Chip varistor

Abstract

To provide a chip varistor capable of obtaining a desired characteristic.SOLUTION: A chip varistor 1 comprises: an element body 2 that contains a side surface 2a and a side surface 2b; and a plurality of internal electrodes that is arranged in the element body 2, and is opposite each other. The plurality of internal electrodes contains: a first internal electrode 51 that is exposed to the side surface 2a; a second internal electrode 51 that is exposed to the side surface 2b; a third internal electrode 52 that is separated from the first and second internal electrodes 51; a fourth internal electrode 62 that is arranged so as to form a plurality of varistors serially connected to between the first internal electrode 51 and the third internal electrode 53; and a fifth internal electrode 61 that is arranged so as to form the plurality of varistors serially connected to between the second internal electrode 51 and the third internal electrode 52. In the plurality of internal electrodes, the internal electrodes that are opposite each other include a different width in both terminals each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a chip varistor.

Background Art

[0002] A known chip varistor includes a body and a plurality of internal electrodes disposed within the body and facing each other (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The body includes, for example, a pair of side surfaces. The plurality of internal electrodes include, for example, a pair of internal electrodes respectively exposed on corresponding side surfaces of the pair of side surfaces, and a plurality of internal electrodes arranged to form a plurality of varistors connected in series between the pair of internal electrodes.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In a chip varistor, a varistor is formed between internal electrodes facing each other among the plurality of internal electrodes. The characteristics of this varistor are affected by, for example, the area of the region where the internal electrodes facing each other overlap. This area is sometimes simply referred to as the "overlap area". For example, if the overlap area decreases, the characteristics of the varistor, that is, the characteristics of the chip varistor may deteriorate. In a chip varistor with a reduced overlap area, there is a possibility that desired characteristics cannot be obtained.

[0005] One aspect of the present invention aims to provide a chip varistor capable of obtaining desired characteristics.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A chip varistor according to one aspect of the present invention includes a body including a first side surface and a second side surface, and a plurality of internal electrodes disposed within the body and facing each other. The plurality of internal electrodes include a first internal electrode exposed on the first side surface, a second internal electrode exposed on the second side surface, a third internal electrode spaced apart from the first internal electrode and the second internal electrode, a fourth internal electrode disposed to form a plurality of varistors connected in series between the first internal electrode and the third internal electrode, and a fifth internal electrode disposed to form a plurality of varistors connected in series between the second internal electrode and the third internal electrode. Among the plurality of internal electrodes, the internal electrodes facing each other have different widths at the opposite ends facing each other.

[0007] In the above aspect, among the plurality of internal electrodes, the internal electrodes facing each other have different widths at the opposite ends facing each other. Therefore, even when the relative position in the width direction of the internal electrodes facing each other changes, the overlapping area is unlikely to change. As a result, the above aspect can obtain desired characteristics.

Effects of the Invention

[0008] One aspect of the present invention provides a chip varistor capable of obtaining desired characteristics.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

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[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description, the same reference numerals are used for the same elements or elements having the same function, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0011] With reference to FIGS. 1 to 4, the configuration of the chip varistor 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the chip varistor according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a cross-sectional configuration of the chip varistor according to the present embodiment. FIGS. 3 and 4 are diagrams showing the configuration of a plurality of internal electrodes. As shown in FIG. 1, the chip varistor 1 is a three-terminal type chip varistor. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the chip varistor 1 includes a body 2, a plurality of external electrodes 3 and 4, and a plurality of internal electrodes. In the present embodiment, the chip varistor 1 includes a pair of external electrodes 3 and a pair of external electrodes 4. The plurality of internal electrodes include, for example, an internal electrode 51, an internal electrode 52, an internal electrode 61, an internal electrode 62, an internal electrode 71, and an internal electrode 72.

[0012] The base body 2 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The rectangular parallelepiped shape includes, for example, the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped with chamfered corners and edges, and the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped with rounded corners and edges. The base body 2 includes a pair of side surfaces 2a and 2b facing each other, a pair of side surfaces 2c and 2d facing each other, and a pair of side surfaces 2e and 2f facing each other. In the present embodiment, the pair of side surfaces 2a and 2b face each other in the first direction D1, the pair of side surfaces 2c and 2d face each other in the second direction D2, and the pair of side surfaces 2e and 2f face each other in the third direction D3. The first direction D1, the second direction D2, and the third direction D3 intersect with each other, for example. In the present embodiment, the first direction D1, the second direction D2, and the third direction D3 are orthogonal to each other.

[0013] The pair of side surfaces 2c and 2d and the pair of side surfaces 2e and 2f connect the side surface 2a and the side surface 2b. The pair of side surfaces 2c and 2d connect the side surface 2a and the side surface 2b and extend in the first direction D1. The pair of side surfaces 2c and 2d also extend in the third direction D3. The pair of side surfaces 2e and 2f connect the side surface 2a and the side surface 2b and extend in the first direction D1. The pair of side surfaces 2e and 2f also extend in the second direction D2.

[0014] The base body 2 includes a laminated structure in which a plurality of ceramic layers are laminated. The lamination direction of the plurality of ceramic layers includes, for example, the second direction D2. Each ceramic layer includes a sintered body that exhibits the characteristics of a varistor. The base body 2 includes, for example, a semiconductor ceramic material. In an actual base body 2, each ceramic layer is integrated to such an extent that the boundary between the ceramic layers is not visible. The base body 2 includes a varistor body.

[0015] The base body 2 contains ZnO (zinc oxide) as the main component. The base body 2 contains, as secondary components, for example, simple metals containing Co, rare earth metal elements, group IIIb elements, Si, Cr, Mo, alkali metal elements, and alkaline earth metal elements. The rare earth metal elements include Pr. The rare earth metal elements can exhibit the characteristics of the varistor. The group IIIb elements include B, Al, Ga, and In. The alkali metal elements include K, Rb, and Cs. The alkaline earth metal elements include Mg, Ca, Sr, and Ba. The base body 2 may contain oxides of the above simple metals as secondary components. In this embodiment, the base body 2 contains Co, Pr, Cr, Ca, K, and Al as secondary components.

[0016] The first direction D1 is the length direction of the base body 2. The second direction D2 is the width direction of the base body 2. The third direction D3 is the height direction of the base body 2. The length of the base body 2 is, for example, 0.95 mm or more and 1.95 mm or less. The width of the base body 2 is, for example, 0.45 mm or more and 1.20 mm or less. The height of the base body 2 is, for example, 0.35 mm or more and 0.85 mm or less. In this embodiment, the length of the base body 2 is 1.55 mm, the width of the base body 2 is 0.75 mm, and the height of the base body 2 is 0.55 mm.

[0017] A pair of external electrodes 3 and a pair of external electrodes 4 are arranged on the base body 2. In this embodiment, the pair of external electrodes 3 and the pair of external electrodes 4 are separated from each other. The pair of external electrodes 3 are arranged on the base body 2 so as to face each other in the first direction D1. Each external electrode 3 is arranged at both ends of the base body 2 in the first direction D1. The pair of external electrodes 3 are separated from each other in the first direction D1.

[0018] Of the pair of external electrodes 3, one external electrode 3 is disposed on the side surface 2a. The other external electrode 3 of the pair of external electrodes 3 is disposed on the side surface 2b. That is, each external electrode 3 is disposed on the corresponding side surface of the pair of side surfaces 2a and 2b. The external electrode 3 covers the corresponding side surface. The external electrode 3 also covers a part of each of the side surfaces 2c, 2d, 2e, and 2f. The part of the side surface 2c covered by the external electrode 3 is located closer to the corresponding side surface. The part of the side surface 2d covered by the external electrode 3 is located closer to the corresponding side surface. The part of the side surface 2e covered by the external electrode 3 is located closer to the corresponding side surface. The part of the side surface 2f covered by the external electrode 3 is located closer to the corresponding side surface.

[0019] The pair of external electrodes 4 are disposed on the element body 2 so as to face each other in the second direction D2. Each external electrode 4 is disposed on the element body 2 so as to be located between the pair of external electrodes 3 in the first direction D1. That is, the pair of external electrodes 4 are separated from each external electrode 3 in the first direction D1. In the present embodiment, the pair of external electrodes 4 are disposed on the element body 2 so as to be located substantially in the middle of the pair of external electrodes 3 in the first direction D1. The pair of external electrodes 4 are separated from each other in the second direction D2.

[0020] Of the pair of external electrodes 4, one external electrode 4 is disposed on the side surface 2c. The other external electrode 4 of the pair of external electrodes 4 is disposed on the side surface 2d. That is, each external electrode 4 is disposed on the corresponding side surface of the pair of side surfaces 2c and 2d. The external electrode 4 covers a part of the corresponding side surface. The part of the side surface 2c covered by the external electrode 4 is located substantially at the center of the side surface 2c in the first direction D1 and extends from one end to the other end of the side surface 2c in the third direction D3. The part of the side surface 2d covered by the external electrode 4 is located substantially at the center of the side surface 2d in the first direction D1 and extends from one end to the other end of the side surface 2d in the third direction D3.

[0021] The external electrode 4 also covers a part of each of the side surfaces 2e and 2f. A part of the side surface 2e covered by the external electrode 4 is located substantially at the center of the side surface 2e in the first direction D1 and is located closer to the corresponding side surfaces 2c and 2d on the side surface 2e. A part of the side surface 2f covered by the external electrode 4 is located substantially at the center of the side surface 2f in the first direction D1 and is located closer to the corresponding side surfaces 2c and 2d on the side surface 2f.

[0022] The external electrodes 3 and 4 are formed, for example, by baking a conductive paste applied to the surface of the base body 2. The conductive paste contains, for example, a powder made of a metal, a glass component, an organic binder, and an organic solvent. The metal contains, for example, Pd, Cu, Ag, or an Ag-Pd alloy. A plating layer may be formed on each of the external electrodes 3 and 4. The plating layer may include, for example, a Ni plating layer and a Sn plating layer formed on the Ni plating layer.

[0023] The plurality of internal electrodes are arranged inside the base body 2 and face each other. The plurality of internal electrodes face each other in the third direction D3. As shown in FIG. 2, the plurality of internal electrodes include an internal electrode layer 5, an internal electrode layer 6, and an internal electrode layer 7. The internal electrode layers 5, 6, and 7 are arranged inside the base body 2. The internal electrode layers 5, 6, and 7 are arranged at different positions from each other in the third direction D3 inside the base body 2. The internal electrode layer 6 is adjacent to the internal electrode layer 5. The internal electrode layer 6 is adjacent to the internal electrode layer 5, for example, in the third direction D3. The internal electrode layer 7 is adjacent to the internal electrode layer 6 such that the internal electrode layer 6 is located between the internal electrode layer 5 and the internal electrode layer 7. That is, the internal electrode layer 6 is located between the internal electrode layer 5 and the internal electrode layer 7. The internal electrode layer 7 is adjacent to the internal electrode layer 6 such that the internal electrode layer 6 is located between the internal electrode layer 5 and the internal electrode layer 7, for example, in the third direction D3.

[0024] In this embodiment, within the base body 2, the internal electrode layer 5, the internal electrode layer 6, and the internal electrode layer 7 are arranged in this order in the third direction D3. The positions of the internal electrode layer 5 and the internal electrode layer 7 in the third direction D3 may be opposite to the above-mentioned order. That is, within the base body 2, the internal electrode layer 7, the internal electrode layer 6, and the internal electrode layer 5 may be arranged in this order in the third direction D3.

[0025] The internal electrode layer 5 includes an internal electrode 51 and an internal electrode 52. In this embodiment, the internal electrode layer 5 includes a pair of internal electrodes 51 and one internal electrode 52. The internal electrodes 51 and 52 extend in the first direction D1. The internal electrodes 51 and 52 are located in the same layer within the base body 2. The internal electrodes 51 and 52 are arranged at the same position in the third direction D3. The pair of internal electrodes 51 are arranged near the corresponding side surfaces 2a and 2b of the pair of side surfaces 2a and 2b and are exposed on the corresponding side surfaces 2a and 2b. The internal electrode 52 is separated from the pair of internal electrodes 51 and is exposed on the pair of side surfaces 2c and 2d. In this embodiment, the internal electrode 52 is located between the pair of internal electrodes 51 in the first direction D1.

[0026] The internal electrode layer 6 includes an internal electrode 61 and an internal electrode 62. In this embodiment, the internal electrode layer 6 includes one internal electrode 61 and one internal electrode 62. The internal electrodes 61 and 62 extend in the first direction D1. The internal electrodes 61 and 62 are located in the same layer within the base body 2. The internal electrodes 61 and 62 are arranged at the same position in the third direction D3. The internal electrodes 61 and 62 are separated from each other in the same layer and are not exposed on the outer surface of the base body 2. The internal electrodes 61 and 62 face each other in the first direction D1 in the same layer.

[0027] The internal electrode layer 7 includes an internal electrode 71 and an internal electrode 72. In the present embodiment, the internal electrode layer 7 includes a pair of internal electrodes 71 and one internal electrode 72. The internal electrodes 71 and 72 extend in the first direction D1. The internal electrodes 71 and 72 are located in the same layer within the element body 2. The internal electrodes 71 and 72 are arranged at the same position in the third direction D3. The pair of internal electrodes 71 are arranged near the corresponding side surfaces 2a and 2b among the pair of side surfaces 2a and 2b and are exposed on the corresponding side surfaces 2a and 2b. The internal electrode 72 is separated from the pair of internal electrodes 71 and is exposed on the pair of side surfaces 2c and 2d. In the present embodiment, the internal electrode 72 is located between the pair of internal electrodes 71 in the first direction D1.

[0028] Each of the internal electrodes 51, 52, 61, 62, 71, and 72 included in the internal electrode layers 5, 6, and 7 faces the corresponding internal electrode among the internal electrodes included in the adjacent internal electrode layers in the third direction D3. In the present embodiment, in the relationship between the internal electrode layer 5 and the internal electrode layer 6, the internal electrode 61 faces the internal electrodes 51 and 52 exposed on the side surface 2b in the third direction D3. In the relationship between the internal electrode layer 5 and the internal electrode layer 6, the internal electrode 62 faces the internal electrodes 51 and 52 exposed on the side surface 2a in the third direction D3.

[0029] In the relationship between the internal electrode layer 6 and the internal electrode layer 7, the internal electrode 61 faces the internal electrodes 71 and 72 exposed on the side surface 2b in the third direction D3. In the relationship between the internal electrode layer 6 and the internal electrode layer 7, the internal electrode 62 faces the internal electrodes 71 and 72 exposed on the side surface 2a in the third direction D3.

[0030] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the internal electrode 51 includes a pair of ends 51a and 51b, a pair of edges 51c and 51d facing each other, and a pair of surfaces 51e and 51f facing each other. FIG. 3 is a view of the pair of internal electrodes 51 and 52 and the internal electrodes 61 and 62 as seen in the direction from the side surface 2e to the side surface 2f in the third direction D3. A pair of ends 51a and 51b define both ends of the internal electrode 51 in the first direction D1. The end 51a is exposed on the corresponding side surfaces 2a and 2b out of the pair of side surfaces 2a and 2b. The end 51a is connected to the external electrode 3 disposed on the corresponding side surfaces 2a and 2b. That is, the end 51a is connected to the corresponding external electrode 3 out of the pair of external electrodes 3. In the present embodiment, the end 51a is directly connected to the external electrode 3. The end 51a constitutes a connection end connected to the external electrode 3.

