Capturing device

Abstract

To provide a capturing device capable of reliably capturing a capturing object and easily recapturing the object.SOLUTION: A capturing device comprises a handle 2 and a capturing tool 10. The capturing tool 10 includes a pair of arm members 12 and 12 that swings so that tip portions 12a can approach and move away from each other, and an operation mechanism 15 that operates the swing of the pair of arm members 12 and 12. The operation mechanism 15 includes an operation member 16 provided to be movable between a holding position and a release position, an energizing member for energizing the operation member 16 from the release position toward the holding position, and a switching mechanism 15 that fixes the swing of the pair of arm members 12 and 12 in a state where the tip portions 12a of the pair of arm members 12 and 12 approach each other when the operation member 16 is disposed at the holding position, and brings the tip portions 12a of the pair of arm members 12 and 12 into a separated state when the operation member 16 moves from the holding position to the release position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a capture device. [Background technology]

[0002] There are various tools for capturing targets such as people and animals, and currently, the sasumata is known as a capture device prepared in stores and other places as a measure against thugs. The sasumata has a U-shaped capture member with a pair of arms at the end of a handle formed from a long shaft. Therefore, if the target to be captured is placed in the space between the pair of arms of the U-shaped capture member and the sasumata is pressed against the ground or a wall, the capture member can pinch the target between the ground and the sasumata.

[0003] However, as mentioned above, a typical sash only holds the target between the capture member and the ground, etc., and cannot completely restrain the target. Therefore, if the target becomes violent and pushes back the capture member, the capture member may come off the ground, etc., and the target that was so carefully held may escape.

[0004] As a technology for solving such problems, the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 has been developed. The technology of Patent Document 1 discloses a capturing device having a structure in which the proximal ends of a pair of capturing rings are swingably connected to the tip of a rod by a single shaft. In this capturing device, when the rod is moved toward its tip, the tips of the pair of capturing rings open, and when the rod is moved toward its base end, the tips of the pair of capturing rings close. And this capturing device has a coil spring that biases the rod from the tip toward the base end, and a mechanism that fixes the movement of the rod against this coil spring. Since the capturing device of Patent Document 1 has the above-described structure, the following method can capture the object to be captured in a state where it is restrained by the pair of capturing rings. First, move the rod toward the tip to open the tips of the pair of capturing rings, and fix the movement of the rod in this state. When capturing the object to be captured, place the object to be captured inside the pair of capturing rings and release the fixing of the movement of the rod. Then, due to the force of the coil spring, the rod moves toward the base end and the tips of the pair of capturing rings close, so that the object to be captured can be restrained and captured by the pair of capturing rings.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] In the capturing device of Patent Document 1 described above, since the tip of the pair of capturing rings can be closed only by releasing the fixation of the movement of the rod, the capturing target can be restrained by the pair of capturing rings, and thus the capturing target can be easily captured. However, in the capturing device of Patent Document 1, in the state where the pair of capturing rings are closed, the force for keeping the pair of capturing rings closed is generated only by the force of the coil spring that biases the rod toward the proximal end side. In addition, the capturing device of Patent Document 1 is also provided with a torsion spring that biases the pair of capturing rings in the opening direction. Therefore, even if the capturing target is restrained by the pair of capturing rings, if the capturing target struggles and a force is applied in the direction of opening the tip of the pair of capturing rings, the tip of the pair of capturing rings will open and the restraint of the capturing target will be released, and there is a possibility that the capturing target will escape. Although it is possible to increase the force for keeping the tip of the pair of capturing rings closed by increasing the force of the coil spring, in that case, the force required to move the rod toward the distal end side to open the pair of capturing rings becomes extremely large. Then, if the capture fails once and the pair of capturing rings are closed, it will take a long time to open the pair of capturing rings for recapture, and the possibility of letting the capturing target escape increases.

[0007] In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a capturing tool that can surely capture a capturing target and is also easy to retry the capture.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] The capturing tool of the first invention includes a long shaft-shaped handle and a capturing tool provided at the tip of the handle. The capturing tool includes a base member, a pair of arm members whose base ends are connected to the base member and whose tip ends can approach and separate from each other by swinging around the swing axis of the base end, and an operating mechanism for operating the swinging of the pair of arm members. The operating mechanism includes an operating member movably provided between a holding position on the tip end side of the pair of arm members and a release position on the base end side of the pair of arm members, a biasing member for biasing the operating member from the release position toward the holding position, and a switching mechanism for fixing the swinging of the pair of arm members in a state where the tip ends of the pair of arm members are close to each other when the operating member is disposed at the holding position, and swinging the pair of arm members so that the tip ends of the pair of arm members separate from each other when the operating member moves from the holding position to the release position.

[0009] The capturing tool of the second invention is the capturing tool of the first invention, wherein the switching mechanism includes a pair of drive grooves provided at the base ends of the pair of arm members and extending from the tip end side to the base end side of the pair of arm members, and a pair of cam members connected to the operating member and respectively inserted into the pair of drive grooves. The pair of cam members are provided to move along the pair of drive grooves as the operating member moves. The pair of drive grooves include a parallel portion formed on the tip end side of the pair of arm members so as to be parallel to the moving direction of the operating member and parallel to each other in a state where the operating member is disposed at the holding position, and an inclined portion formed on the base end side of the pair of arm members so as to approach each other as they go toward the base end side of the pair of arm members in a state where the operating member is disposed at the holding position.

