Patent ID: 12224127

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described as below 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 such 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 the elements in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity of description. Also, elements having the same function within the scope of the same concept represented in the drawing of each example embodiment will be described using the same reference numeral.

In the drawings, same elements will be indicated by the same reference numerals. Also, redundant descriptions and detailed descriptions of known functions and elements that may unnecessarily make the gist of the present disclosure obscure will not be provided. In the accompanying drawings, some elements may be exaggerated, omitted or briefly illustrated, and the sizes of the elements do not necessarily reflect the actual sizes of these elements. Also, it will be understood that when a portion “includes” an element, it may 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 be defined as a laminating direction or a thickness (T) direction, a second direction may be defined as a length (L) direction, and a third direction may be defined as a width (W) direction.

FIG.1is a perspective diagram illustrating a multilayer electronic component according to an example embodiment.

FIG.2is a perspective diagram illustrating a body of the multilayer electronic component inFIG.1.

FIG.3is a cross-sectional diagram taken along line I-I′ inFIG.1.

FIG.4is an enlarged diagram illustrating region P1inFIG.3.

FIG.5is an exploded perspective diagram illustrating the body inFIG.2.

FIG.6is a perspective diagram illustrating a substrate on which a multilayer electronic component is mounted.

Hereinafter, a multilayer electronic component1000in an example embodiment will be described with reference toFIGS.1to6.

The multilayer electronic component1000in an example embodiment may include a dielectric layer111and first and second internal electrodes121and122alternately disposed with the dielectric layer111interposed therebetween, and may further include a body110including first and second surfaces 1 and 2 opposing each other in the first direction, third and fourth surfaces 3 and 4 connected to the first and second surfaces 1 and 2 and opposing in the second direction, and fifth and sixth surfaces 5 and 6 connected to the first and second surfaces 1 and 2 and the third and fourth surfaces 3 and 4 and opposing each other in the third direction.

Referring toFIGS.2and3, in the body110, the dielectric layer111and the internal electrodes121and122may be alternately laminated.

The shape of the body110may not be limited to any particular shape, but as illustrated, the body110may have a hexahedral shape or a shape similar to a hexahedral shape. Due to reduction of ceramic powder included in the body110during a firing process, the body110may not have an exact hexahedral shape formed by linear lines but may have a substantially hexahedral shape.

The body110may have first and second surfaces 1 and 2 opposing each other in the first direction, third and fourth surfaces 3 and 4 connected to the first and second surfaces 1 and 2 and opposing in the second direction, and fifth and sixth surfaces 5 and 6 connected to the first and second surfaces 1 and 2 and the third and fourth surfaces 3 and 4 and opposing each other in the third direction.

In an example embodiment, the body110may have a first 1-3 corner connecting the first surface to the third surface, a 1-4 corner connecting the first surface to the fourth surface, a 2-3 corner connecting the second surface to the third surface and a 2-4 corner connecting the second surface to the fourth surface. The 1-3 corner and the 2-3 corner may have a form reduced in a direction of a center of the body taken in the first direction toward the third surface, and the 1-4 corner and corner 2-4 may have a form reduced in a direction of a center of the body taken in the first direction toward the fourth face.

As a margin region in which the internal electrodes121and122are not disposed may overlap the dielectric layer111, a step difference may be formed due to the thickness of the internal electrodes121and122, and accordingly, the corner connecting the first surface to the third to fifth surfaces and/or the corner connecting the second surface to the third to the fifth surfaces may have a form reduced in a direction of a center of the body taken in the first direction with respect to the first surface or the second surface. Alternatively, a corner connecting the first surface 1 to the third to sixth surfaces 3, 4, 5, and 6 and/or a corner connecting the second surface 2 to the third to sixth surfaces 3, 4, 5, and 6 may have a form reduced in a direction of a center of the body taken in the first direction with respect to the first surface or the second surface. Alternatively, as the corners connecting the surfaces of the body110are rounded by performing a separate process to prevent chipping defects, or the like, the corners connecting the first and third to sixth surfaces and/or the corner connecting the second surface to the third to sixth surfaces may have a rounded shape.

The corner may include a first 1-3 corner connecting the first surface to the third surface, a 1-4 corner connecting the first surface to the fourth surface, a 2-3 corner connecting the second surface to the third surface and a 2-4 corner connecting the second surface to the fourth surface. Also, the corners may include a 1-5 corner connecting the first surface to the fifth surface, a 1-6 corner connecting the first surface to the sixth surfaces, a 2-5 corner connecting the second surface to the fifth surface, and a 2-6 corner connecting the second surface to the sixth surface. The first to sixth surfaces of the body110may be almost flat surfaces, and non-flat regions may be configured as corners. Hereinafter, an extension line of each surface may refer to a line extended with respect to a flat portion of each surface.

In this case, the region disposed on the corner of the body110in the external electrodes131and132may be a corner portion, the region disposed on the third and fourth surfaces of the body110may be a connection portion, and the region disposed on the first and second surfaces of the body may be a band portion.

To prevent a step difference caused by the internal electrodes121and122, after lamination, when the internal electrodes are cut to be exposed to the fifth and sixth surfaces 5 and 6 of the body, a single dielectric layer or two or more dielectric layers may be laminated on both side surfaces of the capacitance formation portion Ac in the third direction (width direction) to form margin portions114and115, the portion connecting the first surface to the fifth and sixth surfaces and the portion connecting the second surface to the fifth and sixth surfaces may not have a reduced form.

The plurality of dielectric layers111forming the body110may be in a fired state, and a boundary between the adjacent dielectric layers111may be integrated with each other such that the boundary may not be distinct without using a scanning electron microscope (SEM).

In an example embodiment, a raw material for forming the dielectric layer111is not limited to any particular example as long as sufficient capacitance may be obtained. For example, a barium titanate material, a lead composite perovskite material, or a strontium titanate material may be used. The barium titanate material may include BaTiO3ceramic powder, and an example of the ceramic powder may include (Ba1-xCax)TiO3(0<x<1), Ba(Ti1-yCay)O3(0<y<1), (Ba1-xCax)(Ti1-yZry)O3(0<x<1, 0<y<1) or Ba(Ti1-yZry)O3(0<y<1) in which Ca (calcium), Zr (zirconium) is partially solid-solute.

Also, various ceramic additives, organic solvents, binders, dispersants, or the like, may be added to a raw material for forming the dielectric layer111in the example embodiment to powder such as barium titanate (BaTiO3).

The average thickness td of the dielectric layer111may not need to be limited to any particular example.

However, generally, when the dielectric layer has a thickness of less than 0.6 μm, which is relatively thin, in particular, when the thickness of the dielectric layer is 0.35 μm or less, reliability may decrease.

In an example embodiment, by disposing an insulating layer on the connection portion of the external electrode, and disposing the plating layer on the band portion of the external electrode, permeation of external moisture and the plating solution may be prevented, such that reliability may improve. Accordingly, excellent 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, the effect of improving reliability in the example embodiment may improve.

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

The average thickness of the dielectric layer111may be measured by scanning a cross-sectional surface of the body110taken in the length and thickness direction (L-T) using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) at 10,000× magnification. More specifically, an average value may be measured by measuring thicknesses of 30 points of the dielectric layer, spaced apart by an equal distance, on the scanned image in the length direction. The 30 points spaced apart by an equal distance may be designated in the capacitance formation portion Ac. Also, when the measuring of the average value is extended to 10 dielectric layers and measuring an average value thereof, the average thickness of the dielectric layers may be further generalized.

The body110may include the capacitance formation portion Ac disposed in the body110and including the first internal electrode121and the second internal electrode122opposing each other with the dielectric layer111interposed therebetween, and cover portions112and113formed on upper and lower portions of the capacitance formation portion Ac in the first direction.

Also, the capacitance formation portion Ac may contribute to the formation of capacitance of the capacitor, and may be formed by alternately laminating the plurality of first and second internal electrodes121and122with the dielectric layer111interposed therebetween.

The cover portions112and113may include an upper cover portion112disposed on 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 the upper and lower surfaces of the capacitance formation portion Ac in the thickness direction, respectively, and may prevent damages to the internal electrodes caused by physical or chemical stress.

The upper cover portion112and the lower cover portion113may not include an internal electrode, and may include the same material as that of the dielectric layer111.

That is, the upper cover portion112and the lower cover portion113may include a ceramic material, such as, for example, a barium titanate (BaTiO3) ceramic material.

The average thickness of the cover portions112and113may not need to be limited to any particular example. However, to easily implement miniaturization and high capacitance of the multilayer electronic component, the average thickness tc of the cover portions112and113may be 15 μm or less. Also, in an example embodiment, by disposing the insulating layer on the connection portion of the external electrode and the plating layer on the band portion of the external electrode, permeation of external moisture and a plating solution may be prevented such that reliability may improve. Accordingly, excellent reliability may be ensured even when the average thickness tc of the cover portions112and113is 15 μm or less.

The average thickness tc of the cover portions112and113may refer to a size in the first direction, and may be an average value of thicknesses of five points of the cover portions112and113, spaced apart by an equal distance, in the first direction above or below the capacitance formation portion Ac.

Also, margin portions114and115may be disposed on a side surface of the capacitance formation portion Ac.

The margin portions114and115may include the first margin114disposed on the fifth surface 5 of the body110and the second margin115disposed on the sixth surface 6 of the body110. That is, the margin portions114and115may be disposed on both end surfaces of the ceramic body110in the width direction.

The margin portions114and115may refer to a region of a boundary surface between both ends of the first and second internal electrodes121and122and the body on the cross-section of the body110taken in the width-thickness (W-T) direction.

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

The margin portions114and115may be formed by forming internal electrodes by applying a conductive paste on a ceramic green sheet other than the region in which the margin portion is formed.

Also, to prevent the step difference due to the internal electrodes121and122, after lamination, the internal electrodes may be cut to be exposed to the fifth and sixth surfaces 5 and 6 of the body, and a single dielectric layer or two or more dielectric layers may be laminated on both side surfaces of the capacitance formation portion Ac in the third direction (width direction), thereby forming the margin portions114and115.

The width of the margin portion114and115may not need to be limited to any particular example. However, an average width of the margin portions114and115may be 15 μm or less to easily obtain miniaturization and high capacitance of the multilayer electronic component. Also, in an example embodiment, by disposing the insulating layer on the connection portion of the external electrode and disposing the plating layer on the band portion of the external electrode, permeation of external moisture and a plating solution may be prevented such that reliability may improve. Accordingly, excellent reliability may be ensured even when the average width of the margin portions114and115is 15 μm or less.

The average width of the margin portions114and115may refer to the average size of the margin portions114and115in the third direction, and may be an average value of thicknesses of five points of the margin portions114and115, spaced apart by an equal distance, in the third direction on the side surface of the capacitance formation portion Ac.

The internal electrodes121and122may be alternately laminated with the dielectric layer111.

The internal electrodes121and122may include first and second internal electrodes121and122. The first and second internal electrodes121and122may be alternately disposed to oppose each other with the dielectric layer111included in the body110interposed therebetween, and may be exposed to (or extend from or be in contact with) the third and fourth surfaces 3 and 4 of the body110, respectively.

Referring toFIG.3, the first internal electrode121may be spaced apart from the fourth surface 4 and may be exposed through the third surface 3, and the second internal electrode122may be spaced apart from the third surface 3 and may be exposed through the fourth surface 4. The first external electrode131may be disposed on the third surface 3 of the body may be connected to the first internal electrode121, and the second external electrode132may be disposed on the fourth surface 4 of the body and may be connected to the second internal electrode122.

