CERAMIC ELECTRONIC COMPONENT

A ceramic electronic component of the present disclosure includes a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, and a side surface interconnecting the first surface and the second surface, wherein a first base electrode is on the first surface, a side electrode connected to the first base electrode is on the side surface, and a ceramic protective layer covers at least a portion of an outline of at least one external electrode selected from the group consisting of the first base electrode and the side electrode.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Field of the Disclosure

The present disclosure relates to a ceramic electronic component.

Description of the Related Art

One known example of multilayer ceramic electronic components to be mounted on a mounting substrate is a multilayer ceramic substrate having a structure in which an external terminal electrode is provided along a main surface of a component body including a stack of multiple ceramic layers.

For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses a multilayer ceramic electronic component to be mounted on a mounting substrate, including: a component body including a stack of multiple ceramic layers; an inner conductor inside the component body; an external terminal electrode obtained by baking a conductive paste on a first main surface of the component body and electrically connected to the mounting substrate, the first main surface extending in a direction in which the ceramic layers extend; an exposed portion exposed at the first main surface; and an embedded portion extending in an embedded manner inside the component body in at least a portion of a periphery of the exposed portion, wherein a ceramic composition in a covering ceramic layer (insulating cover layer) covering the embedded portion and exposed at the first main surface is different from a ceramic composition in a base ceramic layer defining the component body excluding the covering ceramic layer.Patent Literature 1: JP 2012-164784 A

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The external terminal electrode of the multilayer ceramic electronic component disclosed in Patent Literature 1 is easily separated from the first main surface or cracked when stress is concentrated on the outline of the external terminal electrode.

The multilayer ceramic electronic component disclosed in Patent Literature 1 may include an additional external terminal electrode on another main surface opposite to the first main surface. The multilayer ceramic electronic component may include a side electrode on its side surface in order to interconnect the external terminal electrodes on the first main surface and the main surface opposite to the first main surface.

When stress is concentrated on the outline of the side electrode, the side electrode is easily separated from the side surface of the multilayer ceramic electronic component or cracked.

In other words, in the multilayer ceramic electronic component disclosed in Patent Literature 1, the external terminal electrodes and the side electrode defining external electrodes on the surfaces of the multilayer ceramic electronic component are insufficient in strength.

The present disclosure was made to solve the above issues. The present disclosure aims to provide a ceramic electronic component capable of preventing separation of an external electrode from a surface of the ceramic electronic component and cracking of the external electrode, even when stress is concentrated on the external electrode of the ceramic electronic component.

The ceramic electronic component of the present disclosure includes a first surface; a second surface opposite to the first surface; and a side surface interconnecting the first surface and the second surface, wherein a first base electrode is on the first surface; a side electrode connected to the first base electrode is on the side surface, the first base electrode and the side electrode serve as an external electrode, and a ceramic protective layer covers at least a portion of an outline of the external electrode.

The ceramic electronic component of the present disclosure can prevent separation of an external electrode from a surface of the ceramic electronic component and prevent cracking of the external electrode, even when stress is concentrated on the external electrode of the ceramic electronic component.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

Hereinafter, the ceramic electronic component of the present disclosure is described.

The present disclosure is not limited to the following preferred embodiments, and may be suitably modified without departing from the gist of the present disclosure. Combinations of two or more preferred features described in the following preferred embodiments are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

The ceramic electronic component of the present disclosure includes a first surface; a second surface opposite to the first surface; and a side surface interconnecting the first surface and the second surface, wherein a first base electrode is on the first surface; a side electrode connected to the first base electrode is on the side surface, the first base electrode and the side electrode serve as an external electrode, and a ceramic protective layer covers at least a portion of an outline of the external electrode.

As long as the above features are satisfied, the ceramic electronic component of the present disclosure may include any features within the range in which the effect of the present disclosure is obtained.

The following embodiments are examples, and features of different embodiments can be partially exchanged or combined with each other. In the second embodiment and subsequent embodiments, a description of features common to the first embodiment is omitted, and only different points are described. In particular, similar effects by similar features are not mentioned in each embodiment.

