Wire gripper and method for using wire gripper

Abstract

The present invention addresses the problem of providing a wire gripper capable of quickly releasing the swing lock of an operation lever and a method for using the wire gripper.　The wire gripper comprises: a first grip piece that presses a wire in a first direction; a second grip piece that presses the wire in a second direction; a base that movably supports the first grip piece and the second grip piece; a first operation lever and a second operation lever that are swingably supported by the base; a support that supports a lock member so that the lock member can move relative to the support; the lock member that locks the swing of the first operation lever with respect to the base by pressing the first operation lever; and a support pin that is supported by the base and supports the support. The support has a hole into which the support pin is inserted. The hole allows the support to move relative to the support pin in a direction perpendicular to the center axis of the support pin, and allows the support to swing around the support pin.

Description

Wire gripper and how to use it

[0001] The present invention relates to a wire gripper and a method for using the wire gripper.

[0002] Wire grippers are known.

[0003] As a related technique, Patent Document 1 discloses a wire gripper. The wire gripper described in Patent Document 1 includes a pair of gripping members, a main body that movably holds at least one of the pair of gripping members, an actuating lever that is rotatably attached to the main body and has one end of a chain connected thereto, a link mechanism that converts rotation of the actuating lever into reciprocating movement of the gripping members, and a locking mechanism that can prevent rotation of the actuating lever. The locking mechanism has a locking pin that is movable in the axial direction, and the locking pin is provided with a pressing member that can come into contact with an abutment portion provided on the actuating lever. The locking pin is rotatable about an axis perpendicular to its movement direction.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-17816

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a wire gripper that can quickly release the swing lock of an operating lever, and a method for using the wire gripper.

[0006] The present invention relates to a wire gripper and a method of using the wire gripper, as described below.

[0007] (1) A locking device comprising: a first gripping piece that presses a wire in a first direction in response to receiving a first pressing force directly or indirectly from a first actuating lever; a second gripping piece that presses the wire in a second direction opposite to the first direction in response to receiving a second pressing force directly or indirectly from a second actuating lever; a base that movably supports the first gripping piece and the second gripping piece; the first actuating lever that is swingably supported by the base; the second actuating lever that is swingably supported by the base; the support that supports the locking member so that the locking member is movable relative to the support; the locking member that presses the first actuating lever to lock the swing of the first actuating lever relative to the base; and a support pin that is supported by the base and supports the support, wherein the support has a hole into which the support pin is inserted, The wire gripper according to (1), wherein the hole allows the support body to move relative to the support pin in a direction perpendicular to the central axis of the support pin and allows the support body to swing around the support pin. (2) The wire gripper according to (1), wherein the locking member is threadedly engaged with the support body, and wherein the locking member is configured to move from an advanced position in which it presses the first operating lever to a retracted position by rotating the locking member in a first rotational direction around the central axis of the locking member. (3) The wire gripper according to (1), wherein the hole has a non-circular shape. (4) The wire gripper according to (3), wherein the hole has a substantially L-shape. (5) The wire gripper according to (3), wherein the hole has: a first portion that receives the shaft of the support pin when the locking member is positioned in the advanced position in which it presses the first operating lever; and a second portion that allows the entire support body to move parallel to the support pin in a direction away from the second gripping piece. (6) The support body and the locking member are capable of changing their positions between a first position in which the pressing portion of the locking member faces the pressed portion of the first operating lever, and a second position in which the pressing portion faces in a direction shifted from the pressed portion. The wire gripper described in any one of (3) to (5) above.(7) The wire gripper according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein a receiving space for receiving the wire is defined by a first gripping surface of the first gripping piece and a second gripping surface of the second gripping piece, and the first gripping piece and the second gripping piece are configured to operate symmetrically with respect to a central axis of the receiving space. (8) The wire gripper according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the base has a first surface arranged opposite to the first gripping piece and the second gripping piece, and a second surface arranged on the opposite side to the first surface, and a plurality of finger hook recesses extending from an outer edge of the base toward a center of the base are formed on the second surface.(9) A process of preparing a wire gripper including a base, a first operating lever swingably supported by the base, a second operating lever swingably supported by the base, a first gripping piece movably supported by the base, a second gripping piece movably supported by the base, a locking member, a support body that supports the locking member, and a support pin that supports the support body; a process of placing a wire in a receiving space between a first gripping surface of the first gripping piece and a second gripping surface of the second gripping piece; and a process of pressing the first operating lever with the locking member to lock the swing of the first operating lever relative to the base. a step of pulling the first and second operating levers with a pulling element so that the first gripping piece, which receives a first pressing force directly or indirectly from the first operating lever, presses the wire in a first direction, the second gripping piece, which receives a second pressing force directly or indirectly from the second operating lever, presses the wire in a second direction, and the wire is pulled by the first and second gripping pieces; a step of ending the pulling of the first and second operating levers; a step of releasing the swing lock of the first operating lever; and a step of removing the wire from the receiving space, wherein the step of releasing the swing lock of the first operating lever includes: moving the locking member relative to the support body so that the pressure of the first operating lever by the locking member is released; moving the support body relative to the support pin in a direction perpendicular to the central axis of the support pin; and swinging the support body and the locking member around the support pin. (10) A method of using the wire gripper described in (9) above, wherein moving the support body relative to the support pin includes moving the entire support body in a direction away from the second gripping piece.

[0008] The present invention can provide a wire gripper that can quickly release the swing lock of an operating lever, and a method for using the wire gripper.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a schematic front view showing a wire gripper according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic front view showing a portion of the wire gripper according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic front view showing a portion of the wire gripper according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a schematic front view showing a portion of the wire gripper according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a schematic front view showing a portion of the wire gripper according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic front view showing a wire gripper according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a schematic front view showing a wire gripper according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a first example of a hole portion. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a second example of a hole portion. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a third example of a hole portion. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a fourth example of a hole portion. FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining a fifth example of a hole portion. FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view showing a wire gripper according to the first embodiment. FIG. 14 is a schematic perspective view showing the wire gripper according to the first embodiment. FIG. 15 is a schematic front view showing a portion of the wire gripper according to the first embodiment. FIG. 16 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a support. FIG. 17 is a view showing an example of a locking member. FIG. 18 is a schematic front view showing the wire gripper according to the first embodiment. FIG. 19 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship between a base, a first gripping piece, and a second gripping piece. FIG. 20 is a schematic rear view showing the wire gripper according to the first embodiment. FIG. 21 is a schematic front view showing the wire gripper prepared in the preparation step. FIG. 22 is a schematic front view showing the swing locking step being performed. FIG. 23 is a schematic front view showing the swing locking step being performed. FIG. 24 is a schematic front view showing the pulling step being performed. FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing an example of a method of using the wire gripper according to the second embodiment.

[0010] Hereinafter, the wire gripper 1 and the method of using the wire gripper according to the embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In this specification, components having the same function are designated by the same or similar reference numerals. Furthermore, repeated descriptions of components designated by the same or similar reference numerals may be omitted.

[0011] (Definition of Directions) In this specification, the direction in which the first gripping piece 2 presses the wire W is defined as a "first direction DR1," and the direction opposite to the first direction DR1 is defined as a "second direction DR2." In this specification, the direction in which the wire W is pulled by the first gripping piece 2 and the second gripping piece 3 is defined as a "third direction DR3," and the direction opposite to the third direction DR3 is defined as a "fourth direction DR4." In the example shown in Figure 1, the third direction DR3 coincides with the direction from the wire gripper front end portion 11a to the wire gripper rear end portion 11b.

[0012] First Embodiment A wire gripper 1A according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 20 . FIG. 1 is a schematic front view showing the wire gripper 1A according to the first embodiment. FIGS. 2 to 5 are schematic front views showing a portion of the wire gripper 1A according to the first embodiment. FIGS. 6 and 7 are schematic front views showing the wire gripper 1A according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a first example of a hole 71. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a second example of a hole 71. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a third example of a hole 71. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a fourth example of a hole 71. FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining a fifth example of a hole 71. FIGS. 13 and 14 are schematic perspective views showing the wire gripper 1A according to the first embodiment. FIG. 15 is a schematic front view showing a portion of the wire gripper 1A according to the first embodiment. FIG. 16 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a support body 7. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a locking member 80. FIG. 18 is a schematic front view showing the wire gripper 1A according to the first embodiment. FIG. 19 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship between the base 4 and the first and second gripping pieces 2 and 3. FIG. 20 is a schematic rear view showing the wire gripper 1A according to the first embodiment. Note that in FIGS. 1 to 5, 8 to 12, and 15, a portion of the wire gripper 1A is cut away, and a cross section of the cutaway portion is shown. Also, in FIG. 17, the male thread portion 82m formed on the outer circumferential surface of the threaded rod 82 is not shown.