That is, the first internal electrode121may not be connected to the second external electrode132, but 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 spaced apart from the fourth surface 4 by a predetermined distance, and the second internal electrode122may be spaced apart from the third surface 3 by 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 firing the sheets.

The material for forming the internal electrodes121and122is not limited to any particular example, and a material having excellent electrical conductivity may be used. For example, the internal electrodes121and122may include one or more of nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), palladium (Pd), silver (Ag), gold (Au), platinum (Pt), tin (Sn), or tungsten (W), titanium (Ti), and alloys thereof.

Also, the internal electrodes121and122may be formed by printing a conductive paste for internal electrodes including one or more of nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), palladium (Pd), silver (Ag), gold (Au), platinum (Pt), tin (Sn), tungsten (W), titanium (Ti), and alloys thereof. As the method of printing the conductive paste for internal electrodes, a screen printing method or a gravure printing method may be used, but an example embodiment thereof is not limited thereto.

The average thickness to of the internal electrodes121and122may not need to be limited to any particular example.

However, generally, when the internal electrode is formed to have a thickness of less than 0.6 which is relatively thin, in particular, when the thickness of the internal electrode is 0.35 μm or less, reliability may be deteriorated.

In an example embodiment, by disposing an insulating layer on the connection portion of the external electrode, and disposing the plating layer on the band portion of the external electrode, permeation of external moisture and a plating solution may be prevented such that reliability may improve. Accordingly, excellent reliability may be secured even when the average thickness of the internal electrodes121and122is 0.35 or less.

Accordingly, when the thickness of the internal electrodes121and122is 0.35 or less on average, the effect in the example embodiment may improve, and miniaturization and high capacitance of the ceramic electronic component may be easily obtained.

The average thickness to of the internal electrodes121and122may refer to the average thickness of the internal electrodes121and122.

The average thickness of the internal electrodes121and122may be measured by scanning a cross-sectional surface of the body110taken in the length and thickness direction (L-T) using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) at 10,000 magnification. More specifically, an average value may be measured by measuring thicknesses of 30 points of the dielectric layer, spaced apart by an equal distance, from the scanned image in the length direction. The 30 points spaced apart by an equal distance may be designated in the capacitance formation portion Ac. Also, when the measuring of the average value is extended to 10 dielectric layers and an average value thereof is measured, the average thickness of the dielectric layers may be further generalized.

The external electrodes131and132may be disposed on the third surface 3 and the fourth surface 4 of the body110. The external electrodes131and132may include first and second external electrodes131and132disposed on the third and fourth surfaces 3 and 4 of the body110, respectively, and connected to the first and second internal electrodes121and122, respectively.

The external electrodes131and132may include the first external electrode131including a first connection portion131adisposed on the third surface 3 and a first band portion131bextending from the first connection portion131ato a portion of the first surface 1, and the second external electrode132including a second connection portion132adisposed on the fourth surface 4, and a second band portion132bextending from the second connection portion132ato a portion of the first surface 1. The first connection portion131amay be connected to the first internal electrode121on the third surface 3, and the second connection portion132amay be connected to the second internal electrode122on the fourth surface 4.

Also, the first external electrode131may include a third band portion131cextending from the first connection portion131ato a portion of the second surface 2, and the second external electrode132may include a fourth band portion132cextending from the connection portion132ato a portion of the second surface 2. Further, the first external electrode131may include a first side band portion extending from the first connection portion131ato portions of the fifth and sixth surfaces 5 and 6, and the second external electrode132may include a second side band portion extending from the second connection portion132ato portions of the fifth and sixth surfaces 5 and 6.

However, the third band portion, the fourth band portion, the first side band portion and the second side band portion may not be provided in the example embodiment. The first and second external electrodes131and132may not be disposed on the second surface 2 or may not be disposed on the fifth and sixth surfaces 5 and 6. As the first and second external electrodes131and132are not disposed on the second surface 2, the first and second external electrodes131and132may be disposed below an extension line of the second surface of the body. Also, the first and second connection portions131aand132amay be spaced apart from the fifth and sixth surfaces 5 and 6, and the first and second connection portions131aand132amay be spaced apart from the second surface 2. Also, the first and second band portions131band132bmay also be spaced apart from the fifth and sixth surfaces 5 and 6.

When the first and second external electrodes131and132include the third and fourth band portions131cand132c, an insulating layer151may be formed on the third and fourth band portions131cand132cin the example embodiment, but an example embodiment thereof is not limited thereto. A plating layer141/142may be disposed on the third and fourth band portions131cand132cto improve mounting convenience. Also, the first and second external electrodes131and132may include the third and fourth band portions131cand132cand may not include the side band portions, and in this case, the first and second connection portions131aand132aand the first to fourth band portions131a,132b,131c, and132cmay be spaced apart from the fifth and sixth surfaces.

In the example embodiment, the ceramic electronic component100may have two external electrodes131and132. However, the number of the external electrodes131and132and the shape thereof may vary depending on the shapes of the internal electrodes121and122or other purposes.

The external electrodes131and132may be formed using any material having electrical conductivity, such as metal, and a specific material may be determined in consideration of electrical properties and structural stability, and may have a multilayer structure.

The external electrodes131and132may be a fired electrode including a conductive metal and glass, or a resin-based electrode including a conductive metal and a resin.

Also, the external electrodes131and132may have a shape in which a plastic electrode and a resin-based electrode are formed in order on a body. Also, the external electrodes131and132may be formed by transferring a sheet including a conductive metal onto the body or by transferring a sheet including a conductive metal to the fired electrode.

As the conductive metal included in the external electrodes131and132, a material having excellent electrical conductivity may be used, and the material is not limited to any particular example. For example, the conductive metal may be one or more of Cu, Ni, Pd, Ag, Sn, Cr, and alloys thereof. Preferably, the external electrodes131and132may include at least one of Ni and a Ni alloy, and accordingly, connectivity with the internal electrodes121and122including Ni may improve.

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

Since the first and second connection portions131aand132aare connected to the internal electrodes121and122, the first and second connection portions131aand132amay become paths through which a plating solution may permeate in a plating process or moisture may permeate during actual use. In the example embodiment, since the insulating layer151is disposed on the connection portions131aand132a, permeation of external moisture or a plating solution may be prevented.

The insulating layer151may be in contact with the first and second plating layers141and142. In this case, the insulating layer151may be in contact with and may partially cover ends of the first and second plating layers141and142, or the first and second plating layers141and142be in contact with and may partially cover ends of the insulating layer151.

The insulating layer151may be disposed on the first and second connection portions131aand132a, and may be disposed to cover the second surface 2 and the third and fourth band portions131cand132c. In this case, the insulating layer151may cover the third and fourth band portions131cand132c, and regions in which the third and fourth band portions131cand132care not disposed on the second surface 2. Accordingly, the insulating layer151may cover the region in which the ends of the third and fourth band portions131cand132care in contact with the body110and may block the moisture permeation path, thereby improving moisture resistance reliability.

The insulating layer151may be disposed on the second surface and may extend to the first and second connection portions131aand132a. Also, when the external electrodes131and132are not disposed on the second surface 2, the insulating layer151may be disposed to entirely cover the second surface 2. The insulating layer151may not necessarily be disposed on the second surface 2, and the insulating layer151may not be disposed on a portion or an entirety of the second surface 2, and also, the insulating layer151may be divided into two portions and the two portions may be disposed on the first and second connection portions131aand132a, respectively. When the insulating layer151is not disposed on an entirety of the second surface 2, the insulating layer151may be disposed below an extension line of the second surface 2. Also, the insulating layer may not be disposed on the second surface 2, and the insulating layer151may extend from the first and second connection portions131aand132ato the fifth and sixth surfaces 5 and 6 and may form an insulating layer.

Further, the insulating layer151may be disposed to cover portions of the first and second side band portions, the fifth surface 5, and the sixth surface 6. In this case, portions of the fifth and sixth surfaces 5 and 6 not covered by the insulating layer151may be exposed.

Also, the insulating layer151may be disposed to cover the first and second side band portions and the fifth and sixth surfaces 5 and 6, and in this case, the fifth and sixth surfaces 5 and 6 may not be exposed, such that moisture resistance reliability may improve. The connection portions131aand132amay not also be directly exposed, thereby improving reliability of the multilayer electronic component1000. In greater detail, the insulating layer151may cover both the first and second side band portions, and may cover entire regions of the fifth and sixth surfaces 5 and 6 other than the region in which the first and second side band portions are formed.

The insulating layer151may prevent the plating layers141and142from being formed on the external electrodes131and132on which the insulating layer151is disposed, and may improve sealing properties, such that permeation of moisture or a plating solution may be reduced.

The multilayer electronic component1000in an example embodiment may include an insulating layer151disposed on the second surface 2 and extending to a portion on the first and second connection portions131aand132a.

The insulating layer151may be disposed on the second surface 2, may extend to the first connection portion131a, the second connection portion132a, a portion of the fifth surface 5 and a portion of the sixth surface 6 and may be in contact with the plating layers141and142. Accordingly, the insulating layer151may simultaneously cover a portion of the first and second external electrodes131and132and a portion of the body110and may protect the multilayer electronic component1000from plating solution, moisture, and external impacts.

Also, as the entire surface of the first and second external electrodes131and132and the body110may not be covered and only a portion thereof may be covered, the plating layers141and142may be on the first and second external electrodes131and132, such that the component may be mounted on the substrate180.

That is, the multilayer electronic component1000in an example embodiment may include plating layers141and142disposed on the first and second band portions131band132b.

The insulating layer151may include, but is not limited to, a glass material having excellent plating solution resistance, such as, for example, a glass material including Si, and may be formed of a material having sufficient strength which may protect the multilayer electronic component1000from tensile stress caused by thermal reduction. Also, the insulating layer151may include a single component or a plurality of components, and more preferably, to improve bonding strength with the body100or the external electrodes131and132, the insulating layer151may include one or more selected from TiO2, BaTiO3, Al2O3, SiO2, and BaO as an additive.

A method of forming the insulating layer151may vary depending on components and purposes. For example, a coating film is formed using an insulating paste using a squeegee, the external electrodes131and132may be disposed on the body110, each cross-section may be immersed in sequence, and drying may be performed under a temperature of 150° C. Also, sol-gel processing, chemical vapor deposition (CVD), atomic layer deposition (ALD), or the like, may be used, but an example embodiment thereof is not limited thereto, and other methods for forming a thin and uniform insulating layer may be used.

In an example 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, since the plating layers141and142may not be disposed in the region in which the insulating layer151is disposed among the external surfaces of the first and second external electrodes131and132, erosion of the external electrodes caused by the plating solution may be effectively prevented.

In this case, the first plating layer141may be disposed to cover an end disposed on the first external electrode131of the insulating layer151, and the second plating layer142may be disposed to an end disposed on the external electrode132. By forming the insulating layer151before forming the plating layers141and142on the external electrodes131and132, permeation of the plating solution during the process of forming the plating layer may be reliably prevented. As the insulating layer is formed before the plating layer, the plating layers141and142may cover ends of the insulating layer151.

In an example 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 resin. Accordingly, since the plating layers141and142may not be disposed in the region in which the insulating layer151is disposed among the external surfaces of the first and second external electrodes131and132, erosion of the external electrodes caused by the plating solution may be effectively prevented.

