Transient Voltage Protection Devices

Abstract

To provide a transient voltage protection device capable of restraining degradation of transient voltage protection characteristics.SOLUTION: A transient voltage protection device ED1 includes an external electrode 10 disposed on an end face 1a and a plurality of side faces 1c, an external electrode 20 that are spaced apart from the external electrode 10 and disposed on an end face 1b and side faces 1d, an internal electrode 30 that is disposed inside an element body 1 and connected to the external electrode 10, and an internal electrode 40 that is disposed inside the element body 1 and connected to the external electrode 20. The internal electrode 30 includes an end 33 that is exposed to the end face 1a and the side faces 1c and connected to the external electrode 10. The internal electrode 40 includes an end 43 that is exposed to the end face 1b and the side faces 1d and connected to the external electrode 20.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a transient voltage protection device. [Background technology]

[0002] A known transient voltage protection device includes an element body, first and second external electrodes, and first and second internal electrodes (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The element body includes a pair of end faces facing each other. The first and second external electrodes are respectively disposed on corresponding end faces of the pair of end faces. The first and second internal electrodes are disposed facing each other within the element body, and are exposed on the corresponding end faces and connected to the first and second external electrodes, respectively. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5757372 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the transient voltage protection device of Patent Document 1, when a discharge occurs between the first and second internal electrodes, each internal electrode may generate heat. Heat generation in the first and second internal electrodes may deteriorate the transient voltage protection characteristics of the transient voltage protection device.

[0005] An object of one aspect of the present invention is to provide a transient voltage protection device that can suppress degradation of transient voltage protection characteristics. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A transient voltage protection device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises an element body including a pair of opposing end faces and a plurality of side faces connecting the pair of end faces, a first external electrode disposed on a corresponding one of the pair of end faces and on a corresponding one of the plurality of side faces, a second external electrode spaced from the first external electrode and disposed on the corresponding one of the pair of end faces and on the corresponding one of the plurality of side faces, a first internal electrode disposed within the element body and connected to the first external electrode, and a second internal electrode disposed within the element body and connected to the second external electrode. The first internal electrode has a first end exposed at the corresponding end face and the corresponding side face and connected to the first external electrode. The second internal electrode has a second end exposed at the corresponding end face and the corresponding side face and connected to the second external electrode.

[0007] In the above-mentioned one aspect, when a discharge occurs between the first internal electrode and the second internal electrode, the first internal electrode and the second internal electrode may generate heat. Heat generated in the first internal electrode is transferred to the first external electrode and dissipated from the first external electrode, for example. The first internal electrode is connected to the first external electrode at a first end exposed to the corresponding end face and the corresponding side face. A configuration in which the first internal electrode is connected to the first external electrode at the first end tends to increase the connection length between the first internal electrode and the first external electrode compared to a configuration in which the first internal electrode is connected to the first external electrode only at the end face. Therefore, a configuration in which the first internal electrode includes the first end makes it easier for heat generated in the first internal electrode to be transferred to the first external electrode. Heat generated in the second internal electrode is transferred to the second external electrode and dissipated from the second external electrode. The second internal electrode is connected to the second external electrode at a second end exposed to the corresponding end face and the corresponding side face. A configuration in which the second internal electrode is connected to the second external electrode at the second end tends to increase the connection length between the second internal electrode and the second external electrode compared to a configuration in which the second internal electrode is connected to the second external electrode only at the end face. Therefore, a configuration in which the second internal electrode includes the second end makes it easier for heat generated in the second internal electrode to be transferred to the second external electrode. As a result, the above-described aspect can improve the heat transfer from the first internal electrode to the first external electrode and the heat transfer from the second internal electrode to the second external electrode, and can suppress the deterioration of transient voltage protection characteristics.

[0008] In the above one aspect, the element body may have a rectangular parallelepiped shape with the direction in which the pair of end faces face each other being the longitudinal direction. In a configuration in which the element body has the above-mentioned rectangular parallelepiped shape, the distance between the locations where discharge occurs in the first internal electrode and the second internal electrode, i.e., the locations where heat is generated in the first internal electrode and the second internal electrode, and the corresponding end faces tends to increase. In this case, in a configuration in which the first internal electrode and the second internal electrode are connected to the first external electrode and the second external electrode, respectively, only at the corresponding end faces, the heat generated in the first internal electrode and the second internal electrode is difficult to transfer to the first external electrode and the second external electrode, respectively. In other words, there is a risk that the heat transfer from the first internal electrode and the second internal electrode to the first external electrode and the second external electrode, respectively, will be reduced. As described above, the configuration in which the first internal electrode includes the first end and the second internal electrode includes the second end can improve the heat transfer from the first internal electrode and the second internal electrode to the first external electrode and the second external electrode, respectively. Therefore, even in the configuration in which the element body has the above-mentioned rectangular parallelepiped shape, the heat transfer from the first internal electrode and the second internal electrode to the first external electrode and the second external electrode, respectively, is unlikely to decrease.

[0009] In one aspect, the side surfaces may include a first side surface and a second side surface facing each other. The first external electrode may include a first electrode portion located on the corresponding end surface and the first side surface and connected to the first end. The second external electrode may include a second electrode portion located on the corresponding end surface and the second side surface and connected to the second end. In a configuration in which the first external electrode includes the first electrode portion and the second external electrode includes the second electrode portion, the position where the first electrode portion is connected to the first end can be separated from the position where the second electrode portion is connected to the second end. This configuration can separate the position where heat generated in the first internal electrode is dissipated from the first external electrode from the position where heat generated in the second internal electrode is dissipated from the second external electrode. Therefore, this configuration can effectively dissipate heat generated in the first internal electrode and the second internal electrode. As a result, the heat transfer from the first internal electrode to the first external electrode and the heat transfer from the second internal electrode to the second external electrode can be further improved. This configuration can further suppress deterioration of transient voltage protection characteristics.

[0010] In the above-described one aspect, a cavity may be formed in the element body, and the first internal electrode and the second internal electrode may include electrode portions that face each other and are exposed to the cavity. In a configuration in which the first internal electrode and the second internal electrode include electrode portions exposed to the cavity, a discharge can occur between the electrode portions exposed to the cavity. Thus, this configuration can define the location at which a discharge occurs. When a discharge occurs between the electrode portions exposed to the cavity, the electrode portions exposed to the cavity may generate heat. The heat generated in the electrode portions exposed to the cavity can be dissipated into the cavity. Therefore, this configuration can improve the heat dissipation performance of the first internal electrode and the second internal electrode. As a result, this configuration can further suppress deterioration of transient voltage protection characteristics.

