Patent Publication Number: US-2020298388-A1

Title: Hydraulic Power Tool

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application claims priority to U.S. provisional application No. 62/819,790, filed on Mar. 18, 2019, and entitled “Hydraulic Power Tool,” the entire contents of which is herein incorporated by reference as if fully set forth in this description. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to hydraulic power tools. 
     BACKGROUND 
     A powered tool may include a movable ram that is actuatable by a hydraulic or electromechanical actuation system. By providing power to the actuation system, the ram moves to perform an operation such as cutting, crimping, separation, blanking, etc. of an object. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure describes embodiments that relate to systems, apparatuses, tools, and methods associated with a hydraulic power tool. 
     In an example implementation, the present disclosure describes a hydraulic tool. The hydraulic tool includes: (i) a fluid reservoir; (ii) a pump fluidly coupled to the fluid reservoir; (iii) an electric motor mechanically coupled to the pump; (iv) a cylinder; (v) a piston slidably accommodated within the cylinder; (vi) a first trigger button; (vii) a second trigger button; and (viii) a controller configured to perform operations comprising: receiving a first signal when the first trigger button is triggered, in response to the first signal, causing the electric motor to rotate in a first rotational direction, thereby: (a) causing the pump to provide fluid to the cylinder, and (b) causing the piston to move in a first linear direction, thereafter, receiving a second signal when the second trigger button is triggered, and in response to the second signal, causing the electric motor to rotate in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction, thereby: (i) opening a fluid path from the cylinder to the fluid reservoir, and (ii) causing the piston to move in a second linear direction opposite the first linear direction. 
     The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the figures and the following detailed description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
       The novel features believed characteristic of the illustrative embodiments are set forth in the appended claims. The illustrative embodiments, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and descriptions thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of one or more illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a hydraulic tool, in accordance with an example implementation. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a block diagram representing components of the hydraulic tool illustrated in  FIG. 1 , in accordance with an example implementation. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates is a partial view of the hydraulic tool shown in  FIG. 1  illustrating internal components of trigger buttons, in accordance with an example implementation, in accordance with an example implementation. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a partial exploded view of the hydraulic tool of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with an example implementation. 
         FIG. 5A  illustrates an internal, partial cross-sectional side view of the hydraulic tool of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with an example implementation. 
         FIG. 5B  illustrates another internal, partial cross-sectional side view of the hydraulic tool of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with an example implementation. 
         FIG. 5C  illustrates another internal, partial cross-sectional side view of the hydraulic tool of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with an example implementation. 
         FIG. 5D  illustrates another internal cross-sectional side view of the hydraulic tool, in accordance with an example implementation. 
         FIG. 5E  illustrates a cross-sectional view of a pilot/shuttle valve, in accordance with an example implementation. 
         FIG. 6A  illustrates a partial side view of a hydraulic tool with a pivotable crimping anvil, in accordance with an example implementation. 
         FIG. 6B  illustrates a partial top view of the hydraulic tool of  FIG. 6A  with a pivotable crimping anvil being latched to a crimper frame, in accordance with an example implementation. 
         FIG. 6C  illustrates a partial top view of the hydraulic tool of  FIG. 6A  with the pivotable crimping anvil being unlatched from the crimper frame to allow pivoting thereof, in accordance with an example implementation. 
         FIG. 7A  illustrates a partial perspective view of a hydraulic tool with an alternative latch mechanism, in accordance with an example implementation. 
         FIG. 7B  illustrates a cross-sectional front view of the hydraulic tool of  FIG. 7A  showing components of the alternative latch mechanism, in accordance with an example implementation. 
         FIG. 7C  illustrates a partial exploded view of the hydraulic tool of  FIG. 7A  showing components of the alternative latch mechanism, in accordance with an example implementation. 
         FIG. 8  is a flowchart of a method for operating a hydraulic tool, in accordance with an example implementation. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a hydraulic tool  100 , in accordance with an example implementation. Although the example implementation described herein references an example crimping tool, it should be understood that the features of this disclosure can be implemented in any other tool (cutting, separation, blanking, etc.). In addition, any suitable size, shape or type of elements or materials could be used. 
     The hydraulic tool  100  includes a housing  102 . As described below, the housing  102  can contain an electric motor (e.g., brushless direct current motor), a gear reducer coupled to the electric motor, and a pump. The hydraulic tool  100  also includes a battery  104  coupled to the housing  102  and configured to provide electric power to operate the electric motor. 
     The hydraulic tool  100  further includes a cylinder  106  coupled to the housing  102 . The cylinder  106  is configured as a hydraulic actuator cylinder and the hydraulic tool  100  includes a piston that is slidably accommodated within the cylinder  106  as described below. The piston can move in a first linear direction, e.g., extend, or move in a second linear opposite the first linear direction, e.g., retract within the cylinder  106 . 
     The hydraulic tool  100  includes a crimper frame  108  coupled to the cylinder  106  and/or the housing  102 . Further, the piston disposed within the cylinder  106  is coupled to a ram  110  (e.g., a moveable crimping head). As the piston extends (moves in the first linear direction), the ram  110  can move within work area  112  toward a crimping anvil  114  disposed opposite the ram  110 . An object or a cable can be disposed in the work area  112 , and the ram  110  can apply a force on the cable to crimp it as the ram  110  extends. 