In the following description, the ceramic electronic component of each embodiment is simply referred to as “the ceramic electronic component of the present disclosure” when no distinction is made between the embodiments.

First Embodiment

FIG.1is a schematic perspective view of an example of a ceramic electronic component according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG.2is a schematic view of an example of the ceramic electronic component according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure viewed from a direction perpendicular to a first surface.

FIG.3is a schematic view of an example of the ceramic electronic component according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure viewed from a direction perpendicular to a side surface.

FIG.4is a schematic view of an example of the ceramic electronic component according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure viewed from a direction perpendicular to a second surface.

As shown inFIG.1toFIG.4, a ceramic electronic component1includes a ceramic substrate10including a first surface11, a second surface12opposite to the first surface11, and a side surface13interconnecting the first surface11and the second surface12.

The first surface11and the side surface13define a first ridgeline31, and the second surface12and the side surface define a second ridgeline32.

A first base electrode21is on the first surface11. A second base electrode22is on the second surface12. A side electrode23interconnecting the first base electrode21and the second base electrode22is on the side surface13.

The first base electrode21, the second base electrode22, and the side electrode23define an external electrode of the ceramic electronic component1. In the following description, the first base electrode21, the second base electrode22, and the side electrode23are collectively referred to as “the external electrode” when no distinction needs to be made.

As shown inFIG.2, the first base electrode21has a rectangular shape in a plan view, and three first base electrodes21are formed along each of an upper first ridgeline31aand a lower first ridgeline31b.

As shown inFIG.4, the second base electrode22has a rectangular shape in a plan view. Three second base electrodes22are formed along each of an upper second ridgeline32aand a lower second ridgeline32b.

The ceramic electronic component1includes six first base electrodes21on the first surface11and six second base electrodes22on the second surface12. However, the ceramic electronic component of the present disclosure may have any number (one or more) of base elements.

For the sake of convenience, the description herein describes the first ridgeline on the upper side inFIG.2as “the upper first ridgeline31a” and the first ridgeline on the lower side inFIG.2as “the lower first ridgeline31b”. However, in the actual use of the ceramic electronic component1, the first ridgeline31ais not necessarily located on the upper side, and the first ridgeline31bis not necessarily located on the lower side. The same applies to the second ridgelines shown inFIG.4.

The ceramic electronic component of the present disclosure may include only one or more first base electrodes21on the first surface11and may include only one or more second base electrodes22on the second surface12.

A first end23aof each side electrode23extends onto the first base electrode21across the first ridgeline31.

A second end23bof each side electrode23extends onto the second base electrode22across the second ridgeline32.

A ceramic protective layer40is on at least a portion of the outline of each first base electrode21.

The ceramic protective layer40, when formed, establishes a ceramic-to-ceramic bond between the ceramic substrate10and the ceramic protective layer40, which is stronger than the bond between the ceramic substrate10and each first base electrode21. Thus, separation of the first base electrode21from the surface of the ceramic electronic component1and cracking of the first base electrode21can be prevented, even when stress is concentrated on the first base electrode21.

The ceramic electronic component1includes no ceramic protective layer on the outline of each second base electrode22and the outline of each side electrode23.

Here, the shape of each first base electrode21is described in detail.

FIG.5is an enlarged view of a portion surrounded by a broken line inFIG.2.

The first base electrode21shown inFIG.5has a rectangular shape in a plan view.

The outline of the first base electrode21is defined by a first line segment21a, a second line segment21b, a third line segment21c, and a fourth line segment21d. The first line segment21ais parallel to the third line segment21c, and the second line segment21bis parallel to the fourth line segment21d. The first line segment21ainterconnects the second line segment21band the fourth line segment21d, and the third line segment21cinterconnects the second line segment21band the fourth line segment21d.

The first line segment21acoincides with the first ridgeline31.

The ceramic protective layer40covers the second line segment21band the fourth line segment21d, and the third line segment21cis exposed.

