Remote operation tool

Abstract

To provide a remote controller which can be downsized while improving controllability.SOLUTION: A remote controller (10) comprises: a main control rod (11); a stationary grip member (12); a movable grip member (13); a sub control rod (14); and a control lever (15) for swinging the sub control rod (14) with respect to the main control rod (11). The control lever (15) includes a support point part (151), an actuation point part (152), a main body part (153) and a control part (154). The support point part (151) is pivoted to the main control rod (11) by a shaft part (112) penetrating the main control rod (11). The actuation point part (152) is pivoted to the sub control rod (14) in a rear end of the sub control rod (14). The main body part (153) connects the support point part (151) and the actuation point part (152). The control part (154) protrudes behind the sub control rod (14) from the main body part (153).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a remote operation tool used in power distribution work.

Background Art

[0002] During the construction of power distribution facilities, safe work is required. For example, in work on power distribution lines, it is necessary to ensure a separation distance between the worker and the power distribution line. A remote operation tool is used for this work. This remote operation tool is also referred to as an indirect live wire gripping tool or a yatco. The remote operation tool includes a main operation rod and a sub-operation rod, and gripping portions are provided at their tips. For the operation of the remote operation tool, an operation lever provided beside the main operation rod is used.

[0003] The operation lever includes a shaft portion and an operation portion. When the worker holds or releases the operation portion together with the main operation rod, the operation lever rotates about the shaft portion. The operation lever is pivotally supported by the sub-operation rod at the rear end of the sub-operation rod. Therefore, the sub-operation rod swings back and forth corresponding to the movement of the operation lever. The gripping portion opens and closes in conjunction with the swing of the sub-operation rod. Before operating the operation lever, the gripping portion is in an open state. By operating the operation lever, the gripping portion closes and can grip electric wires, other equipment and materials, etc.

[0004] When the operation portion is widely open with respect to the main operation rod in the state before operation, the distance from the main operation rod to the operation portion is large. In this case, it is difficult for a worker with small hands to operate the operation lever. For the improvement of such inconvenience, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses an indirect live wire gripping tool capable of adjusting the opening angle of the operation portion with respect to the main operation rod. The indirect live wire gripping tool of Patent Document 1 has a first meshing portion provided on a fixing portion and a second meshing portion provided on the operation lever, and it is possible to change the circumferential relative position of the second meshing portion with respect to the first meshing portion. Thereby, the opening angle of the operation portion can be adjusted. According to such an indirect live wire gripping tool, the opening angle of the operation portion can be adjusted to suit the size of the worker's hand. Therefore, it becomes easier to operate the operation lever.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] As described above, in a remote operating tool, by operating the operation lever, the gripping portion can be closed (in the gripping state). From the viewpoint of the operability of the remote operating tool, in the operation lever, the operation angle required to achieve the gripping state is preferably as small as possible. If the operation angle required to achieve the gripping state becomes smaller, the distance from the main operation rod to the operation portion can be reduced. As a result, it becomes easier for an operator with small hands to operate the operation lever. However, the indirect live wire gripping tool of Patent Document 1 can only adjust the opening angle of the operation lever with respect to the main operation rod, and cannot reduce the operation angle required to achieve the gripping state.

[0007] In addition, in a conventional remote operating tool, the operation lever is provided beside the main operation rod. In this case, the operation lever protrudes largely outside the main operation rod. For this reason, the entire remote operating tool becomes larger.

[0008] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a remote operating tool that can achieve miniaturization while improving operability.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0009] The remote operating tool according to the present disclosure is used for power distribution work. The remote operating tool includes a main operating rod, a fixed gripping member, a movable gripping member, a sub-operating rod, and an operating lever for swinging the sub-operating rod with respect to the main operating rod. The fixed gripping member is fixed to the tip of the main operating rod. The movable gripping member is pivotally supported by the fixed gripping member. The sub-operating rod is arranged in parallel with the main operating rod and is pivotally supported by the movable gripping member. The operating lever includes a fulcrum portion, an acting point portion, a main body portion, and an operating portion. The fulcrum portion is pivotally supported by the main operating rod by a shaft portion penetrating the main operating rod. The acting point portion is pivotally supported by the rear end of the sub-operating rod. The main body portion connects the fulcrum portion and the acting point portion. The operating portion protrudes rearward from the main body portion to the rear of the sub-operating rod.