[0031] The end 51b is located inside the element body 2 and is not exposed on the outer surface of the element body 2. The end 51b is spaced apart from each of the side surfaces 2a and 2b. The internal electrode 51 faces the corresponding internal electrodes 61 and 62 in the third direction D3 at the end 51b. In the present embodiment, the internal electrode 51 exposed on the side surface 2a faces the internal electrode 62 in the third direction D3 at the end 51b, and the internal electrode 51 exposed on the side surface 2b faces the internal electrode 61 in the third direction D3. The end 51b includes a region overlapping the corresponding internal electrodes 61 and 62 when viewed in the third direction D3.

[0032] In the present embodiment, the end 51b of the internal electrode 51 exposed on the side surface 2a includes a region overlapping the internal electrode 62 when viewed in the third direction D3. In the present embodiment, the above region of the end 51b of the internal electrode 51 exposed on the side surface 2a extends from the tip of the internal electrode 51 to the tip at the end 62a of the internal electrode 62 when viewed in the third direction D3. In the present embodiment, the end 51b of the internal electrode 51 exposed on the side surface 2b includes a region overlapping the internal electrode 61 when viewed in the third direction D3. In the present embodiment, the above region of the end 51b of the internal electrode 51 exposed on the side surface 2b extends from the tip of the internal electrode 51 to the tip at the end 61b of the internal electrode 61 when viewed in the third direction D3. That is, the end 51b includes not only the tip of the internal electrode 51 but also a region from the tip of the internal electrode 51 to a predetermined length. Therefore, the end 51b has the above predetermined length in the first direction D1. The end 51b is embedded in the element body 2 and is in contact with only the element body 2.

[0033] The pair of edges 51c and 51d face each other in the second direction D2, and the pair of surfaces 51e and 51f face each other in the third direction D3. In the present embodiment, the edge 51c is located closer to the side surface 2c, and the edge 51d is located closer to the side surface 2d. In the present embodiment, the surface 51e is located closer to the side surface 2e, and the surface 51f is located closer to the side surface 2f. Each of the edges 51c and 51d may constitute a surface. Each of the edges 51c and 51d is adjacent to each of the surfaces 51e and 51f and connects the surface 51e and the surface 51f.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 3, the internal electrode 51 has a length L1. The length L1 is defined, for example, as the length of the internal electrode 51 in the first direction D1. The length L1 is, for example, 0.25 mm or more and 0.5 mm or less. The length L1 in the present embodiment is 0.405 mm. In the present embodiment, the pair of internal electrodes 51 have the same value of the length L1. The pair of internal electrodes 51 may have different values of the length L1.

[0035] The internal electrode 51 has a width W1 at the end 51b. The width W1 is defined, for example, by the length of the internal electrode 51 in the second direction D2 at the end 51b. The width W1 is, for example, 0.1 mm or more and 0.6 mm or less. The width W1 in the present embodiment is 0.5 mm.

[0036] In the present embodiment, the internal electrode 51 has the width W1 not only at the end 51b but also throughout. The internal electrode 51 only needs to have the width W1 at the end 51b. The internal electrode 51 may have a width different from the width W1 at a position other than the end 51b, for example. In the present embodiment, the pair of internal electrodes 51 have the same value of the width W1 at each end 51b. The pair of internal electrodes 51 may have different values of the width W1 at each end 51b.

[0037] In the internal electrode layer 5, the distance d1 between the internal electrode 51 and the outer surface of the element body 2 is, for example, 0.1 mm or more and 0.4 mm or less. The distance d1 in this embodiment is 0.2 mm. The distance d1 is defined by, for example, the distance between a pair of edge portions 51c, 51d and the corresponding side surfaces 2c, 2d in the second direction D2. In this embodiment, the distance d1 between the internal electrode 51 exposed on the side surface 2a and the outer surface of the element body 2 is the same as the distance d1 between the internal electrode 51 exposed on the side surface 2b and the outer surface of the element body 2. The distance d1 between the internal electrode 51 exposed on the side surface 2a and the outer surface of the element body 2 and the distance d1 between the internal electrode 51 exposed on the side surface 2b and the outer surface of the element body 2 may be different from each other.

[0038] In the internal electrode layer 5, the distance d2 between the internal electrode 51 and the external electrode 4 is, for example, 0.21 mm or more and 0.57 mm or less. The distance d2 in this embodiment is 0.36 mm. The distance d2 is defined by, for example, the shortest distance between each corner of the internal electrode 51 at the end 51b and the external electrode 4 when viewed from the third direction D3. In this embodiment, the distance d2 between the corner of the internal electrode 51 at the end 51b that is closer to the side surface 2c and the external electrode 4 and the distance d2 between the corner of the internal electrode 51 at the end 51b that is closer to the side surface 2d and the external electrode 4 are the same as each other. The distance d2 between the corner of the internal electrode 51 at the end 51b that is closer to the side surface 2c and the external electrode 4 and the distance d2 between the corner of the internal electrode 51 at the end 51b that is closer to the side surface 2d and the external electrode 4 may be different from each other.

[0039] The internal electrode 52 includes a pair of ends 52a, 52b, a pair of ends 52c, 52d, a pair of edge portions 52e, 52f, and a pair of surfaces 52g, 52h facing each other. A pair of ends 52a and 52b define both ends of the internal electrode 52 in the first direction D1. The ends 52a and 52b are located inside the base body 2 and are not exposed on the outer surface of the base body 2. The ends 52a and 52b are spaced apart from the respective side surfaces 2a and 2b. The end 52a is located closer to the side surface 2a, and the end 52b is located closer to the side surface 2b. The end 52a faces the end 51b of the internal electrode 51 exposed on the side surface 2a in the first direction D1. The end 52b faces the end 51b of the internal electrode 51 exposed on the side surface 2b in the first direction D1.

[0040] The internal electrode 52 faces the internal electrode 62 in the third direction D3 at the end 52a. The end 52a includes a region overlapping with the internal electrode 62 when viewed in the third direction D3. In the present embodiment, the above region of the end 52a extends from the tip of the internal electrode 52 at the end 52a to the tip at the end 62b of the internal electrode 62 when viewed in the third direction D3. That is, the end 52a includes not only the tip of the internal electrode 52 but also a region up to a predetermined length from the tip of the internal electrode 52.

[0041] The internal electrode 52 faces the internal electrode 61 in the third direction D3 at the end 52b. The end 52b includes a region overlapping with the internal electrode 61 when viewed in the third direction D3. In the present embodiment, the above region of the end 52b extends from the tip of the internal electrode 52 at the end 52b to the tip at the end 61a of the internal electrode 61 when viewed in the third direction D3. That is, the end 52b includes not only the tip of the internal electrode 52 but also a region up to a predetermined length from the tip of the internal electrode 52.

[0042] A pair of ends 52c and 52d define both ends of the internal electrode 52 in the second direction D2. The end 52c is exposed on the side surface 2c. The end 52c is connected to the external electrode 4 disposed on the side surface 2c. That is, the end 52c is connected to the corresponding external electrode 4 out of the pair of external electrodes 4. In the present embodiment, the end 52c is directly connected to the external electrode 4. The end 52c constitutes a connection end connected to the external electrode 4.

[0043] The end 52d is exposed on the side surface 2d. The end 52d is connected to the external electrode 4 disposed on the side surface 2d. That is, the end 52d is connected to the corresponding external electrode 4 out of the pair of external electrodes 4. In the present embodiment, the end 52d is directly connected to the external electrode 4. The end 52d constitutes a connection end connected to the external electrode 4.

[0044] The pair of surfaces 52g and 52h face each other in the third direction D3. In the present embodiment, the surface 52g is located closer to the side surface 2e, and the surface 52h is located closer to the side surface 2f. In the present embodiment, in order to realize a configuration in which the ends 52c and 52d are exposed on the corresponding side surfaces 2c and 2d, the surfaces 52g and 52h include one surface region R1 and a pair of surface regions R2. The surface region R1 has a rectangular shape including the second direction D2 as the long side direction and the first direction D1 as the short side direction. The pair of surface regions R2 have a rectangular shape including the second direction D2 as the long side direction and the first direction D1 as the short side direction and extend in the second direction D2 from the corresponding short side of the surface region R1. The rectangular shape includes, for example, a shape with chamfered corners or a shape with rounded corners.

[0045] For example, a part of the surface region R1 is included in the end 52a, and another part located on the opposite side of the above-mentioned part of the surface region R1 in the first direction D1 is included in the end 52b. For example, a part of one of the pair of surface regions R2 is included in the end 52c, and a part of the other of the pair of surface regions R2 is included in the end 52d. Each of the edges 52e and 52f is adjacent to each of the surfaces 52g and 52h and connects the surface 52g and the surface 52h.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 3, the internal electrode 52 has a length L2. The length L2 is defined, for example, by the length of the internal electrode 52 in the first direction D1. The length L2 is, for example, 0.3 mm or more and 0.8 mm or less. The length L2 in the present embodiment is 0.44 mm.

[0047] The internal electrode 52 has a width W2 at the ends 52a and 52b. The width W2 is defined, for example, at the ends 52a and 52b by the length of the internal electrode 52 in the second direction D2 that the internal electrode 52 has. The width W2 is, for example, 0.1 mm or more and 0.6 mm or less. The width W2 in the present embodiment is 0.5 mm. In the present embodiment, the internal electrode 52 has the same value of the width W2 at each of the ends 52a and 52b. The internal electrode 52 may have different values of the width W2 at each of the ends 52a and 52b.

[0048] In the present embodiment, the internal electrode 52 has the width W2 not only at the ends 52a and 52b but also throughout. The internal electrode 52 only needs to have the width W2 at the ends 52a and 52b. The internal electrode 52 may have a width different from the width W2 at a position other than the ends 52a and 52b, for example.

[0049] In the internal electrode layer 5, the distance d3 between the internal electrode 51 and the internal electrode 52 is, for example, 0.2 mm or more and 0.4 mm or less. The distance d3 in the present embodiment is 0.3 mm. The distance d3 is defined, for example, by the distance between the tip of the internal electrode 51 at the end 51b and the tip of the internal electrode 52 at the corresponding ends 52a and 52b in the first direction D1. In the present embodiment, the distance d3 between the internal electrode 51 and the internal electrode 52 exposed on the side surface 2a and the distance d3 between the internal electrode 51 and the internal electrode 52 exposed on the side surface 2b are the same value as each other. The distance d3 between the internal electrode 51 and the internal electrode 52 exposed on the side surface 2a and the distance d3 between the internal electrode 51 and the internal electrode 52 exposed on the side surface 2b may be different values from each other.

[0050] The internal electrode 61 includes a pair of ends 61a and 61b, a pair of edges 61c and 61d facing each other, and a pair of surfaces 61e and 61f facing each other. The pair of ends 61a and 61b define both ends of the internal electrode 61 in the first direction D1. The ends 61a and 61b are located inside the base body 2 and are not exposed on the outer surface of the base body 2. The ends 61a and 61b are spaced apart from the respective side surfaces 2a and 2b. The end 61a is located closer to the side surface 2a. The end 61b is located on the side opposite to the end 61a and faces the internal electrode 62 in the first direction D1.

[0051] The internal electrode 61 faces the internal electrode 52 in the third direction D3 at the end 61a. In the present embodiment, the end 61a faces the end 52b of the internal electrode 52 in the third direction D3. The end 61a includes a region overlapping the internal electrode 52 when viewed from the third direction D3. In the present embodiment, the end 61a includes a region overlapping the end 52b when viewed from the third direction D3. That is, when viewed from the third direction D3, the end 52b and the end 61a overlap each other. In the present embodiment, the above-mentioned region of the end 61a extends from the tip of the internal electrode 61 at the end 61a to the tip of the end 52b of the internal electrode 52 when viewed from the third direction D3. That is, the end 61a includes not only the tip of the internal electrode 61 but also a region up to a predetermined length from the tip of the internal electrode 61.

[0052] The internal electrode 61 faces the internal electrode 51 exposed on the side surface 2b in the third direction D3 at the end 61b. In the present embodiment, the end 61b faces the end 51b of the internal electrode 51 exposed on the side surface 2b in the third direction D3. The end 61b includes a region overlapping the internal electrode 51 exposed on the side surface 2b as viewed from the third direction D3. In the present embodiment, the end 61b includes a region overlapping the end 51b of the internal electrode 51 exposed on the side surface 2b as viewed from the third direction D3. That is, as viewed from the third direction D3, the end 51b of the internal electrode 51 exposed on the side surface 2b and the end 61b overlap each other. In the present embodiment, the above region of the end 61b extends from the tip of the internal electrode 61 at the end 61b to the tip of the end 51b of the internal electrode 51 exposed on the side surface 2b as viewed from the third direction D3. That is, the end 61b includes not only the tip of the internal electrode 61 but also a region from the tip of the internal electrode 61 to a predetermined length.

[0053] The pair of edges 61c and 61d face each other in the second direction D2, and the pair of surfaces 61e and 61f face each other in the third direction D3. In the present embodiment, the edge 61c is located closer to the side surface 2c, and the edge 61d is located closer to the side surface 2d. In the present embodiment, the surface 61e is located closer to the side surface 2e, and the surface 61f is located closer to the side surface 2f. Each of the edges 61c and 61d may form a surface. Each of the edges 61c and 61d is adjacent to each of the surfaces 61e and 61f and connects the surface 61e and the surface 61f.

[0054] The internal electrode 61 has a length L3. The length L3 is defined, for example, by the length of the internal electrode 61 in the first direction D1. The length L3 is, for example, 0.4 mm or more and 0.6 mm or less. The length L3 in the present embodiment is 0.5 mm.

[0055] The internal electrode 61 has a width W3 at the ends 61a and 61b. The width W3 is defined, for example, at the ends 61a and 61b by the length in the second direction D2 that the internal electrode 61 has. The width W3 is, for example, 0.1 mm or more and 0.5 mm or less. The width W3 in this embodiment is 0.2 mm. In this embodiment, the internal electrode 61 has the same value of the width W3 at each of the ends 61a and 61b. The internal electrode 61 may have different values of the width W3 at each of the ends 61a and 61b.

[0056] In this embodiment, the internal electrode 61 has the width W3 not only at the ends 61a and 61b but also throughout. The internal electrode 61 only needs to have the width W3 at the ends 61a and 61b. The internal electrode 61 may have a width different from the width W3 at a position other than the ends 61a and 61b, for example.

[0057] The internal electrode 62 includes a pair of ends 62a and 62b, a pair of edges 62c and 62d facing each other, and a pair of surfaces 62e and 62f facing each other. The pair of ends 62a and 62b define both ends of the internal electrode 62 in the first direction D1. The ends 62a and 62b are located inside the base body 2 and are not exposed on the outer surface of the base body 2. The ends 62a and 62b are spaced apart from the respective side surfaces 2a and 2b. The end 62a is located closer to the side surface 2b. The end 62b is located on the side opposite to the end 61a and faces the internal electrode 61 in the first direction D1.

