| 摘要 |
PURPOSE:To thin the diameter of the ultrasonic probe for an endoscope by heating or cooling a bend part formed by a shape memory alloy to a prescribed temperature by a temperature control means, and bending the bend part in the direction set in advance so that the transmitting/receiving part can be turned in the prescribed direction. CONSTITUTION:The ultrasonic probe is provided with a transmitting/receiving part 32 having an ultrasonic vibrator in the tip part, and this transmitting/receiving part 32 is provided in the tip of an inserting tube 31 inserted into a body-cavity of a person to be examined, and transmits and received an ultrasonic wave to and from the body to be examined. Also, this probe is provided with a bend part 34 formed by a shape memory alloy 36 bent in the direction set in advance against the axial directions when the transmitting/receiving part 32 is connected, and also, heated or cooled to a prescribed temperatures and temperature control means 36, 37 for heating or cooling the bend part 34 to a prescribed temperature. In such a state, the bend part 34 is heated or cooled to a prescribed temperature by the temperature control means 37, and the bend part 34 is bent in the direction set in advance so that the transmitting/ receiving part 32 can be turned in the prescribed direction. In such a way, the diameter is thinned without necessitating a wire for bending the bend part 34. |
