Gripping tool

Abstract

The present invention addresses the problem of providing a gripping tool capable of achieving greater slimness and improved operability.　A gripping tool according to the present invention is provided with: a gripping unit including a first gripping piece and a second gripping piece; a remote operation rod having a proximal end and a distal end that supports the gripping unit; an elongated member arranged inside of the remote operation rod so as to run along the longitudinal direction of the remote operation rod; a link member pivotably connected to the elongated member; a support body attached to the proximal end; and an operation lever that operates the first gripping piece via the link member and the elongated member. The operation lever includes a first portion supported by the support body so as to be pivotable about a first axis, and a second portion linked to the link member so as to be pivotable.

Description

gripping tool

[0001] The present invention relates to a gripping tool.

[0002] Gripping tools are known.

[0003] As a related technique, an electric wire gripping tool is disclosed in Patent Document 1. In the electric wire gripping tool described in Patent Document 1, the fixed gripping part and the movable gripping part are opened and closed by operating a lever member via a connecting rod arranged on the outside of the support rod.

[0004] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 discloses an indirect live line gripping tool. In the indirect live line gripping tool described in Patent Document 2, a fixed gripping piece and a movable gripping piece are assembled opposite each other via an attachment member. The movable gripping piece can be operated using a lever attached to the base end of an insulated operating rod. The fixed gripping piece is pivotally attached to the attachment member. Furthermore, the opening angle of the fixed gripping piece can be adjusted using a screw mechanism.

[0005] JP2001-352626A JP10-264056A

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a gripping tool that can be made slimmer and has improved operability.

[0007] The present invention relates to a gripping tool as follows.

[0008] (1) A gripping tool comprising: a gripping unit having a first gripping piece and a second gripping piece, a remote control rod having a tip end supporting the gripping unit and a base end, an elongated member arranged inside the remote control rod along the longitudinal direction of the remote control rod, a link member swingably connected to the elongated member, a support body attached to the base end, and an operating lever that operates the first gripping piece via the link member and the elongated member, wherein the operating lever has a first portion swingably supported by the support body about a first axis, and a second portion swingably connected to the link member. (2) The gripping tool described in (1) above, wherein the link member is swingable relative to the operating lever about a second axis parallel to the first axis, and the link member is swingable relative to the elongated member about a third axis parallel to the first axis. (3) The gripping tool described in (1) above, wherein an elongated hole through which the link member passes is formed in the remote control rod, and when the operating lever is operated, the link member moves relative to the elongated hole. (4) The gripping tool described in (1) above, wherein, when the direction from the tip end toward the base end is defined as a first direction, when the operating lever is swung in a direction approaching the remote control rod, the elongated member moves in the first direction. (5) The gripping tool described in (2) above, wherein, when the direction from the tip end toward the base end is defined as the first direction, when the operating lever is swung in a direction approaching the remote control rod, the elongated member moves in the first direction, and the distance between the third axis and the base end of the remote control rod in the direction along the longitudinal direction of the remote control rod is smaller than the distance between the second axis and the base end of the remote control rod in the direction along the longitudinal direction of the remote control rod. (6) The gripping tool according to (5) above, wherein the gripping tool is configured such that when the operating lever is operated at a constant angular velocity around the first axis so that the operating lever approaches the remote control rod, the moving speed of the elongated member in the first direction gradually decreases. (7) The gripping tool according to (1) above, wherein the operating lever is maintained in a non-contact state with the remote control rod when the first gripping portion of the first gripping piece and the second gripping portion of the second gripping piece are in a state where they are closest to each other.(8) The gripping tool according to (4) above, further including a biasing member that biases the elongated member in the second direction, where the direction opposite to the first direction is defined as a second direction, and the biasing member is disposed inside the remote control rod at the base end. (9) The gripping tool according to (1) above, further including a tip link that connects the first gripping piece and the elongated member, and the first gripping piece is swingable relative to the second gripping piece about a fourth axis, the tip link is swingable relative to the elongated member about a fifth axis, and the first gripping piece is swingable relative to the tip link about a sixth axis. (10) The gripping tool according to any one of (1) to (9) above, wherein the operation lever, the link member, and the elongated member form a toggle mechanism.

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gripping tool that can be made slimmer and has improved operability.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a gripping tool according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a gripping tool according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a gripping tool according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a portion of the gripping tool according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view showing a portion of the gripping tool according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a gripping tool according to a first modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state change associated with operation of an operating lever. FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state change associated with operation of an operating lever. FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view showing a portion of the gripping tool according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a portion of the gripping tool according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a portion of the gripping tool according to the first embodiment. FIG. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a portion of the gripping tool according to the first embodiment. Fig. 13 is a schematic perspective view showing a part of the gripping tool in the first embodiment. Fig. 14 is a schematic perspective view showing a part of the gripping tool in the first embodiment. Fig. 15 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a part of the gripping tool in the second embodiment. Fig. 16 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a part of the gripping tool in the second embodiment. Fig. 17 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a part of the gripping tool in the second embodiment.