[0058] The internal electrode 62 faces the internal electrode 51 exposed on the side surface 2a at the end 62a in the third direction D3. In the present embodiment, the end 62a faces the end 51b of the internal electrode 51 exposed on the side surface 2a in the third direction D3. The end 62a includes a region overlapping the internal electrode 51 exposed on the side surface 2a when viewed from the third direction D3. In the present embodiment, the end 62a includes a region overlapping the end 51b of the internal electrode 51 exposed on the side surface 2a when viewed from the third direction D3. That is, when viewed from the third direction D3, the end 51b of the internal electrode 51 exposed on the side surface 2a and the end 62a overlap. In the present embodiment, the above region of the end 62a extends from the tip of the internal electrode 61 at the end 62a to the tip of the end 51b of the internal electrode 51 exposed on the side surface 2a when viewed from the third direction D3. That is, the end 62a includes not only the tip of the internal electrode 62 but also a region up to a predetermined length from the tip of the internal electrode 62.

[0059] The internal electrode 62 faces the internal electrode 52 at the end 62b in the third direction D3. In the present embodiment, the end 62b faces the end 52a of the internal electrode 52 in the third direction D3. The end 62b includes a region overlapping the internal electrode 52 when viewed from the third direction D3. In the present embodiment, the end 62b includes a region overlapping the end 52a when viewed from the third direction D3. That is, when viewed from the third direction D3, the end 62b and the end 52a overlap. In the present embodiment, the above region of the end 62b extends from the tip of the internal electrode 62 at the end 62b to the tip of the end 52a of the internal electrode 52 when viewed from the third direction D3. That is, the end 62b includes not only the tip of the internal electrode 62 but also a region up to a predetermined length from the tip of the internal electrode 62.

[0060] A pair of edges 62c, 62d face each other in the second direction D2, and a pair of surfaces 62e, 62f face each other in the third direction D3. In the present embodiment, the edge 62c is located closer to the side surface 2c, and the edge 62d is located closer to the side surface 2d. In the present embodiment, the surface 62e is located closer to the side surface 2e, and the surface 62f is located closer to the side surface 2f. Each of the edges 62c, 62d may form a surface. Each of the edges 62c, 62d is adjacent to each of the surfaces 62e and 62f and connects the surface 62e and the surface 62f.

[0061] The internal electrode 62 has a length L4. The length L4 is defined, for example, by the length of the internal electrode 62 in the first direction D1. The length L4 is, for example, 0.4 mm or more and 0.6 mm or less. The length L4 in the present embodiment is 0.5 mm.

[0062] The internal electrode 62 has a width W4 at the ends 62a, 62b. The width W4 is defined, for example, by the length of the internal electrode 62 in the second direction D2 at the ends 62a, 62b. The width W4 is, for example, 0.1 mm or more and 0.5 mm or less. The width W4 in the present embodiment is 0.2 mm. In the present embodiment, the internal electrode 62 has the same value of the width W4 at each of the ends 62a, 62b. The internal electrode 62 may have different values of the width W4 at each of the ends 62a, 62b.

[0063] In the present embodiment, the internal electrode 62 has the width W4 not only at the ends 62a, 62b but also as a whole. The internal electrode 62 only needs to have the width W4 at the ends 62a, 62b. The internal electrode 62 may have a width different from the width W4 at a position other than the ends 62a, 62b, for example.

[0064] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the internal electrode 71 includes a pair of ends 71a and 71b, a pair of edges 71c and 71d facing each other, and a pair of surfaces 71e and 71f facing each other. FIG. 4 is a view of the internal electrodes 61 and 62 and the pair of internal electrodes 71 and 72 as seen in the direction from the side surface 2f to the side surface 2e in the third direction D3. The pair of ends 71a and 71b define both ends of the internal electrode 71 in the first direction D1. The end 71a is exposed on the side surface 2a. The end 71a is connected to the external electrode 3 disposed on the side surface 2a. That is, the end 71a is connected to the corresponding external electrode 3 among the pair of external electrodes 3. In the present embodiment, the end 71a is directly connected to the external electrode 3. The end 71a constitutes a connection end connected to the external electrode 3. The end 71a may constitute a front end surface.

[0065] The end 71b is located inside the element body 2 and is not exposed on the outer surface of the element body 2. The end 71b is spaced apart from the side surfaces 2a and 2b. The internal electrode 71 faces the corresponding internal electrodes 61 and 62 among the internal electrodes 61 and 62 in the third direction D3 at the end 71b. In the present embodiment, the internal electrode 71 exposed on the side surface 2a faces the internal electrode 61 in the third direction D3 at the end 71b, and the internal electrode 71 exposed on the side surface 2b faces the internal electrode 62 in the third direction D3 at the end 71b. The end 71b includes a region overlapping the corresponding internal electrodes 61 and 62 as seen in the third direction D3.

[0066] In this embodiment, the end 71b of the internal electrode 71 exposed on the side surface 2a faces the end 62a of the internal electrode 62 in the third direction D3. The end 71b of the internal electrode 71 exposed on the side surface 2a includes a region overlapping the internal electrode 62 when viewed in the third direction D3. In this embodiment, the end 71b of the internal electrode 71 exposed on the side surface 2a includes a region overlapping the end 62a of the internal electrode 62 when viewed in the third direction D3. That is, when viewed in the third direction D3, the end 71b of the internal electrode 71 exposed on the side surface 2a and the end 62a overlap each other. In this embodiment, the above region of the end 71b of the internal electrode 71 exposed on the side surface 2a extends from the tip of the internal electrode 71 to the tip at the end 62a of the internal electrode 62 when viewed in the third direction D3.

[0067] In this embodiment, the end 71b of the internal electrode 71 exposed on the side surface 2b faces the end 61b of the internal electrode 61 in the third direction D3. The end 71b of the internal electrode 71 exposed on the side surface 2b includes a region overlapping the internal electrode 61 when viewed in the third direction D3. In this embodiment, the end 71b of the internal electrode 71 exposed on the side surface 2b includes a region overlapping the end 61b of the internal electrode 61 when viewed in the third direction D3. That is, when viewed in the third direction D3, the end 71b of the internal electrode 71 exposed on the side surface 2b and the end 61b overlap each other. In this embodiment, the above region of the end 71b of the internal electrode 71 exposed on the side surface 2b extends from the tip of the internal electrode 71 to the tip at the end 61b of the internal electrode 61 when viewed in the third direction D3. That is, the end 71b includes not only the tip of the internal electrode 71 but also a region up to a predetermined length from the tip of the internal electrode 71. Therefore, the end 71b has the above predetermined length in the first direction D1. The end 71b is embedded in the base body 2 and is in contact only with the base body 2.

[0068] The pair of edges 71c and 71d face each other in the second direction D2, and the pair of surfaces 71e and 71f face each other in the third direction D3. In this embodiment, the edge 71c is located closer to the side surface 2c, and the edge 71d is located closer to the side surface 2d. In this embodiment, the surface 71e is located closer to the side surface 2e, and the surface 71f is located closer to the side surface 2f. Each of the edges 71c and 71d may constitute a surface. Each of the edges 71c and 71d is adjacent to each of the surfaces 71e and 71f and connects the surface 71e and the surface 71f.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 4, the internal electrode 71 has a length L5. The length L5 is defined, for example, by the length of the internal electrode 71 in the first direction D1. The length L5 is, for example, 0.25 mm or more and 0.5 mm or less. In this embodiment, the length L5 is 0.405 mm. In this embodiment, the pair of internal electrodes 71 have the same value of the length L5. The pair of internal electrodes 71 may have different values of the length L5.

[0070] The internal electrode 71 has a width W5 at the end 71b. The width W5 is defined, for example, by the length of the internal electrode 51 in the second direction D2 at the end 71b. The width W5 is, for example, 0.1 mm or more and 0.6 mm or less. In this embodiment, the width W5 is 0.5 mm.

[0071] In this embodiment, the internal electrode 71 has the width W5 not only at the end 71b but also throughout. The internal electrode 71 only needs to have the width W5 at the end 71b. The internal electrode 71 may have a width different from the width W5 at a position other than the end 71b, for example. In this embodiment, the pair of internal electrodes 71 have the same value of the width W5 at each end 71b. The pair of internal electrodes 71 may have different values of the width W5 at each end 71b.

[0072] In the internal electrode layer 7, the distance d4 between the internal electrode 71 and the outer surface of the body 2 is, for example, 0.1 mm or more and 0.4 mm or less. In the present embodiment, the distance d4 is 0.2 mm. The distance d4 is defined by, for example, the distance between a pair of edge portions 71c, 71d and the corresponding side surfaces 2c, 2d in the second direction D2. In the present embodiment, the distance d4 between the internal electrode 71 exposed on the side surface 2a and the outer surface of the body 2 is the same as the distance d4 between the internal electrode 71 exposed on the side surface 2b and the outer surface of the body 2. The distance d4 between the internal electrode 71 exposed on the side surface 2a and the outer surface of the body 2 and the distance d4 between the internal electrode 71 exposed on the side surface 2b and the outer surface of the body 2 may be different from each other.

[0073] In the internal electrode layer 7, the distance d5 between the internal electrode 71 and the external electrode 4 is, for example, 0.21 mm or more and 0.57 mm or less. In the present embodiment, the distance d5 is 0.36 mm. The distance d5 is defined by, for example, the shortest distance between each corner of the internal electrode 71 at the end 71b and the external electrode 4 when viewed from the third direction D3. In the present embodiment, the distance d5 between the corner of the internal electrode 71 at the end 71b located closer to the side surface 2c among both corners and the external electrode 4 is the same as the distance d5 between the corner of the internal electrode 71 at the end 71b located closer to the side surface 2d among both corners and the external electrode 4. The distance d5 between the corner of the internal electrode 71 at the end 71b located closer to the side surface 2c among both corners and the external electrode 4 and the distance d5 between the corner of the internal electrode 71 at the end 71b located closer to the side surface 2d among both corners and the external electrode 4 may be different from each other.

[0074] The internal electrode 72 includes a pair of end portions 72a, 72b, a pair of end portions 72c, 72d, a pair of edge portions 72e, 72f, and a pair of surfaces 72g, 72h facing each other. A pair of ends 72a and 72b define both ends of the internal electrode 72 in the first direction D1. The ends 72a and 72b are located inside the base body 2 and are not exposed on the outer surface of the base body 2. The ends 72a and 72b are spaced apart from the respective side surfaces 2a and 2b. The end 72a is located closer to the side surface 2a, and the end 72b is located closer to the side surface 2b. The end 72a faces the end 71b of the internal electrode 71 exposed on the side surface 2a in the first direction D1. The end 72b faces the end 71b of the internal electrode 71 exposed on the side surface 2b in the first direction D1.

[0075] The internal electrode 72 faces the internal electrode 62 in the third direction D3 at the end 72a. In the present embodiment, the end 72a faces the end 62b of the internal electrode 62 in the third direction D3. The end 72a includes a region overlapping the internal electrode 62 when viewed in the third direction D3. In the present embodiment, the end 72a includes a region overlapping the end 62b when viewed in the third direction D3. That is, when viewed in the third direction D3, the end 72b and the end 62b overlap each other. In the present embodiment, the above region of the end 72a extends from the tip of the internal electrode 72 at the end 72a to the tip of the internal electrode 62 at the end 62b when viewed in the third direction D3. That is, the end 72a includes not only the tip of the internal electrode 72 but also a region from the tip of the internal electrode 72 to a predetermined length. Therefore, the end 72a has the above predetermined length in the first direction D1. The end 72a is embedded in the base body 2 and is in contact only with the base body 2.

[0076] The internal electrode 72 faces the internal electrode 61 in the third direction D3 at the end 72b. In the present embodiment, the end 72b faces the end 61a of the internal electrode 61 in the third direction D3. The end 72b includes a region overlapping the internal electrode 61 when viewed in the third direction D3. In the present embodiment, the end 72b includes a region overlapping the end 61a when viewed in the third direction D3. That is, when viewed in the third direction D3, the end 72a and the end 61a overlap. In the present embodiment, the above region of the end 72b extends from the tip of the internal electrode 72 at the end 72b to the tip of the end 61a of the internal electrode 61 when viewed in the third direction D3. That is, the end 72b includes not only the tip of the internal electrode 72 but also a region from the tip of the internal electrode 72 to a predetermined length. Therefore, the end 72b has the above predetermined length in the first direction D1. The end 72b is embedded in the base body 2 and is in contact only with the base body 2.

[0077] A pair of ends 72c and 72d define both ends of the internal electrode 72 in the second direction D2. The end 72c is exposed on the side surface 2c. The end 72c is connected to the external electrode 4 disposed on the side surface 2c. That is, the end 72c is connected to the corresponding external electrode 4 among the pair of external electrodes 4. In the present embodiment, the end 72c is directly connected to the external electrode 4. The end 72c constitutes a connection end connected to the external electrode 4. The end 72d is exposed on the side surface 2d. The end 72d is connected to the external electrode 4 disposed on the side surface 2d. That is, the end 72d is connected to the corresponding external electrode 4 among the pair of external electrodes 4. In the present embodiment, the end 72d is directly connected to the external electrode 4. The end 72d constitutes a connection end connected to the external electrode 4.

[0078] A pair of surfaces 72g and 72h face each other in the third direction D3. In the present embodiment, the surface 72g is located closer to the side surface 2e, and the surface 72h is located closer to the side surface 2d. In the present embodiment, in order to realize a configuration in which the ends 72c and 72d are exposed to the corresponding side surfaces 2c and 2d, the surfaces 72g and 72h include a surface region R3 and a pair of surface regions R4. The surface region R3 has a rectangular shape including the second direction D2 as the long side direction and the first direction D1 as the short side direction. The pair of surface regions R4 has a rectangular shape including the second direction D2 as the long side direction and the first direction D1 as the short side direction and extends in the second direction D2 from the corresponding short side of the surface region R1.

[0079] For example, a part of the surface region R3 is included in the end 72a, and another part of the surface region R3, which is located on the opposite side in the first direction D1 from the above-mentioned part, is included in the end 72b. For example, a part of one of the pair of surface regions R4, i.e., the surface region R2, is included in the end 72c, and a part of the other surface region R4 of the pair of surface regions R4 is included in the end 72d. Each of the edges 72e and 72f is adjacent to each of the surfaces 72g and 72h and connects the surface 72g and the surface 72h.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 4, the internal electrode 72 has a length L6. The length L6 is defined, for example, by the length of the internal electrode 72 in the first direction D1. The length L6 is, for example, 0.3 mm or more and 0.8 mm or less. The length L6 in the present embodiment is 0.44 mm.

[0081] The internal electrode 72 has a width W6 at the ends 72a and 72b. The width W6 is defined, for example, by the length of the internal electrode 72 in the second direction D2 at the ends 72a and 72b. The width W6 is, for example, 0.1 mm or more and 0.6 mm or less. The width W6 in the present embodiment is 0.5 mm. In the present embodiment, the internal electrode 72 has the same value of the width W6 at each of the ends 72a and 72b. The internal electrode 72 may have different values of the width W6 at each of the ends 72a and 72b.

[0082] In this embodiment, the internal electrode 72 has a width W6 not only at the ends 72a and 72b but also throughout. The internal electrode 72 only needs to have a width W6 at the ends 72a and 72b. The internal electrode 72 may have a width different from the width W6 at positions other than the ends 72a and 72b, for example.