Advantages of the Invention

[0010] According to the remote operating tool of the present disclosure, miniaturization can be achieved while improving operability.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] The remote operating tool according to the embodiment is used for power distribution work. The remote operating tool includes a main operating rod, a fixed gripping member, a movable gripping member, a sub-operating rod, and an operating lever for swinging the sub-operating rod with respect to the main operating rod. The fixed gripping member is fixed to the tip of the main operating rod. The movable gripping member is pivotally supported by the fixed gripping member. The sub-operating rod is arranged in parallel with the main operating rod and is pivotally supported by the movable gripping member. The operating lever includes a fulcrum portion, an acting point portion, a main body portion, and an operating portion. The fulcrum portion is pivotally supported by the main operating rod by a shaft portion that penetrates the main operating rod. The acting point portion is pivotally supported by the rear end of the sub-operating rod at the sub-operating rod. The main body portion connects the fulcrum portion and the acting point portion. The operating portion protrudes rearward from the main body portion to the rear of the sub-operating rod (the first configuration).

[0013] In the remote operating tool according to the first configuration, the fulcrum portion of the operating lever is pivotally supported by the main operating rod by a shaft portion that penetrates the main operating rod. Further, the operating portion of the operating lever protrudes rearward from the main body portion that connects the fulcrum portion and the acting point portion to the rear of the sub-operating rod. In such a configuration, the length of the main body portion is large. The larger the length of the main body portion, the larger the length from the fulcrum portion to the acting point portion. In this case, the displacement amount of the sub-operating rod due to the rotation of the operating lever is large. Therefore, in the operating lever, the operating angle required to be in the gripping state can be reduced. Further, since the fulcrum portion of the operating lever is pivotally supported by the main operating rod by a shaft portion that penetrates the main operating rod, the remote operating tool can be miniaturized. This is because the overhanging amount of the operating lever from the main operating rod is smaller compared to the case where the fulcrum portion of the rotation of the operating lever is outside the main operating rod. Therefore, according to the remote operating tool of the first configuration, miniaturization can be achieved while improving the operability.

[0014] In the state before operation, in the direction along the main operating rod, it is preferable that the fulcrum portion is located rearward of the acting point portion (the second configuration). In this case, a sufficient operating angle of the operating lever can be ensured.

[0015] The operating portion may protrude from a portion of the main body portion closer to the acting point portion (the third configuration).

[0016] The operation unit may include a first straight portion, a curved portion, and a second straight portion. The first straight portion is connected to the main body portion. The curved portion is connected to the rear end of the first straight portion and curves so that the distance from the main operation rod decreases as it goes from the tip side to the rear end side of the main operation rod. The second straight portion is connected to the rear end of the curved portion (fourth configuration).

[0017] When the operator operates the remote operation tool, the operator grips the second straight portion of the operation lever together with the main operation rod. The curved portion to which the second straight portion is connected curves so that the distance from the main operation rod decreases as it goes from the tip side to the rear end side of the main operation rod. For this reason, the distance between the main operation rod and the second straight portion becomes small. Therefore, according to the fourth configuration, the operability of the operation lever can be further improved.

[0018] The remote operation tool may be provided with a locking mechanism for fixing the position of the operation lever. The locking mechanism includes a protruding portion protruding from the fulcrum portion in the direction opposite to the main body portion, a locking gear attached to the protruding portion, and a locking lever having a serrated surface that meshes with the locking gear (fifth configuration).