[0011] The above-mentioned one aspect may include a discharge auxiliary portion disposed within the element body. The first internal electrode and the second internal electrode may include electrode portions facing each other and in contact with the discharge auxiliary portion. In a configuration in which the first internal electrode and the second internal electrode include the electrode portions in contact with the discharge auxiliary portions, discharge can occur between the electrode portions in contact with the discharge auxiliary portions. Therefore, this configuration can reliably define the location where discharge occurs. When a discharge occurs between the electrode portions in contact with the discharge auxiliary portion, the electrode portions in contact with the discharge auxiliary portion may generate heat. The heat generated in the electrode portions in contact with the discharge auxiliary portion may be transferred to the discharge auxiliary portion. Therefore, this configuration can improve the heat dissipation performance of the first internal electrode and the second internal electrode. As a result, this configuration can further suppress deterioration of transient voltage protection characteristics. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] One aspect of the present invention provides a transient voltage protection device that can suppress degradation of transient voltage protection characteristics. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a transient voltage protection device according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a cross-sectional configuration of the transient voltage protection device according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a cross-sectional configuration of the transient voltage protection device according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a cross-sectional configuration of the transient voltage protection device according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the internal electrodes. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a plan view showing the internal electrodes. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a plan view showing the internal electrodes. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a plan view showing the internal electrodes. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description, the same elements or elements having the same functions will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0015] The configuration of a transient voltage protection device ED1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. The transient voltage protection device ED1 is mounted on an electronic device. The transient voltage protection device ED1 protects the electronic device from transient voltages. The transient voltage protection device ED1 is mounted on a circuit board included in the electronic device. The transient voltage is caused by, for example, electrostatic discharge (ESD). FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a transient voltage protection device according to this embodiment. FIGS. 2, 3, and 4 are diagrams showing cross-sectional configurations of the transient voltage protection device according to this embodiment. FIG. 5 is a plan view showing internal electrodes. FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional configuration of the transient voltage protection device ED1 taken along line III-III in FIG. 2.

[0016] 1 to 5, the transient voltage protection device ED1 includes an element body 1, external electrodes 10 and 20, and internal electrodes 30 and 40. The external electrodes 10 and 20 are disposed on the element body 1. The internal electrodes 30 and 40 are disposed within the element body 1.

[0017] The element body 1 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. In this specification, the rectangular parallelepiped shape includes a rectangular parallelepiped shape with chamfered corners and ridges, or a rectangular parallelepiped shape with rounded corners and ridges. The element body 1 includes a pair of end faces 1a and 1b facing each other and a plurality of side faces 1c, 1d, 1e, and 1f connecting the pair of end faces 1a and 1b. In this embodiment, the element body 1 includes a pair of end faces 1a and 1b and four side faces 1c, 1d, 1e, and 1f. Each of the pair of end faces 1a and 1b and the side faces 1c, 1d, 1e, and 1f has a rectangular shape. In this specification, the rectangular shape includes, for example, a shape with chamfered corners or a shape with rounded corners.

[0018] The pair of end faces 1a, 1b face each other in the first direction D1. The side faces 1c, 1d face each other in the second direction D2. The side faces 1e, 1f face each other in the third direction D3. The side faces 1c, 1d, 1e, 1f extend in the first direction D1 so as to connect the pair of end faces 1a, 1b. The first direction D1 intersects with the second direction D2 and the third direction D3. The second direction D2 intersects with the third direction D3, for example. In this embodiment, the first direction D1, the second direction D2, and the third direction D3 are perpendicular to each other. For example, when the side face 1c includes a first side face, the side face 1d includes a second side face.

[0019] In this embodiment, the side surface 1c includes a substantially flat region 1c1 and a pair of substantially curved regions 1c2 and 1c3. The pair of regions 1c2 and 1c3 are located on both sides of the region 1c1 in the first direction D1. The region 1c2 includes, among the corners and ridges of the element body 1, corners and ridges adjacent to the end surface 1a. The region 1c3 includes, among the corners and ridges of the element body 1, corners and ridges adjacent to the end surface 1b. The regions 1c2 and 1c3 may or may not include corners and ridges adjacent to the side surfaces 1e and 1f. The region 1c1 and the pair of regions 1c2 and 1c3 are continuous with each other. The end surface 1a is made up of a substantially flat region and does not include a substantially curved region. The side surface 1d includes a substantially flat region 1d1 and a pair of substantially curved regions 1d2 and 1d3. The pair of regions 1d2 and 1d3 are located on both sides of the region 1d1 in the first direction D1. The region 1d2 includes, among the corners and ridges of the element body 1, corners and ridges adjacent to the end face 1a. The region 1d3 includes, among the corners and ridges of the element body 1, corners and ridges adjacent to the end face 1b. The regions 1d2 and 1d3 may or may not include corners and ridges adjacent to the side surfaces 1e and 1f. The region 1d1 and the pair of regions 1d2 and 1d3 are continuous with each other. The end face 1b is made up of a substantially flat region and does not include a substantially curved region.

[0020] The length of the element body 1 in the first direction D1 is, for example, 1.0 mm. The length of the element body 1 in the second direction D2 is, for example, 0.5 mm. The length of the element body 1 in the third direction D3 is, for example, 0.5 mm. In the element body 1, the first direction D1 is, for example, the longitudinal direction.

[0021] The element body 1 includes multiple insulator layers. The multiple insulator layers are stacked in a third direction D3. When viewed from the third direction D3, each insulator layer has a rectangular shape. Each insulator layer is an insulator having electrical insulating properties and is made of a sintered body of an insulator green sheet. The multiple insulator layers are integrated to the extent that their boundaries are not visible. The insulator layer is, for example, a ceramic layer. The insulator layer includes, for example, Fe2O3, NiO, CuO, ZnO, MgO, SiO2, TiO2, MnCO3, SrCO3, CaCO3, BaCO3, Al2O3, ZrO2, or B2O3. The insulator layer may include any of these materials alone or a mixed material of two or more of these materials. The insulator layer may include glass. The insulator layer may include copper oxide to enable low-temperature sintering. The copper oxide includes, for example, CuO or Cu2O.