     The hydraulic tool  100  can further include a handle  116  that can be coupled to the housing  102  and the crimper frame  108 . An exterior profile of the handle  116  can have at least two depressions that are spatially arranged in series along the portion of the exterior profile of the handle  116 . The depressions are configured to receive or house an extension trigger button  118  and a retraction trigger button  120 . The extension trigger button  118  can also be referred to as the forward trigger, whereas the retraction trigger button  120  can be referred to as a reverse trigger. Further, the handle  116  can be referred to as a trigger collar that. 
     An operator can grip around the cylinder  106  such that the operator&#39;s fingers can reach the trigger buttons  118 ,  120 . As described in detail below, pressing the extension trigger button  118  generates an electric signal that causes the piston and the ram  110  coupled thereto to extend to perform a crimping operation. On the other hand, pressing the retraction trigger button  120  generates an electric signal that causes the piston and the ram  110  coupled thereto to retract (i.e., move in the second linear direction) and release a crimped cable. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a block diagram representing components of the hydraulic tool  100 , in accordance with an example implementation. As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the hydraulic tool  100  includes the battery  104  configured to provide electric power to an electric motor  202 . The electric motor  202  can be mechanically coupled to a pump  204  via a gear reducer  206  configured to reduce a rotational speed of an output shaft of the electric motor  202  that rotates when the electric motor  202  is actuated. 
     As the electric motor  202  is actuated, the pump  204  draws fluid from a fluid reservoir  208  and then provides fluid via a hydraulic circuit  210  to the cylinder  106  of the hydraulic tool  100  to drive (e.g., extend) the piston disposed therein and move the ram  110 . The electric motor  202  is actuated via command signals provided by a controller  212  of the hydraulic tool  100 . 
     The controller  212  can include one or more processors or microprocessors and may include data storage (e.g., memory, transitory computer-readable medium, non-transitory computer-readable medium, etc.), such as memory  214 . The memory  214  can have stored thereon instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors of the controller  212 , cause the controller  212  to perform the operations described herein. In examples, the memory  214  may include a plurality of look-up tables. For example, at least one stored look-up table can include work piece information or data, such as connector data. Such connector data can include, as just one example, connector type (e.g., Aluminum or Copper connectors) and can also include a preferred crimp distance for certain types of connectors and certain sizes of connectors. Such a preferred crimp distance can include a distance that the piston disposed within the cylinder  106  (and thus the ram  110 ) moves within the work area  112  toward the crimping anvil  114  in order to achieve a desired crimp for a particular connector type having a specific size. 
     In examples, the hydraulic tool  100  can include a communication interface that enables the controller  212  to communicate with various components of the hydraulic tool  100  such as user interface components  216 , the electric motor  202 , the memory  214 , the battery  104 , and various components of the hydraulic circuit  210 . 
     The user interface components  216  include the extension trigger button  118  and the retraction trigger button  120 , among other components such as a display, light emitting diodes, indicative lights, switches, touch screens, etc. The controller  212  can receive input or input information from various input devices of the user interface components  216 , and in response provide electrical signals to other components of the hydraulic tool  100 . 
       FIG. 3  is a partial view of the hydraulic tool  100  illustrating internal components of the trigger buttons  118 ,  120 , in accordance with example implementation. As shown, the extension trigger button  118  has a protruding member  300 . When the extension trigger button  118  is pressed or pulled, the protruding member  300  touches a contact  302  of a switch  304 , thus closing an electric circuit. Closing this electric circuit provides an electric signal via wires to the controller  212  as described below with respect to  FIG. 4 . The electric signal indicates to the controller  212  that the extension trigger button  118  has been triggered or activated. In response, the controller  212  sends a command signal causing the electric motor  202  to rotate in a first rotational direction, thereby causing the piston inside the cylinder  106  to extend. If the extension trigger button  118  is released by the operator, a spring  305  pushes the extension trigger button  118  back to its unactuated position, rendering the electric circuit open and stopping the electric signal to the controller  212 , which in turn can stop the electric motor  202  from rotating. 
     Similarly, when the retraction trigger button  120  is pulled or pressed, it causes a contact  306  to close an electric circuit of a printed circuit board  308 . An electric signal is then provided via wires to the controller  212 , indicating to the controller  212  that the retraction trigger button  120  has been triggered or activated. In response, the controller  212  sends a command signal causing the electric motor  202  to rotate in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction, thereby causing the piston inside the cylinder  106  to retract. If the retraction trigger button  120  is released by the operator, it returns to its unactuated position, stopping the electric signal to the controller  212 , which in turn can stop the electric motor  202  from rotating. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a partial exploded view of the hydraulic tool  100 , in accordance with an example implementation. As shown in  FIG. 4 , the hydraulic tool  100  can include an elastomeric wrap  400  (e.g., rubber wrap) that is disposed about an exterior peripheral surface of the cylinder  106 . In an example, the elastomeric wrap  400  can be made as a flat-molded part that is then assembled to, wrapped around, or molded over the cylinder  106 . As an example for illustration, the elastomeric wrap  400  can be about 1.5 millimeter thick. The elastomeric wrap  400  can be configured as a C-shaped wrap such that it has a partial circular cross section and forms a gap  402  as shown. 
     The hydraulic tool  100  further includes wires  404  that are disposed through the gap  402  of the elastomeric wrap  400 . The wires  404  electrically couple the trigger buttons  118 ,  120  to the controller  212  of the hydraulic tool  100 . 
     The hydraulic tool  100  further includes a wire cover  406  having a curved profile that matches curvature of the cylinder  106  and is configured to cover the wires  404  disposed through the gap  402  to protect the wires  404 . In an example, the wire cover  406  can be made of an extruded stamped metal material. In other examples, the wire cover  406  can be made of a plastic material. The wire cover  406  can be retained or secured to the elastomeric wrap  400  and the cylinder  106  via the handle  116  (the trigger collar). 