[0010] The capturing tool of the third invention is the capturing tool of the second invention, wherein the base member is provided with a pair of guide grooves formed so as to be parallel to each other along the moving direction of the operating member, and the pair of cam members of the operating mechanism are respectively inserted into the pair of guide grooves.

[0011] In the catcher of the fourth invention, in the first invention, the operating member of the operating mechanism is characterized in that its movement is restricted so that its moving direction is parallel to the axial direction of the handle.

[0012] In the catcher of the fifth invention, in the fourth invention, a holding portion for the user who uses the catcher is provided at the proximal end of the handle, and the holding portion is connected by a connecting member to the operating member of the operating mechanism and is provided with an opening / closing operating portion that is movable along the axial direction of the handle. In the catcher of the sixth invention, in the fifth invention, the handle has an internal space communicating between the tip end and the proximal end, and the connecting member is accommodated in the internal space so as to be movable along the internal space.

Advantages of the Invention

[0013] According to the first invention, by moving the operating member of the operating mechanism, the pair of arm members can swing and open and close the tips thereof. Moreover, if the operating member is arranged at the holding position, the swinging of the pair of arm members is fixed in a state where the tips of the pair of arm members are close to each other, so that the object to be captured can be firmly captured by the pair of arm members. Further, since the operating member is biased by the biasing member from the release position toward the holding position, if the object to be captured is arranged between the pair of arm members while the operating member is held at the release position and the operating member is released, the tips of the pair of arm members can be quickly closed to capture the object to be captured by the pair of arm members.

[0014] According to the second invention, when the operating member is arranged at the holding position, the pair of cam members are respectively arranged in the parallel portions of the pair of drive grooves, so that the swinging of the pair of arm members can be fixed in a state where the tip portions of the pair of arm members are close to each other. On the other hand, if the operating member is moved from the holding position toward the release position, the pair of cam members move from the parallel portion to the inclined portion, so that the pair of arm members can be easily swung in a direction away from each other.

[0015] According to the third invention, the operating member can be stably moved.

[0016] According to the fourth invention, it becomes easier to capture a target to be captured by a capturing tool.

[0017] According to the fifth invention, it becomes easier for a user to handle the capturing tool and operate the capturing device.

[0018] According to the sixth invention, the operation of the capturing device by the opening / closing operation unit can be stably performed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Embodiments for Carrying out the Invention

[0020] Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The catching tool of the present invention is a tool used for catching a target to be caught or gripping an object to be gripped, and is characterized in that it can firmly hold the target to be caught or the object to be gripped, and moreover, can easily repeat catching or gripping.

[0021] The target to be caught by the catching tool of the present invention is not particularly limited. Examples of the target to be caught include a person such as a robber or a rioter, a wild animal, etc. Further, examples of the object to be gripped include various articles having sizes and shapes that can be gripped by a catching tool located at a distance.

[0022] <Catching tool 1> As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the catching tool 1 of the present embodiment includes a long shaft-shaped handle 2, a catching tool 10 provided at the tip of the handle 2, and a holding portion 3 provided at the base end of the handle 2.

[0023] <Handle 2> As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the handle 2 is a member formed of a hollow metallic pipe material having a length of about 2 to 3 m, and has a hollow internal space 2h (see FIG. 5) communicating between the tip 2a and the base end 2b inside. A connecting member 2s (see FIG. 5) is provided in the internal space 2h of the handle 2 so as to be movable along the axial direction in the internal space 2h, that is, along the axial direction of the handle 2. This connecting member 2s is a cord-like member such as a wire, and connects an operating member 16 (see FIG. 5) of an operating mechanism 15 of the catching tool 10 described later and an opening / closing operating portion 4 (see FIG. 5) of the holding portion 3 described later. And the connecting member 2s is provided so that the operating member 16 and the opening / closing operating portion 4 can be moved at the same timing. For example, in FIG. 5, if the opening / closing operating portion 4 of the holding portion 3 is moved downward along the axial direction of the handle 2, the operating member 16 can be moved downward (see FIG. 5(B)), and if the operating member 16 is moved upward along the axial direction of the handle 2, the opening / closing operating portion 4 can be moved upward (see FIG. 5(A)). Thus, the connecting member 2s is provided.

[0024] <Catching tool 10> As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, a catching tool 10 for catching a catching target is provided at the tip 2a of the handle 2.

[0025] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, this catching tool 10 has a base member 11 connected to the tip 2a of the handle 2. This base member 11 is formed by a pair of plate members 11p, 11p, and an attachment portion 11a to be inserted into the tip 2a of the handle 2 formed by a pair of projecting pieces p, p (see FIG. 4(A)) is provided at one end portion (the lower end portion in FIG. 3). That is, the base member 11 is fixed to the handle 2 in a state where the attachment portion 11a is inserted into the internal space 2h from the tip 2a of the handle 2 (see FIG. 4(A)).

