Gripping tool and method of using the gripping tool

Abstract

The present invention addresses the problem of providing a gripping tool and a method for using a gripping tool which make it possible to switch between a locked state and unlocked state with an easy operation.　The problem is solved by a gripping tool comprising: a first member that includes a first gripping part; a second member that includes a second gripping part; a third member that is capable of transmitting force to the second member such that the distance between the first gripping part and the second gripping part is decreased; a lock mechanism that switches between a locked state which prevents an increase in the distance between the first gripping part and the second gripping part and an unlocked state which allows an increase in the distance between the first gripping part and the second gripping part; a fourth member that constitutes at least part of the lock mechanism and that engages by screwing with the third member; and an operation member that engages by screwing with the fourth member.

Description

Gripping tools and methods for using them

[0001] The present invention relates to a gripping tool and a method for using the gripping tool.

[0002] Gripping tools for gripping an object to be gripped are known.

[0003] As a related technique, Patent Document 1 discloses an indirect live line gripping tool. The indirect live line gripping tool described in Patent Document 1 includes a gripping mechanism, an insulated operating rod, an engaging member, and a locking mechanism. The gripping mechanism has a fixed gripping portion and a movable gripping portion. The insulated operating rod has an operating rod body and an axial core side member arranged inside the operating rod body. The operating rod body is slidable along the axial direction relative to the axial core side member.

[0004] In the indirect live-wire gripping tool described in Patent Document 1, a locking mechanism is activated when the operating rod body is slid toward the gripping mechanism. When the locking mechanism is activated, the insulated operating rod is prevented from being rotated so that the movable gripping part moves away from the fixed gripping part. Sliding the operating rod body away from the gripping mechanism unlocks the locking mechanism. As a result, the insulated operating rod can be rotated so that the movable gripping part moves away from the fixed gripping part.

[0005] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 discloses a remotely operated gripping tool. The remotely operated gripping tool described in Patent Document 2 includes a fixed gripping arm, a movable gripping arm, a pressure-receiving member having a spherical fulcrum, and an angle adjustment mechanism that rotates the movable gripping arm around the fulcrum.

[0006] JP 2015-165739 A JP 2010-234506 A

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a gripping tool that can be switched between a locked state and an unlocked state with a simple operation, and a method of using the gripping tool.

[0008] The present invention relates to a gripping tool and a method of using the gripping tool, as described below.

[0009] (1) A gripping tool comprising: a first member including a first gripping portion; a second member including a second gripping portion; a third member capable of transmitting a force to the second member so as to reduce a gap between the first gripping portion and the second gripping portion; a locking mechanism that switches between a locked state that prevents the gap between the first gripping portion and the second gripping portion from increasing and an unlocked state that allows the gap between the first gripping portion and the second gripping portion to increase; a fourth member that constitutes at least a part of the locking mechanism and that threads onto the third member; and an operating member that threads onto the fourth member. (2) The gripping tool according to (1), wherein the operating member is configured to rotate in a first rotation direction to reduce the gap between the first gripping portion and the second gripping portion and to switch from the unlocked state to the locked state. (3) The grip tool according to (1) or (2), wherein the locked state is maintained until the operating member is rotated a predetermined angle in a second rotation direction, and when the operating member is rotated by at least the predetermined angle in the second rotation direction, the locked state is switched to the unlocked state. (4) The grip tool according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the locking mechanism comprises: a first engaging portion; and a second engaging portion engageable with the first engaging portion, and the operating member comprises a pressing portion that switches the state of the locking mechanism from the locked state to the unlocked state, and when the pressing portion presses the second engaging portion, the state of the locking mechanism is switched from the locked state to the unlocked state. (5) The grip tool according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the second member is swingably connected to the first member, and the second gripping portion of the second member constitutes a movable gripping portion, and the first gripping portion of the first member constitutes a fixed gripping portion. (6) The gripping tool described in (5) above, comprising: a head portion having the first gripping portion and the second gripping portion; a head portion support portion supporting the head portion; and an angle adjustment mechanism that adjusts the positioning angle of the head portion relative to the head portion support portion.(7) The gripping tool according to any one of (1) to (4) above, wherein the second member is swingably connected to the first member, the first gripping portion of the first member constitutes a first movable gripping portion, and the second gripping portion of the second member constitutes a second movable gripping portion. (8) The gripping tool according to any one of (1) to (7) above, wherein the third member has a threaded rod or a nut portion that screws into the fourth member. (9) The gripping tool according to any one of (1) to (8) above, wherein the operating member has an attachment portion to which a remote control rod is detachably attached. (10) A method of using a gripping tool, the gripping tool comprising: a first member including a first gripping portion; a second member including a second gripping portion; a third member capable of transmitting a force to the second member so as to reduce a gap between the first gripping portion and the second gripping portion; a locking mechanism that switches between a locked state that prevents the gap between the first gripping portion and the second gripping portion from increasing and an unlocked state that allows the gap between the first gripping portion and the second gripping portion to increase; a fourth member that constitutes at least a part of the locking mechanism and that screws onto the third member; and an operating member that screws onto the fourth member, the method of using the gripping tool comprising: a step of placing an object to be gripped between the first gripping portion and the second gripping portion; and a gripping step of gripping the object to be gripped by the first gripping portion and the second gripping portion by rotating the operating member in a first rotation direction, the gripping step comprising: A method of using a gripping tool, comprising: a gap reduction step of reducing the gap between the first gripping portion and the second gripping portion by relative rotation between the fourth member and the third member; and a first switching step of switching the state of the locking mechanism from the unlocked state to the locked state by relative rotation between the fourth member and the operating member.(11) A method of using a gripping tool as described in (10) above, further comprising a gripping release step of releasing the grip of the gripping object by the first gripping portion and the second gripping portion, the gripping release step including: a second switching step of switching the state of the locking mechanism from the locked state to the unlocked state by relative rotation between the fourth member and the operating member; and a gap widening step of widening the gap between the first gripping portion and the second gripping portion by relative rotation between the fourth member and the third member.

[0010] The present invention provides a gripping tool that can be switched between a locked state and an unlocked state with a simple operation, and a method for using the gripping tool.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a schematic side view showing a gripping tool according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic side view showing a gripping tool according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of a portion of the gripping tool according to the first embodiment, and a side view showing other portions of the gripping tool. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of a portion of the gripping tool according to the first embodiment, and a side view showing other portions of the gripping tool. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A in FIG. 3. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a state in which angle adjustment of the head portion relative to the head portion support portion is being performed. FIG. 7 is a schematic side view showing a gripping tool according to a second embodiment. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of a portion of the gripping tool according to the second embodiment, and a side view showing other portions of the gripping tool. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of a portion of the gripping tool according to the second embodiment, and a side view showing other portions of the gripping tool. Fig. 10 is a schematic two-sided view showing a gripping tool according to a third embodiment. Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of a portion of the gripping tool according to the third embodiment, and a side view showing another portion of the gripping tool. Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of a portion of the gripping tool according to the third embodiment, and a side view showing another portion of the gripping tool. Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a method of using the gripping tool according to the embodiment. Fig. 14 is a schematic side view showing a modified example of an operating member. Fig. 15 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view showing a portion of the gripping tool.

[0012] Hereinafter, the gripping tool 1 and the method of using the gripping tool 1 according to the embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In this specification, components having the same functions are designated by the same or similar reference numerals. Repetitive descriptions of components designated by the same or similar reference numerals may be omitted.

[0013] (Definition of Direction) In this specification, the direction in which the third member 30 moves to reduce the gap between the first gripping portion 11 and the second gripping portion 21 is defined as the first direction DR1, and the direction opposite to the first direction DR1 is defined as the second direction DR2.

[0014] First Embodiment A gripping tool 1A according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6. FIGS. 1 and 2 are schematic side views illustrating the gripping tool 1A according to the first embodiment. FIG. 1 illustrates the gripping tool 1A before gripping the object W, and FIG. 2 illustrates the gripping tool 1A after gripping the object W. FIGS. 3 and 4 are cross-sectional views illustrating the internal structure of a portion of the gripping tool 1A according to the first embodiment, and side views illustrating other portions of the gripping tool 1A. FIG. 3 illustrates the locking mechanism M in an unlocked state, and FIG. 4 illustrates the locking mechanism M in a locked state. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A in FIG. 3. FIG. 6 is a schematic view illustrating the head N1 being angle-adjusted relative to the head support N2.

[0015] The gripping tool 1A includes a first member 10, a second member 20, a third member 30, a fourth member 40, an operating member 50, and a locking mechanism M.

[0016] In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the first member 10 includes a first gripping portion 11. The first gripping portion 11 has a first gripping surface 110 that contacts the gripping object W. In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the first gripping surface 110 has a first surface 111 that can contact the gripping object W and a second surface 112 that can contact the gripping object W. The first surface 111 and the second surface 112 form an obtuse angle (an angle greater than 90 degrees). However, the shape of the first gripping surface 110 is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 1 and may be any shape. For example, the first gripping surface 110 may be a concave curved surface. When the gripping object W gripped by the gripping tool 1A is an object that conducts current, such as an electric wire, an insulating layer RB (e.g., an insulating rubber layer or an insulating resin layer) may be disposed on the surface of the first gripping portion 11.

[0017] The first member 10 may be formed of one part or an assembly of multiple parts.

