Patent Description:
The present disclosure relates generally to power tools. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a hydraulic power tool.

A hydraulic tool can be used to crimp, shear, or cut a work piece, among other examples. In such tools, a hydraulic pump is typically utilized for actuating the tool. The force exerted by the pump can be used for closing jaws of the tool to perform a crimping, cutting, or shearing action on the work piece at a desired location. In some circumstances, it can be difficult for a user to determine whether the tool has performed a proper crimp, shear, or cut of the work piece. For example, deviations from acceptable tolerance ranges for some crimping, shearing, or cutting actions can be hard to detect by visual inspection. Additionally, work site conditions such as the work piece being suspended high above the ground can add difficulty. Therefore, there is a need for a tool with improved user feedback regarding whether a proper cut, shear, or crimp has been performed on a work piece.

<CIT> discloses a crimping tool with a housing, a motor, a switch connected to the motor for activating the motor, a pump driven by the motor, a piston driven by the pump, an indenter operably connected to the piston, and a tool head connected to the housing, wherein a workpiece can be disposed between the tool head and the indenter. A current sensor is connected to the motor for sensing current flowing through the motor. A processor receives current data from the current sensor, the processor analyzing the current data to determine completion of a crimping operation and/or an error condition. A display connected to the processor can indicate completion of a crimping operation and/or an error condition.

<CIT>discloses a portable, hand-held, battery operated, hydraulic tool with a tool frame, a force sensor, and a location detector. A piston actuated by a hydraulic system within the tool frame applies force to the working head to perform a task, such as to apply a crimp to an electrical connector. The tool determines the maximum force applied to the crimp and records that maximum force along with the geographic location of the tool when the crimp was formed. The maximum force provides an indication of the quality of the crimp and the recorded location allows a potentially defective crimp to be located.

<CIT> discloses a press tool that has a linear cylinder arrangement containing a fluid pump, a cylinder part connected to the pump and a piston part movable within the cylinder by fluid pressure and with a restoring element. A piston rod is guided out of the cylinder part to act as an actuator for moving at least one pressing jaw. A contactless position measurement device enables continuous piston rod position measurement over a defined range.

One aspect of the disclosure provides a hydraulic tool that includes a head at a first end of the hydraulic tool, wherein the head is configured to apply a mechanical force to a work piece; a body comprising a first surface; a back portion comprising: a second surface at a second end of the hydraulic tool that is opposite the first end; a third surface that is between the first surface and the second surface, wherein the third surface is inclined with respect to the first surface and the second surface; an indicator light; and a window positioned on the third surface, wherein the window covers the indicator light; and a grip that extends from the body away from the first surface.

A not claimed aspect of the disclosure provides a method of operating a hydraulic tool, the method including: positioning a work piece within a head; activating a first actuator of the hydraulic tool, thereby causing the head to close upon the work piece; making a determination that a cutting, crimping, or shearing operation that satisfies a predetermined criterion has been performed on the work piece by the head; and causing an indicator light to emit a light that corresponds to the determination.

Yet another not claimed aspect of the disclosure provides a method of operating a hydraulic tool, the method including: positioning a work piece within a head; activating a first actuator of the hydraulic tool, thereby causing the head to close upon the work piece; making a determination that a cutting, crimping, or shearing operation that satisfies a predetermined criterion has not been performed on the work piece by the head; and causing an indicator light to emit a light that corresponds to the determination.

By the term "about" or "substantially" with reference to amounts or measurement values described herein, 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 those of skill in the art, may occur in amounts that do not preclude the effect the characteristic was intended to provide.

The features, functions, and advantages can be achieved independently in various embodiments of the present disclosure or may be combined in yet other embodiments in which further details can be seen with reference to the following description and drawings. The scope of the invention is defined in the 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 an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:.

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 as defined in the claims. 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 claims. 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 the invention as defined in the claims.

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.

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.

As noted above, there is a need for a hydraulic tool with improved user feedback regarding whether a proper cut, shear, crimp, or other operation has been performed on a work piece. In some situations, a user reaches above the user's head to put the tool in position to operate on the work piece. In other situations, the user holds the hydraulic tool well below the user's eyes (e.g., at waist level) to put the tool in position to operate on the work piece. Within examples, a hydraulic tool can provide a feedback mechanism that is convenient in both situations. For example, the hydraulic tool can include an indicator light that indicates whether the hydraulic tool has successfully or unsuccessfully operated on the work piece. The indicator light is positioned such that it is convenient for the user to view whether the tool is raised above the user's head or at waist level, for example.