[0011] Hereinafter, 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.

[0012] (Definition of direction) In this specification, the direction from the tip end 31 of the remote control rod 3 to the base end 32 of the remote control rod 3 is defined as the "first direction DR1," and the direction opposite to the first direction DR1 is defined as the "second direction DR2."

[0013] First Embodiment A gripping tool 1A according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 14. FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a gripping tool 1A according to the first embodiment. FIGS. 2 and 3 are schematic cross-sectional views showing a gripping tool 1A according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a portion of a gripping tool 1A according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view showing a portion of a gripping tool 1A according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a gripping tool 1A according to a first modified example of the first embodiment. FIGS. 7 and 8 are schematic cross-sectional views showing state changes associated with operation of an operating lever 7. FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view showing a portion of a gripping tool 1A according to the first embodiment. FIGS. 10 to 12 are schematic cross-sectional views showing a portion of a gripping tool 1A according to the first embodiment. FIGS. 13 and 14 are schematic perspective views showing a portion of a gripping tool 1A according to the first embodiment.

[0014] As illustrated in Fig. 1, the gripping tool 1A in the first embodiment includes a gripping unit 2, a remote control rod 3, a link member 5, a support 6, and an operating lever 7. Furthermore, as illustrated in Fig. 2, the gripping tool 1A in the first embodiment includes an elongated member 4 disposed inside the remote control rod 3.

[0015] The gripping unit 2 has a first gripping piece 21 and a second gripping piece 22. In the example shown in Fig. 2, the first gripping piece 21 is a movable gripping piece that can swing relative to the remote control wand 3, and the second gripping piece 22 is a fixed gripping piece that cannot swing relative to the remote control wand 3. Alternatively, both the first gripping piece 21 and the second gripping piece 22 may be movable gripping pieces that can swing relative to the remote control wand 3.

[0016] 1 , the remote control wand 3 has a tip end 31 that supports the gripping unit 2, and a base end 32. When a task is performed using the gripping tool 1A, the base end 32 is gripped by an operator. Furthermore, by moving the base end 32, the position of the gripping unit 2 or the tilt angle of the remote control wand 3 relative to the horizontal plane can be changed. In this way, the remote control wand 3 can be used to move the gripping unit 2 toward an object to be gripped (e.g., an electric wire, etc.).

[0017] 4, the elongated member 4 is disposed inside the remote control wand 3 along the longitudinal direction of the remote control wand 3. The elongated member 4 may be rigid or flexible.

[0018] The link member 5 is swingably connected to the elongated member 4. In the example shown in Fig. 4, the link member 5 is swingably connected to the elongated member 4 via a pin (hereinafter referred to as "third pin P3").

[0019] As illustrated in Fig. 1, the support body 6 is attached to the base end 32 of the remote control rod 3. The support body 6 also supports the operating lever 7. In the example illustrated in Fig. 4, the support body 6 has an attachment member 61 attached to the base end 32 of the remote control rod 3, and a pin (hereinafter referred to as "first pin P1") supported by the attachment member 61. The first pin P1 supports the operating lever 7 so that it can swing.

[0020] The operating lever 7 has a first portion 71 and a second portion 74. The first portion 71 is supported by the support body 6 (more specifically, the first pin P1) so as to be swingable about a first axis AX1. The second portion 74 is swingably connected to the link member 5. In the example shown in FIG. 4 , the first axis AX1 is disposed at a position separated from the remote control rod 3 and does not intersect with the remote control rod 3. Alternatively, the first axis AX1 may be disposed so as to intersect with the remote control rod 3.

[0021] 2 and 3 , the operating lever 7 operates the first grip piece 21 via the link member 5 and the elongated member 4. More specifically, the operating lever 7 moves the first grip piece 21 relative to the second grip piece 22 via the link member 5 and the elongated member 4.

[0022] If the entire elongated member (e.g., connecting rod) that transmits the operating force to the first gripping piece is positioned outside the remote control rod 3, the elongated member may interfere with objects around the object to be gripped during work performed with the gripping tool. Furthermore, if the entire elongated member (e.g., connecting rod) that transmits the operating force to the first gripping piece is positioned outside the remote control rod 3, the force acting on the elongated member may cause the remote control rod 3 to bend in a direction perpendicular to the remote control rod 3.

[0023] In contrast, in the gripping tool 1A of the first embodiment, the elongated member 4 that transmits the operating force to the first gripping piece 21 is arranged inside the remote control wand 3. This allows for a slimmer gripping tool 1A. Furthermore, because the elongated member 4 is arranged inside the remote control wand 3, the elongated member 4 does not interfere with objects around the object to be gripped. Furthermore, because the elongated member 4 is arranged inside the remote control wand 3, the remote control wand 3 does not substantially bend in a direction perpendicular to the remote control wand 3 due to a force acting on the elongated member. In other words, bending of the remote control wand 3 in a direction perpendicular to the remote control wand 3 is prevented or suppressed.