[0083] In the internal electrode layer 7, the distance d6 between the internal electrode 71 and the internal electrode 72 is, for example, 0.2 mm or more and 0.4 mm or less. The distance d6 in this embodiment is 0.3 mm. The distance d6 is defined by, for example, the distance between the tip of the internal electrode 71 at the end 71b and the tip of the internal electrode 72 at the corresponding ends 72a and 72b in the first direction D1. In this embodiment, the distance d6 between the internal electrode 71 and the internal electrode 72 exposed on the side surface 2a and the distance d6 between the internal electrode 71 and the internal electrode 72 exposed on the side surface 2b are the same value as each other. The distance d6 between the internal electrode 71 and the internal electrode 72 exposed on the side surface 2a and the distance d6 between the internal electrode 71 and the internal electrode 72 exposed on the side surface 2b may be different values from each other.

[0084] In the chip varistor 1, varistors are formed between the internal electrode 61 and the internal electrodes 51 and 52. In this embodiment, the end 61b, the end 51b facing the end 61b, and the region sandwiched between the end 61b of the element body 2 and the end 51b function as the varistor between the internal electrode 61 and the internal electrode 51. The end 61a, the end 52b, and the region sandwiched between the end 61a and the end 52b of the element body 2 function as the varistor between the internal electrode 61 and the internal electrode 52. These varistors are connected in series via the internal electrode 61. That is, the internal electrode 61 is arranged so as to form a plurality of varistors connected in series between the internal electrodes 51 and 52 exposed on the side surface 2b.

[0085] In the chip varistor 1, varistors are formed between the internal electrode 62 and the internal electrodes 51 and 52. In this embodiment, the end 62a, the end 51b facing the end 62a, and the region sandwiched between the end 62a of the base body 2 and the end 51b function as a varistor between the internal electrode 62 and the internal electrode 51. The end 62b, the end 52a, and the region sandwiched between the end 62b of the base body 2 and the end 52a function as a varistor between the internal electrode 62 and the internal electrode 52. These varistors are connected in series via the internal electrode 62. That is, the internal electrode 62 is arranged so as to form a plurality of varistors connected in series between the internal electrodes 51 and 52 exposed on the side surface 2a.

[0086] In the chip varistor 1, varistors are formed between the internal electrode 61 and the internal electrodes 71 and 72. In this embodiment, the end 61b, the end 71b facing the end 61b, and the region sandwiched between the end 61b of the base body 2 and the end 71b function as a varistor between the internal electrode 61 and the internal electrode 71. The end 61a, the end 72b, and the region sandwiched between the end 61a of the base body 2 and the end 72b function as a varistor between the internal electrode 61 and the internal electrode 72. These varistors are connected in series via the internal electrode 61. That is, the internal electrode 61 is arranged so as to form a plurality of varistors connected in series between the internal electrodes 71 and 72 exposed on the side surface 2b.

[0087] In the chip varistor 1, varistors are formed between the internal electrode 62 and the internal electrodes 71 and 72. In this embodiment, the end 62a, the end 71b facing the end 62a, and the region sandwiched between the end 62a of the base body 2 and the end 71b function as a varistor between the internal electrode 62 and the internal electrode 71. The end 62b, the end 72a, and the region sandwiched between the end 62b of the base body 2 and the end 72a function as a varistor between the internal electrode 62 and the internal electrode 72. These varistors are connected in series via the internal electrode 62. That is, the internal electrode 62 is arranged so as to form a plurality of varistors connected in series between the internal electrodes 71 and 72 exposed on the side surface 2a.

[0088] The distance d7 between the internal electrode layer 5 and the internal electrode layer 6 shown in FIG. 2 is, for example, 0.06 mm or more and 0.18 mm or less. The distance d8 between the internal electrode layer 6 and the internal electrode layer 7 is, for example, 0.06 mm or more and 0.18 mm or less. The distances d7 and d8 may be 0.09 mm or more and 0.12 mm or less. In the present embodiment, the distances d7 and d8 are 0.09 mm. That is, in the present embodiment, the distance d7 and the distance d8 are the same value as each other.

[0089] The distance d7 is defined, for example, by the shortest distance between the surfaces 51f and 62e facing each other in the third direction D3. The distance d8 is defined, for example, by the shortest distance between the surfaces 62f and 71e facing each other in the third direction D3. The distance d7 may be defined by the shortest distance between the surfaces 52h and 62e facing each other in the third direction D3, or the distance d8 may be defined by the shortest distance between the surfaces 62f and 72g facing each other in the third direction D3.

[0090] For example, the distances d7 and d8, the distance d2 between the internal electrode 51 and the external electrode 4, and the distance d5 between the internal electrode 71 and the external electrode 4 are different from each other. In the present embodiment, the distances d2 and d5 are larger than the distances d7 and d8. The distances d2 and d5 are, for example, twice or more the distances d7 and d8. For example, the distances d7 and d8, the distance d3 between the internal electrode 51 and the internal electrode 52, and the distance d6 between the internal electrode 71 and the internal electrode 72 are different from each other. In the present embodiment, the distances d3 and d6 are larger than the distances d7 and d8. The distances d3 and d6 are, for example, twice or more the distances d7 and d8.

[0091] For example, the length of the end 61a in the first direction D1 and the length L2 of the internal electrode 52 are different from each other, and the length of the end 61b in the first direction D1 and the length L1 of the internal electrode 51 exposed on the side surface 2b are different from each other. In the present embodiment, the length of the end 61a in the first direction D1 is smaller than the length L2, and the length of the end 61b in the first direction D1 is smaller than the length L1 of the internal electrode 51 exposed on the side surface 2b.

[0092] For example, the length of the end 62a in the first direction D1 and the length L1 of the internal electrode 51 exposed on the side surface 2a are different from each other, and the length of the end 62b in the first direction D1 and the length L2 of the internal electrode 52 are different from each other. In the present embodiment, the length of the end 62a in the first direction D1 is smaller than the length L1 of the internal electrode 51 exposed on the side surface 2b, and the length of the end 61b in the first direction D1 is smaller than the length L2.

[0093] For example, the length of the end 61a in the first direction D1 and the length L6 of the internal electrode 72 are different from each other, and the length of the end 61b in the first direction D1 and the length L5 of the internal electrode 71 exposed on the side surface 2b are different from each other. In the present embodiment, the length of the end 61a in the first direction D1 is smaller than the length L6, and the length of the end 61b in the first direction D1 is smaller than the length L5 of the internal electrode 71 exposed on the side surface 2b.

[0094] For example, the length of the end 62a in the first direction D1 and the length L5 of the internal electrode 71 exposed on the side surface 2a are different from each other, and the length of the end 62b in the first direction D1 and the length L6 of the internal electrode 72 are different from each other. In the present embodiment, the length of the end 62a in the first direction D1 is smaller than the length L5 of the internal electrode 71 exposed on the side surface 2b, and the length of the end 61b in the first direction D1 is smaller than the length L6.

[0095] The width W1 of the internal electrode 51 exposed on the side surface 2a is different from the width W4 at the end 62a. In the present embodiment, the width W1 of the internal electrode 51 exposed on the side surface 2a is larger than the width W4 at the end 62a. In the present embodiment, when viewed from the third direction D3, a pair of edges 51c and 51d at the end 51b of the internal electrode 51 exposed on the side surface 2a are located outside a pair of edges 62c and 62d at the end 62a. The distance d9, which is the distance between the edge 51c and the edge 62c in the second direction D2 and the distance between the edge 51d and the edge 62d in the second direction D2 at the ends 51b and 62a, is, for example, 0.05 mm or more and 0.20 mm or less. The distance d9 may be 0.10 mm or more and 0.15 mm or less. Each distance d9 in the present embodiment is 0.15 mm. That is, in the present embodiment, the distance d9 between the edge 51c and the edge 62c in the second direction D2 and the distance d9 between the edge 51d and the edge 62d in the second direction D2 are the same value as each other. The distance d9 between the edge 51c and the edge 62c in the second direction D2 and the distance d9 between the edge 51d and the edge 62d in the second direction D2 may be different values from each other.

[0096] The width W1 of the internal electrode 51 exposed on the side surface 2b is different from the width W3 at the end 61b. In the present embodiment, the width W1 of the internal electrode 51 exposed on the side surface 2b is larger than the width W3 at the end 61b. In the present embodiment, when viewed from the third direction D3, a pair of edges 51c, 51d at the end 51b of the internal electrode 51 exposed on the side surface 2b are located outside a pair of edges 61c, 61d at the end 61b. The distance d10, which is the distance between the edge 51c and the edge 61c in the second direction D2 and the distance between the edge 51d and the edge 61d in the second direction D2 at the ends 51b, 61b, is, for example, 0.05 mm or more and 0.20 mm or less. The distance d10 may be 0.10 mm or more and 0.15 mm or less. Each distance d10 in the present embodiment is 0.15 mm. That is, in the present embodiment, the distance d10 between the edge 51c and the edge 61c in the second direction D2 and the distance d10 between the edge 51d and the edge 61d in the second direction D2 are the same value as each other. The distance d10 between the edge 51c and the edge 61c in the second direction D2 and the distance d10 between the edge 51d and the edge 61d in the second direction D2 may be different values from each other.

[0097] For example, the length L1 of the pair of internal electrodes 51 is different from the length L3 of the internal electrode 61 and the length L4 of the internal electrode 62. In the present embodiment, the length L3 and the length L4 are larger than the length L1. For example, the width W3 of the internal electrode 61 and the width W4 of the internal electrode 62 are different from the distance d1 between the pair of internal electrodes 51 and the outer surface of the base body 2. In the present embodiment, the width W3 and the width W4 are larger than the distance d1.

[0098] The width W2 at the end 52a and the width W4 at the end 62b are different from each other. In the present embodiment, the width W2 at the end 52a is larger than the width W4 at the end 62b. In the present embodiment, when viewed from the third direction D3, the pair of edges 52e, 52f at the end 52a are located outside the pair of edges 62c, 62d at the end 62b. The distance d11, which is the distance between the edge 52e and the edge 62c in the second direction D2 and the distance between the edge 52f and the edge 62d in the second direction D2 at the ends 52a, 62b, is, for example, 0.05 mm or more and 0.20 mm or less. The distance d11 may be 0.10 mm or more and 0.15 mm or less. Each distance d11 in the present embodiment is 0.15 mm. That is, in the present embodiment, the distance d11 between the edge 52e and the edge 62c in the second direction D2 and the distance d11 between the edge 52f and the edge 62d in the second direction D2 are the same value as each other. The distance d11 between the edge 52e and the edge 62c in the second direction D2 and the distance d11 between the edge 52f and the edge 62d in the second direction D2 may be different values from each other.

[0099] The width W2 at the end 52b and the width W4 at the end 61a are different from each other. In the present embodiment, the width W2 at the end 52b is larger than the width W4 at the end 61a. In the present embodiment, when viewed from the third direction D3, the pair of edges 52e, 52f at the end 52b are located outside the pair of edges 62c, 62d at the end 61a. The distance d12, which is the distance between the edge 52e and the edge 62c in the second direction D2 and the distance between the edge 52f and the edge 62d in the second direction D2 at the ends 52b, 61a, is, for example, 0.05 mm or more and 0.20 mm or less. The distance d12 may be 0.10 mm or more and 0.15 mm or less. Each distance d12 in the present embodiment is 0.15 mm. That is, in the present embodiment, the distance d12 between the edge 52e and the edge 61c in the second direction D2 and the distance d12 between the edge 52f and the edge 61d in the second direction D2 are the same value as each other. The distance d12 between the edge 52e and the edge 61c in the second direction D2 and the distance d12 between the edge 52f and the edge 61d in the second direction D2 may be different values from each other.

[0100] The width W5 of the internal electrode 71 exposed on the side surface 2a is different from the width W4 at the end 62a. In the present embodiment, the width W5 of the internal electrode 71 exposed on the side surface 2a is larger than the width W4 at the end 62a. In the present embodiment, when viewed from the third direction D3, a pair of edges 71c, 71d at the end 71b of the internal electrode 71 exposed on the side surface 2a are located outside a pair of edges 62c, 62d at the end 62a. The distance d13, which is the distance between the edge 71c and the edge 62c in the second direction D2 and the distance between the edge 71d and the edge 62d in the second direction D2 at the ends 71b, 62a, is, for example, 0.05 mm or more and 0.20 mm or less. The distance d13 may be 0.10 mm or more and 0.15 mm or less. Each distance d13 in the present embodiment is 0.15 mm. That is, in the present embodiment, the distance d13 between the edge 71c and the edge 62c in the second direction D2 and the distance d13 between the edge 71d and the edge 62d in the second direction D2 are the same value as each other. The distance d13 between the edge 71c and the edge 62c in the second direction D2 and the distance d13 between the edge 71d and the edge 62d in the second direction D2 may be different values from each other.

[0101] The width W5 of the internal electrode 71 exposed on the side surface 2b is different from the width W3 at the end 61b. In the present embodiment, the width W5 of the internal electrode 71 exposed on the side surface 2b is larger than the width W3 at the end 61b. In the present embodiment, when viewed from the third direction D3, a pair of edges 71c, 71d at the end 71b of the internal electrode 71 exposed on the side surface 2b are located outside a pair of edges 61c, 61d at the end 61b. The distance d14, which is the distance between the edge 71c and the edge 61c in the second direction D2 and the distance between the edge 71d and the edge 61d in the second direction D2 at the ends 71b, 61b, is, for example, 0.05 mm or more and 0.20 mm or less. The distance d14 may be 0.10 mm or more and 0.15 mm or less. Each distance d14 in the present embodiment is 0.15 mm. That is, in the present embodiment, the distance d14 between the edge 71c and the edge 61c in the second direction D2 and the distance d14 between the edge 71d and the edge 61d in the second direction D2 are the same value as each other. The distance d14 between the edge 71c and the edge 61c in the second direction D2 and the distance d14 between the edge 71d and the edge 61d in the second direction D2 may be different values from each other.

[0102] For example, the length L5 of the pair of internal electrodes 71 is different from the length L3 of the internal electrode 61 and the length L4 of the internal electrode 62. In the present embodiment, the length L3 and the length L4 are larger than the length L5. For example, the width W3 of the internal electrode 61 and the width W4 of the internal electrode 62 are different from the distance d4 between the pair of internal electrodes 71 and the outer surface of the base body 2. In the present embodiment, the width W3 and the width W4 are larger than the distance d4.

[0103] The width W6 at the end 72a is different from the width W4 at the end 62b. In the present embodiment, the width W6 at the end 72a is larger than the width W4 at the end 62b. In the present embodiment, when viewed from the third direction D3, a pair of edges 72e, 72f at the end 72a are located outside a pair of edges 62c, 62d at the end 62b. The distance d15, which is the distance between the edge 72e and the edge 62c in the second direction D2 and the distance between the edge 72f and the edge 62d in the second direction D2 at the ends 72a, 62b, is, for example, 0.05 mm or more and 0.20 mm or less. The distance d15 may be 0.10 mm or more and 0.15 mm or less. Each distance d15 in the present embodiment is 0.15 mm. That is, in the present embodiment, the distance d15 between the edge 72e and the edge 62c in the second direction D2 and the distance d11 between the edge 72f and the edge 62d in the second direction D2 are the same value as each other. The distance d15 between the edge 72e and the edge 62c in the second direction D2 and the distance d15 between the edge 72f and the edge 62d in the second direction D2 may be different values from each other.