[0018] In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the second member 20 includes a second gripping portion 21. The second gripping portion 21 has a second gripping surface 210 that contacts the gripping object W. In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the second gripping surface 210 has a third surface 213 that can contact the gripping object W and a fourth surface 214 that can contact the gripping object W. The third surface 213 and the fourth surface 214 form an obtuse angle (an angle greater than 90 degrees). However, the shape of the second gripping surface 210 is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 1 and may be any shape. For example, the second gripping surface 210 may be a concave curved surface. When the gripping object W gripped by the gripping tool 1A is an object that conducts current, such as an electric wire, an insulating layer RB (e.g., an insulating rubber layer or an insulating resin layer) may be disposed on the surface of the second gripping portion 21.

[0019] The second member 20 may be formed of a single part or an assembly of multiple parts.

[0020] The third member 30 is a member capable of transmitting a force to the second member 20 so as to reduce the distance between the first gripping portion 11 and the second gripping portion 21. In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the third member 30 includes a contact portion 31 that contacts the second member 20. The contact portion 31 includes, for example, a pressing surface 31a that can press the pressed portion 22 of the second member 20. The pressing surface 31a is, for example, an inclined surface that is inclined with respect to the first direction DR1 (in other words, the movement direction of the third member 30). In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the second member 20 is pressed by the pressing surface 31a, thereby reducing the distance between the first gripping portion 11 and the second gripping portion 21. Details will be described later.

[0021] The third member 30 may be formed of a single part or an assembly of multiple parts. In the example shown in Fig. 1, the third member 30 includes a threaded rod 33 that screws into the fourth member 40. In the example shown in Fig. 1, the threaded rod 33 has a male thread portion 33m on its outer circumferential surface.

[0022] The locking mechanism M is a mechanism that switches between a locked state, which prevents the gap between the first gripping portion 11 and the second gripping portion 21 from widening, and an unlocked state, which allows the gap between the first gripping portion 11 and the second gripping portion 21 to widen. In the example shown in FIG. 2 , the locking mechanism M includes a first engaging portion M1 and a second engaging portion M2. A state in which the first engaging portion M1 and the second engaging portion M2 are engaged corresponds to the locked state, and a state in which the engagement between the first engaging portion M1 and the second engaging portion M2 is released corresponds to the unlocked state. Details will be described later.

[0023] 3, the fourth member 40 is threadedly engaged with the third member 30 (more specifically, the threaded rod 33). More specifically, the fourth member 40 has a female threaded portion 43f that is threadedly engaged with the male threaded portion 33m of the third member 30.

[0024] 3 , when the fourth member 40 rotates relative to the third member 30 in the first rotation direction R1, the third member 30 moves relative to the fourth member 40 in the first direction DR1. For example, when the fourth member 40 rotates relative to the third member 30 in the first rotation direction R1, the contact portion 31 of the third member 30 transmits a force to the second member 20. More specifically, when the fourth member 40 rotates relative to the third member 30 in the first rotation direction R1, the pressing surface 31 a of the third member 30 presses the pressed portion 22 of the second member 20. In this way, the distance between the first gripping portion 11 and the second gripping portion 21 is reduced.

[0025] 4, the fourth member 40 constitutes at least a part of the locking mechanism M. More specifically, the fourth member 40 has a first engagement portion M1. When the locking mechanism M is in a locked state, the fourth member 40 cannot rotate relative to the third member 30 in a second rotational direction R2 that is opposite to the first rotational direction R1. Therefore, when the locking mechanism M is in a locked state, the gap between the first gripping portion 11 and the second gripping portion 21 is prevented from widening. This will be described in detail later.

[0026] The fourth member 40 may be formed of one part or an assembly of multiple parts.

[0027] 3 and 4 , the distance between the first grip portion 11 and the second grip portion 21 is changed by operating the operating member 50. It can also be said that the operating member 50 is a first operating member that changes the distance between the first grip portion 11 and the second grip portion 21.

[0028] 3, the operating member 50 is threadedly engaged with the fourth member 40. More specifically, the operating member 50 has a female thread portion 53f that is threadedly engaged with the male thread portion 43m of the fourth member 40.

[0029] 3 , when the operating member 50 rotates together with the fourth member 40 relative to the third member 30 in the first rotation direction R1, the distance between the first grip portion 11 and the second grip portion 21 is reduced. On the other hand, when the operating member 50 rotates together with the fourth member 40 relative to the third member 30 in the second rotation direction R2, the distance between the first grip portion 11 and the second grip portion 21 is increased.

[0030] The operating member 50 may be formed by one component, or may be formed by an assembly of multiple components.

[0031] In the gripping tool 1A of the first embodiment, the fourth member 40 is threadedly engaged with the third member 30 and the operating member 50. Therefore, the fourth member 40 can be rotated relative to the third member 30, and the fourth member 40 can also be rotated relative to the operating member 50. For example, by rotating the fourth member 40 relative to the third member 30, the third member 30 can be moved in the first direction DR1 (or the second direction DR2). Furthermore, by rotating the fourth member 40, which constitutes at least a part of the locking mechanism M, relative to the operating member 50, the state of the locking mechanism M can be switched between a locked state (see FIG. 4) and an unlocked state (see FIG. 3).

[0032] As described above, the first embodiment provides the gripping tool 1A that can be switched between a locked state and an unlocked state with a simple operation.

[0033] Next, optional additional configurations that can be employed in the gripping tool 1A of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0034] (Operation of gripping tool 1A and operation of locking mechanism M) In the example shown in Figure 3, when the operating member 50 is rotated in the first rotation direction R1, the distance between the first gripping portion 11 and the second gripping portion 21 is reduced, and when the operating member 50 is rotated in the second rotation direction R2, the distance between the first gripping portion 11 and the second gripping portion 21 is increased.

[0035] 3 , the operating member 50 is threadedly engaged with the fourth member 40. Therefore, when the operating member 50 rotates relative to the fourth member 40, the operating member 50 moves relative to the fourth member 40 along the longitudinal axis direction of the fourth member 40.

[0036] 3 , the third member 30 is threadedly engaged with the fourth member 40. Therefore, when the operating member 50 rotates together with the fourth member 40 relative to the third member 30, the third member 30 moves relative to the fourth member 40 along the longitudinal axis direction of the fourth member 40.

[0037] 3 , the fourth member 40 cannot move in a direction parallel to the first direction DR1 relative to the fourth member support portion B, which rotatably supports the fourth member 40. Therefore, when viewed using the fourth member 40 as a reference, if the operating member 50 rotates relative to the fourth member 40, the operating member 50 moves in a direction parallel to the first direction DR1. Furthermore, when viewed using the fourth member 40 as a reference, if the operating member 50 rotates together with the fourth member 40 relative to the third member 30, the third member 30 moves in a direction parallel to the first direction DR1.

[0038] The locking mechanism M is a mechanism that switches between a locked state, which prevents the gap between the first gripping portion 11 and the second gripping portion 21 from expanding, and an unlocked state, which allows the gap between the first gripping portion 11 and the second gripping portion 21 to expand. The locked state essentially means a state in which the gap between the first gripping portion 11 and the second gripping portion 21 cannot be expanded. Therefore, when the locking mechanism M is in the locked state, the object to be grasped W (see FIG. 2 if necessary) is prevented from falling off the gripping tool 1A. On the other hand, the unlocked state means a state in which the gap between the first gripping portion 11 and the second gripping portion 21 can be expanded. Therefore, in the unlocked state, the gap between the first gripping portion 11 and the second gripping portion 21 is expanded, allowing the object to be grasped W to be removed from the gripping tool 1A.

[0039] In the example shown in FIG. 3 , the locking mechanism M includes a first engagement portion M1 provided on the fourth member 40. The first engagement portion M1 engages with a member other than the fourth member 40 (e.g., the second engagement portion M2), thereby placing the locking mechanism M in a locked state. Note that in the locked state, the gap between the first gripping portion 11 and the second gripping portion 21 is prevented from increasing, but the gap between the first gripping portion 11 and the second gripping portion 21 may be allowed to decrease. Alternatively, in the locked state, in addition to preventing the gap between the first gripping portion 11 and the second gripping portion 21 from increasing, the gap between the first gripping portion 11 and the second gripping portion 21 may also be prevented from decreasing.

[0040] In the example shown in Fig. 3, the operating member 50 moves relative to the fourth member 40 in the longitudinal axis direction of the fourth member 40 (in other words, in a direction parallel to the first direction DR1), thereby switching between the locked state and the unlocked state. Details will be described later. Also, in the example shown in Fig. 3, the third member 30 moves relative to the fourth member 40 in the longitudinal axis direction of the fourth member 40 (in other words, in a direction parallel to the first direction DR1), thereby changing the distance between the first grip portion 11 and the second grip portion 21.

[0041] 3 , the fourth member 40 is threadedly engaged with the operating member 50 and also with the third member 30. Therefore, by simply rotating the operating member 50, it is possible to switch between the locked state and the unlocked state described above, and also to change the distance between the first grip portion 11 and the second grip portion 21.

[0042] Assume that the object to be grasped W is placed between the first gripping portion 11 and the second gripping portion 21, and then the operating member 50 is rotated in the first rotation direction R1. When the operating member 50 is rotated in the first rotation direction R1 in the state shown in FIG. 3 , the operating member 50 rotates in the first rotation direction R1 together with the fourth member 40. As a result, the third member 30 that is threadedly engaged with the fourth member 40 moves in the first direction DR1. Furthermore, as the third member 30 moves in the first direction DR1, the third member 30 transmits a force to the second member 20 having the second gripping portion 21. Thus, the distance between the first gripping portion 11 and the second gripping portion 21 is reduced, and the object to be grasped W is grasped by the first gripping portion 11 and the second gripping portion 21.