[0024] Furthermore, in the gripping tool 1A of the first embodiment, the first gripping piece 21 is operated by swinging the operating lever 7 via the link member 5 and the elongated member 4. This makes it easy to operate the first gripping piece 21 remotely. Furthermore, since the operating lever 7 does not need to be directly connected to the elongated member 4, there is a high degree of freedom in the arrangement of the operating lever 7. Therefore, by arranging the operating lever 7 in a position that is easy to operate, the operability of the gripping tool 1A is improved.

[0025] Next, optional additional configurations that can be employed in the gripping tool 1A in the first embodiment (or the gripping tool 1B in the second embodiment described later) will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0026] (Link Member 5) In the example shown in Fig. 4, the link member 5 is pivotable relative to the operating lever 7 about a second axis AX2 parallel to the first axis AX1. More specifically, the link member 5 is connected to the operating lever 7 via a pin (hereinafter referred to as the "second pin P2") so as to be pivotable about the second axis AX2. In the example shown in Fig. 4, the link member 5 is pivotable relative to the elongated member 4 about a third axis AX3 parallel to the first axis AX1. More specifically, the link member 5 is connected to the elongated member 4 via the third pin P3 so as to be pivotable about the third axis AX3.

[0027] 5, the link member 5 includes a link arm 5a. The remote control rod 3 is formed with an elongated hole 30h through which the link member 5 (more specifically, the link arm 5a) passes.

[0028] As illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, when the operating lever 7 is operated, the link member 5 (more specifically, the link arm 5a) moves relative to the elongated hole 30h. As illustrated in Figure 5, the link arm 5a may be a plate-shaped arm. If the link arm 5a is plate-shaped (in other words, if the thickness TH of the link arm 5a is smaller than the width W1 of the link arm 5a), the width W2 of the elongated hole 30h can be made smaller. This prevents a decrease in the strength of the remote control wand 3 due to the presence of the elongated hole 30h.

[0029] The link member 5 is preferably configured with a single link arm 5a. When the link member 5 is configured with a single link arm 5a, the structure of the link member 5 is simplified. Alternatively, the link member 5 may include a pair of link arms 5a arranged parallel to each other. When the link member 5 includes a pair of link arms 5a, the strength of the link member 5 as a whole is increased.

[0030] In the example shown in FIG. 4 , the link member 5 (more specifically, the link arm 5a) has a first end 51 coupled to the second portion 74 of the operating lever 7 and a second end 52 coupled to the elongated member 4. In the example shown in FIG. 4 , a second axis AX2 is disposed so as to pass through the first end 51. More specifically, the first end 51 is supported by a second pin P2 so as to be pivotable about the second axis AX2. In the example shown in FIG. 4 , a third axis AX3 is disposed so as to pass through the second end 52. More specifically, the second end 52 is supported by a third pin P3 so as to be pivotable about the third axis AX3.

[0031] In the example shown in Fig. 4, the link member 5 is a linear member. More specifically, the link member 5 is a linear member extending along a straight line connecting the second axis AX2 and the third axis AX3 when viewed in a direction parallel to the first axis AX1. Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 6, the link member 5 may be a member curved in a direction toward the remote control wand 3. When the link member 5 is curved in a direction toward the remote control wand 3, the operator's fingers are less likely to interfere with the link member 5 compared to when the link member 5 is linear.

[0032] (Movement Direction of the Elongated Member 4) In the example shown in Figures 2 and 3, when the operating lever 7 is swung toward the remote control rod 3, the elongated member 4 moves in the first direction DR1. In this case, when the operating lever 7 is swung toward the remote control rod 3, tension acts on the elongated member 4. The first gripping piece 21 is then operated using this tension as a driving force. When tension acts as the driving force, the strength required of the elongated member 4 is smaller than when compression acts as the driving force. More specifically, when compression acts as the driving force, the elongated member 4 is required to have a relatively high strength to prevent buckling or large deflection. In contrast, when tension acts as the driving force, buckling or large deflection does not occur. Therefore, the strength required of the elongated member 4 is smaller. This makes it easy to reduce the weight of the elongated member 4. For example, the outer diameter of the elongated member 4 can be reduced. Furthermore, when the elongated member 4 is a tubular body, the wall thickness of the tubular body can be reduced. Furthermore, although the elongated member 4 is preferably a rigid body, it is also possible to make the elongated member 4 a flexible body (for example, a wire, a string, etc.).

