Varistor parts

Abstract

A varistor component (1) comprises: a varistor material sintered body (10); a first external electrode (51) provided in a part of a first side surface (11); a second external electrode (52) provided in a part of the first side surface (11); and a third external electrode (53) provided in a part of a second side surface (12). The first external electrode (51), the second external electrode (52), and the third external electrode (53) are not provided on a third side surface (13) and a fourth side surface (14). The first external electrode (51) and the second external electrode (52) are disposed spaced apart from each other in a first direction (d1) on the first side surface (11). The third external electrode (53) is disposed on the second side surface (12) so as to be positioned between the first external electrode (51) and the second external electrode (52) when viewed from a second direction (d2).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to varistor components for use in electronic devices. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, electronic devices have become increasingly miniaturized, and there is a demand for miniaturization of the varistor components installed in such electronic devices. Furthermore, electronic devices are becoming increasingly higher frequency, and there is a demand for varistor components with small variations in capacitance. Patent Document 1 discloses, as an example of a varistor component, a multilayer varistor component having two varistor elements. This varistor component is composed of a sintered compact of varistor material, a plurality of external electrodes, and a plurality of internal electrodes. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 63-211602 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, conventional varistor components have the problem of stray capacitance occurring due to the multiple external and internal electrodes, which can cause variations in the capacitance of, for example, two varistor elements, affecting the operation of electronic devices.

[0005] In view of the above, the present disclosure has an object to reduce the stray capacitance generated in a varistor component. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A varistor component according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a varistor component comprising a first varistor element and a second varistor element, comprising: a sintered body of varistor material having a bottom surface, a top surface facing away from the bottom surface, and a plurality of side surfaces connecting the bottom surface and the top surface; a first external electrode which is a terminal on one end side of the first varistor element and is provided on a part of a first side surface among the plurality of side surfaces; a second external electrode which is a terminal on one end side of the second varistor element and is provided on a part of the first side surface; and a third external electrode which is a common terminal for the other end side of the first varistor element and the other end side of the second varistor element and is provided on a part of a second side surface facing away from the first side surface among the plurality of side surfaces; The plurality of side surfaces further include a third side surface perpendicular to both the first side surface and the bottom surface, and a fourth side surface facing away from the third side surface, wherein the first external electrode, the second external electrode, and the third external electrode are not provided on the third side surface and the fourth side surface, the first external electrode and the second external electrode are arranged on the first side surface at a distance from each other in a first direction in which the third side surface and the fourth side surface face each other, and the third external electrode is arranged on the second side surface so as to be located between the first external electrode and the second external electrode when viewed from a second direction in which the first side surface and the second side surface face each other. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, the stray capacitance generated in the varistor component can be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a varistor component according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the external electrodes and internal electrodes of the varistor component according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the varistor component according to the first embodiment as viewed from the front. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of the varistor component according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the varistor component according to the first embodiment, viewed from the top. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a varistor component of a comparative example. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the electric flux density and stray capacitance generated in the varistor components of the first embodiment and the comparative example. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a graph showing the relationship between the height of the external electrodes and the stray capacitance in the varistor component according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the electric flux density generated in the varistor component according to the first embodiment, viewed from the top surface side. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the varistor component according to the first modification of the first embodiment, as viewed from the front. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional side view of the varistor component according to the first modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the electric flux density generated in the varistor component according to the first modification of the first embodiment, viewed from the top surface side. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a graph showing the capacitance and the like generated in the varistor components of the first embodiment and the first modification. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the varistor component according to the second modification of the first embodiment, viewed from the top surface. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the varistor component according to the second embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the electric flux density generated in the varistor components of the second embodiment and the comparative example. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a varistor component according to the third embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the electric flux density generated in the varistor components of the third embodiment and the comparative example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] (Background to this disclosure) Varistor elements are elements whose resistance value changes depending on the applied voltage, and are used to protect electronic devices from abnormal voltages such as lightning surges or static electricity. Varistor elements are used in electrical circuits in automobiles, office equipment, communication equipment, home appliances, etc.

[0010] For example, to support two-wire differential communication in a communication network, an electronic device may be equipped with two varistor components each equipped with one varistor element, or one varistor component equipped with two varistor elements. These varistor components are composed of a sintered compact of varistor material, multiple external electrodes, and multiple internal electrodes. For example, if unintended capacitance, i.e., stray capacitance, occurs between the external and internal electrodes of a varistor component, between the external electrodes, or between the internal electrodes, the capacitances of the two varistor elements will have different values, which may cause communication errors in the electronic device. Therefore, this embodiment has the following configuration to reduce the stray capacitance generated in the varistor component.

[0011] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

[0012] Note that the embodiments described below each illustrate a specific example of the present disclosure. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, component placement positions, connection configurations, steps, and step sequences shown in the following embodiments are examples and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Furthermore, among the components in the following embodiments, components that are not recited in independent claims are described as optional components.

[0013] Furthermore, in this specification, terms indicating the relationship between elements, such as parallelism, terms indicating the shape of elements, such as rectangular parallelepiped, and numerical ranges are not expressions that only express a strict meaning, but are expressions that also include a substantially equivalent range, for example, a difference of about a few percent.

[0014] In addition, each drawing is a schematic diagram in which emphasis, omission, or adjustment of proportions has been appropriately made to illustrate the present disclosure, and is not necessarily an exact illustration, and may differ from the actual shape, positional relationship, and proportion. In each drawing, substantially the same configuration is assigned the same reference numeral, and duplicated explanations may be omitted or simplified.

[0015] Furthermore, in this specification, the terms "top surface" and "bottom surface" in the configuration of a varistor component do not refer to the top surface (surface on the vertically upper side) and bottom surface (surface on the vertically lower side) in absolute spatial recognition, but are used as terms defined by the relative positional relationship of the constituent elements of the varistor component.

[0016] (Embodiment 1) [Varistor component configuration] The configuration of the varistor component according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0017] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a varistor component 1 according to embodiment 1. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an external electrode 50 and an internal electrode 30 provided in the varistor component 1. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the varistor component 1 as seen from the front. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the varistor component 1 as seen from the side. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the varistor component 1 as seen from the top surface.

[0018] Note that Fig. 3 is a view of the varistor component 1 taken along line III-III in Fig. 2, Fig. 4 is a view of the varistor component 1 taken along line IV-IV in Fig. 2, and Fig. 5 is a view of the varistor component 1 taken along line VV in Fig. 3. Hatching of the external electrodes 50 is omitted in Figs. 3 to 5.