     As depicted in  FIG. 4 , as an example, the handle  116  can be configured as a two-piece collar having a first collar piece  408  and a second collar piece  410 . Each of the collar pieces  408 ,  410  has a curved, concave interior peripheral surface that matches curvature of the cylinder  106 . With this configuration, the collar pieces  408 ,  410  can be assembled to each other around the exterior peripheral surface of the cylinder  106 . Bolts, screws, or other fastening methods can be used to couple the two collar pieces  408 ,  410  to each other. 
     In an example, the handle  116  can include hand rest portions  412 ,  414  formed or over-molded thereon. The hand rest portions  412 ,  414  can provide a comfortable hand rest to the operator gripping the hydraulic tool  100  to prevent the hands of the operator from rubbing against metallic parts or otherwise uncomfortable materials. Further, the elastomeric wrap  400  can include grip features  416  over-molded thereon to facilitate gripping the hydraulic tool  100  (e.g., provide friction to hands of the operator to preclude slippage of the hydraulic tool  100  from the operator). 
     Turning to operation of hydraulic tool  100 , and particularly the hydraulic circuit  210  referenced in  FIG. 2 ,  FIG. 5A  illustrates an internal, partial cross-sectional side view of the hydraulic tool  100 ,  FIG. 5B  illustrates another internal, partial cross-sectional side view of the hydraulic tool  100 , and  FIG. 5C  illustrates another internal, partial cross-sectional side view of the hydraulic tool  100 , in accordance with an example implementation. 
     As mentioned above, the electric motor  202  (shown in  FIG. 5B ) is configured to drive the pump  204  via the gear reducer  206 . The electric motor  202  can be configured, for example, as a brushless direct current motor. When an operator presses the extension trigger button  118 , an electric signal is provided via the wires  404  to the controller  212  of the hydraulic tool  100 . In response, the controller  212  sends a command signal to the electric motor  202 , causing an output shaft of the electric motor  202  coupled to the gear reducer  206  to rotate in a first rotational direction. 
     The hydraulic tool  100  also includes the fluid reservoir  208 , which operates as reservoir for storing hydraulic fluid at a low pressure level, e.g., atmospheric pressure or slightly higher than atmospheric pressure such as 30-70 pounds per square inch (psi). As the output shaft of the electric motor  202  rotates in the first rotational direction, the gear reducer  206  causes a pump piston  500  of the pump  204  to reciprocate up and down. As the pump piston  500  moves upward, fluid is withdrawn from the fluid reservoir  208 . As the pump piston  500  moves down, the withdrawn fluid is pushed or pumped to a pressure rail  502 . 
     The hydraulic tool  100  further includes a flow control valve  503  configured to control fluid flow between a fluid passage  505  and the fluid reservoir  208 . The flow control valve  503  is configured such that, as the electric motor  202  rotates in the first rotational direction, the flow control valve  503  remains closed such that the fluid passage  505  is disconnected from the fluid reservoir  208 . On the other hand, if the electric motor  202  rotates in the second rotational direction (opposite the first rotation direction), the flow control valve  503  opens, allowing fluid to flow from the fluid passage  505  to the fluid reservoir  208 . In an example, the flow control valve  503  can be configured as a Shear-Seal® valve. 
     As the electric motor  202  rotates in the first rotational direction and the pump  204  provided fluid to the pressure rail  502 , the fluid in the pressure rail  502  is communicated through a check valve  504  and a nose  506  of a sequence valve  508 , through a passage  510  to a chamber  512 . As shown in  FIG. 5C , the chamber  512  is formed partially within an inner cylinder  514  and partially within a piston  516  slidably accommodated within the cylinder  106 . The piston  516  is configured to slide about an external surface of the inner cylinder  514  and an inner surface of the cylinder  106 . The inner cylinder  514  is threaded into the cylinder  106  and is thus stationary or affixed to the cylinder  106 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 5C , the fluid provided to the chamber  512  from the passage  510  applies a pressure on the inner diameter “d 1 ” of the piston  516 , thus causing the piston  516  to extend (e.g., move to the left in  FIG. 5C ). The ram  110  is coupled to the piston  516  such that extension of the piston  516  (i.e., motion of the piston  516  to the left in  FIGS. 5A, 5C ) within the cylinder  106  causes the ram  110  to move toward the crimping anvil  114  illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 5D  illustrates another internal cross-sectional side view of the hydraulic tool  100 , in accordance with an example implementation. As shown in  FIG. 5D , the hydraulic tool  100  includes a first longitudinal channel  520  and a second longitudinal channel  522 . The hydraulic tool  100  further includes a first bypass check valve  524  disposed in the first longitudinal channel  520  and includes a second bypass check valve  526  disposed in the second longitudinal channel  522 . The longitudinal channels  520 ,  522  and the bypass check valves  524 ,  526  fluidly couple the fluid reservoir  208  to a chamber  528  formed within the cylinder  106 . 
     As the piston  516  extends within the cylinder  106 , pressure level in the chamber  528  can be reduced below the pressure level of the fluid in the fluid reservoir  208 , and therefore hydraulic fluid is pulled or drawn from the fluid reservoir  208  through the longitudinal channels  520 ,  522  and the bypass check valves  524 ,  526  into the chamber  528 . 