[0013] As illustrated in Figure 1, the wire gripper 1A in the first embodiment comprises a first gripping piece 2, a second gripping piece 3, a base 4, a first actuating lever 5, a second actuating lever 6, a support body 7, a locking member 80, and a support pin 85.

[0014] The first gripping piece 2 presses the wire W in the first direction DR1 in response to receiving the first pressing force F1 directly or indirectly from the first actuating lever 5. In the example shown in Fig. 1 , the first gripping piece 2 receives the first pressing force F1 directly from the first actuating lever 5. Alternatively, in the case where a force transmission member is interposed between the first gripping piece 2 and the first actuating lever 5, the first gripping piece 2 may receive the first pressing force F1 from the first actuating lever 5 via the force transmission member.

[0015] The second gripping piece 3 presses the wire W in the second direction DR2 in response to receiving the second pressing force F2 directly or indirectly from the second actuating lever 6. In the example shown in Fig. 1 , the second gripping piece 3 receives the second pressing force F2 directly from the second actuating lever 6. Alternatively, when a force transmission member is interposed between the second gripping piece 3 and the second actuating lever 6, the second gripping piece 3 may receive the second pressing force F2 from the second actuating lever 6 via the force transmission member.

[0016] The base 4 movably supports the first gripping piece 2 and the second gripping piece 3. In other words, each of the first gripping piece 2 and the second gripping piece 3 is movably supported by the base 4.

[0017] The base 4 swingably supports the first actuating lever 5 and the second actuating lever 6. In other words, the first actuating lever 5 is swingably supported by the base 4, and the second actuating lever 6 is swingably supported by the base 4. The base 4 may be formed of a single component, or may be formed by an assembly of multiple components.

[0018] The support body 7 supports the locking member 80. More specifically, the support body 7 supports the locking member 80 so that the locking member 80 is movable relative to the support body 7.

[0019] The locking member 80 presses the first operating lever 5 to lock the first operating lever 5 from swinging relative to the base 4. In this specification, "locking the swing" includes "substantially locking the swing." For example, when the locking member 80 presses the first operating lever 5, the first operating lever 5 may swing slightly relative to the base 4 due to the elastic properties of the wire W or the elastic properties of the components that make up the wire gripper 1A. In such a case, the first operating lever 5 is prevented from swinging by being pressed by the locking member 80. Therefore, it can be said that the swing of the first operating lever 5 is substantially locked.

[0020] 2 , the locking member 80 has a pressing portion 83p that presses the first actuating lever 5, and the first actuating lever 5 has a pressed portion 5r that is pressed by the pressing portion 83p. The pressing portion 83p is disposed, for example, at the tip of the locking member 80. The pressed portion 5r is formed, for example, by the concave curved surface 50r of the first actuating lever 5. In the example shown in FIG. 2 , the pressed portion 5r (more specifically, the concave curved surface 50r) of the first actuating lever 5 is pressed by the pressing portion 83p of the locking member 80, thereby locking the swinging of the first actuating lever 5 relative to the base 4.

[0021] As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the locking member 80 is capable of changing its position relative to the support body 7 between an advanced position P1 (see FIG. 2) and a retracted position P2 (see FIG. 3).

[0022] When the locking member 80 is in the advanced position P1, the locking member 80 presses the first actuating lever 5. Furthermore, when the locking member 80 is in the advanced position P1, the locking member 80 locks the first actuating lever 5 from swinging relative to the base 4. The advanced position P1 changes depending on the thickness of the wire W gripped by the first gripping piece 2 and the second gripping piece 3. In the example shown in Fig. 2, if the thickness of the wire W to be gripped is thin, the advanced position P1 is displaced toward the third direction DR3.

[0023] When the locking member 80 is in the retracted position P2, the locking member 80 is separated from the first actuating lever 5, or the locking member 80 is released from pressing the first actuating lever 5. The retracted position P2 is located on the fourth direction DR4 side compared to the advanced position P1.

[0024] The support pins 85 are supported by the base 4. The support pins 85 also support the support body 7.

[0025] As illustrated in Fig. 3 , the support body 7 has a hole 71 into which the support pin 85 is inserted. As illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4 , the hole 71 allows the support body 7 to move relative to the support pin 85 in a direction perpendicular to the central axis AX1 of the support pin 85. In other words, the hole 71 allows the support body 7 to move parallel to the support pin 85 in a direction perpendicular to the central axis AX1 of the support pin 85. Furthermore, as illustrated in Figs. 4 and 5 , the hole 71 allows the support body 7 to swing around the support pin 85.

[0026] In the wire gripper 1A of the first embodiment, the hole 71 formed in the support body 7 allows the support body 7 to move relative to the support pin 85 in a direction perpendicular to the center axis AX1 of the support pin 85 (see FIGS. 3 and 4). This relative movement moves the support body 7 to a position where it can easily swing relative to the support pin 85. Furthermore, in the wire gripper 1A of the first embodiment, the hole 71 formed in the support body 7 allows the support body 7 to swing around the support pin 85. This swing causes the locking member 80 supported by the support body 7 to move significantly away from the first actuating lever 5 (see FIG. 5). The large distance between the locking member 80 and the first actuating lever 5 allows the first actuating lever 5 to swing significantly relative to the base 4 (see FIG. 6). Furthermore, the large swing of the first actuating lever 5 increases the distance between the first gripping piece 2 and the second gripping piece 3. In this way, the wire W can be removed from the first gripping piece 2 and the second gripping piece 3 (see FIG. 7).

[0027] In the first embodiment, there is no need to move the locking member 80 significantly relative to the support body 7 in order to move the locking member 80 significantly away from the first actuating lever 5. Therefore, the swing lock of the first actuating lever 5 can be released quickly.

[0028] For example, as illustrated in Fig. 2, it is assumed that the locking member 80 is threadedly engaged with the support body 7. In this case, if the locking member 80 is rotated a number of revolutions around the central axis AX2 of the locking member 80, the locking member 80 can be separated significantly from the first actuating lever 5. However, it takes a relatively long time to rotate the locking member 80 a number of revolutions.

[0029] 2 and 3, by rotating the locking member 80 a few revolutions about the central axis AX2 of the locking member 80, the support body 7 becomes movable relative to the support pin 85 in a direction perpendicular to the central axis AX1 of the support pin 85. Thereafter, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 5, the support body 7 is moved relative to the support pin 85 in a direction perpendicular to the central axis AX1 of the support pin 85 (in other words, the support body 7 is moved parallel to the support pin 85 in a direction perpendicular to the central axis AX1 of the support pin 85), and the support body 7 is swung around the support pin 85. In this way, the swing lock of the first operating lever 5 by the locking member 80 is quickly released.

[0030] Next, optional additional configurations that can be employed in the wire gripper 1A of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0031] (Position change of the support body 7 and the locking member 80) In the example shown in Figures 4 and 5, the support body 7 and the locking member 80 can change their positions between the first position A1 and the second position A2 by swinging around the support pin 85.

[0032] 2, when the attitude of the support body 7 and the locking member 80 is the first attitude A1, the pressing portion 83p of the locking member 80 faces the pressed portion 5r of the first actuating lever 5. In the example shown in FIG. 2, when the attitude of the support body 7 and the locking member 80 is the first attitude A1, the central axis AX2 of the locking member 80 is substantially parallel to the third direction DR3.

[0033] 2, when the attitude of the support body 7 and the locking member 80 is the first attitude A1 and the locking member 80 is located in the advanced position P1, the pressing portion 83p of the locking member 80 presses the pressed portion 5r of the first actuating lever 5. In the example shown in Fig. 3, when the attitude of the support body 7 and the locking member 80 is the first attitude A1 and the locking member 80 is located in the retracted position P2, the pressing portion 83p of the locking member 80 moves away from the pressed portion 5r of the first actuating lever 5, or the locking member 80 releases its pressure on the first actuating lever 5.

[0034] 5 , when the attitude of the support body 7 and the locking member 80 is the second attitude A2, the pressing portion 83p of the locking member 80 faces in a direction shifted from the pressed portion 5r of the first actuating lever 5. When the attitude of the support body 7 and the locking member 80 is the second attitude A2, the central axis AX2 of the locking member 80 is significantly inclined with respect to the third direction DR3.

[0035] 2, the locking member 80 is threadedly engaged with the support body 7. More specifically, the locking member 80 has a male thread portion 82m, and the support body 7 has a female thread portion 76f that threads into the male thread portion 82m. In the example shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, when the locking member 80 is rotated in a first rotation direction R1 about a central axis AX2 of the locking member 80, the locking member 80 moves from an advanced position P1 (see FIG. 2) where it presses the first actuating lever 5 to a retracted position P2 (see FIG. 3).

