Multilayered piezoelectric element and method of manufacturing the same

A method of manufacturing a multilayered piezoelectric element, said method comprising the steps of:

• (a) fabricating a multilayered structure in which plural piezoelectric material layers and at least one internal electrode are alternately stacked;
• (b) forming a step on at least one side surface of said multilayered structure such that an end of said at least one internal electrode is located on a convex portion of either side surface;
• (c) forming at least one side insulating film for covering the end of said at least one internal electrode on the convex portion of the at least one side surface of said multilayered structure;
• (d) forming a first flat electrode on one principal surface of said multilayered structure, forming a second flat electrode on the other principal surface of said multilayered structure, forming a first side electrode on a first side surface of said multilayered structure and connected to a first group of electrodes as odd-numbered electrodes of said first and second flat electrodes and said at least one internal electrode, and forming a second side electrode on a second side surface of said multilayered structure and connected to a second group of electrodes, which do not belong to the first group of electrodes, of said first and second flat electrodes and said at least one internal electrode.