Expander and wire tensioning device
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Filing Date
- 2023-06-20
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-22
Abstract
Description
Stretchers and tensioning devices
[0001] The present invention relates to an expansion device and a wire tensioning device.
[0002] When performing wiring work in electrical construction, railway maintenance, and fruit tree trellis construction, it is common to use a wire gripper and an extender that clamp linear objects such as wires and electric cables. Patent Document 1 discloses an extender that can be extended or shortened by manually rotating a bolt.
[0003] JP 2018-11495 A
[0004] However, a large force is required to rotate the bolt. In view of the above circumstances, the present invention provides an extension device and a wire tensioning device that enable wire tensioning work to be performed easily and accurately.
[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an extender for use in tensioning a wire rod, the extender comprising: an outer tubular portion, an inner tubular portion inserted into the outer tubular portion from one axial end thereof, a threaded shaft inserted through the outer tubular portion and the inner tubular portion, a moving unit having a nut fixed to the other axial end of the inner tubular portion and threadedly engaging with the threaded shaft, and a driving unit having a motor for rotating the threaded shaft about its axis to move the nut along the threaded shaft.
[0006] According to this aspect, the stretcher can be easily operated, and the wire tensioning work can be carried out quickly and safely.
[0007] FIG. 1 is a front view showing a first embodiment of a wire tensioning device of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the support on the left side in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the support on the right side in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the configuration near the right end of the stretcher of the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a perspective view (internal see-through view) showing the configuration of the operating unit of the stretcher of the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control board of the stretcher of the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the configuration near the right end of the stretcher of the second embodiment. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 7. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the configuration near the right end of the stretcher of the third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in FIG. 9. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the configuration near the right end of the stretcher of the fourth embodiment. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C in FIG. 11. FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the configuration near the right end of the stretcher of the fifth embodiment. Fig. 14 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a power transmission mechanism in the extender of the fifth embodiment. Fig. 15 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a fixing member in the extender of the sixth embodiment.
[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Various features shown in the following embodiments can be combined with each other.
[0009] Incidentally, the program for realizing the software appearing in this embodiment may be provided as a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium, or may be provided so as to be downloadable from an external server, or may be provided so that the program is started on an external computer and its functions are realized on a client terminal (so-called cloud computing).
[0010] In this embodiment, the term "unit" may include, for example, a combination of hardware resources implemented by a circuit in the broad sense and software information processing that can be specifically realized by these hardware resources. In addition, various types of information are handled in this embodiment, and this information may be represented by, for example, physical values of signal values representing voltages and currents, high and low signal values as a binary bit set consisting of 0 or 1, or quantum superposition (so-called quantum bits), and communication and calculations may be performed on a circuit in the broad sense.
[0011] Furthermore, a circuit in the broad sense is a circuit realized by at least an appropriate combination of a circuit, circuitry, a processor, a memory, etc. That is, it includes an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (e.g., a simple programmable logic device (SPLD), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), and a field programmable gate array (FPGA)), etc.
[0012] <Wire tensioning device> First, the wire tensioning device of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a front view showing a first embodiment of the wire tensioning device of the present invention. FIGS. 2 and 3 are perspective views showing the configuration of the support tool in each figure. In the following description, in FIGS. 1 to 3 (and also in FIGS. 4, 5, and 7 to 15), the upper side will be referred to as "upper" or "upper side," and the lower side will be referred to as "lower" or "lower side." In addition, in FIGS. 1 to 3 (and also in FIGS. 4, 5, and 7 to 15), the right side will be referred to as "right" or "rightward," and the left side will be referred to as "left" or "leftward." The wire tensioning device (also referred to as a "strain rod") 100 shown in FIG. 1 is used, for example, when cutting an insulated electric wire 700 while it is in an overhead state. In FIG. 1, the insulated electric wire 700 is indicated by a two-dot chain line.
[0013] This wire tensioning device 100 includes a pair of wire grippers 10 for clamping a coated electric wire (overhead wire) 700, and a long stretcher 1 whose both ends are connected to the wire grippers 10 via connectors 500, 510. The longitudinal dimension of the stretcher 1 is expanded or contracted by driving a drive unit 4 provided on the right side (the other side) of the stretcher 1 in the longitudinal direction.
[0014] <Wire Gripper> A first link piece 50 and a second link piece 52 are pivotally supported on the lower side of the base portion 40 of the wire gripper 10 so as to be able to swing. The swing end of the first link piece 50 and the swing end of the second link piece 52 are both connected to an operating arm 60, thereby forming a parallel link mechanism. As shown in FIG. 1 , an insulated electric wire 700 is clamped from above and below by an upper gripping body 20 and a lower gripping body 30. The upper gripping body 20 is fixed to the base portion 40. Meanwhile, the lower gripping body 30 is connected above the first link piece 50 and the second link piece 52 so as to be able to move toward and away from the upper gripping body 20.