[0033] As illustrated in FIG. 2 , in this specification, the distance between the second axis AX2 and the base end 32 e of the remote control rod 3 in the longitudinal direction of the remote control rod 3 is defined as a first distance L1, and the distance between the third axis AX3 and the base end 32 e of the remote control rod 3 in the longitudinal direction of the remote control rod 3 is defined as a second distance L2. The difference between the first distance L1 and the second distance L2 is defined as a distance difference DF. In the example shown in FIG. 2 , the second distance L2 is smaller than the first distance L1. In this case, the link member 5 can effectively convert movement of the second axis AX2 toward the remote control rod 3 into movement of the third axis AX3 in the first direction DR1.

[0034] 2 , the first gripping piece 21 has a first gripping portion 210 that contacts the gripping object, and the second gripping piece 22 has a second gripping portion 220 that contacts the gripping object. The first gripping portion 210 has, for example, a first tip gripping surface 211 arranged at the tip of the first gripping piece 21. Furthermore, the second gripping portion 220 has a second tip gripping surface 221 arranged at the tip of the second gripping piece 22.

[0035] In this specification, a state in which the first gripping portion 210 (more specifically, the first tip gripping surface 211) and the second gripping portion 220 (more specifically, the second tip gripping surface 221) are separated as far as possible is defined as a first state S1 (see FIG. 2). Also, in this specification, a state in which the first gripping portion 210 (more specifically, the first tip gripping surface 211) and the second gripping portion 220 (more specifically, the second tip gripping surface 221) are closest to each other is defined as a second state S2 (see FIG. 3). In the example shown in FIG. 3, in the second state S2, the first tip gripping surface 211 and the second tip gripping surface 221 are in contact with each other.

[0036] In the example shown in Fig. 2, in the first state S1, the second distance L2 is smaller than the first distance L1. In the example shown in Fig. 3, in the second state S2, the second distance L2 is smaller than the first distance L1. In addition, the distance difference DF (see Fig. 3) in the second state S2 is larger than the distance difference DF (see Fig. 2) in the first state S1.

[0037] In the example shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the distance difference DF monotonically increases as the operating lever 7 approaches the remote control rod 3. Therefore, when the operating lever 7 is swung toward the remote control rod 3, the elongated member 4 consistently moves in the first direction DR1. Furthermore, in the example shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , when the operating lever 7 is operated at a constant angular velocity about the first axis AX1 to approach the remote control rod 3, the moving speed of the elongated member 4 in the first direction DR1 gradually decreases. In this case, the ratio of the second force F2 applied to the elongated member 4 from the link member 5 to the first force F1 applied to the link member 5 from the operating lever 7 increases as the operating lever 7 approaches the remote control rod 3. Therefore, a strong operating force can be applied from the elongated member 4 to the first grip piece 21 at the timing when the distance between the operating lever 7 and the remote control rod 3 becomes small (in other words, a good force-boosting mechanism can be provided).

[0038] As illustrated in Figure 4, in this specification, a ray that starts on the second axis AX2 and connects the second axis AX2 and the first axis AX1 when viewed in a direction parallel to the first axis AX1 is defined as a first ray LN1. Also, in this specification, a ray that starts on the second axis AX2 and connects the second axis AX2 and the third axis AX3 when viewed in a direction parallel to the first axis AX1 is defined as a second ray LN2. Furthermore, as illustrated in Figure 4, in this specification, the angle formed between the first ray LN1 and the second ray LN2 is defined as a first angle α.

[0039] In the example shown in Fig. 7 , the first angle α is always greater than 90 degrees. In this case, the first angle α smoothly increases as the second axis AX2 moves toward the remote control stick 3. In the example shown in Fig. 7 , the first angle α in the second state S2 is greater than the first angle α in the first state S1. In the example shown in Fig. 7 , the first angle α is configured to monotonically increase as the operating lever 7 approaches the remote control stick 3. The first angle α in the first state S1 is, for example, greater than 90 degrees and equal to or less than 135 degrees. Furthermore, the first angle α in the second state S2 is, for example, greater than 135 degrees and equal to or less than 180 degrees.

[0040] As illustrated in Figure 7, in this specification, the angle between the longitudinal direction of the remote control rod 3 and the first half line LN1 when viewed in a direction parallel to the first axis AX1 is defined as the second angle β.

[0041] In the example shown in Figure 7, in the first state S1, the second angle β is 30 degrees or less (more specifically, 25 degrees or less). A small second angle β makes it easy for the operator to simultaneously grasp the control lever 7 and the remote control rod 3. Also, when operating the control lever 7 to switch from the first state S1 to the second state S2, the operating distance of the control lever 7 can be short. In the example shown in Figure 7, the angle by which the control lever 7 rotates about the first axis AX1 when switching from the first state S1 to the second state S2 is, for example, 50 degrees or less, 45 degrees or less, or 40 degrees or less.