[0104] The width W6 at the end 72b is different from the width W3 at the end 61a. In the present embodiment, the width W6 at the end 72b is larger than the width W3 at the end 61a. In the present embodiment, when viewed from the third direction D3, a pair of edges 72e, 72f at the end 72b are located outside a pair of edges 62c, 62d at the end 61a. The distance d16, which is the distance between the edge 72e and the edge 62c in the second direction D2 and the distance between the edge 72f and the edge 62d in the second direction D2 at the ends 72b, 61a, is, for example, 0.05 mm or more and 0.20 mm or less. The distance d16 may be 0.10 mm or more and 0.15 mm or less. Each distance d16 in the present embodiment is 0.15 mm. That is, in the present embodiment, the distance d16 between the edge 72e and the edge 62c in the second direction D2 and the distance d16 between the edge 72f and the edge 62d in the second direction D2 are the same value as each other. The distance d16 between the edge 72e and the edge 62c in the second direction D2 and the distance d16 between the edge 72f and the edge 62d in the second direction D2 may be different values from each other.

[0105] For example, when the side surface 2a constitutes the first side surface, the side surface 2b constitutes the second side surface. For example, when the internal electrode layer 5 constitutes the first internal electrode layer, the internal electrode layer 6 constitutes the second internal electrode layer, and the internal electrode layer 7 constitutes the third internal electrode layer. For example, when the internal electrode 51 exposed on the side surface 2a constitutes the first internal electrode and the internal electrode 51 exposed on the side surface 2b constitutes the second internal electrode, the internal electrode 52 constitutes the third internal electrode, the internal electrode 62 constitutes the fourth internal electrode, the internal electrode 61 constitutes the fifth internal electrode, the internal electrode 71 exposed on the side surface 2a constitutes the sixth internal electrode, the seventh internal electrode exposed on the side surface 2b is constituted, and the internal electrode 72 constitutes the eighth internal electrode.

[0106] As described above, in the chip varistor 1, among the plurality of internal electrodes 51, 52, 61, 62, 71, 72, the internal electrodes facing each other have different widths at the ends facing each other. In the present embodiment, the width W1 of the internal electrode 51 exposed on the side surface 2a is different from the width W4 of the internal electrode 62 at the end 62a. Therefore, even when the relative position in the second direction D2 between the internal electrode 51 exposed on the side surface 2a and the internal electrode 62 changes, the area of the region where the opposing ends 51b and 62a overlap is unlikely to change. As a result, even when the relative position in the second direction D2 between the opposing internal electrodes 51 and 62 changes, the chip varistor 1 can obtain desired characteristics.

[0107] In the present embodiment, the width W1 of the internal electrode 51 exposed on the side surface 2b is different from the width W3 of the internal electrode 61 at the end 61b. Therefore, even when the relative position in the second direction D2 between the internal electrode 51 exposed on the side surface 2b and the internal electrode 61 changes, the area of the region where the opposing ends 51b and 61b overlap is unlikely to change. As a result, even when the relative position in the second direction D2 between the opposing internal electrodes 51 and 61 changes, the chip varistor 1 can obtain desired characteristics.

[0108] In this embodiment, the width W2 of the internal electrode 52 at the end 52a is different from the width W4 of the internal electrode 62 at the end 62b. Therefore, even when the relative position of the internal electrode 52 and the internal electrode 62 in the second direction D2 changes, the area of the region where the opposing ends 52a and 62b overlap is unlikely to change. As a result, even when the relative position of the opposing internal electrodes 52 and 62 in the second direction D2 changes, the chip varistor 1 can obtain desired characteristics.

[0109] In this embodiment, the width W2 of the internal electrode 52 at the end 52b is different from the width W3 of the internal electrode 61 at the end 61a. Therefore, even when the relative position of the internal electrode 52 and the internal electrode 61 in the second direction D2 changes, the area of the region where the opposing ends 52b and 61a overlap is unlikely to change. As a result, even when the relative position of the opposing internal electrodes 52 and 61 in the second direction D2 changes, the chip varistor 1 can obtain desired characteristics.

[0110] In this embodiment, the width W5 of the internal electrode 71 exposed on the side surface 2a is different from the width W4 of the internal electrode 62 at the end 62a. Therefore, even when the relative position of the internal electrode 71 exposed on the side surface 2a and the internal electrode 62 in the second direction D2 changes, the area of the region where the opposing ends 71b and 62a overlap is unlikely to change. As a result, even when the relative position of the opposing internal electrodes 71 and 62 in the second direction D2 changes, the chip varistor 1 can obtain desired characteristics.

[0111] In this embodiment, the width W5 of the internal electrode 71 exposed on the side surface 2b is different from the width W3 of the internal electrode 61 at the end 61b. Therefore, even when the relative position in the second direction D2 between the internal electrode 71 exposed on the side surface 2b and the internal electrode 61 changes, the area of the region where the opposing ends 71b and 61b overlap hardly changes. As a result, even when the relative position in the second direction D2 between the opposing internal electrodes 71 and 61 changes, the chip varistor 1 can obtain desired characteristics.

[0112] In this embodiment, the width W6 of the internal electrode 72 at the end 72a is different from the width W4 of the internal electrode 62 at the end 62b. Therefore, even when the relative position in the second direction D2 between the internal electrode 72 and the internal electrode 62 changes, the area of the region where the opposing ends 72a and 62b overlap hardly changes. As a result, even when the relative position in the second direction D2 between the opposing internal electrodes 72 and 62 changes, the chip varistor 1 can obtain desired characteristics.

[0113] In this embodiment, the width W6 of the internal electrode 72 at the end 72b is different from the width W3 of the internal electrode 61 at the end 61a. Therefore, even when the relative position in the second direction D2 between the internal electrode 72 and the internal electrode 61 changes, the area of the region where the opposing ends 72b and 61a overlap hardly changes. As a result, even when the relative position in the second direction D2 between the opposing internal electrodes 72 and 61 changes, the chip varistor 1 can obtain desired characteristics.

[0114] In the chip varistor 1, the width W3 is smaller than the corresponding widths W1 and W2, and the width W4 is smaller than the corresponding widths W1 and W2. When the width W3 is smaller than the corresponding widths W1 and W2, it is difficult for discharge to occur between the internal electrode 61 and the external electrode 4 and between the internal electrode 61 and the ends 52c and 52d of the internal electrode 52. When the width W4 is smaller than the corresponding widths W1 and W2, it is difficult for discharge to occur between the internal electrode 62 and the external electrode 4 and between the internal electrode 62 and the ends 52c and 52d of the internal electrode 52. As a result, the chip varistor 1 can suppress deterioration of characteristics.

[0115] In the chip varistor 1, the width W3 is smaller than the corresponding widths W5 and W6, and the width W4 is smaller than the corresponding widths W5 and W6. When the width W3 is smaller than the corresponding widths W5 and W6, it is difficult for discharge to occur between the internal electrode 61 and the external electrode 4 and between the internal electrode 61 and the ends 72c and 72d of the internal electrode 72. When the width W4 is smaller than the corresponding widths W5 and W6, it is difficult for discharge to occur between the internal electrode 62 and the external electrode 4 and between the internal electrode 62 and the ends 72c and 72d of the internal electrode 72. As a result, the chip varistor 1 can further suppress deterioration of characteristics.

[0116] In the chip varistor 1, the width W1 of the pair of internal electrodes 51 is the same as the width W2 of the internal electrode 52. The chip varistor 1 can easily form the pair of internal electrodes 51 and the internal electrode 52. In the chip varistor 1, the width W5 of the pair of internal electrodes 71 is the same as the width W6 of the internal electrode 72. The chip varistor 1 can easily form the pair of internal electrodes 71 and the internal electrode 72.

[0117] The chip varistor 1 includes a plurality of external electrodes 3 and 4 connected to the corresponding internal electrodes among the pair of internal electrodes 51 and the internal electrode 52. The chip varistor 1 can obtain desired characteristics even in a three-terminal chip varistor.

[0118] In the chip varistor 1, the plurality of internal electrodes include internal electrode layers 5, 6, and 7. The chip varistor 1 improves the tolerance against electrostatic discharge as compared with a configuration in which the plurality of internal electrodes include only internal electrode layers 5 and 6.

[0119] In the chip varistor 1, the length of the end 61a in the first direction D1 is smaller than the length L2, and the length of the end 61b in the first direction D1 is smaller than the length L1 of the internal electrode 51 exposed on the side surface 2b. Therefore, even when the relative positions of the internal electrode 61 and the internal electrodes 51 and 52 exposed on the side surface 2b in the first direction D1 change, the sum of the area of the region where the opposing ends 61b and 51b overlap and the area of the region where the opposing ends 61a and 52b overlap hardly changes. As a result, even when the relative positions of the internal electrode 61 and the internal electrodes 51 and 52 exposed on the side surface 2b in the first direction D1 change, the chip varistor 1 can obtain desired characteristics.

[0120] In the chip varistor 1, the length of the end 62a in the first direction D1 is smaller than the length L1 of the internal electrode 51 exposed on the side surface 2a, and the length of the end 61b in the first direction D1 is smaller than the length L2. Therefore, even when the relative positions of the internal electrode 62 and the internal electrodes 51 and 52 exposed on the side surface 2a in the first direction D1 change, the sum of the area of the region where the opposing ends 62a and 51b overlap and the area of the region where the opposing ends 62b and 52a overlap hardly changes. As a result, even when the relative positions of the internal electrode 62 and the internal electrodes 51 and 52 exposed on the side surface 2a in the first direction D1 change, the chip varistor 1 can obtain desired characteristics.

[0121] In the chip varistor 1, the length of the end 61a in the first direction D1 is smaller than the length L6, and the length of the end 61b in the first direction D1 is smaller than the length L5 of the internal electrode 71 exposed on the side surface 2b. Therefore, even when the relative positions of the internal electrode 61, the internal electrodes 71 and 72 exposed on the side surface 2b in the first direction D1 change, the sum of the areas of the regions where the opposing ends 61b and 71b overlap and the areas of the regions where the opposing ends 61a and 72b overlap is unlikely to change. As a result, even when the relative positions of the internal electrode 61 and the internal electrodes 71 and 72 exposed on the side surface 2b in the first direction D1 change, the chip varistor 1 can obtain desired characteristics.

[0122] In the chip varistor 1, the length of the end 62a in the first direction D1 is smaller than the length L5 of the internal electrode 71 exposed on the side surface 2b, and the length of the end 62b in the first direction D1 is smaller than the length L6. Therefore, even when the relative positions of the internal electrode 62, the internal electrodes 71 and 72 exposed on the side surface 2a in the first direction D1 change, the sum of the areas of the regions where the opposing ends 62a and 71b overlap and the areas of the regions where the opposing ends 62b and 72a overlap is unlikely to change. As a result, even when the relative positions of the internal electrode 62 and the internal electrodes 71 and 72 exposed on the side surface 2a in the first direction D1 change, the chip varistor 1 can obtain desired characteristics.

[0123] In the chip varistor 1, the distances d2 and d5 are more than twice the distances d7 and d8. When the distances d2 and d5 are more than twice the distances d7 and d8, it is difficult for discharge to occur between the internal electrode 51 and the external electrode 4 and between the internal electrode 71 and the external electrode 4. Therefore, the chip varistor 1 can further suppress deterioration of characteristics.

[0124] In the chip varistor 1, the distances d3 and d6 are, for example, more than twice the distances d7 and d8. When the distances d3 and d6 are more than twice the distances d7 and d8, it is difficult for discharge to occur between the internal electrode 51 and the internal electrode 52 and between the internal electrode 71 and the internal electrode 72. Therefore, the chip varistor 1 can more reliably suppress deterioration of characteristics.

[0125] Next, with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the configuration of the chip varistor 1A according to the first modification of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of a plurality of internal electrodes, and is a view of a pair of internal electrodes 51 and 52 and internal electrodes 61 and 62 as viewed in the direction from the side surface 2e to the side surface 2f in the third direction D3. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of a plurality of internal electrodes, and is a view of the internal electrodes 61 and 62 and a pair of internal electrodes 71 and 72 as viewed in the direction from the side surface 2f to the side surface 2e in the third direction D3. In the chip varistor 1A, the values of the lengths L1 to L6 and the widths W1 to W6 and the magnitude relationship of the widths W1 to W6 are different from those of the above-described chip varistor 1. Hereinafter, the differences between the above-described chip varistor 1 and the chip varistor 1A will be mainly described.

[0126] In this modification, the length L1 is 0.28 mm and the width W1 is 0.2 mm. Also in this modification, the pair of internal electrodes 51 have the same length L1 and the same width W1. In this modification, the distance d1 is 0.36 mm. Also in this modification, the distance d1 between the internal electrode 51 exposed on the side surface 2a and the outer surface of the element body 2 and the distance d1 between the internal electrode 51 exposed on the side surface 2b and the outer surface of the element body 2 are the same value.

[0127] In this modification, the length L2 is 0.69 mm and the width W2 is 0.2 mm. Also in this modification, the internal electrode 52 has the same length L2 and the same width W2 at each end 52a and 52b. In this modified example, the distance d3 is 0.3 mm. Also in this modified example, the distance d3 between the internal electrode 51 and the internal electrode 52 exposed on the side surface 2a and the distance d3 between the internal electrode 51 and the internal electrode 52 exposed on the side surface 2b are the same value as each other.

[0128] In this modified example, the length L3 is 0.5 mm and the width W3 is 0.5 mm. Also in this modified example, the internal electrode 61 has the same value of length L3 and the same value of width W3 at each of its ends 61a and 61b. In this modified example, the length L4 is 0.5 mm and the width W4 is 0.5 mm. Also in this modified example, the internal electrode 62 has the same value of length L4 and the same value of width W4 at each of its ends 62a and 62b.

[0129] In this modified example, the length L5 is 0.28 mm and the width W5 is 0.2 mm. Also in this modified example, the pair of internal electrodes 71 have the same value of length L5 as each other and the same value of width W5 as each other. In this modified example, the distance d4 is 0.36 mm. Also in this modified example, the distance d4 between the internal electrode 71 exposed on the side surface 2a and the outer surface of the element body 2 and the distance d4 between the internal electrode 71 exposed on the side surface 2b and the outer surface of the element body 2 are the same value as each other.

[0130] In this modified example, the length L6 is 0.69 mm and the width W6 is 0.2 mm. Also in this modified example, the internal electrode 72 has the same value of length L6 and the same value of width W6 at each of its ends 72a and 72b. In this modified example, the distance d6 is 0.3 mm. Also in this modified example, the distance d6 between the internal electrode 71 exposed on the side surface 2a and the internal electrode 72 and the distance d6 between the internal electrode 71 exposed on the side surface 2b and the internal electrode 72 are the same value as each other.

