Patent Publication Number: US-2023144890-A1

Title: Cutting tool head

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/908,288, filed Sep. 30, 2019, entitled “Cutting Tool Head,” the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Cutters and crimpers often include a crimping head with opposed jaws that include certain crimping and cutting features, depending on the particular configuration of the tool. Some cutters and crimpers are hydraulic power tools that include a piston that can exert force on the crimping head, which may be used for closing the jaws to perform crimp or cut at a targeted location. 
     SUMMARY 
     Embodiments of the invention provide a cutting head for a power tool. The cutting head includes a jaw coupling assembly, a first jaw, a second jaw, a first blade, and a second blade. The coupling assembly includes a hollow pin, a press ring, and a nut. The hollow pin defines an axis and has a threaded end. The first jaw is configured to rotate about the axis. The first jaw includes a first ear having a first medial ear surface and a first ear bore. The first ear bore is dimensioned to receive the hollow pin. The second jaw is configured to rotate about the axis. The second jaw includes a second hear having a second medial ear surface and a second ear bore. The second ear bore is dimensioned to receive the hollow pin. The nut is torqued and threatened onto the threaded end of the hollow pin so that the press ring is sited between the nut and the first jaw. 
     In some embodiments, the first blade is coupled to the first jaw and includes a first tapered face and a first non-tapered face opposite the first tapered face. The second blade is coupled to the second jaw and includes a second tapered face and a second non-tapered face opposite the second tapered face. The first non-tapered face is coplanar with the first ear surface and the second non-tapered face is coplanar with the second ear surface. 
     In some embodiments, the first jaw includes a first clamp and a first ear having a first ear surface. The first ear surface includes a first bore that extends therethrough and is dimensioned to receive the hollow pin. The second jaw is configured to rotate about the axis. The second jaw includes a second clamp and a second ear having a second ear surface. The second ear surface is rotationally engaged with the first ear surface and includes a second bore that extends therethrough and is dimensioned to receive the hollow pin. The first blade is mounted on the first jaw via a first blade mount bolt and the second blade is mounted on the second jaw via a second blade mount bolt. The first clamp is dimensioned to distribute the force applied from the first blade mount bolt across the first blade and the second clamp is dimensioned to distribute the force applied from the second blade mount across the second blade. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of embodiments of the invention: 
         FIG.  1    is an isometric view of a cutting tool head according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG.  2    is a rear isometric view of the cutting tool head of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  3    is an isometric view of a pin assembly of the cutting tool head of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  4    is cross-sectional top view of a clevis and the cutting tool head of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  5    is an isometric cross-sectional top view of the clevis and the cutting tool head of  FIG.  4   . 
         FIG.  6    is an exploded isometric view of a cutting tool head according to another embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG.  7    is a side view of a jaw of a cutting head according to another embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG.  8    is an isometric view of a jaw of a cutting tool head according to another embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG.  9    is a side view of the jaw of the cutting tool head of  FIG.  8   . 
         FIG.  10    is an isometric view of a cutting tool head including a blade guide in an extended position according to another embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG.  11    is a side view of the cutting tool head of  FIG.  10   . 
         FIG.  12    is a front view of the cutting tool head of  FIG.  10    including the blade guide in a retracted position. 
         FIG.  13    is a front view of the cutting tool head of  FIG.  10    and a work piece inserted between jaws of the cutting tool head. 
         FIG.  14    is an isometric view of the cutting tool head of  FIG.  13   . 
         FIG.  15    is a block diagram representing components of a hydraulic tool according to some embodiments of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following discussion is presented to enable a person skilled in the art to make and use embodiments of the invention. Various modifications to the illustrated embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles herein can be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from embodiments of the invention. Thus, embodiments of the invention are not intended to be limited to embodiments shown, but are to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein. The following detailed description is to be read with reference to the figures, in which like elements in different figures have like reference numerals. The figures, which are not necessarily to scale, depict selected embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of embodiments of the invention. Skilled artisans will recognize the examples provided herein have many useful alternatives and fall within the scope of embodiments of the invention. 
     As used herein, 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. Further, “connected” and “coupled” are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings. 
     Hydraulic crimpers and cutters are types of hydraulic power tools for performing crimping and cutting work on a work piece. Hydraulic tools often include a hydraulic pump for pressurizing hydraulic fluid and transferring the fluid to a cylinder in the power tool. The cylinder includes a piston that can extend toward a cutting head of the power tool. The piston exerts a force on the cutting head, which may typically include opposed jaws with certain cutting features depending on the particular configuration of the power tool. The force exerted by the piston may be used for closing the jaws to perform cutting on a work piece, such as a wire, at a targeted cutting location. 
