PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce the diameter of a self-propelled device for an endoscope which is to be attached to the insertion portion of the endoscope.SOLUTION: The self-propelled device includes: a belt holding cylinder 50 having an endless belt 44 formed thereon a front cover 52 disposed on the front of the belt holding cylinder 50 and a rear cover 54 disposed on the rear of the belt support cylinder 50. The belt holding cylinder 50 is sandwiched between the front cover 52 and the rear cover 54 so that its vertical movement is restricted. In the self-propelled device, a drive mechanism for circularly driving the endless belt 44 is provided not between the endless belt 44 and the insertion portion of the endoscope but on the rear cover 54. The endless belt 44 is provided so as to slide on the outer periphery of the insertion portion. Thus, the self-propelled device is reduced in diameter.COPYRIGHT: (C)2013,JPO&INPIT【課題】内視鏡用自己推進装置を小径化する。【解決手段】自己推進装置は、エンドレスベルト44が設けられたベルト支持筒50と、ベルト支持筒50の前方に配置される前カバー52と、ベルト保持筒50の後方に配置される後カバー54とを備えている。ベルト保持筒50は、前カバー50と後カバー54とに挟まれて前後方向への移動が規制されている。自己推進装置では、エンドレスベルト44を循環駆動する駆動機構を、エンドレスベルト44と内視鏡の挿入部との間に設けずに、後カバー54に設けている。そして、挿入部の外周に摺接するようにエンドレスベルト44を設けることで、小径化している。【選択図】図3
