Patent Description:
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.

<CIT>, which discloses a hydraulic tool according to the preamble of attached independent claim <NUM>, and <CIT> Al disclose hand held power tools with a hydraulic circuit in order to operate a tool, wherein opening a valve when a predetermined pressure is reached allows a piston to be retracted. <CIT> Al discloses a power tool such as a power screw driver with a two-piece body portion.

Therefore, an object to be solved by the present invention is to improve the extension and retraction of the piston for a hydraulic power tool, in particular to speed it up.

The present disclosure describes embodiments that relate to systems, apparatuses, tools, and methods associated with a hydraulic power tool.

According to the invention, there is provided a hydraulic power tool as defined in claim <NUM>. Optional and/or preferable features are defined in the dependent claims.

The foregoing summary is illustrative so that 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.

The appended drawings illustrate, and the following text describes, typical embodiments which are not to be considered limiting of the scope of the invention, but only as much as they fall within the scope of 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:.

Various embodiments and examples are shown and discussed herein, to be construed in as much as they fall within the scope of the appended claims.

<FIG> illustrates a hydraulic tool <NUM>, 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 <NUM> includes a housing <NUM>. As described below, the housing <NUM> 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 <NUM> also includes a battery <NUM> coupled to the housing <NUM> and configured to provide electric power to operate the electric motor.

The hydraulic tool <NUM> further includes a cylinder <NUM> coupled to the housing <NUM>. The cylinder <NUM> is configured as a hydraulic actuator cylinder and the hydraulic tool <NUM> includes a piston that is slidably accommodated within the cylinder <NUM> 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 <NUM>.

The hydraulic tool <NUM> includes a crimper frame <NUM> coupled to the cylinder <NUM> and/or the housing <NUM>. Further, the piston disposed within the cylinder <NUM> is coupled to a ram <NUM> (e.g., a moveable crimping head). As the piston extends (moves in the first linear direction), the ram <NUM> can move within work area <NUM> toward a crimping anvil <NUM> disposed opposite the ram <NUM>. An object or a cable can be disposed in the work area <NUM>, and the ram <NUM> can apply a force on the cable to crimp it as the ram <NUM> extends.

The hydraulic tool <NUM> can further include a handle <NUM> that can be coupled to the housing <NUM> and the crimper frame <NUM>. An exterior profile of the handle <NUM> can have at least two depressions that are spatially arranged in series along the portion of the exterior profile of the handle <NUM>. The depressions are configured to receive or house an extension trigger button <NUM> and a retraction trigger button <NUM>. The extension trigger button <NUM> can also be referred to as the forward trigger, whereas the retraction trigger button <NUM> can be referred to as a reverse trigger. Further, the handle <NUM> can be referred to as a trigger collar that.

An operator can grip around the cylinder <NUM> such that the operator's fingers can reach the trigger buttons <NUM>, <NUM>. As described in detail below, pressing the extension trigger button <NUM> generates an electric signal that causes the piston and the ram <NUM> coupled thereto to extend to perform a crimping operation. On the other hand, pressing the retraction trigger button <NUM> generates an electric signal that causes the piston and the ram <NUM> coupled thereto to retract (i.e., move in the second linear direction) and release a crimped cable.

<FIG> illustrates a block diagram representing components of the hydraulic tool <NUM>, in accordance with an example implementation. As illustrated in <FIG>, the hydraulic tool <NUM> includes the battery <NUM> configured to provide electric power to an electric motor <NUM>. The electric motor <NUM> can be mechanically coupled to a pump <NUM> via a gear reducer <NUM> configured to reduce a rotational speed of an output shaft of the electric motor <NUM> that rotates when the electric motor <NUM> is actuated.

As the electric motor <NUM> is actuated, the pump <NUM> draws fluid from a fluid reservoir <NUM> and then provides fluid via a hydraulic circuit <NUM> to the cylinder <NUM> of the hydraulic tool <NUM> to drive (e.g., extend) the piston disposed therein and move the ram <NUM>. The electric motor <NUM> is actuated via command signals provided by a controller <NUM> of the hydraulic tool <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> 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 <NUM>. The memory <NUM> can have stored thereon instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors of the controller <NUM>, cause the controller <NUM> to perform the operations described herein. In examples, the memory <NUM> 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 <NUM> (and thus the ram <NUM>) moves within the work area <NUM> toward the crimping anvil <NUM> in order to achieve a desired crimp for a particular connector type having a specific size.