[0022] The external electrodes 10, 20 are arranged on both ends of the element body 1. The external electrodes 10, 20 are spaced apart from each other in the first direction D1. The external electrodes 10 are disposed on corresponding end faces of the pair of end faces 1a, 1b and corresponding side faces of the plurality of side faces 1c, 1d. That is, the external electrodes 10 are disposed on the end face 1a and the side face 1c. In this embodiment, the external electrodes 10 are disposed not only on the end face 1a and the side face 1c, but also on the side faces 1d, 1e, and 1f. It is sufficient that the external electrodes 10 are disposed on at least the end face 1a and the side face 1c. The external electrodes 10 cover the corners formed by the end face 1a and the four side faces 1c, 1d, 1e, and 1f, as well as the ridges connecting the corners. The external electrodes 10 include electrode portions 11 located on the end face 1a and the side faces 1c.

[0023] The external electrode 20 is disposed on the corresponding one of the pair of end faces 1a, 1b and on the corresponding one of the side faces 1c, 1d. That is, the external electrode 20 is disposed on the end face 1b and the side face 1d. In this embodiment, the external electrode 20 is disposed not only on the end face 1b and the side face 1d but also on the side faces 1c, 1e, and 1f. The external electrode 20 only needs to be disposed on at least the end face 1b and the side face 1d. The external electrode 20 covers the corners formed by the end face 1b and the four side faces 1c, 1d, 1e, and 1f, as well as the ridges connecting the corners. The external electrode 20 includes an electrode portion 21 located on the end face 1b and the side face 1d. For example, when the electrode portion 11 includes a first electrode portion, the electrode portion 21 includes a second electrode portion.

[0024] The external electrodes 10, 20 include a conductive material. The conductive material included in the external electrodes 10, 20 includes, for example, Ag, Pd, Au, Pt, Cu, Ni, Al, Mo, or W. The conductive material included in the external electrodes 10, 20 may include an Ag / Pd alloy, an Ag / Cu alloy, an Ag / Au alloy, or an Ag / Pt alloy. The external electrodes 10, 20 are formed, for example, by baking a conductive paste applied to the outer surface of the element body 1. The conductive paste includes the above-mentioned conductive material.

[0025] The internal electrodes 30, 40 are arranged opposite to each other. The internal electrode 30 is electrically connected to the external electrode 10, and the internal electrode 40 is electrically connected to the external electrode 20. The internal electrodes 30, 40 are arranged, for example, on the same insulator layer in the element body 1. The internal electrodes 30, 40 are arranged at the same height in the third direction D3.

[0026] The internal electrode 30 includes an electrode portion 31 and an electrode portion 32. The electrode portion 31 and the electrode portion 32 are continuous with each other. The electrode portion 31 is arranged to face the internal electrode 40. The electrode portion 31 functions as a discharge portion facing the internal electrode 40. The electrode portion 31 is not exposed to any of the end faces 1a, 1b or the side faces 1c, 1d, 1e, and 1f. The electrode portion 31 is spaced apart from the end faces 1a, 1b and the side faces 1c, 1d, 1e, and 1f. The electrode portion 32 is connected to the external electrode 10. The electrode portion 31 is electrically connected to the external electrode 10 via the electrode portion 32. The electrode portion 32 functions as a connection portion with the external electrode 10.

[0027] The internal electrode 30 includes ends 31a, 31b, and 31c that define the outer edge of the electrode portion 31. The ends 31a and 31b define both ends of the electrode portion 31 in the second direction D2. The end 31a faces the internal electrode 40. The end 31b faces the side surface 1c. The end 31b faces the end 31a and extends in a direction parallel to the end 31a. The ends 31a and 31b extend in the first direction D1. The ends 31a and 31b extend in the first direction D1 so that the width of the electrode portion 31 in the second direction D2 is approximately constant. That is, the distance between the electrode portion 31 and the side surface 1c is approximately constant. The distance between the electrode portion 31 and the side surface 1c is, for example, the distance between the electrode portion 31 and the region 1c1. The width of the electrode portion 31 in the second direction D2 is approximately constant. The length of the end 31b is approximately equal to the width in the first direction D1 of the electrode portion 31. The end 31c faces the end face 1b. The end 31c connects the end 31a and the end 31b.

[0028] The internal electrode 30 includes ends 32a, 32b, and 33 that define the outer edge of the electrode portion 32. The end 32a extends in the first direction D1 and is continuous with the end 31a. The end 32a connects the end 31a to the end face 1a. The end 32b extends in the second direction D2 and is continuous with the end 31b. The end 32b extends in a direction intersecting the end 31b. The end 32b connects the end 31b to the side face 1c. The distance between the end 32b and the end face 1a in the first direction D1 approximately corresponds to the width of the electrode portion 32 in the first direction D1. The distance between the end 32a and the side face 1c in the second direction D2 approximately corresponds to the width of the electrode portion 32 in the second direction D2. The distance between the end 32a and the side face 1c is, for example, the distance between the end 32a and the region 1c1. The end 32b is exposed in the region 1c1.

[0029] The end 33 is exposed at the corresponding end face of the pair of end faces 1a, 1b and at the corresponding side face of the plurality of side faces 1c, 1d. That is, the end 33 is exposed at the end face 1a and the side face 1c. The end 33 connects the end 32a and the end 32b. The end 33 includes a portion 33a exposed at the end face 1a and a portion 33b exposed at the side face 1c. The portion 33a is connected to the external electrode 10 at the end face 1a, and the portion 33b is connected to the external electrode 10 at the side face 1c. The portion 33b is connected to the external electrode 10 at the regions 1c1 and 1c2. In this embodiment, the portion 33a is connected to the electrode portion 11 at the end face 1a, and the portion 33b is connected to the electrode portion 11 at the side face 1c. The portions 33a and 33b are covered by the electrode portion 11. The end 33 is not exposed at the end face 1b or the side faces 1d, 1e, and 1f. The internal electrode 30 is not exposed at the end face 1b or the side faces 1d, 1e, and 1f. The internal electrode 30 is spaced apart from the end face 1b and the side faces 1d, 1e, and 1f. The end 31c is located on the opposite side of the portion 33a in the first direction D1.

[0030] The internal electrode 40 includes an electrode portion 41 and an electrode portion 42. The electrode portion 41 and the electrode portion 42 are continuous with each other. The electrode portion 41 is arranged to face the internal electrode 30. The electrode portion 41 faces the electrode portion 31. In this embodiment, the electrode portion 41 faces the electrode portion 31 in the second direction D2. The electrode portion 41 functions as a discharge portion facing the electrode portion 31. The electrode portion 41 and the electrode portion 31 face each other and function as discharge portions. The electrode portion 41 is not exposed to any of the end faces 1a, 1b and the side faces 1c, 1d, 1e, and 1f. The electrode portion 41 is separated from the end faces 1a, 1b and the side faces 1c, 1d, 1e, and 1f. The electrode portion 42 is connected to the external electrode 20. The electrode portion 41 is electrically connected to the external electrode 20 via the electrode portion 42. The electrode portion 42 functions as a connection portion with the external electrode 20.