In this case, the first plating layer141may be disposed to cover the end disposed on the first external electrode131of the insulating layer151, and the second plating layer142may be disposed to cover the end disposed on the external electrode132of the insulating layer151. By forming the insulating layer151before forming the plating layers141and142on the external electrodes131and132, permeation of the plating solution during the process of forming the plating layer may be reliably prevented.

The first and second plating layers141and142may be disposed on the first and second band portions131band132b, respectively. The plating layers141and142may improve mounting properties, and as the plating layers141and142are disposed on the band portions131band132b, the mounting space may be reduced, and also, permeation of the plating solution into an internal electrode may be reduced, such that reliability may improve. One ends of the first and second plating layers141and142may be in contact with the first surface, and the other end may be in contact with the insulating layer151.

The type of the plating layers141and142is not limited to any particular example, and may 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 layers141and142, the plating layers141and142may be a Ni plating layer or a Sn plating layer, and a Ni plating layer and a Sn plating layer may be formed in sequence on the first and second band portions131band132b.

A method of forming the plating layers141and142is not limited to any particular example. However, to improve adhesion properties, the plating layers141and142may be formed after the insulating layer151is formed. The plating layers141and142may be formed by one of a wet plating method, an electroplating method, and an electroless plating method, but an example embodiment thereof is not limited thereto. The plating layer may be formed by another method for forming a high-purity and uniform plating layer.

In an example embodiment, the plating layers141and142may extend to a portion on the first and second connection portions131aand132a. That is, the plating layers141and142may be disposed on the first and second band portions131band132band may extend to a portion on the first and second connection portions131aand132aand may be in contact with the insulating layer151.

In related art, to prevent cracks in the multilayer electronic component due to thermal reduction of a solder fillet, a glass layer directly provided on one main surface of the body, and directly provided on a sintered layer on each cross-sectional side to be extended in a direction orthogonal to the side surface, and a metal layer provided to cover a sintered layer other than the portion covered by the glass layer for mounting by solder fillet and included in another portion of the surface of the external electrode.

The glass layer in the related art may be a glass material having excellent resistance against a plating solution, and may include 20 mol % or more and 65 mol % or less of Si. In the related art, when a mole fraction of Si is less than 20 mol %, and when resistance against the plating solution is insufficient and 65 mol % is exceeded, a glass softening point may increase and wettability with respect to the sintered body layer may degrade, such that the glass layer may be easily peeled.

Generally, a glass layer formed of a glass material including Si may be formed of a material having insulation regardless of a content of Si, such that adhesion with a plating layer formed of a metal component or an external electrode may be weakened, which may be problematic. Accordingly, delamination may occur in the multilayer electronic component from residual stress or external impact generated during the manufacturing process, and resistance to external impacts of the entire multilayer electronic component may be lowered.

In particular, since the structure disclosed in the related art has a structure in which the glass layer and the metal layer are simply connected to each other with the same thickness or substantially the same thickness, the above-described issues may occur, which may cause degradation of bonding strength when amounting the electronic component on a substrate through solder.

Hereinafter, correlation between the plating layers141and142, the insulating layer151, and the first and second connection portions131aand132aaccording to the multilayer electronic component1000in an example embodiment will be described with reference to the first connection portion131a, and when the components are described with reference to the second connection portion132a, overlapping descriptions will not be provided.

Referring toFIG.4, the insulating layer151in an example embodiment may be disposed such that a thickness thereof may gradually decrease toward ends. The insulating layer151may be disposed such that a distance between both ends thereof taken in the length direction may decrease toward ends. Accordingly, a gap may be disposed between the insulating layer151and the first connection portion131a.

The plating layer141may include an end in contact with the insulating layer151, and may be divided into two regions.

An end of the plating layer141may include a first region S1extending to a region between the insulating layer151and the first connection portion131a, and a second region S2extending to cover the insulating layer151. The first region S1may be an end region of the plating layer extending to a region between the insulating layer151and the first connection portion131a. Accordingly, the first region S1and the second region S2may be connected to each other.

In the first region S1, the plating layer151may be in direct contact with the first connection portion131a, such that the first region S1may contribute to improving adhesion force.

The second region S2may be a region of an end of the plating layer which may extend to cover the insulating layer151. That is, the second region S2may physically connect the insulating layer151to the plating layer141.

As the end of the plating layer151includes the first region S1, the contact area between the plating layer151and the first connection portion131amay improve, such that the adhesion force between the plating layer151and the first connection portion131amay improve.

Also, by configuring the end of the plating layer to include the second region S2, an anchoring effect may occur between the insulating layer151and the insulating layer141such that physical bonding force may improve. More preferably, by disposing the insulating layer151between the first region S1and the second region S2, the anchoring effect may improve.

In the multilayer electronic component1000in an example embodiment, in the region in which the plating layers141and142and the insulating layer151are in contact with each other, the thickness of the insulating layer151may decrease toward the end, and the ends of the plating layers may include the first region extending to a region between the insulating layer151and the first and second connection portions131aand132aand the second region extending to cover the insulating layer151, such that, even when the insulating layer151is formed of a material having an insulating component, physical bonding force between the plating layer141, the insulating layer151, and the first connection portion131amay improve, and overall strength of the multilayer electronic component1000may improve. Accordingly, external impact of the multilayer electronic component1000resistance against may improve, and even when being mounted on a substrate using solder, degradation of cohesion strength may be prevented.

In an example embodiment, when a1is defined as a maximum length of the first region S1in the first direction and a2is defined as maximum length of the second region S2in the first direction, a1>a2may be satisfied. When a2is larger than a1, the area in which the plating layer141is in contact with the insulating layer151may be larger than the area in which the plating layer141and the first connection portion131aare in contact with each other, such that adhesion force between the plating layer141, the insulating layer151, and the connection portions131amay not be sufficient. In an example embodiment, by satisfying a1>a2, the length or area in which the plating layer141is in contact with the first connection portion131amay be increased, and the contact area between the plating layer141and the insulating layer151may be reduced, such that physical bonding force may improve. Accordingly, overall strength of the multilayer electronic component1000may improve.

Here, a1may be the maximum length in the first direction of the first region S1, may refer to a distance from the end of the insulating layer151to the point at which the gap between the insulating layer151and the connection portions131aand132astarts. Also, a2may be a maximum length of the second region S2in the first direction, and may refer to a distance from the end of the insulating layer to an end of the second region covering the end of the insulating layer151.

Each of a1and a2may be an average value of values measured in ten cross sections taken in the first direction-the second direction, obtained by cutting with an equal distance therebetween in the third direction.

A method of allowing the end of the plating layer to include the first region S1and the second region S2may be varied. For example, when the insulating layer151is formed by a dipping method, the first region S1and the second region S2may be formed by controlling the shape of a plastic carrier plate or rubber zig fixing the upper portion of the multilayer electronic component.

Specifically, the end of the plastic carrier or rubber zig may be manufactured to have a shape corresponding to the first region S1and the second region S2, and the multilayer electronic component may be fixed and immersed in the insulating paste. In this case, since the insulating layer is formed on a portion not occupied by the plastic carrier or the rubber zig, the insulating layer may not be formed in the region corresponding to the first region S1and the second region S2.

The multilayer electronic component may be immersed in the insulating paste and may be dried at a temperature of about 150° C. The multilayer electronic component may be separated from the plastic carrier or rubber zig, and the plating layer may be formed to a portion in which the insulation layer is not formed.

In this case, since the plating solution permeates into the region in which the end of the plastic carrier or rubber zig has been disposed, the end of the plating layer may form the first region S1and the second region S2.

In this case, the thickness of the plating layer may be adjusted by changing the amount of plating solution or plating conditions, and also, the maximum length a1of the first region in the first direction and the maximum length a2of the second region may be adjusted by adjusting the shape of the end of the plastic carrier or rubber zig.

The order of forming the insulating layer151and the plating layer141is not limited to any particular example, and the plating layer151may be formed on the connection portions131aand132aor the band portions131band132bof the external electrodes131and132in which the insulating layer151is not disposed after the insulating layer151is formed, such that the gap between the plating layers141and142and the insulating layer151may be significantly reduced.

Referring toFIG.3, in the multilayer electronic component1000according to an example embodiment, when an average distance in the first direction from the first surface 1 to an internal electrode disposed most adjacent to the first surface 1 among the internal electrodes121and122is defined as H1, and an average distance in the first direction from an extension line of the first surface 1 to ends of the plating layers141and142disposed on the first and second connection portions131aand132ais defined as H2, H1>H2(or H1≥H2) may be satisfied. Accordingly, permeation of the plating solution into the internal electrode during the plating process may be prevented, thereby improving reliability.

The size of the multilayer electronic component1000may not need to be limited to any particular example.

However, to obtain both miniaturization and high capacitance, it may be necessary to increase the number of laminated layers by reducing the thicknesses of the dielectric layer and the internal electrode. Accordingly, effect of improving reliability and capacitance per unit volume in the example embodiment may be significant in a multilayer electronic component having a size of 1005 (length×width to be 1.0 mm×0.5 mm) or less.

Accordingly, when manufacturing errors, external electrode sizes, or the like are considered, when the length of the ceramic electronic component100is 1.1 mm or less and the width is 0.55 mm or less, the effect of improving reliability in the example embodiment may improve. Here, the length of the multilayer electronic component1000may refer to a size of the multilayer electronic component1000in the second direction, and the width of the multilayer electronic component1000may refer to a size of the multilayer electronic component1000in the third direction.

Hereinafter, a multilayer electronic component1001according to another example embodiment will be described, and the description overlapping with the descriptions of the electronic component1000in the aforementioned example embodiment will not be provided.

FIG.7is a perspective diagram illustrating a multilayer electronic component according to an example embodiment.FIG.8is a cross-sectional diagram taken along line II-II′ inFIG.7.

FIG.9is an enlarged diagram illustrating region P2inFIG.8.

Referring toFIGS.7to9, the multilayer electronic component1001according to another example embodiment may include an insulating layer151-1disposed on the second surface 2 and the first and second connection portions131aand132aand extending to a portion on the first and second band portions131band132b, and plating layers141-1and142-1disposed on the first and second band portions131band132band in contact with the insulating layer151-1. Also, in the region in which the insulating layer and the plating layer are in contact with the insulating layer, the thickness of the insulating layer151-1may gradually decrease toward the end, and the end of the plating layer may include a third region S3extending to a region between the insulating layer151-1and the first and second band portions131band132band a fourth region S4extending to cover the insulating layer151-1. Accordingly, the height of the solder may be reduced during mounting and the mounting space may be reduced.

Referring toFIG.9, the insulating layer151-1of the multilayer electronic component1001according to another example embodiment may be disposed to have a thickness decreasing toward the ends on the first and second band portions131band132b. Preferably, the insulating layer151-1may be disposed such that the distance between both ends in the length direction may gradually decrease toward the end. Accordingly, a gap may be disposed between the insulating layer151-1and the first and second band portions131band132b.

Hereinafter, the first band portion131bwill be described, and when the second band portion132bis described, overlapping descriptions will not be provided.

The plating layer141-1may include an end in contact with the insulating layer151-1, and may be divided into two regions.

An end of the plating layer141-1may include a third region S3extending to a region between the insulating layer151-1and the first band portion131b, and may include a fourth region S4extending to cover the insulating layer151-1. The third region S3may be an end region of the plating layer extending to a region between the insulating layer151-1and the first band portion131b. Accordingly, the third region S3and the fourth region S4may be connected to each other.