[0036] When the locking member 80 is threadedly engaged with the support body 7, the support body 7 can suitably support the reaction force that the locking member 80, which is positioned in the advanced position P1, receives from the first operating lever 5. However, when the locking member 80 is threadedly engaged with the support body 7, it takes time to release the swing lock of the first operating lever 5 by the locking member 80. In contrast, in the example shown in Figures 3 to 5, the hole 71 formed in the support body 7 allows the support body 7 to move parallel to the support pin 85 and swing relative to the support pin 85, so that the swing lock of the first operating lever 5 by the locking member 80 can be released quickly.

[0037] 2 , the hole 71 is a non-circular hole 71a (more specifically, a substantially L-shaped hole). The non-circular hole 71a allows the support body 7 to move relative to the support pin 85 in a direction perpendicular to the central axis AX1 of the support pin 85 (e.g., in the third direction DR3 or the second direction DR2). For example, the non-circular hole 71a allows the entire support body 7 to move in a parallel direction toward the first actuating lever 5, and allows the entire support body 7 to move in a parallel direction away from the second gripping piece 3.

[0038] In the example shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the non-circular hole 71a allows the support body 7 to move relative to the support pin 85 in the third direction DR3.

[0039] 4 and 5 , the non-circular hole 71a allows the support body 7 to move relative to the support pin 85 in a direction away from the second gripping piece 3 (more specifically, in the second direction DR2). When the support body 7 moves in a direction away from the second gripping piece 3, the distance between the pressing portion 83p of the locking member 80 and the pressed portion 5r of the first actuating lever 5 increases. This increase in distance allows the support body 7 and the locking member 80 to swing smoothly relative to the support pin 85.

[0040] 2 , the hole 71 a has a first portion 72 and a second portion 73. When the posture of the support body 7 and the locking member 80 is the above-described first posture A1 and the locking member 80 is located at the advanced position P1 where it presses the first actuating lever 5, the first portion 72 of the hole 71 receives the shaft portion of the support pin 85.

[0041] In the example shown in Figures 4 and 5, the second portion 73 of the hole portion 71 allows the entire support body 7 to move parallel to the support pin 85 in a direction away from the second gripping piece 3 (more specifically, in the second direction DR2).

[0042] (First Example of Hole 71) In the example shown in FIG. 8( b), the first portion 72 of the hole 71 defines a first recess 72d recessed in the third direction DR3 when the attitude of the support body 7 and the locking member 80 is the first attitude A1 described above. The first recess 72d may be a first slot SL1 capable of receiving the shaft portion 85a of the support pin 85. In the example shown in FIG. 8( b), the second portion 73 of the hole 71 defines a second recess 73d recessed in the first direction DR1 when the attitude of the support body 7 and the locking member 80 is the first attitude A1 described above. The second recess 73d may be a second slot SL2 capable of receiving the shaft portion 85a of the support pin 85. In the example shown in FIG. 8( b), the first slot SL1 and the second slot SL2 form a substantially L-shaped hole 71.

[0043] In the example shown in FIG. 8A, the support body 7 is positioned by the support pin 85 by fitting the shaft portion 85a of the support pin 85 into the first recess 72d (more specifically, the first slot SL1).

[0044] 8B , the first recess 72d (more specifically, the first slot SL1) extends along the third direction DR3 when the support body 7 and the locking member 80 are in the first position A1. In this case, the first recess 72d can guide the relative movement of the support body 7 with respect to the support pin 85 in the third direction DR3.

[0045] In the example shown in Figure 8(b), the second recess 73d (more specifically, the second slot SL2) extends along the second direction DR2 when the attitude of the support body 7 and the locking member 80 is the above-mentioned first attitude A1. In this case, the second recess 73d can guide the relative movement of the support body 7 in the second direction DR2 with respect to the support pin 85 (see Figure 8(c)).

[0046] Furthermore, the second portion 73 of the hole 71 (more specifically, the second recess 73 d ) allows the support body 7 to swing around the support pin 85 .

[0047] 9(b), the first portion 72 of the hole 71 defines a first recess 72d that is recessed in the third direction DR3 when the attitude of the support body 7 and the locking member 80 is the above-described first attitude A1. The second portion 73 of the hole 71 allows the support body 7 to move parallel to the support pin 85 in a direction perpendicular to the central axis AX1 of the support pin 85.

[0048] 9B, the hole 71 has a shape in which two circles of different sizes are connected together. More specifically, a first portion 72 of the hole 71 is defined by a relatively small-diameter circle 72h, and a second portion 73 of the hole 71 is defined by a relatively large-diameter circle 73h.

[0049] In the example shown in FIG. 9A, the shaft portion 85a of the support pin 85 fits into the first recess 72d, and the support body 7 is positioned by the support pin 85.

[0050] 9(b), the second portion 73 of the hole 71 allows the support body 7 to move relative to the support pin 85 in the third direction DR3. In the example shown in Fig. 9(c), the second portion 73 of the hole 71 allows the support body 7 to move relative to the support pin 85 in a direction away from the second gripping piece 3 (more specifically, in the second direction DR2). Furthermore, the second portion 73 of the hole 71 allows the support body 7 to swing around the support pin 85.

[0051] 10(b), the first portion 72 of the hole 71 defines a first recess 72d that is recessed in the third direction DR3 when the attitude of the support body 7 and the locking member 80 is the above-described first attitude A1. The second portion 73 of the hole 71 allows the support body 7 to move parallel to the support pin 85 in a direction perpendicular to the central axis AX1 of the support pin 85.

[0052] 10(b), the hole 71 has a substantially triangular shape. More specifically, the first portion 72 of the hole 71 (more specifically, the first recess 72d) defines one corner of the substantially triangular shape, and the second portion 73 of the hole 71 defines the rest of the triangle.

[0053] In the example shown in FIG. 10A, the shaft portion 85a of the support pin 85 fits into the first recess 72d, and the support body 7 is positioned by the support pin 85.

[0054] 10(b), the second portion 73 of the hole 71 allows the support body 7 to move relative to the support pin 85 in the third direction DR3. In the example shown in Fig. 10(c), the second portion 73 of the hole 71 allows the support body 7 to move relative to the support pin 85 in a direction away from the second gripping piece 3 (more specifically, in the second direction DR2). Furthermore, the second portion 73 of the hole 71 allows the support body 7 to swing around the support pin 85.

[0055] 11( a), the first portion 72 of the hole 71 defines a first recess 72d that is recessed in the third direction DR3 when the attitude of the support body 7 and the locking member 80 is the first attitude A1 described above. The second portion 73 of the hole 71 allows the support body 7 to move parallel to the support pin 85 in a direction perpendicular to the central axis AX1 of the support pin 85.

[0056] 11A, the hole 71 has a generally arc-shaped overall shape. More specifically, the first recess 72d of the first portion 72 defines one end of the generally arc-shaped hole 71, and the second portion 73 defines the remaining portion of the hole 71.

[0057] In the example shown in FIG. 11A, the shaft portion 85a of the support pin 85 fits into the first recess 72d, and the support body 7 is positioned by the support pin 85.

[0058] 11(b), the second portion 73 of the hole 71 allows the entire support body 7 to move parallel to the support pin 85 in a direction away from the second gripping piece 3 (in other words, in a direction having a movement component in the second direction DR2). Furthermore, the second portion 73 of the hole 71 allows the support body 7 to swing around the support pin 85.

[0059] 12(b), the first portion 72 of the hole 71 defines a first recess 72d that is recessed in the third direction DR3 when the attitude of the support body 7 and the locking member 80 is the above-described first attitude A1. The second portion 73 of the hole 71 allows the support body 7 to move parallel to the support pin 85 in a direction perpendicular to the central axis AX1 of the support pin 85.

[0060] 12(b), the hole 71 has a substantially triangular shape. More specifically, the first portion 72 of the hole 71 (more specifically, the first recess 72d) defines one corner of the substantially triangular shape, and the second portion 73 of the hole 71 defines the rest of the triangle.

[0061] In the example shown in Figure 12 (a), the first portion 72 of the hole portion 71 (more specifically, the first recess 72d) and the shaft portion 85a of the support pin 85 are in line contact at two points, thereby positioning the support body 7 by the support pin 85.

[0062] 12(b), the second portion 73 of the hole 71 allows the support body 7 to move relative to the support pin 85 in the third direction DR3. In the example shown in Fig. 12(c), the second portion 73 of the hole 71 allows the support body 7 to move relative to the support pin 85 in a direction away from the second gripping piece 3 (more specifically, in the second direction DR2). Furthermore, the second portion 73 of the hole 71 allows the support body 7 to swing around the support pin 85.