[0042] As illustrated in Fig. 8, the distance between the central axis C1 of the remote control rod 3 and the first axis AX1 is defined as a third distance L3, and the distance between the central axis C1 and the second axis AX2 is defined as a fourth distance L4. In the example illustrated in Fig. 8, in the first state S1, the fourth distance L4 is greater than the third distance L3. On the other hand, in the second state S2, the fourth distance L4 is smaller than the third distance L3.

[0043] 3 , in the second state S2 (in other words, when the first grip portion 210 and the second grip portion 220 are closest to each other), the operating lever 7 is maintained in a non-contact state with the remote control wand 3. In this case, in the second state S2, the operator can easily transmit a gripping force to the operating lever 7. In addition, the operator's fingers are less likely to become pinched between the operating lever 7 and the remote control wand 3.

[0044] (Biasing member 8) In the example shown in FIG. 4 , the gripping tool 1A includes a biasing member 8 that biases the elongated member 4 in the second direction DR2. In the example shown in FIG. 4 , the biasing member 8 is disposed on the outside of the remote control rod 3. The biasing member 8 is, for example, a spring (more specifically, a coil spring or a torsion coil spring). In the example shown in FIG. 4 , the biasing member 8 biases the elongated member 4 in the second direction DR2 via the operating lever 7 and the link member 5. Furthermore, by biasing the elongated member 4 in the second direction DR2, the first gripping piece 21 is biased in a direction that increases the distance between the first gripping portion 210 and the second gripping portion 220.

[0045] 9, the gripping unit 2 includes a first gripping piece 21 and a second gripping piece 22. The first gripping piece 21 has a first gripping portion 210 that contacts the gripping object. The second gripping piece 22 has a second gripping portion 220 that contacts the gripping object.

[0046] In the example shown in FIG. 9 , the first gripping portion 210 has a first distal gripping surface 211. The first distal gripping surface 211 is used to grip, for example, a sheet-like gripping object T1 (see FIG. 10 ). In the example shown in FIG. 9 , the first distal gripping surface 211 is an uneven surface. Alternatively, the first distal gripping surface 211 may be a smooth surface. In the example shown in FIG. 9 , the first gripping portion 210 has a first central gripping surface 215. The first central gripping surface 215 is used to grip or hold, for example, a cable-like gripping object T2 (see FIG. 11 ), such as an electric wire. In the example shown in FIG. 9 , the first central gripping surface 215 is a concave surface (e.g., a concave curved surface).

[0047] In the example shown in FIG. 9 , the second gripping portion 220 has a second distal gripping surface 221. The second distal gripping surface 221 is used to grip, for example, a sheet-like gripping object T1 (see FIG. 10 ). In the example shown in FIG. 9 , the second distal gripping surface 221 is an uneven surface. Alternatively, the second distal gripping surface 221 may be a smooth surface. In the example shown in FIG. 9 , the second gripping portion 220 has a second central gripping surface 225. The second central gripping surface 225 is used to grip or hold, for example, a cable-like gripping object T2 (see FIG. 11 ), such as an electric wire. In the example shown in FIG. 9 , the second central gripping surface 225 is a concave surface (e.g., a concave curved surface).

[0048] 12, the first gripping piece 21 is pivotable about a fourth axis AX4 relative to the second gripping piece 22. More specifically, the first gripping piece 21 is connected to the second gripping piece 22 so as to be pivotable about the fourth axis AX4. In the example shown in Fig. 12, the fourth axis AX4 is disposed at a position eccentric to the central axis C1 of the remote control wand 3. In other words, the fourth axis AX4 is not on the central axis C1 of the remote control wand 3.

[0049] In the example shown in Figure 12, the first gripping piece 21 is connected to the second gripping piece 22 via a pin (hereinafter referred to as the "fourth pin P4") so that it can swing around the fourth axis AX4.

[0050] 12, the second grip piece 22 has an attachment portion 228, which is attached to the tip 31 of the remote control wand 3. The attachment portion 228 is attached to the tip 31 of the remote control wand 3 via a fixing member 24 such as a bolt.

[0051] 12, the gripping tool 1 has a tip link 91 that connects the first gripping piece 21 and the elongated member 4. The tip link 91 includes, for example, a link arm 91a.

[0052] 12, the tip link 91 is pivotable about a fifth axis AX5 relative to the elongated member 4. More specifically, the tip link 91 is connected to the elongated member 4 so as to be pivotable about the fifth axis AX5. In the example shown in FIG. 12, the tip link 91 is connected to the elongated member 4 via a pin (hereinafter referred to as "fifth pin P5") so as to be pivotable about the fifth axis AX5.

[0053] 12, the first gripping piece 21 is pivotable about the sixth axis AX6 relative to the tip link 91. More specifically, the first gripping piece 21 is connected to the tip link 91 so as to be pivotable about the sixth axis AX6. In the example shown in FIG. 12, the first gripping piece 21 is connected to the tip link 91 via a pin (hereinafter referred to as "sixth pin P6") so as to be pivotable about the sixth axis AX6.