     As the piston  516  extends, the volume of the chamber  528  increases as shown in  FIG. 5A  and the chamber  528  is filled with hydraulic fluid from the fluid reservoir  208  via the longitudinal channels  520 ,  522  and the bypass check valves  524 ,  526 . Advantageously, with this configuration, the chamber  528  is being filled with low pressure fluid until high pressure fluid starts to flow therein, and as such, no time is wasted later in filling the chamber  528  when driving the piston  516  with high pressure fluid provided to the chamber  528 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 5C , the piston  516  includes a piston rod  525  and a piston head  527 . The piston head  527  divides an inside of the cylinder  106  into the chamber  528  and a chamber  523 . The chamber  523  is formed between the a surface of the piston head  527  that faces toward the ram  110 , a surface of the piston rod  525 , and an inner surface of the cylinder  106 . Respective volumes of the chambers  523  and  528  vary as the piston  516  moves within the cylinder  106 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 5C , the hydraulic tool  100  includes a return spring  529  disposed about an exterior peripheral surface of the piston rod  525  of the piston  516 . One end of the return spring  529  is fixed and the other end rests against the piston head  527 . As the piston  516  extends (e.g., moves to the left in  FIG. 5C ), the return spring  529  is compressed and thus the force it applies on the piston  516  in an opposing direction to the direction of motion of the piston  516  increases. As such, resistance to motion of the piston  516  increases and pressure level of fluid provided by the pump  204  through pressure rail  502  to the chamber  512  increases. 
     Referring back to  FIG. 5A , the sequence valve  508  includes a poppet  530  that is biased toward a seat  532  via a spring  534 . When a pressure level of the fluid in the pressure rail  502  exceeds a threshold value set by a spring rate of the spring  534 , the fluid pushes the poppet  530  against the spring  534 , thus opening a fluid path through passage  536  to the chamber  528 . 
     As a result, pressurized fluid now acts on the inner diameter “d 1 ” of the piston  516  as well as the annular area of the piston  516  around the inner cylinder  514 . As such, pressurized fluid now applies a pressure on an entire diameter “d 2 ” of the piston head  527 . While the fluid initially acts on the smaller diameter “d 1 ” only before the pressure level of fluid in the pressure rail  502  exceeds the threshold value, the piston  516  advances at a high speed but can apply a small force. However, by now acting on the entire diameter “d 2 ”, the piston  516  can move at a slower speed for a given amount of fluid flow rate but can apply a larger force on an object being crimped. Further, when the sequence valve  508  opens to provide pressurized fluid to the chamber  528 , the bypass check valves  524 ,  526  are blocked or closed and low pressure fluid is no longer drawn from the fluid reservoir  208  via the longitudinal channels  520 ,  522  into the chamber  528 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 5A , the hydraulic tool  100  further includes a pilot/shuttle valve  538 . The pressurized fluid in the pressure rail  502  is communicated through a nose  540  of the pilot/shuttle valve  538  and acts on a poppet  542  to cause the poppet  542  to be seated at a seat  544  within the pilot/shuttle valve  538 . As long as the poppet  542  is seated at the seat  544 , fluid flowing through the check valve  504  is precluded from flowing through the nose  540  of the sequence valve  508  and passage  546  around the poppet  542  to a tank passage  548 , which is fluidly coupled to the fluid reservoir  208 . This way, fluid is forced to enter the chamber  512  via the passage  510  as described above. 
     Further, fluid in the pressure rail  502  is allowed to flow around the pilot/shuttle valve  538  through annular area  549  to the fluid passage  505 . However, as mentioned above, when the flow control valve  503  is closed, the fluid passage  505  is blocked, and fluid communicated to the fluid passage  505  is precluded from flowing to the fluid reservoir  208 . 
     As such, the piston  516  and the ram  110  move toward the crimping anvil  114 . The ram  110  can then contact a cable disposed in the work area  112 . The cable provides further resistance to movement of the ram  110  and the piston  516 , and as such pressure level of the fluid entering the chamber  528  increases. As a result, the force applied to the piston  516  by the pressurized fluid increases, and therefore the force applied by the ram  110  to the cable increases until the cable is crimped. 
     Thereafter, the operator may want to retract the piston  516  (e.g., move the piston  516  to the right in  FIG. 5A ) to release the cable and render the hydraulic tool  100  ready for a subsequent crimping operation. To retract the piston  516 , the operator can press the retraction trigger button  120 . When an operator presses the retraction trigger button  120 , an electric signal is provided via the wires  404  to the controller  212  of the hydraulic tool  100 . In response, the controller  212  sends a command signal to the electric motor  202 , causing an output shaft of the electric motor  202  coupled to the gear reducer  206  to rotate in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5A , rotating the electric motor  202  in the second rotational direction causes the flow control valve  503  to open, thus causing a fluid path to form between the pressure rail  502  through the annular area  549  and the fluid passage  505  to the fluid reservoir  208 . As a result of fluid in the pressure rail  502  being allowed to flow to the fluid reservoir  208  when the flow control valve  503  is opened, the pressure level in the pressure rail  502  decreases (e.g., to the pressure level of fluid in the fluid reservoir  208  or slightly higher). 
       FIG. 5E  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the pilot/shuttle valve  538 , in accordance with an example implementation. Once the pressure rail  502  is depressurized as a result of the flow control valve  503  being opened, pressure level acting at a first end  550  of the poppet  542  is decreased. At the same time, pressurized fluid in the chamber  512  is communicated to the passage  546  through the nose  506  of the sequence valve  508  and acts on a surface area of a flange  552  of the poppet  542 . As a result, the poppet  542  is unseated (e.g., by being pushed downward in  FIG. 5E ). 
