To provide an endoscope having a flexible tube whose diameter can be changed and can be adjusted to an appropriate size especially when the flexible tube is inserted into a subject or during the endoscopic observation.
In the flexible tube 20 of the insertion part, a number of coupling members 24 are coupled with one another in the longitudinal direction. The coupling members 24 are formed of a shape memory alloy. When adjustment of the diameter of the flexible tube 20 is commanded by the user, an electric current flows through the coupling members 24 and the coupling members 24 are extended/contracted in the radial direction. In this way, such adjustment of the flexible tube 20 as to narrow the diameter of the flexible tube 20 when the flexible tube is inserted or to widen the diameter of the flexible tube during the endoscopic observation is possible.
Takuya Fuji
Taro Ushio
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