rheostat component

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a varistor component, the varistor component (1) is provided with a varistor material sintered body (10), a first external electrode (51) provided on a part of a first side surface (11), a second external electrode (52) provided on a part of the first side surface (11), and a third external electrode (53) provided on a part of a second side surface (12). The first external electrode (51), the second external electrode (52) and the third external electrode (53) are not provided on a third side surface (13) and a fourth side surface (14). The first external electrode (51) and the second external electrode (52) are arranged on the first side surface (11) with a space between each other along a first direction (d1). The third external electrode (53) is arranged on the second side surface (12) so as to be located between the first external electrode (51) and the second external electrode (52) when viewed from a second direction (d2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a rheostat component for use in electronic devices. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, the miniaturization of electronic devices has been a continuous trend, leading to a demand for miniaturized rheostats used in these devices. Furthermore, the increasing frequency of electronic devices necessitates rheostats with minimal capacitance fluctuations. As an example of a rheostat component, Patent Document 1 discloses a stacked rheostat component with two rheostat elements. This rheostat component comprises a sintered rheostat material body, multiple external electrodes, and multiple internal electrodes.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 63-211602 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] However, conventional rheostat components suffer from stray capacitance due to multiple external and internal electrodes. If stray capacitance occurs, for example, fluctuations in the electrostatic capacitance of two rheostat elements can affect the operation of electronic equipment.

[0008] In view of the above, the purpose of this disclosure is to reduce the stray capacitance generated in the rheostat component.

[0009] Methods for solving problems

[0010] One aspect of this disclosure relates to a variable resistor component comprising a first variable resistor element and a second variable resistor element. The variable resistor component includes: a sintered body of variable resistor material having a bottom surface, a top surface opposite to the bottom surface, and a plurality of side surfaces connecting the bottom surface and the top surface; a first external electrode, a terminal on one end of the first variable resistor element, disposed on a portion of a first side surface among the plurality of side surfaces; a second external electrode, a terminal on one end of the second variable resistor element, disposed on a portion of the first side surface; and a third external electrode, a common terminal on the other end of the first variable resistor element and the other end of the second variable resistor element, disposed on a second side among the plurality of side surfaces opposite to the first side surface. As part of the surface, the plurality of side surfaces also include a third side surface orthogonal to the first side surface and the bottom surface, and a fourth side surface opposite to the third side surface. The first external electrode, the second external electrode, and the third external electrode are not disposed on the third side surface and the fourth side surface. The first external electrode and the second external electrode are disposed on the first side surface with a gap between each other along a first direction which is the direction opposite to the third side surface and the fourth side surface. The third external electrode is disposed on the second side surface such that it is located between the first external electrode and the second external electrode when viewed from a second direction which is the direction opposite to the first side surface and the second side surface.

[0011] Invention Effects

[0012] According to this disclosure, stray capacitance generated in the rheostat component can be reduced. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the rheostat component involved in Embodiment 1.

[0014] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the external electrodes and internal electrodes of the rheostat component according to Embodiment 1.

[0015] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the rheostat component involved in Embodiment 1, viewed from the front.

[0016] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the rheostat component involved in Embodiment 1, viewed from the side.

[0017] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the rheostat component involved in Embodiment 1, viewed from the top.

[0018] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional view of the rheostat component of the comparative example.

[0019] Figure 7This is a graph showing the current flux density and stray capacitance generated in the rheostat component of Embodiment 1 and the comparative example.

[0020] Figure 8 It is a graph showing the relationship between the height of the external electrode and the stray capacitance in the rheostat component according to Embodiment 1.

[0021] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing the current flux density generated in the rheostat component according to Embodiment 1, viewed from the top side.

[0022] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of the rheostat component involved in the variation 1 of embodiment 1, viewed from the front.

[0023] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view of the rheostat component involved in the modified example 1 of embodiment 1, viewed from the side.

[0024] Figure 12 This is a diagram showing the current flux density generated in the rheostat component involved in the variation 1 of embodiment 1, viewed from the top side.

[0025] Figure 13 It is a graph showing the electrostatic capacitance and the like generated in the rheostat component of Embodiment 1 and Modified Example 1.

[0026] Figure 14 This is a cross-sectional view of the rheostat component involved in the modified example 2 of embodiment 1, viewed from the top.

[0027] Figure 15 This is a perspective view of the rheostat component involved in Embodiment 2.

[0028] Figure 16 This is a graph showing the current flux density generated in the rheostat component of Embodiment 2 and the comparative example.

[0029] Figure 17 This is a perspective view of the rheostat component involved in Embodiment 3.

[0030] Figure 18 This is a graph showing the current flux density generated in the rheostat component of Embodiment 3 and the comparative example. Detailed Implementation

[0031] (The process of realizing this disclosure)

[0032] A rheostat is a component whose resistance changes according to the applied voltage. It is used to protect electronic equipment from abnormal voltages such as lightning surges or static electricity. Rheostats are used in electrical circuits in automobiles, office automation (OA) equipment, communication equipment, and home appliances, among other applications.

[0033] For example, to address two-wire differential communication in communication networks, electronic devices may incorporate two rheostat components, each with one rheostat element, or one rheostat component with two rheostat elements. These rheostat components consist of a sintered rheostat material, multiple external electrodes, and multiple internal electrodes. For instance, if unwanted stray capacitance (ESC) is generated between the external and internal electrodes, between the external electrodes themselves, or between the internal electrodes, the ESCs of the two rheostat elements will differ, sometimes leading to communication errors in the electronic device. Therefore, in this embodiment, to reduce stray capacitance generated in the rheostat component, the following structure is provided.

[0034] The following is a reference to the appendix. Figure 1 The implementation method will be described in more detail below.

[0035] Furthermore, the embodiments described below are all specific examples of this disclosure. The numerical values, shapes, materials, constituent elements, arrangement positions of constituent elements, connection methods, steps, and order of steps shown in the following embodiments are examples and are not intended to limit this disclosure. In addition, constituent elements in the following embodiments that are not described in the independent technical solution are described as arbitrary constituent elements.

[0036] Furthermore, in this specification, terms such as parallelism indicating the relationship between elements, and terms such as cuboid indicating the shape of elements, and numerical ranges, are not merely expressions of a strict meaning, but rather expressions of substantially equal ranges, for example, expressions that also include a degree of difference of a few percent.

[0037] Furthermore, the figures are schematic diagrams that have been appropriately emphasized, omitted, or proportionally adjusted to illustrate this disclosure, and are not necessarily strictly illustrative, sometimes differing from actual shapes, positional relationships, and proportions. In the figures, substantially identical structures are labeled with the same symbols, and sometimes repeated descriptions are omitted or simplified.

[0038] Furthermore, in this specification, the terms "top surface" and "bottom surface" in the structure of the rheostat component do not refer to the absolute spatial identification of the top surface (the surface on the vertically upper side) and bottom surface (the surface on the vertically lower side), but are used as terms defined by the relative positional relationship of the constituent elements of the rheostat component.