[0019] The operator can operate the locking lever with the operation lever rotated to an arbitrary position. When the locking lever is operated, the serrated surface of the locking lever meshes with the locking gear. In this state, the operation lever cannot rotate. That is, by operating the locking lever, the position of the operation lever can be fixed. Along with the fixing of the position of the operation lever, the positions of the sub-operation rod and the movable gripping member are also fixed. Thereby, in the remote operation tool, an arbitrary gripping state can be maintained.

[0020] Hereinafter, a specific example of the remote operation tool according to the embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The same or corresponding parts in the drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals and their description will not be repeated.

[0021] [Configuration of Remote Operation Tool 10] FIG. 1 is a side view of the remote operation tool 10 according to the embodiment. FIG. 1 shows the remote operation tool 10 before operation. The remote operation tool 10 is used for power distribution work. Referring to FIG. 1, the remote operation tool 10 includes a main operation rod 11, a fixed gripping member 12, a movable gripping member 13, a sub-operation rod 14, and an operation lever 15.

[0022] The main operation rod 11 has a circular cross-section and is a hollow rod-shaped member. However, the main operation rod 11 may be solid. The main operation rod 11 has insulating properties. The material of the main operation rod 11 is preferably fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP). At an appropriate position in the longitudinal direction of the main operation rod 11, a drip-proof umbrella portion 111 is provided. The fixed gripping member 12 is fixed to one end of the main operation rod 11 in the longitudinal direction.

[0023] In this specification, of the main operation rod 11, the end to which the fixed gripping member 12 is fixed is referred to as the front end, and the other end is referred to as the rear end. Also, in the remote operation tool 10, the direction along the main operation rod 11 is also referred to as the front-rear direction. For convenience of explanation, in the front-rear direction, the front end side may be referred to as the front, and the rear end side may be referred to as the rear.

[0024] The movable gripping member 13 is pivotally supported by the fixed gripping member 12. The movable gripping member 13 is attached so as to be rotatable with respect to the fixed gripping member 12 about the shaft portion 131.

[0025] In the state before operating the remote operation tool 10, the fixed gripping member 12 and the movable gripping member 13 are in an open state. That is, before operating the remote operation tool 10, the movable gripping member 13 is separated from the fixed gripping member 12.

[0026] The secondary operating rod 14 is arranged in parallel with the primary operating rod 11. The secondary operating rod 14 extends substantially in the front-rear direction and is arranged slightly inclined with respect to the primary operating rod 11. That is, the distance between the secondary operating rod 14 and the primary operating rod 11 is slightly wider at the rear end side than at the tip end side. One end of the secondary operating rod 14 is pivotally supported by the movable gripping member 13. In the secondary operating rod 14, the end pivotally supported by the movable gripping member 13 is referred to as the tip end, and the other end is referred to as the rear end. The secondary operating rod 14 has an attachment portion 142 at the tip end. The movable gripping member 13 is attached to this attachment portion 142. The movable gripping member 13 can rotate with respect to the fixed gripping member 12 in conjunction with the movement of the secondary operating rod 14.

[0027] The position of the tip end of the primary operating rod 11 substantially coincides with the position of the tip end of the secondary operating rod 14. The length from the tip end to the rear end of the secondary operating rod 14 is shorter than the length from the tip end to the rear end of the primary operating rod 11.

[0028] The secondary operating rod 14 has a circular cross-section and is a hollow rod-shaped member. However, the secondary operating rod 14 may be solid. The secondary operating rod 14 has insulating properties. The material of the secondary operating rod 14 may be the same as that of the primary operating rod 11, and preferably is fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP). At an appropriate position in the longitudinal direction (front-rear direction) of the secondary operating rod 14, a rain-drip umbrella portion 141 is provided.

[0029] FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a part of the remote operation tool 10 shown in FIG. 1. FIGS. 2 and 3 show the remote operation tool 10 before operation, and show the vicinity of the operation lever 15 in the remote operation tool 10. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the operation lever 15 includes a fulcrum portion 151, an action point portion 152, a main body portion 153, and an operation portion 154.