[0019] The varistor component 1 comprises a first varistor element Z1 and a second varistor element Z2. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the first varistor element Z1 and the second varistor element Z2 are composed of a sintered varistor material body 10, a plurality of external electrodes 50 provided on the outside of the sintered varistor material body 10, and a plurality of internal electrodes 30 provided inside the sintered varistor material body 10.

[0020] The varistor material sintered body 10 is composed mainly of ZnO, and contains Bi2O3, Co2O3, MnO2, Sb2O3, or the like, or Pr6O as a secondary component. 11 , Co2O3, CaCO3, Cr2O3, etc. The varistor material sintered body 10 is formed by sintering ZnO and precipitating other sub-components at the grain boundaries.

[0021] The varistor material sintered body 10 is rectangular and has a bottom surface 16, a top surface 17 facing away from the bottom surface 16, and multiple side surfaces connecting the bottom surface 16 and the top surface 17. The bottom surface 16, the top surface 17, and the multiple side surfaces are each flat. The multiple side surfaces include a first side surface 11, a second side surface 12 facing away from the first side surface 11, a third side surface 13 perpendicular to both the first side surface 11 and the bottom surface 16, and a fourth side surface 14 facing away from the third side surface 13. The bottom surface 16 and the top surface 17 are parallel to each other, the first side surface 11 and the second side surface 12 are parallel to each other, and the third side surface 13 and the fourth side surface 14 are parallel to each other. The corners (ridges) where the surfaces of the varistor material sintered body 10 intersect may be rounded.

[0022] Here, the direction in which the third side surface 13 and the fourth side surface 14 are facing back to back is called the first direction d1, the direction in which the first side surface 11 and the second side surface 12 are facing back to back is called the second direction d2, and the direction in which the bottom surface 16 and the top surface 17 are facing back to back is called the third direction d3.

[0023] In the varistor material sintered body 10, for example, the length X along the first direction d1 and the width Y along the second direction d2 have the relationship X>Y. In this embodiment, X=1.6 mm and Y=0.8 mm. The height h along the third direction d3 is h=0.6 mm.

[0024] The multiple external electrodes 50 are composed of a first external electrode 51, a second external electrode 52, and a third external electrode 53. The first external electrode 51 is a terminal on one end side of the first varistor element Z1, and is provided on part of the first side surface 11. The second external electrode 52 is a terminal on one end side of the second varistor element Z2, and is provided on part of the first side surface 11. The third external electrode 53 is a common terminal for the other end side of the first varistor element Z1 and the other end side of the second varistor element Z2, and is provided on part of the second side surface 12. For example, the first external electrode 51 and the second external electrode 52 are connected to different signal lines, and the third external electrode 53 is connected to ground.

[0025] The first external electrode 51, the second external electrode 52, and the third external electrode 53 are not provided on the top surface 17, the third side surface 13, and the fourth side surface 14. The first external electrode 51 and the second external electrode 52 are not provided on the second side surface 12, and the third external electrode 53 is not provided on the first side surface 11.

[0026] The first external electrode 51 and the second external electrode 52 are spaced apart from each other in the first direction d1 and are arranged on the first side surface 11. The third external electrode 53 is arranged on the second side surface 12 so as to be located between the first external electrode 51 and the second external electrode 52 when viewed from the second direction d2 (see FIG. 3). More specifically, the third external electrode 53 is located midway between the first external electrode 51 and the second external electrode 52 when viewed from the second direction d2.

[0027] The first external electrode 51, the second external electrode 52, and the third external electrode 53 are also provided on a part of the bottom surface 16. The first external electrode 51 provided on the bottom surface 16 is connected to the first external electrode 51 provided on the first side surface 11. The second external electrode 52 provided on the bottom surface 16 is connected to the second external electrode 52 provided on the first side surface 11. The third external electrode 53 provided on the bottom surface 16 is connected to the third external electrode 53 provided on the second side surface 12. In other words, each of the multiple external electrodes 50 has an L-shape when viewed from the first direction d1 (see FIGS. 2 and 4).

[0028] The first external electrode 51, the second external electrode 52, and the third external electrode 53 extend from the bottom surface 16 toward the top surface 17 and are discontinued before reaching the top surface 17. The height he of each of the first external electrode 51, the second external electrode 52, and the third external electrode 53 from the bottom surface 16 toward the top surface 17 is, for example, 0.5 times or more and less than 1 time the height h of the sintered varistor material. Note that the heights he of the first external electrode 51, the second external electrode 52, and the third external electrode 53 do not necessarily have to be the same.

[0029] The multiple internal electrodes 30 are composed of a first internal electrode 31, a second internal electrode 32, and a third internal electrode 33. The first internal electrode 31 is connected to a first external electrode 51 at a first side surface 11. The second internal electrode 32 is connected to a second external electrode 52 at a first side surface 11. The third internal electrode 33 is connected to a third external electrode 53 at a second side surface 12.

[0030] The varistor component is a multilayer component constructed by laminating multiple ceramic layers and multiple ceramic layers with internal electrodes in a third direction d3, and then forming external electrodes. The first internal electrode 31 and the second internal electrode 32 are formed on the same ceramic layer, and the third internal electrode 33 is formed on a ceramic layer different from the ceramic layer on which the first internal electrode 31 and the second internal electrode 32 are formed. In this embodiment, the third internal electrode 33 is arranged closer to the top surface 17 than the first internal electrode 31 and the second internal electrode 32. In other words, the first internal electrode 31 and the second internal electrode 32 are arranged closer to the bottom surface 16 than the third internal electrode 33.

[0031] The first internal electrode 31 is preferably disposed between a first opposing electrode portion 36, which is a part of the third internal electrode 33, and a first external electrode 51 provided on the bottom surface 16. The second internal electrode 32 is preferably disposed between a second opposing electrode portion 37, which is a part of the third internal electrode 33, and a second external electrode 52 provided on the bottom surface 16 (see FIG. 4).

[0032] Each of the first internal electrode 31 and the second internal electrode 32 has a rectangular shape when viewed from the third direction d3, and is arranged along the second direction d2 (see FIG. 5). Each of the first internal electrode 31 and the second internal electrode 32 extends from the first side surface 11 toward the second side surface 12 and ends before reaching the second side surface 12.

[0033] The third internal electrode 33 has a T-shape when viewed from the third direction d3. The third internal electrode 33 is composed of an extension electrode portion 35, a first opposing electrode portion 36, and a second opposing electrode portion 37. Note that the third internal electrode 33 may have a Y-shape or a + (plus) shape when viewed from the third direction d3.