[0039] (Implementation Method 1)

[0040] [Structure of the rheostat component]

[0041] While referring to Figures 1-5 The structure of the rheostat component according to Embodiment 1 will be described.

[0042] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the rheostat component 1 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the external electrode 50 and internal electrode 30 of the rheostat component 1. Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the rheostat component 1 viewed from the front. Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the rheostat component 1 viewed from the side. Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the rheostat component 1 viewed from the top.

[0043] in addition, Figure 3 From Figure 2 The diagram showing line III-III indicates the observation of rheostat component 1. Figure 4 From Figure 2 The diagram showing the IV-IV line indicates the observation of rheostat component 1. Figure 5 From Figure 3 The diagram shows the VV line for observing the variable resistor component 1. Figures 3-5 The shading lines for the external electrode 50 are omitted in the text.

[0044] The rheostat component 1 includes a first rheostat element Z1 and a second rheostat element Z2. For example... Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 As shown, the first rheostat element Z1 and the second rheostat element Z2 are composed of a rheostat material sintered body 10, a plurality of external electrodes 50 disposed outside the rheostat material sintered body 10, and a plurality of internal electrodes 30 disposed inside the rheostat material sintered body 10.

[0045] The sintered body 10 of the rheostat material is mainly composed of ZnO, with Bi2O3, Co2O3, MnO2, Sb2O3, etc., or Pr6O as secondary components. 11 Co2O3, CaCO3, Cr2O3, etc. A sintered body 10 of the rheostat material is formed by sintering ZnO and precipitating other byproducts at its grain boundaries.

[0046] The sintered body 10 of the rheostat material is cuboid in shape, having a bottom surface 16, a top surface 17 opposite to the bottom surface 16, and multiple side surfaces connecting the bottom surface 16 and the top surface 17. The bottom surface 16, the top surface 17, and each of the multiple side surfaces are flat planes. The multiple side surfaces include a first side surface 11, a second side surface 12 opposite to the first side surface 11, a third side surface 13 orthogonal to both the first side surface 11 and the bottom surface 16, and a fourth side surface 14 opposite to the third side surface 13. The bottom surface 16 and the top surface 17 are parallel to each other, the first side surface 11 and the second side surface 12 are parallel to each other, and the third side surface 13 and the fourth side surface 14 are parallel to each other. The corner portions (edge ​​portions) where the surfaces of the sintered body 10 intersect may also have rounded edges.

[0047] Here, the direction opposite to the third side 13 and the fourth side 14 is called the first direction d1, the direction opposite to the first side 11 and the second side 12 is called the second direction d2, and the direction opposite to the bottom surface 16 and the top surface 17 is called the third direction d3.

[0048] In the sintered body 10 of the rheostat material, for example, the length X along the first direction d1 and the width Y along the second direction d2 have a relationship of X > Y. In this embodiment, X = 1.6 mm and Y = 0.8 mm. In addition, the height h along the third direction d3 is h = 0.6 mm.

[0049] Multiple external electrodes 50 are composed of a first external electrode 51, a second external electrode 52, and a third external electrode 53. The first external electrode 51 is a terminal on one end of the first variable resistor element Z1, located on a portion of the first side surface 11. The second external electrode 52 is a terminal on one end of the second variable resistor element Z2, located on a portion of the first side surface 11. The third external electrode 53 is a common terminal on the other end of the first variable resistor element Z1 and the other end of the second variable resistor element Z2, located on a portion of the second side surface 12. For example, the first external electrode 51 and the second external electrode 52 are connected to different signal lines, and the third external electrode 53 is connected to ground.

[0050] Furthermore, the first external electrode 51, the second external electrode 52, and the third external electrode 53 are not disposed on the top surface 17, the third side surface 13, and the fourth side surface 14. In addition, the first external electrode 51 and the second external electrode 52 are not disposed on the second side surface 12, and the third external electrode 53 is not disposed on the first side surface 11.

[0051] The first external electrode 51 and the second external electrode 52 are disposed on the first side surface 11 with a gap between them along the first direction d1. The third external electrode 53 is disposed on the second side surface 12 such that, when viewed from the second direction d2, it is located between the first external electrode 51 and the second external electrode 52 (see reference). Figure 3 More specifically, when viewed from the second direction d2, the third external electrode 53 is located between the first external electrode 51 and the second external electrode 52.

[0052] Furthermore, the first external electrode 51, the second external electrode 52, and the third external electrode 53 are also disposed on a portion of the bottom surface 16. The first external electrode 51 disposed on the bottom surface 16 is connected to the first external electrode 51 disposed on the first side surface 11. The second external electrode 52 disposed on the bottom surface 16 is connected to the second external electrode 52 disposed on the first side surface 11. The third external electrode 53 disposed on the bottom surface 16 is connected to the third external electrode 53 disposed on the second side surface 12. That is, when viewed from the first direction d1, each of the plurality of external electrodes 50 has an L-shaped shape (see reference). Figure 2 as well as Figure 4 ).

[0053] The first external electrode 51, the second external electrode 52, and the third external electrode 53 extend from the bottom surface 16 toward the top surface 17, and are interrupted before reaching the top surface 17. The height *he* of each of the three external electrodes from the bottom surface 16 toward the top surface 17 is, for example, 0.5 times or more and less than 1 times the height *h* of the sintered body of the rheostat material. Furthermore, the height *he* of each of the three external electrodes does not necessarily need to be the same.

[0054] The plurality of internal electrodes 30 are composed of a first internal electrode 31, a second internal electrode 32, and a third internal electrode 33. The first internal electrode 31 is connected to the first external electrode 51 in the first side 11. The second internal electrode 32 is connected to the second external electrode 52 in the first side 11. The third internal electrode 33 is connected to the third external electrode 53 in the second side 12.

[0055] The rheostat component is a stacked component formed by stacking multiple ceramic layers and multiple ceramic layers with internal electrodes along the third direction d3 and then forming external electrodes. The first internal electrode 31 and the second internal electrode 32 are formed on the same ceramic layer, and the third internal electrode 33 is formed on a different ceramic layer than the ceramic layers on which the first internal electrode 31 and the second internal electrode 32 are formed. In this embodiment, the third internal electrode 33 is positioned closer to the top surface 17 than the first internal electrode 31 and the second internal electrode 32. In other words, the first internal electrode 31 and the second internal electrode 32 are positioned closer to the bottom surface 16 than the third internal electrode 33.

[0056] Furthermore, it is desirable that the first internal electrode 31 be disposed between the first counter electrode portion 36, which is part of the third internal electrode 33, and the first external electrode 51 disposed on the bottom surface 16. It is also desirable that the second internal electrode 32 be disposed between the second counter electrode portion 37, which is part of the third internal electrode 33, and the second external electrode 52 disposed on the bottom surface 16 (see reference). Figure 4 ).

[0057] Viewed from the third direction d3, the first internal electrode 31 and the second internal electrode 32 are each rectangular in shape and are arranged along the second direction d2 (see reference). Figure 5 The first internal electrode 31 and the second internal electrode 32 each extend from the first side 11 toward the second side 12 and are interrupted before reaching the second side 12.