[0043] Assume that after the first gripping portion 11 and the second gripping portion 21 grip the object W to be grasped, the operating member 50 is further rotated in the first rotation direction R1. In this case, because the movement of the third member 30 is restricted, instead of the third member 30 rotating relative to the fourth member 40, the operating member 50 rotates relative to the fourth member 40. In other words, after the object W to be grasped is grasped by the first gripping portion 11 and the second gripping portion 21, when the operating member 50 is further rotated in the first rotation direction R1, the operating member 50 rotates relative to the fourth member 40 and moves in the second direction DR2. As a result, the pressing portion 56 provided on the operating member 50 moves from the advanced position (see FIG. 3 ) to the retracted position (see FIG. 4 ), and the locking mechanism M changes from the unlocked state to the locked state (a state in which the first engagement portion M1 engages with another member such as the second engagement portion M2).

[0044] 3 and 4, by rotating the operating member 50 in the first rotation direction R1, both the distance between the first gripping portion 11 and the second gripping portion 21 is reduced and the state is switched from the unlocked state to the locked state. Therefore, by simply rotating the operating member 50 in the first rotation direction R1, the object to be grasped W can be grasped and the state can be switched to the locked state.

[0045] Next, it is assumed that after the object W to be grasped is grasped by the first grasping portion 11 and the second grasping portion 21, the operating member 50 is rotated in a second rotation direction R2. Note that the second rotation direction R2 is the opposite direction to the first rotation direction R1.

[0046] 4, when the operating member 50 is rotated in the second rotation direction R2, the operating member 50 rotates relative to the fourth member 40 and moves in the first direction DR1. As a result, the pressing portion 56 provided on the operating member 50 moves from the retracted position (see FIG. 4) to the advanced position (see FIG. 3), and the locking mechanism M changes from the locked state to the unlocked state. More specifically, the pressing portion 56 presses the second engagement portion M2, switching the state of the locking mechanism M from the locked state to the unlocked state.

[0047] In this embodiment and in embodiments described below, it is preferable that the locked state be maintained until the operating member 50 rotates a predetermined angle in the second rotation direction R2 (for example, the predetermined angle is any angle between 360 degrees and 1080 degrees). Furthermore, it is preferable that the operating member 50 switch from the locked state to the unlocked state when it rotates the predetermined angle or more in the second rotation direction R2. In this case, even if an operator accidentally rotates the operating member 50 in the second rotation direction R2, the lock is not immediately released. This ensures the safety of the operator and / or those around the operator.

[0048] Assume that after the locking mechanism M has transitioned from the locked state to the unlocked state, the operating member 50 is further rotated in the second rotation direction R2. When the operating member 50 is rotated in the second rotation direction R2, the operating member 50 rotates in the second rotation direction R2 together with the fourth member 40. As a result, the third member 30, which is threadedly engaged with the fourth member 40, moves in the second direction DR2. In this way, the grip of the gripped object W by the first gripping portion 11 and the second gripping portion 21 is released.

[0049] 3 and 4 , by rotating the operating member 50 in the second rotation direction R2 by a predetermined angle or more, both the switching from the locked state to the unlocked state and the release of the grip of the gripping object W by the first gripping unit 11 and the second gripping unit 21 are performed. Therefore, simply by rotating the operating member 50 in the second rotation direction R2, the switching to the unlocked state and the release of the grip of the gripping object W can be performed.

[0050] (One Example of Locking Mechanism M) An example of the locking mechanism M will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4. FIG.

[0051] 2, the locking mechanism M includes a first engagement portion M1 provided on the fourth member 40 and a second engagement portion M2 provided on the fourth member support portion B. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the fourth member support portion B is a component that forms part of the first member 10.

[0052] In the example shown in Fig. 2, the first engagement portion M1 includes a plurality of teeth 45a arranged in a ring shape, and the second engagement portion M2 includes a protrusion 15a (more specifically, a claw portion) that can engage with any of the plurality of teeth 45a. In the example shown in Fig. 2, the first engagement portion M1 includes a plurality of teeth 45a, and the second engagement portion M2 includes at least one protrusion 15a. Alternatively, the first engagement portion M1 may include at least one protrusion, and the second engagement portion M2 may include a plurality of teeth. Further alternatively, each of the first engagement portion M1 and the second engagement portion M2 may include a plurality of teeth.

[0053] 4 , when the first engagement portion M1 and the second engagement portion M2 are engaged with each other, the fourth member 40 cannot rotate in the second rotation direction R2 relative to the fourth member support portion B. Furthermore, because the fourth member 40 cannot be rotated in the second rotation direction R2, the third member 30, which transmits force to the second member 20, cannot be moved in the second direction DR2. As described above, when the first engagement portion M1 and the second engagement portion M2 are engaged with each other (in other words, when the locking mechanism M is in the locked state), the fourth member 40 cannot rotate in the second rotation direction R2, and the third member 30 and the second member 20 cannot be moved in a direction that releases the grip of the object W to be grasped.

[0054] On the other hand, in the example shown in FIG. 2 , when the first engagement portion M1 and the second engagement portion M2 are engaged with each other, the fourth member 40 can rotate relative to the fourth member support portion B in the first rotational direction R1. When the fourth member 40 rotates relative to the fourth member support portion B in the first rotational direction R1, the second engagement portion M2 moves over at least one tooth 45 a of the first engagement portion M1. After the second engagement portion M2 moves over at least one tooth 45 a of the first engagement portion M1, the second engagement portion M2 engages with another tooth of the first engagement portion M1. Alternatively, by changing the design of the first engagement portion M1 and / or the second engagement portion M2, the fourth member 40 may be prevented from rotating relative to the fourth member support portion B in both the first rotational direction R1 and the second rotational direction R2 when the first engagement portion M1 and the second engagement portion M2 are engaged with each other.

[0055] In the example shown in FIG. 4 , the locking mechanism M has a biasing member M3 (e.g., a spring member) that biases the second engagement portion M2 (more specifically, the engagement member 15 having the second engagement portion M2) toward the first engagement portion M1. Therefore, when the pressing portion 56 of the operating member 50 is not pressing the second engagement portion M2 (more specifically, the engagement member 15 having the second engagement portion M2), the locking mechanism M automatically enters a locked state (in other words, a state in which the first engagement portion M1 and the second engagement portion M2 are engaged). On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3 , when the pressing portion 56 presses the second engagement portion M2 against the biasing force of the biasing member M3, the state of the locking mechanism M is switched from the locked state to the unlocked state.

[0056] (Examples of the third member 30, the fourth member 40, and the operating member 50) With reference to Figs. 1 to 4, examples of the third member 30, the fourth member 40, and the operating member 50 will be described in more detail.

[0057] 3, the third member 30 includes a threaded rod 33. In this specification, the term "threaded rod" refers to a member having a rod-shaped portion with a thread formed on its inner or outer peripheral surface. In other words, the threaded rod may be a male threaded rod with a male thread formed on its outer peripheral surface, or a female threaded rod with a female thread formed on its inner peripheral surface.

[0058] 3 , the third member 30 has a rotation prevention portion 310 that prevents relative rotation of the third member 30 with respect to the first member 10. The rotation prevention portion 310 comes into contact with the first member 10, thereby preventing relative rotation of the third member 30 with respect to the first member 10. In this way, when the fourth member 40 rotates relative to the fourth member support portion B (more specifically, the first member 10), the third member 30 is prevented from rotating relative to the fourth member support portion B (more specifically, the first member 10).

[0059] The fourth member 40 includes a first threaded portion (43f) that screws onto the third member 30 (more specifically, the threaded rod 33). Therefore, when the fourth member 40 rotates relative to the third member 30 in the first rotational direction R1, the pressing surface 31a of the third member 30 moves toward the pressed portion 22 of the second member 20 (in other words, the first direction DR1). Furthermore, when the fourth member 40 rotates relative to the third member 30 in the second rotational direction R2, the pressing surface 31a of the third member 30 moves away from the pressed portion 22 of the second member 20 (in other words, the second direction DR2). In the example shown in FIG. 3 , the first threaded portion (43f) is a female threaded portion. Alternatively, the first threaded portion may be a male threaded portion.

[0060] The fourth member 40 includes a second threaded portion (43m) that screws into the operating member 50. Therefore, when the operating member 50 rotates relative to the fourth member 40 in the first rotational direction R1, the operating member 50 moves in a direction away from the fourth member support portion B (in other words, the second direction DR2). Furthermore, when the operating member 50 rotates relative to the fourth member 40 in the second rotational direction R2, the operating member 50 moves in a direction toward the fourth member support portion B (in other words, the first direction DR1). In the example shown in FIG. 3 , the second threaded portion (43m) is a male threaded portion. Alternatively, the second threaded portion may be a female threaded portion. It is preferable that the second threaded portion (43m) of the fourth member 40 be threaded in the same direction as the first threaded portion (43f) of the fourth member 40. In other words, if the first threaded portion (43f) of the fourth member 40 is a left-handed thread, the second threaded portion (43m) of the fourth member 40 is preferably a left-handed thread, and if the first threaded portion (43f) of the fourth member 40 is a right-handed thread, the second threaded portion (43m) of the fourth member 40 is preferably a right-handed thread. If the first threaded portion (43f) of the fourth member 40 and the second threaded portion (43m) of the fourth member 40 are left-handed threads, rotating the operating member 50 in the first rotation direction R1 moves the third member 30 in the first direction DR1. Conversely, if the first threaded portion (43f) of the fourth member 40 and the second threaded portion (43m) of the fourth member 40 are right-handed threads, rotating the operating member 50 in the first rotation direction R1 moves the third member 30 in the second direction DR2.