In the third region, the plating layer151-1may be in direct contact with the first band portion131b, and accordingly, the third region S3may greatly contribute to improvement of adhesion force.

The fourth region S4may be an end region of the plating layer which may extend to cover the insulating layer151-1. That is, the fourth region S4may physically connect the insulating layer151-1to the plating layer141-1.

By making the end of the plating layer151-1to include the third region S3, the contact area between the plating layer151-1and the first band portion131bmay improve, such that adhesion force between the plating layer151-1and the first band portions131bmay improve.

Also, by configuring the end of the plating layer to include the fourth region S2, an anchoring effect may occur between the insulating layer151-1and the insulating layer141-1, thereby improving physical bonding force. More preferably, since the insulating layer151-1is disposed between the third region S3and the fourth region S4, the anchoring effect may improve.

According to the multilayer electronic component1001in another example embodiment, in the region in which the plating layers141-1and142-1and the insulating layer151-1are in contact with the insulating layer151-1, the thickness of the insulating layer151-1may decrease toward the ends, and the ends of the plating layers141and142may include the third region extending to a region between the first and second band portions131band132band the fourth region extending to cover the insulating layer151, such that physical bonding force between the plating layer141, the insulating layer151, and the connection portions131band132bmay improve, and overall strength of the multilayer electronic component1001may improve.

In an example embodiment, when a3is defined as a maximum length of the third region S3in the second direction and a4is defined as a maximum length of the fourth region S4in the second direction, a3>a4may be satisfied. When a4is larger than a3, since the contact area between the plating layer141-1and the insulating layer15-1is larger than the contact area between the plating layer141-1and the first band portion131b, such that adhesion force between the insulating layer151-1and the first connection portion131bmay not be sufficient. In an example embodiment, by satisfying a3>a4, the length or area in which the plating layer141-1is in contact with the first connection portion131bmay increase, and the area in which the plating layer141-1is in contact with the insulating layer151-1may be reduced, such that physical bonding force may improve. Accordingly, overall strength of the multilayer electronic component1001may improve.

Here, a3may be the maximum length of the third region S3in the second direction, and may indicate a distance from the end of the insulating layer151-1to a point at which the gap between the insulating layer151-1and the band portions131band132bstarts. Also, a4may be the maximum length of the fourth region S4in the second direction, and may indicate a distance from the end of the insulating layer151-1to an end of the fourth region covering the end of the insulating layer151-1.

Here, a3and a4may be an average value of values measured in ten cross sections taken in the first direction-the second direction, obtained by cutting with an equal distance therebetween in the third direction.

Referring toFIG.8, in the multilayer electronic component1001according to an example embodiment, an average distance in the first direction from the first surface 1 to an internal electrode disposed most adjacent to the first surface 1 among the internal electrodes121and122may be defined as H1.

In an example embodiment, when the size of the body110in the second direction is defined as L, the size from an extension line of the third surface to an end of the first band portion131bin the second direction is defined as B1, and the size from an extension line of the fourth surface to the end of the second band portion132bis defined as B2,0.2≤B1/L≤0.4 and 0.2≤B2/L≤0.4 may be satisfied.

When B1/L and B2/L are less than 0.2, it may be difficult to secure sufficient cohesion strength. When B2/L is greater than 0.4, a leakage current may be generated between the first band portion131band the second band portion132bunder a high-voltage current, and the first band portion131band the second band portion132bmay be electrically connected to each other due to plating spread.

When the internal electrodes121and122are laminated in the first direction, the multilayer electronic component1000may be horizontally mounted on the substrate180such that the internal electrodes121and122may be parallel to the mounting surface. However, an example embodiment thereof is not limited to the horizontal mounting, and when the internal electrodes121and122are laminated in the third direction, the multilayer electronic component may be vertically mounted on the substrate such that the internal electrodes121and122may be disposed to be perpendicular to the mounting surface.

Hereinafter, a multilayer electronic component according to another example embodiment will be described, and descriptions overlapping the descriptions of the multilayer electronic component according to the aforementioned example embodiment1000or another example embodiment1001will not be provided.

FIG.10is a perspective diagram illustrating a multilayer electronic component1002according to an example embodiment.FIG.11is a cross-sectional diagram taken along line inFIG.10.

Referring toFIGS.10and11, the multilayer electronic component1002in an example embodiment may include an additional insulating layer161disposed on the first surface 1 and disposed between a first band portion131band a second band portion132b. Accordingly, a leakage current which may occur between the first band portion131band the second band portion132bunder a high voltage current may be prevented.

The type of the additional insulating layer161may not need to be limited to any particular example. For example, the additional insulating layer161may include the same component as that of the insulating layer151. The additional insulating layer161and the insulating layer151may not need to be formed of the same material, and may be formed of different materials. For example, the additional insulating layer161may include one or more thermosetting resins selected from an epoxy resin, an acrylic resin, and the like. Also, the additional insulating layer161may include one or more selected from TiO2, BaTiO3, Al2O3, SiO2, BaO, or the like, as an additive in addition to polymer resin. Accordingly, bonding force with the body or the external electrode may improve.

FIG.12is a perspective diagram illustrating a multilayer electronic component1003according to an example embodiment.FIG.13is a cross-sectional diagram taken along line IV-IV′ inFIG.12.

Referring toFIGS.12and13, in the multilayer electronic component1003according to an example embodiment, when an average distance in the first direction from the first surface 1 to an internal electrode disposed most adjacent to the first surface 1 among the internal electrodes121and122is defined as H1, and an average distance in the first direction from an extension line of the first surface 1 to ends of the plating layers141-3and142-3disposed on the first and second connection portions131aand132ais defined as H2, H1<H2may be satisfied. Accordingly, the region in contact with solder during mounting may increase, such that cohesion strength may improve.

More preferably, when an average size of the body110in the first direction is defined as T, H2<T/2 may be satisfied. That is, H1<H2<T/2 may be satisfied, which may be because, when H2is T/2 or more, the effect of improving moisture resistance reliability by the insulating layer may degrade.

H1, H2, and T may be average values of values measured at five points spaced apart by an equal distance in the third direction on a cross-section (L-T cross-section) obtained by cutting the body110in the first and second directions. H1may be an average value of values measured at the point at which the internal electrode disposed most adjacent to the first surface 1 is connected to the external electrode in each cross-section, H2is an average value of values measured with reference to an end of the plating layer in contact with the external electrode in each cross-section, and the extension lines of the first surface which may be a reference of when H1and H2are measured may be the same. Also, T may be an average value obtained by measuring maximum sizes of the body110in the first direction in each cross-section.

FIG.14is a perspective diagram illustrating a multilayer electronic component1004according to an example embodiment.FIG.15is a cross-sectional diagram taken along line V-V′ inFIG.14. Referring toFIGS.14and15, in the multilayer electronic component1004in an example embodiment, an average length B1of the first band portion131b-4may be greater than an average length B3of the third band portion131c-4, and an average length of the second band portion132b-4may be greater than an average length B4of the fourth band portion132c-4. Accordingly, the region in contact with the solder during mounting may increase, such that cohesion strength may improve.

In greater detail, the average distance in the second direction from an extension line of the third surface 3 to an end of the first band portion131b-4is defined as B1, an average distance in the second direction from an extension line of the fourth surface 4 to an end of the second band portion132b-4is defined as B2, an average distance in the second direction from an extension line of the third surface 3 to an end of the third band portion131c-4is defined as B3, and an average distance in the second direction from an extension line of the fourth surface 4 to an end of the fourth band portion132c-4is defined as B4. B3<B1and B4<B2may be may be satisfied.

In this case, when an average size of the body110in the second direction is defined as L, 0.2≤B1/L≤0.4 and 0.2≤B2/L≤0.4 may be satisfied.

B1, B2, B3, B4and L may be average values of values measured at five points spaced apart by an equal distance in the third direction on a cross-section (L-T cross-section) obtained by cutting the body110in the first and second directions.

Also, the first external electrode131-4may include a first side band portion extending from the first connection portion131a-4to portions of the fifth and sixth surfaces 5 and 6, and the second external electrode132-4may include a second side band portion extending from the second connection portion132a-4to portions of the fifth and sixth surfaces 5 and 6. In this case, the sizes of the first and second side band portions in the second direction may gradually increase toward the first surface. That is, the first and second side band portions may be disposed in a tapered shape or a trapezoidal shape.

Further, when an average distance in the second direction from an extension line of the third surface 3 to an end of the third band portion131c-4is defined as B3, an average distance in the second direction from an extension line of the fourth surface 4 to an end of the fourth band portion132c-4is defined as B4, an average size of a region, taken in the second direction, in which the third surface 3 and the second internal electrode122are spaced apart from each other is defined as G1, and an average size of a region, taken in the second direction, in which the fourth surface 4 and the second internal electrode122are spaced apart from each other is defined as G2, B3≤G1and B4≤G2may be satisfied. Accordingly, the volume occupied by the external electrode may be reduced, such that capacitance per unit volume of the multilayer electronic component1004may be increased.

As for G1and G2, an average value of sizes in the second direction, spaced apart from the third surface, measured with respect to arbitrary five second internal electrodes disposed in a central portion taken in the first direction on a cross-section obtained by cutting the body in the first and second directions in a center taken in the third direction may be G1, and an average values of sizes in the second direction, spaced apart from the fourth surface, measured with respect to arbitrary five second internal electrodes disposed in a central portion taken in the first direction in a central portion taken in the first direction may be G2.

Further, G1and G2may be obtained from the cross section (L-T cross-section) obtained by cutting the body110in the first and second directions at five points disposed with an equal distance in the third direction, and the average values thereof may be G1and G2.

However, an example embodiment thereof is not limited to B3≤G1and B4≤G2, and the example in which B3≥G1and B4≥G2are satisfied may be included as an example embodiment. Accordingly, in an example embodiment, when an average distance in the second direction from an extension line of the third surface 3 to an end of the third band portion131c-4is defined as B3, an average distance in the second direction from an extension line of the fourth surface 4 to an end of the fourth band portion132c-4is defined as B4, an average size of the region in which the third surface 3 and the second internal electrode122are spaced apart from each other, taken in the second direction, is defined as G1, and an average size of the region in which the fourth surface 4 and the first internal electrode121are spaced apart from each other, taken in the second direction, is defined as G2, B3≥G1and B4≥G2may be satisfied.

In an example embodiment, when an average distance in the second direction from an extension line of the third surface 3 to an end of the first band portion131b-4is defined as B1, and an average distance in the second direction from an extension line of the fourth surface 4 to an end of the second band portion132b-4is defined as B2, B1≥G1and B2≥G2may be satisfied. Cohesion strength of the multilayer electronic component1004with the substrate180may improve.

FIG.16is a perspective diagram illustrating a multilayer electronic component1005according to an example embodiment.FIG.17is a cross-sectional diagram taken along line VI-VI′ inFIG.16. Referring toFIGS.16and17, the first and second external electrodes131-5and132-5of the multilayer electronic component1005in an example embodiment may not be disposed on the second surface 2, and may be disposed on the third, fourth, and first surfaces 3, 4, and 1 and may have an L-shape. That is, the first and second external electrodes131-5and132-5may be disposed below an extension line of the second surface.