[0131] In the internal electrode layer 6, the distance d17 between the internal electrode 61 and the external electrode 4 and the distance d18 between the internal electrode 62 and the external electrode 4 are, for example, not less than 0.1 mm and not more than 0.35 mm. In this modification, the distances d17 and d18 are 0.21 mm. In this modification, the distances d17 and d18 are greater than the distances d7 and d8. The distances d17 and d18 are, for example, not less than twice the distances d7 and d8.

[0132] The distance d17 is defined, for example, by the shortest distance between each corner of the internal electrode 61 at the end 61a and the external electrode 4 when viewed in the third direction D3. In this modification, the distance d17 between the corner of the internal electrode 61 at the end 61a that is closer to the side surface 2c and the external electrode 4 and the distance d17 between the corner of the internal electrode 61 at the end 61a that is closer to the side surface 2d and the external electrode 4 are the same value. The distance d17 between the corner of the internal electrode 61 at the end 61a that is closer to the side surface 2c and the external electrode 4 and the distance d17 between the corner of the internal electrode 61 at the end 61a that is closer to the side surface 2d and the external electrode 4 may be different values.

[0133] The distance d18 is defined, for example, by the shortest distance between each corner of the internal electrode 62 at the end 62b and the external electrode 4 when viewed in the third direction D3. In this modification, the distance d18 between the corner of the internal electrode 62 at the end 62b that is closer to the side surface 2c and the external electrode 4 and the distance d18 between the corner of the internal electrode 62 at the end 62b that is closer to the side surface 2d and the external electrode 4 are the same value. The distance d18 between the corner of the internal electrode 62 at the end 62b that is closer to the side surface 2c and the external electrode 4 and the distance d18 between the corner of the internal electrode 62 at the end 62b that is closer to the side surface 2d and the external electrode 4 may be different values.

[0134] Unlike the above-described embodiments, in this modified example, the width W1 of the internal electrode 51 exposed on the side surface 2a is smaller than the width W4 at the end 62a. Therefore, when viewed from the third direction D3, the pair of edges 62c, 62d at the end 62a are located outside the pair of edges 51c, 51d at the end 51b of the internal electrode 51 exposed on the side surface 2a. In this modified example, the width W1 of the internal electrode 51 exposed on the side surface 2b is smaller than the width W3 at the end 61b. Therefore, in this modified example, when viewed from the third direction D3, the pair of edges 61c, 61d at the end 61b are located outside the pair of edges 51c, 51d at the end 51b of the internal electrode 51 exposed on the side surface 2b.

[0135] In this modified example, the width W2 at the end 52a is smaller than the width W4 at the end 62b. Therefore, when viewed from the third direction D3, the pair of edges 62c, 62d at the end 62b are located outside the pair of edges 52e, 52f at the end 52a. In this modified example, the width W2 at the end 52b is smaller than the width W4 at the end 61a. Therefore, when viewed from the third direction D3, the pair of edges 62c, 62d at the end 61a are located outside the pair of edges 52e, 52f at the end 52b.

[0136] In this modified example, the width W5 of the internal electrode 71 exposed on the side surface 2a is smaller than the width W4 at the end 62a. Therefore, in this modified example, when viewed from the third direction D3, the pair of edges 62c, 62d at the end 62a are located outside the pair of edges 71c, 71d at the end 71b of the internal electrode 71 exposed on the side surface 2a. In this modified example, the width W5 of the internal electrode 71 exposed on the side surface 2b is smaller than the width W3 at the end 61b. Therefore, in this modified example, when viewed from the third direction D3, the pair of edges 61c, 61d at the end 61b are located outside the pair of edges 71c, 71d at the end 71b of the internal electrode 71 exposed on the side surface 2b.

[0137] In this modification example, the width W6 at the end 72a is larger than the width W4 at the end 62b. Therefore, when viewed from the third direction D3, the pair of edges 62c, 62d at the end 62b are located outside the pair of edges 72e, 72f at the end 72a. In this modification example, the width W6 at the end 72b is larger than the width W3 at the end 61a. Therefore, when viewed from the third direction D3, the pair of edges 62c, 62d at the end 61a are located outside the pair of edges 72e, 72f at the end 72b.

[0138] In the chip varistor 1A, the width W3 is larger than the corresponding widths W1, W2, and the width W4 is larger than the corresponding widths W1, W2. When the width W3 is larger than the corresponding widths W1, W2, the internal electrode paste used to form the plurality of internal electrodes 51, 52, 61, 62 can be reduced as compared with the case where the width W3 is smaller than the corresponding widths W1, W2. Therefore, the chip varistor 1A can easily form the plurality of internal electrodes 51, 52, 61, 62.

[0139] In the chip varistor 1A, the width W3 is smaller than the corresponding widths W5, W6, and the width W4 is smaller than the corresponding widths W5, W6. When the width W3 is larger than the corresponding widths W5, W6, the internal electrode paste used to form the plurality of internal electrodes 61, 62, 71, 72 can be reduced as compared with the case where the width W3 is smaller than the corresponding widths W5, W6. Therefore, the chip varistor 1A can easily form the plurality of internal electrodes 61, 62, 71, 72.

[0140] In the chip varistor 1A, the distance d17 and the distance d18 are at least twice the distance d7 and the distance d8. When the distance d17 and the distance d18 are at least twice the distance d7 and the distance d8, it is difficult for discharge to occur between the internal electrode 61 and the external electrode 4 and between the internal electrode 62 and the external electrode 4. Therefore, the chip varistor 1A can further suppress the deterioration of characteristics.

[0141] Next, with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, the configuration of the chip varistor 1B according to the second modification of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the configuration of a plurality of internal electrodes, and is a view of a pair of internal electrodes 51 and 52 and internal electrodes 61 and 62 as viewed in the direction from side surface 2e to side surface 2f in the third direction D3. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the configuration of a plurality of internal electrodes, and is a view of internal electrodes 61 and 62, a pair of internal electrodes 71 and internal electrodes 72 as viewed in the direction from side surface 2f to side surface 2e in the third direction D3. In the chip varistor 1B, the values of the widths W1, W2, W4, W5, and W6 and the magnitude relationship of the widths W1 to W6 are different from those of the chip varistor 1A described above. Hereinafter, the differences between the above-described chip varistor 1A and chip varistor 1B will be mainly described.

[0142] In this modification, the widths W1 and W2 are 0.3 mm. Also in this modification, the pair of internal electrodes 51 have the same value of width W1, and the internal electrode 52 has the same value of length L2 and the same value of width W2 at both ends 52a and 52b. The width W4 in this modification is 0.2 mm. Also in this modification, the internal electrode 62 has the same value of width W4 at both ends 62a and 62b. The widths W5 and W6 in this modification are 0.3 mm. Also in this modification, the pair of internal electrodes 71 have the same value of width W1, and the internal electrode 72 has the same value of width W6 at both ends 72a and 72b.

[0143] The distance d1 in this modification is 0.31 mm. Also in this modification, the distance d1 between the internal electrode 51 exposed on the side surface 2a and the outer surface of the element body 2 and the distance d1 between the internal electrode 51 exposed on the side surface 2b and the outer surface of the element body 2 are the same value. The distance d4 in this modification is 0.31 mm. Also in this modification, the distance d4 between the internal electrode 71 exposed on the side surface 2a and the outer surface of the element body 2 and the distance d4 between the internal electrode 71 exposed on the side surface 2b and the outer surface of the element body 2 are the same value.

[0144] Even in this modified example, the width W3 is larger than the corresponding widths W1 and W2. However, while the value of the width W3 is the same as the value of the width W3 in the first modified example, the values of the widths W1 in this modified example are different from the values of the widths W1 and W2 in the first modified example. Therefore, in this modified example, the values of the distances d10 and d12 are also different from the values of the distances d10 and d12 in the first modified example. The distances d10 and d12 in this modified example are 0.1 mm.

[0145] Even in this modified example, the width W3 is larger than the corresponding widths W5 and W6. However, while the value of the width W3 is the same as the value of the width W3 in the first modified example, the values of the widths W5 and W6 in this modified example are different from the values of the widths W5 and W6 in the first modified example. Therefore, in this modified example, the values of the distances d14 and d16 are also different from the values of the distances d14 and d16 in the first modified example. The distances d14 and d16 in this modified example are 0.1 mm.

[0146] Unlike the first modified example described above, in this modified example, the width W1 of the internal electrode 51 exposed on the side surface 2a is larger than the width W4 at the end 62a. Therefore, when viewed from the third direction D3, the pair of edges 51c and 51d at the end 51b of the internal electrode 51 exposed on the side surface 2a are located outside the pair of edges 62c and 62d at the end 62a. The distance d9 in this modified example is 0.05 mm.

[0147] In this modified example, the width W2 at the end 52a is larger than the width W4 at the end 62b. Therefore, when viewed from the third direction D3, the pair of edges 52e and 52f at the end 52a are located outside the pair of edges 62c and 62d at the end 62b. The distance d11 in this modified example is 0.05 mm.

[0148] In this modified example, the width W5 of the internal electrode 71 exposed on the side surface 2a is larger than the width W4 at the end 62a. Therefore, when viewed from the third direction D3, the pair of edges 71c and 71d at the end 71b of the internal electrode 71 exposed on the side surface 2a are located outside the pair of edges 62c and 62d at the end 62a. The distance d13 in this modified example is 0.05 mm.

[0149] In this modified example, the width W6 at the end 72a is larger than the width W4 at the end 62b. Therefore, when viewed from the third direction D3, the pair of edges 72e and 72f at the end 72a are located outside the pair of edges 62c and 62d at the end 62b. The distance d15 in this modified example is 0.05 mm.

[0150] Thus, in this modified example, the magnitude relationship among the widths W1, W2, and W3 near the side surface 2a and the magnitude relationship among the widths W1, W2, and W4 near the side surface 2b are reversed. Similarly, the magnitude relationship among the widths W5, W6, and W3 near the side surface 2a and the magnitude relationship among the widths W5, W6, and W4 near the side surface 2b are reversed.

[0151] Next, with reference to FIG. 9, the configuration of the chip varistor 1C according to the third modified example of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a cross-sectional configuration of a chip varistor according to a modified example of the first embodiment. In the chip varistor 1C, with respect to the configuration of a plurality of internal electrodes, it is different from the above-described chip varistor 1. Hereinafter, the differences between the above-described chip varistor 1 and the chip varistor 1C will be mainly described.

[0152] In this modified example, the plurality of internal electrodes include a plurality of internal electrode layers 6 and 7. That is, in the chip varistor 1C, the plurality of internal electrodes do not include a plurality of internal electrode layers 5. Inside the base body 2, the internal electrode layers 6 and 7 are disposed. As shown in FIG. 9, in this modified example, inside the base body 2, the internal electrode layer 6 and the internal electrode layer 7 are arranged in this order in the third direction D3.

[0153] In this modification example, any magnitude relationship among the widths W3 to W6 in the chip varistors 1, 1A, and 1B may be adopted. The width W5 of the internal electrode 71 exposed on the side surface 2a may be smaller than the width W4 at the end 62a, or may be larger than the width W4 at the end 62a. The width W5 of the internal electrode 71 exposed on the side surface 2b may be smaller than the width W3 at the end 61b, or may be larger than the width W4 at the end 62a. The width W6 at the end 72a may be smaller than the width W4 at the end 62b, or may be larger than the width W4 at the end 62b. The width W6 at the end 72b may be smaller than the width W3 at the end 61a, or may be larger than the width W3 at the end 61a.

[0154] In this modification example, the internal electrodes 61 and 62 are located in the same layer as each other, and the internal electrodes 71 and 72 are located in the same layer as each other. However, the positional relationship of each of the internal electrodes 61, 62, 71, and 72 is not limited to the above-described positional relationship. For example, each of the internal electrodes 61, 62, 71, and 72 may be located in a different layer from each other. When each of the internal electrodes 61, 62, 71, and 72 is located in a different layer from each other, when viewed from the second direction D2, each of the internal electrodes 61, 62, 71, and 72 may be arranged in a direction inclined in the third direction D3.

[0155] Next, with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, the configuration of the chip varistor 1D according to the fourth modification example of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a cross-sectional configuration of a chip varistor according to another modification example of the present embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the configuration of a plurality of internal electrodes. In the chip varistor 1D, the configuration of the plurality of internal electrodes is different from that of the chip varistor 1 described above. Hereinafter, the differences between the above-described chip varistor 1 and the chip varistor 1D will be mainly described.

[0156] In this modification example, the plurality of internal electrodes further includes an internal electrode layer 8 in addition to the internal electrode layers 5, 6, and 7. The internal electrode layer 8 is disposed within the base body 2. The internal electrode layer 8 is disposed at a position different from the internal electrode layers 5, 6, and 7 in the third direction D3 within the base body 2. The internal electrode layer 8 is adjacent to the internal electrode layer 7 such that the internal electrode layer 7 is positioned between the internal electrode layer 8 and the internal electrode layer 6. That is, in this modification example, the internal electrode layer 7 is positioned between the internal electrode layer 6 and the internal electrode layer 8. In this modification example, within the base body 2, the internal electrode layer 5, the internal electrode layer 6, the internal electrode layer 7, and the internal electrode layer 8 are arranged in this order in the third direction D3. Within the base body 2, the internal electrode layer 8, the internal electrode layer 7, the internal electrode layer 6, and the internal electrode layer 5 may be arranged in this order in the third direction D3.

[0157] The internal electrode layer 8 includes an internal electrode 81 and an internal electrode 82. In this modification example, the internal electrode layer 8 includes one internal electrode 81 and one internal electrode 82. The internal electrodes 81 and 82 extend in the first direction D1. The internal electrodes 81 and 82 are located in the same layer within the base body 2. The internal electrodes 81 and 82 are disposed at the same position in the third direction D3. The internal electrodes 81 and 82 are separated from each other in the same layer and are not exposed on the outer surface of the base body 2. The internal electrodes 81 and 82 face each other in the first direction D1 in the same layer.

[0158] The internal electrodes 81 and 82 included in the internal electrode layer 8 face the internal electrodes 71 and 72 included in the adjacent internal electrode layer 7 in the third direction D3. In this modification example, in the relationship between the internal electrode layer 7 and the internal electrode layer 8, the internal electrode 81 faces the internal electrodes 71 and 72 exposed on the side surface 2b in the third direction D3. In the relationship between the internal electrode layer 7 and the internal electrode layer 8, the internal electrode 82 faces the internal electrodes 71 and 72 exposed on the side surface 2a in the third direction D3.

[0159] As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the internal electrode 81 includes a pair of ends 81a, 81b, a pair of edges 81c, 81d facing each other, and a pair of surfaces 81e, 81f facing each other. FIG. 11 is a view of the pair of internal electrodes 71 and 72 and the internal electrodes 81, 82 as seen in the direction from the side surface 2f to 2e in the third direction D3. The pair of ends 81a, 81b define both ends of the internal electrode 81 in the first direction D1. The ends 81a and 81b are located inside the base body 2 and are not exposed on the outer surface of the base body 2. The ends 81a and 81b are spaced apart from the respective side surfaces 2a, 2b. The end 81a is located closer to the side surface 2a. The end 81b is located on the opposite side of the end 81a and faces the internal electrode 82 in the first direction D1.