As described later, each side electrode23may be formed by the dipping method. In this case, blur may be generated in the side electrode23, and the side electrode23may protrude from the outline of the first base electrode21and may be formed on the first surface11other than the first base electrode21.

However, the ceramic protective layer40, when formed, can block the blur of the side electrode23and prevent formation of the side electrode23on the first surface11other than the first base electrode21.

As described above, the first end23aof each side electrode23extends onto the first base electrode21across the first ridgeline31.

Here, a description is given on the shape of the first end23aof the side electrode23on each first base electrode21.

FIG.6Ais a schematic plan view of an example shape of a first end of a side electrode on a corresponding first base electrode of the ceramic electronic component according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG.6Bis a schematic plan view of another example shape of the first end of each side electrode on the corresponding first base electrode of the ceramic electronic component according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

In the ceramic electronic component according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown inFIG.6A, the first end23aof each side electrode23on the first surface11may be inside the outline of the corresponding first base electrode21.

In the ceramic electronic component according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown inFIG.6B, the ceramic protective layer40covers a portion of the outline of each first base electrode21. The first end23aof each side electrode23may cover both the first base electrode21and the ceramic protective layer40.

In any form, the first end23aof each side electrode23can be in contact with the corresponding first base electrode21, so that the side electrode23can interconnect the first base electrode21and the second base electrode22.

Preferably, the first end23aof each side electrode23is inside the outline of the corresponding first base electrode21. The reason is explained below with reference to the drawings.

FIG.6Cis a schematic plan view of an example case where the ceramic electronic component includes no protective layer on each first base electrode and the first end of each side electrode protrudes from the outline of the corresponding first base electrode.

As shown inFIG.6C, when no protective layer is on each first base electrode21and the first end23aof each side electrode23protrudes from the outline of the corresponding first base electrode21, the end23aof each side electrode23extends onto the first surface11, beyond the region where the first base electrode21is formed.

Thus, parasitic capacitance is generated between the internal electrode and the end23aof each side electrode23which extends beyond the region of the first base electrode21.

As shown inFIG.6C, in each first base electrode21, the end23aof the side electrode23which extends beyond the region of the first base electrode21easily varies in size, causing variation in characteristics.

However, as shown inFIG.6AandFIG.6B, when the first end23aof the side electrode23is inside the outline of the first base electrode21, the variation in electrode area on each of the first surface11and the second surface12is reduced, so that the variation in characteristics is less likely to occur.

The width (the width indicated with a reference sign W inFIG.3) of the end23aof each side electrode23can be adjusted by the following method, for example. When the side electrodes23are formed by the dipping method, the width of the end23aof each side electrode23to be formed can be adjusted by adjusting the dip width. The width of the end23aof each side electrode23may be adjusted by masking the first base electrode21or the like.

When the side electrodes23are formed by screen printing, the width of the end23aof each side electrode23can be adjusted by adjusting the opening width of a metal mask.

FIG.7Ais a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A inFIG.2.

As shown inFIG.7A, in the ceramic electronic component1, the first base electrodes21and the ceramic protective layers40are embedded in the ceramic substrate10. The surface of each first base electrode21and the surface of each ceramic protective layer40are flush with the first surface11. In the ceramic electronic component of the present disclosure, the surface of each first base electrode and the surface of each ceramic protective layer may not be flush with the first surface, and the first base electrodes and the ceramic protective layers may protrude from the ceramic substrate, forming protrusions or may be pushed into the ceramic substrate, forming recesses.

When each first base electrode21and each ceramic protective layer40are embedded in the ceramic substrate10as described above, each first base electrode21is less susceptible to stress from a side of the first base electrode21, so that separation of the first base electrode21from the surface of the ceramic electronic component1and cracking of the first base electrode21can be prevented.

The ceramic electronic component1includes internal electrodes25, vias26, and the like inside the ceramic substrate10.

The internal electrodes25, the vias26, and the like are not limited, and those of the usual form with which the ceramic electronic component1can function are preferred.