[0015] With this configuration, when the operating arm 60 is pulled toward the extender 1, the first link piece 50 and the second link piece 52 swing. This causes the lower gripping body 30 to displace upward, i.e., approach the upper gripping body 20, allowing it to clamp the insulated electric wire 700. The base portion 40 is provided with a support ring 80 that protrudes upward. This support ring 80 is an annular body that constitutes a lifting tool locking body, and can be suspended by a remote control tool to lift the wire gripper 10. The lower gripping body 30 is provided with a tightening portion 82 that protrudes downward. By rotating this tightening portion 82, the upper gripping body 20 and the lower gripping body 30 can tighten the insulated electric wire 700.
[0016] <Support> The wire tensioning device 100 also includes a pair of supports 400A and 400B attached to the stretcher 1. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the supports 400A and 400B each have a substantially C-shaped support body 413 having an opening 410 on one side, and a closing piece 414 that closes the opening 410 of the support body 413. According to this configuration, after the insulated electric wire 700 is introduced into the support body 413 through the opening 410, the opening 410 of the support body 413 is closed with the closing piece 414, so that the stretcher 1 can be supported on the insulated electric wire 700.
[0017] Furthermore, an engaging piece 420 is rotatably provided on the end of the support body 413 facing the opening 410, which engages with the closing piece 414 while the opening 410 is closed by the closing piece 414. As shown in Fig. 2, the support 400A has a through-hole 416 formed in the lower part of the support body 413, through which the extender 1 (moving shaft portion 3) is inserted. On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 3, the support 400B has a through-hole 418 formed in the lower part of the support body 413, through which the extender 1 (tubular main body portion 2) is inserted.
[0018] Furthermore, the support 400B is provided with a fixing part 430 at the bottom of the support body 413 for fixing the expander 1 at a desired longitudinal position or at a predetermined rotation angle around the axis. Furthermore, operation parts 432, 434 for operating the fixing part 430 by a remote control device are provided on both sides. With such support 400B, an operation for changing the direction of the end of the insulated electric wire 700 on the right side after cutting (sorting operation) can be performed so that the ends of the insulated electric wires 700 do not come into contact with each other after cutting.
[0019] <Extender> The wire gripping device 10 is connected to both ends of the extender 1. The extender 1 is a device used when pulling a coated electric wire (wire rod) 700. <<First Embodiment>> First, a first embodiment of the extender 1 will be described. Fig. 4 is a vertical cross section showing the configuration near the right end of the extender of the first embodiment. Fig. 5 is a perspective view (internal see-through view) showing a schematic configuration of the operating part of the extender of the first embodiment.
[0020] 1 and 4, the telescopic device 1 has a cylindrical main body 2 and a small-diameter cylindrical movable shaft portion (inner cylindrical portion) 3 that is movable relative to the longitudinal direction of the main body 2. The main body 2 is composed of a cylindrical portion (outer cylindrical portion) 21 made of, for example, aluminum or FRP (fiber reinforced plastic), and a movable portion 22 fixed to the right end (other end) of the cylindrical portion 21 in the axial direction. The movable shaft portion 3 is inserted into the cylindrical portion 21 from the left end (one end) in the axial direction. The movable shaft portion 3 is made of, for example, FRP or the like.
[0021] The moving part 22 has a casing 221 made of, for example, an aluminum alloy, a screw shaft 222 inserted through the cylindrical part 21 and the moving shaft part 3, a nut 223 threaded onto the screw shaft 222, and a pulley (second pulley) 451 attached (connected) to the right end (other end) in the axial direction of the screw shaft 222. The right end in the axial direction of the screw shaft 222 protrudes from the cylindrical part 21 into the casing 221. The pulley 451 is fixed to the part of the screw shaft 222 protruding from the cylindrical part 21. Therefore, the pulley 451 is housed in the casing 221.
[0022] As shown in Fig. 5, the nut 223 has a hexagonal outer shape and a connecting portion 2231, which protrudes to the left in the axial direction and has a hexagonal outer shape. The right end (other end) of the moving shaft portion 3 in the axial direction is inserted into and fixed to the inside of this connecting portion 2231. The nut 223 is preferably made of an iron-based metal material. The inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 21 has a hexagonal shape corresponding to the outer shape of the connecting portion 2231. Therefore, the nut 223 is prevented from rotating about the axial direction relative to the cylindrical portion 21.