The first external electrode131-5may include a first connection portion131a-5disposed on the third surface 3, and a first band portion131b-5extending from the first connection portion131a-5to a portion of the first surface 1. The second external electrodes131-5and132-5may include a second connection portion132a-5disposed on the fourth surface 4, and a second band portion132b-5extending from the second connection portion132a-5to a portion of the first surface 1. The external electrodes131-5and132-5may not be disposed on the second surface 2, such that the insulating layer151-5may be disposed to cover the entire second surface 2. Accordingly, the volume occupied by the external electrodes131-5and132-5may be reduced, such that capacitance per unit volume of the multilayer electronic component1005may improve. However, an example embodiment thereof is not limited to the example in which the insulating layer151-5cover an entirety of the second surface 2, and the insulating layer may not cover a portion or an entirety of the second surface 2, and may be separated therefrom and may cover the first and second connection portions131a-5and132a-5.

Also, the insulating layer151-5may be disposed to cover portions of the fifth and sixth surfaces 5 and 6, thereby improving reliability. In this case, portions of the fifth and sixth surfaces not covered by the insulating layer151-5may be exposed.

Further, the insulating layer151-5may be disposed to cover an entirety of the fifth and sixth surfaces 5 and 6, and in this case, the fifth and sixth surfaces 5 and 6 may not be exposed, such that moisture resistance reliability may improve.

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

In this case, the external electrodes131-5and132-5may not be disposed on the fifth and sixth surfaces 5 and 6 as well. That is, the external electrodes131-5and132-5may be disposed only on the third, fourth, and first surfaces 3, 4, and 1.

An average distance in the first direction from the first surface 1 to an internal electrode disposed most adjacent to the first surface 1 among the first and second internal electrodes121and122is defined as H1, and an average distance in the first direction from an extension line of the first surface 1 to ends of the plating layers141-5and142-5disposed on the first and second connection portions131a-5and132a-5is defined as H2. H1<H2may be satisfied. Accordingly, the region in contact with solder during mounting may increase such that cohesion strength may improve, and the area in which the external electrodes131-5and132-5and the plating layers141-5and142-5are in contact with each other may increase such that an increase in equivalent series resistance (ESR) may be prevented.

More preferably, when the average size of the body110in the first direction is defined as T, H2<T/2 may be satisfied. That is, H1<H2<T/2 may be satisfied, which may be because, when H2is T/2 or more, the effect of improving moisture resistance reliability by the insulating layer may decrease.

Also, the first and second plating layers141-5and142-5may be disposed to cover a portion of the insulating layer151-1on the third and fourth surfaces. That is, the plating layers141-5and142-5may be disposed to cover ends of the insulating layer151-5on the third and fourth surfaces. Accordingly, bonding force between the insulating layer151-5and the plating layers141-5and142-5may be strengthened such that reliability of the multilayer electronic component1005may improve.

Also, the insulating layer151-5may be disposed to cover a portion of the first and second plating layers141-5and142-5on the third and fourth surfaces 3 and 4. That is, the insulating layer151-5may be disposed to cover ends of the plating layers141-5and142-5on the third and fourth surfaces 3 and 4. Accordingly, bonding force between the insulating layer151-5and the plating layers141-5and142-5may be strengthened such that reliability of the multilayer electronic component1005may improve.

FIG.18is a perspective diagram illustrating a multilayer electronic component according to an example embodiment.FIG.19is a cross-sectional diagram taken along line VII-VII′ inFIG.18.

Referring toFIGS.18and19, an average thickness t1of the first and second plating layers141-6and142-6of the multilayer electronic component1006in an example embodiment may be less than an average thickness t2of the insulating layer151-6.

By reducing the thickness t1of the first and second plating layers141-6and142-6to be less than the thickness t2of the insulating layer151-6, the area in which the first and second plating layers141-6and142-6are in contact with the insulating layer151-6may be reduced, and accordingly, overall bonding force of the multilayer electronic component1006may improve.

The thickness t1of the first and second plating layers141-6and142-6may be an average value of thicknesses of 10 points of the first and second connection portions131a-5and132a-5or the first and second band portions131b-5and132b-5, spaced apart by an equal distance in the first direction, and the thickness t2of the insulating layer151-6may be an average value of thicknesses of 10 points of the first and second connection portions131a-5and132a-5, spaced apart by an equal distance in the first direction.

FIG.20is an enlarged diagram illustrating region P3inFIG.19.

Referring toFIG.20, the plating layers141-6and142-6of the multilayer electronic component1006may extend to a portion on the first and second connection portions131a-5and132a-5and may be in contact with the plating layer141-6and142-6, a thickness of the insulating layer151-6may decrease toward an end in the region in which the plating layers141-6and142-6and the insulating layer151-6are in contact with each other, and the ends of the plating layers141-6and142-6may include a first region S1′ extending to a region between the insulating layer151-6and the first and second connection portions131a-5and132a-5and a second region S2′ extending to cover the first region S1′ and the insulating layer151-6.

Accordingly, the area in which the plating layers141-6and142-6and the insulating layer151-6are in direct contact with each other may be reduced, and the area in which the plating layers141-6and142-6and the connection portions131a-5and132a-5are in contact with each other may increase, such that overall bonding force of the multilayer electronic component1006may improve.

In an example embodiment, when a maximum length of the first region S1′ in the first direction is defined as a1′ and a maximum length of the second region S2′ in the first direction is defined as a2′, a1‘>a2’ may be satisfied. When a2′ is greater than a1′, the area in which the plating layer141-6is in contact with the insulating layer151-6may be larger than the area in which the plating layer141-6is in contact with the connection portions131a-5and132a-5, adhesion force between the plating layer141-6, the insulating layer151-6and the connection portions131a-5and132a-5may not be sufficient. In an example embodiment, by satisfying a1‘>a2’, the length or area in which the plating layer141-6is in contact with the connection portions131a-5and132a-5may increase, and the area in which the plating layer141-6and the insulating layer151-6are in contact with each other may be reduced, such that physical bonding force may improve. Accordingly, overall strength of the multilayer electronic component1006may improve.

FIG.21is a perspective diagram illustrating a multilayer electronic component according to an example embodiment.FIG.22is a cross-sectional diagram taken along line VIII-VIII′ inFIG.21.

Referring toFIGS.21and22, the multilayer electronic component2000in an example embodiment may include a dielectric layer111, and first and second internal electrodes121and122alternately disposed with the dielectric layer111interposed therebetween, and may further include a body110including first and second surfaces 1 and 2 opposing each other in the first direction, third and fourth surfaces 3 and 4 connected to the first and second surfaces 1 and 2 and opposing in the second direction, and fifth and sixth surfaces 5 and 6 connected to the first and second surfaces 1 and 2 and the third and fourth surfaces 3 and 4 and opposing each other in the third direction; a first external electrode231including a first connection electrode231adisposed on the third surface and a first band electrode231bdisposed on the first surface and connected to the first connection electrode231a; a second external electrode232including a second connection electrode232adisposed on the fourth surface and a second band electrode232bdisposed on the first surface and 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 plating layer241may extend to a portion on the first connection electrode231aand may be in contact with the first insulating layer251, and the second plating layer242may extend to a portion on the second connection electrode232aand may be in contact with the second insulating layer252. The thickness of the first and second insulating layers251and252may decrease toward the end in the region in which the first and second plating layers241and242are in contact with the first and second insulating layers251and252, and ends of the plating layers241and242may include a first region extending to a region between the insulating layers251and252and the first and second connection electrodes231aand232aand a second region extending to cover the insulating layers251and252.

The first connection electrode231amay be disposed on the third surface 3 and may be connected to the first internal electrode121, and the second connection electrode231bmay be disposed on the fourth surface 4 and may be connected to the second internal electrode122. Also, a first insulating layer251may be disposed on the first connection electrode231a, and a second insulating layer252may be disposed on the second connection electrode232a.

Generally, when an external electrode is formed, a method of dipping the exposed surface of the internal electrode of the body into paste including a conductive metal may be mainly used. However, a thickness of the external electrode formed by the dipping method may be excessively increased in a central portion thereof in the thickness direction. Also, in addition to the thickness imbalance of the external electrode by using the dipping method, since the internal electrode is exposed to the third and fourth surfaces, to prevent permeation of moisture and plating solution through the external electrode, the thickness of the external electrode disposed on the third and fourth surfaces may be equal to or greater than a predetermined thickness.

Differently from the above example, in the example embodiment, since the insulating layers251and252are disposed on the connection electrodes231aand232a, even when a thickness of the connection electrodes231aand232aon the third and fourth surfaces is reduced, sufficient reliability may be secured.

The first and second connection electrodes231aand232amay have a shape corresponding to the third and fourth surfaces 3 and 4, respectively, and the surface of the first and second connection electrodes231aand232afacing the body110may have the same area as the third and fourth surfaces 3 and 4 of the body110. The first and second connection electrodes231aand232amay be disposed within a range not deviating from the third and fourth surfaces 3 and 4, respectively. The connection electrodes231aand232amay be disposed to not extend to the first, second, fifth, and sixth surfaces 1, 2, 5, and 6 of the body110. Specifically, in an example embodiment, the first and second connection electrodes231aand232amay be spaced apart from the fifth and sixth surfaces, and accordingly, sufficient connectivity between the internal electrodes121and122and the external electrodes231and232may be secured, and the volume occupied by the external electrode may be reduced, such that per unit volume of the multilayer electronic component2000may increase.

In this regard, the first and second connection electrodes231aand232amay be spaced apart from the second surface 2. That is, since the external electrodes231and232are not disposed on the second surface, the volume occupied by the external electrodes231and232may be further reduced such that capacitance per unit volume of the multilayer electronic component2000may increase.

The connection electrodes231aand232amay extend to a corner of the body110and may include a corner portion disposed on the corner. That is, in an example embodiment, the first connection electrode may include a corner portion (not illustrated) extending to the 1-3 corner and the 2-3 corner, and the second connection electrode may include a corner portion (not illustrated) extending to the 1-4 corner and the 2-4 corner.

The thickness of the connection electrodes231aand232ais not limited to any particular example, and may be, for example, 2 to 7 μm. Here, the thickness of the connection electrodes231aand232amay indicate the maximum thickness, and may indicate the size of the connection electrodes231aand232ain the second direction.

In an example embodiment, the first and second connection electrodes231aand232amay include a metal and glass the same 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 with the internal electrodes121and122may improve, and as the first and second connection electrodes231aand232ainclude glass, bonding strength with the body110and/or the insulating layers251and252may improve. In this case, the same metal as the metal included in the internal electrodes121and122may be Ni.

The first and second insulating layers251and252may be disposed on the first and second connection electrodes231aand232aand may prevent a plating layer from being formed on the first and second connection electrodes231aand232a. Also, the first and second insulating layers251and252may improve sealing properties, thereby reducing permeation of moisture or a plating solution.

The first and second insulating layers251and252may include a silicone-based resin. Accordingly, moisture resistance reliability may improve, and cracks caused by thermal reduction, radiation cracks caused by metal diffusion, and the like, may be prevented.

The first and second insulating layers251and252may be disposed on the first and second connection electrodes231aand232a, respectively, and may prevent a plating layer from being formed on the first and second connection electrodes231aand232a. Also, the first and second insulating layers251and252may improve sealing properties, thereby reducing permeation of moisture or a plating solution.

The insulating layers251and252may include a glass material having excellent resistance against a plating solution, such as, for example, a glass material including Si, but an example embodiment thereof is not limited thereto. The insulating layers251and252may be formed of a material having sufficient strength to protect the multilayer electronic component2000from tensile stress caused by thermal reduction. Also, the insulating layers251and252may include a single component or a plurality of components, and may include one or more selected from TiO2, BaTiO3, Al2O3, SiO2, and BaO as an additive to improve bonding force with the body100or the external electrodes231and232.