[0054] Because the tip link 91 is swingable relative to the elongated member 4 and the first gripping piece 21 is swingable relative to the tip link 91, the first gripping piece 21 swings smoothly about the fourth axis AX4 (more specifically, about the fourth pin P4) relative to the second gripping piece 22. More specifically, in the example shown in Fig. 12, as the first gripping piece 21 swings relative to the second gripping piece 22, the distance between the sixth axis AX6 (more specifically, the sixth pin P6) and the central axis C1 of the remote control rod 3 changes. The tip link 91 swings about the fifth axis AX5 (more specifically, about the fifth pin P5) in response to this change in distance.

[0055] (Remote control rod 3) As illustrated in Fig. 12, the remote control rod 3 is a hollow control rod (more specifically, a tubular control rod). In the example shown in Fig. 12, a first opening OP1 is formed at the tip 31e of the remote control rod 3 (in other words, the end on the second direction DR2 side). In addition, a tip link 91 is arranged to pass through the first opening OP1. In the example shown in Fig. 2, a base end opening OP3 is formed at the base end 32e of the remote control rod 3.

[0056] 2, the hollow portion 3h of the remote control wand 3 extends along the longitudinal direction of the remote control wand 3. The elongated member 4 is disposed in the hollow portion 3h. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the hollow portion 3h extends from the base end 32e of the remote control wand 3 to the tip end 31e of the remote control wand 3.

[0057] The remote control rod 3 is made of, for example, FRP (in other words, fiber reinforced plastic). When the remote control rod 3 is made of FRP, the remote control rod 3 is lightweight. When the object to be grasped is an electric wire such as an overhead power line, the remote control rod 3 is preferably an electrically insulating control rod. The material of the remote control rod 3 or the characteristics of the remote control rod 3, such as its electrical insulation, are set appropriately depending on the type of object to be grasped or the type of work to be performed using the gripping tool 1. In other words, the material or characteristics of the remote control rod 3 are not limited to the above examples and are arbitrary.

[0058] The length of the remote control wand 3 is, for example, 70 cm or more, 90 cm or more, or 110 cm or more.

[0059] (Elongated Member 4) In the example shown in FIG. 2 , the elongated member 4 includes a rod-shaped body 41 extending along the longitudinal direction of the remote control wand 3. As illustrated in FIG. 2 , the rod-shaped body 41 may be a hollow rod-shaped body (more specifically, a tubular body). Alternatively, the rod-shaped body 41 may be a solid rod-shaped body. The rod-shaped body 41 is made of, for example, FRP (in other words, fiber reinforced plastic). When the rod-shaped body 41 is made of FRP, the weight of the elongated member 4 is reduced. In the example shown in FIG. 2 , the entire rod-shaped body 41 is disposed inside the remote control wand 3.

[0060] 12, a second opening OP2 is formed at the tip 41e (in other words, the end on the second direction DR2 side) of the elongated member 4. In addition, the tip link 91 is arranged to pass through the second opening OP2.

[0061] 4, the elongated member 4 includes, in addition to the rod-shaped body 41, an attachment part 42 attached to the rod-shaped body 41. The attachment part 42 supports a third pin P3. The third pin P3 also supports the link member 5 so that the link member 5 can swing.

[0062] 13 , the elongated member 4 (more specifically, the attachment part 42) has a slit SL formed therein that receives the second end 52 of the link member 5 (more specifically, the link arm 5 a). When the operating lever 7 is operated, the second end 52 of the link member 5 (more specifically, the link arm 5 a) moves relative to the slit SL.

[0063] (Spacer 45) In the example shown in Fig. 2, the elongated member 4 has a spacer 45 arranged between the outer surface of the rod-shaped body 41 and the inner surface of the remote control wand 3. The spacer 45 suppresses rattle of the elongated member 4 relative to the remote control wand 3. As illustrated in Fig. 2, the spacer 45 may have a first spacer 45a arranged at the tip end of the elongated member 4 and a second spacer 45b arranged at the base end of the elongated member 4.

[0064] (Operation Lever 7) In the example shown in Fig. 4, the operation lever 7 has a first portion 71 supported by the support body 6 so as to be swingable about the first axis AX1, and a second portion 74 swingably connected to the link member 5 (more specifically, the link arm 5a). The operation lever 7 also has a free end portion 77. A protrusion 77t for a finger rest may be formed on the free end portion 77. The protrusion 77t functions as a stopper for the operator's finger. In the first state S1 described above, the protrusion 77t may protrude in a direction substantially perpendicular to the central axis C1 of the remote control rod 3.

[0065] 4 , the second portion 74 is disposed between the first portion 71 and the free end portion 77. More specifically, the first portion 71 constitutes one end of the operating lever 7, the free end portion 77 constitutes the other end of the operating lever 7, and the second portion 74 constitutes the central portion of the operating lever 7.