In the ceramic electronic component1, preferably, the first surface11is a mounting surface.

When the first surface11is a mounting surface, stress is easily concentrated on the first base electrode21. However, in the ceramic electronic component1, each ceramic protective layer40covers the second line segment21band the fourth line segment21dof the corresponding first base electrode21, which improves the mechanical strength (deflection strength, drop strength, adhesion strength, etc.) at the time of mounting. Thus, separation of the first base electrode21from the first surface11(the mounting surface) and cracking of the first base electrode21can be prevented, even when stress is concentrated on the first base electrode21.

As shown inFIG.7A, in the ceramic electronic component1, the second base electrodes22are embedded in the ceramic substrate10, and the surface of each second base electrode22is flush with the second surface. In the ceramic electronic component of the present disclosure, the second base electrodes may protrude from the ceramic substrate, forming protrusions, or may be pushed into the ceramic substrate, forming recesses.

FIG.7Bis a modified example ofFIG.7A.

Due to pressing conditions during production of the ceramic electronic component1or due to blur of printing during formation of the first base electrodes21, the second base electrodes22, the ceramic protective layer40, and the like, there are cases where the end of each member is deformed or rounded as shown inFIG.7B.

The ceramic electronic component1in such form is also the ceramic electronic component according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

Next, preferred materials and the like of each element of the ceramic electronic component are described.

The ceramic substrate10may be a sintered body of a laminate of ceramic green sheets. The ceramic green sheets can be molded, for example, by doctor blading a ceramic slurry on a carrier film.

The ceramic slurry may contain, for example, a ceramic powder, a binder, and a plasticizer. The ceramic material may be, for example, a low temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) material. The low temperature co-fired ceramic material is a ceramic material that can be sintered at a temperature of 1000° C. or lower and that can be co-fired with low-resistive materials such as Au, Ag, Cu, and the like. Specific examples of the low temperature co-fired ceramic material include glass composite-based low temperature co-fired ceramic materials obtained by mixing a ceramic powder of alumina, zirconia, magnesia, forsterite, or the like with borosilicate glass; crystallized glass-based low temperature co-fired ceramic materials containing ZnO—MgO—Al2O3—SiO2; and non-glass-based low temperature co-fired ceramic materials containing BaO—Al2O3—SiO2-based ceramic powder, Al2O3—CaO—SiO2—MgO—B2O3-based ceramic powder, or the like.

The thickness of each ceramic green sheet is preferably 5 μm or more and 100 μm or less, for example.

The external electrodes including the first base electrodes21, the second base electrodes22, and the side electrodes23may be formed by firing a conductive paste.

The conductive paste may contain any component. For example, it may contain a conductive metal material, a binder, a plasticizer, and the like. A co-base material (ceramic powder) for adjusting the shrinkage rate may be added to the conductive paste. Examples of conductive metal materials contained in the conductive paste include metals containing at least one of Ag, a Ag—Pt alloy, a Ag—Pd alloy, Cu, Ni, Pt, Pd, W, Mo, and Au as a main component. Among these conductive metal materials, Ag, a Ag—Pt alloy, a Ag—Pd alloy, and Cu are more preferably used particularly for conductive patterns for high frequency applications because these materials have low resistivity.

The conductive paste may or may not contain a glass component.

When the conductive paste contains a glass component, the sinterability between the external electrodes and the electronic component body can be improved.

In contrast, when the conductive paste does not contain a glass component, the metal in the conductive paste has a higher purity, so that the metal in the external electrodes to be formed also has a higher purity. This can reduce the resistance of the external electrodes.

An external electrode having desired electrical characteristics and structure can be obtained by adjusting the proportion of the glass component in the conductive paste.

The ceramic protective layer may be a fired product of a ceramic paste for ceramic protective layers, which is obtained by adding an appropriate amount of an alumina (Al2O3) powder to a ceramic powder for the ceramic slurry and mixing them together to obtain a mixed raw material powder, dispersing the mixed raw material powder in an organic vehicle, and kneading.