A method of forming the insulating layers251and252is not limited to any particular example, and for example, a sol-gel processing, a chemical vapor deposition (CVD), an atomic layer deposition, or the like may be used, but an example embodiment thereof is not limited thereto. Other methods of forming an insulating layer having a thin and uniform thickness may be used.

The thickness of the insulating layers251and252is not limited to any particular example, and may be, for example, 3 to 15 Here, the thickness of the insulating layers251and252may indicate a maximum thickness, and may indicate a size of the insulating layers251and252in the second direction.

The first and second band electrodes231band232bmay be disposed on the first surface 1 of the body110. The first and second band electrodes231band232bmay be electrically connected to the first and second internal electrodes121and122by being in contact with the first and second connection electrodes231aand232a, respectively.

A thickness of the external electrode formed by a general dipping method may be formed to be relatively great on the third and fourth surfaces and may partially extend to the first, second, fifth and sixth surfaces, such that it may be difficult to secure a high effective volume ratio.

In an example embodiment, the first and second connection electrodes231aand232amay be disposed on the surface on which the internal electrode is exposed, and the first and second band231band232bmay be disposed on the surface of the substrate, such that a high effective volume ratio may be secured.

When the internal electrodes121and122are laminated in the first direction, the multilayer electronic component2000may be horizontally mounted on a substrate such that the internal electrodes121and122may be parallel to the mounting surface. However, an example embodiment thereof is not limited to the horizontal mounting, and when the internal electrodes121and122are laminated in the third direction, the multilayer electronic component may be vertically mounted on the substrate such that the internal electrodes121and122may be perpendicular to the mounting surface.

The first and second band electrodes231band232bmay be formed of any material having electrical conductivity, such as metal, and a specific material may be determined in consideration of electrical properties and structural stability. For example, the first and second band electrodes231band232bmay be fired electrodes including conductive metal and glass, and may be formed by applying paste including conductive metal and glass to the first surface of the body, but an example embodiment thereof is not limited thereto, and the first and second band electrodes231band232bmay be plating layers formed by plating a conductive metal on the first surface 1 of the body.

A material having excellent electrical conductivity may be used as the conductive metal included in the first and second band electrodes231band232b, and the material is not limited to any particular example. For example, the conductive metal may be one or more of nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), and alloys thereof, and may include the same metal as the metal included in the internal electrodes121and122.

Meanwhile, in an example embodiment, to secure sealing properties and high strength, the first external electrode231may include a third band electrode (not illustrated) disposed on the second surface 2 and connected to the first connection electrode231a, and the second external electrode232may include a fourth band electrode (not illustrated) disposed on the second surface 2 and connected to the second connection electrode232a.

In an example embodiment, the distance from an extension line E3of the third surface 3 to an end of the first band electrode231bis defined as B1, the distance from an extension line E4of the fourth surface 4 to an end of the second band electrode232bis defined as B2, a distance from an extension line E3of the third surface 3 to an end of the third band electrode (not illustrated) is defined as B3, a distance from an extension line E4of the fourth surface 4 to an end of the fourth band electrode (not illustrated) is defined as B4, an average size of the region in which the third surface 3 and the second internal electrode122are spaced apart from each other, taken in the second direction, is defined as G1, and an average size of the region in which the fourth surface 4 and the first internal electrode121are spaced apart from each other, taken in the second direction, is defined as G2, B1>G1, B3≤G1, B2>G2and B4≤G2may be satisfied. Accordingly, the volume occupied by the external electrode may be reduced, such that capacitance per unit volume of the multilayer electronic component2000may increase and the area in contact with solder during mounting may increase, thereby improving cohesion strength.

However, an example embodiment thereof is not limited to B1>G1, B3≤G1, B2>G2and B4≤G2, and the example in which B1>G1, B3>G1, B2>G2and B4>G2are satisfied may be included in the example embodiment. Accordingly, in an example embodiment, the distance B1from an extension line E3of the third surface 3 to an end of the first band electrode231bis defined as B1, the distance from the extension line E4of the fourth surface 4 to the end of the second band electrode232bis defined as B2, the distance from the extension line E3of the third surface 3 to the end of the third band electrode (not shown) is defined as B3, the distance from the extension line E4of the fourth surface 4 to the end of the fourth band electrode (not shown) is defined as B4, and the average size of the region in which the third surface 3 and the second internal electrode122are spaced apart from each other, taken in the second direction, is defined as G1, and the average size of the region in which the fourth surface 4 and the first internal electrode121are spaced apart from each other, taken in the second direction, is defined as G2, B1>G1, B3>G1, B2>G2and B4>G2may be satisfied.

The first and second plating layers241and242may be disposed on the first and second band electrodes231band232b. The first and second plating layers241and242may improve mounting properties. The types of the first and second plating layers241and242are not limited to any particular example, and may be a plating layer including at least one of Ni, Sn, Pd, and alloys thereof, and may include a plurality of layers.

For example, the first and second plating layers241and242may be a Ni plating layer or a Sn plating layer, and the Ni plating layer and the Sn plating layer may be formed in order on the first and second band electrodes231band232b.

In an example embodiment, an end of the first plating layer241may include a 1-1 region extending to a region between the first insulating layer251and the first connection electrode231aand a 1-2 region extending to cover the first insulating layer251. An end of the second plating layer242may include a 2-1 region extending to a region between the insulating layer252and the second connection electrode232aand a 2-2 region extending to cover the second insulating layer252. Accordingly, even when the first and second insulating layers251and252are formed of a material having an insulating component, physical bonding force of the plating layers241and242, the insulating layers251and252and the connection electrodes231aand232amay improve such that overall strength of the multilayer electronic component2000and resistance to external impacts may improve, and when mounted on a substrate, a decrease in cohesion strength may be prevented.

In an example embodiment, when a maximum length of the 1-1 region and the 2-1 region in the first direction is defined as a1, and a maximum length of the 2-1 region and the 2-2 region is defined as a2, a1>a2may be satisfied. When a2is greater than a1, the area in which the plating layers241and242are in contact with the insulating layers251and252may be larger than the area in which the plating layer is in contact with the connection electrode, such that adhesion force may not be sufficient. In an example embodiment, by satisfying a1>a2, the length or area in which the plating layer is in contact with the connection electrode may increase and the contact area between the plating layer and the insulating layer may be reduced, thereby improving physical bonding force. Accordingly, overall strength of the multilayer electronic component2000may improve.

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

When an average distance in the first direction from the first surface 1 to the internal electrode disposed most adjacent to the first surface 1 among the first and second internal electrodes121and122is defined as H1, and an average distance in the first direction from an extension line of the first surface 1 to an ends of the first and second plating layers241and242disposed on the first and second connection electrodes231aand232ais defined as H2, H1>H2(or H1>H2) may be satisfied. Accordingly, permeation of the plating solution into the internal electrode during the plating process may be prevented, thereby improving reliability.

In an example embodiment, the first plating layer241may be disposed to cover the end disposed on the first external electrode231of the first insulating layer251, and the second plating layer242may be disposed to cover an end of the second insulating layer252disposed on the second external electrode232. Accordingly, bonding force between the insulating layers251and252and the plating layers241and242may be strengthened, thereby improving reliability of the multilayer electronic component2000. Also, by first forming the first and second insulating layers251and252before forming the plating layers241and242on the external electrodes231and232, permeation of the plating solution in the process of forming the plating layer may be reliably prevented. As the insulating layer is formed before the plating layer is formed, the plating layers241and242may have a shape covering ends of the insulating layers251and252.

In an example embodiment, the first insulating layer251may be disposed to cover an end disposed on the first external electrode231of the first plating layer241, and the second insulating layer252may be disposed to cover an end disposed on the second external electrode232of the second plating layer242. Accordingly, the bonding force between the insulating layer351and the plating layers241and242may be strengthened, thereby improving reliability of the multilayer electronic component2000.

FIG.23is a diagram illustrating a modified example2001of the example inFIG.21. Referring toFIG.23, in the modified example2001of the multilayer electronic component2000, the first and second insulating layers251-1and252-1may extend to the fifth and sixth surfaces 5 and 6 and may be connected to each other such that the insulating layers251-1and252-1may be connected as an integrated insulating layer253-1. In this case, the connected first and second insulating layers253-1may be disposed to cover portions of the fifth and sixth surfaces.

FIG.24is a perspective diagram illustrating a multilayer electronic component2002according to an example embodiment.FIG.25is a cross-sectional diagram taken along line IX-IX′ inFIG.24. Referring toFIGS.24and25, in the multilayer electronic component2002in an example embodiment, the first and second plating layers241-2and242-2may be disposed to a region below the extension line of the first surface. Accordingly, a height of solder may be reduced during mounting and a mounting space may be reduced.

Also, the first and second insulating layers251-2and252-2may extend to a region below the extension line of the first surface and may be in contact with the first and second plating layers241-2and242-2.

Here, the configuration in which the first and second insulating layers251-2and252-2may extend to a region below the extension line of the first surface and may be in contact with the first and second plating layers241-2and242-2may indicate that the first and second insulating layers may be disposed to be in contact with the first and second plating layers241-2and242-2and the band electrodes231band232b, but an example embodiment thereof is not limited thereto. Specific positions thereof may be adjusted to reduce the height of solder and space during mounting. In this case, the connected first and second insulating layers253-3may be disposed to cover an entirety of the fifth and sixth surfaces 5 and 6.

FIG.26is a diagram illustrating a modified example of the example inFIG.24. Referring toFIG.26, in the modified example2003of the multilayer electronic component2002in an example embodiment, the first and second insulating layers251-3and252-3may extend to the fifth and sixth surfaces 5 and 6 and may be connected to each other such that the insulating layers may be connected as an integrated insulating layer253-3.

FIG.27is a perspective diagram illustrating a multilayer electronic component2004according to an example embodiment.FIG.28is a cross-sectional diagram taken along line X-X′ inFIG.27. Referring toFIGS.27and28, the multilayer electronic component2004in an example embodiment may further include an additional insulating layer261disposed on the first surface 1 and disposed between the first band electrode231band the second band electrode232b. Accordingly, a leakage current that may occur between the first band electrode231band the second band electrode232bunder a high voltage current may be prevented.

The type of the additional insulating layer261may not need to be limited to any particular example. For example, the additional insulating layer261may include the same components as those of the insulating layers251-2and252-2. The additional insulating layer261and the insulating layers251-2and252-2may not need to be formed of the same material, and may be formed of different materials. For example, the additional insulating layer261may include one or more thermosetting resins selected from an epoxy resin, an acrylic resin, and the like. Also, the additional insulating layer261may include one or more selected from TiO2, BaTiO3, Al2O3, SiO2, BaO, or the like as an additive in addition to polymer resin. Accordingly, bonding force with the body or the external electrode may improve.

FIG.29is a diagram illustrating a modified example of the example inFIG.29. Referring toFIG.29, in the modified example2005of the multilayer electronic component2004, the first and second insulating layers251-5and252-5may extend to the fifth and sixth surfaces 5 and 6 and may be connected to each other such that the insulating layers251-5and252-5may be connected as an integrated insulating layer253-5.

