FLUID-POWERED TORQUE WRENCH WITH FLUID PUMP CONTROLS

A control assembly, a tool and a method. The assembly may include a handle assembly including a first handle portion and a second handle portion, the handle assembly being removably connectable to a tool housing; and pump controls operable to control a pump to drive a tool drive mechanism and thereby an output member. Operation of the pump may require an operator's first hand on a first handle portion and the operator's second hand on a second handle portion. The pump may be operable under the control of the pump controls to drive the drive mechanism when the handle assembly is connected to the housing and when the handle assembly is disconnected from the housing.

FIELD

The present invention relates to a tool, such as a fluid-powered torque wrench, and, more particularly, to such a tool in which the controls require two-hand operation.

SUMMARY

Fluid-powered wrenches designed for the transmission of rotational power to threaded fasteners are widely used tools in industry. There are a variety of different types of power wrenches, but one typical wrench design consists of a fluid-driven, reciprocating piston driving a socket. These reciprocating piston-style torque wrenches are commonly used in flange bolting operations due to their compact nature.

With reciprocating piston-style torque wrenches, a fluid pump is coupled to the wrench via a hose to drive the piston. The pump is typically actuated via controls located on the pump or coupled to the pump via a pendant.

In operation, it is common to use two technicians to operate this style of wrench. One technician positions the wrench on the nut to be tightened. Once in position and clear of pinch points, that technician communicates to the other technician to operate the pump to actuate the wrench. Miscommunication may result undesirable operations, especially for the first technician.

Thus, a need may exist to allow a single technician to operate a reciprocating piston-style fluid-operated torque wrench. Some much larger electronic, motor-driven torque wrenches (sometimes called torque multipliers) allow for this, but such operation is not known for the much more compact piston-style fluid-operated torque wrenches.

A further need may exist to have such a reciprocating piston-style fluid-operated torque wrench that can also remain compact.

In one independent aspect, a reciprocating piston-style torque wrench having pump controls coupled to the torque wrench may be provided. In some embodiments, the pump controls may be selectively coupled to the torque wrench to allow the wrench to fit into tight areas while keeping the controls adjacent the wrench.

In another independent aspect, a handle with pump controls may be coupled to a fluid operated, reciprocating piston style torque wrench. In some embodiments, the handle may be selectively coupled to the wrench to allow the wrench to fit into tight areas.

In yet another independent aspect, a handle with pump controls may be coupled to the reciprocating piston-style torque wrench, wherein the handle requires two-hand operation.

In one particular independent embodiment, a fluid-operated, reciprocating piston-style torque wrench having fluid pump controls selectively coupled to the torque wrench may be provided. The wrench may further include a handle housing the pump controls, the handle being selectively coupled to the torque wrench. The handle may include a first grasping location and a. second grasping location, wherein the wrench cannot be operated unless an operator's hands are on both grasping locations. The handle may further include a first actuator located adjacent the first grasping location and a second actuator located adjacent the second grasping location and wherein the wrench cannot operate unless both actuators are actuated.

In a further independent embodiment, a control assembly for a fluid-operated, reciprocating piston-style torque wrench may be provided. The wrench may include a housing, and a reciprocating drive mechanism supported by the housing, the drive mechanism being selectively-driven by a fluid pump and operable to drive an output member. The assembly may generally include a body connectable to the housing; a first handle and a second handle connected to the body; a first sensor operable to sense an operator's first hand on the first handle; and a second sensor operable to sense the operator's second hand on the second handle. Operation of the pump may require sensing the operator's first hand on the first handle while sensing the operator's second hand on the second handle.

In another independent embodiment, a torque wrench may generally include a housing; a reciprocating drive mechanism supported by the housing, the drive mechanism being selectively-driven by a fluid pump and operable to drive an output member; and a control assembly. The control assembly may include a body connected to the housing, a first handle and a second handle connected to the body, and pump controls operable to control the pump to drive the drive mechanism and thereby the output member. The pump controls may include a first pump control supported proximate the first handle, the first pump control being operable by a digit of a first hand of an operator gripping the first handle, and a second pump control supported proximate the second handle, the second pump control being operable by a digit of a second hand of the operator on the second handle. The pump may be operable upon operation of the first pump control and the second pump control.

In yet another independent embodiment, a method of operating a fluid-operated, reciprocating piston-style torque wrench may be provided. The wrench may include a housing, and a reciprocating drive mechanism supported by the housing and operable to drive an output member. The method may generally include providing a control assembly connected to the housing, the control assembly including a body connected to the housing and a first handle and a second handle connected to the body; positioning the output member relative to a fastener to be adjusted; and after positioning, operating a fluid pump to drive the drive mechanism and thereby the output member to adjust the fastener, operating including sensing the operator's first hand on the first handle while sensing the operator's second hand on the second handle.