In examples, the hydraulic tool <NUM> can include a communication interface that enables the controller <NUM> to communicate with various components of the hydraulic tool <NUM> such as user interface components <NUM>, the electric motor <NUM>, the memory <NUM>, the battery <NUM>, and various components of the hydraulic circuit <NUM>.

The user interface components <NUM> include the extension trigger button <NUM> and the retraction trigger button <NUM>, among other components such as a display, light emitting diodes, indicative lights, switches, touch screens, etc. The controller <NUM> can receive input or input information from various input devices of the user interface components <NUM>, and in response provide electrical signals to other components of the hydraulic tool <NUM>.

<FIG> is a partial view of the hydraulic tool <NUM> illustrating internal components of the trigger buttons <NUM>, <NUM>, in accordance with example implementation. As shown, the extension trigger button <NUM> has a protruding member <NUM>. When the extension trigger button <NUM> is pressed or pulled, the protruding member <NUM> touches a contact <NUM> of a switch <NUM>, thus closing an electric circuit. Closing this electric circuit provides an electric signal via wires to the controller <NUM> as described below with respect to <FIG>. The electric signal indicates to the controller <NUM> that the extension trigger button <NUM> has been triggered or activated. In response, the controller <NUM> sends a command signal causing the electric motor <NUM> to rotate in a first rotational direction, thereby causing the piston inside the cylinder <NUM> to extend. If the extension trigger button <NUM> is released by the operator, a spring <NUM> pushes the extension trigger button <NUM> back to its unactuated position, rendering the electric circuit open and stopping the electric signal to the controller <NUM>, which in turn can stop the electric motor <NUM> from rotating.

Similarly, when the retraction trigger button <NUM> is pulled or pressed, it causes a contact <NUM> to close an electric circuit of a printed circuit board <NUM>. An electric signal is then provided via wires to the controller <NUM>, indicating to the controller <NUM> that the retraction trigger button <NUM> has been triggered or activated. In response, the controller <NUM> sends a command signal causing the electric motor <NUM> to rotate in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction, thereby causing the piston inside the cylinder <NUM> to retract. If the retraction trigger button <NUM> is released by the operator, it returns to its unactuated position, stopping the electric signal to the controller <NUM>, which in turn can stop the electric motor <NUM> from rotating.

<FIG> illustrates a partial exploded view of the hydraulic tool <NUM>, in accordance with an example implementation. As shown in <FIG>, the hydraulic tool <NUM> can include an elastomeric wrap <NUM> (e.g., rubber wrap) that is disposed about an exterior peripheral surface of the cylinder <NUM>. In an example, the elastomeric wrap <NUM> can be made as a flat-molded part that is then assembled to, wrapped around, or molded over the cylinder <NUM>. As an example for illustration, the elastomeric wrap <NUM> can be about <NUM> millimeter thick. The elastomeric wrap <NUM> can be configured as a C-shaped wrap such that it has a partial circular cross section and forms a gap <NUM> as shown.

The hydraulic tool <NUM> further includes wires <NUM> that are disposed through the gap <NUM> of the elastomeric wrap <NUM>. The wires <NUM> electrically couple the trigger buttons <NUM>, <NUM> to the controller <NUM> of the hydraulic tool <NUM>.

The hydraulic tool <NUM> further includes a wire cover <NUM> having a curved profile that matches curvature of the cylinder <NUM> and is configured to cover the wires <NUM> disposed through the gap <NUM> to protect the wires <NUM>. In an example, the wire cover <NUM> can be made of an extruded stamped metal material. In other examples, the wire cover <NUM> can be made of a plastic material. The wire cover <NUM> can be retained or secured to the elastomeric wrap <NUM> and the cylinder <NUM> via the handle <NUM> (the trigger collar).

As depicted in <FIG>, as an example, the handle <NUM> can be configured as a two-piece collar having a first collar piece <NUM> and a second collar piece <NUM>. Each of the collar pieces <NUM>, <NUM> has a curved, concave interior peripheral surface that matches curvature of the cylinder <NUM>. With this configuration, the collar pieces <NUM>, <NUM> can be assembled to each other around the exterior peripheral surface of the cylinder <NUM>. Bolts, screws, or other fastening methods can be used to couple the two collar pieces <NUM>, <NUM> to each other.