The organic vehicle is a mixture of a binder and a solvent. The types of the binder and the solvent and the mixing ratio are not limited. Examples of the organic vehicle that can be used include solutions of acrylic resin, alkyd resin, butyral resin, ethyl cellulose, and the like in alcohols such as terpineol, isopropylene alcohol, butyl carbitol, and butyl carbitol acetate. If necessary, various types of dispersants, plasticizers, and activators may be added.

Next, another form of the ceramic electronic component according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure is described.

FIG.8Ais a schematic view of another example of the ceramic electronic component according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure viewed from a direction perpendicular to the first surface.

FIG.8Bis a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B inFIG.8A.

FIG.8Cis a schematic view of another example of the ceramic electronic component according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure viewed from a direction perpendicular to the side surface.

A ceramic electronic component101shown inFIG.8A,FIG.8B, andFIG.8Chas the same features as the ceramic electronic component1, except that a plating layer50is on a surface of each side electrode23.

The plating layer50on the surface of the side electrode23functions as a barrier layer and can prevent solder leaching. Use of a material compatible with solder as a component of the plating layer50can improve the solder wettability.

Preferably, the plating layer50is formed by Sn/Ni plating or Au/Ni plating, although not limited thereto.

In the ceramic electronic component according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, the layout of the ceramic protective layers is not limited as long as each ceramic protective layer covers at least a portion of the outline of each first base electrode.

For example, the ceramic electronic component according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure may include the first base electrodes and the ceramic protective layers at positions shown in the following drawings.

FIG.9AtoFIG.9Fare each a schematic view of an example layout of the ceramic protective layers when the ceramic electronic component according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure is viewed from a direction perpendicular to the first surface.

A ceramic electronic component1ashown inFIG.9Ahas the same features as the ceramic electronic component1, except that the ceramic protective layer40covers the third line segment21cand that the second line segment21band the fourth line segment21dare exposed.

A ceramic electronic component1bshown inFIG.9Bhas the same features as the ceramic electronic component1, except that the ceramic protective layer40covers the second line segments21b, the third line segments21c, and the fourth line segment21d.

A ceramic electronic component1cshown inFIG.9Chas the same features as the ceramic electronic component1, except that the ceramic protective layer40covers the second line segment21b, the third line segment21c, and the fourth line segment21dof the first base electrode21at each end among the first base electrodes21along the first ridgelines31(31a,31b) and that the second line segment21b, the third line segment21c, and the fourth line segment21dof each first base electrode21at a position other than the both ends are exposed.

A ceramic electronic component1dshown inFIG.9Dhas the same features as the ceramic electronic component1a, except that the ceramic protective layer40continuously covers the third line segments21cof the respective first base electrodes21.

A ceramic electronic component1eshown inFIG.9Ehas the same features as the ceramic electronic component1d, except that the ceramic protective layer40covering the third line segments21cof the respective first base electrodes21along the upper first ridgeline31ais connected to the ceramic protective layer40covering the third line segments21cof the respective first base electrodes21along the lower first ridgeline31b.

A ceramic electronic component if shown inFIG.9Fhas the same features as the ceramic electronic component1, except that it includes two first base electrodes21along the upper first ridgeline31a, two first base electrodes21along the lower first ridgeline31bas shown inFIG.9F, one first base electrode21along a right first ridgeline31c, and one first base electrode21along a left first ridgeline31das shown inFIG.9Fand that the ceramic protective layer40covers the second line segment21band the fourth line segment21dof each first base electrode21, and the third line segment21cis exposed.

Preferably, the positions where the ceramic protective layers40are formed are suitably set according to an electronic component to be mounted on the ceramic electronic component1.

Next, the method of producing the ceramic electronic component according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure is described.

The method of producing the ceramic electronic component according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure includes a base element forming step, a ceramic protective layer forming step, a laminating step, a pressing step, a cutting step, a side electrode forming step, and a firing step.

