WO2025164489A1 - Live wire branching tool and electric wire installation method with live wire branching tool - Google Patents

Abstract

A wire gripper (70A) comprises a first connection unit (30), and a telescopic device (10) comprises a second connection unit (50). The first connection unit (30) includes a guide groove (33), a lock slider (36), and an operation ring (39). An upper end (PE) of the guide groove (33) is open. The lock slider (36) locks a state in which the first connection unit (30) and the second connection unit (50) are connected. The operation ring (39) is operated for unlocking. The second connection unit (50) includes a protrusion (52) that is movable along the guide groove (33). The protrusion (52) is movable in a direction along an electric wire between a first position (P1) and a second position (P2) inside the guide groove (33). The guide groove (33) is formed such that the first position (P1) is connected to the upper end (PE) via the second position (P2). In the state in which the first connection unit (30) and the second connection unit (50) are connected, the protrusion (52) is at the first position (P1). The lock slider (36) prevents the protrusion (52) from moving from the first position (P1) to the second position (P2).

Description

Live line sorting tool and live line sorting tool wire installation method

The present invention relates to a live line sorting tool equipped with an expander and a wire gripper.

Patent Document 1 discloses a device for supporting and tensioning insulated electric wires, which is used during construction work to cut insulated electric wires while they are in an overhead state. This device for supporting and tensioning insulated electric wires comprises a pair of wire grippers for gripping the insulated electric wires and a long-length expander. Each wire gripper is connected to the expander via a connector.

Patent Document 1 discloses a swivel ring as an example of a connector. The swivel ring is attached to an extender and consists of a hook portion and a retaining member. The hook portion is open at the top, and the retaining member is positioned to close this open portion. A connector attached to a wire gripper is connected to the hook portion.

Patent Document 1 discloses that during construction work, a pair of wire grippers are fixed to the insulated wire at a predetermined distance, and then an expander is placed between the pair of wire grippers and a connector is engaged.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-145818

Patent Document 1 discloses that the support ring of the wire gripper can be grasped with a remote control device, and after suspending it from the insulated electric wire (linear body), the entrance closing means can be lowered with a hook bar; however, this requires two operations using the remote control device. If it were possible to suspend the wire gripper from the insulated electric wire (linear body) with the remote control device and then detach the remote control device from the wire gripper, thereby simultaneously completing the entrance closing means of the wire gripper, work efficiency would be improved.

In Patent Document 1, the wire grippers at both ends are suspended from the insulated electric wire (linear body) using a remote control device, and then the stretcher is connected to the wire grippers using the remote control device. However, the distance between the wire grippers, the insulated electric wire (linear body), and the wire grippers is narrow, leaving room for improvement in the efficiency of the work of connecting the stretcher.

Patent Document 1 discloses that a pair of wire grippers are removed from the insulated wire after work, but it is unclear whether the connection by the connector is released before that and the extension device is removed separately. If the connector could be released first and the extension device removed and lowered separately, it is believed that the physical burden on the worker could be reduced.

However, with the configuration of Patent Document 1, when releasing the connection between the wire gripper and the expander via the loop, it was necessary to use some kind of tool to push the anti-pullout member of the loop downward toward the inside of the hook portion, creating a gap between the anti-pullout member and the hook portion, and then remove the connector upward from the hook portion through this gap. As a result, the tool gets in the way of the connector trying to remove upward, reducing the efficiency of the disconnection work, leaving room for improvement.

The present invention was made in consideration of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to improve the efficiency of the work of attaching and detaching the main body from the wire gripper.

Means to solve the problem and effects

The problem that this invention aims to solve is as described above. Next, we will explain the means for solving this problem and the effects it has.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a live line sorting tool having the following configuration: That is, the live line sorting tool comprises an extender and a wire gripper. The extender is extendable. The wire gripper is capable of gripping an electric wire. The extender comprises a first connection part. The wire gripper comprises a second connection part. The first connection part comprises a guide groove, a locking member, and an operating member. The guide groove has an open upper end. The locking member locks the first connection part and the second connection part in a connected state. The operating member is operated to release the lock provided by the locking member. The second connection part comprises a convex part that is movable along the guide groove. The convex part is movable within the guide groove in a direction along the electric wire between a first position that is lower than the upper end and a second position that is lower than the upper end. The guide groove is formed so that the first position is connected to the upper end via the second position. When the first connection portion and the second connection portion are connected, the protrusion is in the first position. The locking member prevents the protrusion from moving from the first position to the second position.

As a result, by separating the first and second connection parts when attaching/detaching the live-line sorting tool to/from the electric wire, the weight supported by the operator can be reduced, easing the physical burden. Once the first and second connection parts are connected, they are locked by the locking member, preventing unintentional separation. Once connected, the convex part cannot be removed from the upper end of the guide groove without moving horizontally from the first position and passing through the second position. The locking member is configured to prevent movement of the convex part from the first position to the second position. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the upper end of the guide groove is locked by some kind of member, it is easy to position the locking member below the first connection part. This makes it easy to realize a layout that allows the lock to be released without raising the operating tool near the upper end of the guide groove. Because there is no need to operate the operating tool near the upper end of the guide groove, the operating tool is less likely to get in the way of the convex part attempting to remove upward from the upper end of the guide groove, making the separation process smoother.

The above-mentioned live line sorting tool preferably has the following configuration: The locking member is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position that is lower than the locked position. The first connection portion is provided with a biasing member that biases the locking member toward the locked position. When the locking member is in the locked position, the convex portion is prevented from moving from the first position to the second position. When the locking member is in the unlocked position, the convex portion is allowed to move from the first position to the second position.

This allows the locking member to be easily switched between locked and unlocked states by moving the locking member.

In the above-mentioned live line sorting tool, it is preferable that the locking member slides up and down between the locked position and the unlocked position.

This simplifies the configuration for moving the locking member.

In the above-mentioned live line sorting tool, it is preferable that the operating member be positioned lower than the lower end of the guide groove.

This allows the lock to be released by operating the operating member at a lower position, improving operability.

In the above-mentioned live line sorting tool, it is preferable that the guide groove bends one or more times between the second position and the upper end.