[0063] As illustrated in FIGS. 9 to 12 , the second portion 73 may have a guide surface 73g that slopes toward the first portion 72. In the example illustrated in FIGS. 9 to 12 , when the posture of the support body 7 and the locking member 80 is the first posture A1, the guide surface 73g is an inclined surface that slopes toward the second direction DR2 as it approaches the third direction DR3. When the posture of the support body 7 and the locking member 80 is the first posture A1, and the locking member 80 moves from the retracted position P2 to the advanced position P1, the guide surface 73g guides the first portion 72 of the hole 71 toward the support pin 85. In the examples illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 12 , the guide surface 73g includes a flat guide surface. In the example illustrated in FIG. 9 , the guide surface 73g includes a concavely curved guide surface (more specifically, an arcuate guide surface). Furthermore, in the example illustrated in FIG. 11 , the guide surface 73g includes a convexly curved guide surface (more specifically, an arcuate guide surface).

[0064] 14 , the support 7 has a first part 70 supported by a support pin 85 and a second part 75 that supports the locking member 80. The first part 70 and the second part 75 are connected by a fixing member J1 such as a bolt.

[0065] 14, the first part 70 has a first end 70a in which the above-described hole 71 is formed, and a second end 70b connected to the second part 75. In the example shown in Fig. 14, the first part 70 is an elongated plate-like body extending in a direction connecting the first end 70a and the second end 70b.

[0066] 14, the second part 75 is a block-shaped part. In the example shown in Fig. 15, the second part 75 is formed with a through-hole 76 into which the locking member 80 is inserted. The through-hole 76 is also formed with a female thread 76f that screws onto the male thread 82m of the locking member 80.

[0067] 14 , the portion of the support body 7 that is supported by the support pin 85 is formed by the first part 70, and the portion of the support body 7 that supports the locking member 80 is formed by the second part 75. Alternatively, the portion of the support body 7 that is supported by the support pin 85 and the portion of the support body 7 that supports the locking member 80 may be formed by a single part.

[0068] 14 , the support body 7 has a third part 77 connected to the second part 75. As illustrated in FIG. 16 , the third part 77 has a second hole 78 into which a second support pin 87 (more specifically, the second support pin 87 supported by the base 4) is inserted. In this case, the support body 7 is supported by the base 4 via the support pin 85 and the second support pin 87. Therefore, the relative movement of the support body 7 with respect to the support pin 85 and the second support pin 87 is more stable. In the example illustrated in FIG. 16 , the second part 75 is sandwiched between the first part 70 and the third part 77.

[0069] The second hole 78 preferably has the same shape as the hole 71 formed in the first component 70. The third component 77 preferably has the same shape as the first component 70.

[0070] 15 , the locking member 80 is configured by an assembly of multiple parts. The locking member 80 has a threaded rod 82 having a male thread portion 82m formed thereon, and a pressing part 83 that presses the first actuating lever 5. Additionally, the locking member 80 may have an operating portion 84 (more specifically, a knob portion 84t) that is operated by an operator.

[0071] 15 , the pressing part 83 is attached to the tip of the threaded rod 82, and the pressing part 83 functions as a pressing part 83p that presses the first actuating lever 5. Alternatively, the tip of the threaded rod 82 may function as the pressing part 83p. In this case, the pressing part 83 is omitted.

[0072] 17 , the pressing part 83 has a curved surface 830p that functions as a cam that presses the first operating lever 5. The pressing part 83 also has two restriction walls 831 that are arranged to sandwich the first operating lever 5 when the pressing part 83p presses the first operating lever 5.

[0073] 15, the operating unit 84 (more specifically, the knob 84t) is attached to the base end of the threaded rod 82. In the example shown in Fig. 15, the operating unit 84 and the threaded rod 82 are separate bodies. Alternatively, the threaded rod 82 and the operating unit 84 may be integrally formed.

[0074] (First gripping piece 2, second gripping piece 3) In the example shown in Fig. 13, the first gripping piece 2 has a first gripping surface 21 that contacts the wire W. The longitudinal direction of the first gripping surface 21 is parallel to the third direction DR3. In the example shown in Fig. 13, the first gripping surface 21 has an arc shape in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first gripping surface 21. The first gripping surface 21 may have irregularities formed thereon that increase the static friction coefficient with respect to the wire W.

[0075] 14 , the second gripping piece 3 has a second gripping surface 31 that contacts the wire W. The longitudinal direction of the second gripping surface 31 is parallel to the third direction DR3. In the example shown in FIG. 14 , the second gripping surface 31 has an arc shape in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the second gripping surface 31. The second gripping surface 31 may have irregularities formed thereon to increase the static friction coefficient with respect to the wire W.

[0076] As illustrated in FIG. 18 , the first gripping surface 21 and the second gripping surface 31 define a receiving space SP for receiving the wire W. The central axis C1 of the receiving space SP is parallel to the third direction DR3. In other words, the receiving space SP extends along the third direction DR3. In the example illustrated in FIG. 18 , the second gripping piece 3 is positioned symmetrically to the first gripping piece 2 with respect to a plane of symmetry PL1 passing through the central axis C1 of the receiving space SP. Furthermore, the outer shape of the second gripping piece 3 is substantially symmetrical to the outer shape of the first gripping piece 2 with respect to the plane of symmetry PL1 passing through the central axis C1 of the receiving space SP (although the number of screw holes, the positions of the screw holes, etc. may be asymmetric). In the example illustrated in FIG. 18 , the plane of symmetry PL1 is parallel to a first axis AT1, which will be described later.

[0077] (Base 4) As illustrated in FIG. 19 , the base 4 supports the first gripping piece 2 so that the first gripping piece 2 is movable relative to the base 4. In the example illustrated in FIG. 19 , the first gripping piece 2 is movable relative to the base 4 in a fifth direction DR5 that is inclined with respect to both the first direction DR1 and the fourth direction DR4. More specifically, the base 4 has a first guide portion 41 that guides the movement of the first gripping piece 2 in the fifth direction DR5. The first guide portion 41 includes, for example, a protrusion 41p or a groove. The first gripping piece 2 also has a first guided portion 23 that is movable relative to the first guide portion 41. The first guided portion 23 has, for example, a groove 23v that is guided by the protrusion 41p that constitutes the first guide portion 41, or a protrusion that is guided by the groove that constitutes the first guide portion 41.

[0078] 19 , the base 4 supports the second gripping piece 3 so that the second gripping piece 3 is movable relative to the base 4. In the example shown in FIG. 19 , the second gripping piece 3 is movable relative to the base 4 in a sixth direction DR6 that is inclined with respect to both the second direction DR2 and the fourth direction DR4. More specifically, the base 4 has a second guide portion 42 that guides the movement of the second gripping piece 3 in the sixth direction DR6. The second guide portion 42 includes, for example, a protrusion 42p or a groove. The second gripping piece 3 also has a second guided portion 33 that is movable relative to the second guide portion 42. The second guided portion 33 has, for example, a groove 33v that is guided by the protrusion 42p that constitutes the second guide portion 42, or a protrusion that is guided by the groove that constitutes the second guide portion 42.

[0079] 19 , when the first gripping piece 2 moves relative to the base 4 in the fifth direction DR5 and the second gripping piece 3 moves relative to the base 4 in the sixth direction DR6, the distance between the first gripping surface 21 of the first gripping piece 2 and the second gripping surface 31 of the second gripping piece 3 decreases. Due to this decrease in the distance, the wire rod W arranged in the receiving space SP is pressed in the first direction DR1 by the first gripping piece 2, and the wire rod W arranged in the receiving space SP is pressed in the second direction DR2 by the second gripping piece 3. In this way, the wire rod W arranged in the receiving space SP is gripped by the first gripping piece 2 and the second gripping piece 3.

[0080] On the other hand, when the first gripping piece 2 moves relative to the base 4 in a seventh direction DR7 opposite to the fifth direction DR5, and the second gripping piece 3 moves relative to the base 4 in an eighth direction DR8 opposite to the sixth direction DR6, the gap between the first gripping surface 21 of the first gripping piece 2 and the second gripping surface 31 of the second gripping piece 3 increases. In this way, the grip of the wire W by the first gripping piece 2 and the second gripping piece 3 is released.

[0081] 14 , the base 4 has a first surface 46 disposed opposite the first gripping piece 2 and the second gripping piece 3, and a second surface 47 disposed on the opposite side of the first surface 46. The second surface 47 is also formed with a plurality of finger recesses 48. The plurality of finger recesses 48 contributes to both making the wire gripper 1A easier to hold and reducing the weight of the base 4.

[0082] 20 , each of the multiple finger hook recesses 48 extends from the outer edge 4 s of the base 4 toward the center of the base 4. More specifically, each of the multiple finger hook recesses 48 extends from the outer edge 4 s of the base 4 toward a plane of symmetry PL1 that passes through the central axis C1 of the receiving space SP. Furthermore, each of the multiple finger hook recesses 48 is inclined with respect to the plane of symmetry PL1 so as to point in the third direction DR3 as it approaches the plane of symmetry PL1.