[0034] The lead electrode portion 35 has a rectangular shape and is arranged along the second direction d2. The lead electrode portion 35 extends from the second side surface 12 toward the first side surface 11 and ends before reaching the first side surface 11. The first opposing electrode portion 36 and the second opposing electrode portion 37 are connected to the end of the lead electrode portion 35 on the first side surface 11 side and are arranged along the first direction d1. The first opposing electrode portion 36 extends toward the third side surface 13 and ends before reaching the third side surface 13. The second opposing electrode portion 37 extends toward the fourth side surface 14 and ends before reaching the fourth side surface 14. When viewed from the third direction d3, the first opposing electrode portion 36 intersects with the first internal electrode 31, and the second opposing electrode portion 37 intersects with the second internal electrode 32.

[0035] The varistor component 1 has a first opposing region 41, which is a region where the first internal electrode 31 and the third internal electrode 33 are opposing each other, and a second opposing region 42, which is a region where the second internal electrode 32 and the third internal electrode 33 are opposing each other (see Figures 3 and 5). Each of the first opposing region 41 and the second opposing region 42 has a structure in which a pair of internal electrodes are opposing each other with a varistor sintered material sandwiched between them, and is a region that exhibits the function of a varistor. The first opposing region 41 is formed by a portion of the first internal electrode 31 opposing a portion of the first opposing electrode portion 36, and the second opposing region 42 is formed by a portion of the second internal electrode 32 opposing a portion of the second opposing electrode portion 37.

[0036] The distance (gap) between the first internal electrode 31 and the third internal electrode 33 in the first opposing region 41 is the same as the distance (gap) between the second internal electrode 32 and the third internal electrode 33 in the second opposing region 42. The distance is, for example, 0.035 mm.

[0037] When viewed from the third direction d3, the first opposing region 41 and the second opposing region 42 are arranged at positions closer to the first side surface 11 than to the second side surface 12 (see FIG. 5). For example, when the first side surface 11 is used as the reference and the width of the varistor material sintered body 10 along the second direction d2 is Y, the first opposing region 41 and the second opposing region 42 are arranged at positions such that the entire area of ​​the opposing regions is greater than 0 and smaller than 0.5Y. Note that the minimum distance y1 between the first side surface 11 and the edge of the first opposing region 41, or the minimum distance y1 between the first side surface 11 and the edge of the second opposing region 42, is desirably greater than the above-mentioned interval (gap).

[0038] When viewed from the third direction d3, the first internal electrode 31, the second internal electrode 32, and the third internal electrode 33 are arranged so as to be symmetrical with respect to a center line cL2 that passes through the middle between the first external electrode 51 and the second external electrode 52 and runs along the second direction d2 (see FIG. 5). This makes it possible to reduce the difference in stray capacitance generated in the first varistor element Z1 and the second varistor element Z2. It is desirable that the center line cL2 coincides with the center line when the varistor 1 is viewed from the third direction d3.

[0039] Furthermore, when viewed from the second direction d2, the first internal electrode 31, the second internal electrode 32, and the third internal electrode 33 are arranged so as to be symmetrical with respect to a center line cL3 that passes through the middle between the first external electrode 51 and the second external electrode 52 and runs along the third direction d3 (see FIG. 3). This makes it possible to reduce the difference in stray capacitance generated in the first varistor element Z1 and the second varistor element Z2. It is desirable that the center line cL3 coincides with the center line when the varistor 1 is viewed from the second direction d2.

[0040] [Effects, etc.] The effects of the varistor component 1 having the above configuration will be explained in comparison with comparative examples.

[0041] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a varistor component 101 of a comparative example.

[0042] In the varistor component 101 of the comparative example, external electrodes are also provided on both ends of the rectangular parallelepiped varistor material sintered body 10. Specifically, the first external electrode 151 is provided on the entire third side surface 13, part of the first side surface 11, part of the second side surface 12, part of the bottom surface 16, and part of the top surface 17. The second external electrode 152 is provided on the entire fourth side surface 14, part of the first side surface 11, part of the second side surface 12, part of the bottom surface 16, and part of the top surface 17. In addition, the third external electrode 153 is also provided on part of the second side surface 12, part of the bottom surface 16, part of the first side surface 11, and part of the top surface 17.

[0043] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing the electric flux density and stray capacitance generated in the varistor components of embodiment 1 and the comparative example. The figure shows the electric flux density and stray capacitance when a voltage of 1 V is applied to the first external electrode of the varistor component, a voltage of 1 V to the second external electrode, and a voltage of 0 V to the third external electrode. Note that the figure shows the results of a simulation that does not include the internal electrodes.

[0044] 7, for example, when focusing on the second side surface 12, in the comparative example, many areas with high electric flux density appear between the first external electrode 151 and the third external electrode 153, and many areas with high electric flux density appear between the second external electrode 152 and the third external electrode 153. This tendency for areas with high electric flux density to appear is also the case for the first side surface 11 and the top surface 17. In the comparative example, multiple external electrodes with different potentials are provided on each of the first side surface 11 and the second side surface 12, and multiple external electrodes with different potentials are also provided on the top surface 17, so when the varistor component 101 is viewed as a whole, there are many areas with high electric flux density, and the stray capacitance is large.

[0045] In contrast, in embodiment 1, although areas with high electric flux density appear around the third external electrode 53 provided on the second side surface 12, the areas with high electric flux density are fewer than in the comparative example. In embodiment 1, multiple external electrodes 50 with different potentials are arranged so that they are not adjacent to each other on multiple side surfaces and the top surface 17. Therefore, when looking at the varistor component 1 as a whole, there are fewer areas with high electric flux density than in the comparative example, and the stray capacitance is also smaller than in the comparative example.

[0046] As described above, in the varistor component 1 of embodiment 1, the first external electrode 51, the second external electrode 52, and the third external electrode 53 are not provided on the top surface 17, the third side surface 13, and the fourth side surface 14. Moreover, only the third external electrode 53 is provided on the second side surface 12, and the first external electrode 51 and the second external electrode 52 are not provided. Moreover, only the first external electrode 51 and the second external electrode 52 are provided on the first side surface 11, and the third external electrode 53 is not provided. This makes it possible to reduce the areas with high electric flux density in the varistor component 1 and to reduce stray capacitance.

[0047] 8 is a graph showing the relationship between the height of the external electrodes 50 and the stray capacitance in the varistor component 1 according to embodiment 1. The horizontal axis of the graph represents the height ratio he / h of the external electrodes 50, and the vertical axis represents the stray capacitance generated in the varistor component 1. Note that the stray capacitance is the result of a simulation that does not include the internal electrodes. The height h of the sintered varistor material 10 is 0.6 mm, and the height he of the external electrodes 50 is the same for each of the first external electrode 51, the second external electrode 52, and the third external electrode 53.