As a result, the convex portion at the first position of the guide groove cannot escape from the upper end of the guide groove without passing through the complexly shaped guide groove. This reliably prevents the first and second connection portions from accidentally separating.

In the above-mentioned live line sorting tool, when the convex portion is in the first position, it is preferable that the expander be able to rotate up and down around the first position relative to the wire gripper.

As a result, when the first and second connection parts are connected, the connection part can move like a joint. This improves the operability of the live line sorting tool.

The above-mentioned live line sorting tool preferably has the following configuration: The locking member is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position that is lower than the locked position. The first connecting portion has a recess with an open upper end. The second connecting portion has a boss portion that can be inserted into the recess. The protrusion portion moves integrally with the boss portion. The locking member protrudes into the recess in the locked position. When the locking member is in the locked position, the protruding portion of the locking member into the recess comes into contact with the boss portion, thereby preventing the protrusion portion from moving from the first position to the second position.

This allows the first connection part to be made smaller. Furthermore, because the locking member protrudes into the recess, it is possible to protect the locking member from external impacts.

In the above-mentioned live line sorting tool, when a force is applied in a direction that moves the expander away from the wire gripper while the first connection part and the second connection part are connected, it is preferable that a force be applied to the convex part or the guide groove in a direction opposite to the direction that moves the convex part relatively from the first position to the second position.

This allows the force generated by contracting the extender to be used to hold the protrusion in the first position, thereby reliably preventing unintentional separation of the first and second connection parts.

The above-mentioned live line sorting tool preferably has the following configuration: the locking member is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position that is lower than the locked position. The first connection part is equipped with a retention mechanism that holds the locking member in the unlocked position.

This allows the unlocked state to continue without continuously applying operating force to the operating member, making it easier to separate the first and second connection parts.

The above-mentioned live line sorting tool preferably has the following configuration. Specifically, the locking member slides up and down between the locked position and the unlocked position. The holding mechanism includes a restricting protrusion and a holding member. The holding member has a vertical movement groove formed therein. When the locking member is in the unlocked position, rotation of the operating member can switch between a state in which the phase of the movement groove and the phase of the restricting protrusion match and a state in which they do not match. When the phase of the restricting protrusion and the phase of the movement groove match, the restricting protrusion can move relatively up and down within the movement groove as the locking member moves up and down. When the phase of the restricting protrusion and the phase of the movement groove do not match, the restricting protrusion comes into contact with the holding member, thereby holding the locking member in the unlocked position.

This allows the retention mechanism to switch between maintaining the unlocked state and not maintaining it with the simple operation of rotating the operating member.

In the above-mentioned live line sorting tool, it is preferable that at least a portion of at least one of the wire gripper and the expander is made of a magnesium alloy.

As a result, by using magnesium alloy as the material for the wire gripper or expander, it becomes lighter than conventional products, further reducing the physical strain on workers during operation.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided the following electric wire installation method for the above-mentioned live line sorting tool. That is, in this electric wire installation method, the wire gripper, which is separated from the expander, is attached to the electric wire. The first connection part provided on the wire gripper, which is attached to the electric wire, is connected to the second connection part provided on the expander.

This reduces the weight that workers must support during the installation process of the live line sorting tool, easing the physical burden.

1 is a front view showing the overall configuration of a live line sorting tool according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing a configuration for connecting the wire gripper and the live line sorting tool body. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating how the boss portion is inserted into the recess and the working protrusion portion is inserted into the guide groove to connect the wire gripper and the live line sorting tool body. FIG. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a convex portion is located midway along a guide groove. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the state after the connection work is completed and the slide pin is in the locked position. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the operating ring is pulled down and the slide pin is moved to the unlocked position in order to separate the wire gripper from the live line sorting tool body. FIG. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the slide pin is held at the unlocked position by the holding mechanism. FIG. 10 is a front view showing the operation of hanging one of a pair of wire grippers on an insulated wire in order to install the live line sorting tool. FIG. 4 is a front view showing the wire gripper hooked onto the insulated wire. FIG. 10 is a front view showing the operation of connecting the extender to the wire gripper. FIG. 10 is a front view showing the operation of connecting the expander to the remaining wire gripper of the pair when the remaining wire gripper is hooked onto the insulated electric wire. A front view showing the work of separating the expander from the wire gripper on one side in order to remove the live line sorting tool. FIG. 10 is a front view showing the operation of separating the extender from the wire gripper on the opposite side. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the live-line sorting tool.

Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

The live line sorting tool 100 shown in Figure 1 is used in construction work to cut insulated electric wires (electric cables) 90, which are overhead lines, while they are in an overhead state. The live line sorting tool 100 includes an expander 10 and wire grippers 70A and 70B.

In the following, when describing the configuration of the live line sorting tool 100, the direction parallel to the insulated electric wire 90 when installed on the insulated electric wire 90 may be referred to as the left-right direction. Furthermore, the direction perpendicular to both the left-right direction and the up-down direction may be referred to as the front-to-rear direction. Figure 1 is a view of the live line sorting tool 100 as seen from the front.

When carrying out construction work, a pair of wire grippers 70A, 70B are attached to each insulated electric wire 90, and the expander 10 is positioned to connect the pair of wire grippers 70A, 70B together. Because wire grippers 70A, 70B are configured substantially symmetrically, the following description will focus on the configuration of wire gripper 70A as a representative.

The wire gripper 70A comprises a main body 71, a fixed grip 72, a movable grip 73, an open/close cover 74, a lever 75, a screw shaft 76, a tapered portion 77, and a grip lock operation portion 78.

The main body 71 is a base member to which the various components that make up the wire gripper 70A are attached. A fixed gripping portion 72 is fixed to the upper end of the main body 71.

The movable gripping portion 73 is attached to the main body 71 below the fixed gripping portion 72. The movable gripping portion 73 is movable up and down relative to the main body 71. The fixed gripping portion 72 and the movable gripping portion 73 are arranged so that they face each other in the vertical direction. Although not shown, each of the fixed gripping portion 72 and the movable gripping portion 73 has a long, narrow groove formed therein that can accommodate the upper or lower portion of the insulated electric wire 90. The wire gripper 70A is attached to the insulated electric wire 90 so that the longitudinal direction of this groove is aligned with the insulated electric wire 90. Hereinafter, the space between the fixed gripping portion 72 and the movable gripping portion 73 will be referred to as the gripping space, and the direction of the groove will sometimes be referred to as the electric wire direction. The electric wire direction corresponds to the left-right direction described above. The movable gripping portion 73 is provided with a restricting mechanism (not shown), so it cannot actually move in the electric wire direction relative to the main body 71.