     The return spring  529  described above and shown in  FIGS. 5A, 5C  pushes the piston  516  (e.g., to the right in  FIGS. 5A, 5C ). As a result, fluid in the chamber  512  is forced out of the chamber  512  through the nose  506  of the sequence valve  508  to the passage  546 , then around a nose or second end  554  of the poppet  542  (now-unseated) to the tank passage  548 , and then to the fluid reservoir  208 . Similarly, fluid in the chamber  528  is forced out of the chamber  528  through a check valve  556  (shown in  FIG. 5A ), through the nose  506  of the sequence valve  508  to the passage  546 , then around the nose or second end  554  of the poppet  542  to the tank passage  548 , and then to the fluid reservoir  208 . The check valve  504  (described with respect to  FIG. 5A ) blocks fluid from flow back to the pressure rail  502 . Flow of fluid from the chambers  512  and  528  to the fluid reservoir  208  allows the piston  516  to retract and return to a start position, and the hydraulic tool  100  is again ready for another cycle or crimping operation. 
     The controller  212  can be configured to handle conditions where the trigger buttons  118 ,  120  are pressed simultaneously, or pressed within a threshold amount of time (e.g., 0.5 seconds) of each other. For example, if the trigger buttons  118 ,  120  are pressed simultaneously, the hydraulic tool  100  can be configured to not provide any signal to the controller  212 . Alternatively, if the trigger buttons  118 ,  120  are pressed simultaneously and the controller  212  receives both electric signals, the controller  212  can be configured to provide no signals to the electric motor  202 . As such, the hydraulic tool  100  remains unactuated. 
     In another example, if the operator presses the extension trigger button  118  and then within a threshold amount of time (e.g., 0.5-1 seconds) presses the retraction trigger button  120 , the controller  212  can be configured to continue extension of the piston  516  (i.e., continue sending the command to the electric motor  202  causing it to rotate in the first rotational direction) as if the retraction trigger button  120  has not been pressed. Similarly, in another example, if the operator presses the retraction trigger button  120  and then within a threshold amount of time (e.g., 0.5-1 seconds) presses the extension trigger button  118 , the controller  212  can be configured to continue retraction of the piston  516  (i.e., continue sending the command to the electric motor  202  causing it to rotate in the second rotational direction) as if the extension trigger button  118  has not been pressed. 
     Referring back to  FIG. 1 , to crimp an object, e.g., a cable, can be positioned within the work area  112 , and the ram  110  is then advanced as the piston  516  extends as described above. The ram  110  and the crimping anvil  114  can then apply a compression force to the object(s) (e.g., metals, wires, cables, and/or other electrical connectors) positioned between the ram  110  and the crimping anvil  114  in the work area  112 . After a crimping operation is completed, the ram  110  can be retracted as described above to release the object or cable and allow it to be retrieved from the work area  112 . 
     Positioning an object or a cable in, or retrieving the cable from, the work area  112  can take place by inserting the cable laterally within the work area  112 . However, in some examples, the cable might be long and therefore inserting and removing the cable laterally can be time-consuming. Also, in tight work spaces, it may be difficult to insert and remove the cable laterally. 
     As such, it may be desirable to allow the crimping anvil  114  to be pivotable, such that the crimping anvil  114  can pivot to open and expose the work area  112 , thereby allowing the cable to be inserted longitudinally to within the work area  112 . For instance, the hydraulic tool  100  can be configured such that the crimping anvil  114  can be released at a first end  122  and then pivot about a second end  124  coupled to the crimper frame  108 . This way, the work area  112  is longitudinally exposed and an object or cable can be inserted therein. Described next are example implementations that allow the crimping anvil  114  to be released at one end and pivot about another end. 
       FIG. 6A  illustrates a partial side view of the hydraulic tool  100  with a pivotable crimping anvil  600 ,  FIG. 6B  illustrates a partial top view of the hydraulic tool  100  with the pivotable crimping anvil  600  being latched to the crimper frame  108 , and  FIG. 6C  illustrates a partial top view of the hydraulic tool  100  with the pivotable crimping anvil  600  being unlatched from the crimper frame  108  to allow pivoting thereof, in accordance with an example implementation. The pivotable crimping anvil  600  represents an example implementation of the crimping anvil  114  described above. 
     As shown in  FIG. 6A , the crimper frame  108  can be shaped as a U-shaped yoke having two generally-parallel leg portions  602  and  604  and a base or connecting portion  606  that couples or connects the leg portions  602 ,  604  to each other. Similarly, the pivotable crimping anvil  600  can be configured as a C- or U-shaped yoke or member having a first arm  608  and a second arm  610 . 
     The first arm  608  is coupled to the first leg portion  602  of the crimper frame  108  at an anvil pivot  612 . For example, the first leg portion  602  can have two prongs forming a space therebetween in which the first arm  608  can be inserted partially. The two prongs of the first leg portion  602  can have respective through-holes formed therein and the first arm  608  can have a corresponding through-hole that aligns with the respective through-holes of the first leg portion  602  to form a channel configured to receive a pivot pin  614  therein. On the other hand, the second arm  610  of the pivotable crimping anvil  600  is releasably coupled to the second leg portion  604  of the crimper frame  108  via a latching mechanism  616  illustrated in  FIGS. 6B-6C . 