[0048] As shown in Fig. 8, the stray capacitance generated in the varistor component 1 decreases as the height he of the external electrodes 50 decreases. For this reason, in the varistor component 1, it is desirable that the height he of the external electrodes 50 be 0.5 times or more and less than 1 time the height h of the sintered varistor material 10. The reason he ≥ 0.5h is that if he < 0.5h, the connection reliability will decrease when the varistor component 1 is mounted on a printed circuit board or the like.

[0049] Thus, in the varistor component 1 of embodiment 1, the height he of each of the first external electrode 51, second external electrode 52 and third external electrode 53 is set to be 0.5 times or more and less than 1 time the height of the sintered varistor material 10. This makes it possible to reduce the stray capacitance generated in the varistor component 1.

[0050] Fig. 9 is a diagram showing the electric flux density generated in the varistor component 1 according to embodiment 1, viewed from the top surface 17. Fig. 9(a) shows the simulation results for the varistor component 1 including the external electrode 50 and the internal electrode 30, and Fig. 9(b) shows the simulation results for the varistor component 1 without the external electrode 50.

[0051] These figures show the electric flux density when a voltage of 1 V is applied to the first internal electrode 31 of the varistor component 1, a voltage of 1 V to the second internal electrode 32, and a voltage of 0 V to the third internal electrode 33. In these figures, the electric flux density appearing in the first opposing region 41 and the second opposing region 42 is the electric flux density for generating the capacitance required for the varistor component 1, and the electric flux density appearing in regions other than the first opposing region 41 and the second opposing region 42 is the electric flux density that leads to the generation of stray capacitance.

[0052] These figures also show three examples in which the positions of the first opposing region 41 and the second opposing region 42 are changed in the second direction d2. In the three examples, the difference in the positions of the first opposing region 41 and the second opposing region 42 is expressed by the distance ratio y2 / Y, where Y is the width of the varistor material sintered body 10 along the second direction d2 and y2 is the distance from the second side face 12 to the edge of the first opposing electrode portion 36 (or the second opposing electrode portion 37) on the second side face 12 side. The positions of the first opposing region 41 and the second opposing region 42 are changed in the second direction d2 by changing the lengths of the first internal electrode 31 and the second internal electrode 32, and by changing the length of the lead electrode portion 35 and moving the first opposing electrode portion 36 and the second opposing electrode portion 37.

[0053] As shown in these figures, as the distance ratio y2 / Y increases from 0.3125 to 0.625 to 0.875, the areas with high electric flux density that leads to stray capacitance become smaller. For this reason, in the varistor component 1, it is desirable to provide the first facing region 41 and the second facing region 42 closer to the first side face 11 than to the second side face 12. The varistor component 1 may be designed, for example, so that the distance ratio y2 / Y is greater than 0.5. In this way, by providing the first facing region 41 and the second facing region 42 close to the first side face 11, the areas with high electric flux density are reduced, and the stray capacitance generated in the varistor component 1 can be reduced.

[0054] [First Modification of First Embodiment] A description will be given of a varistor component 1A according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 1. In Modification 1, an example will be described in which the third internal electrode 33 is arranged closer to the bottom surface 16 than the first internal electrode 31 and the second internal electrode 32.

[0055] Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view seen from the front of a varistor component 1A according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 1. Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view seen from the side of the varistor component 1A of Modification 1.

[0056] The varistor component 1A of the first modification is also composed of a varistor material sintered body 10, a plurality of external electrodes 50, and a plurality of internal electrodes 30. The configurations of the varistor material sintered body 10 and the plurality of external electrodes 50 are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0057] The plurality of internal electrodes 30 are composed of a first internal electrode 31 , a second internal electrode 32 and a third internal electrode 33 .

[0058] 10 and 11 , in the varistor component 1A of Modification 1, the third internal electrode 33 is arranged closer to the bottom surface 16 than the first internal electrode 31 and the second internal electrode 32. In other words, the first internal electrode 31 and the second internal electrode 32 are arranged closer to the top surface 17 than the third internal electrode 33.

[0059] The first opposing electrode portion 36, which is a part of the third internal electrode 33, is preferably disposed between the first internal electrode 31 and the first external electrode 51 provided on the bottom surface 16. The second opposing electrode portion 37, which is a part of the third internal electrode 33, is preferably disposed between the second internal electrode 32 and the second external electrode 52 provided on the bottom surface 16 (see FIG. 11).

[0060] Next, the effects of the varistor component 1A of the first modification will be described.

[0061] Fig. 12 is a diagram showing the electric flux density generated in the varistor component 1A according to Modification 1, viewed from the top surface 17 side. In Fig. 12, the first internal electrode 31 and the second internal electrode 32, which are located closer to the top surface 17 than the third internal electrode 33, are indicated by dashed dotted lines. The figure shows the results of a simulation performed under the same conditions as in Fig. 9.

[0062] 12, in Modification 1, as in Embodiment 1, the areas where the electric flux density is high and leads to stray capacitance decrease as the distance ratio y2 / Y increases from 0.3125 to 0.625 to 0.875. Therefore, in the varistor component 1A as well, it is desirable to provide the first facing region 41 and the second facing region 42 at positions closer to the first side surface 11 than to the second side surface 12.

[0063] In this way, in the first modification as well, as in the first embodiment, the stray capacitance generated in the varistor component 1A can be reduced.

[0064] Next, the varistor components of the first embodiment and the first modification will be compared and explained.

[0065] Fig. 13 is a graph showing the capacitance etc. generated in the varistor components of embodiment 1 and variant 1. Fig. 13(a) shows the capacitance generated between the internal electrodes 30 when the external electrodes 50 are removed from the varistor component. Fig. 13(b) shows the capacitance (i.e., stray capacitance) generated between the internal electrodes 30 and the external electrode 50. Fig. 13(c) shows the capacitance generated between the internal electrodes 30 and between the internal electrode 30 and the external electrode 50. Fig. 13(c) is a result of combining the data of Fig. 13(a) and (b). In these figures, the horizontal axis represents the distance ratio y2 / Y mentioned above, and the vertical axis represents capacitance.

[0066] As shown in Fig. 13(a), when focusing only on the internal electrodes 30, the gap between the internal electrodes 30 and the opposing area are the same in the first embodiment and the first modification, and therefore the change in capacitance tends to be the same. In contrast, as shown in Fig. 13(b), the capacitance generated between the external electrode 50 and the internal electrode 30, i.e., the stray capacitance, tends to be higher in the first modification than in the first embodiment. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 13(c), the combined capacitance tends to differ between the first modification and the first embodiment.

