Elongated structure for movable section

Abstract

In an elongated structure for a movable section, a plurality of operational linear elements such as conductive wires are arranged in parallel in a belt-like sheath member, and an outer region of the sheath member, which is defined by a bend of the sheath member, has a larger rigidity than that of an inner region of the sheath member, which is defined by the bend of the sheath member. When the sheath memberhave the regions exhibiting the different rigidities, and when an external force is exerted on the elongated structurefor the movable section, it is apt to bend toward the side of the sheath member having the small rigidity, and the bent portion is maintained at a given curvature which is determined by the entire rigidity of the sheath member. Therefore, the elongated structurefor the movable section cannot easily meander while the movable end thereof is moved. Also, while the position of the bent portion is shifted, it is possible to stably carry out the movement of the movable end and the shift of the bent portion. In addition, a protective guide structure is not needed, and not only can an installing space for the elongated structurefor the movable section become smaller, but also it is possible to cut down a cost necessary for such a protective guide structure.