Manipulation rope

Abstract

This manipulation rope 2 comprises one core strand 4 and six side strands 6. The side strands 6 surround the core strand 4. The side strands 6 are each spirally wound around the core strand 4. The core strand 4 has a center wire 8 and a cover 10. The center wire 8 is formed from a conductive material. The cover 10 covers the center wire 8. The cover 10 is formed from an insulating material. The tensile strength of the side strands 6 is greater than the tensile strength of the center wire 8.

Description

Operation rope

[0001] This specification discloses an operation rope suitable for medical devices, robots, etc.

[0002] In an endoscopic treatment tool, the operation part at the operator's hand and the treatment part at the tip are connected by an operation rope. When the operator inserts the treatment part into the patient's body cavity and operates the operation part, the operation rope transmits the operation force to the treatment part. Specifically, the operation rope can transmit the pushing force, pulling force, and rotational force (torque) from the operation part to the treatment part. With the transmitted force, medical measures can be taken on the treatment target site in the body. An example of the operation rope is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2024-055315.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2024-055315

[0004] In an endoscopic treatment tool, the transmission of electrical signals between the operation part and the treatment part is important. The operation rope is expected to contribute to signal transmission. Similar requirements also exist for medical devices, robots, etc. other than endoscopic treatment tools.

[0005] What the applicant intends is to provide an operation rope that also has the function of a signal transmission line.

[0006] The operation rope disclosed in this specification has a stranded wire having a plurality of strands. These strands include conductive strands and high-strength strands. This conductive strand has a center wire formed from a conductive material and a cover that covers the center wire and is formed from an insulating material.

[0007] In this operation rope, the conductive strand contributes to the transmission of electrical signals. In this operation rope, the high-strength strand contributes to the transmission of force.

[0008] Figure 1 is a front view showing an operating rope according to one embodiment. Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the operating rope of Figure 1. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged portion of the operating rope of Figure 2. Figure 4 is a front view showing an operating rope according to another embodiment. Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the operating rope of Figure 4. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged portion of the operating rope of Figure 5. Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an operating rope according to yet another embodiment. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged portion of the operating rope of Figure 7. Figure 9 is a front view showing an operating rope according to yet another embodiment. Figure 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the operating rope of Figure 9. Figure 11 is a front view showing an operating rope according to yet another embodiment. Figure 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view along the line XII-XII in Figure 11. Figure 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view along the line XIII-XIII in Figure 11.

[0009] Preferred embodiments will be described in detail below, with reference to drawings as appropriate.

[0010] [First Embodiment] Figure 1 shows an operating rope 2. This operating rope 2 is long. This operating rope 2 is cut to a predetermined length and used as a component of a medical device, robot, etc. For example, its base end is connected to the hand-operated part of a medical device, and its tip is connected to the treatment part. Pushing force, pulling force, and torque applied near the base end are transmitted to the tip via the operating rope 2. This causes the treatment part to perform a treatment action.

[0011] Figure 2 schematically shows a cross-section perpendicular to the length of the operating rope 2. This operating rope 2 has one core wire 4 and six side wires 6. In Figure 2, arrow D1 represents the wire diameter of the operating rope 2. A typical wire diameter D1 is 0.1 mm to 5 mm. A wire diameter D1 of 0.1 mm or more and 2 mm or less is preferable. In Figure 2, for convenience, the outline of the cross-section of each side wire 6 is drawn as a circle, but the actual cross-sectional outline is not circular.

[0012] These side wires 6 surround the core wire 4. Therefore, the core wire 4 is not exposed on the outer surface of the operating rope 2. In the example in Figure 2, each side wire 6 is in contact with another adjacent side wire 6. There may be space between one side wire 6 and another adjacent side wire 6. The core wire 4 may be surrounded by five or fewer side wires 6, or by seven or more side wires 6.

[0013] As is clear from Figure 1, the core wire 4 has a generally straight shape. On the other hand, each side wire 6 is wound spirally around the core wire 4. This operating rope 2 is a stranded wire. In this embodiment, the side wires 6 are twisted counterclockwise from left to right in Figure 1. This operating rope 2 has a so-called layered twist structure. In this embodiment, the operating rope 2 has a "1 + 6" layered twist structure. The six side wires 6 form the outermost layer in this layered twist structure.