In a further independent embodiment, a control assembly for a fluid-operated tool may be provided. The tool may include a housing, and a drive mechanism supported by the housing, the drive mechanism being selectively-driven by a fluid pump and operable to drive an output member. The control assembly may include a handle assembly removably connected to the housing and including a first handle portion and a second handle portion and pump controls operable to control the pump to drive the drive mechanism and thereby the output member. The pump controls may include a first pump control operable by a digit of an operator's first hand on the first handle portion, the first pump control being in communication with the pump when the handle assembly is connected to the housing and when the handle assembly is disconnected from the housing, and a second pump control operable by a digit of the operator's second hand on the second handle portion, the second pump control being in communication with the pump when the handle assembly is connected to the housing and when the handle assembly is disconnected from the housing. Operation of the pump may require the operator's first hand on the first handle portion and the operator's second hand on the second handle portion. The pump may be operable under the control of the pump controls to drive the drive mechanism when the handle assembly is connected to the housing and when the handle assembly is disconnected from the housing.

In another independent embodiment, a tool may be provided. The tool may generally include a housing, a drive mechanism supported by the housing, the drive mechanism being selectively-driven by a fluid pump and operable to drive an output member, and a control assembly. The control assembly may include a handle assembly removably connectable to the housing and including a first handle portion and a second handle portion and pump controls operable to control the pump to drive the drive mechanism and thereby the output member, the pump controls being in communication with the pump when the handle assembly is connected to the housing and when the handle assembly is disconnected from the housing. The pump controls may include a first pump control supported proximate the first handle portion, the first pump control being operable by a digit of a first hand of an operator gripping the first handle portion, and a second pump control supported proximate the second handle portion, the second pump control being operable by a digit of a second hand of the operator on the second handle portion. Operation of the pump may require the operator's first hand on the first handle portion and the operator's second hand on the second handle portion. The pump may be operable under the control of the pump controls to drive the drive mechanism when the handle assembly is connected to the housing and when the handle assembly is disconnected from the housing.

in yet another independent embodiment, a method of operating a fluid-operated tool may be provided. The tool may include a housing and a drive mechanism supported by the housing and operable to drive an output member. The method may generally include providing a control assembly including a handle assembly separate from the housing, the handle assembly including a first handle portion and a second handle portion; selectively and alternatively releasably connecting the handle assembly to the housing and disconnecting the handle assembly from the housing; positioning the output member relative to a fastener to be adjusted; when the handle assembly is connected to the housing, after positioning, operating a fluid pump to drive the chive mechanism and thereby the output member, operating including sensing an operator's first hand on the first handle portion while sensing the operator's second hand on the second handle portion; and, when the handle assembly is disconnected from the housing, after positioning, operating the fluid pump to drive the drive mechanism and thereby the output member, operating including sensing the operator's first hand on the first handle portion while sensing the operator's second hand on the second handle portion.

Other independent aspects, features and/or advantages of the invention may become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the detailed description, claims and drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Use of “including” and “comprising” and variations thereof as used herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Use of “consisting of” and variations thereof as used herein is meant to encompass only the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof. Unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms “mounted”, “connected”, “supported”, and “coupled” and variations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings.

Also, the functionality described herein as being performed by one component may be performed by multiple components in a distributed manner. Likewise, functionality performed by multiple components may be consolidated and performed by a single component. Similarly, a component described as performing particular functionality may also perform additional functionality not described herein. For example, a device or structure that is “configured” in a certain way is configured in at least that way but may also be configured in ways that are not listed.

Referring now toFIGS. 1 and 2, a wrench with selectively integrated controls10is provided. The wrench with selectively integrated controls10includes a control assembly11coupled to a reciprocating piston style torque wrench20.

The control assembly11includes a body12having a first end14selectively coupled to the wrench20and a second end16supporting controls36for a remotely-located fluid pump (not shown), such as a hydraulic pump.

The torque wrench20can be a conventional compact, relatively flat wrench, such as that described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,825,730 and 4,982,626, which are hereby incorporated by reference with respect to the construction and operation of a reciprocating piston-style, fluid-operated torque wrench.

As illustrated, the wrench20has a housing containing the reciprocating piston drive mechanism (not shown). The housing includes fluid inputs and outputs22which fluidly communicate with a remotely-located fluid pump to selectively drive the piston drive mechanism. The wrench20further includes a socket24on one end26and a reaction arm28on the opposite end30. Although the socket24is illustrated as a hexagonal opening, in other constructions (not shown), the socket can be a driver, such as a square projecting socket driver. However, in low clearance operations, a hexagonal opening is typically utilized.

In conventional operation of the wrench20, the socket24is placed on a nut (not shown) by a first operator with the reaction arm28in engagement with a portion of a flange or an adjacent nut (also not shown). Once the wrench20is securely in position and the first operator is clear, the second operator actuates the pump remotely to provide fluid to the wrench20, which drives the drive mechanism, and turns the socket24while the reaction arm28pushes against the reaction surface. Upon completion of the torque application, the second operator turns the pump off, and the first operator moves the wrench20to another nut. This process is then repeated for all nuts on a flange.

As noted above, this can be a cumbersome operation with either two operators or with one operator switching from wrench manipulation to pump control manipulation. Thus, a pump control coupled to the wrench20may be desirable to allow single person operation without the need to switch between manipulation of the wrench20and the pump—or without reliance upon another person. The control assembly11provides such operation.

