Patent ID: 7791256
Filing Date: 2010-09-07
Classification: F02M,H01L

Abstract:
1. A multi-layer piezoelectric element comprising a stack formed by stacking piezoelectric layers and internal electrodes alternately one on another and external electrodes formed on a first side face and on a second side face of the stack, one of the adjacent internal electrodes being connected to the external electrode formed on the first side face and the other internal electrode being connected to the external electrode formed on the second side face, the internal electrodes being made of an electrically conductive material that contains silver as the main component and at least one of palladium and platinum, the external electrodes being made of a conductive material including silver as a main component and glass, wherein the proportion of silver contained in electrically conductive material of the internal electrode near the junction with the external electrode is higher than the proportion of silver contained in electrically conductive material of the internal electrode located inside of the stack.