[0023] The casing 221 has a support portion 2211 that protrudes downward. A drive portion 4 is provided midway along the longitudinal direction (vertical direction) of the support portion 2211. The drive portion 4 has a motor 41, and a motor body 411 of the motor 41 is fixed to the support portion 2211. The drive portion 4 also has a pulley (first pulley) 452 attached (connected) to a rotating shaft 412 of the motor 41, and a timing belt 453 wound around the pulley 452 and the pulley 451.
[0024] Therefore, in this embodiment, the pulley 451, the pulley 452, and the timing belt 453 constitute a power transmission mechanism 45 connected to the screw shaft 222. The motor 41 (drive unit 4) is configured to rotate the screw shaft 222 about its axis via the power transmission mechanism. That is, the power transmission mechanism 45 can transmit the power of the motor 41 to the screw shaft 222. By rotating the screw shaft 222 about its axis, the nut 223 can move back and forth along the screw shaft 222 while being guided by the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 21. As a result, the moving shaft portion 3 connected to the nut 223 is configured to be able to freely move in and out of the cylindrical portion 21.
[0025] A sensor (position detection unit) 5 configured to detect the position of the nut 223 is provided on the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion 21. By detecting the position of the nut 223 with the sensor 5, the extension and retraction operation of the extender 1 can be performed accurately. The sensor 5 can be configured with a magnetic sensor, an optical sensor, a contact sensor (limit sensor), etc. When the nut 223 is made of a metal material, the sensor 5 is preferably a magnetic sensor. In this case, it is easier to detect the position of the nut 223 more accurately.
[0026] Furthermore, a tension detection unit 6 configured to detect the tension applied to the coated electric wire (wire rod) 700 is provided at the right end (other end) in the axial direction of the moving unit 22 (cylindrical unit 21). In this embodiment, the tension detection unit 6 is fixed to the casing 221 (the right end of the main cylindrical unit 2) of the moving unit 22 via a spacer 23. The tension detection unit 6 has a casing 61, a stress-applying member 62 having a T-shaped cross section, and a load cell (pressure sensor) 63 arranged between the casing 61 and the stress-applying member 62.
[0027] The stress-applying member 62 is composed of a disk-shaped portion 621 and a rod-shaped portion 622 that protrudes from the disk-shaped portion 621 to the right in the axial direction. The rod-shaped portion 622 penetrates the casing 61, and a fixing member 520 is fixed (connected) to its right end in the axial direction. As shown in FIG. 1 , the fixing member 520 can be engaged with a connector 500, and the wire gripping device 10 is connected via the connector 500. The load cell 63 is disposed in contact with the disk-shaped portion 621 and the casing 61. When the fixing member 520 is pulled, the stress-applying member 62 fixed thereto is also pulled, and the disk-shaped portion 621 compresses the load cell 63 (i.e., stress is applied to the load cell 63). This makes it possible to detect the tension applied to the insulated electric wire 700.
[0028] By providing the tension detection unit 6, it is possible to prevent the application of excessive tension to the insulated electric wire 700. This allows the wire stringing work to be carried out safely. In particular, by combining it with the sensor 5, the above effect can be further improved. From the same perspective, a sensor capable of measuring the value of current flowing through the motor 41 may be provided. In this case, by measuring the current value, it is possible to grasp the torque when the motor 41 is driven. Specifically, since an increase in the current value increases the torque when the motor 41 is driven, measuring the value of the current flowing through the motor 41 can prevent the application of excessive tension to the insulated electric wire 700.
[0029] Furthermore, when the telescopic device 1 is extended and the nut 223 abuts against the left end (one end) of the cylindrical portion 21, or when the telescopic device 1 is shortened and the nut 223 abuts against the moving portion 22 (casing 221), the rotation of the motor 1700 stops and the value of the current flowing through the motor 41 increases. Therefore, by measuring the value of the current flowing through the motor 41, the position of the nut 223 can also be detected. In addition, a fixing member 520 capable of locking the connecting tool 500 is also provided at the left end (one end) of the moving shaft portion 3. As described above, the fixing member 520 is also configured to be connected to the wire gripper 10 via the connecting tool 500.
[0030] A power supply unit 7 is provided at the lower end of the support unit 2211 (the end opposite the operating unit 22 with respect to the drive unit 4). The power supply unit 7 has a battery 71 and a battery mounting unit 72 to which the battery 71 is detachably attached. The battery mounting unit 72 is fixed to the support unit 2211. The power supply unit 7 supplies power to at least the motor 41. In this embodiment, the power supply unit 7 can supply power to the sensor (position detection unit) 5, the motor 41, the load cell 63, etc. The battery 71 can be, for example, a dry cell, a primary battery such as a solar cell, a secondary battery such as a lithium-ion battery, etc.