[0061] 3, when the operating member 50 is operated, the frictional force between the threaded portion (53f) of the operating member 50 and the second threaded portion (43m) of the fourth member 40 is greater than the frictional force between the first threaded portion (43f) of the fourth member 40 and the threaded portion (33m) of the third member 30. Alternatively, the frictional force of the former may be smaller than the frictional force of the latter. Details will be described later, but in the example shown in FIG. 3, when the operating member 50 is operated in the first rotational direction R1, the threaded rod 33 moves in the first direction DR1 due to the relative movement between the first threaded portion (43f) of the fourth member 40 and the threaded portion (33m) of the third member 30 (which has the smaller frictional force) until the grasped object W is grasped by the first gripping unit 11 and the second gripping unit 21. After the grasped object W is grasped by the first grasping unit 11 and the second grasping unit 21, when the operating member 50 is further operated in the first rotation direction R1 (the direction in which frictional force is greater), relative movement between the threaded portion (53f) of the operating member 50 and the second threaded portion (43m) of the fourth member 40 causes the operating member 50 to move in the second direction DR2. When the operating member 50 is further operated in the first rotation direction R1 after the operating member 50 abuts against the second surface 42 of the fourth member 40, the threaded rod 33 moves again in the first direction DR1. As a result, the grasped object W is firmly grasped by the second grasping unit 21 and the first grasping unit 11 due to a pressing force corresponding to the force with which the operating member 50 is twisted.

[0062] 3 , the fourth member 40 is attached to the fourth member support portion B (more specifically, the first member 10) so as to be rotatable relative to the fourth member support portion B (more specifically, the first member 10) around the central axis of the fourth member 40. Furthermore, the fourth member 40 is attached to the fourth member support portion B (more specifically, the first member 10) so as to be unable to move relative to the fourth member support portion B (more specifically, the first member 10) in a direction parallel to the first direction DR1.

[0063] 2, the fourth member 40 includes the first engagement portion M1 described above. In the example shown in Fig. 2, the first engagement portion M1 includes a plurality of teeth 45a (more specifically, ratchet teeth) arranged in an annular shape.

[0064] 3, the fourth member 40 has a first surface 41 that defines an upper limit position of the operating member 50 relative to the fourth member 40, and a second surface 42 that defines a lower limit position of the operating member 50 relative to the fourth member 40. In this case, the operating member 50 is movable up and down relative to the fourth member 40 within a range between the upper limit position defined by the first surface 41 and the lower limit position defined by the second surface 42. Note that in the example shown in FIG. 3, the direction from the operating member 50 toward the fourth member support portion B is considered to be the upward direction.

[0065] In the example shown in Fig. 3, the fourth member 40 is a cylindrical member disposed outside the third member 30. In the example shown in Fig. 3, the fourth member 40 is a cylindrical member with both ends open, but the fourth member 40 may also be a cylindrical member with one end closed and a bottom. Note that the shape of the fourth member 40 is not limited to a cylindrical shape.

[0066] The operating member 50 includes a threaded portion (53f) that screws into the fourth member 40. In the example shown in Fig. 3, the threaded portion (53f) is a female threaded portion, but the threaded portion (53f) may be a male threaded portion.

[0067] 3 , the operating member 50 has a third surface 54 that can come into contact with the first surface 41. The position where the third surface 54 comes into contact with the first surface 41 is the upper limit position of the operating member 50. The operating member 50 also has a fourth surface 55 that can come into contact with the second surface 42. The position where the fourth surface 55 comes into contact with the second surface 42 is the lower limit position of the operating member 50.

[0068] 3, the operating member 50 includes a pressing portion 56 that switches the state of the locking mechanism M from a locked state to an unlocked state. In the example shown in Fig. 3, the pressing portion 56 is provided at the end of the operating member 50 on the first direction DR1 side. The pressing portion 56 is, for example, an annular protrusion.

[0069] 3, the operating member 50 is a cylindrical member that is disposed on the outside of the fourth member 40. In the example shown in Fig. 3, the operating member 50 is a cylindrical member that is open at both ends. Note that the shape of the operating member 50 is not limited to a cylindrical shape.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 3 , it is assumed that the operating member 50 is rotated in a first rotation direction R1 when the operating member 50 is at its upper limit position relative to the fourth member 40. In this case, the rotational force that rotates the operating member 50 is transmitted to the fourth member 40, and the fourth member 40 rotates together with the operating member 50 in the first rotation direction R1. Furthermore, when the fourth member 40 rotates in the first rotation direction R1, the third member 30 moves in the first direction DR1. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 3 , by rotating the operating member 50 in the first rotation direction R1, the third member 30 can be moved in the first direction DR1.

[0071] The rotational force that rotates the operating member 50 may be transmitted to the fourth member 40 by friction between the operating member 50 and the fourth member 40, or by engagement between the operating member 50 and the fourth member 40. In the example shown in FIG. 3 , the rotational force that rotates the operating member 50 is transmitted to the fourth member 40 by friction between the third surface 54 of the operating member 50 and the first surface 41 of the fourth member 40.

[0072] As shown in Figure 4, it is assumed that the operating member 50 is rotated in a first rotation direction R1 when the operating member 50 is in a position between an upper limit position relative to the fourth member 40 and a lower limit position relative to the fourth member 40. In this case, the operating member 50 rotates in the first rotation direction R1 relative to the fourth member 40. When the operating member 50 rotates in the first rotation direction R1 relative to the fourth member 40, the operating member 50 moves in a second direction DR2 relative to the fourth member 40. This movement switches the state of the locking mechanism M from an unlocked state (see Figure 3) to a locked state (see Figure 4).

[0073] (Gripping mechanism K) In the example shown in Fig. 2 , the gripping tool 1A includes a gripping mechanism K. The gripping mechanism K includes a first member 10 having a first gripping portion 11 and a second member 20 having a second gripping portion 21. In the example shown in Fig. 2 , the second member 20 is swingably connected to the first member 10. More specifically, the gripping mechanism K includes a first shaft member 61 disposed along the swing axis AX, and the first member 10 and the second member 20 are swingably connected via the first shaft member 61.

[0074] In the example shown in Fig. 2, the second gripping portion 21 of the second member 20 constitutes a movable gripping portion. More specifically, the movable gripping portion is a gripping portion that can swing around an oscillation axis AX (e.g., first shaft member 61). In the example shown in Fig. 2, the first gripping portion 11 of the first member 10 constitutes a fixed gripping portion. More specifically, the fixed gripping portion is a gripping portion that cannot swing around the oscillation axis AX (e.g., first shaft member 61).

[0075] 2 , the gripping tool 1A (more specifically, the gripping mechanism K) includes a spring member 62. The spring member 62 biases the first member 10 and / or the second member 20 in a direction that increases the gap between the first gripping portion 11 of the first member 10 and the second gripping portion 21 of the second member 20. In the example shown in FIG. 2 , the spring member 62 is disposed between the first member 10 and the second member 20.

[0076] 2 , the second member 20 has a pressed portion 22 that is pressed by the third member 30. When the pressing surface 31 a of the third member 30 moves in a direction toward the pressed portion 22, the second member 20 swings around the swing axis AX, reducing the gap between the first gripping portion 11 and the second gripping portion 21. On the other hand, when the pressing surface 31 a of the third member 30 moves in a direction away from the pressed portion 22, the second member 20 swings around the swing axis AX due to the biasing force of the spring member 62, increasing the gap between the first gripping portion 11 and the second gripping portion 21.

[0077] In the example shown in Fig. 2, the pressed portion 22 is disposed at the base end of the second member 20. The pressed portion 22 may be formed integrally with another portion of the second member 20, or may be attached to another portion of the second member 20. In the example shown in Fig. 2, the pressed portion 22 has a spherical surface 22a. In this case, the pressed portion 22 can smoothly slide relative to the pressing surface 31a. The smooth sliding movement of the pressed portion 22 allows the second member 20 to smoothly swing around the swing axis AX.

[0078] (Angle adjustment mechanism N3) In the example shown in Figure 3, the gripping tool 1A includes a head portion N1 having the above-mentioned first gripping portion 11 and the above-mentioned second gripping portion 21, a head portion support portion N2 that supports the head portion N1, and an angle adjustment mechanism N3 that adjusts the positioning angle of the head portion N1 relative to the head portion support portion N2.

[0079] 3, the head portion N1 has the above-described first member 10, the above-described second member 20, and the oscillation axis AX (more specifically, the first shaft member 61). In the example shown in FIG. 3, the head portion N1 constitutes at least a part of the above-described gripping mechanism K.

[0080] The head support portion N2 supports the head portion N1 so that it can rotate about the second axis AX2. In the example shown in Fig. 3, the head portion N1 is formed by a part of the first member 10, and the head support portion N2 is formed by another part of the first member 10. The head support portion N2 may have the fourth member support portion B described above.