[0160] The internal electrode 81 faces the internal electrode 72 in the third direction D3 at the end 81a. In this modification, the end 81a faces the end 72b of the internal electrode 72 in the third direction D3. The end 81a includes a region overlapping the internal electrode 72 as seen in the third direction D3. In this modification, the end 81a includes a region overlapping the end 72b as seen in the third direction D3. That is, as seen in the third direction D3, the end 81a and the end 72b overlap. In this modification, the above region of the end 81a extends from the tip of the internal electrode 81 at the end 81a to the tip of the end 72b of the internal electrode 72 as seen in the third direction D3. That is, the end 81a includes not only the tip of the internal electrode 81 but also a region up to a predetermined length from the tip of the internal electrode 81.

[0161] The internal electrode 81 faces the internal electrode 71 exposed on the side surface 2b in the third direction D3 at the end 81b. In this modified example, the end 81b faces the end 71b of the internal electrode 71 exposed on the side surface 2b in the third direction D3. The end 81b includes a region overlapping the internal electrode 71 exposed on the side surface 2b as viewed from the third direction D3. In this modified example, the end 81b includes a region overlapping the end 71b of the internal electrode 71 exposed on the side surface 2b as viewed from the third direction D3. That is, as viewed from the third direction D3, the end 81b and the end 71b of the internal electrode 71 exposed on the side surface 2b overlap. In this modified example, the above region of the end 81b extends from the tip of the internal electrode 81 at the end 81b to the tip of the end 71b of the internal electrode 71 exposed on the side surface 2b as viewed from the third direction D3. That is, the end 81b includes not only the tip of the internal electrode 81 but also a region up to a predetermined length from the tip of the internal electrode 81.

[0162] The pair of edges 81c and 81d face each other in the second direction D2, and the pair of surfaces 81e and 81f face each other in the third direction D3. In this modified example, the edge 81c is located closer to the side surface 2c, and the edge 81d is located closer to the side surface 2d. In this modified example, the surface 81e is located closer to the side surface 2e, and the surface 81f is located closer to the side surface 2f. Each of the edges 81c and 81d may form a surface. Each of the edges 81c and 81d is adjacent to each of the surfaces 81e and 81f and connects the surface 81e and the surface 81f.

[0163] The internal electrode 81 has a length L7. The length L7 is defined, for example, by the length of the internal electrode 81 in the first direction D1. The length L7 is, for example, 0.4 mm or more and 0.6 mm or less. The length L7 in this modified example is 0.5 mm.

[0164] The internal electrode 81 has a width W7 at the ends 81a, 81b. The width W7 is defined, for example, at the ends 81a, 81b by the length of the internal electrode 81 in the second direction D2. The width W7 is, for example, 0.1 mm or more and 0.5 mm or less. The width W7 in this modification is 0.2 mm. In this modification, the internal electrode 81 has the same value of the width W7 at each of the ends 81a, 81b. The internal electrode 81 may have different values of the width W7 at each of the ends 81a, 81b.

[0165] In this modification, the internal electrode 81 has the width W7 not only at the ends 81a, 81b but also throughout. The internal electrode 81 only needs to have the width W7 at the ends 81a, 81b. The internal electrode 81 may have a width different from the width W7 at a position other than the ends 81a, 81b, for example.

[0166] The internal electrode 82 includes a pair of ends 82a, 82b, a pair of edges 82c, 82d facing each other, and a pair of surfaces 82e, 82f facing each other. The pair of ends 82a, 82b define both ends of the internal electrode 82 in the first direction D1. The ends 82a and 82b are located inside the base body 2 and are not exposed on the outer surface of the base body 2. The ends 82a and 82b are spaced apart from the respective side surfaces 2a, 2b. The end 82a is located closer to the side surface 2b. The end 82b is located on the side opposite to the end 81a and faces the internal electrode 81 in the first direction D1.

[0167] The internal electrode 82 faces the internal electrode 71 exposed on the side surface 2a in the third direction D3 at the end 82a. In this modified example, the end 82a faces the end 71b of the internal electrode 71 exposed on the side surface 2a in the third direction D3. The end 82a includes a region overlapping the internal electrode 71 exposed on the side surface 2a when viewed from the third direction D3. In this modified example, the end 82a includes a region overlapping the end 71b of the internal electrode 71 exposed on the side surface 2a when viewed from the third direction D3. That is, when viewed from the third direction D3, the end 82a and the end 71b of the internal electrode 71 exposed on the side surface 2a overlap. In this modified example, the above-mentioned region of the end 82a extends from the tip of the internal electrode 81 at the end 82a to the tip of the end 71b of the internal electrode 71 exposed on the side surface 2a when viewed from the third direction D3. That is, the end 82a includes not only the tip of the internal electrode 82 but also a region up to a predetermined length from the tip of the internal electrode 82.

[0168] The internal electrode 82 faces the internal electrode 72 in the third direction D3 at the end 82b. In this modified example, the end 82b faces the end 72a of the internal electrode 72 in the third direction D3. The end 82b includes a region overlapping the internal electrode 72 when viewed from the third direction D3. In this modified example, the end 82b includes a region overlapping the end 72a when viewed from the third direction D3. That is, when viewed from the third direction D3, the end 82b and the end 72a overlap. In this modified example, the above-mentioned region of the end 82b extends from the tip of the internal electrode 82 at the end 82b to the tip of the end 72a of the internal electrode 72 when viewed from the third direction D3. That is, the end 82b includes not only the tip of the internal electrode 82 but also a region up to a predetermined length from the tip of the internal electrode 82.

[0169] A pair of edges 82c and 82d face each other in the second direction D2, and a pair of surfaces 82e and 82f face each other in the third direction D3. In this modification, edge 82c is located closer to side surface 2c, and edge 82d is located closer to side surface 2d. In this modification, surface 82e is located closer to side surface 2e, and surface 82f is located closer to side surface 2f. Each of the edges 82c and 82d may form a surface. Each of the edges 82c and 82d is adjacent to and connects surface 82e and surface 82f respectively.

[0170] The internal electrode 82 has a length L8. The length L8 is defined, for example, by the length of the internal electrode 82 in the first direction D1. The length L8 is, for example, 0.4 mm or more and 0.6 mm or less. The length L8 in this modification is 0.5 mm.

[0171] The internal electrode 82 has a width W8 at ends 82a and 82b. The width W8 is defined, for example, by the length of the internal electrode 82 in the second direction D2 at ends 82a and 82b. The width W8 is, for example, 0.1 mm or more and 0.5 mm or less. The width W8 in this modification is 0.2 mm. In this modification, the internal electrode 82 has the same value of width W8 at each of the ends 82a and 82b. The internal electrode 82 may have different values of width W8 at each of the ends 82a and 82b.

[0172] In this modification, the internal electrode 82 has a width W8 not only at ends 82a and 82b but also throughout. The internal electrode 82 only needs to have a width W8 at ends 82a and 82b. The internal electrode 82 may have a width different from width W8 at a position other than ends 82a and 82b, for example.

[0173] The distance d19 between the internal electrode layer 7 and the internal electrode layer 8 shown in FIG. 10 is, for example, 0.06 mm or more and 0.18 mm or less. The distance d19 may be 0.09 mm or more and 0.12 mm or less. In this modification, the distance d19 is 0.09 mm.

[0174] For example, the distance d19, the distance d2 between the internal electrode 71 and the external electrode 4, and the distance d5 between the internal electrode 71 and the external electrode 4 are different from each other. In this modified example, the distances d2 and d5 are greater than the distance d19. The distances d2 and d5 are, for example, at least twice the distance d19. For example, the distance d19, the distance d3 between the internal electrodes 51 and 52, and the distance d6 between the internal electrodes 71 and 72 are different from each other. In this modified example, the distances d3 and d6 are greater than the distance d19. The distances d3 and d6 are, for example, at least twice the distance d19.

[0175] In the chip varistor 1D, varistors are formed between the internal electrode 81 and the internal electrodes 71 and 72. In this modified example, the end 81b, the end 71b facing the end 81b, and the region sandwiched between the end 81b of the element body 2 and the end 71b function as the varistor between the internal electrode 81 and the internal electrode 71. The end 81a, the end 72b, and the region sandwiched between the end 81a of the element body 2 and the end 72b function as the varistor between the internal electrode 81 and the internal electrode 72. These varistors are connected in series via the internal electrode 81. That is, the internal electrode 81 is arranged so as to form a plurality of varistors connected in series between the internal electrodes 71 and 72 exposed on the side surface 2b.

[0176] In the chip varistor 1D, varistors are formed between the internal electrode 82 and the internal electrodes 71 and 72. In this modified example, the end 82a, the end 71b facing the end 82a, and the region sandwiched between the end 82a of the element body 2 and the end 71b function as the varistor between the internal electrode 82 and the internal electrode 71. The end 82b, the end 72a facing the end 82a, and the region sandwiched between the end 82b of the element body 2 and the end 72a function as the varistor between the internal electrode 82 and the internal electrode 72. These varistors are connected in series via the internal electrode 82. That is, the internal electrode 82 is arranged so as to form a plurality of varistors connected in series between the internal electrodes 71 and 72 exposed on the side surface 2a.

[0177] The width W5 of the internal electrode 71 exposed on the side surface 2a is different from the width W8 at the end 82a. In this modified example, the width W5 of the internal electrode 71 exposed on the side surface 2a is larger than the width W8 at the end 82a. In this modified example, when viewed from the third direction D3, a pair of edges 71c, 71d at the end 71b of the internal electrode 71 exposed on the side surface 2a are located outside a pair of edges 82c, 82d at the end 82a. The distance d20, which is the distance between the edge 71c and the edge 82c in the second direction D2 and the distance between the edge 71d and the edge 82d in the second direction D2 at the ends 71b, 82a, is, for example, 0.05 mm or more and 0.20 mm or less. The distance d20 may be 0.10 mm or more and 0.15 mm or less. Each distance d20 in this modified example is 0.15 mm. That is, in this modified example, the distance d20 between the edge 71c and the edge 82c in the second direction D2 and the distance d20 between the edge 71d and the edge 82d in the second direction D2 are the same value as each other. The distance d20 between the edge 71c and the edge 82c in the second direction D2 and the distance d20 between the edge 71d and the edge 82d in the second direction D2 may be different values from each other.

[0178] The width W5 of the internal electrode 71 exposed on the side surface 2b is different from the width W7 at the end 81b. In this modified example, the width W5 of the internal electrode 71 exposed on the side surface 2b is larger than the width W7 at the end 81b. In this modified example, when viewed from the third direction D3, a pair of edges 71c, 71d at the end 71b of the internal electrode 71 exposed on the side surface 2b are located outside a pair of edges 81c, 81d at the end 81b. The distance d21, which is the distance between the edge 71c and the edge 81c in the second direction D2 and the distance between the edge 71d and the edge 81d in the second direction D2 at the ends 71b, 81b, is, for example, 0.05 mm or more and 0.20 mm or less. The distance d21 may be 0.10 mm or more and 0.15 mm or less. Each distance d21 in this modified example is 0.15 mm. That is, in this modified example, the distance d21 between the edge 71c and the edge 81c in the second direction D2 and the distance d21 between the edge 71d and the edge 81d in the second direction D2 are the same value as each other. The distance d21 between the edge 71c and the edge 81c in the second direction D2 and the distance d21 between the edge 71d and the edge 81d in the second direction D2 may be different values from each other.

[0179] For example, the length L5 of a pair of internal electrodes 71, the length L7 of the internal electrode 81, and the length L8 of the internal electrode 82 are different from each other. In this modified example, the length L7 and the length L8 are larger than the length L5. For example, the width W7 of the internal electrode 81, the width W8 of the internal electrode 82, and the distance d4 between a pair of internal electrodes 71 and the outer surface of the element body 2 are different from each other. In this modified example, the width W5 and the width W6 are larger than each distance d4.

[0180] For example, the length of the end 81a in the first direction D1 is different from the length L6 of the internal electrode 72, and the length of the end 81b in the first direction D1 is different from the length L5 of the internal electrode 71 exposed on the side surface 2b. In this modified example, the length of the end 81a in the first direction D1 is smaller than the length L6, and the length of the end 81b in the first direction D1 is smaller than the length L5 of the internal electrode 71 exposed on the side surface 2b.

[0181] For example, the length of the end 82a in the first direction D1 and the length L5 of the internal electrode 71 exposed on the side surface 2a are different from each other, and the length of the end 82b in the first direction D1 and the length L6 of the internal electrode 72 are different from each other. In this modified example, the length of the end 82a in the first direction D1 is smaller than the length L5 of the internal electrode 71 exposed on the side surface 2b, and the length of the end 81b in the first direction D1 is smaller than the length L6.

[0182] The width W6 at the end 72a and the width W8 at the end 82b are different from each other. In this modified example, the width W6 at the end 72a is larger than the width W8 at the end 82b. In this modified example, when viewed from the third direction D3, the pair of edges 72e, 72f at the end 72a are located outside the pair of edges 82c, 82d at the end 82b. The distance d22, which is the distance between the edge 72e and the edge 82c in the second direction D2 and the distance between the edge 72f and the edge 82d in the second direction D2 at the ends 72a, 82b, is, for example, 0.05 mm or more and 0.20 mm or less. The distance d22 may be 0.10 mm or more and 0.15 mm or less. Each distance d22 in this modified example is 0.15 mm. That is, in this modified example, the distance d22 between the edge 72e and the edge 82c in the second direction D2 and the distance d22 between the edge 72f and the edge 82d in the second direction D2 are the same value as each other. The distance d22 between the edge 72e and the edge 82c in the second direction D2 and the distance d22 between the edge 72f and the edge 82d in the second direction D2 may be different values from each other.

[0183] The width W6 at the end 72b is different from the width W7 at the end 81a. In this modified example, the width W6 at the end 72b is larger than the width W7 at the end 81a. In this modified example, when viewed from the third direction D3, the pair of edges 72e, 72f at the end 72b are located outside the pair of edges 82c, 82d at the end 81a. The distance d23, which is the distance between the edge 72e and the edge 82c in the second direction D2 and the distance between the edge 72f and the edge 82d in the second direction D2 at the ends 72b, 81a, is, for example, 0.05 mm or more and 0.20 mm or less. The distance d23 may be 0.10 mm or more and 0.15 mm or less. Each distance d23 in this modified example is 0.15 mm. That is, in this modified example, the distance d23 between the edge 72e and the edge 82c in the second direction D2 and the distance d23 between the edge 72f and the edge 82d in the second direction D2 are the same value as each other. The distance d23 between the edge 72e and the edge 82c in the second direction D2 and the distance d23 between the edge 72f and the edge 82d in the second direction D2 may be different values from each other.

[0184] In this modified example, regarding the magnitude relationship of each of the widths W5 to W8, any one of the magnitude relationships of each of the widths W3 to W6 in the chip varistors 1A, 1B may be adopted. The width W5 of the internal electrode 71 exposed on the side surface 2a may be smaller than the width W8 at the end 82a. The width W5 of the internal electrode 71 exposed on the side surface 2b may be smaller than the width W7 at the end 81b. The width W6 at the end 72a may be smaller than the width W8 at the end 82b. The width W6 at the end 72b may be smaller than the width W7 at the end 81a.

