Abstract: In a multilayer piezoelectric actuator, external electrodes are formed on external surfaces of a multilayer piezoelectric body in which a plurality of internal electrodes and a plurality of piezoelectric layers are stacked on top of one another. Each of the external electrodes includes a base electrode and a stress-absorbing external-electrode member formed on the base electrode. The stress-absorbing external-electrode member is provided with an elastically deformable elastic structure, and a planar portion, which is continuous with the elastic structure and has at least an area sufficient for bonding a feeder terminal such as a lead line thereto.

Abstract: A multilayer piezoelectric actuator having external electrodes formed on external surfaces of a multilayer piezoelectric body in which a plurality of internal electrodes and a plurality of piezoelectric layers are stacked on top of one another. Each of the external electrodes includes a base electrode and a stress-absorbing electrode member formed on the base electrode. The stress-absorbing electrode member includes an elastic structure that elastically deforms when subject to an external force and fixed portions that are fixed to the base electrode. The fixed portions have a shape that extends parallel to edge portions of the internal electrodes, and each of the fixed portions has a width dimension that does not reach an adjacent internal electrode in the stacking direction.

Abstract: In a multilayer piezoelectric actuator, external electrodes are formed on external surfaces of a multilayer piezoelectric body in which a plurality of internal electrodes and a plurality of piezoelectric layers are stacked on top of one another. Each of the external electrodes includes a base electrode and a stress-absorbing external-electrode member formed on the base electrode. The stress-absorbing external-electrode member is provided with an elastically deformable elastic structure, and a planar portion, which is continuous with the elastic structure and has at least an area sufficient for bonding a feeder terminal such as a lead line thereto.

Abstract: A multilayer ceramic device includes an external electrode disposed on a piezoelectric ceramic body including internal electrodes. The external electrode is a sintered body in which an Ag grid is integrally embedded in a coating film primarily composed of Ag. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a multilayer ceramic device having outstanding properties, such as durability and moisture resistance, without leading to poor electrical continuity and a decrease in conductivity even when a continuous operation is performed for a prolonged period of time.

Abstract: A multilayer ceramic device includes an external electrode disposed on a piezoelectric ceramic body including internal electrodes. The external electrode is a sintered body in which an Ag grid is integrally embedded in a coating film primarily composed of Ag. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a multilayer ceramic device having outstanding properties, such as durability and moisture resistance, without leading to poor electrical continuity and a decrease in conductivity even when a continuous operation is performed for a prolonged period of time.