As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, a control assembly11is coupled to the wrench20. The control assembly11is coupled to wrench20with a fastener35allowing the control assembly11to be selectively coupled (and decoupled) to the wrench20. In the illustrated construction, threaded fasteners are used to connect the first end14of the body12to the wrench20. In other constructions (not shown), the control assembly11can be permanently coupled to the wrench20.

In the illustrated construction, the control assembly11is coupled to the wrench20via a first fastener32, a mounting bracket33, and second fastener35. The first fastener32connects the mounting bracket33to the wrench20. The second fastener35connects the first end of the body12to the mounting bracket33. As illustrated, the second fastener35includes a thumb screw allowing for easy operator manipulation to selectively remove the control assembly11from the wrench20. In some constructions, mounting brackets may be sized differently for different wrenches while the interconnection between the control assembly11and the bracket33is standardized.

FIGS. 3-7illustrate the control assembly11ofFIGS. 1 and 2decoupled from the wrench20. As shown, the body12is generally T-shaped with the bottom of the “T” terminating at the first end14and the top of the “T” at the second end16. As shown, handles34can be coupled to the top of the I-shaped body12to form gripping surfaces during actuation of the wrench20.

As best illustrated inFIGS. 3 and 6, the pump controls36can be positioned between the two handles34. The pump controls36can include one or more actuators or control members. As shown, the illustrated construction includes three buttons36one button can be an “ON/OFF” switch to turn the pump on and off, and the other two buttons can be used to control the flow of fluid to the wrench20. Each button36is operable by a digit (e.g., a thumb) on an operator's hand. In the illustrated construction, in order to actuate the wrench20, two control buttons36need to be contacted by the operator. Because each button36is operated by an operator's thumb, each of the operator's hands will be on an adjacent handle34, clear of any pinch points.

The buttons36of the illustrated construction are electrically coupled to the pump via wiring (not shown). Wires from the buttons extend through the body12to an electrical connection port38in the side of body12. This connection port can be a mounted control cable quick connect. An external wire (not shown) can be connected to the connection port38to communicate with the pump. In other constructions (not shown), wireless communication techniques can also be used.

As shown inFIGS. 3-5, an additional handle40is connected to the body12of the control assembly11. This handle40extends in a direction that is generally perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the socket24. This handle40can be used to lift and maneuver the wrench20without the need to contact the wrench20itself, which may eliminate the opportunity for pinch points between the wrench20and the items being fastened.

In operation, the wrench and control assembly10can be positioned such that the socket24is engaged with a nut to be tightened (or loosened). With respect to the illustrated construction ofFIGS. 1 and 2, the operator can manipulate the wrench20into position with at least one hand on the positioning handle40and the other hand on the body12or control handles34. Once the socket24is positioned on a nut, the operator grips each of the handles34and, in this position, can then manipulate the buttons36to turn and actuate the pump. This will cause the wrench20to turn the nut with the wrench20reacting off the reaction surface.

In a preferred method of operation, the operator will need to actuate two buttons36at the same time—one with each hand—in order for the pump to provide fluid to the wrench20. Again, this feature ensures that the operator's hands on the handles34and free of pinch points prior to operation of the wrench20and the pump. This mode of operation is effective with the control assembly11attached to the wrench20or detached from the wrench20due to space constraints of the fastening location.

Once the actuation cycle is complete, the operator can release the actuation button36and actuate the “off” button to turn the pump off. The operator then can grasp the positioning handle40to lift the wrench20off of the nut being operated on and move the wrench to an adjacent nut. The process above then can be repeated.

FIGS. 8-27illustrate an alternative construction for controls10A, including a control assembly11A, for use with a tool, such as a torque wrench20A. The control assembly11A is similar to the control assembly11, shown inFIGS. 1-7and described above. Common elements have the same reference number “A.”

As illustrated (seeFIGS. 8-12), the tool includes a piston-style torque wrench20A. In the illustrated construction, the control assembly11A is mounted on the wrench20A (e.g., on a side of the wrench20A). In other constructions (not shown), the control assembly114can be mounted to another surface on the wrench20A, such as, for example, an end surface, a top surface, etc.

The wrench20A generally includes a housing44, a drive mechanism (e.g., a reciprocating piston drive mechanism) supported by the housing44and selectively driven by a power source (e.g., a fluid pump), and an output member (e.g., a socket24A) driven by the drive mechanism. As illustrated, fluid inputs and outputs22A on the housing44connect the torque wrench20A to the pump. As illustrated, the wrench20A includes a first end26A with the socket24A and a second end30A with a reaction arm28A.

In other constructions (not shown), the tool could be another type of fluid-operated tool or a different type of tool powered by a different power source (e.g., an electrical power source (AC or DC (battery)), a fuel power source (gas engine), etc.). Depending on the type of tool, the tool may include a different type of drive mechanism (e.g., a motor, a transmission, etc.) and a different type of output member (e.g., a bit, a blade, a wheel, etc.).