FIG.30is a perspective diagram illustrating a multilayer electronic component2006according to an example embodiment.FIG.31is a cross-sectional diagram taken along line XI-XI′ inFIG.30. Referring toFIGS.30and31, the multilayer electronic component2006according to an example embodiment may include a first insulating layer251-6disposed on a first connection electrode231aand second insulating layer252-6disposed on a second connection electrode232a. When an average distance in the first direction from the first surface 1 to an internal electrode disposed most adjacent to the first surface 1 among the first and second internal electrodes121and122is defined as H1, and an average distance in the first direction from an extension line of the first surface 1 to ends of the first and second plating layers241-6and242-6disposed on the first and second connection electrodes231aand232ais defined as H2, H1<H2may be satisfied. Accordingly, the area in contact with the solder during mounting may increase, thereby improving cohesion strength.

More preferably, when the average size of the body110in the first direction is defined as T, H2<T/2 may be satisfied. That is, H1<H2<T/2 may be satisfied, which may be because the effect of improving moisture resistance reliability by an insulating layer may degrade when H2is T/2 or more.

FIG.32is a diagram illustrating a modified example of the example inFIG.30. Referring toFIG.32, in the modified example2007of the multilayer electronic component2006, the first and second insulating layers251-7and252-7may extend to the fifth and sixth surfaces 5 and 6 and may be connected to each other such that the insulating layers may be connected as an integrated insulating layer253-7.

FIG.33is a perspective diagram illustrating a multilayer electronic component2008according to an example embodiment.FIG.34is a cross-sectional diagram taken along line XII-XII′ inFIG.33. In the multilayer electronic component2008in an example embodiment, the first and second insulating layers251-8and252-8may extend to the second, fifth and sixth surfaces 2, 5 and 6 and may be connected to each other such that the insulating layers251-8and252-8may be connected as an integrated insulating layer253-8. As illustrated inFIG.30, the insulating layer253-8may cover an entirety of the second surface, and partially cover the fifth and sixth surfaces.

FIG.35is a perspective diagram illustrating a multilayer electronic component2009according to an example embodiment.FIG.36is a cross-sectional diagram taken along line XIII-XIII′ inFIG.35.

Referring toFIGS.35and36, an average thickness t1′ of the first and second plating layers241-9and242-9of the multilayer electronic component2009in an example embodiment may be less than an average thickness t2′ of the first and second insulating layers251-9and252-9.

In an example embodiment, the average thickness t1′ of the first and second plating layers241-9and242-9may be reduced to be less than the average thickness t2′ of the first and second insulating layers251-9and252-9such that the contact area between the plating layer and the insulating layer may be reduced. Accordingly, delamination may be prevented and cohesion strength of the multilayer electronic component2009with the substrate180may improve.

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

FIG.37is a diagram illustrating a modified example of the example inFIG.30. Referring toFIG.37, in the modified example2010of the multilayer electronic component2009in an example embodiment, the first and second insulating layers251-10and252-10may extend to the fifth and sixth surfaces 5 and 6 and may be connected to each other, such that the insulating layers251-10and252-10may be connected as an integrated insulating layer253-10.

FIG.38is a diagram illustrating a modified example of the example inFIG.17. Referring toFIG.38, in the modified example1007of the multilayer electronic component1005in an example embodiment, first and second external electrodes131-7and132-7may have an L-shape in which the first and second external electrodes are not disposed on the second surface.

The first external electrode131-7may include a first connection portion131a-7disposed on the third surface 3, and a first connection portion131a-7extending from the first band portion131b-7to a portion of the first surface 1. The second external electrode132-7may include a second connection portion132a-7disposed on the fourth surface 4 and a second band portion132b-7extending from the second connection portion132a-7to a portion of the first surface 1. The external electrodes131-7and132-7may not be disposed on the second surface 2, such that the insulating layer151-7may cover the entire second surface 2. In this case, the external electrodes131-7and132-7may not be disposed even on the fifth and sixth surfaces 5 and 6. That is, the external electrodes131-7and132-7may be disposed only on the third, fourth, and first surfaces 3, 4, and 1.

A first additional electrode layer134may be disposed between the first connection portion131a-7and the third surface 3, and a second additional electrode layer135may be disposed between the second connection portion132a-7and the fourth surface 4. The first connection portion131a-7may be disposed within a range not deviated from the third surface 3, and the second connection portion132a-7may be disposed within a range not deviated from the fourth surface 4.

FIG.39is a perspective diagram illustrating a multilayer electronic component3000according to an example embodiment.FIG.40is a cross-sectional diagram taken along line XIV-XIV′ inFIG.40.FIG.41is an enlarged diagram illustrating region K1inFIG.40.

Referring toFIGS.39to41, in the multilayer electronic component3000in an example embodiment may include a dielectric layer111and first and second internal electrodes121and122alternately disposed with the dielectric layer111interposed therebetween and may further include a body110including first and second surfaces 1 and 2 opposing each other in the first direction, third and fourth surfaces 3 and 4 connected to the first and second surfaces 1 and 2 and opposing in the second direction, and fifth and sixth surfaces 5 and 6 connected to the first and second surfaces 1 and 2 and the third and fourth surfaces 3 and 4 and opposing each other in the third direction; a first external electrode331including a first connection portion331adisposed on the third surface 3 of the body, a first band portion331bextending from the first connection portion331ato a portion of the first surface 1, and a first corner portion331cextending from the first connection portion to a corner connecting the second and third surfaces 2 and 3 of the body to each other; a second external electrode332including second connection portion332adisposed on the fourth surface of the body, a second band portion332bextending from the second connection portion332ato a portion of the first surface 1, and a second corner portion332cextending from the second connection portion to a corner connecting the second and fourth surfaces 2 and 4 of the body to each other; an insulating layer351disposed on the first and second connection portions331aand332aand covering the second surface 2 and 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 silicone-based resin.

In an example embodiment, when an average distance in the second direction from an extension line of the third surface to an end of the first corner portion331cis defined as B3, an average distance in the second direction from an extension line of the fourth surface 4 to an end of the second corner portion332cis defined as B4, the average size of the region in which the third surface 3 and the second internal electrode122are spaced apart from each other, taken in the second direction, is defined as G1, and an average size of the region in which the fourth surface 4 and the first internal electrode121are spaced apart from each other, taken in the second direction, is defined as G2, B3≤G1and B4≤G2may be satisfied. Accordingly, the volume occupied by the external electrodes331and332may be reduced, such that capacitance per unit volume of the multilayer electronic component3000may be increased.

In this case, when the average distance in the second direction from an extension line of the third surface 3 to an end of the first band portion331bis defined as B1, and the average distance from the extension line of the fourth surface 4 to an end of the second band portion332bis defined as B2, B1>G1and B2>G2may be satisfied. Accordingly, the area in contact with the solder during mounting may increase, such that cohesion strength may improve.

The multilayer electronic component3000according to an example embodiment may include a dielectric layer111and first and second internal electrodes121and122alternately disposed with the dielectric layer111interposed therebetween, and may further include a body110including first and second surfaces 1 and 2 opposing each other in the first direction, third and fourth surfaces 3 and 4 connected to the first and second surfaces 1 and 2 and opposing in the second direction, and fifth and sixth surfaces 5 and 6 connected to the first and second surfaces 1 and 2 and the third and fourth surfaces 3 and 4 and opposing each other in the third direction. The body110of the multilayer electronic component3000may have the same configuration as that of the body of the multilayer electronic component1000other than the configuration in which the ends of the first or second surface of the body has a reduced shape.

The external electrodes331and332may be disposed on the third surface 3 and the fourth surface 4 of the body110. The external electrodes331and332may be disposed on the third and fourth surfaces 3 and 4 of the body110, respectively, and may include the first and second external electrodes331and332connected to the first and second internal electrodes121and122, respectively.

The external electrodes331and332include a first external electrode331including a first connection portion331adisposed on a third surface 3, a first band portion331bextending from the first connection portion331ato a portion of the first surface 1, and a first corner portion331cextending from the first connection portion331ato a corner connecting the second surface 2 and the third surface 3 to each other, and a second external electrode132including a second connection portion332adisposed on the fourth surface, a second band portion332bextending from the second connection portion332ato a portion of the first surface 1, and a second corner portion332cextending from the second connection portion332ato a corner connecting the second and fourth surfaces 2 and 4 to each other. The first connection portion331amay be connected to the first internal electrode121on the third surface 3, and the second connection portion332amay be connected to the second internal electrode122on the fourth surface 4.

In an example embodiment, the first and second connection portions331aand332amay be spaced apart from the fifth and sixth surfaces 5 and 6. Accordingly, the volume of the external electrodes331and332may be reduced, thereby reducing the size of the multilayer electronic component3000.

As the margin region in which the internal electrodes121and122is not disposed overlaps the dielectric layer111, a step difference may be formed due to the thickness of the internal electrodes121and122, such that the corner connecting the first surface 1 to the third to fifth surfaces 3 to 5 and/or the corner connecting the second surface 2 to the third to fifth surfaces 3 to 5 may have a reduced shape in a direction of a center of the body110in the first direction with respect to the first surface 1 or the second surface 2. Alternatively, the corner connecting the first surface 1 to the third to sixth surfaces 3, 4, 5, 6 and/or the corner connecting the second surface 2 to the third to sixth surfaces 3, 4, 5, and 6 may have a reduced shape in a direction of a center of the body110in the first direction with respect to the first surface 1 or the second surface 2. Alternatively, as a separate process is performed to round the corners connecting the surfaces of the body110to prevent chipping defects, the corners connecting the first and third to sixth surfaces and/or the corner connecting the second surface and the third to sixth surfaces may have a rounded shape.

The corner may include a 1-3 corner C1-3connecting the first surface 1 and the third surface 3, a 1-4 corner C1-4connecting the first surface 1 and the fourth surface 4, a 2-3 corner C2-3connecting the second surface 2 and the third surface 3, and a 2-4 corner C2-4connecting the second surface 2 and the fourth surface 4. Also, the corners may include a 1-5 corner connecting the first and fifth surfaces 1 and 5, a 1-6 corner connecting the first and sixth surfaces 1 and 6, a 2-5 corner connecting the second and fifth surfaces 2 and 5, and a 2-6 corner connecting the second surface and the sixth surface 2 and 6. However, to prevent the step difference due to the internal electrodes121and122, after lamination, when the internal electrodes may be cut to be exposed to the fifth and sixth surfaces 5 and 6 of the body, and a single dielectric layer or two or more dielectric layers may be laminated on both side surfaces of the capacitance formation portion Ac in the third direction (the width direction) to form the margin portions114and115(shown inFIG.2), the portion connecting the first surface 1 to the fifth and sixth surfaces 5 and 6 and the portion connecting the second surface 2 to the fifth and sixth surfaces 5 and 6 may not have a reduced shape.

The first to sixth surfaces 1 to 6 of the body110may be almost flat surfaces, and non-flat regions may be viewed as corners. Also, a region disposed on a corner among the external electrodes131and132may be viewed as a corner portion.

In this regard, the first and second corner portions331cand332cmay be disposed below the extension line E2of the second surface 2, and the first and second corner portions331cand332cmay be spaced apart from the second surface 2. That is, since the external electrodes331and332are not disposed on the second surface 2, the volume occupied by the external electrodes331and332may be further reduced, thereby increasing capacitance per unit volume of the multilayer electronic component3000. Also, the first corner portion331cmay be disposed on a portion of a 2-3 corner C2-3connecting the third surface 3 and the second surface 2, and the second corner portion332cmay be formed on a portion of the 2-4 corner C2-4connecting the fourth surface 4 and the second surface 2.