[0083] In the example shown in FIG. 20 , the multiple finger hook recesses 48 include a first finger hook recess 48a and a second finger hook recess 48b. The first finger hook recess 48a extends from the outer edge 4s of the base 4 toward the center of the base 4. The second finger hook recess 48b is arranged parallel to the first finger hook recess 48a. In this case, the operator can easily hook their fingers on the multiple finger hook recesses 48, including the first finger hook recess 48a and the second finger hook recess 48b. In the example shown in FIG. 20 , the first finger hook recess 48a does not reach the plane of symmetry PL1 passing through the central axis C1 of the receiving space SP. The second finger hook recess 48b does not reach the plane of symmetry PL1 passing through the central axis C1 of the receiving space SP. In the example shown in FIG. 20 , the extension direction of the first finger hook recess 48a is approximately perpendicular to the fifth direction DR5.

[0084] As illustrated in FIG. 20 , the multiple finger recesses 48 may include a third finger recess 48c and a fourth finger recess 48d. The third finger recess 48c extends from the outer edge 4s of the base 4 toward the center of the base 4. The fourth finger recess 48d is arranged parallel to the third finger recess 48c. In the example illustrated in FIG. 20 , the third finger recess 48c is arranged symmetrically to the first finger recess 48a with respect to the plane of symmetry PL1 passing through the central axis C1 of the receiving space SP. The fourth finger recess 48d is arranged symmetrically to the second finger recess 48b with respect to the plane of symmetry PL1 passing through the central axis C1 of the receiving space SP.

[0085] 18 , the first actuating lever 5 is pivotable about a first axis AT1 relative to the base 4. More specifically, the first actuating lever 5 is connected to the base 4 via a first pin B1 so as to be pivotable about the first axis AT1.

[0086] The first actuating lever 5 has a first connection portion 53 to which a first traction element N1 such as a first chain is connected. In the example shown in Fig. 18, the first connection portion 53 has a first connection hole 53h to which the first traction element N1 is connected.

[0087] 18 , the first actuating lever 5 has a first pressing surface 56 that presses the first grip piece 2. In the example shown in FIG. 18 , the first connection portion 53 is disposed at one end of the first actuating lever 5, the first pressing surface 56 is disposed at the other end of the first actuating lever 5, and the first axis AT1 is disposed in the central portion of the first actuating lever 5. The first connection portion 53 of the first actuating lever 5 functions as a point of force, the first axis AT1 of the first actuating lever 5 functions as a fulcrum, and the first pressing surface 56 of the first actuating lever 5 functions as a point of application. In other words, the first actuating lever 5 amplifies the force acting on the first connection portion 53 using the principle of a lever and transmits the amplifying force to the first grip piece 2 via the first pressing surface 56. In the example shown in Figure 18, the distance between the first connection portion 53 and the first axis AT1 (in other words, the distance between the force point and the fulcrum) is greater than the distance between the first axis AT1 and the first pressing surface 56 (in other words, the distance between the fulcrum and the point of action).

[0088] The first link 91 pivotally connects the first actuating lever 5 and the first grip piece 2. More specifically, a first end 911 of the first link 91 is pivotally connected to the first actuating lever 5, and a second end 912 of the first link 91 is pivotally connected to the first grip piece 2. In the example shown in FIG. 18 , a long hole 911h provided in the first end 911 of the first link 91 is connected to a hole provided in the first actuating lever 5 via a pin B3. Furthermore, a hole provided in the second end 912 of the first link 91 is connected to a hole provided in the first grip piece 2 via a pin B4. When the first pressing surface 56 of the first actuating lever 5 moves in a direction away from the first grip piece 2, the first link 91 pulls the first grip piece 2 in the third direction DR3. When the first gripping piece 2 is pulled in the third direction DR3, the first gripping piece 2 moves in the second direction DR2 away from the second gripping piece 3 while moving in the third direction DR3.

[0089] (Second Actuating Lever 6, Second Link 92) The second actuating lever 6 is pivotable relative to the base 4 around the second axis AT2. More specifically, the second actuating lever 6 is connected to the base 4 via a second pin B2 so as to be pivotable about the second axis AT2. In the example shown in FIG. 18 , the second axis AT2 is disposed symmetrically to the first axis AT1 with respect to a plane of symmetry PL1 passing through the central axis C1 of the receiving space SP. Furthermore, the second actuating lever 6 is disposed symmetrically to the first actuating lever 5 with respect to the plane of symmetry PL1 passing through the central axis C1 of the receiving space SP. In the example shown in FIG. 18 , the outer shape of the second actuating lever 6 is substantially symmetrical to the outer shape of the first actuating lever 5 with respect to the central axis C1 of the receiving space SP.

[0090] The second actuating lever 6 has a second connection portion 63 to which a second traction element N2 such as a second chain is connected. In the example shown in Fig. 18, the second connection portion 63 has a second connection hole 63h to which the second traction element N2 is connected. The second connection portion 63 is disposed symmetrically to the first connection portion 53 with respect to a plane of symmetry PL1 passing through the central axis C1 of the receiving space SP.

[0091] 18 , the second actuating lever 6 has a second pressing surface 66 that presses the second grip piece 3. In the example shown in FIG. 18 , the second connection portion 63 is disposed at one end of the second actuating lever 6, the second pressing surface 66 is disposed at the other end of the second actuating lever 6, and the second axis AT2 is disposed in the central portion of the second actuating lever 6. The second actuating lever 6's second connection portion 63 functions as a force point, the second axis AT2 of the second actuating lever 6 functions as a fulcrum, and the second pressing surface 66 of the second actuating lever 6 functions as a point of application. In other words, the second actuating lever 6 amplifies the force acting on the second connection portion 63 using the principle of a lever and transmits the amplifying force to the second grip piece 3 via the second pressing surface 66.

[0092] The second link 92 pivotally connects the second actuating lever 6 and the second grip piece 3. More specifically, a first end 921 of the second link 92 is pivotally connected to the second actuating lever 6, and a second end 922 of the second link 92 is pivotally connected to the second grip piece 3. In the example shown in FIG. 18 , a long hole 921h provided in the first end 921 of the second link 92 is connected to a hole provided in the second actuating lever 6 via a pin B5. Furthermore, a hole provided in the second end 922 of the second link 92 is connected to a hole provided in the second grip piece 3 via a pin B6. When the second pressing surface 66 of the second actuating lever 6 moves in a direction away from the second grip piece 3, the second link 92 pulls the second grip piece 3 in the third direction DR3. When the second gripping piece 3 is pulled in the third direction DR3, the second gripping piece 3 moves in the first direction DR1 away from the first gripping piece 2 while moving in the third direction DR3.

[0093] 18, the second link 92 is disposed at a position symmetrical to the first link 91 with respect to a plane of symmetry PL1 passing through the central axis C1 of the receiving space SP. The outer shape of the second link 92 is substantially symmetrical to the outer shape of the first link 91 with respect to the plane of symmetry PL1 passing through the central axis C1 of the receiving space SP.

[0094] 18, the first gripping piece 2 and the second gripping piece 3 operate symmetrically with respect to the central axis C1 of the receiving space SP (more specifically, the first gripping piece 2 and the second gripping piece 3 operate symmetrically with respect to the symmetry plane PL1 passing through the central axis C1 of the receiving space SP). In this case, the wire W pulled by the wire gripper 1A is less likely to bend. In other words, the wire gripper 1A, in which the first gripping piece 2 and the second gripping piece 3 operate symmetrically with respect to the central axis C1 of the receiving space SP, is a wire gripper that is less likely to bend the wire W.

[0095] 18 , in order to more stably cause the first gripping piece 2 and the second gripping piece 3 to move symmetrically, the wire gripper 1A may include a connecting link 94 connecting the first gripping piece 2 and the second gripping piece 3. The connecting link 94 prohibits the second gripping piece 3 from moving relative to the first gripping piece 2 in a direction parallel to the central axis C1 of the receiving space SP. On the other hand, the connecting link 94 allows the second gripping piece 3 to move relative to the first gripping piece 2 in a direction perpendicular to the central axis C1 of the receiving space SP (more specifically, in a direction parallel to the first direction DR1).

[0096] 20 , a first end 94a of a connecting link 94 may be fixed to one of the first gripping piece 2 and the second gripping piece 3, and a pin B7 supported by the other of the first gripping piece 2 and the second gripping piece 3 may be inserted into an elongated hole 94h provided in a second end 94b of the connecting link 94. In this case, the elongated hole 94h allows the second gripping piece 3 to move relative to the first gripping piece 2 in a direction perpendicular to the central axis C1 of the receiving space SP.