The gripping space is open on either the front or rear side (in this embodiment, the front side). The insulated wire 90 can be inserted into or removed from the gripping space through this open area.

The open-close cover 74 is a plate-shaped member. The open-close cover 74 is supported by the main body 71 so that it can rotate up and down within a predetermined angular range. When the open-close cover 74 is positioned downward, it closes the open portion of the gripping space. When the open-close cover 74 moves upward, the gripping space is opened. A biasing spring (not shown) is attached to the open-close cover 74. This biasing spring biases the open-close cover 74 in the direction that closes the gripping space (specifically, downward).

The lever portion 75 is a long, thin member attached to the lower part of the movable gripping portion 73. The lever portion 75 is attached to the movable gripping portion 73 via a sliding mechanism (not shown) consisting of a groove. Therefore, the lever portion 75 can slide relative to the movable gripping portion 73 in the direction of the electric wire. The lever portion 75 extends from the main body portion 71 to one side generally along the direction of the electric wire. A first connecting portion 30 is attached to the end of this extending portion. The pair of wire grippers 70A, 70B are attached to the insulated electric wire 90 so that the first connecting portions 30 of each face each other.

The screw shaft 76 is positioned so that its axis faces up and down, and is rotatably supported by the main body 71.

The tapered portion 77 is a block-shaped member attached to the upper end of the screw shaft 76. The screw feed caused by the rotation of the screw shaft 76 allows the tapered portion 77 to move vertically relative to the main body 71. The tapered portion 77 cannot substantially move in the direction of the electric wire relative to the main body 71.

The upper surface of the tapered portion 77 has an inclined surface that approaches the fixed-side grip portion 72 as it approaches the first connection portion 30. Correspondingly, the lower surface of the lever portion 75 has an inclined surface that is substantially parallel to the inclined surface described above. The lever portion 75 is positioned so that it rests on the tapered portion 77, resulting in the two inclined surfaces coming into contact.

When the first connection portion 30 is pulled in a direction away from the main body portion 71 along the wire direction, the lever portion 75 rises due to the action of the inclined surface of the tapered portion 77, pushing up the movable grip portion 73. This reduces the distance between the fixed grip portion 72 and the movable grip portion 73.

The grip lock operation unit 78 is a ring-shaped member that is fixed to the lower end of the screw shaft 76. The grip lock operation unit 78 is configured to be rotatable. The grip lock operation unit 78 can be operated, for example, by hooking an operating tool T1, the upper end of which is bent like a hook. By rotating the screw shaft 76 together with the grip lock operation unit 78, the distance between the fixed grip unit 72 and the movable grip unit 73 can be increased or decreased.

When the pair of wire grippers 70A, 70B are connected via the extender 10 and the extender 10 is retracted, the lever portion 75 of each wire gripper 70A, 70B is pulled toward the center of the extender 10. Hereinafter, in the description of the wire grippers 70A, 70B, the side closer to the extender 10 may be referred to as the pulling side. The pulling side can also be referred to as the side where the first connection portion 30 is provided, or the side closer to the extender 10.

As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the first connection part 30 includes a connection housing 31. The connection housing 31 is formed in the shape of a roughly rectangular parallelepiped block. A recess 32 is formed in the connection housing 31. The recess 32 is formed in the shape of a slit with a constant front-to-rear width. The recess 32 leaves the upper and pulling side of the connection housing 31 open. A boss part 51 on the extender 10 can be inserted into the recess 32. The boss part 51 will be described later.

A guide groove 33 is formed on the inner wall of the recess 32. A pair of guide grooves 33 are arranged in the front-to-rear direction, sandwiching the recess 32. A protrusion 52 on the extender 10 can be inserted into each guide groove 33. The protrusions 52 will be described later. As the pair of guide grooves 33 have substantially the same shape, the following description will focus on one of the guide grooves 33 as a representative.

As shown in Figure 3, the guide groove 33 is formed as a zigzag groove. The upper end PE of the guide groove 33 forms an opening on the upper surface of the connection housing 31.

As shown in FIG. 3, the guide groove 33 extends downward from its upper end PE a short distance to the fourth position P4, then a short distance toward the pulling side to the third position P3, then a short distance downward again to the second position P2, and then a short distance toward the pulling side again to the first position P1. The end of the guide groove 33 farthest from the open portion of the upper end PE is the first position P1. A short path parallel to the wire direction connecting the first position P1 and the second position P2 is located at the lower end of the guide groove 33. The third position P3 and the fourth position P4 are higher than the first position P1 and the second position P2, and lower than the upper end PE of the guide groove 33.

At each of the second position P2, the third position P3, and the fourth position P4, the guide groove 33 is bent. When the convex portion 52 is inserted into the guide groove 33, the guide groove 33 guides the convex portion 52 to move along a path that bends multiple times as described above.

The lower end of the guide groove 33, which includes the first position P1 and the second position P2, is connected to a window that opens to the outside of the connection housing 31. Therefore, the position of the protrusion 52 inserted into the guide groove 33 can be confirmed from the outside through the window.

As shown in Figures 2 and 3, a vertical through-hole 34 is formed in the bottom of the connection housing 31. The through-hole 34 is formed to connect the inner bottom surface of the recess 32 and the bottom surface of the connection housing 31.

The upper end of a cylindrical guide tube 35 is fixed to the through-hole 34. The guide tube 35 is positioned so that its axial direction is in the vertical direction. The internal space of the guide tube 35 is open at both the upper and lower ends of the guide tube 35. The internal space of the guide tube 35 is connected to the internal space of the recess 32.

A lock slider (locking member) 36 is arranged inside the guide tube 35. The lock slider 36 is a linear, elongated, cylindrical component. The lock slider 36 is arranged so that its longitudinal direction is the up-down direction.

The lock slider 36 is supported by the guide tube 35 so that it can slide up and down. The lock slider 36 can also rotate around an axis in the vertical direction.