[0026] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, a pair of arm members 12, 12 are swingably connected to the base member 11. Specifically, the pair of arm members 12, 12 have their base ends 12b connected to the base member 11 via a shaft 13 (see FIGS. 5 and 6), and are provided such that when they swing about this shaft 13 as a swing axis, the tip ends 12a can approach and separate from each other.

[0027] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the tip end 16a of the operating member 16 of the operating mechanism 15 is connected to the base ends 12b of the pair of arm members 12, 12. This operating member 16 has its base end 16b connected to the tip of the connecting member 2s of the handle 2 and is provided so as to be movable along the axial direction of the handle 2. When the connecting member 2s moves along the axial direction of the handle 2 (in other words, when the opening / closing operating portion 4 of the holding portion 3 moves), the tip end 16a of this operating member 16 is connected to the pair of arm members 12, 12 so that the pair of arm members 12, 12 swing. Specifically, the operating member 16 is provided such that its tip end 16a can move between a holding position on the tip end side of the pair of arm members 12, 12 (the positions in FIGS. 5(A) and 6(A)) and a release position on the base end side of the pair of arm members 12, 12 (the positions in FIGS. 5(B) and 6(B)) along the axial direction of the handle 2. When the tip end 16a of the operating member 16 is disposed at the holding position, the swing of the pair of arm members 12, 12 is fixed with the tip ends 12a approaching each other. Further, when the tip end 16a of the operating member 16 moves from the holding position to the release position (FIG. 5(A) → FIG. 5(B)), the pair of arm members 12, 12 swing in a direction in which the tip ends 12a separate from each other. Conversely, when the tip end 16a of the operating member 16 moves from the release position to the holding position (FIG. 5(B) → FIG. 5(A)), the pair of arm members 12, 12 swing in a direction in which the tip ends 12a approach each other.

[0028] Also, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the operating member 16 is biased by a spring 17 so as to move the tip portion 16a from the release position toward the holding position (upward in FIG. 5 and leftward in FIG. 6). That is, the tip portion 16a is disposed at the holding position (see FIGS. 5(A) and 6(A)) in a state where no force along the axial direction of the handle 2 (a force along the vertical direction in FIG. 5 and a force along the left-right direction in FIG. 6) is applied to the operating member 16, and the spring 17 is provided so that the operating member 16 can move when a force is applied to the operating member 16 to move it from the release position to the holding position along the axial direction of the handle 2.

[0029] <Holding portion 3> As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, a holding portion 3 is provided at the proximal end 2b of the handle 2. This holding portion 3 is a portion held by a user who uses the catching tool 1. This holding portion 3 is formed by a pair of plate members 3p, 3p, and through holes h1 (see FIG. 5) are formed in the pair of plate members 3p, 3p so that through holes 3h penetrating the front and back of the holding portion 3 are formed in a state where the two are connected. The holding portion 3 is provided at one end (the upper end in FIG. 3) with a mounting portion 3a that is inserted into the proximal end 2b of the handle 2 formed by a pair of projecting pieces p, p (see FIG. 4(B)).

[0030] As shown in Fig. 4(B), a gap 3s is formed between a pair of protruding pieces p, p of the attachment portion 3a to communicate between the internal space 2h of the handle 2 and the through hole h, and a shaft portion 4a of the opening / closing operation portion 4 is provided in this gap 3s. As shown in Figs. 5 and 11, the shaft portion 4a has its tip end (the upper end in Fig. 5 and the left end in Fig. 11) connected to the connecting member 2s of the handle 2, its axial direction is parallel to the axial direction of the handle 2, and it is arranged in the gap 3s (see Fig. 4(B)) between the pair of protruding pieces p, p of the attachment portion 3a so as to be movable along the axial direction of the handle 2 (along the vertical direction in Fig. 5 and along the left - right direction in Fig. 11). Further, an annular portion 4b is provided at the base end (the lower end in Fig. 5 and the right end in Fig. 11) of the shaft portion 4a. This annular portion 4b has a through - hole through which a finger or the like can be hooked. And the annular portion 4b is provided such that the through - hole is arranged at a position corresponding to the through - hole 3h of the holding portion 3 in any of the states where the tip end portion 16a of the operation member 16 of the capturing instrument 10 is arranged at the holding position (see Figs. 5(A), 6(A)) and the released position (see Figs. 5(B), 6(B)). That is, the annular portion 4b is provided so that a finger can be hooked through the through - hole 3h of the holding portion 3 into the through - hole of the annular portion 4b in any state where the tip end portion 16a of the operation member 16 of the capturing instrument 10 is arranged at either the holding position or the released position.

