PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method and apparatus for inspecting a flexible long body capable of directly inspecting kink properties with good reproducibility, and a method capable of manufacturing the flexible long body having highly uniform kink properties.SOLUTION: The method for inspecting the flexible long body T includes a process for forming the central part of the flexible long body T into an annular shape and arranging one end part T1 and an other end part T2 of the flexible long body T on the same straight line, a process for holding the central part to a height range of 2-5 times with respect to the diameter of the flexible long body T and separating the other end part T2 from the one end part T1, and a process for measuring the movable length from the one end part T1 to the other end part T2 when the central part kinks. The method for manufacturing the flexible long body T has a process for sorting the flexible long body T wherein the movable length in this inspection method is more than a threshold value set corresponding to a use. The inspection apparatus 1 for the flexible long body T has a substrate 3 on which the flexible long body T is placed, a prescription plate 4 arranged on the substrate 3 so that a space S is demarcated, and a measuring mechanisms 5 arranged on the substrate 3.COPYRIGHT: (C)2013,JPO&INPIT【課題】キンク性を直接かつ再現性よく検査できる可撓性長尺体の検査方法及び検査装置並びに均一性の高いキンク性を有する可撓性長尺体を製造できる製造方法の提供。【解決手段】可撓性長尺体Tの中央部を円環状にし、その一端部T1及び他端部T2を同一直線上に配置する工程と、中央部を可撓性長尺体Tの直径に対して2~5倍の高さの範囲内に留保して他端部T2を一端部T1から離間する方向に移動させる工程と、中央部がキンクしたときの一端部T1から他端部T2までの可動長さを測定する工程とを有する可撓性長尺体Tの検査方法、この検査方法における可動長さが用途に応じて設定される閾値以上である可撓性長尺体Tを選別する工程を有する可撓性長尺体の製造方法、並びに、可撓性長尺体が載置される基板3と、空間Sが画成されるように基板3上に配置された規制板4と、基板3上に配置された測定機構5とを備えた可撓性長尺体Tの検査装置1。【選択図】 図2