[0081] In the example shown in Fig. 3, the angle adjustment mechanism N3 includes a shaft member 64 arranged along the second axis AX2 and a second operating unit 65. The angle adjustment mechanism N3 may include a pin member (67). In the example shown in Fig. 3, the shaft member 64 is fixed to the head unit support portion N2 by threaded engagement. The second operating unit 65 is operated by the operator when adjusting the angle of the head unit N1. In the example shown in Fig. 3, the second operating unit 65 is threadedly engaged with the shaft member 64.

[0082] In the example shown in Figure 3, the head portion N1 is rotated around the second axis AX2 (more specifically, the shaft member 64) relative to the head portion support portion N2, thereby adjusting the angle of the head portion N1 relative to the head portion support portion N2.

[0083] 5 and 6 , the angle adjustment mechanism N3 may include an angle selection member 66 provided with a plurality of angle selection portions 661, and an angle setting member 67. In the example shown in FIG. 5 , each angle selection portion 661 is configured as a receiving portion (e.g., a recess or a hole) provided in the angle selection member 66. Furthermore, the angle setting member 67 is configured as a pin member (e.g., a spring pin whose diameter can be contracted in the radial direction of the pin member) that selectively engages with one of the plurality of angle selection portions 661.

[0084] In the example shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the angle setting member 67 selectively engages with one of a plurality of angle selection portions 661, thereby setting the angle of the head portion N1 relative to the head portion support portion N2.

[0085] When the gripping tool 1A is equipped with the angle adjustment mechanism N3, the attachment angle of the head N1 relative to the head support N2 can be changed in accordance with the position or orientation of the gripping object W. In this case, the gripping operation of the gripping object W can be easily performed regardless of the position or orientation of the gripping object W.

[0086] The angle adjustment process performed using the angle adjustment mechanism N3, in other words, the process of adjusting the angle of the head portion N1 relative to the head portion support portion N2, will be described in an embodiment of a method of using the gripping tool, which will be described later.

[0087] Second Embodiment A gripping tool 1B according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 7 to 9. Fig. 7 is a schematic side view showing the gripping tool 1B according to the second embodiment. Figs. 8 and 9 are cross-sectional views showing the internal structure of a portion of the gripping tool 1B according to the second embodiment, and side views showing other portions of the gripping tool 1B. Fig. 8 shows the gripping tool 1B before gripping the object W, and Fig. 9 shows the gripping tool 1B after gripping the object W.

[0088] In the second embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described, and a repetitive description of matters already described in the first embodiment will be omitted. Therefore, it goes without saying that matters already described in the first embodiment can be adopted in the second embodiment even if they are not explicitly described in the second embodiment.

[0089] The first member 10 in the second embodiment differs from the first member 10 in the first embodiment in that it has a first gripping portion 11 that constitutes a first movable gripping portion. In other words, in the second embodiment, the first gripping portion 11 is not a fixed gripping portion that does not swing around the swing axis AX, but a movable gripping portion that can swing around the swing axis AX.

[0090] The gripping tool 1B in the second embodiment comprises a first member 10 including a first gripping portion 11, a second member 20 including a second gripping portion 21, a third member 30 capable of transmitting force to the second member 20 so as to reduce the distance between the first gripping portion 11 and the second gripping portion 21, a locking mechanism M that switches between a locked state that prevents the distance between the first gripping portion 11 and the second gripping portion 21 from increasing and an unlocked state that allows the distance between the first gripping portion 11 and the second gripping portion 21 to increase, a fourth member 40 that constitutes at least a part of the locking mechanism M and screws into the third member 30, and an operating member 50 that screws into the fourth member 40.

[0091] Therefore, the gripping tool 1B in the second embodiment has the same effects as the gripping tool 1A in the first embodiment.

[0092] In the example shown in Fig. 7, the second member 20 is connected to the first member 10 so as to be able to swing. The first gripping portion 11 of the first member 10 constitutes a first movable gripping portion. More specifically, the first gripping portion 11 (more specifically, the first member 10 including the first gripping portion 11) can swing around the swing axis AX. The second gripping portion 21 of the second member 20 constitutes a second movable gripping portion. More specifically, the second gripping portion 21 (more specifically, the second member 20 including the second gripping portion 21) can swing around the swing axis AX.

[0093] In the example shown in Fig. 7, the third member 30 includes a threaded rod 33. The direction of the spiral that forms the male thread portion (33m) of the threaded rod 33 is, for example, opposite to the direction of the spiral that forms the male thread portion (33m) in the example shown in Fig. 1. The third member 30 includes a contact portion 31 that comes into contact with the second member 20. In the example shown in Fig. 7, the second member 20 is connected to the contact portion 31 so as to be able to swing around the second swing axis AX3.

[0094] 8 , the fourth member 40 includes a first threaded portion (43f) that screws onto the threaded rod 33. The fourth member 40 is supported by the fourth member support portion B so as to be rotatable relative to the fourth member support portion B.

[0095] In the example shown in FIG. 8, the locking mechanism M includes a first engaging portion M1 provided on the fourth member 40 and a second engaging portion M2 provided on the fourth member support portion B.

[0096] In the example shown in Fig. 8 , when the operating member 50 rotates together with the fourth member 40 relative to the third member 30 in the first rotation direction R1, the third member 30 moves in the first direction DR1. As a result, the distance between the base end of the first member 10 and the base end of the second member 20 decreases, and the distance between the first gripping portion 11 of the first member 10 and the second gripping portion 21 of the second member 20 decreases. In this way, the grasped object W is grasped by the first gripping portion 11 and the second gripping portion 21. Note that in the example shown in Fig. 8 , the first direction DR1 is a downward direction.

[0097] 9, when the operating member 50 rotates relative to the fourth member 40 in the first rotation direction R1, the pressing portion 56 disposed on the operating member 50 moves away from the second engagement portion M2. In this way, the state of the locking mechanism M changes from the unlocked state (see FIG. 8) to the locked state (see FIG. 9).

[0098] As described above, in the example shown in Figures 8 and 9, by rotating the operating member 50 in the first rotation direction R1, both the distance between the first gripping portion 11 and the second gripping portion 21 is reduced and the state is switched from the unlocked state to the locked state.

[0099] As illustrated in Fig. 9, when the locking mechanism M is in the locked state, it is assumed that the operating member 50 is rotated in the second rotational direction R2. In this case, the locked state is maintained until the operating member 50 is rotated a predetermined angle in the second rotational direction R2. When the operating member 50 is rotated in the second rotational direction R2 by the predetermined angle or more, the pressing portion 56 arranged on the operating member 50 presses the second engagement portion M2. In this way, the state is switched from the locked state (see Fig. 9) to the unlocked state (see Fig. 8).

[0100] After the lock is released, when the operating member 50 rotates together with the fourth member 40 relative to the third member 30 in the second rotation direction R2, the third member 30 moves in the second direction DR2. As a result, the gap between the base end of the first member 10 and the base end of the second member 20 increases, and the gap between the first gripping portion 11 of the first member 10 and the second gripping portion 21 of the second member 20 increases. In this way, the gripped object W can be removed from the gripping tool 1B.

[0101] (Third Embodiment) A gripping tool 1C according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 10 to 12. Fig. 10 is a schematic two-sided view showing the gripping tool 1C according to the third embodiment. A schematic side view is shown on the right side of Fig. 10, and a schematic rear view is shown on the left side of Fig. 10. Figs. 11 and 12 show a cross-sectional view of the internal structure of a portion of the gripping tool 1C according to the third embodiment, and side views of other portions of the gripping tool 1C. Fig. 11 shows the state in which the locking mechanism M is in the unlocked state, and Fig. 12 shows the state in which the locking mechanism M is in the locked state.

[0102] In the third embodiment, differences from the first and second embodiments will be mainly described, and a repetitive description of matters already described in the first or second embodiment will be omitted. Therefore, it goes without saying that matters already described in the first or second embodiment can be adopted in the third embodiment, even if they are not explicitly described in the third embodiment.

[0103] The third member 30 in the third embodiment differs from the third member having the threaded rod 33 in the first or second embodiment in that the third member 30 has a nut portion 34 .

[0104] The gripping tool 1C in the third embodiment comprises a first member 10 including a first gripping portion 11, a second member 20 including a second gripping portion 21, a third member 30 capable of transmitting force to the second member 20 so as to reduce the distance between the first gripping portion 11 and the second gripping portion 21, a locking mechanism M that switches between a locked state that prevents the distance between the first gripping portion 11 and the second gripping portion 21 from increasing and an unlocked state that allows the distance between the first gripping portion 11 and the second gripping portion 21 to increase, a fourth member 40 that constitutes at least a part of the locking mechanism M and screws into the third member 30, and an operating member 50 that screws into the fourth member 40.

[0105] Therefore, the gripping tool 1C in the third embodiment has the same effects as the gripping tool 1A in the first embodiment or the gripping tool 1B in the second embodiment.

[0106] In the example shown in Fig. 10, the second member 20 is connected to the first member 10 so as to be able to swing. The first gripping portion 11 of the first member 10 constitutes a first movable gripping portion. More specifically, the first gripping portion 11 (more specifically, the first member 10 including the first gripping portion 11) is capable of swinging around the swing axis AX. The second gripping portion 21 of the second member 20 constitutes a second movable gripping portion. More specifically, the second gripping portion 21 (more specifically, the second member 20 including the second gripping portion 21) is capable of swinging around the swing axis AX.