[0031] Below the tension detection unit 6, a control board 9 is mounted on a support member (not shown). A waterproof cover (not shown) is preferably provided to cover the control board 9. In this embodiment, the control board 9 is arranged so that its thickness direction is approximately parallel to the screw shaft 222. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control board in the stretcher of the first embodiment. The control board 9 controls at least the motor 41. The control board 9 shown in FIG. 6 is, for example, a dedicated control device for the sensor (position detection unit) 5, motor 41, load cell 63, etc., which are electrically connected to it. The control board 9 has a communication unit 91, a memory unit 92, and a control unit 93, and these components are electrically connected via a communication bus 90.
[0032] The communication unit 91 is configured to be able to transmit various electrical signals from the control board 9 to external components. The communication unit 91 is also configured to be able to receive various electrical signals from external components to the control board 9. More preferably, the communication unit 91 has a network communication function, thereby enabling communication of various information with external devices via a network such as the Internet. The communication unit 91 is preferably a wired communication means such as USB, IEEE 1394, Thunderbolt (registered trademark), or wired LAN network communication, but may also include wireless LAN network communication, mobile communication such as 3G / LTE / 5G, BLUETOOTH (registered trademark) communication, etc., as needed. That is, it is more preferable to implement the communication unit 91 as a combination of these multiple communication means.
[0033] The memory unit 92 stores various pieces of information defined above. This can be implemented, for example, as a storage device such as a solid state drive (SSD) that stores various programs related to the stretcher 1 executed by the control unit 93, or as a memory such as a random access memory (RAM) that stores temporarily required information (arguments, arrays, etc.) related to program calculations. The memory unit 92 stores various programs, variables, etc. related to the stretcher 1 executed by the control unit 93. It is particularly preferable that information related to construction plans to be carried out using the stretcher 1 be stored in the memory unit 92.
[0034] The control unit 93 processes and controls the overall operation related to the stretcher 1. The control unit 93 is, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) (not shown). The control unit 93 realizes various functions related to the stretcher 1 by reading out predetermined programs stored in the storage unit 92. In other words, information processing by the software stored in the storage unit 92 is specifically realized by the control unit 93, which is an example of hardware. Note that the number of control units 93 is not limited to one, and multiple control units 93 may be provided for each function. A combination of these may also be used.
[0035] Next, a method of using the wire tensioning device 100 will be described. [1] First, the supports 400A and 400B are attached to the insulated electric wire 700 using a remote control tool. [2] Next, the pair of wire grippers 10 connected to both ends of the stretcher 1 are attached to the insulated electric wire 700 using the remote control tool. Specifically, the remote control tool is hooked onto the support ring 80, and the wire grippers 10 are suspended. Then, the insulated electric wire 700 is inserted between the upper gripping body 20 and the lower gripping body 30, and the upper gripping body 20 is hooked onto the insulated electric wire 700.
[0036] [3] Next, the tightening portion 82 is rotated to tighten the insulated electric wire 700 between the upper gripping body 20 and the lower gripping body 30. [4] After that, an external terminal (not shown) is used to operate the motor 41 to rotate the rotary shaft 412 in a predetermined direction. This causes the pulley 452 fixed to the rotary shaft 412 to rotate, and further causes the pulley 451 to rotate via the timing belt 453 wound around the pulley 452. Then, the threaded shaft 222 connected to the pulley 451 rotates, and the nut 223 threaded onto the threaded shaft 222 moves rightward along the longitudinal direction of the threaded shaft 222.
[0037] At this time, the moving shaft portion 3 fixed to the nut 223 also moves rightward and is retracted into the cylindrical portion 21. That is, the expander 1 contracts. This allows the pair of wire grippers 10 clamping the insulated electric wire 700 to approach each other. As a result, the insulated electric wire 700 is tensioned in the areas of the insulated electric wire 700 outside the wire grippers 10, and is relaxed in the area of the insulated electric wire 700 between the two wire grippers 10, and the relaxed area of the insulated electric wire 700 is cut with the indirect live wire cutting tool. Also, at this time, the external terminal is operated to stop the operation of the motor 41. This allows the expander 1 to maintain its contracted state.
[0038] [5] After the work is completed, the external terminal is operated to operate the motor 41 and rotate the rotating shaft 412 in the opposite direction to the above. This extends the longitudinal dimension of the stretcher 1 and moves the wire grippers 10 apart. Then, the remote control device is used to rotate the tightening portion 82, loosening the clamping of the insulated electric wire 700 by the upper gripping body 20 and the lower gripping body 30, thereby releasing the clamping of the insulated electric wire 700. Next, the pair of wire grippers 10 connected to both ends of the stretcher 1 are detached from the insulated electric wire 700 using the remote control device. Furthermore, the supports 400A and 400B are detached from the insulated electric wire 700 using the remote control device. In this manner, the wire tensioning device 100 can be recovered.