The control assembly11A has a first end14A and an opposite, second end16A and includes a handle assembly with two handle portions34A. The illustrated control assembly11A is removably connectable to the housing44at the first end14A. When connected to the wrench20A, the handle assembly is engageable by an operator to move the wrench20A relative to a workpiece (e.g., from bolt to bolt on a flange).

As illustrated, each handle portion34A is generally L-shaped. The handle portions34A are relatively movable (e.g., pivotable about a handle axis The first handle portion34A is movably connectable to the housing44(e.g., pivotable about a tool axis T). In the illustrated construction, the short leg of the first handle portion34A defines the axis T and is movably connected to the housing44, and the short leg of the second handle portion34A defines the handle axis H and is movably connected to the long leg of the first handle portion34A. As illustrated, the axes H, T are parallel. In other constructions (not shown), the axes H, T may have a different orientation (e.g., transverse, perpendicular, etc.

As shown inFIGS. 25A-26C, the handle portions34A have a range of relative pivoting movement, and the handle assembly has a range of pivoting movement relative to the wrench20A. In the construction shown inFIGS. 25A-25E, the range is less than 360° (e.g., up to about 180° (as shown (between the positions inFIGS. 25A and 25C)), about 270°, about 300°, or about 320°). In the construction shown inFIGS. 26A-26C, the range is at least 360° (e.g., from the compact position shown in FIGS,26A-26B, through the extended position shown inFIG. 26C, to the compact position and, potentially beyond the compact position).

The range of movement may be limited by inter-engaging stop surfaces (not shown) on the handle portions34A or between the handle assembly and the wrench20A to inhibit relative movement beyond certain pivoted positions (e.g., beyond about 0° or beyond about) 180°. In other constructions (not shown), the range of movement may be greater (e.g., up to about 360° or more).

In other constructions (not shown), the handle portions34A may have different relative movement (e.g., rotatable or pivotable about a different axis (seeFIG. 23) or more than one axis, sliding movement, combinations). For example, the handle portions34A could be connected with a U-joint type arrangement or a ball joint. As another example, a handle portion34A can telescope. Likewise, the connection between the handle assembly and the wrench20A may have different relative movement.

In an alternative construction (seeFIG. 23), the L-shaped handle portion(s)34A can pivot at, the intersection of the legs. The illustrated handle portion can pivot about 180° between opposite L,-shapes through a flattened condition. However, the handle portions34A can have a range of motion greater than or less than about 180°.

Locking arrangements52,56are disposed between the handle assembly and the wrench20A and between the handle portions34A, respectively, to hold the components in selective pivoted positions. Each illustrated locking arrangement52,56includes a positive locking mechanism, such as a detent mechanism with a projection positionable in a selected recess (e.g., recesses provided between teeth58on a projection on one handle portion34A (seeFIG. 24)) corresponding to a pivoted position. The projection and recess are biased into engagement (e.g., by a spring). Each locking arrangement52,56may include a frictional locking mechanism, such as a clamp. Each locking arrangement52,56may include a combination positive and frictional locking arrangement.

A connection assembly48releasably connects the handle assembly to the wrench20A. As illustrated, the connection assembly48includes an adapter60connectable between the wrench20A and the handle assembly; however, in an alternative construction (not shown), the handle assembly may be directly connected to the housing44. The adapter60includes a connector64connectable to the housing44. The connector64may provide a threaded connection (e.g., a threaded shaft threadedly engaging a threaded bore on the housing44), an interference fit, a bayonet connection, etc. A reaction surface may be provided between the adapter60and the housing44.

The adapter60includes a connector68connectable to the handle assembly. A quick release mechanism on the handle assembly may engage the connector68. For example, the connector68may include an annular groove70and the handle assembly may include a movable collar engageable in the groove. The collar may slide laterally at the first end14A of the handle portion34A to unblock a bore in the first end14A, and after the adapter connector68is inserted, the collar moves to engage the groove and block the end of the bore. The removal process is reversed. In other constructions (not shown), the connector68may provide a different type of connection with the handle assembly, such as, for example, a different quick connection, a threaded connection, an interference fit, a bayonet connection, etc.

In the illustrated construction, pivoting movement between the handle assembly and the wrench20A is accommodated by the adapter60(e.g., the pivoting movement is between the handle assembly and the connector68of the adapter60). As illustrated, the adapter60allows the handle assembly to pivot about the axis T that extends through the center of the adapter60. The locking arrangement52is provided between the handle assembly and the adapter connector68(e.g., a projection selectively engageable in a recess between teeth58on the connector68(seeFIG. 12). In other constructions (not shown), the adapter60may accommodate other types of movement with the handle assembly (e.g., rotation or pivoting about a different axis or more than one axis, sliding movement, etc.

The control assembly11A further includes pump controls36A disposed on the handle portions34A. In the illustrated construction, a pump control36A is supported on each handle portion34A and positioned to be engaged by one or more digits on a separate hand of an operator in order to operate the pump. The pump controls36A are positioned on the control assembly11A such that both pump controls36A cannot be operated by only one hand. The pump controls36A thus operate to sense one hand of the operator on one handle portion34A and the other hand of the operator on the other handle portion34A.