Disclosed embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all of the disclosed embodiments are shown. Indeed, several different embodiments may be provided and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art.

<FIG> illustrate a hydraulic tool <NUM> according to one embodiment of the invention. With reference to <FIG>, the hydraulic tool <NUM> includes a head <NUM> at a first end <NUM> of the hydraulic tool <NUM>. The head <NUM> is configured to apply a mechanical force to a work piece. As shown, the head <NUM> takes the form of a crimping or cutting head comprising opposing jaws <NUM>. However, in some embodiments, a head could be configured for shearing or another mechanical operation. The head <NUM> is hydraulically actuated and can be used to crimp an electrical connector to one or more conductors, cut conductors or structural cables, and/or to shear conductors or structural cables. Other examples are possible.

The hydraulic tool <NUM> also includes a body <NUM> that includes a first surface <NUM> (e.g., a lower surface). The body <NUM> can house various hydraulic and/or mechanical components that are configured to actuate the head <NUM> to operate on the work piece. The first surface <NUM> is parallel to a longitudinal axis <NUM> of the hydraulic tool <NUM>. The longitudinal axis <NUM> can be within a plane of symmetry of the head <NUM> that bisects the head <NUM>, for example. The body <NUM> extends longitudinally from the head <NUM> along the longitudinal axis <NUM>.

The hydraulic tool <NUM> also includes a back portion <NUM> that includes a second surface <NUM> at a second end <NUM> of the hydraulic tool <NUM> that is opposite the first end <NUM>. The back portion <NUM> also includes a third surface <NUM> that is between the first surface <NUM> and the second surface <NUM>. The third surface <NUM> is inclined with respect to the first surface <NUM> and the second surface <NUM> and defines a plane that is skewed relative to the longitudinal axis <NUM> (e.g., plane is non-parallel to the longitudinal axis <NUM>). In some embodiments, the plane defined by the third surface <NUM> is not perpendicular to the axis <NUM>. The second surface <NUM> is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis <NUM>. The third surface <NUM> includes a first portion <NUM> that abuts the second surface <NUM> and a second portion <NUM> that abuts the first surface <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, a first edge <NUM> is formed where the first portion <NUM> abuts the second surface <NUM> (see, for example, <FIG>). Similarly, a second edge <NUM> is formed where the second portion <NUM> abuts the first surface <NUM> (see, for example, <FIG>). Each of the first and second edges <NUM>, <NUM> can be configured as rounded exterior, obtuse corners.

The hydraulic tool <NUM> also includes an indicator light <NUM> and a window <NUM> positioned on the third surface <NUM>. The window <NUM> (e.g., a snap on plastic window) overlaps the first portion <NUM> and the second portion <NUM> and covers and protects the indicator light <NUM> (e.g., a multi-color light emitting diode (LED) array, a discrete LED, or a light bulb). In the illustrated embodiment, the window <NUM> is disposed proximate to the first edge <NUM>.

The hydraulic tool <NUM> includes a grip <NUM> that extends from the body <NUM> away from the first surface <NUM>. The grip <NUM> extends generally away from the body <NUM> perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis <NUM>. As shown, the grip <NUM> takes a form of a pistol grip, but other examples are possible. The grip <NUM> includes a first actuator <NUM> (e.g., a trigger) that, when activated, causes the head <NUM> to close (e.g., upon the work piece). The grip <NUM> includes a second actuator <NUM> that, when activated, causes the head <NUM> to open (e.g., away from the work piece). In some examples, the positions of the first actuator <NUM> and the second actuator <NUM> can be reversed. In some embodiments, the first and second actuators <NUM>, <NUM> can be disposed along the grip <NUM> at an overlapping position.

The hydraulic tool <NUM> is configured (e.g., via a control system) to make a first determination that a cutting, crimping, or shearing operation (or another type of operation) that satisfies a predetermined criterion has been performed on the work piece by the head <NUM> and configured to cause the indicator light <NUM> to emit a first light that corresponds to the first determination. For example, the indicator light <NUM> emitting a green light could indicate that the operation performed by the head <NUM> on the work piece satisfies the predetermined criterion. Such predetermined criteria for evaluating an operation performed by the hydraulic tool <NUM> are discussed in more detail below.