Each step is described below.

FIG.10Ais a schematic cross-sectional view of an example of a base element forming step during production of the ceramic electronic component according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

In this step, as shown inFIG.10A, a ceramic green sheet10ais stacked on a carrier film61. Subsequently, the first base electrodes21in a raw state are formed on a surface of the ceramic green sheet10a.

The surface of the ceramic green sheet10aon which the first base electrodes21in a raw state are formed is a surface that becomes the first surface11of the ceramic substrate10after the subsequent steps.

A ceramic green sheet10bis stacked on another carrier film62. Subsequently, the second base electrodes22in a raw state are formed on a surface of the ceramic green sheet10b. The surface of the ceramic green sheet10bon which the second base electrode22in a raw state are formed is a surface that becomes the second surface12of the ceramic substrate10after the subsequent steps.

The first base electrodes21in a raw state and the second base electrodes22in a raw state can be formed by applying and drying a conductive paste.

FIG.10Bis a schematic cross-sectional view of an example of a ceramic protective layer forming step during production of the ceramic electronic component according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

In this step, as shown inFIG.10B, the ceramic protective layer40in a raw state is formed to cover at least a portion of the outline of each first base electrode21.

The ceramic protective layers40in a raw state can be formed by screen printing a ceramic paste onto a desired portion, using a metal mask with openings.

FIG.10Cis a schematic cross-sectional view of an example of a laminating step during production of the ceramic electronic component according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

In this step, as shown inFIG.10C, a ceramic laminate70including the internal electrodes25and the vias26is prepared.

Subsequently, the ceramic green sheet10ais separated from the carrier film61and stacked on the bottom of the ceramic laminate such that the first base electrodes21in a raw state face outside.

The ceramic green sheet10bis separated from the carrier film62and stacked on the top of the ceramic laminate such that the second base electrodes22in a raw state face outside.

The ceramic laminate70can be produced by a conventionally known method.

FIG.10Dis a schematic cross-sectional view of an example of a pressing step during production of the ceramic electronic component according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

Subsequently, the ceramic green sheet10a, the ceramic laminate70, and the ceramic green sheet10bare pressed. The pressing conditions are not limited, but pressing, for example, at 50 to 200 MPa is preferred. By the pressing step, as shown inFIG.10D, the first base electrodes21in a raw state and the ceramic protective layers40in a raw state are embedded into the ceramic green sheet10a, and the second base electrodes22in a raw state are embedded into the ceramic green sheet10b.

FIG.10Eis a schematic cross-sectional view of an example of a cutting step during production of the ceramic electronic component according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

Next, as shown inFIG.10E, the laminate including the ceramic green sheet10a, the ceramic laminate70, and the ceramic green sheet10bis cut at positions each passing through the first base electrode21and the second base electrode22, whereby a chip2is produced.

Subsequently, the chip2may be rounded by barrel finishing.

FIG.10Fis a schematic cross-sectional view of an example of a side electrode forming step during production of the ceramic electronic component according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

Next, as shown inFIG.10F, the side electrodes23in a raw state are formed on the respective side surfaces of the chip2by the dipping method. At this time, each side electrode23in a raw state is formed to interconnect the first base electrode21in a raw state and the second base electrode22in a raw state.

On each side surface of the chip2, a ceramic water repellent film is formed at a portion where the side electrode23is not intended to be formed so as to prevent the formation of the side electrode23.

The side electrodes23in a raw state may be formed by screen printing.

FIG.10Gis a schematic cross-sectional view of an example of a firing step during production of the ceramic electronic component according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

Next, as shown inFIG.10G, the chip2is fired into the ceramic electronic component1. At this time, the ceramic green sheets and the ceramic laminate are fired into a ceramic substrate.

The firing conditions are not limited, but firing at 900° C. to 1000° C. is preferred.

The ceramic electronic component1can be produced by the above steps.