[0031] The internal electrode 40 includes ends 41a, 41b, and 41c that define the outer edge of the electrode portion 41. The ends 41a and 41b define both ends of the electrode portion 41 in the second direction D2. The end 41a faces the internal electrode 40. The end 41b faces the side surface 1d. The end 41b faces the end 41a and extends in a direction parallel to the end 41a. The ends 41a and 41b extend in the first direction D1. The ends 41a and 41b extend in the first direction D1 so that the width of the electrode portion 41 in the second direction D2 is approximately constant. That is, the distance between the electrode portion 41 and the side surface 1d is approximately constant. The distance between the electrode portion 41 and the side surface 1d is, for example, the distance between the electrode portion 41 and the region 1d1. The width of the electrode portion 41 in the second direction D2 is approximately constant. The length of end 41b is approximately the same as the width of electrode portion 41 in the first direction D1. The distance between end 42a and side surface 1d in the second direction D2 is approximately the same as the width of electrode portion 42 in the second direction D2. The distance between end 42a and side surface 1d is, for example, the distance between end 42a and region 1d1. End 41c faces end face 1a. End 41c connects end 41a and end 41b. End 41a extends approximately parallel to end 31a, and the distance between electrode portion 41 and electrode portion 31 in the second direction D2 is approximately constant.

[0032] The internal electrode 40 includes ends 42a, 42b, and 43 that define the outer edge of the electrode portion 42. The end 42a extends in the first direction D1 and is continuous with the end 41a. The end 42a connects the end 41a to the end face 1a. The end 42b extends in the second direction D2 and is continuous with the end 41b. The end 42b extends in a direction intersecting the end 41b. The end 42b connects the end 41b to the side face 1d. The distance between the end 42b and the end face 1b in the first direction D1 approximately corresponds to the width of the electrode portion 42 in the first direction D1. The distance between the end 42b and the side face 1d in the second direction D2 approximately corresponds to the width of the electrode portion 42 in the second direction D2. The end 42b is exposed in the region 1d1.

[0033] The end 43 is exposed on the corresponding end face of the pair of end faces 1a, 1b and on the corresponding side face of the plurality of side faces 1c, 1d. That is, the end 43 is exposed on the end face 1b and the side face 1d. The end 43 connects the end 42a and the end 42b. The end 43 includes a portion 43a exposed on the end face 1b and a portion 43b exposed on the side face 1d. The portion 43a is connected to the external electrode 20 at the end face 1b, and the portion 43b is connected to the external electrode 20 at the side face 1d. In this embodiment, the portion 43a is connected to the electrode portion 21 at the end face 1b, and the portion 43b is connected to the electrode portion 21 at the side face 1d. The portions 43a and 43b are covered by the electrode portion 21. The portion 43b is connected to the external electrode 10 in regions 1d1 and 1d3. When viewed from the third direction D3, the end 43 is arranged, for example, at a position diagonal to the end 33 of the insulator layer included in the element body 1. The ends 43 and 33 face each other in the diagonal direction. The end 43 is not exposed at the end face 1a or the side faces 1c, 1e, 1f. The internal electrode 40 is not exposed at the end face 1a or the side faces 1c, 1e, 1f. The internal electrode 40 is spaced apart from the end face 1a and the side faces 1c, 1e, 1f. The end 41c is located on the opposite side of the portion 43a in the first direction D1. For example, if the end 33 includes a first end, the end 43 includes a second end.

[0034] The internal electrode 30 has lengths L1 and L2 in the first direction D1. The length L1 indicates the width of the electrode portion 31 in the first direction D1. The electrode portion 31 is continuous with the electrode portion 32 and is spaced apart from the side surface 1c. The length L2 indicates the width of the electrode portion 32, including the end 33, in the first direction D1. In this embodiment, the sum of the lengths L1 and L2 indicates the width of the internal electrode 30 in the first direction D1. The internal electrode 30 has lengths L3 and L4 in the second direction D2. The length L3 indicates the length of the electrode portion 32 including the end 33 in the second direction D2. The length L4 indicates the distance in the second direction D2 between the electrode portion 31 spaced from the side surface 1c and the side surface 1c. The distance in the second direction D2 between the side surface 1c and the electrode portion 32 is, for example, the distance in the second direction D2 between the region 1c1 and the end 31b. In this embodiment, the length L3 indicates the maximum width of the internal electrode 30 in the second direction D2. Length L3 is, for example, equal to or greater than length L4. That is, the length of electrode portion 32 in the second direction D2 is equal to or greater than the distance in the second direction D2 between electrode portion 31 spaced from side surface 1c and side surface 1c. In this embodiment, length L1 is equal to or greater than length L3, and length L3 is equal to or greater than length L4. Length L1 is 30 to 75% of the length of element body 1 in the first direction D1. Length L4 is greater than zero.

[0035] The internal electrode 40 has lengths L5 and L6 in the first direction D1. The length L5 indicates the width of the electrode portion 41 in the first direction D1. The electrode portion 41 is continuous with the electrode portion 42 and is spaced apart from the side surface 1d. The length L6 indicates the width of the electrode portion 42, including the end 43, in the first direction D1. In this embodiment, the sum of the lengths L5 and L6 indicates the width of the internal electrode 40 in the first direction D1. The internal electrode 40 has lengths L7 and L8 in the second direction D2. The length L7 indicates the length of the electrode portion 42 including the end 43 in the second direction D2. The length L8 indicates the distance in the second direction D2 between the electrode portion 41 spaced from the side surface 1d and the side surface 1d. The distance in the second direction D2 between the side surface 1d and the electrode portion 42 is, for example, the distance in the second direction D2 between the region 1d1 and the end 41b. In this embodiment, the length L7 indicates the maximum width of the internal electrode 40 in the second direction D2. Length L7 is, for example, equal to or greater than length L8. That is, the length of electrode portion 42 in the second direction D2 is equal to or greater than the distance in the second direction D2 between electrode portion 41 spaced from side surface 1d and side surface 1d. In this embodiment, length L5 is equal to or greater than length L7, and length L7 is equal to or greater than length L8. Length L5 is 30 to 75% of the length of element body 1 in the first direction D1. Length L8 is greater than zero.