[0030] The fulcrum portion 151 is pivotally supported on the main operating rod 11 by a shaft portion 112 that penetrates the main operating rod 11. In the example of the present embodiment, the shaft portion 112 is fixed to the main operating rod 11. A hole is formed at the position of the fulcrum portion 151 of the operation lever 15, and a bearing (for example, a dry bearing) 155 is attached to this hole. The method of attaching the bearing 155 to the operation lever 15 is, for example, press-fitting. The shaft portion 112 is inserted into the bearing 155. Thereby, the operation lever 15 can rotate with respect to the shaft portion 112. That is, the operation lever 15 is supported by the main operating rod 11 at the fulcrum portion 151 and can rotate about the shaft portion 112 (fulcrum portion 151). However, the shaft portion 112 may be fixed to the operation lever 15. In this case, bearings are arranged at both ends of the shaft portion 112, and each bearing is fixed to the main operating rod 11.

[0031] A shaft portion 143 is provided at the rear end of the sub-operating rod 14. The acting point portion 152 is pivotally supported on the sub-operating rod 14. The operation lever 15 is attached to the sub-operating rod 14 so as to be rotatable with respect to the shaft portion 143. As will be described in detail later, the sub-operating rod 14 swings in the front-rear direction in conjunction with the rotation of the operation lever 15. That is, the operation lever 15 is provided to swing the sub-operating rod 14 with respect to the main operating rod 11.

[0032] The main body portion 153 connects the fulcrum portion 151 and the acting point portion 152. The main body portion 153 extends substantially linearly between the fulcrum portion 151 and the acting point portion 152 and is connected to each of the fulcrum portion 151 and the acting point portion 152. In the state before operation, in the front-rear direction, the fulcrum portion 151 is located behind the acting point portion 152.

[0033] When the remote operation tool 10 is operated, the operation unit 154 is the part held by the operator. The operation unit 154 protrudes rearward from the main body unit 153 to the secondary operation rod 14. The position where the operation unit 154 protrudes from the main body unit 153 is not particularly limited as long as it is between the fulcrum part 151 and the action point part 152. For example, the operation unit 154 may protrude from a part of the main body unit 153 closer to the action point part 152. The part closer to the action point part 152 means the part on the action point part 152 side from the central position between the fulcrum part 151 and the action point part 152.

[0034] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, for example, the operation unit 154 includes a first straight part 154a, a curved part 154b, and a second straight part 154c.

[0035] The curved part 154b is connected to the rear end of the first straight part 154a. The curved part 154b curves so that the distance from the main operation rod 11 decreases as it goes from the front end side to the rear end side of the main operation rod 11. The second straight part 154c is connected to the rear end of the curved part 154b. The second straight part 154c is substantially parallel to the first straight part 154a. When the operator operates the remote operation tool 10, the operator grips the second straight part 154c. Also, the operator grasps the grip part 113 of the main operation rod 11 and performs electrical wiring work. The grip part 113 is the part of the main operation rod 11 behind the shaft part 112.

[0036] [Operation of the Remote Operation Tool 10] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, the operation of the remote operation tool 10 will be described. FIG. 4 is a side view of the remote operation tool 10 according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a part of the remote operation tool 10 shown in FIG. 4. FIGS. 4 and 5 show the remote operation tool 10 after operation. The remote operation tools 10 shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 are all examples.

[0037] When gripping an object such as an electric wire using the remote operation tool 10, the operator holds the operation part 154 of the operation lever 15 together with the grip part 113 of the main operation rod 11. At this time, the operation lever 15 rotates about the fulcrum part 151 as the rotation center. As shown in FIG. 5, when the entire operation lever 15 rotates, the operation part 154 approaches the main operation rod 11. The angle by which the operation lever 15 rotates when the operator holds the operation part 154 is called the operation angle.

[0038] With the above operation, the action point part 152 of the operation lever 15 is displaced rearward as compared with before the operation. In the example of the present embodiment, in the state after the operation, in the front-rear direction, the fulcrum part 151 is located in front of the action point part 152.