[0107] 10 , the third member 30 has a nut portion 34 that screws onto the fourth member 40. A female thread portion 34f of the nut portion 34 screws onto a threaded rod 44 that constitutes a part of the fourth member 40. The third member 30 includes a contact portion 31 that comes into contact with the second member 20. In the example shown in FIG. 10 , the second member 20 is coupled to the contact portion 31 so as to be able to swing around the second swing axis AX3.

[0108] 10 , the fourth member 40 includes a male thread portion 44m that screws into the nut portion 34. The fourth member 40 is supported by the fourth member support portion B so as to be rotatable relative to the fourth member support portion B.

[0109] In the example shown in FIG. 11, the locking mechanism M includes a first engaging portion M1 provided on the fourth member 40 and a second engaging portion M2 provided on the fourth member support portion B.

[0110] 11 , when the operating member 50 rotates together with the fourth member 40 relative to the third member 30 in the first rotation direction R1, the third member 30 (more specifically, the nut portion 34) moves in the first direction DR1. As a result, the distance between the base end of the first member 10 and the base end of the second member 20 decreases, and the distance between the first gripping portion 11 of the first member 10 and the second gripping portion 21 of the second member 20 decreases. In this way, the grasped object W is grasped by the first gripping portion 11 and the second gripping portion 21. Note that in the example shown in FIG. 11 , the first direction DR1 is downward.

[0111] 12, when the operating member 50 rotates relative to the fourth member 40 in the first rotation direction R1, the pressing portion 56 disposed on the operating member 50 moves away from the second engagement portion M2. In this way, the state of the locking mechanism M changes from the unlocked state (see FIG. 11) to the locked state (see FIG. 12).

[0112] As described above, in the example shown in Figures 11 and 12, by rotating the operating member 50 in the first rotation direction R1, both the distance between the first gripping portion 11 and the second gripping portion 21 is reduced and the state is switched from the unlocked state to the locked state.

[0113] As illustrated in Figure 12, it is assumed that the operating member 50 is rotated in the second rotation direction R2 when the locking mechanism M is in the locked state. In this case, the locked state is maintained until the operating member 50 is rotated a predetermined angle in the second rotation direction R2. When the operating member 50 is rotated in the second rotation direction R2 by more than the predetermined angle, the pressing portion 56 arranged on the operating member 50 presses the second engagement portion M2. In this way, the state is switched from the locked state (see Figure 12) to the unlocked state (see Figure 11).

[0114] After the lock is released, when the operating member 50 rotates together with the fourth member 40 relative to the third member 30 in the second rotation direction R2, the third member 30 (more specifically, the nut portion 34) moves in the second direction DR2. As a result, the gap between the base end of the first member 10 and the base end of the second member 20 increases, and the gap between the first gripping portion 11 of the first member 10 and the second gripping portion 21 of the second member 20 increases. In this way, the gripped object W can be removed from the gripping tool 1C.

[0115] (Method of Using the Grip Tool) An example of a method of using the grip tool 1 in the embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 13. Figure 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a method of using the grip tool 1 in the embodiment.

[0116] The gripping tool used in the method of using gripping tool 1 in the embodiment may be gripping tool 1A in the first embodiment, gripping tool 1B in the second embodiment, gripping tool 1C in the third embodiment, or any other gripping tool.

[0117] The gripping tool 1 comprises a first member 10 including a first gripping portion 11, a second member 20 including a second gripping portion 21, a third member 30 capable of transmitting force to the second member 20 so as to reduce the distance between the first gripping portion 11 and the second gripping portion 21, a locking mechanism M that switches between a locked state that prevents the distance between the first gripping portion 11 and the second gripping portion 21 from increasing and an unlocked state that allows the distance between the first gripping portion 11 and the second gripping portion 21 to increase, a fourth member 40 that constitutes at least a part of the locking mechanism M and screws into the third member 30, and an operating member 50 that screws into the fourth member 40.

[0118] As shown in FIG. 1 , FIG. 8 , or FIG. 11 , in a first step ST1, a grasped object W is placed between the first gripping portion 11 and the second gripping portion 21. The first step ST1 is a placement process. The first step ST1 (placement process) is performed, for example, by moving the grasped object W into the space between the first gripping portion 11 and the second gripping portion 21 through the opening OP of the gripping tool 1. The grasped object W is, for example, a wire such as an electric wire, or a tool such as a wire gripper. Note that the grasped object W is not limited to a wire or a tool.

[0119] In the second step ST2, the grasp target W is grasped by the first grasp unit 11 and the second grasp unit 21. The second step ST2 is a grasping process for grasping the grasp target W. The second step ST2 (grasping process) is executed by rotating the operating member 50 in the first rotation direction R1.

[0120] The second step ST2 (gripping process) includes a spacing reduction process in which the spacing between the first gripping portion 11 and the second gripping portion 21 is reduced by relative rotation between the fourth member 40 and the third member 30, and a first switching process in which the locking mechanism M is switched from an unlocked state to a locked state by relative rotation between the fourth member 40 and the operating member 50.

[0121] In the gap reduction process, the third member 30, which is threadedly engaged with the fourth member 40, moves in the first direction DR1 due to relative rotation between the fourth member 40 and the third member 30. In this manner, the third member 30 transmits a force to the second member 20, thereby reducing the gap between the second grip portion 21 provided on the second member 20 and the first grip portion 11 provided on the first member 10. Note that in the gap reduction process, a rotational force that rotates the operating member 50 is transmitted to the fourth member 40, causing the fourth member 40 to rotate together with the operating member 50 in the first rotational direction R1. The transmission of the rotational force is performed, for example, when the operating member 50 is at its upper limit position relative to the fourth member 40 (see FIGS. 3 , 8 , or 11 ). More specifically, the rotational force is transmitted from the operating member 50 to the fourth member 40 due to contact between the first surface 41 of the fourth member 40 and the third surface 54 of the operating member 50.

[0122] By performing the gap reduction step, the gripping object W is gripped by the first gripping portion 11 and the second gripping portion 21 (see, for example, FIG. 2 , FIG. 9 , or FIG. 12 ). When the gripping object W is gripped by the first gripping portion 11 and the second gripping portion 21, the second member 20 including the second gripping portion 21 is substantially unable to move relative to the first gripping portion 11. As a result, the fourth member 40 is unable to rotate in the first rotation direction R1. When the fourth member 40 is unable to rotate, the rotational force that rotates the operating member 50 is not transmitted to the fourth member 40, and the operating member 50 rotates relative to the fourth member 40.

[0123] After the gap reduction step is performed, the operating member 50 is further rotated in the first rotation direction R1 to perform the first switching step. In the first switching step, the relative rotation between the fourth member 40 and the operating member 50 moves the operating member 50 from the advanced position (see FIG. 3 , FIG. 8 , or FIG. 11 ) to the retracted position (see FIG. 4 , FIG. 9 , or FIG. 12 ). As the operating member 50 moves to the retracted position, the pressing portion 56 of the operating member 50 separates from the second engagement portion M2. When the pressing portion 56 separates from the second engagement portion M2, the second engagement portion M2, which is biased by the biasing member M3 in a direction toward the first engagement portion M1, engages with the first engagement portion M1 (see FIG. 4 , FIG. 9 , or FIG. 12 ). In this way, the locking mechanism M is switched from the unlocked state to the locked state.

[0124] In the first switching step, it is preferable that the relative position of the operating member 50 with respect to the fourth member 40 moves from a relative upper limit position to a relative lower limit position. By moving the position of the operating member 50 from the relative upper limit position to the relative lower limit position, the locking mechanism M is reliably switched from the unlocked state to the locked state.

[0125] In the method of using the gripping tool 1 in the embodiment, a gap reduction step of reducing the gap between the first gripping portion 11 and the second gripping portion 21 and a first switching step of switching the locking mechanism M from an unlocked state to a locked state are successively executed by simply rotating the operating member 50 in the first rotation direction R1. Thus, the embodiment provides a method of using the gripping tool 1 that allows switching between the locked state and the unlocked state with a simple operation.

[0126] The gripping step (second step ST2) may include a second gap reduction step in addition to the above-described gap reduction step and the above-described first switching step. The second gap reduction step is a step of further reducing the gap between the first gripping portion 11 and the second gripping portion 21. The second gap reduction step can also be considered a retightening step. The second gap reduction step is performed by further rotating the operating member 50 in the first rotation direction R1 after the first switching step is performed, in other words, after the relative position of the operating member 50 with respect to the fourth member 40 has moved to the relative lower limit position.

[0127] During the second gap reduction step, the operating member 50 is in the relative lowest position. More specifically, the fourth surface 55 of the operating member 50 (see FIG. 4 , FIG. 9 , or FIG. 12 ) is in contact with the second surface 42 of the fourth member 40. Therefore, the operating member 50 cannot rotate relative to the fourth member 40 in the first rotation direction R1. In this case, when the operating member 50 is rotated in the first rotation direction R1, the operating member 50 and the fourth member 40 rotate relative to the third member 30 in the first rotation direction R1, as in the gap reduction step described above.

[0128] When the fourth member 40 rotates relative to the third member 30 in the first rotation direction R1, the first engagement portion M1 of the fourth member 40 moves over the second engagement portion M2. As a result, the third member 30 moves in the first direction DR1 along the longitudinal axis direction of the fourth member 40. In this way, the distance between the first gripping portion 11 and the second gripping portion 21 provided on the second member 20 becomes even smaller.