The lock slider 36 is formed in a stepped shape with a large diameter portion and a small diameter portion. The lock slider 36 is positioned so that the large diameter portion is on the upper side and the small diameter portion is on the lower side. A spring support portion 37 that protrudes toward the center is formed on the inner wall of the lower end of the guide tube 35.

A biasing spring (biasing member) 38 is disposed within the internal space of the guide tube 35. The biasing spring 38 is configured as a coil spring, and the small diameter portion of the lock slider 36 is inserted into the biasing spring 38. The biasing spring 38 is disposed between the spring receiving portion 37 and the large diameter portion of the lock slider 36. The biasing spring 38 biases the lock slider 36 upward with its elastic force.

The lower end of the lock slider 36 protrudes downward from the lower end of the guide tube 35. An operating ring (operating member) 39 is fixed to the lower end of the lock slider 36. The operating ring 39 is positioned lower than the lower end of the guide groove 33, specifically below the connection housing 31.

An elastic force from the biasing spring 38 acts on the operating ring 39 via the lock slider 36. Therefore, when no operating force is applied to the operating ring 39, the operating ring 39 remains stationary in the position shown in Figure 3, with its upper surface in contact with the lower surface of the guide tube 35. At this time, as shown in Figure 2, the lock slider 36 protrudes upward by an appropriate length from the inner bottom surface of the recess 32. Hereinafter, the position of the lock slider 36 at this time may be referred to as the lock position LP1.

As shown in Figure 6, the operator can lower the lock slider 36 by hooking the operating tool T1 onto the operating ring 39 and pulling it down. The position when the lock slider 36 is retracted downward and its protrusion into the recess 32 is zero or sufficiently short is sometimes called the unlocked position LP2.

As shown in Figure 3, the lower end of a cylindrical retaining tube (retaining member) 40 is fixed to the top of the operating ring 39. The retaining tube 40 is arranged so that its axial direction is in the vertical direction. The retaining tube 40 is arranged outside the guide tube 35. The retaining tube 40, lock slider 36, and guide tube 35 are arranged so that their respective central axes are aligned. Because the retaining tube 40 is fixed to the operating ring 39, when the lock slider 36 and operating ring 39 move in the vertical direction, the retaining tube 40 also moves integrally. Similarly, when the lock slider 36 and operating ring 39 rotate around their vertical axes, the retaining tube 40 also rotates integrally.

A pair of elongated movement grooves 41 are formed on the inner surface of the retaining tube 40 in the vertical direction. Each movement groove 41 is open toward the center of the retaining tube 40. The pair of movement grooves 41 are arranged symmetrically on either side of the center of the retaining tube 40. The upper end of each movement groove 41 is open upward.

A pair of stopper pins (regulating protrusions) 42 are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the guide tube 35. Each stopper pin 42 protrudes radially outward. The pair of stopper pins 42 correspond to the moving grooves 41 and are arranged symmetrically across the center of the guide tube 35. Each stopper pin 42 can move in and out of the moving groove 41.

The retaining tube 40 and stopper pin 42 form a retaining mechanism 43 that holds the lock slider 36 in the unlocked position LP2.

When the operating ring 39 is rotated around the vertical axis, the guide tube 35 also rotates, changing the phase of the moving groove 41. This allows the phase of the stopper pin 42 to be switched between matching the phase of the moving groove 41 and not matching the phase of the moving groove 41.

When the movable groove 41 is aligned with the phase of the stopper pin 42, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the stopper pin 42 can move up and down within the movable groove 41 relative to itself. Therefore, the operating ring 39 and lock slider 36 can move up and down. When the operating ring 39 is pulled down by a sufficient stroke against the elastic force of the biasing spring 38, the lock slider 36 moves to the unlocked position LP2, and at the same time, the stopper pin 42 moves upward relatively out of the movable groove 41. In this state, the retaining cylinder 40 can be rotated together with the operating ring 39.

When the moving groove 41 is out of phase with the stopper pin 42, the stopper pin 42 is in contact with the upper end surface of the retaining tube 40, as shown in Figure 7, and the retaining tube 40 cannot move upward. Therefore, regardless of the elastic force of the biasing spring 38, the lock slider 36 is held in the unlocked position LP2 shown in Figure 7.

As shown in Figure 1, the telescopic device 10 comprises a rod portion 11, a telescopic operating portion 12, and an electric wire support portion 13.

The rod portion 11 is a linear, elongated rod-shaped member. The rod portion 11 is provided with an extension mechanism (not shown). The extension mechanism can be realized, for example, by a known screw mechanism, but is not limited to this.

The telescopic operation unit 12 is a ring-shaped member. It is located midway along the length of the rod portion 11. The telescopic operation unit 12 is configured to be rotatable. By rotating the telescopic operation unit 12 in one direction using the operating tool T1, the rod portion 11 can be extended, and by rotating it in the opposite direction, the rod portion 11 can be retracted.

The wire support portion 13 is fixed at an appropriate position on the rod portion 11. A space is formed inside the wire support portion 13 so that the insulated wire 90 can pass through. The wire support portion 13 has an opening that allows the insulated wire 90 to be supported and removed. The opening of the wire support portion 13 is configured to be openable and closable, and when the opening is open, the insulated wire 90 can be inserted and removed from the wire support portion 13. By closing the opening when the insulated wire 90 is inserted into the wire support portion 13, the insulated wire 90 can be prevented from coming loose. When the insulated wire 90 is cut near the center of the expander 10, the wire support portion 13 can support the cut wire so that it does not droop.

The drawings show an example in which the wire support part 13 is C-shaped so that the front side is open. The angle of the wire support part 13 can be adjusted around the rod part 11. When inserting the convex part 52 of the extender 10 into the guide groove 33 of the wire grippers 70A, 70B, the wire support part 13 may come into contact with the insulated wire 90, hindering the movement of the extender 10 and making work difficult. However, by changing the angle of the wire support part 13 so that there is no interference between the wire support part 13 and the insulated wire 90, the connection work can be made easier. After connection, the insulated wire 90 is placed inside the wire support part 13 and the open part is closed.

