Ultrasonic probe

Abstract

A variable type ultrasonic probe is provided, in which each of piezoelectric units accommodated in the probe is separated into a plurality of piezoelectric elements, and the piezoelectric units are easily arrayed in an arcuately curved arrangement. The ultrasonic probe has therein a piezoelectric unit separated into at least three piezoelectric elements, i.e., a central element and both opposite end elements, and disposed on a backing member in a manner such that a lower face electrode of each piezoelectric element is led out. A leading-out wiring board provided with conductive paths formed on both major faces thereof is arranged on the lower faces of the one end and central piezoelectric elements. The lower face electrodes of the one end element and central element are electrically led out by the upper face conductive path and the lower face conductive path of the leading-out wiring board, respectively.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.