The extension line E2of the second surface 2 may be defined as below.

Seven linear lines P0, P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, P6, and P7spaced apart by an equal distance in the thickness direction may be drawn in the length direction from the third surface to the fourth surface on the length-thickness cross-section (L-T cross-section) in a center in the width direction, and the line crossing the point at which P2meets the second surface and the point at which P4meets the second surface may be defined as the extension line E2of the second surface.

The external electrodes331and332may be formed using any having electrical conductivity, such as metal, and a specific material may be determined in consideration of electrical properties and structural stability, and the external electrodes331and332may have a multilayer structure.

The external electrodes331and332may be a fired electrode including a conductive metal and glass, or a resin-based electrode including a conductive metal and a resin.

Also, the external electrodes331and332may have a form in which a plastic electrode and a resin-based electrode may be formed in order on the body. Also, the external electrodes331and332may be formed by transferring a sheet including the conductive metal to the body or by transferring a sheet including a conductive metal to the fired electrode.

As the conductive metal included in the external electrodes331and332, a material having excellent electrical conductivity may be used, and the material is not limited to any particular example. For example, the conductive metal may be one or more of Cu, Ni, Pd, Ag, Sn, Cr, and alloys thereof. Preferably, the external electrodes331and332may include at least one of Ni and a Ni alloy, and accordingly, connectivity with the internal electrodes121and122including Ni may improve.

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

Since the first and second connection portions331aand332amay be connected to the internal electrodes121and122, the first and second connection portions331aand332amay be paths for permeation of a plating solution in a plating process or moisture permeation during actual use. In the example embodiment, since the insulating layer351is disposed on the connection portions331aand332a, permeation of external moisture or a 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 be in contact with the ends of the first and second plating layers341and342by partially covering the ends, or the first and second plating layers341and342may be in contact with the ends of the insulating layer351by partially covering the ends.

The insulating layer351may be disposed on the first and second connection portions331aand332a, and may be disposed to cover the second surface 2 and the first and second corner portions331cand332c. Also, the insulating layer351may cover the region in which the ends of the first and second corner portions331cand332care in contact with the body110and may block the moisture permeation path, thereby improving moisture resistance reliability.

The insulating layer351may be disposed on the second surface and may extend to the first and second connection portions331aand332a. Also, when the external electrodes331and332are not disposed on the second surface, the insulating layer may be disposed to completely cover the second surface 2. The insulating layer351may not necessarily have to be disposed on the second surface 2, and the insulating layer351may not be disposed on a portion or an entirety of the second surface 2, and the insulating layer351may be divided into two regions and the two regions may be disposed on the first and second connection portions331aand332a, respectively. However, even in this case, the insulating layer351may be disposed to entirely cover the first and second corner portions331cand332c. When the insulating layer is not disposed on an entirety of the second surface 2, the insulating layer351may be disposed below an extension line E2of the second surface 2. Also, the insulating layer351is not disposed on the second surface 2, and may extend from the first and second connection portions331aand332ato the fifth and sixth surfaces 5 and 6 and may form an integrated insulating layer.

In an example embodiment, the insulating layer351may be disposed to cover portions of the fifth and sixth surfaces 5 and 6 and may improve reliability. In this case, portions of the fifth and sixth surfaces 5 and 6 not covered by the insulating layer may be exposed.

Further, the insulating layer351may be disposed to cover an entirety of the fifth and sixth surfaces 5 and 6, and in this case, the fifth and sixth surfaces 5 and 6 may not be exposed, thereby improving moisture resistance reliability.

The insulating layer351may prevent the plating layers341and342from being formed on the external electrodes331and332on which the insulating layer351is disposed, and may improve sealing properties and may reduce permeation of moisture or a plating solution. The components, composition, average thickness, and effects of the insulating layer351may be the same as the insulating layers151,251,252, and253included in the multilayer electronic components1000and2000and various embodiments thereof, and thus, the descriptions thereof will not be provided.

The first and second plating layers341and342may be disposed on the first and second band portions331band332b, respectively. The plating layers341and342may improve mounting properties, and as the plating layers341and342are disposed on the band portions331band332b, the mounting space may be reduced, and permeation of a plating solution into the internal electrode may be reduced, thereby improving reliability. One end of the first and second plating layers341and342may be in contact with the first surface 1, and the other end may be in contact with the insulating layer351.

The type of the plating layers341and342is not limited to any particular example, and may 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.

For example, the plating layers341and342may be a Ni plating layer or a Sn plating layer, and a Ni plating layer and the Sn plating layer and the Ni plating layer may be formed in order on the first and second band portions331band332b.

In an example embodiment, the first plating layer341may be disposed to cover the end disposed on the first external electrode331of the insulating layer351, and the second plating layer342may be disposed to cover an end disposed on the second external electrode332of the insulating layer351. Accordingly, bonding force between the insulating layer351and the plating layers341and342may be strengthened such that reliability of the multilayer electronic component3000may improve. Also, by forming the insulating layer351before forming the plating layers341and342on the external electrodes331and332, permeation of a plating solution in the process of forming a plating layer may be reliably prevented. As the insulating layer is formed before the plating layer, the plating layers341and342may have a shape covering the ends of the insulating layer351.

In an example embodiment, the insulating layer351may be disposed to cover the end disposed on the first external electrode331of the first plating layer341, and the insulating layer351may be disposed to cover an end disposed on the second external electrode332of the second plating layer342. Accordingly, bonding force between the insulating layer351and the plating layers341and342may be strengthened such that reliability of the multilayer electronic component3000may improve.

In an example embodiment, the first and second plating layers341and342may be extended to partially cover the first and second connection portions331aand332a, respectively. when an average distance in the first direction from the first surface 1 to an internal electrode disposed most adjacent to the first surface 1 among the internal electrodes121and122is defined as H1, and an average distance in the first direction from an extension line of the first surface 1 to ends of the plating layers141and142disposed on the first and second connection portions131aand132ais defined as H2, H1≥H2may be satisfied. Accordingly, permeation of the plating solution into the internal electrode during the plating process may be prevented, thereby improving reliability.

In an example embodiment, when an average distance in the first direction from the first surface 1 to an internal electrode disposed most adjacent to the first surface 1 among the internal electrodes121and122is defined as H1, and an average distance in the first direction from an extension line of the first surface 1 to ends of the plating layers341and342disposed on the first and second connection portions131aand132ais defined as H2, H1<H2may be satisfied. Accordingly, the area in contact with the solder during mounting may increase, thereby improving cohesion strength. More preferably, when the average size of the body110in the first direction is defined as T, H2<T/2 may be satisfied. That is, H1<H2<T/2 may be satisfied, which may be because, when H2is T/2 or more, the effect of improving moisture resistance reliability by the insulating layer may degrade.

In an example embodiment, the first and second plating layers341and342may be disposed below an extension line of the first surface. Accordingly, the height of the solder may be reduced during mounting and the mounting space may be reduced. Also, the insulating layer351may extend to a region below the extension line of the first surface and may be in contact with the first and second plating layers341and342.

In an example embodiment, the average size of the body in the second direction is defined as L, the average distance in the second direction from an extension line E3of the third surface 3 to an end of the first band portion331bis defined as B1, the average size of the body in the second direction from an extension line E4of the fourth surface 4 to an end of the second band portion332bis defined as B2,0.2≤B1/L≤0.4 and 0.2≤B2/L≤0.4 may be satisfied.

When B1/L and B2/L are less than 0.2, it may be difficult to secure sufficient fixing strength. When B2/L is greater than 0.4, a 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 due to plating spread.

In an example embodiment, an additional insulating layer disposed on the first surface 1 and disposed between the first band portion331band the second band portion332bmay be further included. Accordingly, a leakage current which may occur between the first band electrode331band the second band electrode332bunder a high voltage current may be prevented.

The type of the additional insulating layer may not need to be limited to any particular example. For example, the additional insulating layer may include the same component as those of the insulating layer351. The additional insulating layer and the insulating layer351may not need to be formed of the same material, but may be formed of different materials. For example, the additional insulating layer may include at least one thermosetting resin selected from an epoxy resin, an acrylic resin, and the like. Also, the additional insulating layer may include at least one selected from TiO2, BaTiO3, Al2O3, SiO2, BaO, or the like as an additive in addition to polymer resin. Accordingly, the bonding force with the body or the external electrode may improve.

In an example embodiment, when the average distance in the second direction from an extension line E3of the third surface 3 to an end of the first band portion331bis defined as B1, and the average distance in the second direction from an extension line E4of the fourth surface 4 to an end of the second band portion332bis defined as B2, B3<B1and B4<B2may be satisfied. The average length B1of the first band portion331bmay be longer than the average length B3of the first corner portion331c, and the average length of the second band portion332bmay be longer than the average length B4of the second corner portion332. Accordingly, the region in contact with the solder during mounting may increase, thereby improving cohesion strength.

In greater detail, when the average distance in the second direction from an extension line E3of the third surface 3 to an end of the first band portion331bis defined as B1, the average distance in the second direction from an extension line E4of the fourth surface 4 to an end of the second band portion332bis defined as B2, the average distance in the second direction from an extension line E3of the third surface 3 to an end of the first corner portion331cis defined as B3, and the average distance in the second direction from an extension line E4of the fourth surface 4 to an end of the second corner portion332cis defined as B4, B3<B1and B4<B2may be satisfied.

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

The insulating layer351may prevent permeation of external moisture or the plating solution, but connectivity with the plating layers341and342may be relatively weak, which may cause delamination of the plating layer. When the plating layer is delaminated, cohesion strength with the substrate may be reduced. Here, the delamination of the plating layer may refer to separation of a portion of the plating layer or physical separation of the plating layer from the external electrodes331and332. Since the connection between the plated layer and the insulating layer is relatively weak, it may be highly likely that a gap between the insulating layer and the plated layer may be widened or foreign substances may enter, and the possibility of delamination may increase due to vulnerability to external impacts.

In an example embodiment, by reducing the average thickness of the plated layer to be less than the average thickness of the insulating layer, the contact area between the plated layer and the insulating layer may be reduced, thereby preventing delamination and improving cohesion strength of the multilayer electronic component3000with the components.

The size of the multilayer electronic component3000may not need to be limited to any particular example.

However, to obtain both miniaturization and high capacitance, it may be necessary to increase the number of laminated layers by reducing the thicknesses of the dielectric layer and the internal electrode, and accordingly, in the multilayer electronic component3000having a size of 1005 (length×width, 1.0 mm×0.5 mm) or less, the effect of improving reliability and capacitance per unit volume in the example embodiment may be distinct.

Accordingly, when manufacturing errors, external electrode sizes, or the like are considered, and when the length of the multilayer electronic component3000is 1.1 mm or less and the width is 0.55 mm or less, the effect of improving reliability in the example embodiment may be distinct. Here, the length of the multilayer electronic component3000may refer to the maximum size of the multilayer electronic component3000in the second direction, and the width of the multilayer electronic component3000may refer to the maximum size of the multilayer electronic component3000in the third direction.

According to the aforementioned example embodiments, cracks caused by stress due to thermal reduction of solder fillet may be prevented.

Also, the effective volume fraction required for implementing capacitance may increase.

A mounting space for the multilayer electronic component may be reduced.

Permeation of external moisture and a plating solution into the multilayer electronic component may be prevented.

While example embodiments have been illustrated 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 in the example embodiment as defined by the appended claims.