The shape of the wire support part 13 is arbitrary; for example, it can be configured as a U-shape with an open top. In the case of a U-shaped wire support part 13, the open part is opened and the expander 10 is lifted so that the insulated wire 90 enters the wire support part 13 from above. In this state, the convex part 52 of the expander 10 can easily approach the guide groove 33 of the wire grippers 70A, 70B. After connection, the open part is closed with the insulated wire 90 stored inside the wire support part 13.

A second connection portion 50 is provided on each end of the rod portion 11. One end of the rod portion 11 is connected to the wire gripper 70A on the same side via the second connection portion 50 and the first connection portion 30. The opposite end of the rod portion 11 is connected to the wire gripper 70B on the same side via the second connection portion 50 and the first connection portion 30. Since the pair of second connection portions 50 are configured substantially symmetrically, the following description will focus on the configuration of the second connection portion 50 on the side connected to the wire gripper 70A.

As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the second connection portion 50 has a boss portion 51 and a protrusion portion 52.

The boss portion 51 is provided at the longitudinal end of the rod portion 11. The boss portion 51 is formed in a plate shape and is disposed with its thickness oriented in the front-to-rear direction. The boss portion 51 protrudes further from the end of the rod portion 11 along the longitudinal direction of the rod portion 11. The boss portion 51 can be inserted into the aforementioned recess 32 in the first connection portion 30.

The protrusions 52 are arranged in a pair in the front-to-rear direction, sandwiching the boss portion 51. The protrusion 52 on one side protrudes forward from the boss portion 51, and the protrusion 52 on the other side protrudes rearward from the boss portion 51. Each protrusion 52 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The central axes of the two protrusions 52 are aligned. The pair of protrusions 52 can be inserted into the pair of guide grooves 33 mentioned above in the first connection portion 30.

The end face 53 of the boss portion 51 in the protruding direction is formed into an arcuate surface. The center of the arc of the end face 53 roughly coincides with the central axis of the protrusion 52.

Next, we will explain the connection and disconnection that takes place between the first connection part 30 and the second connection part 50. Here, we will explain the connection and disconnection between the stretcher 10 and the wire gripper 70A as an example, but the connection and disconnection between the stretcher 10 and the wire gripper 70B is similar.

To connect the first connection part 30 and the second connection part 50, as shown in Figure 3, the boss part 51 of the second connection part 50 is inserted from above into the recessed part 32 of the first connection part 30. At almost the same time, the convex part 52 is inserted from above into the guide groove 33. In the state shown in Figure 3, the elastic force of the biasing spring 38 keeps the lock slider 36 in the lock position LP1.

As described above, the lock slider 36 protrudes upward inside the recess 32. Therefore, the bottom surface of the boss portion 51 inserted into the recess 32 presses downward on the upper surface of the lock slider 36, as shown in Figure 4. This causes the lock slider 36 to descend slightly. Figure 4 shows the protrusion 52 reaching the fourth position P4 of the guide groove 33.

From the position shown in Figure 4, the worker moves the extender 10 diagonally downward, away from the wire gripper 70A. This causes the convex portion 52 to pass through the inside of the guide groove 33 to the third position P3 and then the second position P2, and finally to the first position P1. Figure 5 shows the state when the movement of the convex portion 52 is complete.

As the convex portion 52 moves from the second position P2 to the first position P1 inside the guide groove 33, the boss portion 51, which moves integrally with the convex portion 52, no longer faces the lock slider 36 in the vertical direction. The boss portion 51 is released from pressing down on the lock slider 36, and the elastic force of the biasing spring 38 causes the lock slider 36 to return to its original lock position LP1. This completes the connection between the first connection portion 30 and the second connection portion 50.

In the state shown in Figure 5 where the connection is complete, the lock slider 36 is in the lock position LP1. Therefore, the movement of the convex portion 52 from the first position P1 to the second position P2 is impossible because the lock slider 36 comes into contact with the end face 53, preventing the boss portion 51 from moving. In other words, the lock slider 36 and the biasing spring 38 function as a locking mechanism that prevents the convex portion 52 from coming out of the guide groove 33. This prevents the first connection portion 30 and the second connection portion 50 from accidentally separating. This mechanical lock is automatically performed when the convex portion 52 reaches the first position P1 of the guide groove 33. Therefore, no special operation by the operator is required for locking.

The convex portion 52 is formed in a cylindrical shape, while the end portion corresponding to the first position P1 in the guide groove 33 is formed in an arc shape. Therefore, when the convex portion 52 is in the first position P1, the boss portion 51 can rotate around the first position P1 relative to the connection housing 31. This means that the angle of the extender 10 can be changed up and down around the first position P1 relative to the wire gripper 70A. This allows the connection portion to move like a joint, making it easier to perform various tasks using the live line sorting tool 100. The end face 53 of the boss portion 51 in the protruding direction is formed in an arc shape as described above. Therefore, the lock slider 36 will not get caught when the boss portion 51 rotates.

The inner bottom surface of the recess 32 is formed with an inclined surface 44 that becomes lower as it moves from the second position P2 toward the first position P1. This allows for a wider range of angle changes for the extender 10 relative to the wire gripper 70A. The angle change range is determined to include angles of the extender 10 where the side farther from the wire gripper 70A is lower, as shown in Figures 10 and 13 described below. This further improves the operability of the live line sorting tool 100.

When separating the first connection part 30 and the second connection part 50 from the state shown in Figure 5, the operator uses the operating tool T1 to pull down the operating ring 39 significantly, as shown in Figure 6, and then rotates the operating ring 39, for example, by 90 degrees. This state is shown in Figure 7. After that, even if the operating ring 39 is released from being pulled down, the holding mechanism 43 can hold the lock slider 36 in the unlocked position LP2.

From the state shown in Figure 7, the worker moves the extender 10 diagonally upward so as to approach the wire gripper 70A. Because the lock slider 36 is in the unlocked position LP2, the protrusion 52 is allowed to move from the first position P1 to the second position P2. As a result, the protrusion 52 passes through the inside of the guide groove 33 in the order of second position P2, third position P3, and fourth position P4, and finally comes out upward through the opening at the upper end PE. At almost the same time, the boss portion 51 also comes out upward from the recess 32.