[0014] Figure 3 shows an enlarged cross-section of the operating rope 2. Figure 3 shows the core wire 4 and one side wire 6. Detailed illustrations of the five side wires 6 are omitted. The core wire 4 has a center wire 8 and a cover 10.

[0015] The center wire 8 is formed from a conductive material. This center wire 8 imparts conductivity to the core wire 4. In this specification, a conductive wire is referred to as a "conductive wire". In this embodiment, the core wire 4 is a conductive wire. In this specification, conductivity means an electrical conductivity of 1.0 × 10⁻⁶. ６ This means that the electrical conductivity is greater than or equal to S / m. This electrical conductivity is 1.0 × 10⁻⁶. ７ S / m or higher is more preferable, and 3.0 × 10 ７ A conductivity of S / m or higher is particularly preferred. Examples of preferred materials for the center wire 8 include copper, copper alloys, aluminum, aluminum alloys, silver, silver alloys, gold, and gold alloys. In this embodiment, the electrical conductivity of the center wire 8 is greater than that of the side wires 6.

[0016] The cover 10 covers the center wire 8. This cover 10 is formed from an insulating material. A preferred material for the cover 10 is a synthetic resin composition. Examples of base resins for this composition include phenolic resin, melamine resin, urea resin, alkyd resin, epoxy resin, polyester, polyurethane, olefin resin, acrylic resin, polycarbonate, nylon, polyamide-imide, polyimide, tyranno resin, and aromatic polyether ketone (e.g., polyether ether ketone). The electrical conductivity of the cover 10 is 1.0 × 10⁻¹⁰. ６ Less than S / m is preferable.

[0017] The tensile strength of the side wires 6 is greater than that of the center wire 8. In this specification, wires with high tensile strength are referred to as "high-strength wires." In this embodiment, each of the six side wires 6 is a high-strength wire. Preferred materials for the side wires 6 (high-strength wires) include steel, alloy steel, tungsten, tungsten alloy, molybdenum, and molybdenum alloy. The high-strength wires may be conductive.

[0018] In this medical device with the operating rope 2, signals are transmitted between the operating section and the treatment section through the core wire 4 (conductive wire). Since the core wire 4 has a cover 10, signals are less likely to leak out of the core wire 4. The side wires 6 (high-strength wires) contribute to the transmission of force from the operating section to the treatment section. Furthermore, permanent deformation is less likely to occur in these side wires 6. Since multiple side wires 6 surround the core wire 4, the core wire 4 is protected by these side wires 6. Therefore, damage to the core wire 4 is less likely to occur.

[0019] From the viewpoint of force transmission, the tensile strength of the side wire 6 is preferably 2000 MPa or more, more preferably 2500 MPa or more, and particularly preferably 2800 MPa or more. The side wire 6 may also be conductive. The upper limit of the tensile strength of the side wire 6 that can be put into practical use is about 5000 MPa.

[0020] As shown in Figure 3, the cover 10 has a recess 12. A portion of the side wire 6 is fitted into this recess 12. This recess 12 is formed by the deformation of the cover 10 due to the force from the side wire 6. The center wire 8 may be recessed directly below the recess 12. The operating rope 2 in which the side wire 6 is fitted into the recess 12 has excellent durability. The operating rope 2 in which a portion of the side wire 6 is fitted into the recess 12 can be obtained by processing the intermediate stranded wire obtained by twisting the core wire 4 and the side wire 6. One example of this processing is a method in which the intermediate stranded wire is passed through a wire drawing die. The operating rope 2 can also be obtained by rolling the intermediate stranded wire. The operating rope 2 can also be obtained by applying high tension to the intermediate stranded wire.

[0021] In Figure 3, arrow D2 represents the wire diameter of the core wire 4, and arrow D3 represents the wire diameter of the side wires 6. The ratio of the wire diameter D2 of the core wire 4 (conductive wire) to the wire diameter D3 of the side wires 6 (high-strength wires) (D2 / D3) is preferably 1.00 or more and 1.20 or less. In an operating rope 2 where this ratio is 1.00 or more, the space between the core wire 4 and the side wires 6 is suppressed. From this viewpoint, a ratio of 1.05 or more is particularly preferred. In an operating rope 2 where this ratio is 1.20 or less, the space between one side wire 6 and another side wire 6 is suppressed. From this viewpoint, a ratio of 1.15 or less is particularly preferred.