[0066] 14 , a second slit SL2 that receives the first end 51 of the link member 5 (more specifically, the link arm 5 a) is formed in the second portion 74. When the operating lever 7 is operated, the first end 51 of the link member 5 (more specifically, the link arm 5 a) moves relative to the second slit SL2.

[0067] (Waterproof Mechanism) In the example shown in Fig. 12, two split rings 46 are disposed between the spacer 45 (more specifically, the first spacer 45a) and the remote control rod 3. Grease E is held in the space defined by the two split rings 46, the spacer 45 (more specifically, the first spacer 45a), and the inner surface of the remote control rod 3. In the example shown in Fig. 12, the spacer 45, the two split rings 46, and the grease E form a waterproof mechanism. Each of the two split rings 46 is made of, for example, metal.

[0068] 1 , a safety area defining flange 11 that defines a safety area may be attached to the remote control wand 3. When the safety area defining flange 11 is attached to the remote control wand 3, the area closer to the base end than the safety area defining flange 11 (in other words, the first direction DR1 side) is an area that the user may touch during work, and the area closer to the tip end than the safety area defining flange 11 (in other words, the second direction DR2 side) is an area that the user must not touch during work. The safety area defining flange 11 is made of an electrically insulating material (for example, an electrically insulating resin).

[0069] As illustrated in Figure 1, the remote control rod 3 may be equipped with a rain guard 12 that prevents rain from running down the remote control rod 3 toward the base end (in other words, toward the first direction DR1).

[0070] Second Embodiment A gripping tool 1B according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 15 to 17. Figures 15 to 17 are schematic cross-sectional views showing a gripping tool 1B according to the second embodiment.

[0071] The gripping tool 1B of the second embodiment differs from the gripping tool 1A of the first embodiment in that the biasing member 8 is disposed inside the remote control rod 3 (more specifically, in the hollow portion 3h of the remote control rod 3). In other respects, the second embodiment is similar to the first embodiment.

[0072] In the second embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described, and repetitive descriptions 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. Conversely, matters described in the second embodiment can also be adopted in the first embodiment.

[0073] The gripping tool 1B in the second embodiment includes a gripping unit 2, a remote control rod 3, an elongated member 4, a link member 5, a support member 6, and an operating lever 7. The gripping unit 2, the remote control rod 3, the elongated member 4, the link member 5, the support member 6, and the operating lever 7 have already been described in the first embodiment, so a repeated description of these components will be omitted.

[0074] (Biasing member 8) The gripping tool 1B includes a biasing member 8 that biases the elongated member 4 in the second direction DR2. In the example shown in Fig. 15, the biasing member 8 is disposed inside the remote control rod 3. More specifically, the biasing member 8 is disposed inside the remote control rod 3 at the base end 32 of the remote control rod 3. The biasing member 8 is, for example, a spring (more specifically, a coil spring 81).

[0075] When the biasing member 8 is disposed inside the remote control rod 3, the biasing member 8 is protected by the remote control rod 3. Therefore, the biasing member 8 is less likely to be damaged. Furthermore, when the biasing member 8 is disposed inside the remote control rod 3 at the base end 32 of the remote control rod 3, the force transmission system by which the biasing member 8 presses the elongated member 4 in the second direction DR2 is simplified. Therefore, the reliability of the force transmission system is high, and the biasing force of the biasing member 8 is stably transmitted to the elongated member 4. Furthermore, it is easy to set the biasing force of the biasing member 8 to a desired value.

[0076] 15 , the biasing member 8 directly biases the elongated member 4 in the second direction DR2. In addition, by biasing the elongated member 4 in the second direction DR2, the first gripping piece 21 is biased in a direction that increases the distance between the first gripping portion 210 and the second gripping portion 220.

[0077] 15, the biasing member 8 (more specifically, the coil spring 81) can be inserted into the hollow portion 3h of the remote control rod 3 through the proximal end opening OP3 of the remote control rod 3. In this case, it is easy to arrange the biasing member 8 inside the proximal end portion 32 of the remote control rod 3. In addition, the biasing member 8 can be easily replaced.

[0078] 15, the gripping tool 1B has a plug 85 that can be inserted into the hollow portion 3h of the remote control rod 3. The plug 85 functions as a spring receiving member that supports one end of the coil spring 81. In the example shown in FIG. 15, the coil spring 81 is disposed between the elongated member 4 and the plug 85.

[0079] (Toggle mechanism M1) In this specification, a mechanism consisting of two links and a slider, in which one link uses force transmitted from the other link to cause the other link to move the slider linearly, is defined as a "toggle mechanism M1."