[0097] (Anti-fall member 96) In the example shown in Figure 6, the wire gripper 1A has an anti-fall member 96 (more specifically, an anti-fall plate 96t) that prevents the wire W placed in the receiving space SP between the first gripping surface 21 and the second gripping surface 31 from falling out of the receiving space SP.

[0098] The fall-prevention member 96 (more specifically, the fall-prevention plate 96t) is positionally changeable between an advanced position P3, which covers a portion of the receiving space SP, and a retracted position P4, which opens the receiving space SP. In the example shown in FIG. 6 , the fall-prevention member 96 (more specifically, the fall-prevention plate 96t) is supported by the base 4 via a pin B8 so as to be swingable between the advanced position P3 and the retracted position P4. The fall-prevention member 96 may be biased in a direction from the retracted position P4 toward the advanced position P3. Alternatively, the fall-prevention member 96 may be configured to be positionally changeable from the retracted position P4 to the advanced position P3 in conjunction with the first gripping piece 2 and the second gripping piece 3 moving toward each other.

[0099] (Axis or Extension Direction of Pins) In the example shown in Fig. 18 , the central axis AX1 of the support pin 85 is parallel to the first axis AT1 (in other words, the pivot axis of the first actuating lever 5). In the example shown in Fig. 18 , the central axis AX2 of the locking member 80 (more specifically, the threaded rod 82) is parallel to a plane perpendicular to the first axis AT1. In the example shown in Fig. 18 , the second axis AT2 (in other words, the pivot axis of the second actuating lever 6) is parallel to the first axis AT1. In the example shown in Fig. 18 , the central axes of pins B3, B4, B5, B6, and B8 are parallel to the first axis AT1.

[0100] (Second embodiment) A method of using a wire gripper in a second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 25. Figure 21 is a schematic front view showing the wire gripper 1 prepared in the preparation step. Figures 22 and 23 are schematic front views showing the state in which the swing locking step is performed. Figure 24 is a schematic front view showing the state in which the pulling step is performed. Figure 25 is a flowchart showing an example of a method of using the wire gripper in the second embodiment.

[0101] The wire gripper 1 used in the method of using the wire gripper in the second embodiment may be the wire gripper 1A in the first embodiment or another wire gripper. Since the wire gripper 1A has already been described in the first embodiment, a repeated description of the wire gripper 1A will be omitted.

[0102] In the first step ST1, the wire gripper 1 is prepared. The first step ST1 is a preparation step.

[0103] As illustrated in FIG. 21 , the preparation process (first step ST1) includes preparing a wire gripper 1 including (1) a base 4, (2) a first operating lever 5 swingably supported by the base 4, (3) a second operating lever 6 swingably supported by the base 4, (4) a first gripping piece 2 movably supported by the base 4, (5) a second gripping piece 3 movably supported by the base 4, (6) a locking member 80, (7) a support body 7 supporting the locking member 80, and (8) a support pin 85 supporting the support body 7.

[0104] The wire gripper 1 prepared in the preparation step (first step ST1) may be the wire gripper 1A in the first embodiment or another wire gripper.

[0105] 21 , in the second step ST2, the wire W is placed in the receiving space SP between the first gripping surface 21 of the first gripping piece 2 and the second gripping surface 31 of the second gripping piece 3. The second step ST2 is a placement step.

[0106] In the placement process (second step ST2), the wire W placed in the receiving space SP is, for example, an overhead wire. Examples of the overhead wire include a trolley wire (overhead train line), a suspension wire, and an overhead electric wire. In the placement process (second step ST2), the wire W placed in the receiving space SP may be a cable, a wire, or a string-like body such as a rope. In addition, in the placement process (second step ST2), the wire W placed in the receiving space SP may be a wire having a circular cross-section, or a wire having a non-circular cross-section (for example, a flat wire such as a belt).

[0107] 20 , when a plurality of finger hook recesses 48 are formed on the base 4 of the wire gripper 1, the worker can easily grip the base 4. Therefore, the worker can easily bring the wire gripper 1 close to the wire W.

[0108] In the example shown in FIG. 21, the placement step (second step ST2) is performed with the fall-off prevention member 96 (more specifically, the fall-off prevention plate 96t) located at the retracted position P4.

[0109] 22 and 23 , in a third step ST3, the first actuating lever 5 is locked from swinging relative to the base 4. The third step ST3 is a swing locking step. The swing locking step is performed by pressing the first actuating lever 5 with the lock member 80.

[0110] 22 , the swing locking step (third step ST3) includes swinging the support body 7 and the locking member 80 around the support pin 85 (see arrow AR1) so that the pressing portion 83p of the locking member 80 faces the pressed portion 5r of the first actuating lever 5. This swing changes the posture of the support body 7 and the locking member 80 from the second posture A2 to the first posture A1 in which the pressing portion 83p of the locking member 80 faces the pressed portion 5r of the first actuating lever 5.

[0111] 23 , the swing locking step (third step ST3) includes rotating the locking member 80 in the second rotational direction R2 about the central axis AX2 of the locking member 80. This rotation moves the locking member 80 from the retracted position P2 to the advanced position P1 where it presses the first actuating lever 5. More specifically, by rotating the operating portion 84 of the locking member 80 in the second rotational direction R2, the threaded rod 82 of the locking member 80 rotates in the second rotational direction R2. As the threaded rod 82 rotates in the second rotational direction R2, the pressing portion 83p of the locking member 80 moves from the retracted position P2 to the advanced position P1 where it presses the first actuating lever 5.

[0112] 23 , when the locking member 80 (more specifically, the pressing portion 83p) moves to the advanced position P1, the pressed portion 5r of the first actuating lever 5 is pressed by the pressing portion 83p of the locking member 80. When the pressed portion 5r of the first actuating lever 5 is pressed by the pressing portion 83p of the locking member 80, the swinging of the first actuating lever 5 relative to the base 4 is locked.

[0113] In the example shown in FIG. 23, the locking member 80 is moved from the retracted position P2 to the advanced position P1 while the attitudes of the support body 7 and the locking member 80 are maintained in the first attitude A1 described above.

[0114] When the locking member 80 presses the first actuating lever 5, the locking member 80 and the support body 7 receive a reaction force from the first actuating lever 5. Due to this reaction force, the first portion 72 of the hole 71 formed in the support body 7 is positioned by the support pin 85.

[0115] In the example shown in FIG. 23 , in the swing locking step (third step ST3), the first and second actuating levers 5 and 6 operate symmetrically with respect to a plane of symmetry PL1 (see FIG. 24 if necessary) passing through the central axis C1 of the receiving space SP. In this case, locking the swing of the first actuating lever 5 also locks the swing of the second actuating lever 6. Alternatively, if the first gripping piece 2 and the second gripping piece 3 do not operate symmetrically with respect to the plane of symmetry PL1 passing through the central axis C1 of the receiving space SP, the swing locking step (third step ST3) may include a step of locking the swing of the second actuating lever 6 separately from the step of locking the swing of the first actuating lever 5. In this case, the wire gripper 1A of the first embodiment may have a second locking member that locks the swing of the second actuating lever 6 in addition to the locking member 80 that locks the swing of the first actuating lever 5.

[0116] 24 , in a fourth step ST4, the first actuating lever 5 and the second actuating lever 6 are pulled by a traction element N. More specifically, the first actuating lever 5 and the second actuating lever 6 are pulled by a traction element N including a first traction element N1 and a second traction element N2. The fourth step ST4 is a pulling step.

[0117] By performing the pulling step (fourth step ST4), the first gripping piece 2, which receives the first pressing force F1 directly or indirectly from the first actuating lever 5, presses the wire W in the first direction DR1. Also, by performing the pulling step (fourth step ST4), the second gripping piece 3, which receives the second pressing force F2 directly or indirectly from the second actuating lever 6, presses the wire W in the second direction DR2.

[0118] More specifically, in the example shown in Figure 24, when the first connection portion 53 is pulled by the first traction element N1 and the second connection portion 63 is pulled by the second traction element N2, the first actuating lever 5 rotates in a third rotation direction R3 around the first axis AT1 relative to the base 4, and the second actuating lever 6 rotates in a fourth rotation direction R4 around the second axis AT2 relative to the base 4.

[0119] When the first actuating lever 5 rotates in the third rotational direction R3, the first pressing surface 56 of the first actuating lever 5 applies a first pressing force F1 to the first gripping piece 2. More specifically, the first pressing surface 56 of the first actuating lever 5 presses the first gripping piece 2 in the fourth direction DR4. Furthermore, when the second actuating lever 6 rotates in the fourth rotational direction R4, the second pressing surface 66 of the second actuating lever 6 applies a second pressing force F2 to the second gripping piece 3. More specifically, the second pressing surface 66 of the second actuating lever 6 presses the second gripping piece 3 in the fourth direction DR4.