This completes the separation between the first connection part 30 and the second connection part 50. After that, in preparation for the next connection, the operator returns the rotation of the operating ring 39 to its original position. This causes the lock slider 36 to automatically return to the lock position LP1.

Next, we will explain the installation work of the live line sorting tool 100 on the insulated wire 90 when performing work using the live line sorting tool 100 of this embodiment.

First, as shown in Figure 8, the worker uses an operating tool T2 with a gripping portion at its upper end to attach one of the wire grippers 70A to the insulated electric wire 90. At this time, the extender 10 is not connected to the lever portion 75 of the wire gripper 70A. The grip lock operating portion 78 has also been operated in advance to sufficiently widen the gripping space between the fixed side gripping portion 72 and the movable side gripping portion 73. A hole (not shown) is formed in the openable cover 74 provided on the wire gripper 70A. By holding this hole with the gripping portion of the operating tool T2, the wire gripper 70A is suspended from the upper end of the operating tool T2 via the openable cover 74.

As mentioned above, a biasing spring is attached to the openable cover 74. However, in the state shown in Figure 8 where the wire gripper 70A is suspended from the upper end of the operating tool T2 via the openable cover 74, the gravity acting on the main body 71, fixed gripping portion 72, movable gripping portion 73, etc. exceeds the elastic force of the biasing spring. Therefore, the openable cover 74 rotates relatively upward, opening the aforementioned gripping space. Therefore, the insulated wire 90 can be inserted into the gripping space.

By removing the operating tool T2 from the open/close cover 74 while the insulated electric wire 90 is inserted into the gripping space, the wire gripper 70A is suspended from the insulated electric wire 90 as shown in Figure 9. At the same time that the suspension by the operating tool T2 is released, the open/close cover 74 rotates downward due to the action of the biasing spring, closing the open portion of the gripping space. This prevents the wire gripper 70A from accidentally coming off the insulated electric wire 90.

Next, the worker lifts the telescopic device 10 using the operating tool T3 with a gripping portion at its upper end, as shown in Figure 10. The telescopic operating portion 12 of the telescopic device 10 has already been operated so that the rod portion 11 is fully extended. Next, as shown by the bold arrow in Figure 10, the worker moves the telescopic device 10 to connect the second connection portion 50 of the telescopic device 10 to the first connection portion 30 of the wire gripping device 70A. The connection method has already been explained using Figures 3 to 5. Once the connection is complete, the locking slider 36 automatically locks the device, preventing the telescopic device 10 and the wire gripping device 70A from accidentally separating.

Next, the worker attaches the opposite wire gripper 70B to the insulated wire 90. After that, as shown by the bold arrow in Figure 11, the worker uses the operating tool T3 to connect the second connection part 50 of the stretcher 10 to the first connection part 30 of the wire gripper 70B. These operations are the same as those for the wire gripper 70A, so explanations will be omitted. Next, the wire support part 13 of the stretcher 10 is attached to the insulated wire 90.

In this way, the state shown in Figure 1 is achieved. The operator then operates the extension/retraction operating unit 12 of the extender 10 to retract the rod portion 11. As a result, the lever portion 75 of each wire gripper 70A, 70B moves toward the opposite wire gripper 70B, 70A, and the action of the tapered portion 77 causes the movable gripper 73 to rise toward the fixed gripper 72. This allows the fixed gripper 72 and the movable gripper 73 to grip the insulated electric wire 90. Further retracting the rod portion 11 slackens the insulated electric wire 90 between the two wire grippers 70A, 70B, making it suitable for operations such as cutting. After the rod portion 11 has been sufficiently retracted, the operator operates the grip lock operating unit 78 of each wire gripper 70A, 70B to rotate the screw shaft 76. As a result, the tapered portion 77, which rises due to the screw feed, pushes up the movable gripping portion 73 via the lever portion 75, clamping the insulated wire 90. In this way, the wire grippers 70A and 70B can be locked in their gripping state.

When the rod portion 11 of the extender 10 is retracted, a force is applied to the above-mentioned convex portion 52 in the guide groove 33 in the direction opposite to the direction that moves the convex portion 52 from the first position P1 to the second position P2. This reliably prevents the first connecting portion 30 and the second connecting portion 50 from accidentally separating.

Next, we will explain how to remove the tools after construction is complete.

After completing the installation, the worker removes the wire support portion 13 from the insulated wire 90. Next, the worker operates the extension operating portion 12 of the extension device 10 to extend the rod portion 11 to its original length. Next, as shown in Figure 12, the worker pulls down and rotates the operating ring 39 provided on the wire gripper 70B. As a result, as already explained using Figure 7, the lock slider 36 of the wire gripper 70B is held in the unlocked position LP2.

Next, as shown by the bold arrow in Figure 12, the worker uses the operating tool T3 to move the extender 10 and separate the second connection part 50 from the first connection part 30 provided on the wire gripper 70B. The separation method has already been explained using Figure 7.

Then, as shown by the bold arrow in Figure 13, the worker uses the operating tool T3 to move the extender 10 and separate the second connection part 50 from the first connection part 30 provided on the wire gripper 70A. The separation method is the same as described above.

Once separated from the two wire grippers 70A, 70B, the extender 10 can be lowered and retrieved. Because the only weight the worker has to support is the extender 10, physical strain is reduced. The worker then operates the grip lock operating unit 78 of wire gripper 70A to unlock the grip state. Because the tension on the lever unit 75 by the extender 10 has already been released, the grip of the insulated electric wire 90 by wire gripper 70A is also released at the same time as the grip lock is released. Next, the worker uses operating tool T2 to hang wire gripper 70A (via the open/close cover 74) to detach it from the insulated electric wire 90, then lower it and retrieve it. Wire gripper 70B can also be retrieved by performing a similar procedure.

The wire grippers 70A, 70B and the extender 10 may be made of any material, but from the perspective of reducing weight, it is preferable for at least one of the wire grippers 70A, 70B and the extender 10 to be made at least partially from a magnesium alloy. With regard to the wire grippers 70A, 70B, for example, the main body 71, fixed side gripper 72, movable side gripper 73, lever 75 (including the first connection part 30), etc. may be made from a magnesium alloy. With regard to the extender 10, for example, the second connection part 50, etc. may be made from a magnesium alloy.

