Patent Publication Number: US-10770205-B2

Title: Method for manufacturing electronic component

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to electronic components and methods for manufacturing electronic components, and more specifically relates to electronic components mounted by soldering and methods for manufacturing the electronic components. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2003-22929 describes a multilayer ceramic capacitor in which an occurrence of a short circuit of inner electrodes due to a crack generated by thermal contraction of a solder fillet is suppressed. 
     In the multilayer ceramic capacitor described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2003-22929, in the case where a crack is generated in an element assembly in the vicinity of one outer electrode thereof by tension of a solder fillet, inner electrodes connected to the other outer electrode are prevented from being exposed in a gap of the crack. This suppresses occurrence of a short circuit of the inner electrodes when moisture enters into the crack. 
     In the case where a crack is generated in the element assembly by tensile stress due to thermal contraction of the solder fillet and causes the inner electrodes to be cut, electrostatic capacity of the multilayer ceramic capacitor drops. As described above, in the case where a crack is generated in an electronic component by tensile stress due to thermal contraction of a solder fillet, electric characteristics of the electronic component are deteriorated as a result. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Preferred embodiments of the present invention provide electronic components and methods for manufacturing the electronic components in which an occurrence of a crack in an element assembly by tensile stress due to thermal contraction of a solder fillet is significantly reduced or prevented. 
     An electronic component according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes an element assembly in which inner electrodes are embedded and that includes a pair of main surfaces, a pair of side surfaces respectively connecting the main surfaces, and a pair of end surfaces respectively perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the pair of main surfaces and the pair of side surfaces, and an outer electrode provided on a surface of the element assembly and electrically connected with the inner electrodes. In the electronic component, the outer electrode includes a sintered layer containing a sintered metal, an insulation layer made of an electric insulation material, and a Sn-containing layer that contains Sn. The sintered layer is extends from each of the end surfaces onto at least one of the main surfaces so as to cover each of the end surfaces. The insulation layer is directly provided on the sintered layer at each of the end surfaces so as to extend in a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the side surfaces and constitutes a portion of a surface of the outer electrode. The Sn-containing layer is arranged so as to cover the sintered layer except for a portion of the sintered layer that is covered by the insulation layer and constitutes another portion of the surface of the outer electrode. 
     The Sn-containing layer preferably extends from each of the end surfaces to one of the main surfaces. 
     Preferably, none of the inner electrodes are located in a virtual plane that links the position of an edge on one of the main surfaces in the insulation layer at the end surface with the position of a tip of the outer electrode on one of the main surfaces in the shortest distance. 
     The insulation layer preferably is directly provided on the sintered layer at each of the end surfaces so that at least a portion of the insulation layer is located between one of the main surfaces and the position of an edge portion of the inner electrode closest to one of the main surfaces in a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the main surface. 
     The sintered layer preferably is arranged so as to further extend from each of the end surfaces onto each of the side surfaces. The insulation layer preferably is further provided directly on the sintered layer at each of the side surfaces so as to extend in a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the end surface. 
     The outer electrode preferably further includes a reinforcement layer containing Ni or Cu. The reinforcement layer is provided between the sintered layer and the Sn-containing layer. 
     The outer electrode preferably further includes a base layer which is made of a material different from that of the reinforcement layer and contains Cu or Ni. The base layer is provided between the sintered layer and the reinforcement layer. 
     A method for manufacturing an electronic component according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention includes the steps of preparing an element assembly in which inner electrodes are embedded and that includes a pair of main surfaces, a pair of side surfaces respectively connecting the main surfaces, and a pair of end surfaces respectively perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the pair of main surfaces and the pair of side surfaces, and providing an outer electrode on a surface of the element assembly so that the outer electrode is electrically connected with the inner electrodes. The process of providing the outer electrode includes a step of providing a sintered layer containing a sintered metal, a step of providing an insulation layer formed of an electric insulation material, and a step of providing a Sn-containing layer that contains Sn. In the step of providing the sintered layer, the sintered layer is formed to extend from each of the end surfaces onto at least one of the main surfaces so as to cover each of the end surfaces. In the step of providing the insulation layer, the insulation layer is directly provided on the sintered layer at each of the end surfaces to extend in a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the side surfaces so as to constitute a portion of a surface of the outer electrode. In the step of providing the Sn-containing layer, the Sn-containing layer is provided to cover the sintered layer except for a portion of the sintered layer that is covered by the insulation layer so as to constitute another portion of the surface of the outer electrode. 
     In the step of providing the Sn-containing layer, the Sn-containing layer preferably is formed to extend from each of the end surfaces to one of the main surfaces. 
     In the step of providing the outer electrode, the outer electrode preferably is provided so that none of the inner electrodes are located in a virtual plane which links the position of an edge of the insulation layer at the end surface on one of the main surfaces with the position of a tip of the outer electrode on one of the main surfaces in the shortest distance. 
     In the step of providing the insulation layer, the insulation layer preferably is directly provided on the sintered layer at each of the end surfaces so that at least a portion of the insulation layer is located between one of the main surfaces and the position of an edge portion of the inner electrode closest to one of the main surfaces in a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the main surface. 
     In the step of providing the sintered layer, the sintered layer preferably is provided so as to further extend from each of the end surfaces onto each of the side surfaces. In the step of providing the insulation layer, the insulation layer preferably is further provided directly on the sintered layer at each of the side surfaces so as to extend in a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the end surface. 
     The step of providing the outer electrode preferably further includes a process of providing a reinforcement layer containing Ni or Cu. In the step of providing the reinforcement layer, the reinforcement layer preferably is provided between the sintered layer and the Sn-containing layer. 
     The step of providing the outer electrode preferably further includes a process of providing a base layer which is formed of a material different from that of the reinforcement layer and contains Cu or Ni. In the step of providing the base layer, the base layer preferably is provided between the sintered layer and the reinforcement layer. 
     In the step of providing the sintered layer, a dielectric layer included in the element assembly and the sintered layer preferably are baked at the same time. 
     According to various preferred embodiments of the present invention, an occurrence of a crack in an element assembly by tensile stress due to thermal contraction of a solder fillet is significantly reduced or prevented. 
     The above and other elements, features, steps, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments with reference to the attached drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view illustrating an external appearance of an electronic component according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view of the electronic component taken along a II-II arrow line in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of the electronic component taken along a III-III arrow line in  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of the electronic component taken along a IV-IV arrow line in  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of the electronic component taken along a V-V arrow line in  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 6  is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing an electronic component according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the electronic component according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention is mounted on a substrate by soldering. 
         FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of an electronic component according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing the electronic component according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of an electronic component according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11  is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing the electronic component according to the third preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view illustrating an external appearance of an electronic component according to a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional view of the electronic component taken along a XIII-XIII arrow line in  FIG. 12 . 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view illustrating an external appearance of an electronic component according to a fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 15  is a cross-sectional view of the electronic component taken along a XV-XV arrow line in  FIG. 14 . 
         FIG. 16  is a cross-sectional view of the electronic component taken along a XVI-XVI arrow line in  FIG. 14 . 
         FIG. 17  is a cross-sectional view of the electronic component taken along a XVII-XVII arrow line in  FIG. 15  and of the electronic component taken along the XVII-XVII arrow line in  FIG. 16  as well. 
         FIG. 18  is a cross-sectional view of the electronic component taken along a XVIII-XVIII arrow line in  FIG. 15  and of the electronic component taken along the XVIII-XVIII arrow line in  FIG. 16  as well. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Hereinafter, an electronic component according to preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description of the preferred embodiments, identical or equivalent members in the drawings are given identical reference numerals and description thereof is not repeated. Further, in the following description, although a multilayer ceramic capacitor will be explained as an electronic component, the electronic component is not intended to be limited to the multilayer ceramic capacitor, and may be a piezoelectric component, a thermistor, an inductor, or the like. 
     First Preferred Embodiment 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view illustrating an external appearance of an electronic component according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view of the electronic component taken along a II-II arrow line in  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of the electronic component taken along a III-III arrow line in  FIG. 2 .  FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of the electronic component taken along a IV-IV arrow line in  FIG. 2 .  FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of the electronic component taken along a V-V arrow line in  FIG. 2 . In  FIG. 1 , a lengthwise direction of an element assembly, which will be explained later in detail, is indicated by “L”, a width direction of the element assembly is indicated by “W”, and a thickness direction of the element assembly is indicated by “T”. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 through 5 , an electronic component  100  according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a parallelepiped-shaped element assembly  110  in which inner electrodes  130  are embedded, and an outer electrode  120  provided on a surface of the element assembly  110  and electrically connected with the inner electrodes  130 . 
     In the element assembly  110 , dielectric layers  140  and the inner electrodes  130  having a plate shape are alternately stacked. A stacking direction of the dielectric layers  140  and the inner electrodes  130  is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to both the lengthwise direction L of the element assembly  110  and the width direction W of the element assembly  110 . In other words, the stacking direction of the dielectric layers  140  and the inner electrodes  130  is parallel to the thickness direction T of the element assembly  110 . 
     The element assembly  110  includes a pair of main surfaces perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the thickness direction T, a pair of end surfaces perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the lengthwise direction L, and a pair of side surfaces perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the width direction W. The pair of main surfaces includes one main surface  10  and the other main surface  11 . The one main surface  10  is a surface positioned on a mounting surface of the electronic component  100  when mounted. In other words, when the electronic component  100  is mounted on a substrate, the one main surface  10  is a surface that opposes the substrate. 