[0120] When the first gripping piece 2 receives a first pressing force F1 directly or indirectly from the first actuating lever 5, the first gripping piece 2 moves relative to the base 4 in a fifth direction DR5. When the second gripping piece 3 receives a second pressing force F2 directly or indirectly from the second actuating lever 6, the second gripping piece 3 moves relative to the base 4 in a sixth direction DR6.

[0121] When the first gripping piece 2 moves relative to the base 4 in the fifth direction DR5 and the second gripping piece 3 moves relative to the base 4 in the sixth direction DR6, the first gripping piece 2 presses the wire W arranged in the receiving space SP in the first direction DR1, and the second gripping piece 3 presses the wire W arranged in the receiving space SP in the second direction DR2. In this way, the wire W is gripped by the first gripping piece 2 and the second gripping piece 3.

[0122] By performing the pulling step (fourth step ST4), the wire W is pulled by the first gripping piece 2 and the second gripping piece 3 in the third direction DR3.

[0123] 24 , when the first actuating lever 5 and the second actuating lever 6 are pulled by the traction element N (more specifically, the traction element N including the first traction element N1 and the second traction element N2), the wire W is gripped by the first gripping piece 2 and the second gripping piece 3. Furthermore, when the first actuating lever 5 and the second actuating lever 6 are pulled by the traction element N (more specifically, the traction element N including the first traction element N1 and the second traction element N2), the traction element N pulls the wire W in the third direction DR3 via the first actuating lever 5, the second actuating lever 6, the first gripping piece 2, and the second gripping piece 3.

[0124] The traction element N is, for example, a chain. In the example shown in Fig. 24, the first traction element N1 (more specifically, the first chain) and the second traction element N2 (more specifically, the second chain) are each connected to a connecting fitting 14. In this case, the first traction element N1 and the second traction element N2 can be pulled simultaneously by pulling the connecting fitting 14 using a wire tensioner or the like. Furthermore, by pulling the first traction element N1 and the second traction element N2 simultaneously, the wire W is pulled in the third direction DR3.

[0125] 24, in the pulling step (fourth step ST4), the first gripping piece 2 and the second gripping piece 3 move symmetrically with respect to the central axis C1 of the receiving space SP (more specifically, the first gripping piece 2 and the second gripping piece 3 move symmetrically with respect to the symmetry plane PL1 passing through the central axis C1 of the receiving space SP). In this case, the wire W pulled by the wire gripper 1 is less likely to bend.

[0126] The pulling step (fourth step ST4) may be performed multiple times. For example, after the first pulling step is performed, the locking member 80 may be retightened, and then the second pulling step may be performed. More specifically, the pulling step (fourth step ST4) includes: (1) a first pulling step in which the first gripping piece 2, which receives a first pressing force directly or indirectly from the first actuating lever 5, presses the wire rod W in the first direction DR1, and the second gripping piece 3, which receives a second pressing force directly or indirectly from the second actuating lever 6, presses the wire rod W in the second direction DR2, and the wire rod W is pulled by the first gripping piece 2 and the second gripping piece 3; and (2) after the first pulling step is performed, the operation part 84 of the locking member 80 is operated to perform the first pulling step. The method may include a step of retightening the locking member 80 relative to the actuating lever 5 (hereinafter referred to as the "retightening step"); and (3) a second pulling step of pulling the first actuating lever 5 and the second actuating lever 6 by a pulling element N so that, after the retightening step is performed, the first gripping piece 2, which receives a first pressing force directly or indirectly from the first actuating lever 5, presses the wire W in the first direction DR1, the second gripping piece 3, which receives a second pressing force directly or indirectly from the second actuating lever 6, presses the wire W in the second direction DR2, and the wire W is pulled by the first gripping piece 2 and the second gripping piece 3.

[0127] The retightening process includes rotating the locking member 80 in a second rotational direction R2 (see FIG. 23 ) about the central axis AX2 of the locking member 80. More specifically, the retightening process includes rotating the operating portion 84 of the locking member 80 in the second rotational direction R2, thereby rotating the threaded rod 82 of the locking member 80 in the second rotational direction R2. The rotation of the threaded rod 82 in the second rotational direction R2 causes the pressing portion 83p of the locking member 80 to press the first actuating lever 5. In this way, the locking member 80 is retightened relative to the first actuating lever 5.

[0128] By performing the retightening step, the swing lock of the first operating lever 5 (and the second operating lever 6) is strengthened. For example, after performing the swing locking step (third step ST3) (or after performing the swing locking step and the first pulling step described above), the swing lock of the first operating lever 5 (and the second operating lever 6) may be insufficiently performed. In such cases, by performing the retightening step, the swing lock of the first operating lever 5 (and the second operating lever 6) can be strengthened (or made more reliable).

[0129] The degree of tightening in the tightening process or the number of times the tightening process is performed is optional. If the tightening process is deemed unnecessary, the tightening process may be omitted. In other words, the tightening process is an optional additional process.

[0130] After the desired operation on the wire W (for example, the operation of connecting the wire W to another wire) is completed, in a fifth step ST5, the pulling of the first actuating lever 5 and the second actuating lever 6 is terminated. The fifth step ST5 is a pulling end step.

[0131] 2 to 5, in a sixth step ST6, the swing lock of the first actuating lever 5 is released. The sixth step ST6 is an unlocking step. The unlocking step (sixth step ST6) includes a plurality of sub-steps.

[0132] As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 , in substep ST6-1, the locking member 80 is moved relative to the support body 7 so that the pressure on the first actuating lever 5 by the locking member 80 is released. More specifically, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the locking member 80 is moved relative to the support body 7 in a direction from the advanced position P1 (in other words, the position where the locking member 80 presses the first actuating lever 5) toward the retracted position P2. In the example illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 , this relative movement is performed by rotating the operating portion 84 of the locking member 80 in a first rotational direction R1. More specifically, by rotating the operating portion 84 of the locking member 80 in the first rotational direction R1, the threaded rod 82 of the locking member 80 rotates in the first rotational direction R1. As the threaded rod 82 rotates in the first rotational direction R1, the pressing portion 83p of the locking member 80 moves from the advanced position P1 to the retracted position P2.

[0133] In substep ST6-1, a small number of revolutions of the locking member 80 in the first rotation direction R1 is sufficient. For example, by rotating the locking member 80 in the first rotation direction R1 by an angle of 720 degrees or less, or by an angle of 540 degrees or less, the locking member 80 moves from the advanced position P1 to the retracted position P2. Because only a small amount of rotation in the first rotation direction R1 is required, the workload on the worker is small.

[0134] In the example shown in Figures 2 and 3, the locking member 80 is moved from the advanced position P1 to the retracted position P2 while the attitudes of the support body 7 and the locking member 80 are maintained in the first attitude A1 described above.

[0135] In sub-step ST6-2, the support body 7 is moved relative to the support pin 85 in a direction perpendicular to the central axis AX1 of the support pin 85. More specifically, the entire support body 7 is moved parallel to the support pin 85 in a direction perpendicular to the central axis AX1 of the support pin 85.

[0136] The unlocking step (more specifically, substep ST6-2) may include moving the support body 7 relative to the support pin 85 so that the support body 7 moves toward the first actuating lever 5. In the examples shown in FIGS. 8(b), 9(b), 10(b), 11(b), and 12(b), the movement of the support body 7 toward the first actuating lever causes the support pin 85 to disengage from the first portion 72 of the hole portion 71.

[0137] 4 and 5 , the unlocking step (more specifically, substep ST6-2) may include moving the support 7 relative to the support pin 85 so that the support 7 moves in a direction away from the second gripping piece 3. More specifically, the unlocking step may include moving the entire support 7 in a direction away from the second gripping piece 3. By moving the support 7 in a direction away from the second gripping piece 3, the distance between the pressing portion 83p of the locking member 80 and the pressed portion 5r of the first actuating lever 5 increases. This increase in distance allows the later-described substep ST6-3 (in other words, swinging the support 7 and the locking member 80 around the support pin 85) to be performed smoothly.

[0138] As illustrated in Figures 8 to 12, the unlocking process (more specifically, substep ST6-2) may include changing the portion of the support body 7 that contacts the support pin 85 from the first portion 72 of the hole portion 71 to the second portion 73 of the hole portion 71.

[0139] 8(c), 9(c), 10(c), 11(b), and 12(c), in sub-step ST6-3, the support body 7 and the locking member 80 are swung around the support pin 85. This swinging further increases the distance between the pressing portion 83p of the locking member 80 and the pressed portion 5r of the first actuating lever 5. In this way, the movable range of the first actuating lever 5 is expanded, and the seventh step ST7 (in other words, the process of removing the wire W from the receiving space SP), which will be described later, is carried out smoothly.