The pump controls36A control the pump to drive the drive mechanism and thereby the output member (the socket24). The pump controls36A are in communication with the pump when the handle assembly is connected to the housing44and when the handle assembly is disconnected from the housing44. The pump is operable under the control of the pump controls36A when the handle assembly is connected to the housing44and when the handle assembly is disconnected from the housing44.

Each pump control36A includes (seeFIG. 22) a switch and an actuator engagable by the operator to operate the switch. As an actuator, a pump control36A includes a button, a lever (as shown), a trigger, a sensor (e.g., pressure, force, displacement, capacitive touch, etc.), etc. The pump controls36A send control signals to the pump, and the type of control signals depends on, for example, the switch, the power source (e.g., the pump), the drive mechanism of the wrench20A, relative movement between the components (e.g., between the handle assembly and the wrench20A, between the handle portions34A and the supported switches), etc.

In some constructions (seeFIGS. 8-11), the control signals include pneumatic signals, and each switch of a pump control36A includes an air switch. A conduit76(e.g., a 4 mm hose) communicates the signals from the control assembly11A to the pump.

In other constructions (seeFIG. 23), the control signals include electrical signals, and each switch of a pump control36A includes an electrical switch in communication with the pump. Communication of the control signals from the control assembly11A to the pump is provided by an electrical conductor (e.g., one or more wires (as shown), a sliding electrical contact, etc.). In other constructions, communication may be wireless, and the control assembly11A may include a wireless interface.

The illustrated pump controls36A include two operation levers72(e.g., advance controls) and a reset button80(e.g., a pump ON/OFF). Each handle portion34A includes one lever72, and the levers72are operable through the switches to actuate the pump. As shown, the levers72are arranged on the handle assembly such that, in the different pivoted positions of the handle portions34A, the levers72cannot both be actuated with one hand of the operator. The illustrated levers72are arranged in parallel planes. The reset button80is operable to reset the pump and is positioned on the free end of the handle assembly.

FIGS,28-37illustrate another alternative construction for controls1013, including a control assembly111B for use with a tool, such as a piston-style torque wrench20B. The control assembly11B is similar to the control assembly11shown inFIGS. 1-7, and the control assembly11A, shown inFIGS. 8-27, and described above. Common elements have the same reference number “B” or “B#”, with “#” representing the number of a sub-element of the common element.

The control assembly11B can be used with a variety of tools such as, for example, a low-profile torque wrench20B (seeFIGS. 28-29) or a square-drive torque wrench20B (seeFIG. 37). In the illustrated construction, the control assembly11B is mounted on the tool (ect. on a side of the wrench20B (seeFIG. 28), on a top surface of the wrench20B (seeFIG. 29), etc.).

With reference toFIGS. 30-35, the control assembly11B includes a main body12B extending along a body axis B and having a first end14B coupled to the wrench20B and an opposite, second end16B. The control assembly11B also includes a handle assembly with a first handle portion34B1and a second handle portion34B2. In the illustrated construction, the control assembly11B is removably connectable to the housing44B at the first end1413, and the body12B is adjustable (e.g., pivotable about is axis B) relative to the housing44B. When connected to the wrench20B, the handle assembly is engageable by an operator to move the wrench20B relative to a workpiece (e.g., from bolt to bolt on a flange).

As illustrated, each handle portion34B extends from the body12B proximate the second end16B. In the illustrated construction, the first handle portion34B1is adjacent the second end16B, and the second handle portion34B2is spaced inwardly of the first handle portion34B1. The first handle portion34B1is elongated along and defines a first axis A1, and the second handle portion34B2is elongated along and defines a second axis A2. In the illustrated construction, the first axis A1is in a plane parallel to and offset from the second axis A2, and each axis A1, A2is substantially perpendicular to the body axis B.

The handle portions34B are relatively adjustable (e.g., movable, pivotable), and at least one handle portion34B1,34B2is adjustable (e.g., movable, pivotable) relative to the body12B. In the illustrated construction, the second handle portion34132is pivotable relative to the body12B (e.g., about the body axis B), and the first handle portion34B1is fixed to the body12B (e.g., formed integrally, converging with the body12B at its second end16B (as shown)). The second handle portion34B2is pivotable (seeFIG. 34) between a plurality of positions relative to the body12B and to the first handle portion34B1. The pump is operable with the second handle portion34B2in any of the pivoted positions.

In other constructions (not shown), the first handle portion34B1may be separate from and coupled to the body12B (in a fixed or movable configuration). In some constructions (not shown), the first handle portion34B1is movable relative to the body12B (e.g., pivotable about the body axis B). In some constructions (not shown), rather than the first handle portion34B1, the second handle portion34B2is fixed relative to the body12B.