The hydraulic tool <NUM> is also configured to make a second determination that a cutting, crimping, or shearing operation that satisfies a predetermined criterion has not (e.g., yet) been performed on the work piece by the head and configured to cause the indicator light to emit a second light that corresponds to the second determination. For example, the indicator light <NUM> emitting a red light could indicate that the operation performed by the head <NUM> on the work piece does not (e.g., yet) satisfy the predetermined criterion. Such predetermined criteria for evaluating an operation performed by the hydraulic tool <NUM> are discussed in more detail below.

<FIG> is a close up view of the hydraulic tool from the back and left. That is, <FIG> is a close up view of the back portion <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the first portion <NUM> is separated from the second portion <NUM> by a boundary <NUM> (e.g., a seam). In a sense, the boundary <NUM> bisects the window <NUM> along a longitudinal axis of the window <NUM>. The longitudinal axis of the window <NUM> is formed below the longitudinal axis <NUM> and extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis <NUM>. In another aspect, the window <NUM> is elongated in a direction substantially parallel to the boundary <NUM> that separates the first portion <NUM> from the second portion <NUM>. The window <NUM> is rounded such that it conforms to the first portion <NUM> and the second portion <NUM> so that the window <NUM> extends into each of the first portion <NUM> and the second portion <NUM>.

<FIG> is a front end view of the hydraulic tool <NUM>. Each of the first and second actuators <NUM>, <NUM> extend laterally across the grip <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the first actuator <NUM> is separated from the second actuator <NUM> by a portion of the grip <NUM>.

<FIG> is a back end view of the hydraulic tool <NUM> including the window <NUM>. The window <NUM> extends between a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM> across a perpendicular bisector <NUM>. The perpendicular bisector <NUM> perpendicularly intersections the longitudinal axis <NUM>. The longitudinal sides of the window <NUM> form a curve between the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM> so that the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM> are disposed closer to the longitudinal axis <NUM> than the portion of the window proximate to the perpendicular bisector <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate additional views of the hydraulic tool <NUM> according to embodiments of the invention. In particular, <FIG> is a right side view of the hydraulic tool <NUM>, <FIG> is a left side view of the hydraulic tool <NUM>, <FIG> is a top end view of the hydraulic tool <NUM>, and <FIG> is a bottom end view of the hydraulic tool <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate the hydraulic tool <NUM> according to another embodiment of the invention. With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, another example window <NUM> defines a shape that is different from the window <NUM> shown in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the window <NUM> is elongated in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the boundary <NUM> that separates the first portion <NUM> from the second portion <NUM>. As such, the window <NUM> is rounded such that it conforms to the second surface <NUM>, the first portion <NUM>, and the second portion <NUM> so that the window <NUM> extends into each of the first portion <NUM> and the second portion <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate additional view of the hydraulic tool <NUM> according to embodiments of the invention. In particular, <FIG> is a front end view of the hydraulic tool <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, <FIG> is a back end view of the hydraulic tool <NUM> shown in <FIG>, <FIG> is a right side view of the hydraulic tool <NUM> shown in <FIG>. <FIG> is a left side view of the hydraulic tool <NUM> shown in <FIG>, <FIG> is a top end view of the hydraulic tool <NUM> shown in <FIG>, and <FIG> is a bottom end view of the hydraulic tool <NUM> shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrate the hydraulic tool <NUM> according to another embodiment of the invention. In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the hydraulic tool <NUM> includes an attachment loop <NUM>. The attachment loop <NUM> can be used in a variety of hydraulic tools, including the embodiments of the hydraulic tool <NUM> shown in each of <FIG> and <FIG>.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate the hydraulic tool <NUM> with the attachment loop <NUM> in an extended position and <FIG> illustrates the hydraulic tool <NUM> with the attachment loops <NUM> in an upright position.

As shown in <FIG>, the attachment loop <NUM> is attached to the back portion <NUM>. In the retracted position as shown, for example, in <FIG>, the adjustable loop <NUM> is between the head <NUM> and the second surface <NUM>. In the extended position shown in <FIG>, the adjustable loop <NUM> extends beyond the second surface <NUM>. In the upright position shown in <FIG>, the adjustable loop <NUM> is between the head <NUM> and the second surface <NUM> (e.g., as projected onto the longitudinal axis of the hydraulic tool <NUM>). In some embodiments, the adjustable loop <NUM> is can be used for hanging the hydraulic tool <NUM> on a hook or a belt loop, for example.

