ends of the first and second plating layers341and342, or the first and second plating layers341and342may have a form contacting and covering a portion of a distal end of the insulating layer351.

The insulating layer353may be disposed on the first and second connection portions331aand332aand may be disposed to cover the second surface and the first and second corner portions331cand332c. In addition, the insulating layer351may cover a region, in which the distal ends of the first and second corner portions331cand332care in contact with the body110, to block a moisture permeation path, resulting in further improved moisture resistance reliability.

The insulating layer351may be disposed on the second surface to extend to the first and second connection portions331aand332a. Also, the insulating layer351may be disposed to cover the entire second surface when the external electrodes331and332are not disposed on the second surface. The insulating layer351does not need to be disposed on the second surface2, and may not be disposed on a portion or an entirety of the second surface2or may be divided into two insulating layers, respectively disposed on the first and second connection portions331aand332a. However, even in this case, the insulating layer351may be disposed to cover an entirety of the first and second corner portions331c332c. When the insulating layer351is not disposed on the entire second surface, the insulating layer351may be disposed on a level the same as or lower than a level of an extension line of the second surface. In addition, although the insulating layer351is not disposed on the second surface2, the insulating layer351may extend to the fifth and sixth surfaces5and6on the first and second connection portions331aand332ato constitute a single insulating layer.

In an exemplary embodiment, the insulating layer351may be disposed to cover a portion of the fifth and sixth surfaces5and6to improve reliability. In this case, portions, which are not covered by the insulating layer351, of the fifth and sixth surfaces5and6may be exposed to the outside.

Furthermore, the insulating layer351may be disposed to cover the entirety of the fifth and sixth surfaces5and6. In this case, the fifth and sixth surfaces5and6may not be exposed to the outside, resulting in further improved moisture resistance reliability.

The insulating layer351may serve to prevent the plating layers341and342from being formed on the external electrodes331and332on which the insulating layer351is disposed, and may serve to improve sealing characteristics to significantly reduce permeation of external moisture or permeation of an external plating solution. Components, a composition, an average thickness, and effects of the insulating layer351are the same as those of the insulating layers151,251,252, and253included in the multilayer electronic components1000and2000and various embodiments of the multilayer electronic components1000and2000, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

The first and second plating layers341and342may be disposed on the first and second band portions331band332b, respectively. The plating layers341and342may serve to improve mounting characteristics. As the plating layers341and342are respectively disposed on the band portions331band332b, a mounting space may be significantly reduced, and permeation of a plating solution into an internal electrode may be significantly reduced to improve reliability. One end of each of the first and second plating layers341and342may be in contact with the first surface1, and the other end thereof may be in contact with the insulating layer351.

The type of the plating layers341and342is not limited, and each of the plating layers341and342may be a plating layer including at least one of Cu, Ni, Sn, Ag, Au, Pd, and alloys thereof and may include a plurality of layers.

As a more specific example of the plating layers341and342, the plating layers341and342may be a Ni plating layer or a Sn plating layer. Alternatively, the plating layers341and342may have a form in which a Ni plating layer and a Sn plating layer may be sequentially formed on the first and second band electrodes231band232b.

In an exemplary embodiment, the insulating layer351may be disposed to be in direct contact with the first and second external electrodes331and332, and the first and second external electrodes331and332may include a conductive metal and glass. Accordingly, the plating layers341and342may not be disposed in a region, in which the insulating layer351is disposed, of the external surfaces of the first and second external electrodes331and332, so that erosion of external electrodes caused by a plating solution may be effectively suppressed.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first plating layer341may be disposed to cover a distal end disposed on the first external electrode331of the first insulating layer351, and the second plating layer342may be disposed to cover a distal end disposed on the second external electrode332of the second insulating layer352. Accordingly, adhesion between the insulating layers351and the plating layers341and342may be increased to improve reliability of the multilayer electronic component3000. In addition, by forming the insulating layers351before forming the plating layers341and342on the external electrodes331and332, the permeation of the plating solution during formation of the plating layer may be more reliably suppressed. As the insulating layer is formed before forming the plating layer, the plating layers341and342may have a form covering a distal end of the insulating layer351.

In an exemplary embodiment, the insulating layer351may be disposed to cover a distal end disposed on the first external electrode331of the first plating layer341, and may be disposed to cover a distal end disposed on the second external electrode332of the second plating layer342. Accordingly, adhesion between the insulating layer351and the plating layers341and342may be increased to improve the reliability of the multilayer electronic component3000.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first and second plating layers341and342may disposed to extend to partially cover the first and second connection portions331aor332a, respectively. In the present embodiment, H1≥H2 (or H1≥H2), where “H1” is an average size to an internal electrode, disposed to be closest to the first surface1, among the first and second internal electrodes121and122, in the first direction, and “H2” is an average size from the extension line E1 of the first surface1to a distal end of each of the first and second plating layers341and342disposed on the first and second connection portions331aor332ain the first direction. Accordingly, the permeation of the plating solution into the internal electrode during the plating process may be suppressed to improve reliability.