[0129] In the second gap reduction step, the rotational force that rotates the operating member 50 is transmitted to the fourth member 40, and the fourth member 40 rotates together with the operating member 50 in the first rotational direction R1. The transmission of the rotational force is preferably performed in a state in which the operating member 50 is at its lowest position relative to the fourth member 40. More specifically, the rotational force is transmitted from the operating member 50 to the fourth member 40 by contact between the fourth surface 55 of the operating member 50 (see FIG. 4 , FIG. 9 , or FIG. 12 ) and the second surface 42 of the fourth member 40.

[0130] (Releasing Grip Step) Next, the releasing grip step (in other words, third step ST3) of releasing the grip of the gripping object W by the first gripping unit 11 and the second gripping unit 21 will be described.

[0131] In the third step ST3 (releasing grip process), the operating member 50 is rotated in the second rotation direction R2, whereby the grip of the gripping object W by the first gripping portion 11 and the second gripping portion 21 is released.

[0132] The third step ST3 (gripping release process) includes a second switching process in which the locking mechanism M is switched from a locked state to an unlocked state by relative rotation between the fourth member 40 and the operating member 50, and a gap expansion process in which the gap between the first gripping portion 11 and the second gripping portion 21 is expanded by relative rotation between the fourth member 40 and the third member 30.

[0133] In the second switching step, the operating member 50 moves from the retracted position (see FIG. 4, FIG. 9, or FIG. 12) to the advanced position (see FIG. 3, FIG. 8, or FIG. 11) due to relative rotation between the fourth member 40 and the operating member 50. When the operating member 50 moves to the advanced position, the pressing portion 56 of the operating member 50 presses the second engagement portion M2. When the pressing portion 56 presses the second engagement portion M2, the engagement between the first engagement portion M1 and the second engagement portion M2 is released. In this way, the locking mechanism M is switched from the locked state to the unlocked state.

[0134] In the second switching step, it is preferable that the relative position of the operating member 50 with respect to the fourth member 40 moves from a relative lower limit position to a relative upper limit position. By moving the position of the operating member 50 from the relative lower limit position to the relative upper limit position, the locking mechanism M is reliably switched from the locked state to the unlocked state.

[0135] After the second switching step is performed, the operating member 50 is further rotated in the second rotation direction R2 to perform the gap widening step. In the gap widening step, the relative rotation between the fourth member 40 and the third member 30 causes the third member 30, which is threadedly engaged with the fourth member 40, to move in the second direction DR2. This widens the gap between the second gripping portion 21 and the first gripping portion 11. In the gap widening step, the rotational force that rotates the operating member 50 is transmitted to the fourth member 40, causing the fourth member 40 to rotate together with the operating member 50 in the second rotation direction R2. This transmission of the rotational force is performed when the operating member 50 is at its upper limit position relative to the fourth member 40 (see FIGS. 3, 8, or 11). More specifically, the rotational force is transmitted from the operating member 50 to the fourth member 40 due to contact between the first surface 41 of the fourth member 40 and the third surface 54 of the operating member 50.

[0136] By executing the gap widening process, the grip of the gripping object W by the first gripping portion 11 and the second gripping portion 21 is released.

[0137] In the method of using the gripping tool 1 in the embodiment, simply by rotating the operating member 50 in the second rotation direction R2, a second switching step of switching the state of the locking mechanism M from a locked state to an unlocked state and a gap widening step of widening the gap between the first gripping portion 11 and the second gripping portion 21 are successively executed. Thus, the embodiment provides a method of using the gripping tool 1 that allows switching between the locked state and the unlocked state with a simple operation.

[0138] (Angle Adjustment Step) Before the execution of the first step ST1 (placement step), an angle adjustment step may be executed to adjust the angle of the head unit N1 relative to the head unit support unit N2. The angle adjustment step may include, for example, a rotation step of rotating the head unit N1 relative to the head unit support unit N2 about the second axis AX2, and an angle fixing step of fixing the angle of the head unit N1 relative to the head unit support unit N2.

[0139] The angle adjustment step can be performed, for example, by the following procedure.

[0140] In the first sub-step, the second operating part 65 is moved in a direction away from the head part N1 (see arrow E in FIG. 3 ). The first sub-step may include moving the second operating part 65 along the threaded part of the shaft member 64 by rotating the second operating part 65 about the second axis AX2.

[0141] In the second sub-step, the head N1 is moved in a direction away from the head support N2 (see FIG. 6 ). The second sub-step may include moving the head N1 in a direction parallel to the second axis AX2. In the example shown in FIG. 6 , the second sub-step causes the angle setting member 67 (e.g., a pin member) disposed on the head N1 to move away from the angle selection portion 661 provided on the angle selection member 66.

[0142] In the third sub-step, the head N1 is rotated around the second axis AX2 relative to the head support N2 (see arrow G in FIG. 6 ). In the example shown in FIG. 6 , the surface of the pressed portion 22 of the second member 20 includes a spherical surface 22a. Therefore, when the head N1 rotates relative to the head support N2, smooth sliding occurs between the pressed portion 22 of the second member 20 and the contact portion 31 of the third member 30. Note that the center of the spherical surface 22a is preferably located near an extension of the second axis AX2.

[0143] In a fourth substep, the head N1 is moved in a direction approaching the head support N2. The fourth substep may include moving the head N1 in a direction parallel to the second axis AX2. By performing the fourth substep, the angle setting member 67 (e.g., a pin member) arranged on the head N1 may be inserted into one of the angle selection portions 661 provided on the angle selection member 66.

[0144] In a fifth sub-step, the second operating unit 65 is moved in a direction approaching the head N1. The fifth sub-step may include rotating the second operating unit 65 about the second axis AX2 to move the second operating unit 65 along the threaded portion of the shaft member 64. In the example shown in Fig. 3, the second operating unit 65 presses the head N1, thereby fixing the head N1 to the head support N2.

[0145] By performing the fourth substep and / or the fifth substep, the angle of the head portion N1 relative to the head portion support portion N2 is fixed.

[0146] (Modification of Operation Member 50) A modification of the operation member 50 will be described with reference to Fig. 14. Fig. 14 is a schematic side view showing a modification of the operation member 50.

[0147] 14 , the operating member 50 includes an attachment portion 57 (more specifically, a groove portion) to which a remote control wand is detachably attached. By providing the attachment portion 57 to the operating member 50, it becomes possible to operate the operating member 50 (more specifically, to rotate the operating member 50 in the first rotation direction R1 and / or the second rotation direction R2) using the remote control wand. Alternatively, the operating member 50 and the remote control wand may be integrally formed.

[0148] 14 is used, the method of using the gripping tool 1 in the above-described embodiment involves performing an attachment step of attaching a remote control rod to the attachment portion 57 of the operating member 50 before the first step ST1 (in other words, the step of placing the gripping target W between the first gripping portion 11 and the second gripping portion 21). Note that if the remote control rod and the operating member 50 are integrally formed, the above-described attachment step is omitted.

[0149] The modified example of the operating member 50 may be applied to the operating member 50 of the gripping tool 1A in the first embodiment, may be applied to the operating member 50 of the gripping tool 1B in the second embodiment, or may be applied to the operating member 50 of the gripping tool 1C in the third embodiment.

[0150] (Modifications of the Structure of Gripping Tool 1) Modifications of the structure of gripping tool 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 15. Fig. 15 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view showing a portion of gripping tool 1A in the first embodiment, a portion of gripping tool 1B in the second embodiment, or a portion of gripping tool 1C in the third embodiment.

[0151] 15 , the fourth member support portion B includes a recess 17 that receives the engaging member 15. The fourth member support portion B also has an elongated hole 18 that communicates with the recess 17. The engaging member 15, which is engageable with the first engaging portion M1 of the fourth member 40, is inserted into the recess 17. A first pin member 19 that is attached to the engaging member 15 is inserted into the elongated hole 18. The first pin member 19 functions as a retaining member that prevents the engaging member 15 from falling out of the recess 17.

[0152] 15 , after the biasing member M3 and the engaging member 15 are inserted into the recess 17, a first pin member 19 is attached to the engaging member 15. A portion of the engaging member 15 arranged in the recess 17 protrudes outside the recess 17 due to the biasing force of the biasing member M3. The protruding portion then functions as a second engaging portion M2 that can engage with the first engaging portion M1 of the fourth member 40.

[0153] In the example shown in FIG. 15 , the fourth member support portion B may be provided on the first member 10 or on a member other than the first member 10 .

[0154] (Fourth member 40) The fourth member 40 includes a first cylindrical member 46 and an engaging member 47 having a first engaging portion M1. The fourth member 40 may include at least one of a retaining member 48, a first fixing member F1, and a stopper member 49.

[0155] 15 , the first cylindrical member 46 includes a first threaded portion (43f) that threads onto the threaded rod 33 of the third member 30, and a second threaded portion (43m) that threads onto the operating member 50. Note that the first cylindrical member 46 may be formed by combining a component having the first threaded portion formed thereon with a component having the second threaded portion formed thereon. In the example shown in FIG. 15 , the first threaded portion (43f) is a female threaded portion formed on the inner circumferential surface of the first cylindrical member 46, and the second threaded portion (43m) is a male threaded portion formed on the outer circumferential surface of the first cylindrical member 46.