     Certain hydraulic cutting tools include a cutting tool head with jaws that pivot at a pivot point. Each of the jaws can include a cutting surface and a respective ear or extension. A portion of the cutting surface can be integral with or mounted to the ear, and a pivot pin can extend through each ear to form the pivot point. In some hydraulic cutting tools, when the jaws are in a closed position, the cutting surfaces adjacent to the ear can pass by each other. In use, the overlap of the cutting surfaces can prevent the jaws from fully cutting the work piece. For example, the jaws may jam or bind before the work piece is fully cut. In some hydraulic tools that include a cutting surface at least partially mounted to or formed with an ear, a cutting motion can cause jaws to flex or be pushed laterally away from the work piece. 
     A cutter is effective when the cutting tool can make a full cut on a work piece and avoid binding. Effective cutters also reduce or eliminate undesired flex and force on the jaws and blades during a cutting action. In general, a cutting tool configured to provide a full, controllable cut while limiting the force that urges jaws of the cutting tool laterally away from a work piece during a cutting action may be useful. 
       FIGS.  1  and  2    illustrate front and back sides of a cutting tool head  10  according to one embodiment of the invention. The cutting tool head  10  includes a first jaw  12  and a second jaw  14 . In some embodiments, the cutting tool head  10  can be used with a power tool, such as a hydraulic power tool, which can include an electric motor, a pump driven by the motor, and a housing that defines a cylinder. An extendable piston can be located within the cylinder. The pump can provide pressurized hydraulic fluid to the cylinder to cause the piston to extend from the housing to actuate jaws of a cutting tool, such as the jaws  12 ,  14  of the cutting tool head  10 . 
     The first jaw  12  includes a blade mounting surface  16  and the second jaw  14  includes a blade mounting surface  18 . The blade mounting surfaces  16 ,  18  can be configured to engage a pair of blades, respectively. In some embodiments, the blade mounting surfaces  16 ,  18  are substantially planar. Each of the blade mounting surfaces  16 ,  18  include bores  20 ,  22 , respectively. In some embodiments, the bores  20 ,  22  are configured as a pair of bores; however, fewer or more bores are possible. 
     The bores  20 ,  22  are dimensioned to receive blade fasteners. In some embodiments, the cutting tool head  10  can include blades that can be coupled to the blade mounting surfaces  16 ,  18  via blade fasteners that can extend at least partially through the bores  20 ,  22 , respectively. In some embodiments, the blades can be removably coupled to the jaws  12 ,  14  so that the blades can be removed and/or replaced. In some embodiments, the bores  20 ,  22  can be threaded. In other embodiments, a pair of blades can be integral with respective jaws  12 ,  14 . 
     The cutting tool head  10  includes a hollow pin  24 , a nut  26 , and a press ring  28 . The hollow pin  24 , which in some embodiments may be a hollow bolt or other type of pin or bolt, includes a threaded end  30  onto which the nut  26  is threaded. The hollow pin  24  defines an axis  25  about which the jaws  12 ,  14  can rotate. In some embodiments, the press ring  28 , the hollow pin  24 , and the nut  26  can be constructed of alloy materials, such as American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) 4140 alloy steel, for example. 
     The first jaw  12  includes a first ear  32  and the second jaw  14  includes a second ear  34 . Each ear  32 ,  34  includes a respective medial ear surface opposite a respective lateral ear surface  32 B,  34 B. Each of the medial ear surfaces and the lateral ear surface  32 B,  34 B can be substantially planar. When the cutting tool head  10  is assembled, the two medial ear surfaces are in contact with, and are rotationally engaged with each other. 
     Each ear  32 ,  34  has a bore  33 ,  35 , respectively, that is dimensioned to receive the hollow pin  24 . When the cutting tool head  10  is assembled, the bores  33 ,  35  are axially aligned and the hollow pin  24  extends through the bores  33 ,  35  so that a head  31  of the nut  26  is seated against the first jaw  12  at the lateral ear surface  32 B. The press ring  28  can be positioned around the opposite end of the hollow pin  24  (i.e., the threaded end  30 ) and the nut  26  can then be threaded onto the threaded end  30  and torqued to a predetermined torque. The nut  26  holds the press ring  28  in place and the press ring  28  is seated between the nut  26  and the second jaw  14  at the lateral ear surface  34 B. 
     In some embodiments, the predetermined torque can be selected from a range of approximately 40 inch-pounds to approximately 50 inch-pounds (approximately 4.5 Newton-meters to approximately 5.6 Newton-meters). Generally, if the torque is too high, the nut  26  can start pushing the press ring  28 , and the jaw gap will not be set properly. This can cause the jaws  12 ,  14  to be pushed too close together, and the jaws  12 ,  14  will bind up and not cut properly. 