[0022] In Figure 3, the arrow Th represents the thickness of the cover 10. The thickness Th is preferably 0.1 μm or more and 10.0 μm or less. A cover 10 with a thickness Th of 0.0 μm or more has excellent insulation properties. From this viewpoint, a thickness Th of 1.0 μm or more is more preferable, and 2.5 μm or more is particularly preferable. A core wire 4 with a thickness Th of 10.0 μm or less can have a sufficiently thick center wire 8. From this viewpoint, a thickness Th of 7.0 μm or less is more preferable, and 5.0 μm or less is particularly preferable. The thickness Th is measured at locations other than the recess 12.

[0023] The center wire 8 can be obtained by known methods such as die drawing or rolling with a roller die. The core wire 4 can be obtained by attaching a resin composition to the center wire 8 by methods such as dipping or spraying. The side wires 6 can be obtained by known methods such as die drawing or rolling with a roller die. The operating rope 2 can be obtained by twisting the core wire 4 and side wires 6 using a tubular machine, buncher machine, etc.

[0024] In this embodiment, the center wire 8 is a single wire. The center wire 8 may be a yarn containing multiple filaments. In this yarn, the multiple filaments are bundled or twisted together. Each filament may have an insulating cover.

[0025] In this embodiment, the side wire 6 is a single wire. The side wire 6 may be a yarn containing multiple filaments. In this yarn, the multiple filaments are bundled together or twisted together.

[0026] [Second Embodiment] Figure 4 shows an operating rope 14 according to another embodiment. This operating rope 14, like the operating rope 2 shown in Figure 1, is suitable for medical devices, robots, etc.

[0027] Figure 5 schematically shows a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the operating rope 14. This operating rope 14 has one core strand 16 and six side strands 18. In Figure 5, arrow D4 represents the wire diameter of the operating rope 14. A typical wire diameter D4 is 0.1 mm to 5 mm. A wire diameter D4 of 0.1 mm or more and 2 mm or less is preferable.

[0028] In this operating rope 14, multiple side strands 18 surround the core strand 16. In the example in Figure 5, each side strand 18 is in contact with another adjacent side strand 18. There may be space between one side strand 18 and another adjacent side strand 18. The core strand 16 may be surrounded by five or fewer side strands 18, or by seven or more side strands 18.

[0029] As is clear from Figure 4, the core strand 16 has a generally straight shape. On the other hand, each side strand 18 is wound spirally around the core strand 16. This operating rope 14 is formed by further twisting multiple strands. In this embodiment, the side strands 18 are twisted counterclockwise from left to right in Figure 4.

[0030] Figure 6 shows an enlarged cross-section of the operating rope 14. Figure 6 shows the core strand 16 and one side strand 18. Detailed illustrations of the five side strands 18 are omitted.

[0031] The core stranded wire 16 has one first core strand 20 and six first side strands 22. The first core strand 20 is generally straight in shape. On the other hand, each first side strand 22 is spirally wound around the first core strand 20. In this embodiment, the first side strands 22 are twisted counterclockwise from left to right in Figure 4. The first side strands 22 may also be twisted clockwise. This core stranded wire 16 has a so-called layered twist structure. In this embodiment, the core stranded wire 16 has a "1 + 6" layered twist structure.

[0032] The structure of the first core wire 20 is the same as the structure of the core wire 4 shown in Figure 3. The first core wire 20 has a center wire formed from a conductive material and a cover formed from an insulating material. The first core wire 20 is a "conductive wire".

[0033] The structure of the first side wire 22 is the same as the structure of the side wire 6 shown in Figure 3. The first side wire 22 is made from a material with high tensile strength. The first side wire 22 is a "high-strength wire".

[0034] The side strand wire 18 has one second core wire 24 and six second side strand wires 26. Each second side strand wire 26 is spirally wound around the second core wire 24. This side strand wire 18 has a so-called layered twist structure. In this embodiment, the side strand wire 18 has a "1 + 6" layered twist structure.

[0035] The structure of the second core wire 24 is the same as the structure of the core wire 4 shown in Figure 3. The second core wire 24 has a center wire formed from a conductive material and a cover formed from an insulating material. The second core wire 24 is a "conductive wire".