[0058] When viewed from the third direction d3, the third internal electrode 33 has a T-shaped shape. The third internal electrode 33 is composed of an outgoing electrode portion 35, a first opposing electrode portion 36, and a second opposing electrode portion 37. Alternatively, when viewed from the third direction d3, the third internal electrode 33 may also have a Y-shaped shape or a + (plus sign) shaped shape.

[0059] The lead-out electrode portion 35 is rectangular in shape and is arranged along the second direction d2. The lead-out electrode portion 35 extends from the second side surface 12 toward the first side surface 11 and is interrupted before reaching the first side surface 11. The first opposing electrode portion 36 and the second opposing electrode portion 37 are connected to the end of the lead-out electrode portion 35 on the first side surface 11 side and are arranged along the first direction d1. The first opposing electrode portion 36 extends toward the third side surface 13 and is interrupted before reaching the third side surface 13. The second opposing electrode portion 37 extends toward the fourth side surface 14 and is interrupted before reaching the fourth side surface 14. When viewed from the third direction d3, the first opposing electrode portion 36 intersects with the first internal electrode 31, and the second opposing electrode portion 37 intersects with the second internal electrode 32.

[0060] The variable resistor component 1 has a first opposing region 41 that is the region opposite to the first internal electrode 31 and the third internal electrode 33, and a second opposing region 42 that is the region opposite to the second internal electrode 32 and the third internal electrode 33 (see reference). Figure 3 as well as Figure 5 The first opposing region 41 and the second opposing region 42 each have a structure in which a pair of internal electrodes sandwich the sintered material of the rheostat, and are regions that exhibit the function of a rheostat. The first opposing region 41 is formed by a portion of the first internal electrode 31 and a portion of the first opposing electrode portion 36 being opposed to each other, and the second opposing region 42 is formed by a portion of the second internal electrode 32 and a portion of the second opposing electrode portion 37 being opposed to each other.

[0061] The spacing (gap) between the first internal electrode 31 and the third internal electrode 33 in the first opposing region 41 is the same as the spacing (gap) between the second internal electrode 32 and the third internal electrode 33 in the second opposing region 42. The aforementioned spacing is, for example, 0.035 mm.

[0062] When viewed from the third direction d3, the first opposing region 41 and the second opposing region 42 are positioned closer to the first side 11 than the second side 12 (see reference). Figure 5 For example, regarding the first opposing region 41 and the second opposing region 42, with the first side surface 11 as a reference, and assuming the width of the sintered body 10 along the second direction d2 is set to Y, the entire area of ​​the opposing region is positioned at a value greater than 0 and less than 0.5Y. Furthermore, it is desirable that the minimum distance y1 between the first side surface 11 and the edge of the first opposing region 41, or the minimum distance y1 between the first side surface 11 and the edge of the second opposing region 42, is greater than the aforementioned interval (gap).

[0063] Viewed from the third direction d3, the first internal electrode 31, the second internal electrode 32, and the third internal electrode 33 are arranged to be linearly symmetrical with respect to the position passing through the middle of the first external electrode 51 and the second external electrode 52 and along the center line cL2 of the second direction d2 (see reference). Figure 5 This reduces the difference in stray capacitance between the first rheostat element Z1 and the second rheostat element Z2. Furthermore, it is desirable that the centerline cL2 coincides with the centerline of the rheostat 1 when viewed from the third direction d3.

[0064] Furthermore, when viewed from the second direction d2, the first internal electrode 31, the second internal electrode 32, and the third internal electrode 33 are arranged to be linearly symmetrical with respect to the position passing through the middle of the first external electrode 51 and the second external electrode 52 and along the center line cL3 of the third direction d3 (see reference). Figure 3 This reduces the difference in stray capacitance generated in the first rheostat element Z1 and the second rheostat element Z2. Furthermore, it is desirable that the centerline cL3 coincides with the centerline of the rheostat 1 when viewed from the second direction d2.

[0065] [Effects, etc.]

[0066] The effect of the rheostat component 1 with the above structure will be explained while comparing it with comparative examples.

[0067] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the rheostat component 101 of the comparative example.

[0068] The comparative example rheostat component 101 also has external electrodes provided at both ends of the cuboid-shaped rheostat material sintered body 10. Specifically, the first external electrode 151 is provided on the entire third side surface 13, a portion of the first side surface 11, a portion of the second side surface 12, a portion of the bottom surface 16, and a portion of the top surface 17. The second external electrode 152 is provided on the entire fourth side surface 14, a portion of the first side surface 11, a portion of the second side surface 12, a portion of the bottom surface 16, and a portion of the top surface 17. Furthermore, the third external electrode 153 is also provided on a portion of the second side surface 12, a portion of the bottom surface 16, a portion of the first side surface 11, and a portion of the top surface 17.

[0069] Figure 7 This is a graph illustrating the current flux density and stray capacitance generated in the rheostat component of Embodiment 1 and the comparative example. The graph shows the current flux density and stray capacitance when a voltage of 1V is applied to the first external electrode, a voltage of 1V is applied to the second external electrode, and a voltage of 0V is applied to the third external electrode. Furthermore, this graph is the result of a simulation excluding the internal electrodes.

[0070] exist Figure 7 In the comparative example, focusing on the second side surface 12, a higher flux density is more frequently observed between the first external electrode 151 and the third external electrode 153, and also between the second external electrode 152 and the third external electrode 153. This tendency for higher flux density is also observed on the first side surface 11 and the top surface 17. In the comparative example, multiple external electrodes with different potentials are provided on both the first side surface 11 and the second side surface 12, and multiple external electrodes with different potentials are also provided on the top surface 17. Therefore, when the rheostat component 101 is viewed as a whole, there are more areas with high flux density, resulting in a larger stray capacitance.

[0071] In contrast, in Embodiment 1, although a portion with high flux density appears around the third external electrode 53 disposed on the second side surface 12, the portion with high flux density is less than that in the comparative example. In Embodiment 1, the multiple external electrodes 50 with different potentials are arranged non-adjacently on the multiple side surfaces and the top surface 17. Therefore, when the rheostat component 1 is viewed as a whole, the portion with high flux density is less than that in the comparative example, and the stray capacitance is also smaller compared to the comparative example.

[0072] Thus, in the rheostat component 1 of Embodiment 1, the first external electrode 51, the second external electrode 52, and the third external electrode 53 are not provided on the top surface 17, the third side surface 13, and the fourth side surface 14. Furthermore, only the third external electrode 53 is provided on the second side surface 12, while the first external electrode 51 and the second external electrode 52 are not provided. Additionally, only the first external electrode 51 and the second external electrode 52 are provided on the first side surface 11, while the third external electrode 53 is not provided. Therefore, in the rheostat component 1, the portion with high current flux density can be reduced, and stray capacitance can be decreased.