In an exemplary embodiment, H1<H2, where “H1” is an average size from the first surface1to an internal electrode disposed to be closest to the first surface1, among the first and second internal electrodes121and122, in a first direction, and “H2” is an average size from an extension line E1 of the first surface1to the plating layer341and342disposed on the first and second connection portions331aand332a, in the first direction. Accordingly, an area in contact with a solder during mounting may be increased to improve adhesion strength. In more detail, H2<T/2, where “T” is an average size of the body110in the first direction. For example, H1<H2<T/2. This is because when “H2” is greater than or equal to T/2, an effect of improving moisture resistance reliability by an insulating layer may be decreased.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first and second plating layers341and342may be disposed on a level the same as or lower than a level of an extension line of the first surface. Accordingly, a height of the solder may be significantly reduced during mounting, and a mounting space may be significantly reduced. Also, the insulating layer351may extend to a level the same as or lower than the level of the extension line E1 of the first surface1to be in contact with the first and second plating layers341and342.

In an exemplary embodiment, 0.2≤B1/L≤0.4 and 0.2≤B2/L≤0.4, where “L” is the average size of the body in the second direction, “B1” is the average size from the extension line E3 of the third surface3to the distal end of the first band in the second direction, and “B2” is the average size from the extension line E4 of the fourth surface4to the distal end of the second band portion in the second direction.

When B1/L and B2/L are less than 0.2, it may be difficult to secure sufficient adhesion strength. On the other hand, when B2/L is greater than 0.4, leakage current may be generated between the first band portion331band the second band portion332bunder a high-voltage current and the first band portion331band the second band portion332bmay be electrically connected to each other by plating spreading, or the like, during a plating process.

In an exemplary embodiment, the multilayer electronic component3000may include an additional insulating layer disposed on the first surface and disposed between the first band portion331band the second band portion332b. Accordingly, the leakage current which may be generated between the first band electrode331band the second band electrode332bunder a high-voltage current may be prevented.

The type of the additional insulating layer does not need to be limited. For example, the additional insulating layer may include at least one selected from the group consisting of an epoxy resin, an acrylic resin, ethyl cellulose, and the like or may include glass.

In an exemplary embodiment, B3<B1 and B4<B2, where “B1” is the average size from the extension line E3 of the third surface3to the distal end of the first band in the second direction, and “B2” is the average size from the extension line E4 of the fourth surface4to the distal end of the second band portion in the second direction. The average length “B1” of the first band portion331bmay be larger than the average length “B3” of the first corner portion331c, and the average length “B2” of the second band portion332bmay be larger than the average length “B4” of the second corner portion332c. Accordingly, an area in contact with a solder during mounting may be increased to improve the adhesion strength.

In more detail, B3<B1 and B4<B2, where “B1” is the average size from the extension line E3 of the third surface3to the distal end of the first band portion331bin the second direction, “B2” is the average size from the extension line E4 of the fourth surface4to the distal end of the second band portion332bin the second direction, “B3” is the average from the extension line E3 of the third surface3to the distal end of the first corner portion331cin the second direction, and “B4” is the average size from the extension line E4 of the fourth surface4to the distal end of the second corner portion332cin the second direction.

In an exemplary embodiment, an average thickness of the first and second plating layers341and342may be smaller than an average thickness of the insulating layer351.

The insulating layer351may serve to prevent permeation of external moisture or a plating solution, but may have weak connectivity to the plating layers341and342to cause delamination of the plating layers341and342. When the plating layer is delaminated, adhesion strength to a substrate180may be reduced. The “delamination of a plating layer” may mean that a plating layer is partially removed or is physically separated from the external electrodes131-5and132-5. Since connectivity between a plating layer and a insulating layer is weak, there is high possibility that a gap at an interface between the insulating layer and the plating layer may be increased or foreign objects may permeate through the gap, and there is high possibility that the plating layer may be delaminated due to vulnerability to external impact, or the like.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the plating layer may be formed to have the average thickness greater than the average thickness of the insulating layer, so that a contact area between the plating layer and the insulating layer may be reduced. Thus, occurrence of delamination may be suppressed to improve adhesion strength to the multilayer electronic component3000.

A size of the multilayer electronic component3000does not need to be limited.

However, to achieve miniaturization and high capacitance at the same time, thicknesses of dielectric layers and internal electrodes may be reduced to increase the number of laminated layers. Therefore, an effect of improving reliability and capacitance per unit volume may become more remarkable in the multilayer electronic component300having a size of1005(length×width, 1.0 mm×0.5 mm) or less.

Accordingly, when the multilayer electronic component3000has a length of 1.1 mm or less and a width of 0.55 mm or less in consideration of a manufacturing error and a size of an external electrode, a reliability improvement effect according to the present disclosure may be more remarkable. The length of the multilayer electronic component3000may refer to a maximum size of the multilayer electronic component1000in the second direction, and the width of the multilayer electronic component3000may refer to a maximum size of the multilayer electronic component1000in the third direction.

As described above, according to exemplary embodiments, an insulating layer may be disposed on a connection portion on an external electrode, and a plating layer may be disposed on a band portion of the external electrode. Thus, reliability of a multilayer electronic component may be improved while increasing capacitance per unit volume of the multilayer electronic component.

In addition, a mounting space of a multilayer electronic component may be significantly reduced.

In addition, an insulating layer includes a fluorine-based organic material, so that permeation of moisture and a plating solution may be prevented to improve moisture resistance reliability and to suppress occurrence and propagation of cracking.

While exemplary embodiments have been shown and described above, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications and variations could be made without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.