[0036] The structure of the second side wire 26 is the same as the structure of the side wire 6 shown in Figure 3. The second side wire 26 is made from a material with high tensile strength. The second side wire 26 is a "high-strength wire".

[0037] In this operating rope 14, one first core wire 20 and six second core wires 24 are conductive wires. In medical devices, signals are transmitted between the operating section and the treatment section through these conductive wires. Since each conductive wire has a cover, signals are less likely to leak from these wires. Because the operating rope 14 has multiple conductive wires, there are multiple signal transmission paths in this operating rope 14. In this operating rope 14, six first side wires 22 and 36 second side wires 26 are high-strength wires. In medical devices, these high-strength wires contribute to the transmission of force from the operating section to the treatment section. Furthermore, these high-strength wires are less prone to permanent deformation. As is clear from Figure 5, each conductive wire (first core wire 20 or second core wire 24) is surrounded by multiple high-strength wires. These conductive wires are not exposed on the outer surface of the operating rope 14. These conductive wires are protected by the high-strength wires.

[0038] [Third Embodiment] Figure 7 shows an operating rope 28 according to yet another embodiment. This operating rope 28, like the operating rope 2 shown in Figure 1, is suitable for medical equipment, robots, etc. This operating rope 28 has one core strand 30 and six side strands 32. In Figure 7, arrow D5 represents the wire diameter of the operating rope 28. A typical wire diameter D5 is 0.1 mm to 5 mm. A wire diameter D5 of 0.1 mm or more and 2 mm or less is preferable.

[0039] In this operating rope 28, a plurality of side twisted wires 32 surround the core twisted wire 30. In the example of FIG. 7, each side twisted wire 32 is in contact with another adjacent side twisted wire 32. There may be a space between the side twisted wire 32 and another adjacent side twisted wire 32. The core twisted wire 30 may be surrounded by 5 or less side twisted wires 32, or may be surrounded by 7 or more side twisted wires 32.

[0040] The core twisted wire 30 generally has a straight shape. On the other hand, each side twisted wire 32 is wound spirally around the core twisted wire 30. This operating rope 28 is formed by further twisting a plurality of twisted wires.

[0041] FIG. 8 shows an enlarged cross-section of the operating rope 28. FIG. 8 shows the core twisted wire 30 and one side twisted wire 32. The detailed illustration of the 5 side twisted wires 32 is omitted.

[0042] The core twisted wire 30 has one first core element wire 34, three first side element wires 36, and three second side element wires 38. The first core element wire 34 generally has a straight shape. On the other hand, each first side element wire 36 is wound spirally around the first core element wire 34, and each second side element wire 38 is also wound spirally around the first core element wire 34. This core twisted wire 30 has a so-called layer twist structure. In this embodiment, the core twisted wire 30 has a "1 + 6" layer twist structure.

[0043] The structure of the first core element wire 34 is the same as the structure of the side element wire 6 shown in FIG. 3. The first core element wire 34 is formed of a material with high tensile strength. The first core element wire 34 is a "high-strength wire".

[0044] The structure of the first side element wire 36 is the same as the structure of the core element wire 4 shown in FIG. 3. The first side element wire 36 has a center wire formed of a conductive material and a cover formed of an insulating material. The first side element wire 36 is a "conductive wire".

[0045] The structure of the second side element wire 38 is the same as the structure of the side element wire 6 shown in FIG. 3. The second side element wire 38 is formed of a material with high tensile strength. The second side element wire 38 is a "high-strength wire".

[0046] The side twisted wire 32 has one second core wire 40 and six third side wires 42. Each of the third side wires 42 is spirally wound around the second core wire 40. This side twisted wire 32 has a so-called layer twist structure. In this embodiment, the side twisted wire 32 has a "1 + 6" layer twist structure.

[0047] The structure of the second core wire 40 is the same as the structure of the core wire 4 shown in FIG. 3. The second core wire 40 has a center wire formed of a conductive material and a cover formed of an insulating material. The second core wire 40 is a "conductive wire".

[0048] The structure of the third side wire 42 is the same as the structure of the side wire 6 shown in FIG. 3. The third side wire 42 is formed of a material with high tensile strength. The third side wire 42 is a "high-strength wire".