[0067] The reason for this is thought to be that in Modification 1, the third internal electrode 33 and the first external electrode 51, which have different potentials, are configured to directly face each other, making it easy for stray capacitance to occur between the third internal electrode 33 and the first external electrode 51. On the other hand, in Embodiment 1, the third internal electrode 33 and the first external electrode 51, which have different potentials, are configured to face each other with the first internal electrode 31 sandwiched therebetween, making it difficult for stray capacitance to occur between the third internal electrode 33 and the first external electrode 51.

[0068] Therefore, in the varistor component, it is more desirable that the third internal electrode 33 be located closer to the top surface 17 than the first internal electrode 31 and the second internal electrode 32, as in the first embodiment. Note that even with the configuration shown in the first modification, the objective of reducing stray capacitance can be sufficiently achieved.

[0069] [Modification 2 of Embodiment 1] A description will be given of a varistor component 1B according to Modification 2 of Embodiment 1. In Modification 2, an example will be described in which the shape of the third internal electrode 33 differs from that of Embodiment 1.

[0070] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a varistor component 1B according to the second modification of the first embodiment, viewed from the top surface 17. In FIG.

[0071] The varistor component 1B of the second modification is also composed of a varistor material sintered body 10, a plurality of external electrodes 50, and a plurality of internal electrodes 30. The configurations of the varistor material sintered body 10 and the plurality of external electrodes 50 are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0072] The plurality of internal electrodes 30 are composed of a first internal electrode 31 , a second internal electrode 32 and a third internal electrode 33 .

[0073] Each of the first inner electrode 31 and the second inner electrode 32 has a rectangular shape when viewed from the third direction d3, and is arranged along the second direction d2.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 14, the third internal electrode 33 is composed of a first lead electrode portion 35a, a second lead electrode portion 35b, a first opposing electrode portion 36, and a second opposing electrode portion 37.

[0075] The first extension electrode portion 35a has a rectangular shape and is arranged along the second direction d2. The first extension electrode portion 35a extends from the second side surface 12 toward the first side surface 11 and is discontinued before reaching the first side surface 11. The second extension electrode portion 35b is connected to the end of the first extension electrode portion 35a on the first side surface 11 side and is arranged along the first direction d1. One side of the second extension electrode portion 35b along the first direction d1 extends toward the third side surface 13 and is discontinued before reaching the third side surface 13. The other side of the second extension electrode portion 35b extends toward the fourth side surface 14 and is discontinued before reaching the fourth side surface 14.

[0076] The first opposing electrode portion 36 is connected to the end of the second extension electrode portion 35b on the third side surface 13 side and is disposed along the second direction d2. The first opposing electrode portion 36 extends toward the first side surface 11 and is discontinued before reaching the first side surface 11. The second opposing electrode portion 37 is connected to the end of the second extension electrode portion 35b on the fourth side surface 14 side and is disposed along the second direction d2. The second opposing electrode portion 37 extends toward the first side surface 11 and is discontinued before reaching the first side surface 11. When viewed from the third direction d3, the first opposing electrode portion 36 overlaps with the first internal electrode 31, and the second opposing electrode portion 37 overlaps with the second internal electrode 32.

[0077] The varistor component 1B has a first opposing region 41, which is a region where the first internal electrode 31 and the third internal electrode 33 are opposing each other, and a second opposing region 42, which is a region where the second internal electrode 32 and the third internal electrode 33 are opposing each other. In the second modification, too, the first opposing region 41 is formed by a part of the first internal electrode 31 and a part of the first opposing electrode portion 36 opposing each other, and the second opposing region 42 is formed by a part of the second internal electrode 32 and a part of the second opposing electrode portion 37 opposing each other.

[0078] In the second modification, as in the first embodiment, the stray capacitance generated in the varistor component 1B can be reduced.

[0079] (Embodiment 2) A description will be given of a varistor component 1C according to embodiment 2. In embodiment 2, an example will be described in which the height of the external electrodes 50 is the same as the height of the sintered body 10 of varistor material.

[0080] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a varistor component 1C according to the second embodiment.

[0081] The varistor component 1C of the second embodiment is also composed of a sintered varistor material 10, a plurality of external electrodes 50, and a plurality of internal electrodes 30. The configurations of the sintered varistor material 10 and the internal electrodes 30 are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0082] The plurality of external electrodes 50 are configured by a first external electrode 51 , a second external electrode 52 and a third external electrode 53 .

[0083] 15 , the first external electrode 51, the second external electrode 52, and the third external electrode 53 are also provided on a part of the bottom surface 16 and a part of the top surface 17. The first external electrode 51 provided on the bottom surface 16 and the top surface 17 is connected to the first external electrode 51 provided on the first side surface 11. The second external electrode 52 provided on the bottom surface 16 and the top surface 17 is connected to the second external electrode 52 provided on the first side surface 11. The third external electrode 53 provided on the bottom surface 16 and the top surface 17 is connected to the third external electrode 53 provided on the second side surface 12.

[0084] The first external electrode 51, the second external electrode 52, and the third external electrode 53 extend from the bottom surface 16 to reach the top surface 17. In other words, the height of each of the first external electrode 51, the second external electrode 52, and the third external electrode 53 is the same as the height h of the sintered body of the varistor material.

[0085] Fig. 16 is a diagram showing the electric flux density generated in the varistor components of embodiment 2 and the comparative example. The figure shows the results of a simulation performed under the same conditions as in Fig. 7. The varistor component 101 of the comparative example is as described in Fig. 7.

[0086] In the second embodiment, high electric flux density areas appear around the third external electrode 53 provided on the second side surface 12, but the areas with high electric flux density are fewer than in the comparative example. In the second embodiment, multiple external electrodes 50 with different potentials are arranged so that they are not adjacent to each other on multiple side surfaces. Therefore, when the varistor component 1C is viewed as a whole, there are fewer areas with high electric flux density than in the comparative example, and the stray capacitance is also smaller than in the comparative example.

[0087] As described above, in the varistor component 1C of embodiment 2, the first external electrode 51, the second external electrode 52, and the third external electrode 53 are not provided on the third side surface 13 and the fourth side surface 14. Moreover, only the third external electrode 53 is provided on the second side surface 12, and the first external electrode 51 and the second external electrode 52 are not provided. Moreover, only the first external electrode 51 and the second external electrode 52 are provided on the first side surface 11, and the third external electrode 53 is not provided. This makes it possible to reduce the areas with high electric flux density in the varistor component 1C and to reduce stray capacitance.

[0088] (Embodiment 3) A description will be given of a varistor component 1D according to embodiment 3. In embodiment 3, an example will be described in which the first external electrode 51, the second external electrode 52, and the third external electrode 53 are provided on both the first side surface 11 and the second side surface 12.