     Referring to  FIG. 6B , the latching mechanism  616  can include a lateral or cross bar  618  coupled to the pivotable crimping anvil  600 . The latching mechanism further includes a first gripping latch arm  620  and a second gripping latch arm  622  that are pivotably coupled to the cross bar  618 . Particularly, a first end of the first gripping latch arm  620  is pivotably coupled to the cross bar  618  at a pivot  624 , and a first end of the second gripping latch arm  622  is pivotably coupled to the cross bar  618  at a pivot  626 . A second end of the first gripping latch arm  620  and a second end of the second gripping latch arm  622  are configured to grip on the crimper frame  108  when the pivotable crimping anvil  600  is in the closed or latched state shown in  FIG. 6B . 
     Particularly, the latching mechanism  616  can include a first release lever  628  coupled to the first gripping latch arm  620 , e.g., at the pivot  624 . The latching mechanism  616  can also include a second release lever  630  coupled to the second gripping latch arm  622 , e.g., at the pivot  626 . 
     Further, the latching mechanism  616  includes a first spring  632  that biases the first release lever  628  and the first gripping latch arm  620  toward a gripping position shown in  FIG. 6B  where the first gripping latch arm  620  contacts and grips on a surface of the second leg portion  604  of the crimper frame  108 . For instance, a first end of the first spring  632  can be secured against an exterior surface of the second arm  610  of the pivotable crimping anvil  600 , whereas a second end of the first spring  632  is coupled to the first release lever  628 . With this configuration, the first spring  632  biases the first release lever  628  and the first gripping latch arm  620  pivotably coupled thereto in a counter-clockwise direction in  FIG. 6B  to grip on the crimper frame  108 . 
     As an example for illustration, the first gripping latch arm  620  and the crimper frame  108  can having corresponding retention structures that facilitate forming a grip between the first gripping latch arm  620  and the surface of the crimper frame  108 . For instance, the first gripping latch arm  620  can have a protrusion or projection  633  (shown in  FIG. 6C ) that is configured to mate and engage with a ridge formed in the surface of the crimper frame  108 . As such, when the first gripping latch arm  620  is biased toward the crimper frame  108  via the first spring  632 , it grips on the crimper frame  108 . 
     Similarly, the latching mechanism  616  includes a second spring  634  that biases the second release lever  630  and the second gripping latch arm  622  toward a gripping position shown in  FIG. 6B  where the second gripping latch arm  622  contacts and grips on the surface of the second leg portion  604  of the crimper frame  108 . For instance, a first end of the second spring  634  can be secured against the exterior surface of the second arm  610  of the pivotable crimping anvil  600 , whereas a second end of the second spring  634  is coupled to the second release lever  630 . With this configuration, the second spring  634  biases the second release lever  630  and the second gripping latch arm  622  pivotably coupled thereto in a clockwise direction in  FIG. 6B  to grip on the crimper frame  108 . 
     As an example for illustration, similar to the first gripping latch arm  620 , the second gripping latch arm  622  and the crimper frame  108  can having corresponding retention structures that facilitate forming a grip between the second gripping latch arm  622  and the surface of the crimper frame  108 . For instance, the second gripping latch arm  622  can have a protrusion or projection  635  (shown in  FIG. 6C ) that is configured to mate and engage with a ridge formed in the surface of the crimper frame  108 . As such, when the second gripping latch arm  622  is biased toward the crimper frame  108  via the second spring  634 , it grips on the crimper frame  108 . 
     In the closed or latched state shown in  FIG. 6B , the hydraulic tool  100  is ready for a crimping operation. Once the crimping operation is completed and it is desired to remove the crimped object from the work area  112 , the latching mechanism  616  can be actuated to release the pivotable crimping anvil  600  and allow it to be pivoted about the anvil pivot  612  to enable removing the crimped object longitudinally and positioning another object within the work area  112 . 
     Particularly, the operator can squeeze the first release lever  628  (e.g., upward in  FIG. 6B ) and the second release lever  630  (e.g., downward in  FIG. 6B ), thereby compressing the springs  632 ,  634  respectively. As a result, the first spring  632  pulls the first gripping latch arm  620 , which then pivots clockwise to a released position about the pivot  624 , and similarly, the second spring  634  pulls the second gripping latch arm  622 , which then pivots counter-clockwise to a released position about the pivot  626 . 
       FIG. 6C  illustrates the gripping latch arms  620 ,  622  in released positions. In the released positions, the gripping latch arms  620 ,  622  and their projections  633 ,  635  disengage from the second leg portion  604  of the crimper frame  108  as depicted in  FIG. 6C . With the gripping latch arms  620 ,  622  being released from the crimper frame  108 , the operator can now rotate or pivot the pivotable crimping anvil  600  in a counter-clockwise direction in  FIG. 6A  to pivot the pivotable crimping anvil  600  about the anvil pivot  612 , thereby allowing the work area  112  to be longitudinally-accessible such that the crimped object can be removed and another object can be placed therein. 
       FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C  illustrate a different example implementation. Particularly,  FIG. 7A  illustrates a partial perspective view of the hydraulic tool  100  with an alternative latch mechanism,  FIG. 7B  illustrates cross-sectional front view of the hydraulic tool  100  showing components of the alternative latch mechanism, and  FIG. 7C  illustrates a partial exploded view of the hydraulic tool showing components of the alternative latch mechanism, in accordance with an example implementation.  FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C  are described together. 
       FIGS. 7A and 7C  depict a pivotable crimping anvil  700  that represents an example implementation of the crimping anvil  114  described above. Similar the pivotable crimping anvil  600 , the pivotable crimping anvil  700  can be configured as a C- or U-shaped yoke or member having a first arm  702  and a second arm  704 . The first arm  702  is coupled to the first leg portion  602  of the crimper frame  108  at an anvil pivot  705 . For example, the first leg portion  602  can have two prongs forming a space therebetween in which the first arm  702  can be inserted partially. The two prongs of the first leg portion  602  can have respective through-holes formed therein and the first arm  702  can have a corresponding through-hole that aligns with the respective through-holes of the first leg portion  602  to form a channel configured to receive a pivot pin  706  therein. 