[0080] 15 to 17 , a toggle mechanism M1 is configured by the operating lever 7, the link member 5 (more specifically, the link arm 5a), and the elongated member 4. More specifically, in the example shown in FIG. 15 , the operating lever 7 functions as one link in the toggle mechanism M1, the link member 5 (more specifically, the link arm 5a) functions as the other link in the toggle mechanism M1, and the elongated member 4 functions as a slider in the toggle mechanism M1. In the example shown in FIGS. 15 to 17 , the link member 5 (more specifically, the link arm 5a) linearly moves the elongated member 4 in the first direction DR1 by utilizing a first force F1 applied from the operating lever 7 to the link member 5 (more specifically, the link arm 5a).

[0081] 15 to 17, the toggle mechanism M1 functions as a force multiplier mechanism, which allows a relatively large force to be applied to the object to be grasped with a relatively small force.

[0082] 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.

[0083] The gripping tool of the present invention can be made slimmer and more user-friendly, which is useful for contractors who use gripping tools for work or manufacturers of gripping tools.

[0084] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 1A, 1B...gripping tool, 2...gripping unit, 3...remote control rod, 3h...hollow portion, 4...elongated member, 5...link member, 5a...link arm, 6...support, 7...operating lever, 8...urging member, 11...safety area defining flange, 12...rain guard flange, 21...first gripping piece, 22...second gripping piece, 24...fixing member, 30h...long hole, 31...tip portion, 31e...tip portion, 32...base end portion, 32e...base end, 41...rod-shaped body, 41e...tip portion, 42...mounting part, 45...spacer, 45a...first spacer, 45b...second spacer, 46...split ring, 51...first end portion, 52...second end portion, 61...mounting member, 71...first portion, 74...second portion, 77...free end portion, 77t...protruding portion, 81...coil spring, 85 ...Plug, 91...Tip link, 91a...Link arm, 210...First gripping part, 211...First tip gripping surface, 215...First central gripping surface, 220...Second gripping part, 221... Second tip gripping surface, 225... Second central gripping surface, 228... Attachment part, AX1... First axis, AX2... Second axis, AX3... Third axis, AX4... Fourth axis, AX5... Fifth axis, AX6... Third axis. 6 axes, C1...central axis, E...grease, M1...toggle mechanism, OP1...first opening, OP2...second opening, OP3...base end opening, P1...first pin, P2...second pin, P3...third pin, P4...fourth pin, P5...fifth pin, P6...sixth pin, S1...first state, S2...second state, SL...slit, SL2...second slit, T1, T2...grasp object

Claims

1. A gripping tool comprising: a gripping unit having a first gripping piece and a second gripping piece; a remote control rod having a tip end supporting the gripping unit and a base end; an elongated member arranged inside the remote control rod along the longitudinal direction of the remote control rod; a link member swingably connected to the elongated member; a support attached to the base end; and an operating lever for operating the first gripping piece via the link member and the elongated member, wherein the operating lever has a first part swingably supported by the support around a first axis, and a second part swingably connected to the link member.

2. A gripping tool as described in claim 1, wherein the link member is capable of swinging relative to the operating lever around a second axis parallel to the first axis, and the link member is capable of swinging relative to the elongated member around a third axis parallel to the first axis.

3. A gripping tool as described in claim 1, wherein a long hole through which the link member passes is formed in the remote control rod, and when the operating lever is operated, the link member moves relative to the long hole.

4. A gripping tool as described in claim 1, wherein the direction from the tip end to the base end is defined as a first direction, and when the operating lever is swung in a direction approaching the remote control rod, the elongated member moves in the first direction.

5. A gripping tool as described in claim 2, wherein, when the direction from the tip end to the base end is defined as a first direction, when the operating lever is swung in a direction approaching the remote control rod, the elongated member moves in the first direction, and the distance between the third axis in the direction along the longitudinal direction of the remote control rod and the base end of the remote control rod is smaller than the distance between the second axis in the direction along the longitudinal direction of the remote control rod and the base end of the remote control rod.

6. A gripping tool as described in claim 5, configured such that when the operating lever is operated at a constant angular velocity around the first axis so as to approach the remote control rod, the moving speed of the elongated member in the first direction gradually decreases.

7. A gripping tool as described in claim 1, wherein when the first gripping portion of the first gripping piece and the second gripping portion of the second gripping piece are in the closest position to each other, the operating lever is maintained in a non-contact state with the remote control rod.

8. The gripping tool according to claim 4, further comprising a biasing member that biases the elongated member in the second direction, the biasing member being disposed inside the remote control rod at the base end, when a direction opposite to the first direction is defined as a second direction.

9. A gripping tool as described in claim 1, further comprising a tip link connecting the first gripping piece and the elongated member, wherein the first gripping piece is capable of swinging relative to the second gripping piece about a fourth axis, the tip link is capable of swinging relative to the elongated member about a fifth axis, and the first gripping piece is capable of swinging relative to the tip link about a sixth axis.

10. A gripping tool according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the operating lever, the link member, and the elongated member form a toggle mechanism.

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