[0089] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a varistor component 1D according to the third embodiment.

[0090] The varistor component 1D of the third embodiment is also composed of a sintered varistor material 10, a plurality of external electrodes 50, and a plurality of internal electrodes 30. The configurations of the sintered varistor material 10 and the internal electrodes 30 are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0091] The plurality of external electrodes 50 are configured by a first external electrode 51 , a second external electrode 52 and a third external electrode 53 .

[0092] The first external electrode 51, the second external electrode 52, and the third external electrode 53 are provided on part of the bottom surface 16, part of the top surface 17, part of the first side surface 11, and part of the second side surface 12. The first external electrode 51 provided on the first side surface 11 faces the first external electrode 51 provided on the second side surface 12. The second external electrode 52 provided on the first side surface 11 faces the second external electrode 52 provided on the second side surface 12. The third external electrode 53 provided on the first side surface 11 faces the third external electrode 53 provided on the second side surface 12.

[0093] The first external electrode 51 provided on the bottom surface 16 and the top surface 17 is connected to the first external electrode 51 provided on the first side surface 11 and the second side surface 12. The second external electrode 52 provided on the bottom surface 16 and the top surface 17 is connected to the second external electrode 52 provided on the first side surface 11 and the second side surface 12. The third external electrode 53 provided on the bottom surface 16 and the top surface 17 is connected to the third external electrode 53 provided on the first side surface 11 and the second side surface 12.

[0094] The first external electrode 51, the second external electrode 52 and the third external electrode 53 are not provided on the third side surface 13 and the fourth side surface .

[0095] The first external electrode 51, the second external electrode 52, and the third external electrode 53 are arranged on the first side surface 11 and the second side surface 12 at intervals in the first direction d1. The third external electrode 53 is arranged so as to be located between the first external electrode 51 and the second external electrode 52 when viewed from the second direction d2. More specifically, the third external electrode 53 is located midway between the first external electrode 51 and the second external electrode 52 when viewed from the second direction d2. For example, the distance between the first external electrode 51 and the third external electrode 53 in the first direction d1 is 0.25 mm, and the distance between the second external electrode 52 and the third external electrode 53 is also 0.25 mm.

[0096] Fig. 18 is a diagram showing the electric flux densities generated in the varistor components of embodiment 3 and the comparative example. The figure shows the results of a simulation performed under the same conditions as in Fig. 7. The varistor component 101 of the comparative example is as described in Fig. 7.

[0097] In embodiment 3, areas of high electric flux density appear between the first external electrode 51 and the third external electrode 53 provided on the second side surface 12, and between the second external electrode 52 and the third external electrode 53, but there are fewer areas of high electric flux density on the top surface 17 compared to the comparative example.

[0098] In the varistor component 1D of the third embodiment, the first external electrode 51, the second external electrode 52, and the third external electrode 53 are not provided on the third side surface 13 and the fourth side surface 14. This reduces the areas with high electric flux density in the varistor component 1D, making it possible to reduce stray capacitance.

[0099] (summary) The varistor component 1 of this embodiment is a component comprising a first varistor element Z1 and a second varistor element Z2, and comprises a sintered varistor material 10 having a bottom surface 16, a top surface 17 facing away from the bottom surface 16, and a plurality of side surfaces connecting the bottom surface 16 and the top surface 17; a first external electrode 51 which is a terminal on one end side of the first varistor element Z1 and is provided on a portion of the first side surface 11 among the plurality of side surfaces; a second external electrode 52 which is a terminal on one end side of the second varistor element Z2 and is provided on a portion of the first side surface 11; and a third external electrode 53 which is a common terminal for the other end side of the first varistor element Z1 and the other end side of the second varistor element Z2 and is provided on a portion of the second side surface 12 facing away from the first side surface 11 among the plurality of side surfaces. The multiple side surfaces further include a third side surface 13 that is perpendicular to both the first side surface 11 and the bottom surface 16, and a fourth side surface 14 that faces away from the third side surface 13. The first external electrode 51, the second external electrode 52, and the third external electrode 53 are not provided on the third side surface 13 or the fourth side surface 14. The first external electrode 51 and the second external electrode 52 are arranged on the first side surface 11 at a distance from each other in a first direction d1, which is the direction in which the third side surface 13 and the fourth side surface 14 face each other. The third external electrode 53 is arranged on the second side surface 12 so as to be located between the first external electrode 51 and the second external electrode 52 when viewed from a second direction d2, which is the direction in which the first side surface 11 and the second side surface 12 face each other.

[0100] In this way, by configuring the first external electrode 51, the second external electrode 52 and the third external electrode 53 not to be provided on the third side surface 13 and the fourth side surface 14, the stray capacitance generated in the varistor component 1 due to the third side surface 13 and the fourth side surface 14 can be reduced.

[0101] Furthermore, the third external electrode 53 may be located midway between the first external electrode 51 and the second external electrode 52 when viewed from the second direction d2.

[0102] According to this configuration, the first external electrode 51, the second external electrode 52, and the third external electrode 53 are arranged symmetrically when viewed from the second direction d2, and it is possible to reduce the difference in stray capacitance generated by the first external electrode 51 and the third external electrode 53, and the difference in stray capacitance generated by the second external electrode 52 and the third external electrode 53. This reduces the difference in capacitance between the first varistor element Z1 and the second varistor element Z2, and suppresses any influence on the operation of the electronic device.

[0103] Alternatively, the first external electrode 51 and the second external electrode 52 may be electrodes connected to different signal lines, and the third external electrode 53 may be an electrode connected to ground.

[0104] This makes it possible to reduce the difference in capacitance between the first varistor element Z1 and the second varistor element Z2 and to suppress any influence on the operation of the electronic device, even if the first external electrode 51 and the second external electrode 52 are connected to different signal lines on a communication line.

[0105] In addition, the first external electrode 51 and the second external electrode 52 may also be provided on a portion of the bottom surface 16 and a portion of the second side surface 12, and the third external electrode 53 may also be provided on a portion of the bottom surface 16 and a portion of the first side surface 11.

[0106] According to the varistor component 1D having the above configuration, the first external electrode 51, the second external electrode 52, and the third external electrode 53 are arranged in the same manner on the first side surface 11 and the second side surface 12, thereby reducing the difference in stray capacitance between the multiple external electrodes 50 occurring on each of the first side surface 11 and the second side surface 12. This reduces the difference in capacitance between the first varistor element Z1 and the second varistor element Z2, and prevents the difference from affecting the operation of electronic devices.