[0039] Referring to FIG. 4, the sub-operation rod 14 is displaced rearward in conjunction with the displacement of the action point part 152. When the sub-operation rod 14 is displaced, the attachment part 142 at the tip of the sub-operation rod 14 is also displaced. Along with the displacement of the attachment part 142, the movable gripping member 13 rotates about the shaft part 131 with respect to the fixed gripping member 12. Thereby, the movable gripping member 13 approaches the fixed gripping member 12.

[0040] In short, the operator can rotate the movable gripping member 13 via the sub-operation rod 14 by operating the operation lever 15. Thereby, the movable gripping member 13 approaches the fixed gripping member 12, and the object can be gripped by the movable gripping member 13 and the fixed gripping member 12.

[0041] Referring to FIG. 2, the remote operation tool 10 includes a torsion coil spring 20. The torsion coil spring 20 serves to return the operation lever 15 to its original state, that is, the state before the operation. For example, the torsion coil spring 20 is hooked on the main body part 153 of the operation lever 15 and constantly presses the main body part 153 from the rear toward the front about the fulcrum part 151.

[0042] When the operator operates the operation lever 15, the operation lever 15 rotates about the fulcrum portion 151 as the rotation center. At this time, the operation lever 15 receives a force in the direction opposite to the rotation direction from the torsion coil spring 20. Therefore, after the operator rotates the operation lever 15 and then releases the hand from the operation lever 15, the operation lever 15 automatically returns to the state before the operation.

[0043] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 5, the remote operation tool 10 includes a locking mechanism 16. The locking mechanism 16 is used to fix the movable gripping member 13 at an arbitrary position. The locking mechanism 16 includes a protruding portion 161 protruding from the fulcrum portion 151 in a direction opposite to the main body portion 153, a locking gear 162 attached to the protruding portion 161, and a locking lever 163. In the example of the present embodiment, the protruding portion 161 is integrally formed with the operation lever 15.

[0044] The locking gear 162 has an arc shape when the remote operation tool 10 is viewed from the side, and its outer peripheral surface 162a is serrated. The locking gear 162 is fixed to the protruding portion 161 by, for example, bolts. The locking lever 163 includes a shaft portion 163a, an operation portion 163b, and an engaging portion 163c. By the operator operating the operation portion 163b of the locking lever 163, the locking lever 163 can rotate about the shaft portion 163a. The engaging portion 163c has a serrated surface that meshes with the outer peripheral surface 162a of the locking gear 162.

[0045] The operator may hold the operation lever 15 and operate the locking lever 163 while the operation lever 15 is rotated to an arbitrary position. By the operation portion 163b of the locking lever 163, the locking lever 163 rotates about the shaft portion 163a. As a result, a state where the engaging portion 163c is separated from the outer peripheral surface 162a of the locking gear 162 (FIG. 3) and a state where the engaging portion 163c meshes with the outer peripheral surface 162a of the locking gear 162 (FIG. 5) can be obtained. The former is the unlocked state, and the latter is the locked state. In short, by operating the locking lever 163, the unlocked state and the locked state can be switched.

[0046] In the locked state, since the meshing portion 163c is meshed with the outer peripheral surface 162a of the lock gear 162, the operation lever 15 cannot rotate. Therefore, the position of the operation lever 15 can be fixed by the lock lever 163. Along with the fixing of the position of the operation lever 15, the positions of the sub-operation rod 14 and the movable gripping member 13 are also fixed. Thereby, in the remote operation tool 10, an arbitrary gripping state can be maintained.

[0047] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, the main operation rod 11 includes a protrusion 114 that protrudes toward the operation lever 15. The protrusion 114 is provided behind the fulcrum portion 151. When the operator grips the operation lever 15, the index finger may be hooked on the protrusion 114. Thereby, even when the remote operation tool 10 is operated with one hand, the operation is stabilized.