[0156] In the example shown in FIG. 15 , the first tubular member 46 is attached to the fourth member support portion B. More specifically, the first tubular member 46 is inserted into a through hole 10h formed in the fourth member support portion B, and then a retaining member 48 is attached to the first tubular member 46, thereby attaching the first tubular member 46 to the fourth member support portion B. The retaining member 48 is fixed to the first tubular member 46 by a first fixing member F1. The retaining member 48 may be formed by a nut that threads onto a threaded portion formed on the outer peripheral surface of the first tubular member 46. In this case, after the retaining member 48 is threaded onto the first tubular member 46, the retaining member 48 is fixed to the first tubular member 46 via the first fixing member F1.

[0157] In the example shown in Fig. 15, the engaging member 47 is an annular member having a first engaging portion M1. The first engaging portion M1 is formed at an end of the engaging member 47. The engaging member 47 is attached to the first cylindrical member 46 via a fixing member (more specifically, a second fixing member F2). In the example shown in Fig. 15, the first cylindrical member 46 and the engaging member 47 are immovable relative to each other. Alternatively, the engaging member 47 may be attached to the first cylindrical member 46 so as to be rotatable relative to the first cylindrical member 46 by a predetermined angle.

[0158] The engaging member 47 may include a first surface 41 that defines the upper limit position of the operating member 50. In the example shown in FIG. 15 , the engaging member 47 includes a shoulder 47 s, and the lower surface of the shoulder 47 s functions as the first surface 41 that defines the upper limit position of the operating member 50.

[0159] 15 , the fourth member 40 includes a stopper member 49. The stopper member 49 includes a second surface 42 that defines the lowest position of the operating member 50. In the example shown in FIG. 15 , a recess 46g (e.g., an annular recess) that receives a portion of the stopper member 49 is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the first cylindrical member 46. By attaching the stopper member 49 to the recess 46g, the first cylindrical member 46 and the stopper member 49 are integrated. Note that the stopper member 49 is, for example, a member that has a substantially C-shape in a plan view.

[0160] In the example shown in FIG. 15 , the movable range of the operating member 50 is defined by the first surface 41 of the engaging member 47 and the second surface 42 of the stopper member 49 .

[0161] In the example shown in FIG. 15 , an annular collar member C is disposed between the fourth member support portion B and the fourth member 40 .

[0162] (Operation Member 50) In the example shown in FIG. 15, the operation member 50 includes a distal side member 501, a proximal side member 502, and a third fixing member F3 that fixes the proximal side member 502 to the distal side member 501.

[0163] 15, the tip side member 501 is a cylindrical member. A pressing portion 56 is formed at the end of the tip side member 501.

[0164] The tip side member 501 may have a third surface 54 that can come into contact with the first surface 41 and / or a fourth surface 55 that can come into contact with the second surface 42. In the example shown in Fig. 15, the tip side member 501 has a shoulder 501s, and the upper surface of the shoulder 501s functions as the third surface 54. The tip side member 501 also has a protrusion 501p that protrudes inward, and the protrusion 501p includes the fourth surface 55.

[0165] 15, the tip side member 501 includes a threaded portion 53f that screws into the second threaded portion 43m. In the example shown in FIG. 15, the threaded portion 53f is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the protruding portion 501p.

[0166] In the example shown in Fig. 15 , the above-described attachment portion 57 is formed on the base-side member 502. In the example shown in Fig. 15 , the base-side member 502 is a cylindrical member. In the example shown in Fig. 15 , the base-side member 502 includes a partition wall 502w, but the partition wall 502w may be omitted.

[0167] Each structure illustrated in FIG. 15 may be employed in the gripping tool 1A of the first embodiment, or in the gripping tool 1B of the second embodiment.

[0168] In the example shown in Fig. 15, the threaded rod 33 and the fourth member 40 may be integrated so as to be immovable relative to each other. In other words, the threaded rod 33 may be included in the fourth member 40. In this case, the threaded rod 33 functions as the threaded rod 44 shown in Fig. 10 (in other words, a threaded rod that screws into the nut portion 34). In this way, the structures shown in Fig. 15 can be employed in the gripping tool 1C of the third embodiment.

[0169] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments or modifications, and it is clear that each embodiment or modification can be appropriately modified or changed within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention. Furthermore, any component used in each embodiment or modification can be combined with another embodiment or modification, and any component can be omitted from each embodiment or modification.

[0170] The gripping tool and the method for using the gripping tool of the present invention enable switching between a locked state and an unlocked state with a simple operation. As a result, the burden on the worker who uses the gripping tool is reduced. Therefore, the present invention is useful for contractors who use gripping tools and manufacturers of gripping tools.

[0171] 1, 1A, 1B, 1C...gripping tool, 10...first member, 10h...through hole, 11...first gripping portion, 15...engaging member, 15a...protrusion, 17...recess, 18...long hole, 19...first pin member, 20...second member, 21...second gripping portion, 22...pressed portion, 22a...spherical surface, 30...third member, 31...contact portion, 31a...pressing surface, 33...threaded rod, 33m...male thread portion, 34...nut portion, 3 4f...female thread portion, 40...fourth member, 41...first surface, 42...second surface, 43f...female thread portion, 43m...male thread portion, 44...threaded rod, 44m...male thread portion, 45a...teeth, 46...first cylindrical member, 46g...recess, 47...engaging member, 47s...shoulder portion, 48...preventive member, 49...stopper member, 50...operating member, 53f...female thread portion, 54...third surface, 55...fourth surface, 56...pressure portion , 57...mounting portion, 61...first shaft member, 62...spring member, 64...shaft member, 65...second operation portion, 66...angle selection member, 67...angle setting member, 110...first gripping surface, 111...first surface, 112...second surface, 210...second gripping surface, 213...third surface, 214...fourth surface, 310...rotation prevention portion, 501...tip side member, 501p...protrusion portion, 501s...shoulder portion, 502...base side member , 502w...partition wall, 661...angle selection portion, B...fourth member support portion, C...collar member, F1...first fixing member, F2...second fixing member, F3...third fixing member, K...gripping mechanism, M...locking mechanism, M1...first engaging portion, M2...second engaging portion, M3...urging member, N1...head portion, N2...head portion support portion, N3...angle adjustment mechanism, OP...opening, RB...insulating layer, W...object to be gripped

Claims

1. A gripping tool comprising: a first member including a first gripping portion; a second member including a second gripping portion; a third member capable of transmitting force to the second member so as to reduce the gap between the first gripping portion and the second gripping portion; a locking mechanism that switches between a locked state that prevents the gap between the first gripping portion and the second gripping portion from expanding and an unlocked state that allows the gap between the first gripping portion and the second gripping portion to expand; a fourth member that constitutes at least a part of the locking mechanism and screws into the third member; and an operating member that screws into the fourth member.

2. A gripping tool as described in claim 1, configured so that by rotating the operating member in a first rotation direction, both the reduction of the gap between the first gripping portion and the second gripping portion and the switching from the unlocked state to the locked state are performed.

3. A gripping tool as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the locked state is maintained until the operating member is rotated a predetermined angle in the second rotation direction, and when the operating member is rotated in the second rotation direction by more than the predetermined angle, the locked state is switched to the unlocked state.

4. A gripping tool as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a first engagement portion and a second engagement portion that can engage with the first engagement portion, and the operating member comprises a pressing portion that switches the state of the locking mechanism from the locked state to the unlocked state, and the pressing portion presses the second engagement portion, thereby switching the state of the locking mechanism from the locked state to the unlocked state.

5. A gripping tool according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second member is swingably connected to the first member, the second gripping portion of the second member constitutes a movable gripping portion, and the first gripping portion of the first member constitutes a fixed gripping portion.

6. A gripping tool as described in claim 5, comprising: a head portion having the first gripping portion and the second gripping portion; a head portion support portion that supports the head portion; and an angle adjustment mechanism that adjusts the positioning angle of the head portion relative to the head portion support portion.

7. A gripping tool according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second member is swingably connected to the first member, the first gripping portion of the first member constitutes a first movable gripping portion, and the second gripping portion of the second member constitutes a second movable gripping portion.

8. A gripping tool according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the third member has a threaded rod or nut portion that screws into the fourth member.

9. A gripping tool according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the operating member has a mounting portion to which a remote control rod is detachably attached.

10. A method of using a gripping tool, wherein the gripping tool comprises: a first member including a first gripping portion; a second member including a second gripping portion; a third member capable of transmitting force to the second member so as to reduce the gap between the first gripping portion and the second gripping portion; a locking mechanism that switches between a locked state that prevents the gap between the first gripping portion and the second gripping portion from expanding and an unlocked state that allows the gap between the first gripping portion and the second gripping portion to expand; a fourth member that constitutes at least a part of the locking mechanism and screws onto the third member; and an operating member that screws onto the fourth member, wherein the method of use comprises: a step of placing an object to be gripped between the first gripping portion and the second gripping portion; and a gripping step of gripping the object to be gripped by the first gripping portion and the second gripping portion by rotating the operating member in a first rotational direction, wherein the gripping step comprises: A method of using a gripping tool, comprising: a gap reduction step of reducing the gap between the first gripping portion and the second gripping portion by relative rotation between the fourth member and the third member; and a first switching step of switching the state of the locking mechanism from the unlocked state to the locked state by relative rotation between the fourth member and the operating member.

11. A method of using a gripping tool as described in claim 10, further comprising a gripping release step of releasing the grip of the gripped object by the first gripping portion and the second gripping portion, the gripping release step including: a second switching step of switching the state of the locking mechanism from the locked state to the unlocked state by relative rotation between the fourth member and the operating member; and a gap widening step of widening the gap between the first gripping portion and the second gripping portion by relative rotation between the fourth member and the third member.

Images