As described above, the live line sorting tool 100 of this embodiment comprises an extender 10 and wire grippers 70A and 70B. The extender 10 is extendable. The wire grippers 70A and 70B are capable of gripping an insulated electric wire 90. The wire grippers 70A and 70B comprise a first connection part 30. The extender 10 comprises a second connection part 50. The first connection part 30 comprises a guide groove 33, a lock slider 36, and an operating ring 39. The upper end PE of the guide groove 33 is open. The lock slider 36 locks the first connection part 30 and the second connection part 50 in a connected state. The operating ring 39 is operated to release the lock provided by the lock slider 36. The second connection part 50 comprises a protrusion 52 that is movable along the guide groove 33. The protrusion 52 is movable within the guide groove 33 in a direction along the insulated wire 90 between a first position P1 and a second position P2. Both the first position P1 and the second position P2 are lower than the upper end PE of the guide groove 33. The guide groove 33 is formed so that the first position P1 is connected to the upper end PE via the second position P2. When the first connection portion 30 and the second connection portion 50 are connected, the protrusion 52 is in the first position P1. The lock slider 36 prevents the protrusion 52 from moving from the first position P1 to the second position P2.

As a result, by separating the first connection portion 30 and the second connection portion 50 when attaching/detaching the live line sorting tool 100 to/from the insulated electric wire 90, the weight supported by the operator can be reduced, easing the physical burden. Once the first connection portion 30 and the second connection portion 50 are connected, they are locked by the lock slider 36, preventing unintentional separation. Once connected, the protrusion 52 cannot be removed from the upper end PE of the guide groove 33 without moving horizontally from the first position P1 and passing through the second position P2. The lock slider 36 is configured to prevent the protrusion 52 from moving from the first position P1 to the second position P2. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the upper end PE of the guide groove 33 is locked by some kind of member, it is easier to position the locking member below the first connection portion 30. This makes it easy to achieve a layout that allows the lock to be released without having to raise the operating tool T1 too high. Because there is no need to operate the operating tool T1 near the upper end PE of the guide groove 33, the operating tool T1 is less likely to get in the way of the convex portion 52 attempting to escape upward from the upper end PE of the guide groove 33, making the separation process smoother.

In the live line sorting tool 100 of this embodiment, the lock slider 36 is movable between a locked position LP1 and an unlocked position LP2, which is lower than the locked position. The first connection part 30 is equipped with a biasing spring 38 that biases the lock slider 36 toward the locked position LP1. When the lock slider 36 is in the locked position LP1, the protrusion 52 is prevented from moving from the first position P1 to the second position P2. When the lock slider 36 is in the unlocked position LP2, the protrusion 52 is allowed to move from the first position P1 to the second position P2.

This allows the lock slider 36 to be easily switched between the locked and unlocked states by moving it.

In the live line sorting tool 100 of this embodiment, the lock slider 36 slides up and down between a locked position LP1 and an unlocked position LP2.

This simplifies the configuration for moving the lock slider 36.

In the live line sorting tool 100 of this embodiment, the operating ring 39 is positioned lower than the lower end of the guide groove 33.

This allows the lock to be released by operating the operating ring 39, which is located at a low position, improving operability.

In the live line sorting tool 100 of this embodiment, the guide groove 33 is bent at each of the third position P3 and the fourth position P4 between the second position P2 and the upper end PE.

As a result, the convex portion 52 at the first position P1 of the guide groove 33 cannot escape from the upper end PE of the guide groove 33 without passing through the complex shape of the guide groove 33. This reliably prevents the first connecting portion 30 and the second connecting portion 50 from accidentally separating.

In the live line sorting tool 100 of this embodiment, when the convex portion 52 is in the first position P1, the extender 10 can rotate up and down around the first position P1 relative to the wire gripper (e.g., wire gripper 70A) to which it is connected.

As a result, when the first connection part 30 and the second connection part 50 are connected, the connection part can move like a joint. This improves the operability of the live line sorting tool 100.

In the live line sorting tool 100 of this embodiment, the first connection part 30 has a recess 32 with an open upper end. The second connection part 50 has a boss part 51 that can be inserted into the recess 32. The protrusion part 52 moves integrally with the boss part 51. The lock slider 36 protrudes into the recess 32 at the lock position LP1. When the lock slider 36 is in the lock position LP1, the protrusion part of the lock slider 36 protruding into the recess 32 comes into contact with the boss part 51, thereby preventing the protrusion part 52 from moving from the first position P1 to the second position P2.

This allows the first connection part 30 to be made smaller. Furthermore, because the lock slider 36 protrudes into the recess 32, the lock slider 36 can be protected from external impacts.

In the live line sorting tool 100 of this embodiment, when a force is applied in a direction that moves the expander 10 away from the wire gripper 70A while the first connection part 30 and the second connection part 50 are connected, a force is applied to the convex part 52 in a direction opposite to the direction that moves the convex part 52 relatively from the first position P1 to the second position P2.

This allows the force generated by contracting the extender 10 to be used to hold the protrusion 52 in the first position P1. This reliably prevents unintentional separation of the first connection portion 30 and the second connection portion 50.

The live line sorting tool 100 of this embodiment is equipped with a holding mechanism 43 that holds the lock slider 36 in the unlocked position LP2.

This allows the unlocked state to be maintained without continuously applying operating force to the operating ring 39. This makes it easier to separate the first connection part 30 and the second connection part 50.

In the live line sorting tool 100 of this embodiment, the holding mechanism includes a stopper pin 42 and a vertical movement groove 41. The lock slider 36 moves vertically together with the movement groove 41. When the phase of the stopper pin 42 and the phase of the movement groove 41 match, the stopper pin 42 can move vertically relative to each other inside the movement groove 41. By rotating the operating ring 39, it is possible to switch between a state in which the phase of the stopper pin 42 and the phase of the movement groove 41 match and a state in which they do not match.

As a result, the retention mechanism 43 can be switched between maintaining the unlocked state and not maintaining it with the simple operation of rotating the operating member.

In the live line sorting tool 100 of this embodiment, at least a portion of at least one of the wire grippers 70A, 70B and the extender 10 can be made of a magnesium alloy.