[0049] In this operation rope 28, the three first side wires 36 and the six second core wires 40 are conductive wires. In a medical device, signals are transmitted between the operation part and the treatment part through these conductive wires. Since each conductive wire has a cover, it is difficult for the signal to leak from this conductive wire. Since the operation rope 28 has a plurality of conductive wires, there are a plurality of signal transmission paths in this operation rope 28. In this operation rope 28, one first core wire 34, three second side wires 38, and thirty-six third side wires 42 are high-strength wires. In a medical device, these high-strength wires contribute to the transmission of force from the operation part to the treatment part. Furthermore, in this high-strength wire, permanent distortion is unlikely to occur. As is clear from FIG. 7, each conductive wire (first side wire 36 or second core wire 40) is surrounded by a plurality of high-strength wires. This conductive wire is not exposed on the outer peripheral surface of the operation rope 28. This conductive wire is protected by the high-strength wire.

[0050] [Fourth Embodiment] FIGS. 9 and 10 show an operation rope 44 according to still another embodiment. This operation rope 44 is suitable for medical devices, robots, etc., similar to the operation rope 2 shown in FIG. 1.

[0051] This operating rope 44 has one core wire 46, three first side wires 48, three second side wires 50, and twelve third side wires 52. In Figure 10, arrow D6 represents the wire diameter of the operating rope 44. A typical wire diameter D6 is 0.1 mm to 5 mm. A wire diameter D6 of 0.1 mm or more and 2 mm or less is preferable.

[0052] As is clear from Figure 9, the core strands 46 have a generally straight shape. Each first side strand 48 is spirally wound around the core strand 46. Each second side strand 50 is also spirally wound around the core strand 46. The three first side strands 48 and the three second side strands 50 form an intermediate layer 54. In this intermediate layer 54, the first side strands 48 and the second side strands 50 are twisted counterclockwise from left to right in Figure 9. Each third side strand 52 is spirally wound around the intermediate layer 54. The twelve third side strands 52 form an outer layer 56. The direction of twist in this outer layer 56 is the same as the direction of twist in the intermediate layer 54. This outer layer 56 may have a twist in a different direction from the direction of twist in the intermediate layer 54. This operating rope 44 has a so-called layered twist structure. In this embodiment, the operating rope 44 has a "1 + 6 + 12" layered twist structure. The 12 third-side strands 52 form the outermost layer in this layered twist structure.

[0053] The structure of the core wire 46 is the same as the structure of the side wire 6 shown in Figure 3. The core wire 46 is made from a material with high tensile strength. The core wire 46 is a "high-strength wire".

[0054] The structure of the first side wire 48 is the same as the structure of the core wire 4 shown in Figure 3. The first side wire 48 has a center wire formed from a conductive material and a cover formed from an insulating material. The first side wire 48 is a "conductive wire".

[0055] The structure of the second side wire 50 is the same as the structure of the side wire 6 shown in Figure 3. The second side wire 50 is made from a material with high tensile strength. The second side wire 50 is a "high-strength wire".

[0056] The structure of the third side wire 52 is the same as the structure of the side wire 6 shown in Figure 3. The third side wire 52 is made from a material with high tensile strength. The third side wire 52 is a "high-strength wire".

[0057] In this operating rope 44, the three first-side strands 48 are conductive strands. In medical devices, signals are transmitted between the operating section and the treatment section through these conductive strands. Since each conductive strand has a cover, signals are less likely to leak from these strands. Because the operating rope 44 has multiple conductive strands, there are multiple signal transmission paths in this operating rope 44. In this operating rope 44, the core strand 46, the three second-side strands 50, and the twelve third-side strands 52 are high-strength strands. In medical devices, these high-strength strands contribute to the transmission of force from the operating section to the treatment section. Furthermore, these high-strength strands are less prone to permanent deformation. As is clear from Figure 10, each conductive strand (first-side strand 48) is surrounded by multiple high-strength strands. These conductive strands are not exposed on the outer surface of the operating rope 44. These conductive strands are protected by the high-strength strands.