[0073] Figure 8 This is a graph showing the relationship between the height of the external electrode 50 and the stray capacitance in the rheostat component 1 according to Embodiment 1. The horizontal axis of the graph is the ratio of the heights of the external electrodes 50 (he / h), and the vertical axis is the stray capacitance generated in the rheostat component 1. The stray capacitance is a result obtained through simulation excluding the internal electrodes. The height h of the rheostat material sintered body 10 is 0.6 mm, and the height he of the external electrodes 50 is the same in each of the first external electrode 51, the second external electrode 52, and the third external electrode 53.

[0074] like Figure 8 As shown, the lower the height he of the external electrode 50 becomes, the smaller the stray capacitance generated in the rheostat component 1 becomes. Therefore, in the rheostat component 1, it is desirable to set the height he of the external electrode 50 to be at least 0.5 times and less than 1 times the height h of the rheostat material sintered body 10. In addition, setting he ≥ 0.5h is because if he < 0.5h, the connection reliability when the rheostat component 1 is mounted on a printed circuit board, etc., will decrease.

[0075] Thus, in the rheostat component 1 of Embodiment 1, the height *h* of each of the first external electrode 51, the second external electrode 52, and the third external electrode 53 is set to be at least 0.5 times and less than 1 times the height of the rheostat material sintered body 10. This reduces the stray capacitance generated in the rheostat component 1.

[0076] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing the current flux density generated in the rheostat component 1 according to Embodiment 1 as viewed from the top surface 17 side. Figure 9 (a) shows the simulation results of the rheostat component 1, which includes the external electrode 50 and the internal electrode 30. Figure 9 (b) is the result of simulation performed with the external electrode 50 removed from the rheostat component 1.

[0077] These figures show the current flux density when a voltage of 1V is applied to the first internal electrode 31 of the rheostat component 1, a voltage of 1V is applied to the second internal electrode 32, and a voltage of 0V is applied to the third internal electrode 33. In these figures, the current flux density appearing in the first opposing region 41 and the second opposing region 42 is the current flux density required to generate the electrostatic capacitance of the rheostat component 1, while the current flux density appearing outside the first opposing region 41 and the second opposing region 42 is the current flux density caused by the generation of stray capacitance.

[0078] Furthermore, these figures show three examples of changing the positions of the first opposing region 41 and the second opposing region 42 in the second direction d2. In these three examples, the difference in the positions of the first opposing region 41 and the second opposing region 42 is represented by the distance ratio y2 / Y, where the width of the sintered body 10 of the rheostat material along the second direction d2 is set to Y, and the distance from the second side 12 to the edge of the second side 12 of the first opposing electrode portion 36 (or the second opposing electrode portion 37) is set to y2. By changing the length of the first internal electrode 31 and the second internal electrode 32 along the second direction d2, changing the length of the lead-out electrode portion 35, and moving the first opposing electrode portion 36 and the second opposing electrode portion 37, the positions of the first opposing region 41 and the second opposing region 42 are changed.

[0079] As shown in these figures, as the distance ratio y2 / Y increases sequentially to 0.3125, 0.625, and 0.875, the portion of the flux density increase caused by stray capacitance decreases. Therefore, in the rheostat component 1, it is desirable that the first opposing region 41 and the second opposing region 42 be positioned closer to the first side surface 11 than the second side surface 12. In the rheostat component 1, for example, it can also be designed that the distance ratio y2 / Y is greater than 0.5. In this way, by arranging the first opposing region 41 and the second opposing region 42 near the first side surface 11 to reduce the portion of the flux density increase, the stray capacitance generated in the rheostat component 1 can be reduced.

[0080] [Modification 1 of Implementation Method 1]

[0081] The rheostat component 1A according to the modified example 1 of embodiment 1 will be described. In the modified example 1, an example in which the third internal electrode 33 is arranged at a position closer to the bottom surface 16 than the first internal electrode 31 and the second internal electrode 32 will be described.

[0082] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of the rheostat component 1A involved in the variation 1 of embodiment 1, viewed from the front. Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view of the rheostat component 1A of modified Example 1, viewed from the side.

[0083] The variable resistor component 1A in Modified Example 1 is also composed of a sintered body 10 of variable resistor material, a plurality of external electrodes 50, and a plurality of internal electrodes 30. The structure of the sintered body 10 of variable resistor material and the plurality of external electrodes 50 is the same as that in Embodiment 1.

[0084] The multiple internal electrodes 30 are composed of a first internal electrode 31, a second internal electrode 32 and a third internal electrode 33.

[0085] like Figure 10 as well as Figure 11 As shown, in the variable resistor component 1A of Modified Example 1, the third internal electrode 33 is positioned further from the bottom surface 16 than the first internal electrode 31 and the second internal electrode 32. In other words, the first internal electrode 31 and the second internal electrode 32 are positioned further from the top surface 17 than the third internal electrode 33.

[0086] Furthermore, it is desirable that the first counter electrode portion 36, which is part of the third internal electrode 33, be disposed between the first internal electrode 31 and the first external electrode 51 disposed on the bottom surface 16. It is also desirable that the second counter electrode portion 37, which is part of the third internal electrode 33, be disposed between the second internal electrode 32 and the second external electrode 52 disposed on the bottom surface 16 (see reference). Figure 11 ).

[0087] Next, the effect of the rheostat component 1A in modified example 1 will be explained.

[0088] Figure 12 This is a diagram showing the current flux density generated in the rheostat component 1A involved in Modified Example 1, viewed from the top surface 17. Figure 12 In the figure, the first internal electrode 31 and the second internal electrode 32, located on the top surface 17 side further than the third internal electrode 33, are shown with a single-dotted line. The figure also shows the relationship between... Figure 9 Simulation results under the same settings.

[0089] like Figure 12 As shown, in Modification 1, similar to Embodiment 1, as the distance ratio y2 / Y increases sequentially to 0.3125, 0.625, and 0.875, the portion with higher flux density caused by stray capacitance also decreases. Therefore, in the rheostat component 1A, it is also desirable that the first opposing region 41 and the second opposing region 42 be positioned closer to the first side surface 11 than the second side surface 12.

[0090] Thus, in Modified Example 1, similar to Embodiment 1, the stray capacitance generated in the rheostat component 1A can also be reduced.

[0091] Next, the rheostat components of Embodiment 1 and Modification 1 will be compared and explained.

[0092] Figure 13 This is a graph showing the electrostatic capacitance, etc., generated in the rheostat component of Embodiment 1 and Modified Example 1. Figure 13 (a) shows the electrostatic capacitance generated between the internal electrodes 30 after removing the external electrode 50 from the rheostat assembly. Figure 13 (b) shows the electrostatic capacitance (i.e., stray capacitance) generated between the internal electrode 30 and the external electrode 50. Figure 13 (c) shows the electrostatic capacitance generated between the internal electrodes 30 and between the internal electrodes 30 and the external electrode 50. Figure 13 (c) is to Figure 13 The results are the composite data from (a) and (b). The horizontal axis of these graphs is the aforementioned distance ratio y² / Y, and the vertical axis is the electrostatic capacitance.