[0031] Since the holding portion 3 has the above - described configuration, by operating the annular portion 4b of the opening / closing operation portion 4, the operation member 16 of the capturing instrument 10 can be moved along the axial direction of the handle 2 via the connecting member 2s. That is, as shown in Fig. 5, since the opening / closing operation portion 4 is connected to the operation member 16 of the capturing instrument 10 via the connecting member 2s, in a state where the annular portion 4b is not operated, the opening / closing operation portion 4 is held in a state of being moved to the side of the capturing instrument 10 (see Figs. 5(A), 11(A)). On the other hand, if the annular portion 4b is operated and the opening / closing operation portion 4 is pulled along the direction of separating from the capturing instrument 10, it becomes possible to move the connecting member 2s along the axial direction of the handle 2 against the force of the spring 17 of the capturing instrument 10 (see Figs. 5(B), 11(B)).

[0032] <Capture of the target to be captured by the capture device 1> Since the capture device 1 of the present embodiment has the structure as described above, the target to be captured can be captured as follows.

[0033] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, when the capture device 1 is not used, the tip 16a of the operation member 16 is held in the held position by the force of the spring 17 of the capture tool 10 (see FIGS. 3(A) and 5(A)). At this time, the pair of arm members 12, 12 are fixed in a swinging state with their tips 12a approaching each other (hereinafter, may be referred to as the captured state).

[0034] When using the capture device 1 to capture the target to be captured, as shown in FIG. 12(A), the user S who uses it holds the holding part 3 and the handle 2 of the capture device 1, and puts a finger into the through hole of the annular part 4b of the opening / closing operation part 4 of the holding part 3 (see FIG. 11(A)), and pulls the opening / closing operation part 4 along the direction away from the capture tool 10 (see FIG. 11(B)). Then, since the operation member 16 of the operation mechanism 15 is moved from the held position to the released position via the connecting member 2s, the tips 12a of the pair of arm members 12, 12 are in an open state (see FIGS. 3(B) and 5(B)). That is, a state is obtained in which a space (capture space) surrounded by a pair of arm members 12, 12 having an opening at the tip is provided at the tip, similar to a general pair of tweezers (hereinafter, may be referred to as the captured state).

[0035] When capturing a target to be captured, with the target to be captured placed within the capture space of the capture tool 1 in a released state, remove your finger from the through-hole of the annular portion 4b of the opening / closing operation portion 4 (pull out your finger). Then, the spring 17 causes the operating member 16 of the operating mechanism 15 to move from the release position to the holding position and stop moving at the holding position (see FIGS. 3(A) and 5(A)). Then, the tip portions 12a of the pair of arm members 12, 12 are in a closed state, and the target to be captured is captured within the space surrounded by the pair of arm members 12, 12 (FIG. 12(B)). Since the pair of arm members 12, 12 cannot swing as long as the operating member 16 is disposed at the holding position, even if a force is applied to the pair of arm members 12, 12, the tip portions 12a of the pair of arm members 12, 12 are maintained in the closed state. Therefore, the state in which the target to be captured is captured by the pair of arm members 12, 12 can be maintained.

[0036] For example, as shown in FIG. 12, if the target to be captured is a thug M, place the thug M's foot within the capture space of the capture tool 1 in a released state, and with the finger removed from the through-hole of the annular portion 4b of the opening / closing operation portion 4 in that state, the thug M's foot can be maintained in a state of being captured by the pair of arm members 12, 12 (see FIG. 12(B)). Then, even if the person S operating the capture tool 1 releases their hand from the handle 2 and the holding portion 3, the capture tool 1 remains attached to the thug's foot. In this state, since the handle 2 of the capture tool 1 gets in the way and the thug cannot escape, after capturing the thug, the person operating the capture tool 1 can leave the capture tool 1 and escape to a safe place and wait until the police or the like arrives.

[0037] Also, even if the capture fails, by simply operating the annular portion 4b of the opening / closing operation portion 4, the tip portions 12a of the pair of arm members 12, 12 can be easily opened to a released state (see FIG. 12(A)). That is, since it can be easily returned to the released state with just an operation at hand, the capture can be repeated many times, and the probability of capturing the target to be captured can be increased.

[0038] <Detailed Explanation of the Capture Tool 10> Hereinafter, the structure of the above-described capture tool 10 will be described in detail.

[0039] <Base portion 11> As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the base portion 11 of the capturing instrument 10 is formed by a pair of plate members 11p, 11p. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the base portion 11 is formed by connecting a pair of plate members 11p, 11p with a space therebetween. Projections p are provided at the base ends (the lower ends in FIG. 4) of the respective plate members 11p, 11p, and an attachment portion 11a is formed by this pair of projections p, p. Therefore, if the attachment portion 11a of the base portion 11 is inserted into the tip 2a of the handle 2, the capturing instrument 10 can be attached to the tip 2a of the handle 2 (see FIG. 3). And the space 11h between the pair of plate members 11p, 11p of the base portion 11 can be communicated with the internal space 2h through the gap 11s between the pair of projections p, p (see FIG. 4(A)).

[0040] In FIGS. 3 and 6 to 10, the center line CS is the center line in the width direction of the base portion 11, and the symmetry plane FS is a vertical plane that includes the center line CS and extends along the center line CS. For convenience in each figure, the center line CS and the symmetry plane FS are shown by a single line.