[0058] [Fifth Embodiment] Figure 11 shows an operating rope 58 according to yet another embodiment. This operating rope 58, like the operating rope 2 shown in Figure 1, is suitable for medical equipment, robots, etc. This operating rope 58 has a main part 60 and an extension part 62. In Figure 11, reference numeral 64 indicates the end of the main part 60.

[0059] Figure 12 shows the main section 60. This main section 60 has one core strand 66 and six side strands 68. In Figure 12, arrow D7 represents the wire diameter of the operating rope 58. A typical wire diameter D7 is 0.1 mm to 5 mm. A wire diameter D7 of 0.1 mm or more and 2 mm or less is preferable.

[0060] In this operating rope 58, multiple side strands 68 surround the core strand 66. In the example in Figure 12, each side strand 68 is in contact with another adjacent side strand 68. There may be space between one side strand 68 and another adjacent side strand 68. The core strand 66 may be surrounded by five or fewer side strands 68, or by seven or more side strands 68.

[0061] The core strand 66 has a generally straight shape. On the other hand, each side strand 68 is wound spirally around the core strand 66. This operating rope 58 is formed by further twisting multiple strands. In this embodiment, the side strands 68 are twisted counterclockwise from left to right in Figure 11.

[0062] The structure of the core stranded wire 66 is the same as the structure of the core stranded wire 16 shown in Figure 5. This core stranded wire 66 has one first core strand 70 and six first side strands 72. The first core strand 70 has a generally straight shape. On the other hand, each first side strand 72 is spirally wound around the first core strand 70. Although not shown, the first core strand 70 has a center wire formed from a conductive material and a cover formed from an insulating material. The first core strand 70 is a "conductive strand". The first side strands 72 are "high-strength strands".

[0063] The structure of the side strand 68 is the same as the structure of the side strand 18 shown in Figure 5. This side strand 68 has one second core wire 74 and six second side wires 76. Each second side wire 76 is spirally wound around the second core wire 74. Although not shown, the second core wire 74 has a center wire formed from a conductive material and a cover formed from an insulating material. The second core wire 74 is a "conductive wire". The second side wires 76 are "high-strength wires".

[0064] Figure 13 shows the extension 62. This extension 62 has multiple conductive filaments. Specifically, the extension 62 has one first conductive filament 78 and six second conductive filaments 80.

[0065] The first conductive filament 78 is continuous with the first core wire 70 of the main portion 60. The first conductive filament 78 is formed by extending the first core wire 70 from the end 64 of the main portion 60 to the left in Figure 11. The first conductive filament 78 has a center filament made of a conductive material and a cover made of an insulating material that covers the center filament. The first conductive filament 78 may have a configuration without a cover. The first conductive filament 78 may have a configuration with a partial cover.

[0066] The second conductive filament 80 is continuous with the second core wire 74 of the main portion 60. The second conductive filament 80 is formed by extending the second core wire 74 from the end 64 of the main portion 60 to the left in Figure 11. The second conductive filament 80 has a center filament made of a conductive material and a cover made of an insulating material that covers the center filament. The second conductive filament 80 may also have a configuration without a cover.

[0067] The first conductive filament 78 and the second conductive filament 80 are connected to the contacts of the medical device. The connection may be made by adhesive. The connection may also be made by fixing with a crimping device. In this medical device, signals are transmitted between the operating part and the treatment part through the conductive wire (core wire) and conductive filaments. Multiple conductive filaments may be twisted together in the extension part 62.

[0068] The operating rope 58 may have means to prevent flaring near the end 64. Flaring can be prevented by fixing a crimping device near the end 64. Flaring can also be prevented by fixing multiple side strands 68 with adhesive. The length of the means to prevent flaring is preferably 10 mm or less.

[0069] [Variations] Various layered structures, including conductive wires and high-strength wires, can be used for the operating rope. The twist direction of each layer in this layered structure is arbitrary. Therefore, the combination of twist directions is also arbitrary.

[0070] [Disclosure Items] Each of the following items discloses a preferred embodiment.

[0071] [Item 1] An operating rope comprising a stranded wire having multiple strands, wherein these strands include conductive strands and high-strength strands, and the conductive strands comprise a center wire formed from a conductive material and a cover that covers the center wire and is formed from an insulating material.

[0072] [Item 2] The operating rope described in Item 1, wherein the conductive wire described above is surrounded by multiple high-strength wires.

