Endoscope
US8808166B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 25, 2008 |
| Grant date | Aug 19, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 25, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T74/18848
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An endoscope includes an endoscope insertion portion having a bendable bending portion and a bending mechanism configured to bend the bending portion. The bending mechanism includes a pulley, at least one annular member, a pulling member, and a pulling operation member. The pulley is rotatably driven. The annular member is formed into a C-shape with a cut-out, and can be elastically deformed. The annular member is externally fitted to the pulley with a gap. The pulling member has an intermediate portion wound around the annular member. The distal end portion of the pulling member is connected to the bending portion, and the proximal end portion of the pulling member is connected to the pulling operation member which pulls the pulling member. The width direction position at the winding start position of the pulling member wound around the annular member is made different from the width direction position at the winding end position of the pulling member.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.