[0041] <A pair of arm members 12, 12> As shown in FIG. 3, a pair of arm members 12, 12 of the capturing instrument 10 are provided on the base portion 11 so as to be symmetric with respect to the symmetry plane FS. This pair of arm members 12, 12 have a shape symmetric with respect to the symmetry plane FS, and are formed to have an arcuate portion recessed from the other arm 12 between the tip portion 12a and the base portion 12b (see FIGS. 5 and 6).

[0042] As shown in FIG. 3, the pair of arm members 12, 12 are arranged in a space 11h between a pair of plate members 11p, 11p of the base portion 11 such that an arcuate portion projects from the tip of the base portion 11 (see FIG. 4(A)). As shown in FIG. 4(A), the base ends 12b of the pair of arm members 12, 12 are connected to the base portion 11 via a shaft 13 orthogonal to the opposing inner surfaces of the pair of plate members 11p, 11p. That is, the pair of arm members 12, 12 are provided so as to swing about the shaft 13 as a swing axis in parallel with the inner surfaces of the pair of plate members 11p, 11p, and the tip ends 12a can approach and separate from each other.

[0043] As shown in FIGS. 6(B) to 8, at the proximal ends 12b of the pair of arm members 12, 12, a pair of drive grooves 12g, 12g are provided on the tip side of the shaft 13. The pair of drive grooves 12g, 12g are grooves that penetrate the pair of arm members 12, 12. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8(A), the pair of drive grooves 12g, 12g have a parallel portion A provided on the tip portion 12a side of the pair of arm members 12, 12 (upper side in FIG. 7, left side in FIG. 8(A), hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as the tip side), and an inclined portion B provided on the shaft 13 side (lower side in FIG. 7, right side in FIG. 8(A), hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as the proximal side) than the parallel portion A. The parallel portions A of the pair of drive grooves 12g, 12g are portions formed to be parallel to each other and symmetric with respect to the symmetry plane FS (that is, parallel to the symmetry plane FS) in a state where the tip portions 12a of the pair of arm members 12, 12 are close to each other (see FIGS. 6(A), 7, and 8(A)). Moreover, as shown in FIG. 9(A), the distance from the center line of the parallel portion A (a line passing through the center position in the width direction of the parallel portion A and parallel to the parallel portion A) to the symmetry plane FS is made longer than the distance from the central axis 13p of the shaft 13 to the symmetry plane FS. Further, the inclined portions B of the pair of drive grooves 12g, 12g are such that in a state where the tip portions 12a of the pair of arm members 12, 12 are close to each other (see FIGS. 6(A), 7, and 8(A)), the direction from its center line (a line passing through the center position in the width direction of the inclined portion B and parallel to the inclined portion B) to the symmetry plane FS is symmetric with respect to the symmetry plane FS and approaches the symmetry plane FS as it goes from the parallel portion A to the proximal side. That is, the inclined portions B of the pair of drive grooves 12g, 12g are portions formed to approach each other as they go from the parallel portion A to the proximal side, in other words, portions formed such that the distance between the center lines of the pair of drive grooves 12g, 12g becomes shorter.

[0044] <Operating mechanism 15> As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the capturing instrument 10 includes an operating mechanism 15 that operates the swinging of the pair of arm members 12, 12, and this operating mechanism 15 has an operating member 16, a pair of cam members 16c, 16c, and a spring 17.

[0045] As shown in Fig. 4(A), an operation member 16 is provided in a space 11h between a pair of plate members 11p, 11p of a base portion 11. As shown in Figs. 5 and 6, this operation member 16 is a member long in the direction of a center line CS (see Fig. 6), and is provided such that its center line is parallel to a symmetry plane FS. For example, the operation member 16 is provided such that its center line is located on the symmetry plane FS. This operation member 16 is provided so as to be movable along its center line direction (in other words, along the symmetry plane FS). Further, a base end portion 16b of this operation member 16 is inserted into an internal space 2h of a handle 2 through a space between a pair of projecting pieces p of the pair of plate members 11p, 11p (see Fig. 4(A)), and the base end portion 16b is connected to a connecting member 2s of the handle 2.

[0046] As shown in Figs. 6 and 7, a pair of branch portions b, b are provided at a tip end portion 16a of the operation member 16 so as to be symmetric with respect to the symmetry plane FS. A pair of cam members 16c, 16c are respectively provided on the pair of branch portions b, b. The pair of cam members 16c, 16c are cylindrical members whose diameters are formed slightly smaller than the widths of a pair of drive grooves 12g, 12g, and are respectively inserted into the pair of drive grooves 12g, 12g provided on a pair of arm members 12, 12 (see Figs. 8 and 9). The pair of cam members 16c, 16c are provided such that the distance between their axes is the same as the center line distance between parallel portions A (see Fig. 7) of the pair of drive grooves 12g, 12g in a state where tip end portions 12a of the pair of arm members 12, 12 are close to each other.