[0185] In the chip varistor 1D, the width W5 of the internal electrode 71 exposed on the side surface 2a is different from the width W8 of the internal electrode 82. Therefore, even when the relative position in the second direction D2 between the internal electrode 71 exposed on the side surface 2a and the internal electrode 82 changes, the area of the region where the mutually facing ends 71b and 82a overlap is unlikely to change. As a result, even when the relative position in the second direction D2 between the mutually facing internal electrodes 71, 82 changes, the chip varistor 1D can obtain desired characteristics.

[0186] In the chip varistor 1D, the width W5 of the internal electrode 71 exposed on the side surface 2b is different from the width W7 of the internal electrode 81. Therefore, even when the relative position in the second direction D2 between the internal electrode 71 exposed on the side surface 2b and the internal electrode 81 changes, the area of the region where the opposing ends 71b and 81b overlap hardly changes. As a result, even when the relative position in the second direction D2 between the opposing internal electrodes 71 and 81 changes, the chip varistor 1D can obtain desired characteristics.

[0187] In the chip varistor 1D, the width W6 of the internal electrode 72 at the end 72a is different from the width W8 of the internal electrode 82 at the end 82b. Therefore, even when the relative position in the second direction D2 between the internal electrode 72 and the internal electrode 82 changes, the area of the region where the opposing ends 72a and 82b overlap hardly changes. As a result, even when the relative position in the second direction D2 between the opposing internal electrodes 72 and 82 changes, the chip varistor 1D can obtain desired characteristics.

[0188] In the chip varistor 1D, the width W6 of the internal electrode 72 at the end 72b is different from the width W7 of the internal electrode 81 at the end 81a. Therefore, even when the relative position in the second direction D2 between the internal electrode 72 and the internal electrode 81 changes, the area of the region where the opposing ends 72a and 81a overlap hardly changes. As a result, even when the relative position in the second direction D2 between the opposing internal electrodes 72 and 81 changes, the chip varistor 1D can obtain desired characteristics.

[0189] In the chip varistor 1D, the length of the end 81a in the first direction D1 is smaller than the length L6, and the length of the end 81b in the first direction D1 is smaller than the length L5 of the internal electrode 71 exposed on the side surface 2b. Therefore, even when the relative position in the first direction D1 of the internal electrode 81 and the internal electrodes 71 and 72 exposed on the side surface 2b changes, the sum of the area of the region where the opposing ends 81b and 71b overlap and the area of the region where the opposing ends 81a and 72b overlap is unlikely to change. As a result, even when the relative position in the first direction D1 of the internal electrode 81 and the internal electrodes 71 and 72 exposed on the side surface 2b changes, the chip varistor 1D can obtain desired characteristics.

[0190] In the chip varistor 1D, the length of the end 82a in the first direction D1 is smaller than the length L5 of the internal electrode 71 exposed on the side surface 2a, and the length of the end 82b in the first direction D1 is smaller than the length L6. Therefore, even when the relative position in the first direction D1 of the internal electrode 82 and the internal electrodes 71 and 72 exposed on the side surface 2a changes, the sum of the area of the region where the opposing ends 82a and 71b overlap and the area of the region where the opposing ends 82b and 72a overlap is unlikely to change. As a result, even when the relative position in the first direction D1 of the internal electrode 82 and the internal electrodes 71 and 72 exposed on the side surface 2a changes, the chip varistor 1D can obtain desired characteristics.

[0191] Next, with reference to FIGS. 12, 13, and 14, the configuration of the chip varistor 1E according to the fifth modification of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a chip varistor according to still another modification of the present embodiment. FIG. 13 is a view showing the configuration of a plurality of internal electrodes, and is a view of a pair of internal electrodes 51 and 52 and internal electrodes 61 and 62 as seen in the direction from side surface 2e to side surface 2f in the third direction D3. FIG. 14 is a view showing the configuration of a plurality of internal electrodes, and is a view of internal electrodes 61 and 62 and a pair of internal electrodes 71 and 72 as seen in the direction from side surface 2f to side surface 2e in the third direction D3. In the chip varistor 1E, the configuration of the plurality of internal electrodes is different from that of the chip varistor 1 described above. Hereinafter, the differences between the chip varistor 1 and the chip varistor 1E described above will be mainly described.

[0192] In this modification, the chip varistor 1E includes a plurality of external electrodes 3. That is, the chip varistor 1E does not include a plurality of external electrodes 4. In this modification, the internal electrode 52 includes a pair of ends 52a and 52b, a pair of edges 52e and 52f, and a pair of surfaces 52g and 52h that face each other, and does not include a pair of ends 52c and 52d. Therefore, in this modification, the internal electrode 52 is not exposed on the pair of side surfaces 2c and 2d. In this modification, the pair of edges 52e and 52f face each other in the second direction D2. Each of the edges 52e and 52f may constitute a surface.

[0193] In this modification, in order to realize a configuration in which the internal electrode 52 is exposed on the pair of side surfaces 2c and 2d, the surfaces 52g and 52h include only one surface region R3. Also in this modification, for example, a part of the surface region R3 is included in the end 52a, and another part located on the opposite side in the first direction D1 from the above-mentioned part of the surface region R3 is included in the end 52b.

[0194] In this modified example, the internal electrode 72 includes a pair of ends 72a and 72b, a pair of edges 72e and 72f, and a pair of opposing surfaces 72g and 72h, and does not include a pair of ends 72c and 72d. Therefore, in this modified example, the internal electrode 72 is not exposed on the pair of side surfaces 2c and 2d. In this modified example, the pair of edges 72e and 72f face each other in the second direction D2. Each edge 72e and 72f may form a surface.

[0195] In this modified example, in order to realize a configuration in which the internal electrode 72 is exposed on the pair of side surfaces 2c and 2d, the surfaces 72g and 72h include only one surface region R3. Also in this modified example, for example, a part of the surface region R3 is included in the end 72a, and another part located on the opposite side of the above-mentioned part of the surface region R3 in the first direction D1 is included in the end 72b.

[0196] In this modified example, with respect to the magnitude relationship of each of the widths W1 to W6, any one of the magnitude relationships of each of the widths W1 to W6 in the chip varistors 1A and 1B may be adopted. The width W1 of the internal electrode 51 exposed on the side surface 2a may be smaller than the width W4 at the end 62a. The width W1 of the internal electrode 51 exposed on the side surface 2b may be smaller than the width W3 at the end 61b. The width W2 at the end 52a may be smaller than the width W4 at the end 62b. The width W2 at the end 52b may be smaller than the width W3 at the end 61a. The width W5 of the internal electrode 71 exposed on the side surface 2a may be smaller than the width W4 at the end 62a. The width W5 of the internal electrode 71 exposed on the side surface 2b may be smaller than the width W3 at the end 61b. The width W6 at the end 72a may be smaller than the width W4 at the end 62b. The width W6 at the end 72b may be smaller than the width W3 at the end 61a.

[0197] The characteristics include, for example, the tolerance of capacitance. The tolerance of capacitance affects the area of the region where the internal electrodes facing each other overlap in the chip varistors 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E. As described above, in each of the chip varistors 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, even when the relative position in the width direction of the internal electrodes facing each other changes, the overlapping area is hardly changed. As a result, even when the relative position in the second direction D2 of the internal electrodes facing each other changes, each of the chip varistors 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E can keep the tolerance of capacitance within a desired range.

[0198] As mentioned above, the embodiments and modifications of the present invention have been described. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited to the above-described embodiments and each modification, and various changes are possible without departing from the gist thereof.

[0199] In the above-described embodiments and each modification, the chip varistors 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D are provided with a pair of external electrodes 4. However, the chip varistors 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D may be provided with one external electrode 4. When the chip varistors 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D are provided with one external electrode 4, the internal electrodes 52, 72 only need to be exposed on the side surfaces 2c, 2d among the pair of side surfaces 2c, 2d where the external electrode 4 is disposed. When the chip varistors 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D are provided with one external electrode 4, the internal electrode 52 only needs to include only the ends 52c, 52d corresponding to the side surfaces 2c, 2d where the one external electrode 4 is disposed among the pair of ends 52c, 52d. When the chip varistors 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D are provided with one external electrode 4, the internal electrode 72 only needs to include only the ends 72c, 72d corresponding to the side surfaces 2c, 2d where the one external electrode 4 is disposed among the pair of ends 72c, 72d.

[0200] In the above-described embodiments and each modification, the number of the internal electrodes 52 and 72 was "1", but the number of the internal electrodes 52 and 72 is not limited to the above-described number. The number of the internal electrodes 52 and 72 may be "2" or more. That is, the internal electrode layer 5 may include a plurality of internal electrodes 52, and the internal electrode layer 7 may include a plurality of internal electrodes 72. When the internal electrode layer 5 includes a plurality of internal electrodes 52 and the internal electrode layer 7 includes a plurality of internal electrodes 72, the internal electrode layer 6 may include another internal electrode located between the internal electrode 61 and the internal electrode 62 in the first direction D1. The above-mentioned another internal electrode is arranged, for example, so as to form a plurality of varistors connected in series between the plurality of internal electrodes 52. For example, when the number of the plurality of internal electrodes 52 and the number of the plurality of internal electrodes 72 are "n", the number of the above-mentioned another internal electrode is "n - 1".

[0201] As can be understood from the description of the above-described embodiments and each modification, this specification includes the disclosure of the following aspects. (Appendix 1) A body including a first side surface and a second side surface; A plurality of internal electrodes disposed in the body and facing each other; The plurality of internal electrodes are: A first internal electrode exposed on the first side surface; A second internal electrode exposed on the second side surface; A third internal electrode separated from the first internal electrode and the second internal electrode; A fourth internal electrode arranged so as to form a plurality of varistors connected in series between the first internal electrode and the third internal electrode; A fifth internal electrode arranged so as to form a plurality of varistors connected in series between the second internal electrode and the third internal electrode; Among the plurality of internal electrodes, the internal electrodes facing each other have different widths at the opposite ends, a chip varistor. (Appendix 2) At the end facing the first internal electrode and the third internal electrode, the width of the fourth internal electrode is smaller than the widths of the first internal electrode and the third internal electrode at the end facing the fourth internal electrode. At the end facing the second internal electrode and the third internal electrode, the width of the fifth internal electrode is smaller than the widths of the second internal electrode and the third internal electrode at the end facing the fifth internal electrode. The chip varistor according to Supplementary Note 1. (Supplementary Note 3) At the end facing the first internal electrode and the third internal electrode, the width of the fourth internal electrode is larger than the widths of the first internal electrode and the third internal electrode at the end facing the fourth internal electrode. At the end facing the second internal electrode and the third internal electrode, the width of the fifth internal electrode is larger than the widths of the second internal electrode and the third internal electrode at the end facing the fifth internal electrode. The chip varistor according to Supplementary Note 1. (Supplementary Note 4) The widths of the first internal electrode, the second internal electrode, and the third internal electrode are the same as each other. The chip varistor according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 3. (Supplementary Note 5) It is provided on the element body and further includes a plurality of external electrodes that are separated from each other. The element body includes a third side surface that connects the first side surface and the second side surface. The third internal electrode is exposed on the third side surface. Each of the plurality of external electrodes is connected to the corresponding internal electrode among the first internal electrode, the second internal electrode, and the third internal electrode. The chip varistor according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 4. (Supplementary Note 6) The plurality of internal electrodes A first electrode layer including the first internal electrode, the second internal electrode, and the third internal electrode, which are located in the same layer. The fourth internal electrode facing the first internal electrode and the third internal electrode, which are located in the same layer, and the fifth internal electrode facing the second internal electrode and the third internal electrode, and a second electrode layer adjacent to the first electrode layer, and a third electrode layer adjacent to the second electrode layer such that the second electrode layer is located between the first electrode layer and the third electrode layer, The third electrode layer includes a sixth internal electrode that is exposed on the first side surface and faces the fourth internal electrode that faces the first internal electrode and the third internal electrode, a seventh internal electrode that is exposed on the second side surface and faces the fifth internal electrode that faces the second internal electrode and the third internal electrode, and an eighth internal electrode that faces the sixth internal electrode and the seventh internal electrode, and is a chip varistor according to any one of Appendices 1 to 5.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0202] 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E... chip varistor, 2... element body, 3, 4... external electrodes, 5, 6, 7, 8... internal electrode layers, 51, 52, 61, 62, 71, 72, 81, 82... internal electrodes, 51a, 51b, 52a, 52b, 61a, 61b, 62a, 62b, 71a, 71b, 72a, 72b... ends, W1, W2, W3, W5, W6... widths.

Claims

1. A base body including a first side surface and a second side surface, and a plurality of internal electrodes disposed in the base body and facing each other, wherein the plurality of internal electrodes include a first internal electrode exposed on the first side surface, a second internal electrode exposed on the second side surface, a third internal electrode separated from the first internal electrode and the second internal electrode, a fourth internal electrode disposed to form a plurality of varistors connected in series between the first internal electrode and the third internal electrode, and a fifth internal electrode disposed to form a plurality of varistors connected in series between the second internal electrode and the third internal electrode, and among the plurality of internal electrodes, the internal electrodes facing each other have different widths at the ends facing each other, a chip varistor.

2. At the ends facing the first internal electrode and the third internal electrode, the width of the fourth internal electrode is smaller than the widths of the first internal electrode and the third internal electrode at the ends facing the fourth internal electrode, At the ends facing the second internal electrode and the third internal electrode, the width of the fifth internal electrode is smaller than the widths of the second internal electrode and the third internal electrode at the ends facing the fifth internal electrode, the chip varistor according to Claim 1.

3. At the ends facing the first internal electrode and the third internal electrode, the width of the fourth internal electrode is larger than the widths of the first internal electrode and the third internal electrode at the ends facing the fourth internal electrode, At the ends facing the second internal electrode and the third internal electrode, the width of the fifth internal electrode is larger than the widths of the second internal electrode and the third internal electrode at the ends facing the fifth internal electrode, the chip varistor according to Claim 1.

4. The widths of the first internal electrode, the second internal electrode, and the third internal electrode are the same as each other, the chip varistor according to any one of Claims 1 to 3.

5. further including a plurality of external electrodes disposed on the base body and separated from each other, the base body includes a third side surface connecting the first side surface and the second side surface, the third internal electrode is exposed on the third side surface, and each of the plurality of external electrodes is connected to a corresponding internal electrode among the first internal electrode, the second internal electrode, and the third internal electrode, the chip varistor according to any one of Claims 1 to 3.

6. The plurality of internal electrodes include: a first electrode layer located in the same layer and including the first internal electrode, the second internal electrode, and the third internal electrode; a second electrode layer located in the same layer and including the fourth internal electrode facing the first internal electrode and the third internal electrode, and the fifth internal electrode facing the second internal electrode and the third internal electrode, and adjacent to the first electrode layer; a third electrode layer adjacent to the second electrode layer such that the second electrode layer is located between the first electrode layer and the third electrode layer, wherein the third electrode layer includes: a sixth internal electrode exposed on the first side surface and facing the fourth internal electrode facing the first internal electrode and the third internal electrode; a seventh internal electrode exposed on the second side surface and facing the fifth internal electrode facing the second internal electrode and the third internal electrode; an eighth internal electrode facing the sixth internal electrode and the seventh internal electrode. The chip varistor according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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