Tuning-fork type piezoelectric vibrating pieces and devices exhibiting reduced hampering of vibration

Abstract

An exemplary tuning-fork type quartz-crystal vibrating piece includes a base, a pair of vibrating arms, and a connecting electrode electrically connectable to an internal conductive member of a package. The base and vibrating arms are made of a piezoelectric material. The vibrating arms extend in a prescribed direction from the base and have at least one excitation electrode that is electrically connected to the connecting electrode. Each vibrating arm has an upper and a lower axis main surface each defining a respective groove extending in the prescribed direction. Each vibrating arm also has axis edge-side surfaces extending between the first and second axis main surfaces. The excitation electrode includes a surface electrode located inside the grooves on the axis main surfaces of at least one vibrating arm and a side electrode located on the axis edge-side surfaces of the at least one vibrating arm. The surface connecting electrode.