[0047] Then, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, a receiving groove 16g extending along the longitudinal direction is formed in the base end portion 16b of the operation member 16. This receiving groove 16g is a groove that penetrates the operation member 16, and a stopper 2p fixed to the handle 2 is disposed in the receiving groove 16g. A spring 17 is provided between the stopper 2p and the inner surface on the tip side of the receiving groove 16g. This spring 17 is a coil spring, and is provided such that its axial direction (that is, the expansion and contraction direction) is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the operation member 16. In other words, the spring 17 is provided such that its axial direction is parallel to the moving direction of the operation member 16. That is, the spring 17 generates a force in a direction away from the stopper 2p (a biasing force that biases the operation member 16 toward the tip side) with respect to the operation member 16. When the spring 17 is maximally extended within the receiving groove 16g, the pair of cam members 16c, 16c provided at the tip portion 16a of the operation member 16 are adjusted to a length at which they are positioned in the parallel portion A of the pair of drive grooves 12g, 12g (see FIG. 7).

[0048] <Operation of the capturing instrument 10> Since the capturing device 10 has such a structure, in a state where no external force is applied to the operation member 16, the operation member 16 is moved toward the tip side by the spring 17 (see FIGS. 5(A) and 6(A)), and the pair of cam members 16c, 16c are arranged in the parallel portion A of the pair of drive grooves 12g, 12g (see FIGS. 7, 8(A), and 9(A)). In this state, the direction of the center line of the parallel portion A is parallel to the moving direction of the operation member 16. Moreover, the distance between the center lines of the parallel portion A is the same as the axial distance between the pair of cam members 16c, 16c. Then, even if a force is applied to the pair of arm members 12, 12 so as to separate the tips 12a thereof, the force is applied to the pair of cam members 16c, 16c only from a direction orthogonal to the direction of the center line of the parallel portion A. That is, no force is applied to move the pair of cam members 16c, 16c in the moving direction of the operation member 16. Therefore, in a state where the pair of cam members 16c, 16c are arranged in the parallel portion A, even if a force is applied to the pair of arm members 12, 12, the pair of cam members 16c, 16c do not move along the center line direction of the parallel portion A, and the operation member 16 also does not move. That is, even if a force is applied to the pair of arm members 12, 12, the pair of arm members 12, 12 are maintained in a state where the tips 12a thereof are close to each other (see FIGS. 5(A) and 6(A)). The position where the tip 16a of the operation member 16 is arranged in a state where the pair of cam members 16c, 16c are arranged in the parallel portion A of the pair of drive grooves 12g, 12g becomes the holding position described above (see FIGS. 5(A) and 6(A)).

[0049] On the other hand, in FIG. 7, if a force is applied to the operation member 16 so as to separate it from the tip sides of the pair of arm members 12, 12 against the force of the spring 17, since the pair of drive grooves 12g, 12g extend in the axial direction of the handle 2, the pair of cam members 16c, 16c easily move along the center line direction of the parallel portion A. That is, if the opening / closing operation unit 4 is operated to move the operation member 16 in its center line direction (the axial direction of the handle 2) via the connecting member 2s, the pair of cam members 16c, 16c can easily move along the center line direction of the parallel portion A, and the pair of cam members 16c, 16c can be moved from the parallel portion A to the inclined portion B (see FIGS. 6(B), 8(B), and 9(B)).

[0050] Here, in FIG. 9(A), when the pair of cam members 16c, 16c are moving within the parallel portion A, even if the operating member 16 moves, no force is applied to the inner surfaces of the pair of drive grooves 12g, 12g from the pair of cam members 16c, 16c, in other words, no force is applied to the pair of arm members 12, 12. On the other hand, the distance between the center lines of the pair of drive grooves 12g, 12g in the inclined portion B becomes shorter than the axial distance between the pair of cam members 16c, 16c as it goes toward the proximal end side. Then, the axial distance between the pair of cam members 16c, 16c is constant (in other words, the pair of cam members 16c, 16c are fixed to the operating member 16), and moreover, as shown in FIGS. 9(B) and 9(C), the pair of cam members 16c, 16c move along a line L1 (a line parallel to the moving direction of the operating member 16) outside the central axis 13p of the shaft 13. Therefore, when the pair of cam members 16c, 16c move from the parallel portion A to the inclined portion B, a force is applied to the outer inner surfaces of the pair of drive grooves 12g, 12g from the pair of cam members 16c, 16c. Then, due to this force, the pair of arm members 12, 12 swing outward around the shaft 13 so that the distance between the center lines of the inclined portion B coincides with the axial distance between the pair of cam members 16c, 16c. That is, when the pair of cam members 16c, 16c move from the parallel portion A to the inclined portion B, the pair of arm members 12, 12 swing so that their tip portions 12a move apart. And as the pair of cam members 16c, 16c move away from the parallel portion A, the swing amount of the pair of arm members 12, 12 increases, and the distance between the tip portions 12a of the pair of arm members 12, 12 increases. In this way, the pair of arm members 12, 12 move apart so that the distance between the tip portions 12a increases, and the position where the pair of arm members 12, 12 swing to the maximum extent becomes the aforementioned release position (see FIGS. 5(B) and 6(B)).