[0036] The internal electrodes 30, 40 contain a conductive material. The conductive material contained in the internal electrodes 30, 40 may include, for example, Ag, Pd, Au, Pt, Cu, Ni, Al, Mo, or W. The conductive material contained in the internal electrodes 30, 40 may include an Ag-Pd alloy, an Ag-Cu alloy, an Ag-Au alloy, or an Ag-Pt alloy. The internal electrodes 30, 40 are formed, for example, by applying a conductive paste onto an insulator green sheet by printing and firing the paste together with the insulator green sheet. The conductive paste contains the above-mentioned conductive material. The internal electrodes 30, 40 may also contain the same conductive material as the external electrodes 10, 20.

[0037] In this embodiment, a cavity 50 is formed in the element body 1. The cavity 50 is spaced apart from the outer surface of the element body 1. The electrode portions 31, 41 are exposed to the cavity 50. The cavity 50 is composed of a space 52 and a space 54. The space 52 is located closer to the side surface 1f than the space 54. The space 52 and the space 54 have a rectangular shape when viewed from the third direction D3.

[0038] The electrode portions 31 and 41 face each other across the space 52. The ends 31a and 41a define both ends of the space 52 in the second direction D2. The distance between the ends 31a and 41a is, for example, 10 to 60 μm. The space 54 expands so that the electrode portions 31 and 41 are exposed to the space 54. The space 54 overlaps with the space 52 and the electrode portions 31 and 41 when viewed from the third direction D3. In this embodiment, the space 54 overlaps with the entire space 52 and the electrode portions 31 and 41 when viewed from the third direction D3.

[0039] The transient voltage protection device ED1 includes a discharge auxiliary part 60. The discharge auxiliary part 60 is arranged within the element body 1. The discharge auxiliary part 60 is spaced apart from the outer surface of the element body 1. The discharge auxiliary part 60 induces a discharge to occur between the electrode part 31 and the electrode part 41. The discharge auxiliary part 60 is arranged within the element body 1 so as to be in contact with the electrode parts 31, 41.

[0040] Each of the electrode portions 31, 41 is in contact with the discharge auxiliary portion 60. The discharge auxiliary portion 60 is arranged in the element body 1 so as to be in contact with the space 52 and the electrode portions 31, 41. When viewed from the third direction D3, the discharge auxiliary portion 60 overlaps the space 52 and the electrode portions 31, 41. In this embodiment, when viewed from the third direction D3, the discharge auxiliary portion 60 overlaps the entire space 52 and the electrode portions 31, 41. When viewed from the third direction D3, the entire outer edge of the discharge auxiliary portion 60 is located, for example, inside the outer edge of the space 54. When viewed from the third direction D3, the space 54 extends outside the discharge auxiliary portion 60 around the entire periphery of the discharge auxiliary portion 60.

[0041] The discharge auxiliary part 60 includes a discharge-inducing material. The discharge-inducing material includes an insulator and metal particles. The insulator includes, for example, a ceramic material. The ceramic material includes, for example, Fe2O3, NiO, CuO, ZnO, MgO, SiO2, TiO2, MnCO3, SrCO3, CaCO3, BaCO3, Al2O3, ZrO2, or BO3. The discharge auxiliary part 60 may include only one of these ceramic materials or a mixture of two or more of them. The metal particles include, for example, Ag, Pd, Au, Pt, Ag-Pd alloy, Ag-Cu alloy, Ag-Au alloy, or Ag-Pt alloy. The discharge auxiliary part 60 may include semiconductor particles such as RuO2. The discharge auxiliary part 60 may include glass. The discharge auxiliary part 60 is formed, for example, by applying a slurry to an insulator green sheet by printing and firing the slurry together with the insulator green sheet. The slurry contains the ceramic material and metal particles. The internal electrodes 30, 40 may contain the same material as the external electrodes 10, 20. The thickness of the discharge auxiliary part 60, that is, the length of the discharge auxiliary part 60 in the third direction D3, is, for example, 1 to 20 μm.

[0042] The formation of the cavity 50 and the discharge auxiliary portion 60 is described below. To form the cavity 50 and the discharge auxiliary portion 60, first, multiple insulator green sheets are prepared. Each insulator green sheet has electrical insulation properties. A discharge inducing slurry is printed on one of the multiple insulator green sheets. The discharge inducing slurry contains a discharge inducing material for forming the discharge auxiliary portion 60. A conductive paste is printed on the insulator green sheet on which the discharge inducing slurry has been printed. The conductive paste contains a conductive material for forming the internal electrodes 30 and 40. A resin paste for forming the cavity 50 is printed on the insulator green sheet on which the conductive paste has been printed. The resin paste may contain, for example, an acrylic resin. For example, at least one other insulator green sheet is laminated on each side of the insulator green sheet on which the resin paste has been printed to form a laminate. The laminate is pressurized to pressure-bond the green sheets together. After pressure-bonding, the laminate is cut into chip units. The cut laminate is then subjected to a binder removal process. The resin paste is burned away during the firing process in the binder removal process, and the disappearance of the resin paste forms a cavity 50.

[0043] A transient voltage protection device ED2 according to a first modified example of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a plan view showing the internal electrodes. The transient voltage protection device ED2 is generally similar to or the same as the transient voltage protection device ED1 described above, but the transient voltage protection device ED2 differs from the transient voltage protection device ED1 in the configuration of the internal electrodes 30, 40. The following mainly describes the differences between the transient voltage protection device ED1 and the transient voltage protection device ED2.

[0044] The internal electrode 30 includes an electrode portion 31 and an electrode portion 32 . The electrode portion 31 includes an end 31a and an end 31b. The ends 31a and 31b define opposite ends of the electrode portion 31 in the second direction D2. The end 31a extends in the first direction D1. The distance between the end 31b and the side surface 1c in the second direction D2 increases toward the end 31c. That is, the distance between the electrode portion 31 and the side surface 1c increases toward the end 31c. The width of the electrode portion 31 in the second direction D2 decreases toward the end 31c. The electrode portion 32 includes an end 32a and an end 32b. The end 32a extends in a first direction D1. The end 32a is continuous with the end 31a. The end 32b extends in a second direction D2 that intersects with the end 31b. In the transient voltage protection device ED2, the length of the end 32b in the second direction D2 is shorter than the length of the end 32b in the transient voltage protection device ED1 in the second direction D2. The distance between the end 32b and the end face 1a in the first direction D1 approximately corresponds to the width of the electrode portion 32 in the first direction D1. The width of the electrode portion 32 in the first direction D1 approximately corresponds to the distance between the end 41c and the end face 1a in the first direction D1. The distance between the end 32a and the side surface 1c in the second direction D2 approximately corresponds to the width of the electrode portion 32 in the second direction D2. The end 32b is exposed in the region 1c1.