[0093] like Figure 13 As shown in (a), if only the internal electrode 30 is considered, in Embodiment 1 and Modification 1, the gap between the internal electrodes 30 and the opposing area are the same, thus the change in electrostatic capacitance tends to be the same. In contrast, as Figure 13 As shown in (b), the stray capacitance generated between the external electrode 50 and the internal electrode 30 tends to be higher in Modification 1 compared to Embodiment 1. Therefore, as Figure 13 As shown in (c), the synthesized electrostatic capacitor exhibits different tendencies in Modified Example 1 and Embodiment 1.

[0094] The reason for this is that, in Modification 1, the structure in which the third internal electrode 33 and the first external electrode 51 with different potentials are directly opposite each other makes it easy for stray capacitance to be generated between the third internal electrode 33 and the first external electrode 51. On the other hand, in Embodiment 1, the structure in which the third internal electrode 33 and the first external electrode 51 with different potentials are sandwiched between the first internal electrode 31 and opposite each other makes it less likely for stray capacitance to be generated between the third internal electrode 33 and the first external electrode 51.

[0095] Therefore, in the rheostat component, as in Embodiment 1, it is desirable for the third internal electrode 33 to be located closer to the top surface 17 than the first internal electrode 31 and the second internal electrode 32. Furthermore, even the structure shown in Modified Example 1 can sufficiently achieve the goal of reducing stray capacitance.

[0096] [Modification 2 of Implementation Method 1]

[0097] The rheostat component 1B involved in Modification 2 of Embodiment 1 will be described. In Modification 2, an example in which the shape of the third internal electrode 33 is different from that in Embodiment 1 will be described.

[0098] Figure 14 This is a cross-sectional view of the rheostat component 1B involved in the modified example 2 of embodiment 1, viewed from the top surface 17.

[0099] The variable resistor component 1B in Modified Example 2 is also composed of a sintered body 10 of variable resistor material, multiple external electrodes 50, and multiple internal electrodes 30. The structure of the sintered body 10 of variable resistor material and the multiple external electrodes 50 is the same as that in Embodiment 1.

[0100] The multiple internal electrodes 30 are composed of a first internal electrode 31, a second internal electrode 32 and a third internal electrode 33.

[0101] When viewed from the third direction d3, the first internal electrode 31 and the second internal electrode 32 are each rectangular in shape and are arranged along the second direction d2.

[0102] like Figure 14 As shown, the third internal electrode 33 is composed of a first lead-out electrode portion 35a, a second lead-out electrode portion 35b, a first counter electrode portion 36, and a second counter electrode portion 37.

[0103] The first lead-out electrode portion 35a is rectangular in shape and is arranged along the second direction d2. The first lead-out electrode portion 35a extends from the second side surface 12 toward the first side surface 11, and is interrupted before reaching the first side surface 11. The second lead-out electrode portion 35b is connected to the end of the first lead-out electrode portion 35a on the first side surface 11 side and is arranged along the first direction d1. One side of the second lead-out electrode portion 35b extends toward the third side surface 13 along the first direction d1, and is interrupted before reaching the third side surface 13. The other side of the second lead-out electrode portion 35b extends toward the fourth side surface 14, and is interrupted before reaching the fourth side surface 14.

[0104] The first opposing electrode portion 36 is connected to the end of the second lead-out electrode portion 35b on the third side surface 13 side, and is arranged along the second direction d2. The first opposing electrode portion 36 extends toward the first side surface 11 and is interrupted before reaching the first side surface 11. The second opposing electrode portion 37 is connected to the end of the second lead-out electrode portion 35b on the fourth side surface 14 side, and is arranged along the second direction d2. The second opposing electrode portion 37 extends toward the first side surface 11 and is interrupted before reaching the first side surface 11. When viewed from the third direction d3, the first opposing electrode portion 36 overlaps with the first internal electrode 31, and the second opposing electrode portion 37 overlaps with the second internal electrode 32.

[0105] The rheostat component 1B has a first opposing region 41, which is the region opposite to the first internal electrode 31 and the third internal electrode 33, and a second opposing region 42, which is the region opposite to the second internal electrode 32 and the third internal electrode 33. In Modification 2, the first opposing region 41 is also formed by a portion of the first internal electrode 31 and a portion of the first opposing electrode portion 36, and the second opposing region 42 is formed by a portion of the second internal electrode 32 and a portion of the second opposing electrode portion 37.

[0106] In Modification 2, similar to Embodiment 1, the stray capacitance generated in the rheostat component 1B can also be reduced.

[0107] (Implementation Method 2)

[0108] The rheostat component 1C according to Embodiment 2 will be described. In Embodiment 2, an example in which the height of the external electrode 50 is the same as the height of the rheostat material sintered body 10 will be described.

[0109] Figure 15 This is a perspective view of the rheostat component 1C according to Embodiment 2.

[0110] The rheostat component 1C in Embodiment 2 is also composed of a rheostat material sintered body 10, a plurality of external electrodes 50, and a plurality of internal electrodes 30. The structure of the rheostat material sintered body 10 and the internal electrodes 30 is the same as that in Embodiment 1.

[0111] The plurality of external electrodes 50 are composed of a first external electrode 51, a second external electrode 52 and a third external electrode 53.

[0112] like Figure 15 As shown, the first external electrode 51, the second external electrode 52, and the third external electrode 53 are also disposed on a portion of the bottom surface 16 and a portion of the top surface 17. The first external electrode 51 disposed on the bottom surface 16 and the top surface 17 is connected to the first external electrode 51 disposed on the first side surface 11. The second external electrode 52 disposed on the bottom surface 16 and the top surface 17 is connected to the second external electrode 52 disposed on the first side surface 11. The third external electrode 53 disposed on the bottom surface 16 and the top surface 17 is connected to the third external electrode 53 disposed on the second side surface 12.

[0113] The first external electrode 51, the second external electrode 52, and the third external electrode 53 extend from the bottom surface 16 to the top surface 17. That is, the height of each of the first external electrode 51, the second external electrode 52, and the third external electrode 53 is the same as the height h of the sintered body of the rheostat material.

[0114] Figure 16This is a graph illustrating the current flux density generated in the rheostat component of Embodiment 2 and the comparative example. In this graph, the current flux density is shown in relation to... Figure 7 Simulation results were performed under the same conditions. Regarding the rheostat component 101 in the comparative example, it is as follows... Figure 7 The components described in the text.

[0115] In Embodiment 2, although a portion with high flux density appears around the third external electrode 53 disposed on the second side 12, the portion with high flux density is less than that in the comparative example. In Embodiment 2, the multiple external electrodes 50 with different potentials are arranged so that they are not adjacent to each other on the multiple sides. Therefore, when the rheostat component 1C is viewed as a whole, the portion with high flux density is less than that in the comparative example, and the stray capacitance is also smaller than that in the comparative example.

[0116] Thus, in the rheostat component 1C of Embodiment 2, the first external electrode 51, the second external electrode 52, and the third external electrode 53 are not provided on the third side surface 13 and the fourth side surface 14. Furthermore, only the third external electrode 53 is provided on the second side surface 12, while the first external electrode 51 and the second external electrode 52 are not provided. Additionally, only the first external electrode 51 and the second external electrode 52 are provided on the first side surface 11, while the third external electrode 53 is not provided. Therefore, in the rheostat component 1C, the portion with high current flux density can be reduced, and stray capacitance can be decreased.