[0051] Also, if the operating member 16 moves toward the tip sides of the pair of arm members 12, 12 by the force of the spring 17 (in other words, from the release position toward the holding position), conversely to the case described above, the tip portions 12a of the pair of arm members 12, 12 can be brought closer to each other (see FIGS. 5(A) and 6(A)).

[0052] Since the capturing device 10 is formed in the above-described structure, if the operation member 16 is disposed at the holding position (see FIGS. 5(A) and 6(A)), the swinging of the pair of arm members 12, 12 can be fixed with the tip portions 12a of the pair of arm members 12, 12 approaching each other. On the other hand, if the operation member 16 is moved between the holding position and the release position (see FIGS. 5(B) and 6(B)), the pair of arm members 12, 12 can be swung to easily move the tip portions 12a of the pair of arm members 12, 12 closer to and away from each other.

[0053] <Regarding the operation member 16> In the above-described example, the case where the operation member 16 and the connecting member 2s are connected has been described, but the operation member 16 and the connecting member 2s may be integrally formed. However, if the operation member 16 and the connecting member 2s are separate, the assembly of the capturing tool 1 becomes easier.

[0054] <Regarding the spring 17> In the above-described example, the case where the spring 17 is disposed in the accommodation groove 16g provided at the base end portion 16b of the operation member 16 has been described (see FIGS. 6 and 7), but the spring 17 may be provided so as to bias the operation member 16 from the release position toward the holding position along its longitudinal direction, and the installation position and the like are not particularly limited. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, if the expansion and contraction direction of the spring 17 is parallel to the moving direction of the operation member 16 and the central axis of the spring 17 coincides with the center line of the operation member 16, the biasing force of the spring 17 can be effectively used for the movement of the operation member 16. In the above-described example, the case where a coil spring is used as the spring 17 has been described, but the spring may be any one that can generate a biasing force for biasing the operation member 16 toward the tip side, and is not necessarily limited to a coil spring.

[0055] <Regarding the guide groove 11g of the plate member 11p> In the above-described example, since the base end portion 16b of the operation member 16 is inserted into the internal space 2h of the handle 2 (see FIG. 5), the operation member 16 can be stably moved along the axial direction of the handle 2. Further, the configuration for stably moving the operation member 16 along the axial direction of the handle 2 is not particularly limited, and various methods can be adopted. For example, guide grooves 11g as described below may be provided in the plate member 11p of the base portion 11.

[0056] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 10, a pair of guide grooves 11g, 11g are formed on the inner surface of one plate member 11p of the base portion 11 on the tip side of the plate member 11p rather than at the position where the shaft 13 is provided. The pair of guide grooves 11g, 11g are grooves recessed from the inner surface of the plate member 11p and are provided at positions symmetric with respect to the symmetry plane FS. Further, the pair of guide grooves 11g, 11g are provided such that the direction of their center lines is parallel to the axial direction of the handle 2, that is, parallel to the symmetry plane FS. And the pair of guide grooves 11g, 11g are provided so as to correspond to the pair of drive grooves 12g, 12g in a state where the tip portions 12a of the pair of arm members 12, 12 are close to each other. That is, in a state where the tip portions 12a of the pair of arm members 12, 12 are close to each other (see FIGS. 6(A) and 8(A)), when viewed from the normal direction of the inner surface of the plate member 11p, it overlaps with the parallel portion A of the pair of drive grooves 12g, 12g, and moreover, the pair of guide grooves 11g, 11g are formed up to the position where the inclined portions B of the pair of drive grooves 12g, 12g are provided (see FIG. 7).

[0057] With such a pair of guide grooves 11g, 11g provided, the ends of the pair of cam members 16c, 16c inserted into the pair of drive grooves 12g, 12g are inserted into the pair of guide grooves 11g, 11g. Then, if the pair of cam members 16c, 16c move along the pair of guide grooves 11g, 11g, the operation member 16 can be stably moved along the pair of guide grooves 11g, 11g, that is, along the axial direction of the handle 2.

[0058] Note that the pair of guide grooves 11g, 11g may be formed in both of the pair of plate members 11p, 11p. In this case, the pair of guide grooves 11g, 11g formed in the pair of plate members 11p, 11p are provided at corresponding positions to each other. That is, the pair of guide grooves 11g, 11g are formed in the pair of plate members 11p, 11p such that the pair of guide grooves 11g, 11g formed in the pair of plate members 11p, 11p overlap each other when viewed from the normal direction of the inner surface of the plate member 11p.

[0059] <Regarding the handle 2> In FIGS. 1 and 2, the case where the cross-sectional shape of the handle 2 is rectangular is described, but the cross-sectional shape of the handle 2 is not particularly limited, and the cross-section of the handle 2 may be circular.

[0060] Also, the handle 2 may be a long member in the axial direction formed to have a hollow internal space 2h inside, and does not necessarily have to be formed of a pipe material. For example, the handle 2 may be formed by combining a member having a U-shaped cross-section and a plate-shaped member, or the handle 2 may be formed by arranging members having a U-shaped cross-section such that their openings face each other.