[0045] The internal electrode 40 includes an electrode portion 41 and an electrode portion 42 . The electrode portion 41 includes an end 41a and an end 41b. The ends 41a and 41b define opposite ends of the electrode portion 41 in the second direction D2. The end 41a extends in the first direction D1. The distance in the second direction D2 between the end 41b and the side surface 1c increases toward the end 41c. That is, the distance between the electrode portion 41 and the side surface 1d increases toward the end 41c. The width of the electrode portion 41 in the second direction D2 decreases toward the end 41c. The end 41a extends approximately parallel to the end 31a. The electrode portion 42 includes an end 42a and an end 42b. The end 42a extends in a first direction D1. The end 42a is continuous with the end 41a. The end 42b extends in a second direction D2 that intersects with the end 41b. In the transient voltage protection device ED2, the length of the end 42b in the second direction D2 is shorter than the length of the end 42b in the transient voltage protection device ED1 in the second direction D2. The distance between the end 42b and the end face 1b in the first direction D1 approximately matches the width of the electrode portion 42 in the first direction D1. The width of the electrode portion 42 in the first direction D1 approximately matches the distance between the end 31c and the end face 1b in the first direction D1. The distance between the end 42a and the side surface 1d in the second direction D2 approximately matches the width of the electrode portion 42 in the second direction D2. The end 42b is exposed in the region 1d1.

[0046] A transient voltage protection device ED3 according to a second modification of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a plan view showing the internal electrodes. The transient voltage protection device ED3 is generally similar to or the same as the transient voltage protection device ED1 described above, but the transient voltage protection device ED3 differs from the transient voltage protection device ED1 in the configuration of the internal electrodes 30, 40. The following mainly describes the differences between the transient voltage protection device ED1 and the transient voltage protection device ED3.

[0047] The internal electrode 30 includes an electrode portion 31 and an electrode portion 32 . The electrode portion 31 includes an end 31a and an end 31b. The ends 31a and 31b define opposite ends of the electrode portion 31 in the second direction D2. The end 31a extends in the first direction D1. The distance between the end 31b and the side surface 1c in the second direction D2 increases toward the end 31c. That is, the distance between the electrode portion 31 and the side surface 1c increases toward the end 31c. The width of the electrode portion 31 in the second direction D2 decreases toward the end 31c. The electrode portion 32 includes an end 32a and an end 32b. The end 32a extends in the first direction D1. The end 32a is continuous with the end 31a. The end 32b is included in the end 31b and coincides with one of the ends of the end 31b that is exposed on the side surface 1c. The distance between the end 32b and the end face 1a in the first direction D1 approximately corresponds to the width of the electrode portion 32 in the first direction D1. The width of the electrode portion 32 in the first direction D1 approximately corresponds to the distance between the end 41c and the end face 1a in the first direction D1. The distance between the end 32a and the side surface 1c in the second direction D2 approximately corresponds to the width of the electrode portion 32 in the second direction D2. The end 32b is exposed in the region 1c1.

[0048] The internal electrode 40 includes an electrode portion 41 and an electrode portion 42 . The electrode portion 41 includes an end 41a and an end 41b. The ends 41a and 41b define opposite ends of the electrode portion 41 in the second direction D2. The end 41a extends in the first direction D1. The distance between the end 41b and the side surface 1d in the second direction D2 increases toward the end 41c. That is, the distance between the electrode portion 41 and the side surface 1c increases toward the end 41c. The width of the electrode portion 41 in the second direction D2 decreases toward the end 41c. The end 41a extends approximately parallel to the end 31a. The electrode portion 42 includes an end 42a and an end 42b. The end 42a extends in the first direction D1. The end 42a is continuous with the end 41a. The end 42b is included in the end 41b and coincides with the portions of both ends of the end 41b that are exposed on the side surface 1d. The distance between the end 42b and the end face 1b in the first direction D1 approximately matches the width of the electrode portion 42 in the first direction D1. The width of the electrode portion 42 in the first direction D1 approximately matches the distance between the end 31c and the end face 1b in the first direction D1. The distance between the end 42a and the side surface 1d in the second direction D2 approximately matches the width of the electrode portion 42 in the second direction D2. The end 42b is exposed in the region 1d1.

[0049] A transient voltage protection device ED4 according to a third modification of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a plan view showing the internal electrodes. The transient voltage protection device ED4 is generally similar to or the same as the transient voltage protection device ED1 described above, but the transient voltage protection device ED3 differs from the transient voltage protection device ED1 in the configuration of the internal electrodes 30, 40. The following mainly describes the differences between the transient voltage protection device ED1 and the transient voltage protection device ED4.

[0050] The internal electrode 30 includes an electrode portion 31 and an electrode portion 32 . The electrode portion 31 includes an end 31a and an end 31b. The ends 31a and 31b define opposite ends of the electrode portion 31 in the second direction D2. The end 31a extends in the first direction D1. The distance between the end 31b and the side surface 1c in the second direction D2 increases toward the end 31c. That is, the distance between the electrode portion 31 and the side surface 1c increases toward the end 31c. The width of the electrode portion 31 in the second direction D2 decreases toward the end 31c. The electrode portion 32 includes an end 32a and an end 32b. The distance between the end 32a and the side surface 1c in the second direction D2 increases toward the end 31c. That is, the distance between the electrode portion 32 and the side surface 1c increases toward the end 31c. The width of the electrode portion 32 in the second direction D2 decreases toward the end 31c. The end 32b is continuous with the end 31b. The end 32b is exposed in the region 1c2. The distance in the first direction D1 between the portion of end 32b closest to end 31c and end face 1a approximately matches the width in the first direction D1 of electrode portion 32. The width in the first direction D1 of electrode portion 32 approximately matches the distance in the first direction D1 between end 41c and end face 1a. The distance in the second direction D2 between end 32a and side face 1c approximately matches the width of electrode portion 32 in the second direction D2.