[0039] <<Second Embodiment>> Next, a second embodiment of the stretcher 1 will be described. The stretcher 1 of the second embodiment will be described below, focusing on differences from the stretcher 1 of the first embodiment, and a description of similarities will be omitted. Figure 7 is a perspective view showing the configuration near the right end of the stretcher of the second embodiment. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in Figure 7.
[0040] As shown in FIG. 7 , the extender 1 of the second embodiment is similar to the extender 1 of the first embodiment except for the arrangement of the power supply unit 7 and the control board 9. In the second embodiment, the power supply unit 7 is located to the right of the drive unit 4. Specifically, the battery mounting unit 72 is supported on the cylindrical portion 21 by two support members 73. Furthermore, as the control board 9, two control boards 9a1 and 9a2 are arranged opposite each other across the cylindrical portion 21. The two control boards 9a1 and 9a2 are supported on the cylindrical portion 21 by support members 9b1 and 9b2, respectively. In this embodiment, the control boards 9a1 and 9a2 are arranged so that their thickness directions are substantially perpendicular to the screw shaft 222. The two control boards 9a1 and 9a2 can serve as a board for controlling the motor 41 and a board for communication, respectively.
[0041] The telescopic device 1 of the second embodiment also provides the same actions and effects as the telescopic device 1 of the first embodiment. In particular, when the telescopic device 1 is in use, the power supply unit 7 and the control board 9 are not disposed below the drive unit 4, so the power supply unit 7 and the control board 9 are less likely to get in the way during wire tensioning work. In addition, the power supply unit 7, drive unit 4, operating unit 22, and control board 9 are disposed along the longitudinal direction (axial direction) of the cylindrical portion 21, so the telescopic device 1 as a whole is easily balanced.
[0042] <<Third Embodiment>> Next, a third embodiment of the stretcher 1 will be described. The stretcher 1 of the third embodiment will be described below, focusing on differences from the stretcher 1 of the first and second embodiments, and a description of similar points will be omitted. Figure 9 is a perspective view showing the configuration near the right end of the stretcher of the third embodiment. Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in Figure 9.
[0043] As shown in Figure 9, the extender 1 of the third embodiment is similar to the extender 1 of the first embodiment, except for the arrangement of the drive unit 4, power supply unit 7, and control board 9, and the configuration of the power transmission mechanism 45. In this embodiment, the drive unit 4 has a support unit 2211 that supports the motor 41 along the longitudinal direction (axial direction) and is detachably fixed to the lower end of the casing 221. Specifically, the distance between the support unit 2211 and the casing 221 is defined by a spacer 2212, and the support unit 2211 and the casing 221 are fixed by a bolt 2213 that passes through the spacer 2212. With this configuration, the rotation shaft 412 of the motor 41 and the screw shaft 222 are arranged to be substantially perpendicular to each other.
[0044] The power transmission mechanism 45 of the third embodiment has a bevel gear 454 attached (connected) to the right end (other end) of the screw shaft 222, a shaft portion 455, a fixing portion 456 that fixes the lower end of the shaft portion 455 to the rotating shaft 412 of the motor 41, and a bevel gear 457 that is attached to the upper end of the shaft portion 455 (connected to the rotating shaft 412 of the motor 41 via the shaft portion 455 and the fixing portion 456) and meshes with the bevel gear 454. The power transmission mechanism 45 configured as described above is a gear mechanism that connects the rotating shaft 412 of the motor 41 to the screw shaft 222 and transmits the power of the motor 41 to the screw shaft 222.
[0045] The support portion 2211 has a plate-like portion 2211a positioned along the longitudinal direction (axial direction) of the motor 41, and an annular holding portion 2211b that holds the lower end of the motor 41. The power supply unit 7 and control board 9 are fixed to this plate-like portion 2211a, and the control board 9 is further covered with a water-resistant cover 99. In this embodiment, too, the control board 9 is arranged so that its thickness direction is approximately perpendicular to the screw shaft 222, although this is not shown.
[0046] The telescopic device 1 of the third embodiment also provides the same functions and effects as the telescopic device 1 of the first and second embodiments. In particular, since the support part 2211 that supports the motor 41 is detachably fixed to the lower end of the casing 221, the motor 41 can be easily replaced with one having a different torque depending on the force required to rotate the screw shaft 222.
[0047] <<Fourth Embodiment>> Next, a fourth embodiment of the stretcher 1 will be described. The stretcher 1 of the fourth embodiment will be described below, focusing on differences from the stretcher 1 of the first to third embodiments, and a description of similar points will be omitted. Figure 11 is a perspective view showing the configuration near the right end of the stretcher of the fourth embodiment. Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC in Figure 11.