     As described above, the element assembly  110  includes the pair of main surfaces perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the stacking direction of the dielectric layers  140  and the inner electrodes  130 , the pair of side surfaces respectively connecting the main surfaces, and the pair of end surfaces respectively perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the pair of main surfaces and the pair of side surfaces. 
     Although the element assembly  110  preferably has a parallelepiped shape with its corners being rounded, the corners of the assembly may not be rounded. Furthermore, concave and/or convex portions may be formed in any one of the surfaces included in the pair of main surfaces, the pair of end surfaces, or the pair of side surfaces. 
     In the inner electrodes  130  adjacent to each other and opposing each other, one inner electrode  130  is electrically connected with the outer electrode  120  at one end surface of the element assembly  110 , while the other inner electrode  130  is electrically connected with the outer electrode  120  at the other end surface of the element assembly  110 . 
     Details of the constituent elements will be described hereinafter. 
     As a material that configures the dielectric layer  140 , dielectric ceramics whose major component is BaTiO 3 , CaTiO 3 , SrTiO 3 , CaZrO 3 , or the like can be used. Further, a material in which a Mn compound, a Co compound, a Si compound, a rare earth compound, or the like is added as an accessory component to the above major component, may be used. 
     The inner electrodes  130  preferably have a rectangular or approximately rectangular shape when viewed from above. The inner electrodes  130  adjacent to each other in the stacking direction oppose each other sandwiching the dielectric layer  140  therebetween. The one inner electrodes  130  and the other inner electrodes  130  mentioned above are alternately disposed at equal or substantially equal intervals along the thickness direction T of the element assembly  110 . 
     The one inner electrode  130  extends from one end surface of the element assembly  110  toward the other end surface thereof. As shown in  FIG. 3 , the one inner electrode  130  is connected with a sintered layer  121  of the outer electrode  120 , which will be explained later, at the one end surface of the element assembly  110 . 
     The other inner electrode  130  extends from the other end surface of the element assembly  110  toward the one end surface thereof. As shown in  FIG. 4 , the other inner electrode  130  is connected with the sintered layer  121  of the outer electrode  120 , which will be explained later, at the other end surface of the element assembly  110 . 
     As a material that configures the inner electrode  130 , a metal such as Ni, Cu, Ag, Pd, Au, Pt, Sn or the like, or an alloy including at least one of the above metals, for example, an alloy including Ag and Pd, can be used. In the present preferred embodiment, the inner electrode  130  is made of Ni. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the outer electrode  120  includes the sintered layer  121  containing a sintered metal, an insulation layer  122  made of an electric insulation material, and a Sn-containing layer  123  that contains Sn. 
     The sintered layer  121  extends from each of the end surfaces onto at least the one main surface  10  so as to cover the end surfaces of the element assembly  110 . In the present preferred embodiment, the sintered layer  121  extends from the one end surface onto both the main surfaces and the side surfaces while covering the whole one end surface of the element assembly  110 . Further, the sintered layer  121  extends from the other end surface onto both the main surfaces and the side surfaces while covering the whole the other end surface of the element assembly  110 . The sintered layer  121  extending from the one end surface of the element assembly  110  onto both the main surfaces and the side surfaces thereof and the sintered layer  121  extending from the other end surface of the element assembly  110  onto both the main surfaces and the side surfaces thereof, are separated from each other and not electrically connected. 
     As a material of the sintered layer  121 , a metal such as Ni, Cu, Ag, Pd or the like, or a conductive paste whose major component is an alloy containing at least one of the above metals, can be used. In the present preferred embodiment, a conductive paste whose major component is Cu is applied on the surface of the element assembly  110  and heated at a temperature of approximately 700° C., for example, so that the sintered layer  121  is baked and fixed to the element assembly  110 . 
     The sintered layer  121  contains a glass component. In the sintered layer  121 , the glass content percentage is higher in a surface layer portion than in an inside portion. By making the glass content percentage higher in the surface layer portion of the sintered layer  121 , adhesiveness between the insulation layer  122  and the sintered layer  121  to be explained later is increased so as to significantly reduce or prevent separation of the insulation layer  122  at a time of plating or mounting to be explained later. 
     The insulation layer  122  is directly provided on the sintered layer  121  at each of the end surfaces so as to extend in the width direction W, which is a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the side surface of the element assembly  110 , and constitutes a portion of the surface of the outer electrode  120 . 
     In the present preferred embodiment, the insulation layer  122  extends across the entirety in the width direction W of the element assembly  110  at each end surface of the element assembly  110 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , none of the inner electrodes  130  are located in a virtual plane P 1  that links the position of an edge of the insulation layer  122  at the end surface of the element assembly  110  on the one main surface  10  with the position of a tip of the outer electrode  120  on the one main surface  10  of the element assembly  110  in the shortest distance. 
     In the present preferred embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 2 , although none of the inner electrodes  130  intersect with virtual lines defining the virtual plane P 1  in a cross section of the electronic component  100  on an arbitrary surface in parallel to the side surface of the element assembly  110 , the inner electrodes  130  intersecting with the virtual lines may be included therein. However, it is preferable that none of the inner electrodes  130  intersect with the virtual lines. 
     The insulation layer  122  is directly provided on the sintered layer  121  at each end surface of the element assembly  110  such that at least a portion of the insulation layer  122  is located between the one main surface  10  of the element assembly  110  and the position of an edge portion of the inner electrode  130  closest to the one main surface  10  of the element assembly  110  in the thickness direction T, which is a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the main surfaces of the element assembly  110 . 
     To be more specific, in the case where a dimension of distance between the one main surface  10  of the element assembly  110  and the edge portion on the one main surface  10  of the inner electrode  131  closest to the one main surface  10  is taken as L 1 , a dimension of distance L 2  along the thickness direction T of the element assembly  110  between the one main surface  10  of the element assembly  110  and the position of an end portion on the one main surface  10  of the insulation layer  122  satisfies a relation of L 2 &lt;L 1  at each end surface of the element assembly  110 . 
     In the present preferred embodiment, L 2 &gt;0; that is, of the sintered layer  121  provided at each of the end surfaces of the element assembly  110 , only a portion of the sintered layer  121  on the one main surface  10  is not covered by the insulation layer  122 . In the case where a dimension of thickness of the element assembly  110  is taken as L T , it is preferable for a relation of L 2 &gt;L T /10 to be satisfied for the reason to be explained later. Accordingly, in the electronic component  100 , it is preferable for both the relation of L 2 &lt;L 1  and the relation of L 2 &gt;L T /10 to be satisfied. The electronic component  100  satisfies a relation of L T /10&lt;L 2 &lt;L 1  in the present preferred embodiment. 
     The insulation layer  122  extends in the lengthwise direction L, which is a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the end surface of the element assembly  110 , at each of the side surfaces of the element assembly  110 . In the present preferred embodiment, the insulation layer  122  extends across the entirety of each side surface of the element assembly  110  along the lengthwise direction L of the element assembly  110 . In other words, a portion of the insulation layer  122  is directly provided on the sintered layer  121  at each side surface of the element assembly  110 . Another portion of the insulation layer  122  is directly provided on each side surface of the element assembly  110 . 
     The insulation layer  122  provided at each end surface of the element assembly  110  and the insulation layer  122  provided at each side surface of the element assembly  110  are connected with each other so as to form a ring-shaped configuration. At each side surface of the element assembly  110 , L 2  is the dimension of distance along the thickness direction T of the element assembly  110  between the one main surface  10  of the element assembly  110  and the position of the end portion on the one main surface  10  of the insulation layer  122 . 
     Further, the insulation layer  122  covers the entirety of the other main surface  11  of the element assembly  110 . In other words, a portion of the insulation layer  122  is directly provided on the sintered layer  121  at the other main surface  11  of the element assembly  110 . Another portion of the insulation layer  122  is directly provided on the other main surface  11  of the element assembly  110 . The insulation layer  122  covering the other main surface  11  of the element assembly  110  is connected with the insulation layer  122  provided at each end surface of the element assembly  110  and the insulation layer  122  provided at each side surface of the element assembly  110 , respectively. 
     As described above, portions of the insulation layer  122  are directly provided on the other main surface  11  of the element assembly  110  and the side surfaces of the element assembly  110 . The insulation layer  122  has a higher adhesiveness with the element assembly  110  than with the sintered layer  121 . Therefore, providing a portion of the insulation layer  122  directly on the element assembly  110  makes it possible to significantly reduce or prevent the separation of the insulation layer  122  at the time of plating or mounting to be explained later. 
     As a material that configures the insulation layer  122 , insulating resin such as a thermosetting curing insulating resin, an ultraviolet curing insulating resin, or the like serving as solder resist can be used. 
     The Sn-containing layer  123  is provided on the sintered layer  121  so as to cover the sintered layer  121  except for a portion of the sintered layer  121  that is covered by the insulation layer  122  and constitutes another portion of the surface of the outer electrode  120 . 
     In the present preferred embodiment, the Sn-containing layer  123  extends from each end surface of the element assembly  110  to the one main surface  10  thereof. As described above, of the sintered layer  121  provided at each end surface of the element assembly  110 , only a portion of the sintered layer  121  on the one main surface  10  is not covered by the insulation layer  122 . Accordingly, at each end surface of the element assembly  110 , the Sn-containing layer  123  covers the portion of the sintered layer  121  that is positioned on the one main surface  10  and is not covered by the insulation layer  122 . 
     In addition, the Sn-containing layer  123  covers the sintered layer  121  that is not covered by the insulation layer  122  at the one main surface  10  of the element assembly  110 . Furthermore, at each side surface of the element assembly  110 , the Sn-containing layer  123  covers a portion of the sintered layer  121  that is positioned on the one main surface  10  and is not covered by the insulation layer  122 . 
     As described above, the sintered layer  121  extends from the one end surface of the element assembly  110  onto both the main surfaces and the side surfaces thereof. Further, the sintered layer  121  extends from the other end surface of the element assembly  110  onto both the main surfaces and the side surfaces thereof. 
     As such, the Sn-containing layer  123  extends from the one end surface of the element assembly  110  to the one main surface  10  and to the side surfaces thereof. Further, the Sn-containing layer  123  extends from the other end surface of the element assembly  110  to the one main surface  10  and to the side surfaces thereof. 
     The Sn-containing layer  123  extending from the one end surface of the element assembly  110  to the one main surface  10  as well as to the side surfaces of the element assembly  110  and the Sn-containing layer  123  extending from the other end surface of the element assembly  110  to the one main surface  10  as well as to the side surfaces of the element assembly  110 , are separated from each other and not electrically connected. 
     As a material that configures the Sn-containing layer  123 , Sn or a Sn alloy, which has a preferable wettability with respect to solder, can be used. 
     Hereinafter, a non-limiting example of a method for manufacturing an electronic component according to the present preferred embodiment will be described.  FIG. 6  is a flowchart illustrating a non-limiting example of a method for manufacturing an electronic component according to the present preferred embodiment. As shown in  FIG. 6 , the method includes a process of preparing the element assembly  110  (S 100 ), and a process of providing an outer electrode  120  on the surface of the element assembly  110  for the outer electrode  120  to be electrically connected with the inner electrodes  130  (S 110 ). 
     The element assembly  110  preferably is manufactured as follows. 
     First, a ceramic paste containing ceramic powder is applied by a die coater method, a gravure coater method, a micro-gravure coater method, or the like in a sheet-shaped state, then the applied paste is dried so as to form a ceramic green sheet. 
     In some of a plurality of manufactured ceramic green sheets, a conductive paste for forming the inner electrodes is applied on the ceramic green sheets by screen printing, ink jet printing, gravure printing, or the like so that the applied paste forms a predetermined pattern. In this manner, the ceramic green sheets in which the conductive pattern configuring the inner electrodes is formed and the ceramic green sheets in which the conductive patter is not formed are prepared. Note that a known binder and a known solvent may be contained in the ceramic paste and the conductive paste for forming the inner electrodes. 
     A predetermined number of the ceramic green sheets without the conductive pattern being formed therein are stacked on each other, a plurality of ceramic green sheets with the conductive pattern being formed therein are sequentially stacked on the ceramic green sheets, and then a predetermined number of the ceramic green sheets without the conductive pattern being formed therein are stacked on the sheets with the conductive pattern being formed so as to manufacture a mother block. The mother block may be pressed in the stacking direction using a hydrostatic press method or the like as needed. 
     By dividing the mother block through cutting into a predetermined shape, a plurality of soft element assemblies each having a parallelepiped shape are manufactured. The parallelepiped soft element assemblies undergo barrel-polishing so that the corners of each of the soft element assemblies are rounded. However, the barrel-polishing is not necessarily needed to be carried out. 
     The soft element assembly is baked and hardened so as to manufacture the element assembly  110 . A temperature at which the baking is carried out is appropriately set in accordance with the respective types of ceramic materials and conductive materials, that is, for example, the temperature is set within a range of no less than approximately 900° C. and no more than approximately 1,300° C. 
     The process of providing the outer electrode  120  (S 110 ) includes a process of providing the sintered layer  121  containing a sintered metal (S 111 ), a process of providing the insulation layer  122  formed of an electric insulation material (S 112 ), and a process of providing the Sn-containing layer  123  that contains Sn (S 113 ). 
     In the process of providing the sintered layer  121  (S 111 ), the sintered layer  121  extends from each end surface of the element assembly  110  onto at least the one main surface of the element assembly  110  so as to cover each end surface of the element assembly  110 . In the present preferred embodiment, the conductive paste to become the sintered layer  121  is applied to both end portions of the element assembly  110  by a dip method. In this manner, in the process of providing the sintered layer  121  (S 111 ), the sintered layer  121  extends from each end surface of element assembly  110  onto the main surfaces of the element assembly  110  as well as onto the side surfaces thereof. 
     As described above, in the present preferred embodiment, the conductive paste whose major component is Cu is applied on the surface of the element assembly  110  and heated at a temperature of, for example, approximately 700° C. so that the sintered layer  121  is baked and fixed on the element assembly  110 . 
     A plurality of sintered layers  121  being layered on each other may be provided by repeating the application and drying of the conductive paste. In this case, in order to raise the glass content percentage in the sintered layer  121  positioned in the surface layer, it is preferable to set the glass content percentage of the conductive paste which is applied later to be higher than the glass content percentage of the conductive paste which is applied earlier. This increases the adhesiveness between the sintered layer  121  and the insulation layer  122  that is formed later, thus making it possible to significantly reduce or prevent the separation of the insulation layer  122  at the time of plating or mounting to be explained later. 
     In the process of providing the sintered layer (S 111 ), the dielectric layer  140  and the sintered layer  121  may be baked at the same time. In other words, by carrying out baking after the conductive paste is applied on the soft element assembly, the element assembly  110  and the sintered layer  121  may be formed at the same time. 
     In the process of providing the insulation layer  122  (S 112 ), the insulation layer  122  is directly provided on the sintered layer  121  at each end surface of the element assembly  110  so as to extend in the width direction W, which is a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the side surface of the element assembly  110 , and to constitute a portion of the surface of the outer electrode  120 . 
     In the present preferred embodiment, the insulation layer  122  preferably is provided by spray-coating of insulating resin such as a thermosetting curing insulating resin, an ultraviolet curing insulating resin, or the like serving as solder resist. 
     To be more specific, the plurality of element assemblies  110  each provided with the sintered layer  121  are mounted on a plate including a plurality of recesses. Each of the element assemblies  110  provided with the sintered layer  121  is disposed so that the one main surface  10  is accommodated in the recess. The shape of the recess is slightly a size larger than the shape of the main surface  10  of the element assembly  110  provided with the sintered layer  121  when viewed from above. The dimension in depth of the recess is so set as to be equal or approximately equal to the above-mentioned dimension L 2 . As described earlier, the dimension L 2  preferably satisfies the relation of L T /10&lt;L 2 &lt;L 1 . 
     With spray-coating performed in a state in which the element assembly  110  is accommodated in the recess, the insulating resin can be applied to a portion of the element assembly  110  that is not accommodated in the recess. As a result, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the insulation layer  122  is provided at the end surfaces, the side surfaces, and the other main surface  11  of the element assembly  110 . 
     As described above, in the present preferred embodiment, in the process of providing the insulation layer  122  (S 112 ), the insulation layer  122  is further provided on the sintered layer  121  at the side surfaces of the element assembly  110  so as to extend in the lengthwise direction L as a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the end surface of the element assembly  110 . 
     By setting the dimension in depth of the recess to be the same or approximately the same as the dimension L 2 , in the process of providing the insulation layer  122  (S 112 ), the insulation layer  122  is directly provided on the sintered layer  121  at each end surface of the element assembly  110  so that at least a portion of the insulation layer  122  is located between the one main surface  10  of the element assembly  110  and the position of the edge portion of the inner electrode  130  closest to the one main surface  10  of the element assembly  110  in the thickness direction T as a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the main surface of the element assembly  110 . 
     In the case where a thermosetting curing insulating resin is used as the insulating resin, the insulating resin is cured by heating the element assembly  110  on which the spray-coating has been performed. In the case where an ultraviolet curing insulating resin is used as the insulating resin, the insulating resin is cured by irradiating the element assembly  110 , on which the spray-coating has been performed, with ultraviolet light. 
     It is preferable for thickness of the insulation layer  122  formed of the cured insulating resin to be no less than approximately 10 μm and no more than approximately 50 μm. It is more preferable for the thickness of the insulation layer  122  to be no less than approximately 15 μm and no more than approximately 30 μm. 
     In the case where the thickness of the insulation layer  122  is smaller than approximately 10 μm, because tensile strength of the insulation layer  122  is insufficient, the insulation layer  122  can be separated or fractured at a time of plating to be explained later when agitation for plating is made in a plating bath. In the case where the thickness of the insulation layer  122  is larger than approximately 50 μm, because the insulation layer  122  is in a state of projecting to an outer side portion from the shape of the electronic component, an external force is likely to act on the insulation layer  122  at the time of plating to be explained later when the agitation for plating is made in the plating bath, which causes the insulation layer  122  to be easily separated. 
     The method for forming the insulation layer  122  is not intended to be limited to spray-coating; that is, for example, a dip method, a screen printing method, a photolithography method, or the like may be used instead. As another method for forming the insulation layer  122 , the following may be employed, for example. That is, in a state in which the plurality of element assemblies  110  provided with the sintered layer  121  are held on a plate with a space therebetween, a softened insulating resin is poured over the plate, thereby applying the insulating resin on the surface of each of the element assemblies  110  provided with the sintered layer  121 . 
     In the process of providing the Sn-containing layer  123  (S 113 ), the Sn-containing layer  123  is provided so as to cover the sintered layer  121  except for a portion of the sintered layer  121  that is covered by the insulation layer  122  to constitute another portion of the surface of the outer electrode  120 . 
     In the present preferred embodiment, the Sn-containing layer  123  is preferably formed by electroplating, for example. More specifically, the Sn-containing layer  123  is preferably formed by barrel-plating, for example. A barrel accommodating the plurality of element assemblies  110  provided with the sintered layer  121  and the insulation layer  122  is immersed in a plating liquid within a plating bath, and is electrified while the barrel being rotated in the plating liquid, such that the Sn-containing layer  123  is formed on the sintered layer  121  except for a portion of the sintered layer  121  that is covered by the insulation layer  122 . 
     As described above, of the sintered layer  121  provided at each end surface of the element assembly  110 , only a portion of the sintered layer that is on the one main surface  10  is not covered by the insulation layer  122 . Accordingly, the Sn-containing layer  123  covers the portion of the sintered layer  121  that is positioned on the one main surface  10  and is not covered by the insulation layer  122  at each end surface of the element assembly  110 . Further, the Sn-containing layer  123  is configured to cover the sintered layer  121  that is not covered by the insulation layer  122  at the one main surface  10  of the element assembly  110 . As a result, the Sn-containing layer  123  extends from each end surface of the element assembly  110  to the main surface  10  thereof. 
     Furthermore, the Sn-containing layer  123  covers a portion of the sintered layer  121  that is positioned on the one main surface  10  and is not covered by the insulation layer  122  at each side surface of the element assembly  110 . Accordingly, the Sn-containing layer  123  extends from the one end surface of the element assembly  110  to the one main surface  10  of the element assembly  110  as well as to the side surfaces thereof. In addition, the Sn-containing layer  123  extends from the other end surface to the one main surface  10  of the element assembly  110  as well as to the side surfaces thereof. 
     The electronic component  100  having been manufactured in the manner described above is mounted by soldering. As the solder, Sn—Sb based solder, Sn—Cu based solder, or Sn—Ag based solder can be used. 
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the electronic component according to the present preferred embodiment is mounted on a substrate by soldering. As shown in  FIG. 7 , the electronic component  100  is disposed on a substrate  20  so that cream solder which is patterned on the substrate  20  makes contact with the Sn-containing layer  123  of the outer electrode  120 , and then the solder reflow is made, such that a solder fillet  30  is formed and the electronic component  100  is mounted on the substrate  20 . 
     In the electronic component  100  according to the present preferred embodiment, because the insulation layer  122  is provided on the surface of the outer electrode  120 , the solder fillet  30  cannot wet onto the insulation layer  122 . Therefore, the fillet is provided only at a portion of the surface of the outer electrode  120  where the Sn-containing layer  123  that is not covered by the insulation layer  122  is positioned. 
     In other words, because the insulation layer  122  is arranged so as to extend across the entirety of each end surface of the element assembly  110  in the width direction W and across the entirety of each side surface of the element assembly  110  in the lengthwise direction L, wetting of the solder fillet  30  is reduced at the whole perimeter of the element assembly  110 . 
     In the outer electrode  120  of the electronic component  100  according to the present preferred embodiment, as described above, because the insulation layer  122  is directly provided on the sintered layer  121 , the insulation layer  122  is not separated when the cream solder and the Sn-containing layer  123  are melted and jointed together at the time of the reflow. This makes it possible to effectively reduce the wetting of the solder fillet  30 . 
     Assuming that the insulation layer  122  is provided on the Sn-containing layer  123 , when the reflow is carried out and the cream solder and the Sn-containing layer  123  are melted and jointed together, the insulation layer  122  that has been positioned on the melted Sn-containing layer  123  is separated. This allows the solder fillet to wet onto the Sn-containing layer  123  exposed to the exterior because of the separation of the insulation layer  122 , thus making it difficult to effectively reduce the wetting of the solder fillet. 
     In the electronic component  100  according to the present preferred embodiment, the insulation layer  122  is provided at least at each end surface of the element assembly  110 , thereby making it possible to reduce the wetting of the solder fillet  30  and prevent the generation of a crack in the element assembly  110  caused by tensile stress due to the thermal contraction of the solder fillet  30 . 
     Furthermore, as described above, none of the inner electrodes  130  are located in the virtual plane P 1  that links the position of an edge of the insulation layer  122  at the end surface of the element assembly  110  on the one main surface  10  with the position of a tip of the outer electrode  120  on the one main surface  10  in the shortest distance. If a crack is generated by the tensile stress due to the thermal contraction of the solder fillet  30 , the crack is likely to develop along the virtual surface P 1 . Accordingly, because none of the inner electrodes  130  are located in the virtual plane P 1 , cutting of the inner electrodes  130  due to the generation of a crack is significantly reduced or prevented. As a result, deterioration of electric characteristics of the electronic component  100  due to the generation of a crack is significantly reduced or prevented. 
     In addition, as described earlier, in the case where the dimension of distance between the one main surface  10  of the element assembly  110  and the edge portion on the one main surface  10  of the inner electrode  130  is taken as L 1 , L 2  is the dimension of distance along the thickness direction T of the element assembly  110  between the one main surface  10  of the element assembly  110  and the position of an end portion on the one main surface  10  of the insulation layer  122  at each end surface of the element assembly  110 , and the dimension of thickness of the element assembly  110  is taken as L T , the relation of L T /10&lt;L 2 &lt;L 1  is satisfied. 
     Satisfying the relation of L T /10&lt;L 2  makes it possible to form an adequate solder fillet  30  and ensure the orientation stability of the electronic component  100  at the time of mounting. Further, falling-off of the electronic component  100  having been mounted from the substrate  20  due to a shock or the like is significantly reduced or prevented. 
     It is preferable for the insulation layer  122  to cover the sintered layer  121  so as to be positioned to define the outermost layer at each side surface of the element assembly  110 . With this, in the case where the plurality of electronic components  100  are mounted close to each other, even if the electronic components  100  are mounted in a state in which the side surfaces of the adjacent electronic components  100  make contact with each other because of insufficient stability in orientation of the electronic components  100  and the insulation layers  122  thereof are in contact with each other, it is possible to prevent the electronic components  100  that are in contact with each other from being electrically short-circuited. 
     By satisfying the relation of L 2 &lt;L 1 , because the solder fillet  30  is not overlapping with a functional region as a region where the inner electrodes  130  are stacked within the element assembly  110 , it can be made difficult for the tensile stress produced by the thermal contraction of the solder fillet  30  to act on the functional region. As a result, it is possible to significantly reduce or prevent the generation of a crack due to the thermal contraction of the solder fillet  30 . 
     In addition, satisfying the relation of L 2 &lt;L 1  makes it possible to reduce generation of what is called “acoustic noise”. The reason for this is as follows. 
     In the case where the element assembly  110  is configured with a material having piezoelectricity or an electrostrictive property, if a DC voltage in which an AC voltage or an AC component is superposed is applied to the electronic component  100 , mechanical distortion vibration is generated in the electronic component  100 . Sound is generated from the substrate  20  when the distortion vibration is propagated to the substrate  20 . Sound of no less than approximately 20 Hz and no more than approximately 20 kHz serves as an audible sound and gives displeasure to a person. The above phenomenon is what is called “acoustic noise”. 
     In the electronic component  100 , it is the aforementioned functional region that becomes a generation source of the mechanical distortion vibration. The mechanical distortion vibration generated in the functional region is propagated from the outer electrode  120  to the substrate  20  through the solder fillet. 
     By satisfying the relation of L 2 &lt;L 1 , because the solder fillet  30  is not overlapping with the functional region, it is possible to reduce the vibration that is propagated from the functional region to the substrate  20  through the solder fillet  30 . As a result, the sound generated from the substrate  20  is reduced, in other words, the generation of the “acoustic noise” is reduced. In particular, this method, in which the above relation is satisfied, is noticeably effective for electronic components from which the “acoustic noise” is likely to be generated, such as a multilayer ceramic capacitor that includes the element assembly  110  including the dielectric layer  140  made of a dielectric material whose relative permittivity ε r  is no less than approximately 3000, a multilayer ceramic capacitor whose nominal electrostatic capacity is no less than approximately 10 μF, and so on. 
     Hereinafter, an electronic component and a method for manufacturing the electronic component according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described. Note that because an electronic component  100   a  according to the second preferred embodiment differs from the electronic component  100  according to the first preferred embodiment only in a point that the electronic component  100   a  includes a reinforcement layer, description of the other constituent elements is not repeated herein. 
     Second Preferred Embodiment 
       FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of the electronic component according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 9  is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing the electronic component according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention. Note that  FIG. 8  illustrates a cross section of the electronic component viewed from the same direction as in  FIG. 2 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 8 , an outer electrode  120   a  of the electronic component  100   a  according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention further includes a reinforcement layer  124  containing Ni or Cu. The reinforcement layer  124  is provided between the sintered layer  121  and the Sn-containing layer  123 . 
     The reinforcement layer  124  is provided on the sintered layer  121  so as to cover the sintered layer  121  except for a portion of the sintered layer  121  that is covered by the insulation layer  122 . In the present preferred embodiment, the reinforcement layer  124  extends from each end surface of the element assembly  110  to the one main surface  10  thereof. As described above, of the sintered layer  121  provided at each end surface of the element assembly  110 , only a portion thereof on the one main surface  10  is not covered by the insulation layer  122 . Accordingly, the reinforcement layer  124  covers the portion of the sintered layer  121  that is not covered by the insulation layer  122  and is positioned on the one main surface  10  at each end surface of the element assembly  110 . 
     Further, the reinforcement layer  124  covers the sintered layer  121  that is not covered by the insulation layer  122  at the one main surface  10  of the element assembly  110 . Furthermore, the reinforcement layer  124  covers a portion of the sintered layer  121  that is not covered by the insulation layer  122  and is positioned on the one main surface  10  at each side surface of the element assembly  110 . 
     As described earlier, the sintered layer  121  extends from the one end surface of the element assembly  110  onto the main surfaces of the element assembly  110  and the side surfaces thereof. In addition, the sintered layer  121  extends from the other end surface of the element assembly  110  onto the main surfaces of the element assembly  110  and the side surfaces thereof. 
     As such, the reinforcement layer  124  extends from the one end surface of the element assembly  110  to the one main surface  10  of the element assembly  110  and to the side surfaces thereof. In addition, the reinforcement layer  124  extends from the other end surface of the element assembly  110  to the one main surface  10  of the element assembly  110  and to the side surfaces thereof. 
     As a material that configures the reinforcement layer  124 , Ni, a Ni alloy, Cu, or a Cu alloy can be used. In the present preferred embodiment, the reinforcement layer  124  preferably is made of Ni, for example. 
     The reinforcement layer  124  may be arranged so as to overlie an end portion of the insulation layer  122  by several μm, for example. In this case, it is preferable for the insulation layer  122  to have a large surface roughness. Further, it is preferable for the dimension in length of the reinforcement layer  124  at a portion thereof that overlies the end portion of the insulation layer  122  along the thickness direction T of the element assembly  110  to be larger than the dimension in thickness of the reinforcement layer  124 . 
     With this, the reinforcement layer  124  overlying the end portion of the insulation layer  122  penetrates into recessed areas in the surface of the insulation layer  122  in a spike-shaped configuration, thus enhancing the adhesiveness between the reinforcement layer  124  and the insulation layer  122 . As a result, the boundary between the insulation layer  122  and the reinforcement layer  124  is so tightly bonded that the solder fillet entering the boundary between the insulation layer  122  and the reinforcement layer  124  is further reduced or prevented at the time of mounting. 
     In the present preferred embodiment, the Sn-containing layer  123  is provided on the reinforcement layer  124  so as to cover the sintered layer  121  except for a portion of the sintered layer  121  that is covered by the insulation layer  122 , and defines another portion of the surface of the outer electrode  120   a.    
     As shown in  FIG. 9 , the method for manufacturing the electronic component  100   a  according to the present preferred embodiment includes the process of preparing the element assembly  110  (S 100 ), a process of providing the outer electrode  120   a  on the surface of the element assembly  110  so as to be electrically connected with the inner electrodes  130  (S 210 ). 
     The process of providing the outer electrode  120   a  (S 210 ) includes the process of providing the sintered layer  121  containing a sintered metal (S 111 ), the process of providing the insulation layer  122  made of an electric insulation material (S 112 ), a process of providing the reinforcement layer  124  containing Ni or Cu (S 211 ), and the process of providing the Sn-containing layer  123  that contains Sn (S 113 ). 
     In the process of providing the reinforcement layer  124  (S 211 ), the reinforcement layer  124  is arranged so as to cover the sintered layer  121  except for a portion of the sintered layer  121  that is covered by the insulation layer  122 . In the present preferred embodiment, the reinforcement layer  124  preferably is formed by electroplating. More specifically, the reinforcement layer  124  preferably is formed by barrel-plating. A barrel accommodating the plurality of element assemblies  110  provided with the sintered layer  121  and the insulation layer  122  is immersed in a plating liquid within a plating bath, and is electrified while the barrel being rotated in the plating liquid, such that the reinforcement layer  124  is provided on the sintered layer  121  except for the portion of the sintered layer  121  that is covered by the insulation layer  122 . 
     As described above, of the sintered layer  121  provided at each end surface of the element assembly  110 , only a portion thereof that is provided on the one main surface  10  is not covered by the insulation layer  122 . Accordingly, the reinforcement layer  124  covers the portion of the sintered layer  121  that is positioned on the one main surface  10  and is not covered by the insulation layer  122  at each end surface of the element assembly  110 . Further, the reinforcement layer  124  is configured to cover the sintered layer  121  that is not covered by the insulation layer  122  at the one main surface  10  of the element assembly  110 . As a result, the reinforcement layer  124  extends from each end surface of the element assembly  110  to the main surface  10  thereof. 
     Furthermore, the reinforcement layer  124  covers a portion of the sintered layer  121  that is positioned on the one main surface  10  and is not covered by the insulation layer  122  at each side surface of the element assembly  110 . Accordingly, the reinforcement layer  124  extends from the one end surface of the element assembly  110  to the one main surface  10  of the element assembly  110  as well as to the side surfaces thereof. In addition, the reinforcement layer  124  extends from the other end surface of the element assembly  110  to the one main surface  10  of the element assembly  110  as well as to the side surfaces thereof. 
     In the process of providing the Sn-containing layer  123  (S 113 ), the Sn-containing layer  123  is provided on the reinforcement layer  124  so as to cover the sintered layer  121  except for a portion of the sintered layer  121  that is covered by the insulation layer  122  to constitute another portion of the surface of the outer electrode  120 . 
     In the present preferred embodiment, the Sn-containing layer  123  preferably is formed by electroplating. More specifically, the Sn-containing layer  123  preferably is formed by barrel-plating. That is, a barrel accommodating the plurality of element assemblies  110  provided with the sintered layer  121 , the insulation layer  122 , and the reinforcement layer  124  is immersed in a plating liquid within a plating bath, and is electrified while the barrel being rotated in the plating liquid, such that the Sn-containing layer  123  is provided on the reinforcement layer  124 . As a result, the Sn-containing layer  123  extends from each end surface of the element assembly  110  to the one main surface  10  thereof. In addition, the Sn-containing layer  123  is provided on the reinforcement layer  124  at each surface of the element assembly  110 . 
     Accordingly, the Sn-containing layer  123  extends from the one end surface of the element assembly  110  to the one main surface  10  of the element assembly  110  as well as to each side surface thereof. In addition, the Sn-containing layer  123  extends from the other end surface of the element assembly  110  to the one main surface  10  of the element assembly  110  as well as to each side surface thereof. 
     Also in the electronic component  100   a  according to the present preferred embodiment, the insulation layer  122  is provided at least at each end surface of the element assembly  110 , thus making it possible to reduce the wetting of the solder fillet  30  and prevent the generation of a crack in the element assembly  110  caused by tensile stress due to the thermal contraction of the solder fillet  30 . 
     Hereinafter, an electronic component and a method for manufacturing the electronic component according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described. Note that because an electronic component  100   b  according to the third preferred embodiment differs from the electronic component  100   a  according to the second preferred embodiment only in a point that the electronic component  100   b  includes a base layer, description of the other constituent elements is not repeated herein. 
     Third Preferred Embodiment 
       FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of the electronic component according to the third preferred embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 11  is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing the electronic component according to the third preferred embodiment of the present invention. Note that  FIG. 10  illustrates a cross section of the electronic component viewed from the same direction as in  FIG. 2 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 10 , an outer electrode  120   b  of the electronic component  100   b  according to the third preferred embodiment of the present invention further includes a base layer  125  configured of a material different from that of the reinforcement layer  124  and containing Cu or Ni. The base layer  125  is provided between the sintered layer  121  and the reinforcement layer  124 . 
     The base layer  125  is provided on the sintered layer  121  so as to cover the sintered layer  121  except for a portion of the sintered layer  121  that is covered by the insulation layer  122 . In the present preferred embodiment, the base layer  125  extends from each end surface of the element assembly  110  to the one main surface  10  thereof. As described above, of the sintered layer  121  provided at each end surface of the element assembly  110 , only a portion thereof on the one main surface  10  is not covered by the insulation layer  122 . Accordingly, the base layer  125  covers the portion of the sintered layer  121  that is not covered by the insulation layer  122  and is positioned on the one main surface  10  at each end surface of the element assembly  110 . 
     Further, the base layer  125  covers the sintered layer  121  that is not covered by the insulation layer  122  at the one main surface  10  of the element assembly  110 . Furthermore, the base layer  125  covers a portion of the sintered layer  121  that is not covered by the insulation layer  122  and is positioned on the one main surface  10  at each side surface of the element assembly  110 . 
     As described earlier, the sintered layer  121  extends from the one end surface of the element assembly  110  onto the main surfaces of the element assembly  110  and the side surfaces thereof. In addition, the sintered layer  121  extends from the other end surface of the element assembly  110  onto the main surfaces of the element assembly  110  and the side surfaces thereof. 
     As such, the base layer  125  extends from the one end surface of the element assembly  110  to the one main surface  10  of the element assembly  110  and to the side surfaces thereof. In addition, the base layer  125  extends from the other end surface of the element assembly  110  to the one main surface  10  of the element assembly  110  and to the side surfaces thereof. 
     As a material that configures the base layer  125 , a material that differs from the material configuring the reinforcement layer  124  such as Ni, a Ni alloy, Cu, or a Cu alloy can be used. In the present preferred embodiment, the base layer  125  preferably is made of Cu, for example. 
     The base layer  125  may be arranged so as to overlie an end portion of the insulation layer  122  by several μm, for example. In this case, it is preferable for the insulation layer  122  to have a large surface roughness. Further, it is preferable for the dimension in length of the base layer  125  at a portion thereof that overlies the end portion of the insulation layer  122  along the thickness direction T of the element assembly  110  to be larger than the dimension in thickness of the base layer  125 . 
     With this, the base layer  125  overlying the end portion of the insulation layer  122  penetrates into recessed areas in the surface of the insulation layer  122  in a spike-shaped form, thus enhancing the adhesiveness between the base layer  125  and the insulation layer  122 . As a result, the boundary between the insulation layer  122  and the base layer  125  is so tightly bonded that the solder fillet entering the boundary between the insulation layer  122  and the base layer  125  is further reduced at the time of mounting. 
     In the present preferred embodiment, the reinforcement layer  124  is provided on the base layer  125  so as to cover the entirety of the base layer  125 . In the present preferred embodiment, the reinforcement layer  124  preferably is made of Ni, for example. 
     As shown in  FIG. 11 , the method for manufacturing the electronic component  100   b  according to the present preferred embodiment includes the process of preparing the element assembly  110  (S 100 ), and a process of providing the outer electrode  120   b  on the surface of the element assembly  110  so as to be electrically connected with the inner electrodes  130  (S 310 ). 
     The process of providing the outer electrode  120   b  (S 310 ) includes the process of providing the sintered layer  121  containing a sintered metal (S 111 ), the process of providing the insulation layer  122  made of an electric insulation material (S 112 ), a process of providing the base layer  125  configured of a material different from that of the reinforcement layer  124  and containing Cu or Ni (S 311 ), the process of providing the reinforcement layer  124  containing Ni or Cu (S 211 ), and the process of providing the Sn-containing layer  123  that contains Sn (S 113 ). 
     In the process of providing the base layer  125  (S 311 ), the base layer  125  is provided between the sintered layer  121  and the reinforcement layer  124 . 
     In the present preferred embodiment, the base layer  125  preferably is formed by electroplating. More specifically, the base layer  125  preferably is formed by barrel-plating. That is, a barrel accommodating the plurality of element assemblies  110  provided with the sintered layer  121  and the insulation layer  122  is immersed in a plating liquid within a plating bath, and is electrified while the barrel being rotated in the plating liquid, such that the base layer  125  is provided on the sintered layer  121  except for a portion of the sintered layer  121  that is covered by the insulation layer  122 . 
     As described above, of the sintered layer  121  provided at each end surface of the element assembly  110 , only a portion thereof that is on the one main surface  10  is not covered by the insulation layer  122 . Accordingly, the base layer  125  covers the portion of the sintered layer  121  that is positioned on the one main surface  10  and is not covered by the insulation layer  122  at each end surface of the element assembly  110 . Further, the base layer  125  is configured to cover the sintered layer  121  that is not covered by the insulation layer  122  at the one main surface  10  of the element assembly  110 . As a result, the base layer  125  extends from each end surface of the element assembly  110  to the main surface  10  thereof. 
     Furthermore, the base layer  125  covers a portion of the sintered layer  121  that is positioned on the one main surface  10  and is not covered by the insulation layer  122  at each of the side surfaces of the element assembly  110 . Accordingly, the base layer  125  extends from the one end surface of the element assembly  110  to the one main surface  10  of the element assembly  110  as well as to each of the side surfaces thereof. In addition, the base layer  125  extends from the other end surface of the element assembly  110  to the one main surface  10  of the element assembly  110  as well as to each of the side surfaces thereof. 
     In the present preferred embodiment, the reinforcement layer  124  preferably is formed by electroplating. More specifically, the reinforcement layer  124  preferably is formed by barrel-plating. That is, the barrel accommodating the plurality of element assemblies  110  provided with the sintered layer  121 , the insulation layer  122 , and the base layer  125  is immersed in a plating liquid within the plating bath, and is electrified while the barrel being rotated in the plating liquid, such that the reinforcement layer  124  is provided on the base layer  125 . 
     By providing the reinforcement layer  124  on the base layer  125 , the reinforcement layer  124  can be formed by plating more easily in comparison with a case in which the reinforcement layer  124  is provided on the sintered layer  121 . 
     Also in the electronic component  100   b  according to the present preferred embodiment, the insulation layer  122  is provided at least at each end surface of the element assembly  110 , thus making it possible to reduce the wetting of the solder fillet  30  and prevent the generation of a crack in the element assembly  110  caused by tensile stress due to the thermal contraction of the solder fillet  30 . 
     Hereinafter, an electronic component according to a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described. Note that because an electronic component  400  according to the fourth preferred embodiment differs from the electronic component  100  according to the first preferred embodiment only in a point that the positions of the insulation layer and Sn-containing layer are different from those in the first preferred embodiment, description of the other constituent elements is not repeated herein. 
     Fourth Preferred Embodiment 
       FIG. 12  is a perspective view illustrating an external appearance of the electronic component according to the fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional view of the electronic component taken along a XIII-XIII arrow line in  FIG. 12 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13 , the electronic component  400  according to the fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention includes the element assembly  110  and outer electrodes  420  provided on the surface of the element assembly  110  and electrically connected with the inner electrodes  130 . The outer electrodes  420  each include the sintered layer  121  containing a sintered metal, an insulation layer  422  formed of an electric insulation material, and a Sn-containing layer  423  that contains Sn. 
     The insulation layer  422  is directly provided on the sintered layer  121  at each end surface so as to extend in the width direction W, which is a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the side surface of the element assembly  110 , and constitutes a portion of a surface of the outer electrode  420 . 
     In the present preferred embodiment, the insulation layer  422  extends across the entirety in the width direction W of the element assembly  110  at each end surface of the element assembly  110 . As shown in  FIG. 13 , none of the inner electrodes  130  are located in the virtual plane P 1  that links the position of an edge of the insulation layer  422  at the end surface of the element assembly  110  on the one main surface  10  thereof with the position of a tip of the outer electrode  420  on the one main surface  10  of the element assembly  110  in the shortest distance. 
     Note that in the present preferred embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 13 , although none of the inner electrodes  130  intersect with the virtual lines defining the virtual plane P 1  in a cross section of the electronic component  400  on an arbitrary surface in parallel to the side surface of the element assembly  110 , the inner electrodes  130  intersecting with the virtual lines may be included therein. However, it is preferable that none of the inner electrodes  130  intersect with the virtual lines. 
     The insulation layer  422  is directly provided on the sintered layer  121  at each end surface of the element assembly  110  so that at least a portion of the insulation layer  422  is located between the one main surface  10  of the element assembly  110  and the position of an edge portion of the inner electrode  130  closest to the one main surface  10  of the element assembly  110  in the thickness direction T, which is a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the main surface of the element assembly  110 . 
     To be more specific, in the case where the dimension of distance between the one main surface  10  of the element assembly  110  and the edge portion on the one main surface  10  of the inner electrode  130  is taken as L 1 , the dimension of distance L 2  along the thickness direction T of the element assembly  110  between the one main surface  10  of the element assembly  110  and the position of an end portion on the one main surface  10  of the insulation layer  422  satisfies the relation of L 2 &lt;L 1 , at each end surface of the element assembly  110 . 
     In the present preferred embodiment, L 2 &gt;0; that is, of the sintered layer  121  provided at each of the end surfaces of the element assembly  110 , a portion of the sintered layer  121  on the one main surface  10  is not covered by the insulation layer  422 . In the case where the dimension of thickness of the element assembly  110  is taken as L T , it is more preferable for the relation of L 2 &gt;L T /10 to be satisfied. Accordingly, in the electronic component  400 , it is preferable for both the relation of L 2 &lt;L 1  and the relation of L 2 &gt;L T /10 to be satisfied. The electronic component  400  satisfies the relation of L T /10&lt;L 2 &lt;L 1  in the present preferred embodiment. 
     As shown in  FIG. 13 , the insulation layer  422  is arranged such that none of the inner electrodes  130  are located in a virtual plane P 2  that links the position of an edge of the insulation layer  422  at the end surface of the element assembly  110  on the other main surface  11  with the position of a tip of the outer electrode  420  on the other main surface  11  of the element assembly  110  in the shortest distance. 
     Note that in the present preferred embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 13 , although none of the inner electrodes  130  intersect with virtual lines defining the virtual plane P 2  in a cross section of the electronic component  400  on an arbitrary surface in parallel to the side surface of the element assembly  110 , the inner electrodes  130  intersecting with the virtual lines may be included therein. However, it is preferable that none of the inner electrodes  130  intersect with the virtual lines. 
     The insulation layer  422  is directly provided on the sintered layer  121  at each end surface of the element assembly  110  such that at least a portion of the insulation layer  422  is located between the other main surface  11  of the element assembly  110  and the position of an edge portion of the inner electrode  130  closest to the other main surface  11  of the element assembly  110  in the thickness direction T, which is a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the main surface of the element assembly  110 . 
     To be more specific, in the case where a dimension of distance between the other main surface  11  of the element assembly  110  and an edge portion on the other main surface  11  of the inner electrode  130  closest to the other main surface  11  is taken as L 3 , a dimension of distance L 4  along the thickness direction T of the element assembly  110  between the other main surface  11  of the element assembly  110  and the position of an end portion on the other main surface  11  of the insulation layer  422  satisfies a relation of L 4 &lt;L 3 , at each end surface of the element assembly  110 . 
     In the present preferred embodiment, L 4 &gt;0; that is, of the sintered layer  121  provided at each of the end surfaces of the element assembly  110 , a portion of the sintered layer  121  on the other main surface  11  is not covered by the insulation layer  422 . In the case where the dimension of thickness of the element assembly  110  is taken as L T , it is more preferable for a relation of L 4 &gt;L T /10 to be satisfied. Accordingly, in the electronic component  400 , it is preferable for both the relation of L 4 &lt;L 3  and the relation of L 4 &gt;L T /10 to be satisfied. The electronic component  400  satisfies a relation of L T /10&lt;L 4 &lt;L 3  in the present preferred embodiment. 
     The insulation layer  422  extends in the lengthwise direction L, which is a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the end surface of the element assembly  110 , at each side surface of the element assembly  110 . In the present preferred embodiment, the insulation layer  422  extends across the entirety of each side surface of the element assembly  110  along the lengthwise direction L of the element assembly  110 . In other words, a portion of the insulation layer  422  is directly provided on the sintered layer  121  at each side surface of the element assembly  110 . Another portion of the insulation layer  422  is directly provided on each side surface of the element assembly  110 . 
     The insulation layer  422  provided at each end surface of the element assembly  110  and the insulation layer  422  provided at each side surface of the element assembly  110  are connected with each other so as to define a ring shape. At each side surface of the element assembly  110 , L 2  is the dimension of distance along the thickness direction T of the element assembly  110  between the one main surface  10  of the element assembly  110  and the position of the end portion on the one main surface  10  of the insulation layer  422 . At each side surface of the element assembly  110 , L 4  is the dimension of distance along the thickness direction T of the element assembly  110  between the other main surface  11  of the element assembly  110  and the position of the end portion on the other main surface  11  of the insulation layer  422 . In the present preferred embodiment, the dimension L 2  and the dimension L 4  are the same. 
     As a method for forming the insulation layer  422 , the following may be used, for example. That is, in a state in which the plurality of element assemblies  110  provided with the sintered layer  121  are arranged with a space therebetween and sandwiched between two elastic plates, a softened insulating resin is poured between the two plates, thus applying the insulating resin on the surface of the element assemblies  110  provided with the sintered layer  121 . Through this, because the insulating resin does not adhere to the element assembly  110  provided with the sintered layer  121  at portions that are sunk in the two plates, the insulation layer  422  is provided. 
     The Sn-containing layer  423  is arranged on the sintered layer  121  so as to cover the sintered layer  121  except for a portion of the sintered layer  121  that is covered by the insulation layer  422 , and constitutes another portion of the surface of the outer electrode  420 . 
     In the present preferred embodiment, the Sn-containing layer  423  extends from each end surface of the element assembly  110  to the one main surface  10  of the element assembly  110  as well as to the other main surface  11  thereof. As described before, of the sintered layer  121  provided at each end surface of the element assembly  110 , a portion of the sintered layer  121  on the one main surface  10  and a portion of the sintered layer  121  on the other main surface  11  are not covered by the insulation layer  422 . Accordingly, at each end surface of the element assembly  110 , the Sn-containing layer  423  covers the portion of the sintered layer  121  positioned on the one main surface  10  and the portion of the sintered layer  121  positioned on the other main surface  11 . 
     Further, the Sn-containing layer  423  covers the sintered layer  121  that is not covered by the insulation layer  422  at the one main surface  10  of the element assembly  110  and the other main surface  11  thereof. Furthermore, at each side surface of the element assembly  110 , the Sn-containing layer  423  covers a portion of the sintered layer  121  that is positioned on the one main surface  10  and is not covered by the insulation layer  422  and a portion of the sintered layer  121  that is positioned on the other main surface  11  and is not covered by the insulation layer  422 . 
     As described earlier, the sintered layer  121  extends from the one end surface of the element assembly  110  onto both the main surfaces and the side surfaces of the element assembly  110 . Further, the sintered layer  121  extends from the other end surface of the element assembly  110  onto both the main surfaces and the side surfaces of the element assembly  110 . 
     As such, the Sn-containing layer  423  extends from the one end surface of the element assembly  110  to the one main surface  10  and to the side surfaces of the element assembly  110 . Likewise, the Sn-containing layer  423  extends from the one end surface of the element assembly  110  to the other main surface  11  and to the side surfaces of the element assembly  110 . 
     Furthermore, the Sn-containing layer  423  extends from the other end surface of the element assembly  110  to the one main surface  10  and to the side surfaces of the element assembly  110 . Likewise, the Sn-containing layer  423  extends from the other end surface of the element assembly  110  to the other main surface  11  and to the side surfaces of the element assembly  110 . 
     In the present preferred embodiment, in the outer electrode  420  of the electronic component  400 , either of the one main surface  10  and the other main surface  11  of the element assembly  110  can be selected as a mounting surface with respect to the substrate  20 . 
     In other words, in the outer electrode  420  of the electronic component  400 , regardless of which one of the one main surface  10  and the other main surface  11  of the element assembly  110  is selected as the mounting surface, it is possible to reduce the wetting of the solder fillet  30  and prevent the generation of a crack in the element assembly  110  caused by tensile stress due to the thermal contraction of the solder fillet  30 . 
     Therefore, in the electronic component  400  according to the present preferred embodiment, the electronic component  400  is capable of being mounted without being limited by the orientation of the electronic component  400  in the thickness direction T of the element assembly  110 . 
     Hereinafter, an electronic component according to a fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described. Because an electronic component  500  according to the fifth preferred embodiment differs from the electronic component  100  according to the first preferred embodiment only in a point that the stacking direction of the inner electrodes is different from that in the first preferred embodiment, description of the other constituent elements is not repeated herein. 
     Fifth Preferred Embodiment 
       FIG. 14  is a perspective view illustrating an external appearance of the electronic component according to the fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 15  is a cross-sectional view of the electronic component taken along a XV-XV arrow line in  FIG. 14 .  FIG. 16  is a cross-sectional view of the electronic component taken along a XVI-XVI arrow line in  FIG. 14 .  FIG. 17  is a cross-sectional view of the electronic component taken along a XVII-XVII arrow line in  FIG. 15  and of the electronic component taken along the XVII-XVII arrow line in  FIG. 16  as well.  FIG. 18  is a cross-sectional view of the electronic component taken along a XVIII-XVIII arrow line in  FIG. 15  and of the electronic component taken along the XVIII-XVIII arrow line in  FIG. 16  as well. In  FIG. 14 , a lengthwise direction of an element assembly is indicated by “L”, a width direction of the element assembly is indicated by “W”, and a thickness direction of the element assembly is indicated by “T”. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 14 through 18 , the electronic component  500  according to the fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a parallelepiped element assembly  510  in which the inner electrodes  130  are embedded, and the outer electrode  120  provided on a surface of the element assembly  510  and electrically connected with the inner electrodes  130 . 
     In the element assembly  510 , the dielectric layers  140  and the inner electrodes  130  having a plate shape are alternately stacked. The stacking direction of the dielectric layers  140  and the inner electrodes  130  is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to both the lengthwise direction L of the element assembly  510  and the thickness direction T of the element assembly  510 . In other words, the stacking direction of the dielectric layers  140  and the inner electrodes  130  is parallel to the width direction W of the element assembly  510 . 
     The element assembly  510  includes a pair of main surfaces perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the thickness direction T, a pair of end surfaces perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the lengthwise direction L, and a pair of side surfaces perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the width direction W. The pair of main surfaces includes the one main surface  10  and the other main surface  11 . The one main surface  10  is a surface positioned on a mounting surface of the electronic component  500  when the electronic component  500  is mounted. In other words, when the electronic component  500  is mounted on a substrate, the one main surface  10  is a surface that opposes the substrate. 
     As described above, the element assembly  510  includes the pair of side surfaces perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the stacking direction of the dielectric layers  140  and the inner electrodes  130 , the pair of main surfaces respectively connecting the side surfaces, and the pair of end surfaces respectively perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the pair of main surfaces and the pair of side surfaces. 
     Although the element assembly  510  is formed in a parallelepiped-like shape with its corners being rounded, the corners of the assembly may not be rounded. Furthermore, concave and/or convex portions may be formed in any one of the surfaces included in the pair of main surfaces, the pair of end surfaces, or the pair of side surfaces. 
     In the inner electrodes  130  adjacent to each other and opposing each other, one inner electrode  130  is electrically connected with the outer electrode  120  at one end surface of the element assembly  510 , while the other inner electrode  130  is electrically connected with the outer electrode  120  at the other end surface of the element assembly  510 . 
     In the present preferred embodiment, the insulation layer  122  extends across the entirety in the width direction of the element assembly  510  at each end surface of the element assembly  510 . As shown in  FIGS. 15 and 16 , none of the inner electrodes  130  are located in a virtual plane P 1  that links the position of an edge of the insulation layer  122  at the end surface of the element assembly  510  on the one main surface  10  with the position of a tip of the outer electrode  120  on the one main surface  10  of the element  510  in the shortest distance. 
     Note that in the present preferred embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 15 and 16 , although none of the inner electrodes  130  intersect with virtual lines defining the virtual plane P 1  in a cross section of the electronic component  500  on an arbitrary surface parallel or substantially parallel to the side surface of the element assembly  510 , the inner electrodes  130  intersecting with the virtual lines may be included therein. However, it is preferable that none of the inner electrodes  130  intersect with the virtual lines. 
     The insulation layer  122  is directly provided on the sintered layer  121  at each end surface of the element assembly  510  so that at least a portion of the insulation layer  122  is located between the one main surface  10  of the element assembly  510  and the position of an edge portion of the inner electrode  130  closest to the one main surface  10  of the element assembly  510  in the thickness direction T, which is a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the main surface of the element assembly  510 . 
     To be more specific, in the case where a dimension of distance between the one main surface  10  of the element assembly  510  and an edge on the one main surface  10  of the inner electrode  130  is taken as L 5 , the dimension of distance L 2  along the thickness direction T of the element assembly  510  between the one main surface  10  of the element assembly  510  and the position of an end portion on the one main surface  10  of the insulation layer  122  satisfies a relation of L 2 &lt;L 5 , at each end surface of the element assembly  510 . 
     In the present preferred embodiment, L 2 &gt;0; that is, of the sintered layer  121  provided at each of the end surfaces of the element assembly  510 , only a portion of the sintered layer  121  on the one main surface  10  is not covered by the insulation layer  122 . In the case where the dimension of thickness of the element assembly  510  is taken as L T , it is preferable for the relation of L 2 &gt;L T /10 to be satisfied. Accordingly, in the electronic component  500 , it is preferable for both the relation of L 2 &lt;L 5  and the relation of L 2 &gt;L T /10 to be satisfied. The electronic component  500  satisfies a relation of L T /10&lt;L 2 &lt;L 5  in the present preferred embodiment. 
     Further, the insulation layer  122  extends in the lengthwise direction L, which is a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the end surface of the element assembly  510 , at each of the side surfaces of the element assembly  510 . In the present preferred embodiment, the insulation layer  122  extends across the entirety of each side surface of the element assembly  510  along the lengthwise direction L of the element assembly  510 . In other words, a portion of the insulation layer  122  is directly provided on the sintered layer  121  at each side surface of the element assembly  510 . Another portion of the insulation layer  122  is directly provided on each side surface of the element assembly  510 . 
     The insulation layer  122  provided at each end surface of the element assembly  510  and the insulation layer  122  provided at each side surface of the element assembly  510  are connected with each other so as to define a ring-shaped configuration. At each side surface of the element assembly  510 , L 2  is the dimension of distance along the thickness direction T of the element assembly  510  between the one main surface  10  of the element assembly  510  and the position of the end portion on the one main surface  10  of the insulation layer  122 . 
     Further, the insulation layer  122  covers the entirety of the other main surface  11  of the element assembly  510 . In other words, a portion of the insulation layer  122  is directly provided on the sintered layer  121  at the other main surface  11  of the element assembly  510 . Another portion of the insulation layer  122  is directly provided on the other main surface  11  of the element assembly  510 . The insulation layer  122  covering the other main surface  11  of the element assembly  510  is connected with the insulation layer  122  provided at each end surface of the element assembly  510  and the insulation layer  122  provided at each side surface of the element assembly  510 , respectively. 
     As described above, portions of the insulation layer  122  are directly provided on the other main surface  11  of the element assembly  510  and the side surfaces of the element assembly  510 . The insulation layer  122  has a higher adhesiveness with the element assembly  510  than that with the sintered layer  121 . Therefore, providing a portion of the insulation layer  122  directly on the element assembly  510  makes it possible to prevent the separation of the insulation layer  122  at the time of plating or mounting. 
     In the present preferred embodiment, the Sn-containing layer  123  extends from each end surface of the element assembly  510  to the one main surface  10 . As described above, of the sintered layer  121  provided at each end surface of the element assembly  510 , only a portion of the sintered layer  121  on the one main surface  10  is not covered by the insulation layer  122 . Accordingly, at each end surface of the element assembly  510 , the Sn-containing layer  123  covers the portion of the sintered layer  121  that is positioned on the one main surface  10  and is not covered by the insulation layer  122 . 
     In addition, the Sn-containing layer  123  covers the sintered layer  121  that is not covered by the insulation layer  122  at the one main surface  10  of the element assembly  510 . Furthermore, at each side surface of the element assembly  510 , the Sn-containing layer  123  covers a portion of the sintered layer  121  that is positioned on the one main surface  10  and is not covered by the insulation layer  122 . 
     As described above, the sintered layer  121  extends from the one end surface of the element assembly  510  onto both the main surfaces and the side surfaces thereof. Further, the sintered layer  121  extends from the other end surface of the element assembly  510  onto both the main surfaces and the side surfaces thereof. 
     As such, the Sn-containing layer  123  extends from the one end surface of the element assembly  510  to the one main surface  10  and to the side surfaces thereof. Further, the Sn-containing layer  123  extends from the other end surface of the element assembly  510  to the one main surface  10  and to the side surfaces thereof. 
     The Sn-containing layer  123  extending from the one end surface of the element assembly  510  to the one main surface  10  as well as to the side surfaces of the element assembly  510  and the Sn-containing layer  123  extending from the other end surface of the element assembly  510  to the one main surface  10  as well as to the side surfaces of the element assembly  510 , are separated from each other and not electrically connected. 
     Also in the electronic component  500  according to the present preferred embodiment, the insulation layer  122  is provided at least at each end surface of the element assembly  510 , thus making it possible to reduce the wetting of the solder fillet  30  and significantly reduce or prevent the generation of a crack in the element assembly  510  caused by tensile stress due to the thermal contraction of the solder fillet  30 . 
     As described above, none of the inner electrodes  130  are located in the virtual plane P 1  that links the position of an edge of the insulation layer  122  at the end surface of the element assembly  510  on the one main surface  10  with the position of a tip of the outer electrode  120  on the one main surface  10  in the shortest distance. If a crack is generated by the tensile stress due to the thermal contraction of the solder fillet, the crack is likely to develop along the virtual surface P 1 . Accordingly, because none of the inner electrodes  130  are located in the virtual plane P 1 , cutting of the inner electrodes  130  due to the generation of a crack is significantly reduced or prevented. As a result, deterioration of electric characteristics of the electronic component  500  due to the generation of a crack is significantly reduced or prevented. 
     In addition, as described earlier, in the case where the dimension of distance between the one main surface  10  of the element assembly  510  and the edge portion on the one main surface of the inner electrode  130  is L 5 , L 2  is the dimension of distance along the thickness direction T of the element assembly  510  between the one main surface  10  of the element assembly  510  and the position of an end portion on the one main surface  10  of the insulation layer  122  at each end surface of the element assembly  510 , and the dimension of thickness of the element assembly  510  is L T , the relation of L T /10&lt;L 2 &lt;L 5  is satisfied. 
     Satisfying the relation of L T /10&lt;L 2  makes it possible to form an adequate solder fillet and ensure orientation stability of the electronic component  500  at the time of mounting. Further, falling-off of the electronic component  500  having been mounted from the substrate due to a shock or the like is significantly reduced or prevented. 
     It is preferable for the insulation layer  122  to cover the sintered layer  121  so as to be positioned as the outermost layer at each side surface of the element assembly  510 . With this, in the case where the plurality of electronic components  500  are mounted close to each other, even if the electronic components  500  are mounted in a state in which the side surfaces of the adjacent electronic components  500  make contact with each other because of insufficient stability in orientation of the electronic components  500  and consequently the insulation layers  122  thereof are in contact with each other, it is possible to prevent the electronic components  500  that are in contact with each other from being electrically short-circuited. 
     By satisfying the relation of L 2 &lt;L 5 , because the solder fillet is not overlapping with a functional region as a region where the inner electrodes  130  are stacked within the element assembly  510 , the tensile stress produced by thermal contraction of the solder fillet can be made difficult to act on the functional region. As a result, it is possible to significantly reduce or prevent the generation of a crack due to the thermal contraction of the solder fillet. 
     The stacking directions of the inner electrodes  130  in the electronic component  100   a  according to the second preferred embodiment, the electronic component  100   b  according to the third preferred embodiment, and the electronic component  400  according to the fourth preferred embodiment may respectively be set to be the same as the stacking direction of the electronic components  500  in the present preferred embodiment. 
     It should be noted that the preferred embodiments disclosed in the present specification are merely examples and are not limiting in any way. The scope of the present invention is not indicated by the description made above, but by the appended claims, and further, meanings equivalent to the appended claims and any modification that is made within the range of the appended claims are intended to be included in the scope of the present invention. 
     While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it is to be understood that variations and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. The scope of the present invention, therefore, is to be determined solely by the following claims.