Patent ID: 7969066

Claim:
A multilayer piezoelectric actuator comprising: a multilayer piezoelectric body in which a plurality of internal electrodes and a plurality of piezoelectric layers are stacked on top of one another, the plurality of internal electrodes including at least a first internal electrode and at least a second internal electrode connected to different potentials; and first and second external electrodes that are respectively electrically connected to the first and second internal electrodes and located on external surfaces of the multilayer piezoelectric body, wherein the first and second external electrodes each include a base electrode provided on the external surface of the multilayer piezoelectric body and a stress-absorbing external-electrode member provided on the base electrode, wherein the stress-absorbing external-electrode member includes an elastic structure on the base electrode that elastically deforms when subject to an external force, and a planar portion continuous with the elastic structure and having a feeder terminal bonding area, wherein the planar portion of the stress-absorbing external-electrode member is not bonded to the base electrode and a portion of the part of the stress-absorbing external-electrode member other than the planar portion is bonded onto the base electrode, and wherein the stress-absorbing external-electrode member further includes a fixed portion bonded to the base electrode and the planar portion and the elastic structure are not bonded to the base electrode.