[0048] As shown in Fig. 11, the extender 1 of the fourth embodiment is different in the arrangement of the drive unit 4, power supply unit 7, and control board 9, and the configuration of the power transmission mechanism 45, but is otherwise similar to the extender 1 of the first embodiment. The drive unit 4 shown in Fig. 12 is provided in a casing 221. Specifically, the rotating shaft 412 of the motor 41 and the screw shaft 222 are arranged coaxially and are connected by a fixing part 456 (power transmission mechanism 45).
[0049] The power supply unit 7 is fixed to the lower left side of the casing 221, and is further covered with a waterproof cover 79. Meanwhile, a box-shaped support part 2211 is fixed to the lower right side of the casing 221, and the control board 9 is housed inside it. In this embodiment, the control board 9 is also disposed so that its thickness direction is approximately perpendicular to the screw shaft 222. The cover 79 is rotatably connected to the support part 2211 via an arm member 78. When removing the battery 71 from the battery mounting part 72, the power supply unit 7 can be opened from the cover 79 and the operation can be performed.
[0050] The telescopic device 1 of the fourth embodiment also provides the same functions and effects as the telescopic device 1 of the first to third embodiments. In particular, the rotating shaft 412 of the motor 41 and the screw shaft 222 are arranged coaxially and connected by the fixing part 56, so that the power of the motor 41 can be reliably transmitted to the screw shaft 222.
[0051] <<Fifth Embodiment>> Next, a fifth embodiment of the extender 1 will be described. The extender 1 of the fifth embodiment will be described below, focusing on differences from the extender 1 of the first to fourth embodiments, and a description of similar points will be omitted. Figure 13 is a perspective view showing the configuration near the right end of the extender of the fifth embodiment. Figure 14 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the power transmission mechanism in the extender of the fifth embodiment.
[0052] As shown in Figure 13, the extender 1 of the fifth embodiment is similar to the extender 1 of the first embodiment, except for the arrangement of the drive unit 4, power supply unit 7, and control board 9, and the configuration of the power transmission mechanism 45. In this embodiment, the power supply unit 7 and control board 9 are provided on the outer periphery of the motor 41 (drive unit 4) along its circumferential direction. Note that the battery 71 is omitted in Figure 13, and only the battery mounting section 72 is shown. In this embodiment, the control board 9 is also arranged so that its thickness direction is approximately perpendicular to the screw shaft 222.
[0053] 14 , the power transmission mechanism 45 of this embodiment has a worm 458 attached (connected) to the rotating shaft 412 of the motor 41, and a worm wheel 459 meshed with the worm 458 and attached (connected) to the right end (other end) in the axial direction of the screw shaft 222. The combination of the worm 458 and the worm wheel 459 is called a "worm gear," and constitutes a gear mechanism that connects the rotating shaft 412 of the motor 41 and the screw shaft 222. Worm gears have the advantages of being small and providing a large reduction ratio, and of having "sliding contact," resulting in quiet and smooth meshing.
[0054] The telescopic device 1 of the fifth embodiment also provides the same functions and effects as the telescopic device 1 of the first to fourth embodiments. In particular, by configuring the power transmission mechanism 45 with a worm gear, a large reduction ratio can be obtained in a small size, and therefore the drive unit 4 and the power transmission mechanism 45 can be made smaller. Furthermore, with this power transmission mechanism 45, self-locking is activated, so the worm wheel 459 cannot rotate the worm 458. Therefore, the telescopic device 1 can maintain a slackened state of the insulated electric wire 700 at the portion between the two wire grippers 10 for a long period of time. In other words, the contracted state of the telescopic device 1 can be prevented from being released for a long period of time.
[0055] <<Sixth Embodiment>> Next, a sixth embodiment of the stretcher 1 will be described. The stretcher 1 of the sixth embodiment will be described below, focusing on differences from the stretchers 1 of the first to fifth embodiments, and a description of similar points will be omitted. Figure 15 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a fixing member in the stretcher of the sixth embodiment.
[0056] As shown in Figure 15, the extender 1 of the sixth embodiment is similar to the extender 1 of the first embodiment, except for the configuration of the fixing member 530. In this embodiment, the fixing member 530 is cylindrical and is joined to or integrally formed with the stress-applying member 62. The fixing member 530 has a groove 530a formed along the axial direction and a through-hole 530b formed to penetrate the fixing member 530 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction. In addition, the operating arm 60 of the wire gripper 10 also has a through-hole 60a formed at its left end (one end) in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction.