<FIG> is a block diagram of a method <NUM> of operating a hydraulic tool, such as the hydraulic tool <NUM> (e.g., any embodiment of the hydraulic tool <NUM> described herein). By way of example, the method <NUM> will be described below with reference to the hydraulic tool <NUM>. At block <NUM>, the method <NUM> includes positioning the work piece within the head <NUM>. For example, a user could place a work piece between the jaws <NUM>. At block <NUM>, the method <NUM> includes activating the first actuator <NUM> of the hydraulic tool <NUM>, thereby causing the head <NUM> (e.g., the jaws <NUM>) to close upon the work piece.

At block <NUM>, the method <NUM> includes making a determination that a cutting, crimping, or shearing operation that satisfies a predetermined criterion has been performed on the work piece by the head <NUM>. For example, making the determination can include a control system of the hydraulic tool <NUM> determining that a pressure that has been applied by the head <NUM> upon the work piece exceeds a threshold pressure (for example, the pressure threshold can be between approximately <NUM>,<NUM> bar (<NUM> psi) and approximately <NUM>,<NUM> bar (<NUM> psi), or, for example, approximately <NUM>,<NUM> bar (<NUM> psi)). Additionally or alternatively, making the determination can include the control system determining that a distance <NUM> (see <FIG>) between jaws <NUM> of the head <NUM> is less than a threshold distance. Such threshold distance can correspond to a completion of an action performed on a work piece. For example, an approximately zero inch distance (i.e., the jaws are touching) can correspond to a completed cut of the work piece. In another example, a particular non-zero distance can correspond to a completed crimp of the work piece. At block <NUM>, the method <NUM> includes causing the indicator light <NUM> to emit a light (e.g., a green light) that corresponds to the determination.

<FIG> is a block diagram of a method <NUM> of operating a hydraulic tool, such as the hydraulic tool <NUM>. By way of example, the method <NUM> will be described below with reference to the hydraulic tool <NUM>. At block <NUM>, the method <NUM> includes positioning the work piece within the head <NUM>. For example, a user could place a work piece between the jaws <NUM>. At block <NUM>, the method <NUM> includes activating the first actuator <NUM> of the hydraulic tool <NUM>, thereby causing the head <NUM> (e.g., the jaws <NUM>) to close upon the work piece.

At block <NUM>, the method <NUM> includes making a determination that a cutting, crimping, or shearing operation that satisfies a predetermined criterion has not (e.g., yet) been performed on the work piece by the head <NUM>. For example, making the determination can include a control system of the hydraulic tool <NUM> determining that a pressure that has been applied by the head <NUM> upon the work piece has not exceeded a threshold pressure (for example, the pressure threshold can be between approximately <NUM>,<NUM> bar (<NUM> psi) and approximately <NUM>,<NUM> bar (<NUM> psi), or, for example, approximately <NUM>,<NUM> bar (<NUM> psi)). Additionally or alternatively, making the determination can include the control system determining that a distance <NUM> (see <FIG>) between jaws <NUM> of the head <NUM> is greater than a threshold distance, as described above with respect to method <NUM>. Furthermore, making the determination can include the control system determining that the first actuator <NUM> has been activated for at least a threshold duration. At block <NUM>, the method <NUM> includes causing the indicator light <NUM> to emit a light (e.g., a red light) that corresponds to the determination.

Claim 1:
A hydraulic tool (<NUM>) comprising:
a head (<NUM>) at a first end (<NUM>) of the hydraulic tool (<NUM>), the head (<NUM>) configured to apply a mechanical force to a work piece;
a body comprising a first surface (<NUM>);
a back portion (<NUM>) comprising:
a second surface (<NUM>) at a second end (<NUM>) of the hydraulic tool that is opposite the first end (<NUM>);
a third surface (<NUM>) that includes a first portion (<NUM>) that abuts the second surface (<NUM>) and a second portion (<NUM>) that abuts the first surface(<NUM>), the third surface (<NUM>) inclined with respect to the first surface (<NUM>) and the second surface (<NUM>);
an indicator light (<NUM>); and
a window (<NUM>), at least a portion of the window (<NUM>) being positioned on the third surface (<NUM>), the window covering the indicator light (<NUM>); and
a grip (<NUM>) that extends from the body away from the first surface.