     The press ring  28  can reduce the tolerance required between the jaws  12 ,  14 , and therefore, between their respective blades. In general, a smaller the gap between the jaws  12 ,  14  can correspond to a better quality of cut and increase the angle between the jaws  12 ,  14  to make cuts without jamming. 
       FIG.  3    illustrates the hollow pin  24 , the nut  26 , and the press ring  28  according to one embodiment of the invention. The nut  26  includes a bore  36  dimensioned to receive a fastener, such as a set screw, for example. The fastener can secure the nut  26  in place at the threaded end  30  and can prevent the nut  26  from becoming loose. The nut  26  facilitates securing the jaws  12 ,  14  together and can help prevent the nut  26  or press ring  28  from loosening during cutting actions. 
       FIGS.  4  and  5    illustrate a cross section of the cutting tool head  10  and a clevis  38 . In some embodiments, the clevis  38  can secure the cutting tool head  10  to a portion of a power tool. In some embodiments, the hollow pin  24 , as well as the clevis  38 , can receive a clevis pin (not shown) for attaching the cutting tool head  10  to the clevis  38 . A first gap  40  is formed between the nut  26  and the clevis  38  and a second gap  41  between the head of the hollow pin  24  and the clevis  38 . The press ring  28  thickness can be selected to control a gap between the first ear  32  and the second ear  34 . 
       FIG.  6    illustrates the cutting tool head  10  according to another embodiment of the invention. The cutting tool head  10  includes a first blade  42  integrally formed with the first jaw  12  and a second blade  44  integrally formed with the second jaw  14 . In some embodiments, the integrally formed blades  42 ,  44  can increase the stiffness of the blades  42 ,  44 , allow the jaws  12 ,  14  to be held tighter together, and reduce flexing of the cutting tool head  10 . The first blade  42  includes a tapered face  46  and a non-tapered face  48 . The second blade  44  includes a tapered face  50  and a non-tapered face  52 . 
     Each tapered face  46 ,  50  is adjacent to the respective lateral ear surface  32 B,  34 B. Each medial ear surface  32 A,  34 A is substantially coplanar with the non-tapered face  48 ,  52  respectively. When the cutting tool head  10  is assembled and the jaws  12 ,  14  are brought together, the first medial ear surface  32 A and the second medial ear surface  34 A mate substantially flat against each other and the first non-tapered face  48  and the second non-tapered face  52  are substantially coplanar. The co-planarity can increase the stiffness and tightness at which the jaws  12 ,  14  are held together, and can decrease a nominal clearance between the jaws  12 ,  14 . Decreasing the nominal clearance, and therefore, a nominal gap between the jaws  12 ,  14 , can counteract the force that urges the jaws  12 ,  14  apart during a cutting action. 
     In some embodiments, the jaws  12 ,  14  and or blades  42 ,  44  can include AISI 4140 alloy steel, AISI 4340 alloy steel, and/or carbide. The blades  42 ,  44  can taper from a nominal maximum thickness that is approximately between 7 millimeters and 13 millimeters. The blades  42 ,  44  can taper down to a sharp blade edge  45  having a thickness between approximately 0.2 millimeters and 0.6 millimeters. During a manufacturing process of the cutting tool head  10 , the integral blades  42 ,  44  can be computer numerical control (CNC) machined with precise tolerances to achieve co-planarity. 
       FIG.  7    illustrates the first jaw  12  of the cutting tool head  10  according to another embodiment of the invention. The first blade  42  is distinct from the first jaw  12 . The blade  42  is mounted to the first jaw via fasteners, configured as blade mount bolts  58  in the illustrated embodiment. To facilitate mounting of the first blade  42  to the first jaw  12 , the first blade  42  can include a pair of notches  60  on an end  61  of the blade opposite the blade edge  45  of the first blade  42 . To mount the first blade  42 , the pair of blade mount bolts  58  are inserted through the pair of notches  60  in the first jaw  12 , through the first pair of blade mount bores  20  (see  FIG.  1   ), and then tightened to secure the first blade  42  into place. The second blade  44  can be mounted to the second jaw  14  in a similar manner. In some embodiments, the notches  60  can be configured as bores. 
       FIGS.  8  and  9    illustrate the first jaw  12  of the cutting tool head  10  according to another embodiment of the invention. The first blade  42  is distinct from the first jaw  12  and is mounted to the first jaw  12  via blade mount bolts  58  (see  FIG.  7   ) and a clamp plate  62 . The clamp plate  62  is a piece of metal with a pair of bores  63  for the pair of blade mount bolts  58  to pass through. The clamp plate  62  can provide an even pressure securing surface which provides similar benefits as a washer. 