[0140] Note that a part of substep ST6-2 and a part of substep ST6-3 may be executed in parallel. In other words, the unlocking step (sixth step ST6) may include simultaneously executing the steps of moving the support 7 relative to the support pin 85 in a direction perpendicular to the central axis AX1 of the support pin 85 and swinging the support 7 around the support pin 85.

[0141] In the seventh step ST7, the wire W is removed from the receiving space SP. The seventh step ST7 is a removing step.

[0142] In the example shown in Figure 6, the removal process (seventh step ST7) includes swinging the first operating lever 5 and the second operating lever 6 relative to the base 4 so that the distance between the first gripping surface 21 of the first gripping piece 2 and the second gripping surface 31 of the second gripping piece 3 increases.

[0143] More specifically, in the example shown in Figure 6, the removal process (seventh step ST7) includes rotating the first actuating lever 5 around the first axis AT1 in a fifth rotation direction R5 opposite to the third rotation direction R3, and rotating the second actuating lever 6 around the second axis AT2 in a sixth rotation direction R6 opposite to the fourth rotation direction R4.

[0144] The wire gripper 1 may include a biasing member that biases the first actuating lever 5 in the fifth rotational direction R5 about the first axis AT1 (or a biasing member that biases the second actuating lever 6 in the sixth rotational direction R6 about the second axis AT2). In this case, the removal step (seventh step ST7) includes using the biasing force of the biasing member to rotate the first actuating lever 5 in the fifth rotational direction R5 (or using the biasing force of the biasing member to rotate the second actuating lever 6 in the sixth rotational direction R6).

[0145] When the first actuating lever 5 rotates in the fifth rotation direction R5, the first link 91 pulls the first grip piece 2 in the third direction DR3. When the second actuating lever 6 rotates in the sixth rotation direction R6, the second link 92 pulls the second grip piece 3 in the third direction DR3.

[0146] When the first gripping piece 2 and the second gripping piece 3 are pulled in the third direction DR3, the distance between the first gripping piece 2 and the second gripping piece 3 increases. More specifically, when the first gripping piece 2 and the second gripping piece 3 are pulled in the third direction DR3, the first gripping piece 2 moves relative to the base 4 in the seventh direction DR7, and the second gripping piece 3 moves relative to the base 4 in the eighth direction DR8. In this way, the distance between the first gripping piece 2 and the second gripping piece 3 increases.

[0147] As illustrated in Figure 7, the removal process (seventh step ST7) includes removing the wire W from the receiving space SP between the first gripping surface 21 of the first gripping piece 2 and the second gripping surface 31 of the second gripping piece 3.

[0148] In the method of using the wire gripper in the second embodiment, there is no need to move the locking member 80 significantly relative to the support body 7 in order to move the locking member 80 significantly away from the first actuating lever 5. Therefore, the swing lock of the first actuating lever 5 can be released quickly.

[0149] 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.

[0150] The wire gripper 1 and the method of using the wire gripper of the present invention can quickly release the swing lock of the first actuation lever 5. Therefore, it is useful for contractors who use the wire gripper 1 for work or manufacturers who manufacture wire grippers.

[0151] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 1A... Wire gripper, 2... First grip piece, 3... Second grip piece, 4... Base, 4s... Outer edge, 5... First actuation lever, 5r... Pressed part, 6... Second actuation lever, 7... Support body, 11a... Wire gripper tip, 11b... Wire gripper rear end, 14... Connection fitting, 21... First grip Holding surface, 23...first guided part, 23v...groove, 31...second gripping surface, 33...second guided part, 33v...groove, 41...first guide part, 41p...protrusion, 42...second guide part, 42p...protrusion, 46...first surface, 47...second surface, 48...finger rest recess, 48a... First finger hook recess, 48b...second finger hook recess, 48c...third finger hook recess, 48d...fourth finger hook recess, 50r...concave curved surface, 53...first connecting portion, 53h...first connecting hole, 56...first pressing surface, 63...second connecting portion, 63h...second connecting hole, 66...second pressing surface, 70...first component, 70a...first end portion, 70b...second end portion, 71...hole portion, 71a...non-circular hole portion, 72...first portion, 72d...first recess, 72h...circle, 73...second portion, 73d...second recess, 73g...guide surface, 73h...circle, 75...second portion part, 76...through hole portion, 76f...female screw portion, 77...third part, 78...second hole portion, 80...locking member, 82...threaded rod, 82m...male screw portion, 83...pressing part, 83p...pressing portion, 84...operation portion, 84t...knob portion, 85...support pin, 85a...shaft portion, 87...second support pin, 91...first link, 92...second link, 94...connecting link, 94a...first end portion, 94b...second end portion, 94h...long hole portion, 96...fall-off prevention member, 96t...fall-off prevention plate, 830p...curved surface, 831...regulating wall, 911...first End, 911h...long hole, 912...second end, 921...first end, 921h...long hole, 922...second end, AT1...first axis, AT2...second axis, AX1...center axis of support pin, AX2...center axis of locking member, B1...first pin, B2...second pin, B3, B4, B5, B6, B7, B8...pins, C1...center axis of receiving space, J1...fixing member, N...traction element, N1...first traction element, N2...second traction element, PL1...symmetry plane, SL1...first slot, SL2...second slot, SP...receiving space, W...wire rod

Claims

1. A locking device comprising: a first gripping piece which presses a wire in a first direction in response to receiving a first pressing force directly or indirectly from a first operating lever; a second gripping piece which presses the wire in a second direction opposite to the first direction in response to receiving a second pressing force directly or indirectly from a second operating lever; a base which movably supports the first gripping piece and the second gripping piece; the first operating lever which is swingably supported by the base; the second operating lever which is swingably supported by the base; the support which supports the locking member such that the locking member is movable relative to the support; the locking member which presses the first operating lever to lock the swinging of the first operating lever relative to the base; and a support pin which is supported by the base and supports the support, wherein the support has a hole into which the support pin is inserted, The hole portion allows the support body to move relative to the support pin in a direction perpendicular to a central axis of the support pin, and also allows the support body to swing around the support pin.

2. The wire gripper according to claim 1, wherein the locking member is screwed into the support body, and is configured such that, by rotating the locking member in a first rotational direction about the central axis of the locking member, the locking member moves from an advanced position in which it presses the first operating lever to a retracted position.

3. The wire gripper according to claim 1, wherein the hole has a non-circular shape.

4. The wire gripper according to claim 3, wherein the hole is substantially L-shaped.

5. A wire gripper as described in claim 3, wherein the hole portion has: a first portion that receives the shaft portion of the support pin when the locking member is in an advanced position where it presses the first operating lever; and a second portion that allows the entire support body to move parallel to the support pin in a direction away from the second gripping piece.

6. A wire gripper as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the support body and the locking member are capable of changing their position between a first position in which the pressing portion of the locking member faces the pressed portion of the first operating lever, and a second position in which the pressing portion faces in a direction offset from the pressed portion.

7. A wire gripper as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a receiving space for receiving the wire is defined by a first gripping surface of the first gripping piece and a second gripping surface of the second gripping piece, and the first gripping piece and the second gripping piece are configured to operate symmetrically with respect to a central axis of the receiving space.

8. A wire gripper as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the base has a first surface arranged opposite the first gripping piece and the second gripping piece, and a second surface arranged opposite the first surface, and the second surface has a plurality of finger hook recesses formed thereon extending from an outer edge of the base towards the centre of the base.

9. A process for preparing a wire gripper including a base, a first operating lever swingably supported by the base, a second operating lever swingably supported by the base, a first gripping piece movably supported by the base, a second gripping piece movably supported by the base, a locking member, a support body supporting the locking member, and a support pin supporting the support body; a process for placing a wire in a receiving space between a first gripping surface of the first gripping piece and a second gripping surface of the second gripping piece; and a process for pressing the first operating lever with the locking member, thereby locking the swinging of the first operating lever relative to the base. a step of pulling the first and second operating levers with a pulling element so that the first gripping piece, which receives a first pressing force directly or indirectly from the first operating lever, presses the wire in a first direction, the second gripping piece, which receives a second pressing force directly or indirectly from the second operating lever, presses the wire in a second direction, and the wire is pulled by the first and second gripping pieces; a step of ending the pulling of the first and second operating levers; a step of releasing the swing lock of the first operating lever; and a step of removing the wire from the receiving space, wherein the step of releasing the swing lock of the first operating lever includes the steps of: moving the locking member relative to the support body so that the pressure of the first operating lever by the locking member is released; moving the support body relative to the support pin in a direction perpendicular to the central axis of the support pin; and swinging the support body and the locking member around the support pin.

10. A method of using a wire gripper as described in claim 9, wherein moving the support body relative to the support pin includes moving the entire support body in a direction away from the second gripping piece.

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