[0057] The left end of the operating arm 60 is inserted into the groove 530a of the fixing member 530, and the through-hole 530b is aligned with the through-hole 60a. Then, a bolt (not shown) is inserted through the through-hole 530b and the through-hole 60a, and a nut (not shown) is screwed onto the protruding end. This connects the wire gripper 10 to the end of the stretcher 1. The stretcher 1 of the sixth embodiment also achieves the same effects and advantages as the stretcher 1 of the first to fifth embodiments. The type of wire gripper 10 is selected depending on the type of wire to be clamped. Then, depending on the configuration (shape) of the operating arm 60 of the selected wire gripper 10, the stretcher 1 having the fixing member 530 or fixing member 520 with a shape (configuration) suitable for connection is selected. Note that if the tension detection unit 6 is omitted, the fixing member 530 (and the fixing member 520 as well) is provided at the right end (other end) of the operating unit 22 in the axial direction.
[0058] As described above, in the present invention, the extension and retraction operation of the extension device 1 is performed by the drive unit 4 having the motor 41. Therefore, the extension device 1 itself assists in work that requires a large amount of force, resulting in good operability. Furthermore, whereas in the past work required two workers in the bucket in the air, this can now be done by a single worker, resulting in excellent workability. Furthermore, the remaining worker can monitor the work status of the worker on the bucket from the ground and issue accurate instructions, resulting in high safety.
[0059] In particular, by providing the sensor 5, the extension and retraction of the stretcher 1 can be performed accurately. Furthermore, by providing the tension detection unit 6, it is possible to prevent the insulated electric wire 700 from being pulled more than necessary, thereby preventing breakage of the insulated electric wire 700. In this case, data obtained from these detection units during work can be transmitted to an external terminal (e.g., a tablet terminal) via the communication unit 91 of the control board 9 and stored therein. Then, based on the obtained data, it is possible to check the work history and manage whether or not repairs to the stretcher 1 are necessary, which is also preferable from the viewpoint of improving safety.
[0060] The external terminal may be a foot switch, a voice recognition device, or the like. In this case, even when working alone, both hands can be freed when operating the stretcher 1. Furthermore, even when multiple insulated electric wires (linear bodies) 700 are simultaneously worked on using the respective wire tensioning devices 100, the tensioning work can be performed using a single external terminal. Furthermore, in the present invention, any two or more of the configurations of the above first to sixth embodiments may be combined.
[0061] A plurality of sensors 5 may be provided along the axial direction of the cylindrical portion 21. In this case, one sensor 5 may be used to detect the position of the nut 223, thereby preventing the moving shaft portion 3 from protruding more than necessary from the cylindrical portion 21 (tubular main body portion 2) and falling off. Another sensor 5 may be used to detect the position of the nut 223, thereby defining (setting) the initial position of the moving shaft portion 3 relative to the cylindrical portion 21 (tubular main body portion 2). Another sensor 5 may be used to detect the position of the nut 223, thereby preventing the moving shaft portion 3 from retracting more than necessary relative to the cylindrical portion 21 (tubular main body portion 2). Furthermore, the present invention may be provided in the following aspects.
[0062] (1) An expander used when pulling a wire, comprising: an outer cylindrical portion; an inner cylindrical portion inserted into the outer cylindrical portion from one axial end; a screw shaft inserted through the outer cylindrical portion and the inner cylindrical portion; a moving unit having a nut fixed to the other axial end of the inner cylindrical portion and threaded onto the screw shaft; and a driving unit having a motor that moves the nut along the screw shaft by rotating the screw shaft around its axis.
[0063] (2) In the telescopic device described in (1) above, the rotating shaft of the motor and the screw shaft are arranged coaxially and connected to each other.
[0064] (3) The telescopic device according to (1) above, further comprising a power transmission mechanism that transmits the power of the motor to the screw shaft.
[0065] (4) In the telescopic device described in (3) above, the rotation shaft of the motor and the screw shaft are arranged so as to be substantially perpendicular to each other, and the power transmission mechanism is a gear mechanism that connects the rotation shaft of the motor and the screw shaft.
[0066] (5) In the telescopic device described in (4) above, the gear mechanism has bevel gears connected to the rotation shaft of the motor and the other end of the screw shaft in the axial direction, and meshing with each other.
[0067] (6) In the telescopic device described in (4) above, the gear mechanism has a worm connected to the rotating shaft of the motor, and a worm wheel meshed with the worm and connected to the other axial end of the screw shaft.
[0068] (7) In the telescopic device described in (1) above, the power transmission mechanism has a first pulley connected to the rotating shaft of the motor, a second pulley connected to the other axial end of the screw shaft, and a timing belt wound around the first pulley and the second pulley.
[0069] (8) The stretcher according to any one of (1) to (7) above, further comprising a power supply unit that supplies power to at least the motor.