     When assembled, blade mount bolts  58  can extend through notches  60 , through blade mount bores  20 , and through bores  63  in the clamp plate  62 . The blade mount bolts  58  can be tightened to secure the blade  42  into place. The clamp plate  62  is positioned between first blade  42  and heads of the blade mount bolts  58 . A similar mounting configuration can apply to the second blade  44 . 
     The clamp plate  62  can advantageously distribute the force from the pair of blade mount bolts  58  across a larger area (e.g., the entire surface) of the first blade  42 , thereby reducing the amount of flex of the first blade  42  during cutting actions. To facilitate this, the clamp plate  62  can be designed to substantially match, or be similar to, the shape of a flat portion of the top of the first blade  42  and stop before the first blade  42  begins to taper so that the clamp plate  62  does not affect the cutting of a work piece during a cutting action. 
       FIGS.  10 - 14    illustrate the cutting tool head  10  according to another embodiment of the invention. The cutting tool head  10  can include a guide mount  70 , a blade guide  72 , a spring mount  74 , and a U-shaped retainer  76 . In the illustrated embodiment, the blades  42 ,  44  are shown as separate components from the jaws  12 ,  14 ; however, in some embodiments, the blades  42 ,  44  are integral with their respective jaws  12 ,  14 . The blade guide  72  and/or the U-shaped retainer  76  can be made of AISI 4140 steel or AISI 4340 steel. 
     Illustrated in  FIG.  10   , the U-shaped retainer  76  is coupled to the first blade  42 . In some embodiments, the U-shaped retainer  76  can be integral with the first blade  42 . The U-shaped retainer  76  can be coupled so that it is movable relative to the first blade  42 . In other embodiments, the U-shaped retainer  76  can be coupled so that it is not movable relative to the first blade  42 . The U-shaped retainer  76  defines a space  77  into which the blade guide  72  can be received. 
     The blade guide mount  70  is coupled to the second blade  44 . The blade guide mount  70  includes the spring mount  74 , by which the blade guide  72  is operably connected to the blade guide mount  70 . The blade guide  72  can include a hole for receiving a spring (not shown). One end of the spring can be connected to the spring mount  74  and the opposite end of the spring can be connected to the blade guide  72 . The spring biases the blade guide  72  toward a transversely extended position where the blade guide  72  protrudes, in a direction toward the U-shaped retainer  76 , into an space  79  between the first blade and the second blade (e.g., an area where a work piece can be disposed when the cutting tool head  10  is used to cut the work piece). The blade guide  72  is movable in a direction that is substantially parallel to the plane on which the jaws  12 ,  14  transversely move between their open and closed positions. 
     In use, when a work piece, such as a cable, for example, is inserted in the space  79  between the jaws  12 ,  14 , the work piece pushes the blade guide  72  to a retracted position, as shown in  FIG.  12   . The blade guide  72  can then move back to the extended position, as shown in  FIG.  13   , due to being spring-biased. When the jaws  12 ,  14  and the blades  42 ,  44  are then brought together to cut the work piece during the cutting action, the blade guide  72  enters the space  77  defined by the U-shaped retainer  76  and can contact an inside surface  78  of the U-shaped retainer, as shown in  FIG.  14   . The engagement of the U-shaped retainer  76  with the blade guide  72  can prevent the blades  42 ,  44  from moving off axis or away from each other during the cutting motion, particularly during high-force cutting actions. The blade guide  72  can also limit or prevent slippage by the blades  42 ,  44  during cutting actions to ensure a work piece is fully cut by the cutting tool head  10 . 
       FIG.  15    illustrates a block diagram of an example of a power tool  100  that can include the embodiments of the cutting tool head  10 . The power tool  100  includes a moveable piston  102  coupled to the cutting tool head  10 , a motor  104  operable to drive the moveable piston  102  to open and close the jaws  12 ,  14 , and a controller  106  configured to operate the motor  104 . 
     In some embodiments, the power tool  100  can include a position sensor  108  for indicating to the controller  106  that the jaws  12 ,  14  are in the open or closed position, so that the controller  106  can determine when the jaws  12 ,  14  are in the open position and when the jaws  12 ,  14  are in the closed position, and determine when to start or stop operation of the motor  104 . Once the controller  106  determines that the jaws  12 ,  14  are in the closed position, for example, the controller  106  can stop operation of the motor  104 . 
     By the term “substantially” or “about” used herein, it is meant that the recited characteristic, parameter, value, or geometric planarity need not be achieved exactly, but that deviations or variations, including for example, tolerances, measurement error, measurement accuracy limitations and other factors known in the art, may occur in amounts that do not preclude the effect the characteristic was intended to provide. 
     The description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, the invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.