[0107] Furthermore, the first external electrode 51 and the second external electrode 52 do not have to be provided on the second side surface 12 , and the third external electrode 53 does not have to be provided on the first side surface 11 .

[0108] This allows the first external electrode 51 and the second external electrode 52 to be provided only on the first side surface 11, and the third external electrode 53 to be provided only on the second side surface 12, thereby reducing the areas with high electric flux density on each of the first side surface 11 and the second side surface 12. This reduces the stray capacitance generated in the varistor component 1.

[0109] Furthermore, the first external electrode 51, the second external electrode 52 and the third external electrode 53 are arranged to extend from the bottom surface 16 towards the top surface 17, and are not arranged on the top surface 17, and the height he of each of the first external electrode 51, the second external electrode 52 and the third external electrode 53 from the bottom surface 16 towards the top surface 17 may be 0.5 times or more and less than 1 time the height h of the varistor material sintered body 10.

[0110] In this way, by making the height he of each of the first external electrode 51, the second external electrode 52 and the third external electrode 53 at least 0.5 times but less than 1 time the height h of the varistor material sintered body 10, the stray capacitance generated in the varistor component 1 can be reduced.

[0111] The varistor component 1 may further comprise a first internal electrode 31 connected to the first external electrode 51 and provided inside the varistor material sintered body 10, a second internal electrode 32 connected to the second external electrode 52 and provided inside the varistor material sintered body 10, and a third internal electrode 33 connected to the third external electrode 53 and provided inside the varistor material sintered body 10, and may have a first opposing region 41 where the first internal electrode 31 and the third internal electrode 33 are opposed to each other, and a second opposing region 42 where the second internal electrode 32 and the third internal electrode 33 are opposed to each other.

[0112] In this way, by generating capacitance in the region where the internal electrodes face each other, it is possible to provide a varistor component 1 with small variations in capacitance.

[0113] The third internal electrode 33 may be disposed closer to the top surface 17 than the first internal electrode 31 and the second internal electrode 32.

[0114] According to this configuration, the stray capacitance generated in the varistor component 1 can be made smaller than when the third internal electrode 33 is arranged closer to the bottom surface 16 than the first internal electrode 31 and the second internal electrode 32.

[0115] In addition, the first opposing region 41 and the second opposing region 42 may be positioned closer to the first side surface 11 than the second side surface 12 when viewed from the third direction d3, which is the direction in which the bottom surface 16 and the top surface 17 are facing each other.

[0116] According to this configuration, the stray capacitance generated in the varistor component 1 can be reduced compared to when the first opposing region 41 and the second opposing region 42 are positioned closer to the second side surface 12 than to the first side surface 11.

[0117] Furthermore, when viewed from the third direction d3, the first internal electrode 31, the second internal electrode 32 and the third internal electrode 33 may be arranged so as to be symmetrical with respect to a center line cL2 that passes through the midpoint between the first external electrode 51 and the second external electrode 52 and runs along the second direction d2.

[0118] This configuration makes it possible to reduce the difference in stray capacitance generated on the left and right sides of the center line cL2, thereby reducing the difference in capacitance generated by the first varistor element Z1 and the second varistor element Z2, thereby suppressing any influence on the operation of electronic devices.

[0119] In addition, when viewed from the second direction d2, the first internal electrode 31, the second internal electrode 32 and the third internal electrode 33 may be arranged so as to be symmetrical with respect to a center line cL3 that passes through a midpoint between the first external electrode 51 and the second external electrode 52 and runs along the third direction d3.

[0120] This configuration makes it possible to reduce the difference in stray capacitance generated on the left and right sides of the center line cL3, thereby reducing the difference in capacitance generated by the first varistor element Z1 and the second varistor element Z2, thereby suppressing any influence on the operation of electronic devices.

[0121] Furthermore, each of the first internal electrode 31 and the second internal electrode 32 is arranged to extend from the first side surface 11 toward the second side surface 12, and the third internal electrode 33 has an extraction electrode portion 35 extending from the second side surface 12 toward the first side surface 11, a first opposing electrode portion 36 connected to the extraction electrode portion 35 and extending toward the third side surface 13, and a second opposing electrode portion 37 connected to the extraction electrode portion 35 and extending toward the fourth side surface 14, and the first opposing region 41 is formed by a portion of the first opposing electrode portion 36 and a portion of the first internal electrode 31 opposing each other, and the second opposing region 42 is formed by a portion of the second opposing electrode portion 37 and a portion of the second internal electrode 32 opposing each other.

[0122] This makes it possible to form the first facing region 41 and the second facing region 42 with high precision, thereby reducing the stray capacitance generated in the varistor component 1.

[0123] Furthermore, each of the first internal electrode 31 and the second internal electrode 32 is arranged to extend from the first side surface 11 toward the second side surface 12, and the third internal electrode 33 has a first extraction electrode portion 35a extending from the second side surface 12 toward the first side surface 11, a second extraction electrode portion 35b connected to the first extraction electrode portion 35a and extending toward the third side surface 13 and the fourth side surface 14, and a first opposing electrode portion 36 and a second opposing electrode portion 37 connected to the second extraction electrode portion 35b and extending toward the first side surface 11, and the first opposing region 41 is formed by a portion of the first opposing electrode portion 36 and a portion of the first internal electrode 31 opposing each other, and the second opposing region 42 is formed by a portion of the second opposing electrode portion 37 and a portion of the second internal electrode 32 opposing each other.

[0124] This makes it possible to form the first facing region 41 and the second facing region 42 with high precision, thereby reducing the stray capacitance generated in the varistor component 1.

[0125] In addition, each of the first external electrode 51 and the second external electrode 52 may further be provided on a portion of the bottom surface 16, with the first internal electrode 31 being arranged between a portion of the first opposing electrode portion 36 and the first external electrode 51 provided on the bottom surface 16, and the second internal electrode 32 being arranged between a portion of the second opposing electrode portion 37 and the second external electrode 52 provided on the bottom surface 16.

[0126] According to this configuration, the first opposing electrode portion 36 and the first external electrode 51 face each other with the first internal electrode 31 sandwiched therebetween, which makes it possible to reduce the stray capacitance generated between the first opposing electrode portion 36 and the first external electrode 51. Furthermore, the second opposing electrode portion 37 and the second external electrode 52 face each other with the second internal electrode 32 sandwiched therebetween, which makes it possible to reduce the stray capacitance generated between the second opposing electrode portion 37 and the second external electrode 52.