[0048] [Effect] In the remote operation tool 10 according to the embodiment, the fulcrum portion 151 of the operation lever 15 is pivotally supported by the main operation rod 11 by a shaft portion 112 that penetrates the main operation rod 11. That is, the fulcrum portion 151 of the operation lever 15 exists within the main operation rod 11. Further, the operation portion 154 of the operation lever 15 protrudes rearward of the sub-operation rod 14 from the main body portion 153 that connects the fulcrum portion 151 and the acting point portion 152. In such a configuration, the length of the main body portion 153 is large. This is because the operation portion 154 is provided between the fulcrum portion 151 and the acting point portion 152, so the main body portion 153 necessarily has a certain length. The greater the length of the main body portion 153, the greater the length from the fulcrum portion 151 to the acting point portion 152. In this case, the displacement amount of the sub-operation rod 14 due to the rotation of the operation lever 15 is large. Therefore, the operation angle of the operation lever 15 required to achieve the gripping state can be reduced. Also, since the fulcrum portion 151 of the operation lever 15 is pivotally supported by the main operation rod 11 by the shaft portion 112 that penetrates the main operation rod 11, the length from the main operation rod 11 to the end of the acting point portion 152 does not become too large. That is, the overhang amount of the operation lever 15 from the main operation rod 11 is small. Therefore, according to the remote operation tool 10 according to the present embodiment, miniaturization can be achieved while improving operability.

[0049] In this embodiment, the fulcrum portion 151 is located behind the point of action portion 152 in the front-rear direction in the state before operation. Thereby, a sufficient operating angle of the operating lever 15 can be ensured.

[0050] In this embodiment, the operating lever 15 includes a curved portion 154b and a second straight portion 154c connected to the rear end of the curved portion 154b. When the operator operates the remote operation tool 10, the operator grips the second straight portion 154c together with the main operation rod 11. The curved portion 154b curves so that the distance from the main operation rod 11 decreases as it goes from the tip side to the rear end side of the main operation rod 11. For this reason, the distance between the main operation rod 11 and the second straight portion 154c becomes small. Thereby, the operability of the operating lever 15 can be further improved.

[0051] The embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above. However, the above-described embodiments are merely examples for implementing the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and the above-described embodiments can be appropriately modified and implemented without departing from the spirit thereof.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0052] 10: Remote operation tool 11: Main operation rod 12: Fixed gripping member 13: Movable gripping member 14: Sub-operation rod 15: Operating lever 151: Fulcrum portion 152: Point of action portion 153: Body portion 154: Operating portion

Claims

1. A remote operating tool used for electrical installation work, a main operating rod, a fixed gripping member fixed to the tip of the main operating rod, a movable gripping member pivotally supported by the fixed gripping member, a sub-operating rod arranged in parallel with the main operating rod and pivotally supported by the movable gripping member, and an operating lever for swinging the sub-operating rod with respect to the main operating rod. The remote operating tool includes: The operating lever has a fulcrum portion pivotally supported by the main operating rod by a shaft portion penetrating the main operating rod, an acting point portion pivotally supported by the sub-operating rod at the rear end of the sub-operating rod, a main body portion connecting the fulcrum portion and the acting point portion, and an operating portion protruding rearward from the main body portion to the rear of the sub-operating rod.

2. The remote operating tool according to Claim 1, wherein in a state before operation, in a direction along the main operating rod, the fulcrum portion is located rearward of the acting point portion.

3. The remote operating tool according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the operating portion protrudes from a portion of the main body portion closer to the acting point portion.

4. The remote operating tool according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the operating portion includes a first straight portion connected to the main body portion, a curved portion connected to the rear end of the first straight portion and curved so that the distance from the main operating rod decreases as it goes from the tip side to the rear end side of the main operating rod, and a second straight portion connected to the rear end of the curved portion.

5. The remote operating tool according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, comprising a locking mechanism for fixing the position of the operating lever, wherein the locking mechanism includes a protruding portion protruding from the fulcrum portion in a direction opposite to the main body portion, a locking gear attached to the protruding portion, and a locking lever having a serrated surface meshing with the locking gear.

Images