[0117] (Implementation Method 3)

[0118] The rheostat component 1D according to Embodiment 3 will be described. In Embodiment 3, an example in which the first external electrode 51, the second external electrode 52, and the third external electrode 53 are provided on the first side 11 and the second side 12 will be described.

[0119] Figure 17 This is a perspective view of the rheostat component 1D according to embodiment 3.

[0120] The rheostat component 1D in Embodiment 3 is also composed of a rheostat material sintered body 10, a plurality of external electrodes 50, and a plurality of internal electrodes 30. The structure of the rheostat material sintered body 10 and the internal electrodes 30 is the same as that in Embodiment 1.

[0121] The plurality of external electrodes 50 are composed of a first external electrode 51, a second external electrode 52 and a third external electrode 53.

[0122] The first external electrode 51, the second external electrode 52, and the third external electrode 53 are disposed on a portion of the bottom surface 16, a portion of the top surface 17, a portion of the first side surface 11, and a portion of the second side surface 12. The first external electrode 51 disposed on the first side surface 11 is opposite to the first external electrode 51 disposed on the second side surface 12. The second external electrode 52 disposed on the first side surface 11 is opposite to the second external electrode 52 disposed on the second side surface 12. The third external electrode 53 disposed on the first side surface 11 is opposite to the third external electrode 53 disposed on the second side surface 12.

[0123] The first external electrode 51 disposed on the bottom surface 16 and the top surface 17 is connected to the first external electrode 51 disposed on the first side surface 11 and the second side surface 12. The second external electrode 52 disposed on the bottom surface 16 and the top surface 17 is connected to the second external electrode 52 disposed on the first side surface 11 and the second side surface 12. The third external electrode 53 disposed on the bottom surface 16 and the top surface 17 is connected to the third external electrode 53 disposed on the first side surface 11 and the second side surface 12.

[0124] In addition, the first external electrode 51, the second external electrode 52 and the third external electrode 53 are not disposed on the third side 13 and the fourth side 14.

[0125] The first external electrode 51, the second external electrode 52, and the third external electrode 53 are disposed on the first side surface 11 and the second side surface 12 with a gap between them along the first direction d1. When viewed from the second direction d2, the third external electrode 53 is disposed between the first external electrode 51 and the second external electrode 52. More specifically, when viewed from the second direction d2, the third external electrode 53 is located in the middle of the first external electrode 51 and the second external electrode 52. For example, the gap between the first external electrode 51 and the third external electrode 53 in the first direction d1 is 0.25 mm, and the gap between the second external electrode 52 and the third external electrode 53 is also 0.25 mm.

[0126] Figure 18 This is a graph illustrating the current flux density generated in the rheostat component of Embodiment 3 and the comparative example. In this graph, the current flux density is shown in relation to... Figure 7 Simulation results were performed under the same conditions. Regarding the rheostat component 101 in the comparative example, it is as follows... Figure 7 The components described in the text.

[0127] In Embodiment 3, although there are portions with high flux density between the first external electrode 51 and the third external electrode 53 and between the second external electrode 52 and the third external electrode 53 provided on the second side surface 12, the portions with high flux density in the top surface 17 are less than those in the comparative example.

[0128] In the rheostat component 1D of Embodiment 3, the first external electrode 51, the second external electrode 52, and the third external electrode 53 are not provided on the third side surface 13 and the fourth side surface 14. As a result, the portion with high current flux density can be reduced in the rheostat component 1D, thereby reducing stray capacitance.

[0129] (Summarize)

[0130] The rheostat component 1 according to this embodiment is a component having a first rheostat element Z1 and a second rheostat element Z2, and includes: a rheostat material sintered body 10 having a bottom surface 16, a top surface 17 opposite to the bottom surface 16, and a plurality of side surfaces connecting the bottom surface 16 and the top surface 17; a first external electrode 51, which is a terminal on one end of the first rheostat element Z1, and is provided as a part of the first side surface 11 among the plurality of side surfaces; a second external electrode 52, which is a terminal on one end of the second rheostat element Z2, and is provided as a part of the first side surface 11; and a third external electrode 53, which is a common terminal on the other end of the first rheostat element Z1 and the other end of the second rheostat element Z2, and is provided as a part of the second side surface 12 opposite to the first side surface 11 among the plurality of side surfaces. The plurality of side surfaces also include a third side surface 13 orthogonal to the first side surface 11 and the bottom surface 16, and a fourth side surface 14 opposite to the third side surface 13. The first external electrode 51, the second external electrode 52, and the third external electrode 53 are not disposed on the third side surface 13 and the fourth side surface 14. The first external electrode 51 and the second external electrode 52 are disposed on the first side surface 11 with a gap between them along a first direction d1, which is the direction opposite to the third side surface 13 and the fourth side surface 14. The third external electrode 53 is disposed on the second side surface 12 such that it is located between the first external electrode 51 and the second external electrode 52 when viewed from a second direction d2, which is the direction opposite to the first side surface 11 and the second side surface 12.

[0131] Thus, by configuring the structure so that the first external electrode 51, the second external electrode 52 and the third external electrode 53 are not disposed on the third side 13 and the fourth side 14, the stray capacitance generated in the rheostat component 1 due to the third side 13 and the fourth side 14 can be reduced.

[0132] Furthermore, when viewed from the second direction d2, the third external electrode 53 may also be located between the first external electrode 51 and the second external electrode 52.

[0133] According to this structure, the arrangement of the first external electrode 51, the second external electrode 52, and the third external electrode 53, when viewed from the second direction d2, is left-right symmetrical, which can reduce the stray capacitance generated by the first external electrode 51 and the third external electrode 53, as well as the difference in stray capacitance generated by the second external electrode 52 and the third external electrode 53. Therefore, the difference in electrostatic capacitance between the first rheostat element Z1 and the second rheostat element Z2 can be reduced, suppressing any impact on the operation of the electronic equipment.

[0134] Alternatively, the first external electrode 51 and the second external electrode 52 may be electrodes connected to different signal lines, and the third external electrode 53 may be an electrode connected to ground.

[0135] Accordingly, for example, even when the first external electrode 51 and the second external electrode 52 are each connected to different signal lines on the communication line, the difference in electrostatic capacitance between the first rheostat element Z1 and the second rheostat element Z2 can be reduced, thereby suppressing any impact on the operation of the electronic device.

[0136] Alternatively, the first external electrode 51 and the second external electrode 52 may also be disposed on a portion of the bottom surface 16 and a portion of the second side surface 12, and the third external electrode 53 may also be disposed on a portion of the bottom surface 16 and a portion of the first side surface 11.

[0137] According to the rheostat component 1D with the above-described structure, the first external electrode 51, the second external electrode 52, and the third external electrode 53 in the first side 11 and the second side 12 are configured identically, which can reduce the difference in stray capacitance among the multiple external electrodes 50 generated in each of the first side 11 and the second side 12. Therefore, the difference in electrostatic capacitance between the first rheostat element Z1 and the second rheostat element Z2 can be reduced, suppressing any impact on the operation of electronic equipment.