[0070] (9) The extender according to any one of (1) to (8) above, further comprising a control board that controls at least the motor.
[0071] (10) In the extender described in (9) above, the control board is arranged so that its thickness direction is approximately perpendicular to the screw shaft.
[0072] (11) In the extender described in (9) above, the control board is arranged so that its thickness direction is approximately parallel to the screw shaft.
[0073] (12) A wire tensioning device comprising a pair of wire grippers and an extender, the extender being configured as the extender described in any one of (1) to (11) above, and the pair of wire grippers being connected to the ends of the extender, respectively. Of course, this is not a limitation.
[0074] Finally, while various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described, they are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The novel embodiments may be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Such embodiments and modifications are intended to be included within the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims.
[0075] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1: Telescopic device 2: Main body cylindrical portion 21: Cylindrical portion 22: Moving portion 221: Casing 2211: Support portion 2211a: Plate-shaped portion 2211b: Holding portion 2212: Spacer 2213: Bolt 222: Screw shaft 223: Nut 2231: Connection portion 23: Spacer 3: Moving shaft portion 4: Driving portion 41: Motor 411: Motor body 412: Rotating shaft 45: Power transmission mechanism 451: Pulley 452: Pulley 453: Timing belt 454: Bevel gear 455: Shaft portion 456: Fixed portion 457: Bevel gear 458: Worm 459: Worm wheel 5: Sensor 6: Tension detection portion 61 : Casing 62 : Stress applying member 621 : Disk-shaped portion 622 : Rod-shaped portion 63 : Load cell 7 : Power supply unit 71 : Battery 72 : Battery mounting portion 73 : Support member 78 : Arm member 79 : Cover 9 : Control board 9a1 : Control board 9a2 : Control board 9b1 : Support member 9b2 : Support member 90 : Communication bus 91 : Communication unit 92 : Memory unit 93 : Control unit 99 : Cover 10 : Wire gripper 20 : Upper gripping body 30 : Lower gripping body 40 : Base portion 50 : First link piece 52 : Second link piece 60 : Operation arm 60a : Through hole 80 : Support ring 82 : Fastening portion 100 : Wire tensioning device 400A: Support 400B: Support 410: Opening 413: Support body 414: Closing piece 416: Through hole 418: Through hole 420: Engagement piece 430: Fixing portion 432: Operating portion 434: Operating portion 500: Connector 510: Connector 520: Fixing member 530: Fixing member 530a: Groove 530b: Through hole 700: Insulated electric wire
Claims
1. An expander used when stretching a wire, Outer cylindrical part, An inner cylindrical portion inserted into the outer cylindrical portion from one end in the axial direction, A movable part having a screw shaft inserted through the outer cylindrical portion and the inner cylindrical portion, and a nut fixed to the other axial end of the inner cylindrical portion and screwed onto the screw shaft, The device comprises a drive unit having a motor that moves the nut along the screw shaft by rotating the screw shaft around its axis.
2. In the expandable device according to claim 1, The motor's rotating shaft and the screw shaft are arranged coaxially and connected to each other.
3. In the expandable device according to claim 1, Furthermore, it is equipped with a power transmission mechanism that transmits the power of the motor to the screw shaft.
4. In the expandable device according to claim 3, The rotation axis of the motor and the screw shaft are arranged to be approximately perpendicular to each other. The power transmission mechanism is a gear mechanism that connects the rotating shaft of the motor and the screw shaft.
5. In the expandable device according to claim 4, The gear mechanism has bevel gears that mesh with each other and are connected to the other axial end of the motor's rotating shaft and the screw shaft.
6. In the expandable device according to claim 4, The gear mechanism comprises a worm connected to the rotating shaft of the motor, and a worm wheel that meshes with the worm and is connected to the other axial end of the screw shaft.
7. In the expandable device according to claim 1, The power transmission mechanism includes a first pulley connected to the rotating shaft of the motor, a second pulley connected to the other axial end of the screw shaft, and a timing belt wound around the first and second pulleys.
8. In the expandable device according to claim 1, Furthermore, it includes a power supply unit that supplies power to at least the motor.
9. In the expandable device according to claim 1, Furthermore, it includes at least a control board for controlling the motor.
10. In the expandable device according to claim 9, The control board is arranged such that its thickness direction is approximately perpendicular to the screw axis.
11. In the expandable device according to claim 9, The control board is arranged such that its thickness is substantially parallel to the screw axis.
12. A tensioning device, It comprises a pair of wire grippers and an expander, The aforementioned expandable device is composed of the expandable device described in any one of claims 1 to 11. The pair of wire grippers are each connected to the ends of the expansion joint.