As shown inFIGS. 28-32, the second handle portion34B2can be positioned so that the first axis A1is parallel to the second axis A2. As shown inFIG. 34, when viewed along the body axis B, the second axis A2forms an angle with the first axis A1, and the second handle portion34B2has a range of pivoting movement relative to the first handle portion34B1. In the illustrated construction, the range is less than 360° (e.g., up to about 180°, about 270° (as shown), about 300°, or about 320°). As shown, the minimum angle between the first axis A1and the second axis A2is at least 30° (e.g., at least 45° (as shown), at least 60°, or at least 90°. The range of movement may be limited by inter-engaging stop surfaces (not shown) on the second handle portion34B2and another structure (e.g., on the body12B, the first handle portion34B1). The limited range may inhibit overlap of the handle portions34B, accidental trigger actuation, pinching, etc.; however, in other constructions (not shown), the range may be 360° or more.

In other constructions (not shown), the handle portions34B may have different relative movement (;e.g., rotatable or pivotable about a different axis or more than one axis, sliding movement, combinations). For example, the handle portions34B could be connected to each other or to the body12B with a U-joint type arrangement or a ball joint. As another example, one of the handle portions34B can telescope.

Likewise, the connection between the control assembly11B and the wrench20B may have different relative movement. In the illustrated construction, the body12B is pivotable about the body axis B to adjust the position of the first handle portion34B1relative to the housing44B. In other constructions (not shown), when connected, the body12B of the control assembly11B may be fixed relative to the wrench20B.

Locking arrangements52B,56B are disposed between the control assembly11B and the wrench20B and between the movable handle portion(s) (e.g., the handle portion34B2) and another structure (e.g., the body12B), respectively, to hold the components in selective adjusted positions.

In the illustrated construction, the second handle portion34B2is held in a position via a friction fit between the second handle portion34B2and the body12B. Optionally (and as illustrated), the handle locking arrangement56B also includes a positive locking mechanism to provide a combination positive and frictional locking arrangement. In other constructions (not shown), the locking assembly may include, additionally or alternatively, a different type of locking mechanism, such as, for example, a clamping mechanism.

The positive locking mechanism includes a detent mechanism with a projection on the handle portion34B2positionable in a selected recess (e.g., recesses provided between teeth) on the on the body12B, in corresponding to a pivoted position. A lock actuator84on the handle portion34B2may be actuated by the operator to engage and/or disengage the positive lock. The positive lock (e.g., the actuator84) may be biased to a position (e.g., the disengaged position) and held by the operator in the other position (e.g., the engaged position).

As mentioned above, the control assembly11B is removably coupled from the wrench2013. An attachment collar88is operable to selectively retain the control assembly11B on housing44B of the wrench20B. The collar88is disposed on the body12B adjacent the first end1413of the body12B and is movable relative to the body12B (e.g, slidable along (as shown)/pivotable about the body axis B of the body12B, removable from the body12B, etc.) between a retaining position and a release position. As positioned, the collar88can be engaged by an operator's left of right hand.

In the retaining position, the collar88covers an aperture92adjacent the first end14B of the body12B and, in the release position, uncovers the aperture92. The body12B also defines an opening96communicating with the aperture92and a flange100extending into the opening96.

The wrench20B includes an attachment portion (not shown) having a flange. The wrench attachment portion slides into the opening96of handle assembly11B via the aperture . Thereafter, the attachment collar88closes the aperture92to prevent the attachment portion from moving out of the opening96via the aperture92while the flange100prevents the attachment portion from moving out of the opening96along the body axis B.

The connection arrangement between the control assembly11B and the wrench20B also provides the locking arrangement52B. As the control assembly11B is installed on the wrench20B, a projection (not shown) on the body12B in the opening96is positionable in a selected recess (e.g., recesses provided between teeth)) on the attachment portion of the wrench20B. Engagement of the projection and recess holds the control assembly11B in a pivoted orientation relative to the wrench20B.

In the illustrated construction, the control assembly11B is supportable on the wrench2013with the handle portion34B1oriented in a limited number of positions (e.g., 0°, 90°, 180°, 270°). In other constructions, the control assembly11B may be supportable in fewer or more relative positions.

With reference toFIGS. 30-33 and 35, the control assembly11B further includes pump controls36B disposed on the handle portions34B. In the illustrated construction, one pump control36B is supported on the first handle portion3431, and another pump control36B is supported on the second handle portion34B2. The pump controls36B are positioned on the handle portions34B so that more than one pump control36B cannot be operated by only one hand. The pump controls36B operate to sense a first hand of the operator on the first handle portion34B1and a second hand of the operator on the second handle portion34B2.

In the illustrated construction, another pump control36B (e.g., a pump ON/OFF control) is supported on the second end16B of the body12B. The pump controls36B control the pump to drive the drive mechanism and thereby, the output member, or the socket24B. When the control assembly11B is connected to the housing44B and when the control assembly11B is disconnected from the housing44B, the pump controls36B are in communication with the pump and the pump is operable under the control of the pump controls36B. The pump controls36B are in communication with the pump and the pump is operable under control of the pump controls36B with the second handle portion34B2in any of the pivoted positions.