[0073] [Item 3] The operating rope described in Item 2, wherein the high-strength wire described above is wound spirally around the conductive wire described above.

[0074] [Item 4] An operating rope according to any one of items 1 to 3, wherein the ratio of the wire diameter of the conductive wire to the wire diameter of the high-strength wire is 1.00 or more and 1.20 or less.

[0075] [Item 5] An operating rope according to any one of items 1 to 4, wherein the cover has a recess on its surface, and a portion of the high-strength wire is fitted into this recess.

[0076] [Item 6] An operating rope according to any of items 1 to 5, wherein the tensile strength of the high-strength wire is greater than the tensile strength of the center wire.

[0077] [Item 7] An operating rope according to any one of items 1 to 6, wherein the center wire is formed from copper, copper alloy, aluminum, aluminum alloy, silver, silver alloy, gold, or gold alloy.

[0078] [Item 8] An operating rope according to any one of items 1 to 7, wherein the high-strength wire is formed from steel, alloy steel, tungsten, tungsten alloy, molybdenum, or molybdenum alloy.

[0079] [Item 9] The operating rope according to any one of items 1 to 8, wherein the cover is formed from a synthetic resin composition.

[0080] [Item 10] An operating rope as described in any of items 1 to 9, wherein the thickness of the cover is 0.1 μm or more and 10.0 μm or less.

[0081] [Item 11] An operating rope according to any one of items 1 to 10, having multiple strands that are twisted together.

[0082] [Item 12] An operating rope comprising a main part and a conductive filament extending from the main part, wherein the main part includes a stranded wire having a plurality of strands, these strands include conductive strands and high-strength strands, the conductive strands have a center wire formed from a conductive material and a cover that covers the center wire and is formed from an insulating material, and the conductive filament is continuous with the conductive strands.

[0083] The operating ropes described above are suitable for medical devices, robots, and the like.

[0084] 2...Operating rope 4...Core strands 6...Side strands 8...Center wire 10...Cover 12...Indentation 14...Operating rope 16...Core strands 18...Side strands 20...First core strands 22...First side strands 24...Second core strands 26...Second side strands 28...Operating rope 30...Core strands 32...Side strands 34...First core strands 36...First side strands 38...Second side strands 40...Second core strands 42...Third side strands 44...Operating rope 46...Core strands 48...First side strands 50...Second side strands 52...Third side strands 54...Intermediate layer 56...Outer layer 58...Operating rope 60...Main section 62...Extension section 64...End 66...Core strands 68...Side strands 70...First core strands 72...First side wire 74...Second core wire 76...Second side wire 78...First conductive filament 80...Second conductive filament

Claims

1. An operating rope comprising a stranded wire having multiple strands, wherein these strands include conductive strands and high-strength strands, and the conductive strands comprise a center wire formed from a conductive material and a cover that covers the center wire and is formed from an insulating material.

2. The operating rope according to claim 1, wherein the conductive wire is surrounded by a plurality of high-strength wires.

3. The operating rope according to claim 2, wherein the high-strength wire is wound spirally around the conductive wire.

4. The operating rope according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the ratio of the wire diameter of the conductive wire to the wire diameter of the high-strength wire is 1.00 or more and 1.20 or less.

5. The operating rope according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the cover has a recess on its surface, and a portion of the high-strength wire is fitted into this recess.

6. The operating rope according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the tensile strength of the high-strength wire is greater than the tensile strength of the center wire.

7. The operating rope according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the center wire is formed from copper, copper alloy, aluminum, aluminum alloy, silver, silver alloy, gold, or gold alloy.

8. The operating rope according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the high-strength wire is formed from steel, alloy steel, tungsten, tungsten alloy, molybdenum, or molybdenum alloy.

9. The operating rope according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cover is formed from a synthetic resin composition.

10. The operating rope according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the thickness of the cover is 0.1 μm or more and 10.0 μm or less.

11. The operating rope according to claim 1 or 2, having a plurality of strands twisted together.

12. An operating rope comprising a main part and a conductive filament extending from the main part, wherein the main part includes a stranded wire having a plurality of strands, these strands include conductive strands and high-strength strands, the conductive strands have a center wire formed from a conductive material and a cover covering the center wire and formed from an insulating material, and the conductive filament is continuous with the conductive strands.

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