[0138] Alternatively, the first external electrode 51 and the second external electrode 52 may not be disposed on the second side 12, and the third external electrode 53 may not be disposed on the first side 11.

[0139] Accordingly, the first external electrode 51 and the second external electrode 52 can be disposed only on the first side 11, and the third external electrode 53 can be disposed only on the second side 12, thereby reducing the portions with high current flux density in both the first side 11 and the second side 12. This reduces the stray capacitance generated in the rheostat component 1.

[0140] Alternatively, the first external electrode 51, the second external electrode 52, and the third external electrode 53 may be configured to extend from the bottom surface 16 toward the top surface 17 and not be disposed on the top surface 17. The height he of each of the first external electrode 51, the second external electrode 52, and the third external electrode 53 extending from the bottom surface 16 toward the top surface 17 may be more than 0.5 times and less than 1 times the height h of the sintered body 10 of the rheostat material.

[0141] Thus, by setting the height he of the first external electrode 51, the second external electrode 52, and the third external electrode 53 to be more than 0.5 times and less than 1 times the height h of the sintered body 10 of the rheostat material, the stray capacitance generated in the rheostat component 1 can be reduced.

[0142] Alternatively, the rheostat component 1 may also include: a first internal electrode 31 connected to the first external electrode 51 and disposed inside the rheostat material sintered body 10; a second internal electrode 32 connected to the second external electrode 52 and disposed inside the rheostat material sintered body 10; and a third internal electrode 33 connected to the third external electrode 53 and disposed inside the rheostat material sintered body 10. The rheostat component 1 has a first opposing region 41 that is the region opposite to the first internal electrode 31 and the third internal electrode 33, and a second opposing region 42 that is the region opposite to the second internal electrode 32 and the third internal electrode 33.

[0143] Thus, by generating electrostatic capacitance in the region opposite the internal electrodes, a variable resistor component 1 with small fluctuations in electrostatic capacitance can be provided.

[0144] In addition, the third internal electrode 33 may also be positioned further from the top surface 17 than the first internal electrode 31 and the second internal electrode 32.

[0145] According to this structure, compared with the case where the third internal electrode 33 is positioned closer to the bottom surface 16 than the first internal electrode 31 and the second internal electrode 32, the stray capacitance generated in the rheostat component 1 can be reduced.

[0146] Alternatively, when viewed from the third direction d3, which is the direction opposite to the bottom surface 16 and the top surface 17, the first opposing region 41 and the second opposing region 42 may be positioned closer to the first side surface 11 than the second side surface 12.

[0147] According to this structure, compared to the case where the first opposing region 41 and the second opposing region 42 are positioned closer to the second side 12 than the first side 11, the stray capacitance generated in the rheostat component 1 can be reduced.

[0148] Alternatively, when viewed from the third direction d3, the first internal electrode 31, the second internal electrode 32, and the third internal electrode 33 may be configured to be linearly symmetrical with respect to the position passing through the middle of the first external electrode 51 and the second external electrode 52 and along the center line cL2 of the second direction d2.

[0149] According to this structure, the difference in stray capacitance generated on the left and right sides of the center line cL2 can be reduced, thereby reducing the difference in electrostatic capacitance generated by the first rheostat element Z1 and the second rheostat element Z2. This suppresses any impact on the operation of electronic equipment.

[0150] Alternatively, when viewed from the second direction d2, the first internal electrode 31, the second internal electrode 32, and the third internal electrode 33 may be configured to be linearly symmetrical with respect to the position passing through the middle of the first external electrode 51 and the second external electrode 52 and along the center line cL3 of the third direction d3.

[0151] According to this structure, the difference in stray capacitance generated on the left and right sides of the center line cL3 can be reduced, thereby reducing the difference in electrostatic capacitance generated by the first rheostat element Z1 and the second rheostat element Z2. This suppresses any impact on the operation of electronic equipment.

[0152] Alternatively, the first internal electrode 31 and the second internal electrode 32 may each be configured to extend from the first side 11 toward the second side 12, and the third internal electrode 33 may have: an lead-out electrode portion 35 extending from the second side 12 toward the first side 11; a first opposing electrode portion 36 connected to the lead-out electrode portion 35 and extending toward the third side 13; and a second opposing electrode portion 37 connected to the lead-out electrode portion 35 and extending toward the fourth side 14, wherein a first opposing region 41 is formed by a portion of the first opposing electrode portion 36 and a portion of the first internal electrode 31 opposing each other, and a second opposing region 42 is formed by a portion of the second opposing electrode portion 37 and a portion of the second internal electrode 32 opposing each other.

[0153] Accordingly, the first opposing region 41 and the second opposing region 42 can be formed with high precision. As a result, the stray capacitance generated in the rheostat component 1 can be reduced.

[0154] Alternatively, the first internal electrode 31 and the second internal electrode 32 may each be configured to extend from the first side 11 toward the second side 12, and the third internal electrode 33 may have: a first lead-out electrode portion 35a extending from the second side 12 toward the first side 11; a second lead-out electrode portion 35b connected to the first lead-out electrode portion 35a and extending toward the third side 13 and the fourth side 14; and a first opposing electrode portion 36 and a second opposing electrode portion 37 connected to the second lead-out electrode portion 35b and extending toward the first side 11, wherein a first opposing region 41 is formed by a portion of the first opposing electrode portion 36 and a portion of the first internal electrode 31 opposing each other, and a second opposing region 42 is formed by a portion of the second opposing electrode portion 37 and a portion of the second internal electrode 32 opposing each other.

[0155] Accordingly, the first opposing region 41 and the second opposing region 42 can be formed with high precision. As a result, the stray capacitance generated in the rheostat component 1 can be reduced.

[0156] Alternatively, the first external electrode 51 and the second external electrode 52 may each be disposed on a portion of the bottom surface 16, the first internal electrode 31 may be disposed between a portion of the first opposing electrode portion 36 and the first external electrode 51 disposed on the bottom surface 16, and the second internal electrode 32 may be disposed between a portion of the second opposing electrode portion 37 and the second external electrode 52 disposed on the bottom surface 16.

[0157] According to this structure, the first opposing electrode portion 36 and the first external electrode 51 are positioned opposite each other, sandwiching the first internal electrode 31 between them, which can reduce the stray capacitance generated between the first opposing electrode portion 36 and the first external electrode 51. Furthermore, the structure in which the second opposing electrode portion 37 and the second external electrode 52 are positioned opposite each other, sandwiching the second internal electrode 32 between them, can reduce the stray capacitance generated between the second opposing electrode portion 37 and the second external electrode 52.

[0158] (Other implementation methods, etc.)