The illustrated pump controls36B include two operation levers72B (e.g., advance controls) and a reset button80B (e.g., a pump ON/OFF). One operation lever72B is positioned on each handle portion34B1,34B2, and each lever72B faces the wrench20B when the control assembly11B is coupled to the wrench20B. The levers72B are positioned on the handle portions34B so both levers72B cannot be actuated with one hand of the operator. The levers72B are each angled to the respective handle portions34B and are arranged at an Oblique angle to each other.

Each lever72B operates a respective switch104, and the reset button80B operates a reset switch106. The pump controls36B send control signals to the pump, and the type of control signals depend on, for example, the switch, the power source (e.g., the pump), the drive mechanism of the wrench20B, relative movement between the components (e.g., between the handle assembly and the wrench20B, between the second handle portion34B2and the body12B and the supported switches), etc.

Referring toFIGS. 32-33, the control assembly11B includes a strain relief102which couples the control assembly11B to a hose or to an electrical conductor (e.g., a cable, a wire, etc.) coupled to the pump. The strain relief102is movably coupled to a distal end of the first handle portion34B1(e.g., pivotable or swivelable about the first axis A1of first handle portion34B1). The strain relief102may prevent the hose or cord from twisting and tangling.

In some constructions, the control signals can be pneumatic signals, and each of the switches104,106can be an air switch. The hose, or conduit, connected to the strain relief102can communicate the signals from the pump controls36B to the pump.

In some constructions, the control signals include electrical signals, and each switch104,106is an electrical switch in communication with the pump. The electrical conductor connected to the strain relief102can communicate the signals from the pump controls36B to the pump. In some constructions, the communication can be wireless, and the control assembly11B may include a wireless interface.

Each handle portion34B has an underside112facing the wrench20B when the control assembly11B is connected to the wrench20B. Each underside112supports a lever72B and provides a non-slip surface113. The non-slip surface113has a higher coefficient of friction than the rest of the handle portion34B and may prevent the operator's hand, especially when wearing gloves, from slipping relative to the handle portion34B. In some constructions (not shown), the entirety of the handle portions34B may have the non-slip surface113.

The illustrated control assembly11B is more compact (compared to the control assembly11A). Also, with the connection at the bottom end14B of the body12B, the control assembly11B may improve carrying of the wrench20B by being positioned over the center of gravity. Also, in use, the control assembly11B orients the operator directly above the wrench20B which may improve control, operation, etc. of the wrench20B.

FIGS. 38-41illustrate a portion of another alternative construction for controls10C, including a control assembly11C for use with a tool, such as a piston-style torque wrench20C. The control assembly11C is similar to the control assembly11, shown inFIGS. 1-7, the control assembly11A, shown inFIGS. 8-27, and the control assembly11B, shown inFIGS. 28-37, and described above. Common elements have the same reference number “C” or “C#”, with “#” representing the number of a sub-element of the common element.

The illustrated control assembly11C has a different locking arrangement52C disposed between the handle assembly and the wrench20C to selectively connect and hold these components in one or more selected positions. The locking arrangement52C includes a positive locking mechanism (e.g., one or more ball bearings120on the handle portion34C engageable in a groove120on the adapter60C). The ball bearing(s)120are supported in a cage128defining a corresponding number of openings132through which each bail bearing120projects and retracts relative to the groove124.

An actuator mechanism136is operable to move the ball bearing(s)120at least from a locked position (seeFIG. 39), in which the ball bearing(s)120are engageable with the groove124to retain the handle portion34C on the adapter60C (and on the wrench20C), to an unlocked position (seeFIG. 40), in which the ball bearing(s)120disengage the groove124and the handle portion34C is movable relative to the adapter60C (and the wrench20C). The actuator mechanism136includes a slidable shaft140with a ridge144, engageable with the ball bearing(s)120in the locked position (seeFIG. 39) to force the ball bearing(s)120into the groove124, and a recess148, allowing the ball bearings)120to disengage the groove124in the unlocked position (seeFIG. 40).

Actuator buttons152protrude through openings156in the handle portion34C and are operable to move the shaft140at least from the locked position to the unlocked position. The buttons152have angled surfaces160engageable with complementary angled surfaces164on the shaft140(e.g., on a separate member168connected to the shaft140). Depressing the buttons152causes the angled surfaces160,164to move the shaft140from the locked position (inFIG. 39), in which the ridge144forces the ball bearing(s)120into the groove124, to the unlocked position (inFIG. 40), in which the ball bearing(s)120disengage the groove124and are received in the recess148in the shaft140. Each button152has a ridge172extending along its angled surface160and received in a groove (not shown) in the corresponding angled surface164of the member168to guide movement.

The ball bearing(s)120are biased toward engagement with the groove124by a biasing member (e.g., a spring176) between the handle portion34C and the ball bearing(s)120(e.g., between the cage128and the shaft140). In the illustrated construction, the shaft140is biased toward the adapter60C (downwardly inFIGS. 39-40) so that the ridge144is engageable with the ball bearing(s)120to force the ball bearing(s)120through cage128and into the groove124.

