Abstract: An acceleration sensor includes a piezoelectric element and support frames for supporting the ends of the piezoelectric element in the longitudinal direction. The piezoelectric element is formed by stacking an even number of piezoelectric layers greater than or equal to four layers. Electrodes are provided in between the layers and on the front and back faces of the piezoelectric element. The interlayer electrodes including a segmented electrode and lead electrodes are alternately stacked with the piezoelectric layers therebetween. The interlayer electrode in the middle in the thickness direction is a segmented electrode. The piezoelectric layers are polarized in the thickness direction so that charge having the same polarity is extracted from the electrodes when the acceleration is applied. Also, the center portion and both end portions of each piezoelectric layer are polarized in opposite directions.

Abstract: A piezoelectric type acceleration sensor which is small in size and has a high charge sensitivity and large static capacitance includes a piezoelectric element having a laminate of more than three piezoelectric layers. Electrodes are provided between the piezoelectric layers and the top and bottom surfaces of the laminate. The piezoelectric element is supported at opposed ends. Adjacent ones of the piezoelectric layers are polarized so that charge having the same polarity is accumulated at the electrode interposed the adjacent ones.

Abstract: An acceleration sensor includes a piezoelectric element and support frames for supporting the ends of the piezoelectric element in the longitudinal direction. The piezoelectric element is formed by stacking an even number of piezoelectric layers greater than or equal to four layers. Electrodes are provided in between the layers and on the front and back faces of the piezoelectric element. The interlayer electrodes including a segmented electrode and lead electrodes are alternately stacked with the piezoelectric layers therebetween. The interlayer electrode in the middle in the thickness direction is a segmented electrode. The piezoelectric layers are polarized in the thickness direction so that charge having the same polarity is extracted from the electrodes when the acceleration is applied. Also, the center portion and both end portions of each piezoelectric layer are polarized in opposite directions.

Abstract: An acceleration sensor includes a piezoelectric element and support frames for supporting the ends of the piezoelectric element in the longitudinal direction. The piezoelectric element is formed by stacking an even number of piezoelectric layers greater than or equal to four layers. Electrodes are provided in between the layers and on the front and back faces of the piezoelectric element. The interlayer electrodes including a segmented electrode and lead electrodes are alternately stacked with the piezoelectric layers therebetween. The interlayer electrode in the middle in the thickness direction is a segmented electrode. The piezoelectric layers are polarized in the thickness direction so that charge having the same polarity is extracted from the electrodes when the acceleration is applied. Also, the center portion and both end portions of each piezoelectric layer are polarized in opposite directions.

Abstract: An acceleration sensor includes a piezoelectric element and support frames for supporting the ends of the piezoelectric element in the longitudinal direction. The piezoelectric element is formed by stacking an even number of piezoelectric layers greater than or equal to six layers. Electrodes are provided in between the layers and on the front and back faces of the piezoelectric element. The interlayer electrodes including segmented electrodes and lead electrodes are alternately stacked with the piezoelectric layers therebetween. The interlayer electrode in the middle in the thickness direction is a lead electrode. The piezoelectric layers are polarized in the thickness direction so that charge having the same polarity is extracted from the electrodes when an acceleration is applied. Also, the center portion and both end portions of each piezoelectric layer are polarized in opposite directions.

Abstract: An acceleration sensor includes a piezoelectric element and support frames for supporting the ends of the piezoelectric element in the longitudinal direction. The piezoelectric element is formed by stacking an even number of piezoelectric layers greater than or equal to six layers. Electrodes are provided in between the layers and on the front and back faces of the piezoelectric element. The interlayer electrodes including segmented electrodes and lead electrodes are alternately stacked with the piezoelectric layers therebetween. The interlayer electrode in the middle in the thickness direction is a lead electrode. The piezoelectric layers are polarized in the thickness direction so that charge having the same polarity is extracted from the electrodes when an acceleration is applied. Also, the center portion and both end portions of each piezoelectric layer are polarized in opposite directions.

Abstract: An acceleration sensor includes a piezoelectric element and support frames for supporting the ends of the piezoelectric element in the longitudinal direction. The piezoelectric element is formed by stacking an even number of piezoelectric layers greater than or equal to four layers. Electrodes are provided in between the layers and on the front and back faces of the piezoelectric element. The interlayer electrodes including a segmented electrode and lead electrodes are alternately stacked with the piezoelectric layers therebetween. The interlayer electrode in the middle in the thickness direction is a segmented electrode. The piezoelectric layers are polarized in the thickness direction so that charge having the same polarity is extracted from the electrodes when the acceleration is applied. Also, the center portion and both end portions of each piezoelectric layer are polarized in opposite directions.

Abstract: A piezoelectric sensor has a piezoelectric element having a specific axis of sensitivity and a package for the piezoelectric element. The package has a rectangular parallelopiped configuration with opposite longitudinal end surfaces having a height-to-width ratio of about 1:1. External lead electrodes are formed to cover at least the longitudinal end surfaces. A method and apparatus for detecting if the sensor is disposed in the proper posture is also disclosed.

Abstract: A piezoelectric sensor has a piezoelectric element having a specific axis of sensitivity and a package for the piezoelectric element. The package has a rectangular parallelopiped configuration with opposite longitudinal end surfaces having a height-to-width ratio of about 1:1. External lead electrodes are formed to cover at least the longitudinal end surfaces. A method and apparatus for detecting if the sensor is disposed in the proper posture is also disclosed.

Abstract: A piezoelectric sensor has a piezoelectric element having a specific axis of sensitivity and a package for the piezoelectric element. The package has a rectangular parallelopiped configuration with opposite longitudinal end surfaces having a height-to-width ratio of about 1:1. External lead electrodes are formed to cover at least the longitudinal end surfaces. A method and apparatus for detecting if the sensor is disposed in the proper posture is also disclosed.

Abstract: A piezoelectric sensor has a piezoelectric element having a specific axis of sensitivity and a package for the piezoelectric element. The package has a rectangular parrallelopiped configuration with opposite longitudinal end surfaces having a height-to-width ratio of about 1:1. External lead electrodes are formed to cover at least the longitudinal end surfaces. A method and apparatus for detecting if the sensor is disposed in the proper posture is also disclosed.