     The second leg portion  604  of the crimper frame  108  can also have two respective prongs forming a space therebetween in which the second arm  704  of the pivotable crimping anvil  700  can be inserted partially. The two respective prongs of the second leg portion  604  can have respective through-holes formed therein and the second arm  704  can have a corresponding through-hole that aligns with the respective through-holes of the second leg portion  604  to form a channel configured to receive a releasable pin  708  (see  FIGS. 7B, 7C ) therein. 
     As shown in  FIG. 7B , the releasable pin  708  is coupled to a cap  710 . The cap  710  can have a cylindrical portion  712  and a flanged portion  714 . The cap  710  has a cavity therein to receive and retain a head portion  716  of the releasable pin  708  therein. Further, the cap  710  has a first slot or longitudinal blind hole  718  and a second slot or longitudinal blind hole  720 . The first longitudinal blind hole  718  houses a first spring  722 , whereas the second longitudinal blind hole  720  houses a second spring  724 . 
     The first spring  722  has a first end that rests against the second leg portion  604  and a second end that rests against an interior surface bounding the first longitudinal blind hole  718  of the cap  710 . Thus, the first spring  722  applies a biasing force on the cap  710  and the releasable pin  708  outward (e.g., upward in  FIG. 7B ). Similarly, the second spring  724  has a first end that rests against the second leg portion  604  and a second end that rests against an interior surface bounding the second longitudinal blind hole  720  of the cap  710 . Thus, the second spring  724  applies a biasing force on the cap  710  and the releasable pin  708  outward (e.g., upward in  FIG. 7B ). 
     As such, the springs  722 ,  724  cooperate to bias the cap  710  and the releasable pin  708  outward with a biasing force that tend to release the releasable pin  708  from the second leg portion  604 . However, in the position shown in  FIGS. 7A, 7B , the cap  710  and the releasable pin  708  are retained in an inserted position in the second leg portion  604  by way of a release lever  726 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 7A and 7C , the release lever  726  is pivotably coupled to the second leg portion  604  of the crimper frame  108  via a screw  728 . Further, a torsional spring (not shown) can be disposed at an interface between the release lever  726  and the second leg portion  604  of the crimper frame  108 , such that the torsional spring biases the release lever  726  toward the position shown in  FIG. 7A  (e.g., biases the release lever  726  in a clockwise direction in  FIG. 7A ). 
     In this biased position, the release lever  726  can retain the cap  710  and the releasable pin  708  in the position shown in  FIG. 7A , where the pivotable crimping anvil  700  is in a closed state. Particularly, the release lever  726  can have a distal portion  730  having a circular interior profile that matches curvature of the cap  710  to allow the release lever  726  to interface with and retain the cap  710 . As shown in  FIG. 7B , in this position, the release lever  726  is positioned in contact with the flanged portion  714  of the cap  710 , and therefore, the cap  710  and the releasable pin  708  cannot “pop” or be pushed outward (e.g., upward in  FIG. 7B ) by the springs  722 ,  724 . Rather, the releasable pin  708  and the cap  710  remain engaged with the second leg portion  604  and the second arm  704  of the pivotable crimping anvil  700 . In this position, an object placed within the work area  112  can be crimped as described above. 
     To release the object after completing a crimping operation, the release lever  726  can be pivoted or rotated (in a counter-clockwise direction in  FIG. 7A ) by the operator about the screw  728 , therefore allowing the springs  722 ,  724  to push the cap  710  and the releasable pin  708  coupled thereto outwardly from the longitudinal holes of the second arm  704  and the second leg portion  604 . As a result, the pivotable crimping anvil  700  is now released from engagement with the crimper frame  108  via the releasable pin  708 . With the second arm  704  being released from engagement with the second leg portion  604 , the operator can now rotate or pivot the pivotable crimping anvil  700  in a clockwise direction in  FIG. 7A  to pivot the pivotable crimping anvil  700  about the anvil pivot  705 , thereby allowing the work area  112  to be longitudinally-accessible such that the crimped object can be removed and another object can be placed therein. 
     If the release lever  726  is released by the operator, the above-mentioned torsional spring can cause the release lever  726  to rotate or return back to its biased, un-pivoted position. To preclude the release lever  726  from impacting the spring  722  that is now, at least partially, exposed as the cap  710  and releasable pin  708  are pushed outward, the crimper frame  108  can have a protrusion  732  configured as a stop feature that stops the release lever  726  at a particular position prior to reaching the spring  722 . This way, damage or deterioration of the spring  722  can be prevented. 
     To perform a subsequent crimping operation, an object can be positioned in the work area  112 , and the pivotable crimping anvil  700  can then be rotated back (counter-clockwise in  FIG. 7A ) to place the second arm  704  partially within the second leg portion  604  of the crimping frame and align their through-holes in preparation for receiving the releasable pin  708  therein. The operator can then push the cap  710  and the releasable pin  708  back inwardly against the biasing force of the springs  722 ,  724 . 