[0127] (Other embodiments, etc.) The varistor components and the like according to the embodiments and modifications of the present disclosure have been described above, but the present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments and modifications. As long as they do not deviate from the gist of the present disclosure, the scope of the present disclosure also includes various modifications that would occur to a person skilled in the art to the embodiments and modifications, as well as other forms constructed by combining some of the components of the embodiments and modifications.

[0128] In the first embodiment, an example has been described in which the first opposing electrode portion 36 is disposed closer to the top surface 17 than the first internal electrode 31, and the second opposing electrode portion 37 is disposed closer to the top surface 17 than the second internal electrode 32. However, this is not limiting. For example, one of the two opposing electrode portions may be disposed closer to the bottom surface 16 than the internal electrode. Specifically, the first opposing electrode portion 36 may be disposed closer to the bottom surface 16 than the first internal electrode 31, and the second opposing electrode portion 37 may be disposed closer to the top surface 17 than the second internal electrode 32. Conversely, the first opposing electrode portion 36 may be disposed closer to the top surface 17 than the first internal electrode 31, and the second opposing electrode portion 37 may be disposed closer to the bottom surface 16 than the second internal electrode 32. [Industrial Applicability]

[0129] The varistor component according to the present disclosure is useful as a varistor component for use in various electronic devices and communication systems. [Explanation of symbols]

[0130] 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D Varistor parts 10 Varistor material sintered body 11 First Aspect 12 The Second Aspect 13 The Third Aspect 14 The Fourth Aspect 16 Bottom 17 Top 30 Internal electrode 31 First internal electrode 32 Second internal electrode 33 Third internal electrode 35, 35a, 35b Extraction electrode part 36 First opposing electrode portion 37 Second opposing electrode section 41 1st opposing area 42 Second opposing area 50 external electrode 51 first external electrode 52 second external electrode 53 Third external electrode cL2, cL3 center line d1 1st direction d2 2nd direction d3 Third direction h, he height X length Y Width y1, y2 distance Z1 First varistor element Z2 Second varistor element

Claims

1. A varistor component comprising a first varistor element and a second varistor element, a sintered body of varistor material having a bottom surface, a top surface facing away from the bottom surface, and a plurality of side surfaces connecting the bottom surface and the top surface; a first external electrode which is a terminal on one end side of the first varistor element and is provided on a part of a first side face among the plurality of side faces; a second external electrode which is a terminal on one end side of the second varistor element and is provided on a part of the first side surface; a third external electrode which is a common terminal for the other end side of the first varistor element and the other end side of the second varistor element and is provided on a part of a second side face facing away from the first side face among the plurality of side faces; Equipped with the plurality of side surfaces further include a third side surface perpendicular to both the first side surface and the bottom surface, and a fourth side surface opposite to the third side surface; the first external electrode, the second external electrode, and the third external electrode are not provided on the third side surface and the fourth side surface, the first external electrode and the second external electrode are disposed on the first side surface at intervals in a first direction in which the third side surface and the fourth side surface are back-to-back; The third external electrode is disposed on the second side surface so as to be located between the first external electrode and the second external electrode when viewed from a second direction in which the first side surface and the second side surface are back-to-back. Varistor parts.

2. The third external electrode is located midway between the first external electrode and the second external electrode when viewed from the second direction. A varistor component according to claim 1.

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

4. the first external electrode and the second external electrode are further provided on a part of the bottom surface and a part of the second side surface, The third external electrode is further provided on a part of the bottom surface and a part of the first side surface. A varistor component according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. the first external electrode and the second external electrode are not provided on the second side surface, The third external electrode is not provided on the first side surface. A varistor component according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. the first external electrode, the second external electrode, and the third external electrode are provided so as to extend from the bottom surface toward the top surface, and are not provided on the top surface; The height of each of the first external electrode, the second external electrode, and the third external electrode from the bottom surface toward the top surface is 0.5 times or more and less than 1 time the height of the varistor material sintered body. A varistor component according to claim 5.

7. moreover, a first internal electrode connected to the first external electrode and provided inside the sintered body of varistor material; a second internal electrode connected to the second external electrode and provided inside the sintered body of varistor material; a third internal electrode connected to the third external electrode and provided inside the sintered body of varistor material; Equipped with The first and third internal electrodes are opposed to each other in a first opposing region, and the second and third internal electrodes are opposed to each other in a second opposing region. A varistor component according to claim 5 or 6.

8. The third internal electrode is disposed closer to the top surface than the first internal electrode and the second internal electrode. A varistor component according to claim 7.

9. The first opposing region and the second opposing region are disposed at positions closer to the first side surface than to the second side surface when viewed from a third direction in which the bottom surface and the top surface are back-to-back. A varistor component according to claim 7 or 8.

10. The first internal electrode, the second internal electrode, and the third internal electrode are arranged so as to be symmetrical with respect to a center line that passes through a midpoint between the first external electrode and the second external electrode and that extends along the second direction, when viewed from the third direction. A varistor component according to claim 9.

11. The first internal electrode, the second internal electrode, and the third internal electrode are arranged to be symmetrical with respect to a center line that passes through a midpoint between the first external electrode and the second external electrode and that runs along the third direction, when viewed from the second direction. A varistor component according to claim 9 or 10.

12. the first internal electrode and the second internal electrode are each disposed to extend from the first side surface toward the second side surface, the third internal electrode has a lead electrode portion extending from the second side surface toward the first side surface, a first opposing electrode portion connected to the lead electrode portion and extending toward the third side surface, and a second opposing electrode portion connected to the lead electrode portion and extending toward the fourth side surface, the first opposing region is configured such that a part of the first opposing electrode portion and a part of the first internal electrode face each other, The second opposing region is configured such that a part of the second opposing electrode portion and a part of the second internal electrode face each other. A varistor component according to any one of claims 7 to 11.

13. the first internal electrode and the second internal electrode are each disposed to extend from the first side surface toward the second side surface, the third internal electrode has a first lead electrode portion extending from the second side surface toward the first side surface, a second lead electrode portion connected to the first lead electrode portion and extending toward the third side surface and the fourth side surface, and a first opposing electrode portion and a second opposing electrode portion connected to the second lead electrode portion and extending toward the first side surface, the first opposing region is configured such that a part of the first opposing electrode portion and a part of the first internal electrode face each other, The second opposing region is configured such that a part of the second opposing electrode portion and a part of the second internal electrode face each other. A varistor component according to any one of claims 7 to 11.

14. each of the first external electrode and the second external electrode is further provided on a part of the bottom surface; the first internal electrode is disposed between a part of the first opposing electrode portion and the first external electrode provided on the bottom surface, The second internal electrode is disposed between a part of the second opposing electrode portion and the second external electrode provided on the bottom surface. A varistor component according to claim 12 or 13.

Images