| 摘要 |
PURPOSE:To obtain a mechanical sector probe or array probe dynamically changeable in its concn. point by simple constitution by deforming disc-shaped vibrators so as to curve the same into a recessed surface shape or deforming said vibrators so as to bend the same into a trough shape in the direction right-angled to the arrangement direction. CONSTITUTION:A thin metal plate 12 is bonded to the rear of the ultrasonic transmitting-receiving surface of disc-shaped piezoelectric ceramic 11 and a DC electric field is applied in the contraction direction of the ceramic to depress a unimorph on the ceramic side. A mechanical sector probe easy to drive a focus is obtained. In the case of an array probe, a rectangular bimorph 22 is provided to the rear of flexible vibrators 21 and a high regidity material 23 is bonded to the center thereof to prevent the bending deformation in the longitudinal direction and the vibrators 21 and bent and deformed in the direction right-angled to the arrangement direction. In the case of unimorph constitution, separated metal elastic plates 32 are bonded to the rear of the vibrator array and the central parts of the arranged unimorphs are supported by the support material 33. The vibrators 31 are bent in the longitudinal direction by DC bias. The curvature of the vibrators can be continuously changed and a sound field is smoothed and there is no effect of a side lobe. |