     Notably, referring to  FIG. 7B , the flanged portion  714  can have a chamfered exterior peripheral surface  734  and the release lever  726  can have a corresponding chamfered interior surface  736 . As such, as the cap  710  is being pushed inwardly to re-engage the releasable pin  708  with the pivotable crimping anvil  700 , the chamfered exterior peripheral surface  734  contacts the chamfered interior surface  736 , thereby slightly pushing the release lever  726  (e.g., to the right in  FIG. 7B  and counter-clockwise in  FIG. 7A ) out of the way until the flanged portion  714  “pops over” the release lever  726  and contacts the second leg portion  604 . The release lever  726  is then returned back by the above-mentioned torsional spring to the position shown in  FIG. 7B  where it locks or retains the cap  710  (and the releasable pin  708 ) in place. The hydraulic tool  100  is now ready for a subsequent crimping operation. 
       FIG. 8  is a flowchart of a method  800  for operating a hydraulic tool, in accordance with an example implementation. The method  800  can, for example, be performed by a controller such as the controller  212  to control the hydraulic tool  100 . 
     The method  800  may include one or more operations, or actions as illustrated by one or more of blocks  802 - 808 . Although the blocks are illustrated in a sequential order, these blocks may in some instances be performed in parallel, and/or in a different order than those described herein. Also, the various blocks may be combined into fewer blocks, divided into additional blocks, and/or removed based upon the desired implementation. 
     In addition, for the method  800  and other processes and operations disclosed herein, the flowchart shows operation of one possible implementation of present examples. In this regard, each block may represent a module, a segment, or a portion of program code, which includes one or more instructions executable by a processor or a controller for implementing specific logical operations or steps in the process. The program code may be stored on any type of computer readable medium or memory, for example, such as a storage device including a disk or hard drive. The computer readable medium may include a non-transitory computer readable medium or memory, for example, such as computer-readable media that stores data for short periods of time like register memory, processor cache and Random Access Memory (RAM). The computer readable medium may also include non-transitory media or memory, such as secondary or persistent long term storage, like read only memory (ROM), optical or magnetic disks, compact-disc read only memory (CD-ROM), for example. The computer readable media may also be any other volatile or non-volatile storage systems. The computer readable medium may be considered a computer readable storage medium, a tangible storage device, or other article of manufacture, for example. In addition, for the method  800  and other processes and operations disclosed herein, one or more blocks in  FIG. 8  may represent circuitry or digital logic that is arranged to perform the specific logical operations in the process. 
     At block  802 , the method  800  includes receiving input information via a first trigger button (e.g., the extension trigger button  118 ) indicating a request to extend the piston  516  disposed within the cylinder  106  of the hydraulic tool  100 , wherein the hydraulic tool  100  comprises the ram  110  coupled to the piston  516  and an anvil (e.g., the crimping anvil  114 ), such that extension of the piston  516  causes the ram  110  to extend and perform an operation on an object disposed in the work area  112  formed between the ram  110  and the anvil (e.g., the crimping anvil  114 ). 
     At block  804 , the method  800  includes, in response, causing the electric motor  202  to rotate in a first rotational direction, thereby causing the pump  204  to draw fluid from the fluid reservoir  208  and provide fluid flow through the pressure rail  502  to the cylinder  106  and extending the piston  516 , wherein the hydraulic tool  100  includes the flow control valve  503  that blocks fluid flow from the pressure rail  502  to the fluid reservoir  208  as the electric motor  202  rotates in the first rotational direction. 
     At block  806 , the method  800  includes receiving input information via a second trigger button (e.g., the retraction trigger button  120 ) indicating a respective request to retract the piston  516  within the cylinder  106  of the hydraulic tool  100  to release the object upon completion of the operation. 
     At block  808 , the method  800  includes, in response, causing the electric motor  202  to rotate in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction, thereby causing the flow control valve  503  to open a fluid path from the pressure rail  502  to the fluid reservoir  208  and reducing pressure level in the pressure rail  502 , allowing fluid from the cylinder  106  to flow back to the fluid reservoir  208 . 
     The detailed description above describes various features and operations of the disclosed systems with reference to the accompanying figures. The illustrative implementations described herein are not meant to be limiting. Certain aspects of the disclosed systems can be arranged and combined in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are contemplated herein. 
     Further, unless context suggests otherwise, the features illustrated in each of the figures may be used in combination with one another. Thus, the figures should be generally viewed as component aspects of one or more overall implementations, with the understanding that not all illustrated features are necessary for each implementation. 
     Additionally, any enumeration of elements, blocks, or steps in this specification or the claims is for purposes of clarity. Thus, such enumeration should not be interpreted to require or imply that these elements, blocks, or steps adhere to a particular arrangement or are carried out in a particular order. 
     Further, devices or systems may be used or configured to perform functions presented in the figures. In some instances, components of the devices and/or systems may be configured to perform the functions such that the components are actually configured and structured (with hardware and/or software) to enable such performance. In other examples, components of the devices and/or systems may be arranged to be adapted to, capable of, or suited for performing the functions, such as when operated in a specific manner. 
     By the term “substantially” or “about” it is meant that the recited characteristic, parameter, or value need not be achieved exactly, but that deviations or variations, including for example, tolerances, measurement error, measurement accuracy limitations and other factors known to skill in the art, may occur in amounts that do not preclude the effect the characteristic was intended to provide 
     The arrangements described herein are for purposes of example only. As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that other arrangements and other elements (e.g., machines, interfaces, operations, orders, and groupings of operations, etc.) can be used instead, and some elements may be omitted altogether according to the desired results. Further, many of the elements that are described are functional entities that may be implemented as discrete or distributed components or in conjunction with other components, in any suitable combination and location. 
     While various aspects and implementations have been disclosed herein, other aspects and implementations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and implementations disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope being indicated by the following claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. Also, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular implementations only, and is not intended to be limiting.