[0051] The internal electrode 40 includes an electrode portion 41 and an electrode portion 42 . The electrode portion 41 includes an end 41a and an end 41b. The ends 41a and 41b define opposite ends of the electrode portion 41 in the second direction D2. The end 41a extends in the first direction D1. The distance between the end 41b and the side surface 1d in the second direction D2 increases toward the end 41c. That is, the distance between the electrode portion 41 and the side surface 1d increases toward the end 41c. The width of the electrode portion 41 in the second direction D2 decreases toward the end 41c. The end 41a extends approximately parallel to the end 31a. The electrode portion 42 includes an end 42a and an end 42b. The distance between the end 42a and the side surface 1c in the second direction D2 increases toward the end 41c. That is, the distance between the electrode portion 42 and the side surface 1c increases toward the end 41c. The width of the electrode portion 42 in the second direction D2 decreases toward the end 41c. The end 42b is continuous with the end 41b. The end 42b is exposed in the region 1d3. The distance in the first direction D1 between the portion of end 42b closest to end 41c and end face 1b approximately matches the width of electrode portion 42 in the first direction D1. The width of electrode portion 42 in the first direction D1 approximately matches the distance in the first direction D1 between end 31c and end face 1b. The distance in the second direction D2 between end 42a and side face 1d approximately matches the width of electrode portion 42 in the second direction D2.

[0052] As described above, in the transient voltage protection devices ED1 to ED4, when a discharge occurs between the internal electrodes 30 and 40, the internal electrodes 30 and 40 may generate heat. Heat generated in the internal electrode 30 is transferred to, for example, the external electrode 10 and dissipated from the external electrode 10. The internal electrode 30 is connected to the external electrode 10 at an end 33 exposed on the end face 1a and the side face 1c. A configuration in which the internal electrode 30 is connected to the external electrode 10 at the end 33 tends to increase the connection length between the internal electrode 30 and the external electrode 10 compared to a configuration in which the internal electrode 30 is connected to the external electrode 10 only on the end face 1a. Therefore, the transient voltage protection devices ED1 to ED4 easily transfer heat generated in the internal electrode 30 to the external electrode 10. Heat generated in the internal electrode 40 is transferred to, for example, the external electrode 20 and dissipated from the external electrode 20. The internal electrode 40 is connected to the external electrode 20 at an end 43 exposed on the end face 1b and the side face 1d. A configuration in which the internal electrode 40 is connected to the external electrode 20 at the end 43 tends to increase the connection length between the internal electrode 40 and the external electrode 20 compared to a configuration in which the internal electrode 40 is connected to the external electrode 20 only on the end face 1b. Therefore, the transient voltage protection devices ED1 to ED4 easily transfer heat generated in the internal electrode 40 to the external electrode 20. As a result, the transient voltage protection devices ED1 to ED4 can improve the heat transfer from the internal electrode 30 to the external electrode 10 and the heat transfer from the internal electrode 40 to the external electrode 20. The transient voltage protection devices ED1 to ED4 can suppress deterioration of the transient voltage protection characteristics.

[0053] In each of the transient voltage protection devices ED1 to ED4, the element body 1 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape with the direction in which the pair of end faces 1a, 1b face each other being the longitudinal direction. In the transient voltage protection devices ED1 to ED4, the distance between the locations where discharge occurs in the internal electrodes 30 and 40, i.e., the locations where heat is generated in the internal electrodes 30 and 40, and the end faces 1a and 1b tends to increase. In this case, in a configuration in which the internal electrodes 30 and 40 are connected to the external electrodes 10 and 20 only at the end faces 1a and 1b, respectively, the heat generated in the internal electrodes 30 and 40 is not easily transferred to the external electrodes 10 and 20, respectively. In other words, there is a risk that the heat transfer from the internal electrodes 30 and 40 to the external electrodes 10 and 20, respectively, will decrease. As described above, the configuration in which the internal electrode 30 includes the end 33 and the internal electrode 40 includes the end 43 can improve the heat transfer from the internal electrode 30 and the internal electrode 40 to the external electrode 10 and the external electrode 20. Therefore, even in the configuration in which the element body 1 has the above-mentioned rectangular parallelepiped shape, the heat transfer from the internal electrode 30 and the internal electrode 40 to the external electrode 10 and the external electrode 20 is unlikely to decrease.

[0054] In transient voltage protection devices ED1 to ED4, the multiple side surfaces 1c, 1d, 1e, and 1f include side surfaces 1c and 1d that face each other. External electrode 10 includes electrode portions 11 that are located on end surface 1a and side surface 1c and are connected to end 33. External electrode 20 includes electrode portions 21 that are located on end surface 1b and side surface 1d and are connected to end 43. In the transient voltage protection devices ED1 to ED4, the position where the electrode portion 11 and the end 33 are connected can be separated from the position where the electrode portion 21 and the end 43 are connected. In the transient voltage protection devices ED1 to ED4, the position where heat generated in the internal electrode 30 is dissipated from the external electrode 10 can be separated from the position where heat generated in the internal electrode 40 is dissipated from the external electrode 20. Therefore, the transient voltage protection devices ED1 to ED4 can effectively dissipate heat generated in the internal electrodes 30 and 40. As a result, the heat transfer from the internal electrode 30 to the external electrode 10 and the heat transfer from the internal electrode 40 to the external electrode 20 can be further improved. The transient voltage protection devices ED1 to ED4 can further suppress deterioration of the transient voltage protection characteristics.

[0055] In each of the transient voltage protection devices ED1 to ED4, a cavity 50 is formed in the element body 1. The internal electrode 30 and the internal electrode 40 face each other. The internal electrode 30 includes an electrode portion 31 exposed in the cavity 50, and the internal electrode 40 includes an electrode portion 41 exposed in the cavity 50. In the transient voltage protection devices ED1 to ED4, discharge can occur between the electrode portion 31 and the electrode portion 41 exposed to the cavity 50. Thus, the transient voltage protection devices ED1 to ED4 can define the location where discharge occurs. When a discharge occurs between the electrode portion 31 and the electrode portion 41 exposed to the cavity 50, the electrode portion 31 and the electrode portion 41 exposed to the cavity 50 may generate heat. The heat generated in the electrode portion 31 and the electrode portion 41 exposed to the cavity 50 can be dissipated into the cavity 50. Therefore, the transient voltage protection devices ED1 to ED4 can improve the heat dissipation performance of the internal electrodes 30 and 40. As a result, the transient voltage protection devices ED1 to ED4 can further suppress deterioration of the transient voltage protection characteristics.