By using a magnesium alloy as the material for the wire grippers 70A, 70B or the extender 10, they are lighter than conventional products. This further reduces the physical strain on the worker during operation.

The above describes a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the above configuration can be modified, for example, as follows. Each modification may be made alone, or multiple modifications may be made in any combination.

Instead of being zigzag, the guide groove 33 may be formed in an L-shape, with the second position P2 and the upper end PE connected by a vertically linear portion. A further bend in the guide groove 33 may be provided between the fourth position P4 and the upper end PE.

As shown in the modified example in Figure 14, the first connection part 30 may be provided on the stretcher 10, and the second connection part 50 may be provided on the wire gripper 70A. In this case, the first connection part 30 on the stretcher 10 is inserted from bottom to top and connected to the second connection part 50 on the wire gripper 70A.

In the modified example shown in Figure 14, when the rod portion 11 of the extender 10 is retracted, a force is applied to the guide groove 33 in the direction opposite to the direction that moves the convex portion 52 relatively from the first position P1 to the second position P2. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent the first connecting portion 30 and the second connecting portion 50 from accidentally separating.

In the holding mechanism 43, a stopper pin 42 that protrudes toward the center may be provided on the inner surface of the holding tube 40, and a movement groove 41 that opens to the outer periphery may be provided on the guide tube 35.

The holding mechanism 43 may be omitted.

The first connection portion 30 and second connection portion 50 described above may also be applied to the connection structure between only one of the pair of wire grippers 70A, 70B and the extender 10.

The locking member may be moved between the locked and unlocked positions by rotating around an appropriate position.

The shape of the operating ring 39 can be modified as appropriate. For example, an arm-shaped operating member may be arranged in place of the operating ring 39.

When the lock slider 36 is in the locked position, it may contact the protrusion 52 instead of the boss 51, thereby preventing the protrusion 52 from moving from the first position P1 to the second position P2.

10: Expander 30: First connecting portion 32: Recess 33: Guide groove 36: Lock slider (lock member)
38 biasing spring (biasing member)
39 Operation ring (operation member)
40 Holding tube (holding member)
41: Moving groove 42: Stopper pin (regulating protrusion)
43 Holding mechanism 50 Second connection portion 51 Boss portion 52 Convex portion 70A, 70B Wire gripper 90 Insulated electric wire (electric wire)
100 Live line sorting tool P1 First position P2 Second position LP1 Locked position LP2 Unlocked position PE Upper end

Claims (12)

an extendable stretcher;
a wire gripper capable of gripping an electric wire;
Equipped with
One of the extender and the wire gripper is provided with a first connection portion, and the other is provided with a second connection portion,
The first connection portion is
a guide groove having an open upper end;
a locking member that locks the first connection portion and the second connection portion in a connected state;
an operating member that is operated to release the locking by the locking member;
Equipped with
the second connection portion includes a protrusion that is movable along the guide groove,
the protrusion is movable within the guide groove in a direction along the electric wire between a first position lower than the upper end and a second position lower than the upper end,
the guide groove is formed so that the first position is connected to the upper end via the second position,
When the first connection portion and the second connection portion are connected, the protrusion is in the first position,
The live line sorting tool, characterized in that the locking member prevents the protrusion from moving from the first position to the second position. The live line sorting tool according to claim 1,
the locking member is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position that is lower than the locked position;
the first connection portion includes a biasing member that biases the locking member toward the locking position;
When the locking member is in the locked position, the protrusion is prevented from moving from the first position to the second position,
When the locking member is in the unlocked position, the protrusion is allowed to move from the first position to the second position. The live line sorting tool according to claim 2,
The live line sorting tool is characterized in that the locking member slides up and down between the locked position and the unlocked position. The live line sorting tool according to claim 2,
A live line sorting tool, characterized in that the operating member is disposed at a position lower than a lower end of the guide groove. The live line sorting tool according to claim 1,
The live line sorting tool is characterized in that the guide groove is bent one or more times between the second position and the upper end. The live line sorting tool according to claim 1,
A live line sorting tool characterized in that, when the convex portion is in the first position, the expander is rotatable up and down around the first position relative to the wire gripper. The live line sorting tool according to claim 1,
the locking member is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position that is lower than the locked position;
the first connection portion has a recess with an open upper end,
the second connection portion includes a boss portion that can be inserted into the recess,
The protrusion moves integrally with the boss,
The locking member protrudes into the recess in the locked position,
When the locking member is in the locked position, the movement of the convex portion from the first position to the second position is prevented by the protruding portion of the locking member into the recess coming into contact with the boss portion. The live line sorting tool according to claim 1,
A live line sorting tool characterized in that when a force is applied in a direction that moves the expander away from the wire gripper while the first connection portion and the second connection portion are connected, a force is applied to the convex portion or the guide groove in a direction opposite to the direction that moves the convex portion relatively from the first position to the second position. The live line sorting tool according to claim 1,
the locking member is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position that is lower than the locked position;
The live line sorting tool is characterized in that the first connection portion is provided with a holding mechanism that holds the locking member in the unlocked position. The live line sorting tool according to claim 9,
The locking member slides up and down between the locking position and the unlocking position,
The holding mechanism includes:
A restricting protrusion;
a holding member having a vertical movement groove formed therein;
Equipped with
When the locking member is in the unlocked position, the phase of the moving groove and the phase of the restricting protrusion can be switched between a state in which they coincide with each other and a state in which they do not coincide with each other as the operating member rotates,
When the phase of the restricting protrusion and the phase of the moving groove are aligned, the restricting protrusion can move relatively up and down inside the moving groove in accordance with the up and down movement of the locking member,
A live line sorting tool characterized in that when the phase of the regulating protrusion does not match the phase of the moving groove, the regulating protrusion comes into contact with the retaining member, thereby holding the locking member in the unlocked position. The live line sorting tool according to claim 1,
A live line sorting tool characterized in that at least a portion of at least one of the wire gripper and the expander is made of a magnesium alloy. 2. The method for installing a live line sorting tool according to claim 1,
The wire gripper, which is separated from the extender, is attached to the electric wire,
A method for installing a live line sorting tool, comprising connecting the first connection portion provided on the wire gripping device in a state attached to the electric wire and the second connection portion provided on the expander.