The illustrated locking arrangement52C includes inter-engaging surfaces on the handle portion34C and the adapter60C to inhibit relative pivoting movement of the handle portion34C. The illustrated surfaces also define a number of pivoted positions of the handle portion34C relative to the adapter60C.

A ring180supported on the handle portion34C has an opening184for receiving an end188of the adapter60C. The opening184and the end188are provided with the surfaces defining the pivoted positions of the handle portion34C relative to the adapter60C and thereby to the wrench20C. In the illustrated construction, the opening184has a hexagonal shape, and the end188has a complementary shape. In the unlocked position, the ring180disengages the end188and the handle portion34C can be pivoted relative to the adapter60C. In the desired pivoted position, the opening184receives the end188with the hexagonal surfaces engaged, and the buttons152are released so that the shaft140moves under the bias of the spring176to the locked position.

In other constructions (not shown), another mechanism may be provided to selectively hold the handle portion34C is a pivoted position relative to the wrench20C. For example, rather than an annular groove124, the adapter60C may define discrete recesses (not shown), each corresponding to a defined pivoted position and operable to receive a ball bearing120in that position.

As shown inFIGS. 39-40, the adapter60C is connected to the wrench housing44C by a fastener (e.g., a cap screw192) received in a threaded recess196in the housing44C. Projections200on the adapter60C engage recesses204on the housing44C to inhibit pivoting movement of the adapter60C relative to the housing44C.

FIGS. 42-44illustrate a portion of another alternative construction for controls10D, including a control assembly I ID for use with a tool, such as a piston-style torque wrench201), The control assembly11D is similar to the control assembly11, shown inFIGS. 1-7, the control assembly11A, shown inFIGS. 8-27, the control assembly11B, shown inFIGS. 28-37, and the control assembly11C, shown inFIGS. 38-41, and described above. Common elements have the same reference number “D” or “D#”, with “#” representing the number of a sub-element of the common element.

The illustrated control assembly11D has a different locking arrangement521) disposed between the handle assembly and the wrench20D to selectively connect and hold these components in one or more selected positions. The locking arrangement521) includes (seeFIG. 43) a rod208having a threaded end212(e.g., with a threaded length of about 8 millimeters (mm) to about 10 mm) threaded into the threaded recess196D in the tool housing44D. The rod208extends through the handle body12D and the upper handle portion34D1. An actuator knob216is connected to the opposite end of the rod208. Rotation of the knob216causes the threaded end212to threaded into or out of the threaded recess196D to connect or disconnect, respectively, the control assembly11D and the tool20D.

In other constructions (not shown), rather than a threaded engagement, the rod208may have a different engagement with the tool housing44D. For example, the rod208may a quarter-turn connection, a bayonet connection, etc. with the tool housing44D.

When the rod208is tightened, the knob216presses the second handle portion34D2against the first handle portion34D1to fix the relative pivoted positions of the handle portions34D1,34D2. The handle portions34D1,34D2include inter-engaging teeth (not shown) to further retain the handle portions34D1,34D2in position.

The control assembly11D includes an interface member220with projections2001engaging recesses204D on the housing44D to inhibit pivoting movement of the control assembly11D relative to the housing44D. Due to the arrangement of the projections200D and the recesses204D, the interface member220(along with the control assembly11D) is positionable relative to the housing44D in a number of pivoted positions. As shown inFIG. 44, the handle body12B and the interface member220have a non-circular engagement (e.g., a hexagonal shape) to inhibit relative pivoting movement.

The rod208and the interface member220are retained on the control assembly11D. In the illustrated construction (seeFIG. 43), a retaining clip or ring224is received in a groove228below the interface member220.

As noted above, with the illustrated control assembly11,11A,11B,11C,11D, the operator will actuate two buttons36,36A,36B,36C,36D at the same time—one with each hand—in order for the pump to provide fluid to the wrench20,20A,2013,20C,20D. Again, this feature may ensure that the operator's hands are on the handles34,34A,34B,34C,34D and free of pinch points prior to operation of the wrench20,20A,2013,20C,20D and the pump. This mode of operation is effective with the control assembly11,11A,11B,11C,11D attached to the wrench20,20A,20B,20C,20D or detached from the wrench20,20A,20B,20C,20D due to space constraints of the fastening location.

Although the invention has be described in detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments, variations and modifications exist within the scope and spirit of one or more independent aspects of the invention as described above. For example, the illustrated embodiment utilizes two-button control to ensure both hands are free of pinch points. In other embodiments, one or more sensors (e.g., capacitive touch sensors, dead man's switches, etc.) can be incorporated into each handle to ensure both hands are free from pinch points prior to actuation of the wrench.

The embodiment(s) described above and illustrated in the figures are presented by way of example only and are not intended as a limitation upon the concepts and principles of the present disclosure. As such, it will be appreciated that variations and modifications to the elements and their configuration and/or arrangement exist within the spirit and scope of one or more independent aspects as described.

One or more independent features and/or independent advantages of the invention may be set forth in the following claims: