Particulate matter detection element, particulate matter detection sensor, and method of manufacturing particulate matter detection element

Abstract

A particulate matter detection element for detecting particulate matter in a gas to be measured includes flat-shaped conductor layers, flat-shaped insulating layers, a laminated structure in which the conductor layers and the insulating layers are alternately laminated, and a detecting unit having the conductor layers of different polarities as a pair of detection electrodes on a cross section of the laminated structure. The conductor layers each have a constant thickness, and include conductor layer planar portions having a stripped-pattern cross section, and tapered conductor layer end edge portions each having a triangular cross section, provided on both sides of the respective conductor layer planar portions.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A particulate matter detection element for measuring electrical characteristics changing with an amount of deposited particulate matter, and for detecting particulate matter in a gas to be measured, the particulate matter detection element comprises:
 flat-shaped conductor layers;   flat-shaped insulating layers;   a laminated structure in which the conductor layers and the insulating layers are alternately laminated; and   a detecting unit having the conductor layers of different polarities as a pair of detection electrodes on a cross section of the laminated structure, and deposited with particulate matter, wherein   the conductor layers each have a constant thickness, and include conductor layer planar portions having a stripped-pattern cross section, and gently curved conductor layer end edge portions each having a circular-arc cross section, provided on both sides of the respective conductor layer planar portions.