[0061] Also, the connecting member 2s does not necessarily have to be a cord-like member. Any member that can connect the operating member 16 of the operating mechanism 15 of the capturing instrument 10 and the opening / closing operating portion 4 of the holding portion 3 described later and can move both of them at the same timing may be used. For example, the connecting member 2s may be formed of a shaft-like member, a plate-like member, or the like.

[0062] <Regarding the holding portion 3> The shape of the holding portion 3 is not particularly limited, but it is desirable that it is formed in a shape that is easy for the user who uses the catcher 1 to hold.

[0063] Further, the structure of the opening / closing operation part 4 is not particularly limited, and it is not necessary to have the structure having the shaft part 4a and the annular part 4b as described above. It may be arranged between the pair of plate members 3p, 3p of the holding part 3 (between the pair of projecting pieces p, p), and in a state of being connected to the connecting member 2s of the handle 2, the axial direction of the handle 2 is movable, and it may have a structure that can be operated by a human finger or the like.

[0064] Further, the opening / closing operation part 4 may not be provided, and the base end of the connecting member 2s may be extended between the pair of plate members 3p, 3p of the holding part 3 so as to exhibit the same function as the opening / closing operation part 4. For example, if the connecting member 2s is formed of a cord-like member, an annular portion may be provided at the tip thereof so that the annular portion can be operated by a human finger. Also, if the connecting member 2s is formed of a plate-like member, a through-hole or the like may be provided at the end thereof so that the portion such as the through-hole can be operated by a human finger.

[0065] Further, the holding part 3 only needs to have a structure that can be arranged so that the opening / closing operation part 4 (when the opening / closing operation part 4 is not provided, the connecting member 2s, the same applies hereinafter) can move along the axial direction of the handle 2. It is not necessarily required to have the structure in which the pair of plate members 3p, 3p as described above are connected with a space therebetween. In a state where the holding part 3 is attached to the base end 2b of the handle 2, it only needs to have a structure that can be connected to the connecting member 2s of the handle 2 and the opening / closing operation part 4 can move along the axial direction of the handle 2. For example, the holding part 3 may have a through-hole that communicates with the internal space 2h of the handle 2 when the holding part 3 is attached to the base end 2b of the handle 2, and the opening / closing operation part 4 can be held so as to be movable in the axial direction of the handle 2 when the opening / closing operation part 4 is arranged.

Industrial Applicability

[0066] The capturing tool of the present invention is suitable as a tool for capturing a human, an animal, etc. or a tool for gripping an article located far away.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0067] 1 Capturing tool 2 Handle 2h internal space 10 capturing device 11 base member 11g guide groove 12 arm member 12g drive groove 13 shaft 15 operating mechanism 16 operating member 16c cam member 17 spring A parallel part B inclined part

Claims

1. A long, shaft-like handle and a capturing device provided at the tip of the handle, wherein the capturing device includes a base member, a pair of arm members having proximal ends connected to the base member and distal ends that can approach and separate from each other and swing around a swing axis of the proximal ends, and an operating mechanism for operating the swing of the pair of arm members, wherein the operating mechanism includes an operating member provided so as to be movable between a holding position on the distal end side of the pair of arm members and a release position on the proximal end side of the pair of arm members, a biasing member that biases the operating member from the release position toward the holding position, and a switching mechanism that fixes the swing of the pair of arm members in a state where the distal ends of the pair of arm members are close to each other when the operating member is disposed at the holding position, and swings the pair of arm members so that the distal ends of the pair of arm members are separated when the operating member moves from the holding position to the release position. A capturing tool characterized by the above.

2. The switching mechanism includes a pair of drive grooves provided at the proximal ends of the pair of arm members and extending from the distal end sides to the proximal end sides of the pair of arm members, and a pair of cam members connected to the operating member and inserted into the pair of drive grooves respectively, wherein the pair of cam members are provided so as to move along the pair of drive grooves as the operating member moves, and the pair of drive grooves include a parallel portion formed on the distal end sides of the pair of arm members so as to be parallel to the moving direction of the operating member and parallel to each other in a state where the operating member is disposed at the holding position, and an inclined portion formed on the proximal end sides of the pair of arm members so as to approach each other as they go toward the proximal end sides of the pair of arm members in a state where the operating member is disposed at the holding position. The capturing tool according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

3. The base member is provided with a pair of guide grooves formed parallel to each other along the moving direction of the operating member, into which the pair of cam members of the operating mechanism are respectively inserted. The capturing tool according to claim 2, characterized by the above.

4. The operating member of the operating mechanism has its movement restricted so that its moving direction is parallel to the axial direction of the handle. The capturing tool according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

5. A holding portion for the user to hold when using the capturing tool is provided at the proximal end of the handle, and the holding portion is An opening / closing operation part is provided which is connected by an operation member and a connecting member of the operation mechanism and is movable along the axial direction of the handle. The catching tool according to claim 4, characterized in that.

6. The handle has an internal space communicating between the tip and the base end, and in this internal space the connecting member is accommodated so as to be movable along the internal space. The catching tool according to claim 5, characterized in that.

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