[0159] The embodiments and variations of the present disclosure and the rheostat components involved have been described above, but the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments and variations. As long as it does not depart from the spirit of the present disclosure, various modifications to the embodiments and variations that can be conceived by those skilled in the art, and other ways of constructing by combining some of the constituent elements of the embodiments and variations, are also included within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0160] In Embodiment 1, an example is shown where the first opposing electrode portion 36 is positioned further from the top surface 17 than the first inner electrode 31, and the second opposing electrode portion 37 is positioned further from the top surface 17 than the second inner electrode 32, but this is not a limitation. For example, one of the two opposing electrode portions may be positioned further from the bottom surface 16 than the inner electrode. Specifically, the first opposing electrode portion 36 may be positioned further from the bottom surface 16 than the first inner electrode 31, and the second opposing electrode portion 37 may be positioned further from the top surface 17 than the second inner electrode 32. Conversely, the first opposing electrode portion 36 may be positioned further from the top surface 17 than the first inner electrode 31, and the second opposing electrode portion 37 may be positioned further from the bottom surface 16 than the second inner electrode 32.

[0161] Industrial availability

[0162] The rheostat component disclosed herein is useful as a rheostat component for various electronic devices and communication systems.

[0163] Symbol Explanation

[0164] 1. Rheostats 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D

[0165] 10. Sintered body of rheostat material

[0166] 11 First side

[0167] 12 Second side

[0168] 13 Third side

[0169] 14 Fourth side

[0170] 16 bottom

[0171] 17 Top surface

[0172] 30 internal electrodes

[0173] 31 First internal electrode

[0174] 32 Second internal electrode

[0175] 33 Third internal electrode

[0176] Electrode sections 35, 35a, and 35b

[0177] 36 First Opposite Electrode Section

[0178] 37 Second Opposite Electrode Section

[0179] 41. First Opposite Region

[0180] 42 Second Opposite Region

[0181] 50 external electrodes

[0182] 51 First external electrode

[0183] 52 Second external electrode

[0184] 53 Third external electrode

[0185] cL2, cL3 center lines

[0186] d1 First direction

[0187] d2 in the second direction

[0188] d3 3rd direction

[0189] h, he height

[0190] X length

[0191] Y width

[0192] Distance between y1 and y2

[0193] Z1 First Variable Resistor Component

[0194] Z2 is the second variable resistor element.

Claims

1. A variable resistor component comprising a first variable resistor element and a second variable resistor element, The rheostat component includes: A sintered body of rheostat material has a bottom surface, a top surface opposite to the bottom surface, and a plurality of side surfaces connecting the bottom surface and the top surface. The first external electrode is a terminal on one end of the first rheostat element, and is disposed on a portion of the first side among the plurality of sides; The second external electrode is a terminal on one end of the second rheostat element, and is disposed on a portion of the first side. and The third external electrode is a common terminal on the other end of the first rheostat element and the other end of the second rheostat element, and is disposed on a portion of the second side that is opposite to the first side among the plurality of sides. The plurality of sides also includes a third side orthogonal to the first side and the bottom surface, and a fourth side opposite to the third side. The first external electrode, the second external electrode, and the third external electrode are not located on the third side and the fourth side. The first external electrode and the second external electrode are disposed on the first side with a gap between them along a first direction that is the direction opposite to the third side and the fourth side. The third external electrode is disposed on the second side such that it is located between the first external electrode and the second external electrode when viewed from a second direction which is the direction opposite to the first side and the second side.

2. The rheostat component according to claim 1, wherein, When viewed from the second direction, the third external electrode is located between the first external electrode and the second external electrode.

3. The rheostat component according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first external electrode and the second external electrode are electrodes that are respectively connected to different signal lines. The third external electrode is an electrode connected to ground.

4. The rheostat component according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first external electrode and the second external electrode are also disposed on a portion of the bottom surface and a portion of the second side surface. The third external electrode is also disposed on a portion of the bottom surface and a portion of the first side surface.

5. The rheostat component according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first external electrode and the second external electrode are not located on the second side. The third external electrode is not located on the first side.

6. The rheostat component according to claim 5, wherein, The first, second, and third external electrodes are configured to extend from the bottom surface toward the top surface, and are not located on the top surface. The height of each of the first, second, and third external electrodes from the bottom surface toward the top surface is more than 0.5 times and less than 1 times the height of the sintered body of the rheostat material.

7. The rheostat component according to claim 5, wherein, The rheostat component also includes: The first internal electrode is connected to the first external electrode and is disposed inside the sintered body of the rheostat material; The second internal electrode is connected to the second external electrode and is disposed inside the sintered body of the rheostat material; and The third internal electrode, connected to the third external electrode, is disposed inside the sintered body of the rheostat material. The rheostat component has a first opposing region that is the region opposite to the first internal electrode and the third internal electrode, and a second opposing region that is the region opposite to the second internal electrode and the third internal electrode.

8. The rheostat component according to claim 7, wherein, The third internal electrode is positioned closer to the top surface than the first internal electrode and the second internal electrode.

9. The rheostat component according to claim 7, wherein, When viewed from a third direction, which is the direction opposite to the bottom and top surfaces, the first opposing region and the second opposing region are positioned closer to the first side surface than the second side surface.

10. The rheostat component according to claim 9, wherein, When viewed from the third direction, the first inner electrode, the second inner electrode, and the third inner electrode are configured to be linearly symmetrical with respect to a position passing through the middle of the first outer electrode and the second outer electrode and along the centerline of the second direction.

11. The rheostat component according to claim 9, wherein, When viewed from the second direction, the first inner electrode, the second inner electrode, and the third inner electrode are configured to be linearly symmetrical with respect to a position passing through the middle of the first outer electrode and the second outer electrode and along the centerline of the third direction.

12. The rheostat component according to claim 7, wherein, The first internal electrode and the second internal electrode are each configured to extend from the first side surface toward the second side surface. The third internal electrode has: an outgoing electrode portion extending from the second side toward the first side; and a first opposing electrode portion connected to the outgoing electrode portion and extending toward the third side. The second opposing electrode portion is connected to the lead-out electrode portion and extends toward the fourth side. The first opposing region is formed by opposing a portion of the first opposing electrode portion and a portion of the first internal electrode. The second opposing region is formed by opposing a portion of the second opposing electrode portion and a portion of the second internal electrode.

13. The rheostat component according to claim 7, wherein, The first internal electrode and the second internal electrode are each configured to extend from the first side surface toward the second side surface. The third internal electrode has: a first lead-out electrode portion extending from the second side toward the first side; and a second lead-out electrode portion connected to the first lead-out electrode portion and extending toward the third side and the fourth side. The first and second opposing electrode portions are connected to the second lead-out electrode portion and extend toward the first side. The first opposing region is formed by opposing a portion of the first opposing electrode portion and a portion of the first internal electrode. The second opposing region is formed by opposing a portion of the second opposing electrode portion and a portion of the second internal electrode.

14. The rheostat component according to claim 12, wherein, The first external electrode and the second external electrode are each also disposed on a portion of the bottom surface. The first internal electrode is disposed between a portion of the first opposing electrode portion and the first external electrode disposed on the bottom surface. The second internal electrode is disposed between a portion of the second opposing electrode portion and the second external electrode disposed on the bottom surface.

Images