Second Embodiment

FIG.11is a schematic cross-sectional view of an example of a ceramic electronic component according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

A ceramic electronic component201shown inFIG.11has the same features as the ceramic electronic component1shown inFIG.7B, except that the ceramic protective layer40covers a portion of the outline of each second base electrode22.

The ceramic protective layer40covering a portion of the outline of each second base electrode22can prevent separation of the second base electrode22from the surface of the ceramic electronic component201and cracking of the second base electrode22, even when stress is concentrated on the second base electrode22.

The form of the protective layer on each second base electrode may be the same as that of the ceramic protective layer on each first base electrode of the ceramic electronic component according to the first embodiment.

Third Embodiment

FIG.12is a schematic view of an example of a ceramic electronic component according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure viewed from a direction perpendicular to a side surface.

In a ceramic electronic component301shown inFIG.12, the ceramic protective layer40covers the outline of each side23sof each side electrode23.

The ceramic electronic component301includes no ceramic protective layer on a portion of the outline of each first base electrode (not shown).

The ceramic electronic component301has the same features as the ceramic electronic component1shown inFIG.1toFIG.4, except for the features described above.

The side electrodes23are easily separated because they are not formed by pressing. However, the ceramic protective layer40covering the outline of each side23sof each side electrode23can prevent separation of the side electrode23from the surface of the ceramic electronic component301and cracking of the side electrode23, even when stress is concentrated on the side electrode23.

Next, another form of the ceramic electronic component according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure is described.

FIG.13is a schematic view of another example of the ceramic electronic component according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure viewed from a direction perpendicular to the side surface.

A ceramic electronic component401shown inFIG.13has the same features as the ceramic electronic component301, except that the plating layer50is on the surface of each side electrode23.

In the ceramic electronic component according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure, the ceramic protective layer40may cover a portion of the outline of each first base electrode21. Preferably, but not necessarily, the ceramic protective layer40covers a portion of the outline of each second base electrode22.

Other Embodiments

In the ceramic electronic components according to the first to third embodiments which have been described thus far, the first base electrodes and the second base electrodes each have a rectangular shape in a plan view.

However, in the ceramic electronic component of the present disclosure, the first base electrodes and the second base electrodes may each have any shape in a plan view, such as a triangle, convex polygon, concave polygon, circle, semicircle, oval, or the like.

In the ceramic electronic components according to the first to third embodiments which have been described thus far, the first line segment of each first base electrode coincides with the first ridgeline. However, the ceramic electronic component of the present disclosure may have a gap between the first line segment of each first base electrode and the first ridgeline. In this case, the side electrode may be on a surface of the gap. In other words, each side electrode may be formed in an L-shape, extending over the side surface and the first main surface of the ceramic substrate.

The ceramic electronic components according to the first to third embodiments which have been described thus far include the second base electrodes. However, the ceramic electronic component of the present disclosure may not include any second base electrodes and may include only the first base electrodes and the side electrodes.

In the method of producing the ceramic electronic component according to the first embodiment, the side electrodes were formed by the dipping method. However, in the ceramic electronic component of the present disclosure, the side electrodes may be formed by the following method.

Specifically, in the laminating step, the ceramic green sheets and the ceramic laminate are stacked such that vias each interconnecting the first base electrode in a raw state and the second base electrode in a raw state are formed; and in the cutting step, vias each interconnecting the first base electrode and the second base electrode are formed inside the ceramic substrate, and the vias are vertically cut to obtain side electrodes (also referred to as “half-cut electrodes”).

In this case, there is no need to form the side electrodes by the dipping method.1,1a,1b,1c,1d,1e,1f,101,201,301,401ceramic electronic component2chip10ceramic substrate10a,10bceramic green sheet11first surface12second surface13side surface21first base electrode21afirst line segment21bsecond line segment21cthird line segment21dfourth line segment22second base electrode23side electrode23afirst end of side electrode23bsecond end of side electrode25internal electrode26via31,31a,31b,31c,31dfirst ridgeline32,32a,32bsecond ridgeline40ceramic protective layer50plating layer61,62carrier film70ceramic laminate