[0056] The transient voltage protection devices ED1 to ED4 each include a discharge auxiliary section 60 disposed within the element body 1. The internal electrode 30 and the internal electrode 40 face each other. The internal electrode 30 includes an electrode portion 31 in contact with the discharge auxiliary section 60, and the internal electrode 40 includes an electrode portion 41 in contact with the discharge auxiliary section 60. In the transient voltage protection devices ED1 to ED4, discharge can occur between the electrode portion 31 and the electrode portion 41 that are in contact with the discharge auxiliary portion 60. Therefore, the transient voltage protection devices ED1 to ED4 can reliably define the location where discharge occurs. When a discharge occurs between the electrode portion 31 and the electrode portion 41 in contact with the discharge auxiliary portion, the electrode portion 31 and the electrode portion 41 in contact with the discharge auxiliary portion 60 may generate heat. The heat generated in the electrode portion 31 and the electrode portion 41 in contact with the discharge auxiliary portion 60 may be transferred to the discharge auxiliary portion 60. Therefore, the transient voltage protection devices ED1 to ED4 can improve the heat dissipation performance of the internal electrodes 30 and 40. As a result, the transient voltage protection devices ED1 to ED4 can further suppress deterioration of the transient voltage protection characteristics.

[0057] The above describes embodiments and modifications of the present invention, but the present invention is not necessarily limited to the above-described embodiments and modifications, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0058] In this embodiment and its modifications, the internal electrodes 30 and 40 have configurations that are symmetrical with respect to each other in the diagonal direction of the element body 1, for example. The configurations of the internal electrodes 30 and 40 may be asymmetrical with respect to each other. Therefore, the internal electrode 30 may have the configuration described in this embodiment, and the internal electrode 40 may have the configuration described in any of the first to third modifications. The internal electrode 30 may have the configuration described in any of the first to third modifications, and the internal electrode 40 may have the configuration described in this embodiment. The internal electrode 30 may have the configuration described in the first modification, and the internal electrode 40 may have the configuration described in any of the second and third modifications. The internal electrode 30 may have the configuration described in any of the second and third modifications, and the internal electrode 40 may have the configuration described in the first modification.

[0059] In the transient voltage protection devices ED1 to ED4, the cavity 50 does not have to be formed in the element body 1. In a configuration in which the cavity 50 is formed in the element body 1, as described above, heat generated in the electrode portions 31 and 41 exposed to the cavity 50 can be dissipated into the cavity 50. Therefore, the transient voltage protection devices ED1 to ED4 can improve the heat dissipation performance of the internal electrodes 30 and 40. As a result, the transient voltage protection devices ED1 to ED4 can further suppress deterioration of the transient voltage protection characteristics. The transient voltage protection devices ED1 to ED4 do not necessarily have to include the discharge auxiliary unit 60 disposed within the element body 1. In a configuration including the discharge auxiliary unit 60 disposed within the element body 1, as described above, heat generated in the electrode portion 31 and the electrode portion 41 that are in contact with the discharge auxiliary unit 60 can be transferred to the discharge auxiliary unit 60. Therefore, the transient voltage protection devices ED1 to ED4 can improve the heat dissipation performance of the internal electrodes 30 and 40. As a result, the transient voltage protection devices ED1 to ED4 can further suppress deterioration of the transient voltage protection characteristics.

[0060] As can be understood from the above description of the embodiments and modifications, the present specification includes disclosure of the following aspects. (Appendix 1) an element body including a pair of end faces facing each other and a plurality of side faces connecting the pair of end faces; a first external electrode disposed on a corresponding one of the pair of end faces and a corresponding one of the plurality of side faces; a second external electrode spaced apart from the first external electrode and disposed on a corresponding one of the pair of end faces and a corresponding one of the side faces; a first internal electrode disposed within the element body and connected to the first external electrode; a second internal electrode disposed within the element body and connected to the second external electrode; Equipped with the first internal electrode includes a first end exposed to the corresponding end surface and the corresponding side surface and connected to the first external electrode; The second inner electrode includes a second end exposed to the corresponding end surface and the corresponding side surface and connected to the second outer electrode. (Appendix 2) 2. The transient voltage protection device according to claim 1, wherein the element body has a rectangular parallelepiped shape with the pair of end faces facing each other as a longitudinal direction. (Appendix 3) the plurality of side surfaces include a first side surface and a second side surface opposed to each other, the first external electrode includes a first electrode portion located on the corresponding end surface and the first side surface and connected to the first end; 3. The transient voltage protection device of claim 1, wherein the second external electrode includes a second electrode portion located on the corresponding end surface and the second side surface and connected to the second end. (Appendix 4) A cavity is formed in the element body, 4. The transient voltage protection device according to claim 1, wherein the first internal electrode and the second internal electrode include electrode portions that face each other and are exposed to the cavity. (Appendix 5) Further, a discharge auxiliary part is provided within the element body, 4. The transient voltage protection device according to claim 1, wherein the first internal electrode and the second internal electrode include electrode portions that face each other and are in contact with the discharge auxiliary portion. [Explanation of symbols]

[0061] 1...element body, 1a, 1b...end faces, 1c, 1d, 1e, 1f...side faces, 10...external electrode, 11...electrode portion, 20...external electrode, 21...electrode portion, 30...internal electrode, 31...electrode portion, 32...electrode portion, 33...end, 40...internal electrode, 41...electrode portion, 42...electrode portion, 43...end, 50...cavity, 60...discharge auxiliary portion, ED1, ED2, ED3, ED4...transient voltage protection device.

Claims

1. an element body including a pair of end faces facing each other and a plurality of side faces connecting the pair of end faces; a first external electrode disposed on a corresponding one of the pair of end faces and a corresponding one of the plurality of side faces; a second external electrode spaced apart from the first external electrode and disposed on a corresponding one of the pair of end faces and a corresponding one of the side faces; a first internal electrode disposed within the element body and connected to the first external electrode; a second internal electrode disposed within the element body and connected to the second external electrode; Equipped with the plurality of side surfaces include a first side surface and a second side surface opposed to each other, the first internal electrode includes a first end exposed only to the corresponding end surface and the first side surface and connected to the first external electrode, and is connected to the first external electrode only at the first end; the second internal electrode includes a second end that is exposed only to the corresponding end face and the second side face and is connected to the second external electrode, and is connected to the second external electrode only at the second end.

2. The transient voltage protection device according to claim 1 , wherein the element body has a rectangular parallelepiped shape with the direction in which the pair of end faces face each other being a longitudinal direction.

3. the first external electrode includes a first electrode portion located on the corresponding end surface and the first side surface and connected to the first end; The transient voltage protection device of claim 1 , wherein the second external electrode includes a second electrode portion located on the corresponding end surface and the second side surface and connected to the second end.

4. A cavity is formed in the element body, The transient voltage protection device of claim 1 , wherein the first internal electrode and the second internal electrode include electrode portions that face each other and are exposed to the cavity.

5. Further, a discharge auxiliary part is provided within the element body, The transient voltage protection device according to claim 1 , wherein the first internal electrode and the second internal electrode include electrode portions that face each other and are in contact with the discharge auxiliary portion.

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