In an example, the handle <NUM> can include hand rest portions <NUM>, <NUM> formed or over-molded thereon. The hand rest portions <NUM>, <NUM> can provide a comfortable hand rest to the operator gripping the hydraulic tool <NUM> to prevent the hands of the operator from rubbing against metallic parts or otherwise uncomfortable materials. Further, the elastomeric wrap <NUM> can include grip features <NUM> over-molded thereon to facilitate gripping the hydraulic tool <NUM> (e.g., provide friction to hands of the operator to preclude slippage of the hydraulic tool <NUM> from the operator).

Turning to operation of hydraulic tool <NUM>, and particularly the hydraulic circuit <NUM> referenced in <FIG>, <FIG> illustrates an internal, partial cross-sectional side view of the hydraulic tool <NUM>, <FIG> illustrates another internal, partial cross-sectional side view of the hydraulic tool <NUM>, and <FIG> illustrates another internal, partial cross-sectional side view of the hydraulic tool <NUM>, in accordance with an example implementation.

As mentioned above, the electric motor <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) is configured to drive the pump <NUM> via the gear reducer <NUM>. The electric motor <NUM> can be configured, for example, as a brushless direct current motor. When an operator presses the extension trigger button <NUM>, an electric signal is provided via the wires <NUM> to the controller <NUM> of the hydraulic tool <NUM>. In response, the controller <NUM> sends a command signal to the electric motor <NUM>, causing an output shaft of the electric motor <NUM> coupled to the gear reducer <NUM> to rotate in a first rotational direction.

The hydraulic tool <NUM> also includes the fluid reservoir <NUM>, 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 <NUM>-<NUM> pounds per square inch (psi). As the output shaft of the electric motor <NUM> rotates in the first rotational direction, the gear reducer <NUM> causes a pump piston <NUM> of the pump <NUM> to reciprocate up and down. As the pump piston <NUM> moves upward, fluid is withdrawn from the fluid reservoir <NUM>. As the pump piston <NUM> moves down, the withdrawn fluid is pushed or pumped to a pressure rail <NUM>.

The hydraulic tool <NUM> further includes a flow control valve <NUM> configured to control fluid flow between a fluid passage <NUM> and the fluid reservoir <NUM>. The flow control valve <NUM> is configured such that, as the electric motor <NUM> rotates in the first rotational direction, the flow control valve <NUM> remains closed such that the fluid passage <NUM> is disconnected from the fluid reservoir <NUM>. On the other hand, if the electric motor <NUM> rotates in the second rotational direction (opposite the first rotation direction), the flow control valve <NUM> opens, allowing fluid to flow from the fluid passage <NUM> to the fluid reservoir <NUM>. In an example, the flow control valve <NUM> can be configured as a Shear-Seal® valve.

As the electric motor <NUM> rotates in the first rotational direction and the pump <NUM> provided fluid to the pressure rail <NUM>, the fluid in the pressure rail <NUM> is communicated through a check valve <NUM> and a nose <NUM> of a sequence valve <NUM>, through a passage <NUM> to a chamber <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the chamber <NUM> is formed partially within an inner cylinder <NUM> and partially within a piston <NUM> slidably accommodated within the cylinder <NUM>. The piston <NUM> is configured to slide about an external surface of the inner cylinder <NUM> and an inner surface of the cylinder <NUM>. The inner cylinder <NUM> is threaded into the cylinder <NUM> and is thus stationary or affixed to the cylinder <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the fluid provided to the chamber <NUM> from the passage <NUM> applies a pressure on the inner diameter "d<NUM>" of the piston <NUM>, thus causing the piston <NUM> to extend (e.g., move to the left in <FIG>). The ram <NUM> is coupled to the piston <NUM> such that extension of the piston <NUM> (i.e., motion of the piston <NUM> to the left in <FIG>, <FIG>) within the cylinder <NUM> causes the ram <NUM> to move toward the crimping anvil <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates another internal cross-sectional side view of the hydraulic tool <NUM>, in accordance with an example implementation. As shown in <FIG>, the hydraulic tool <NUM> includes a first longitudinal channel <NUM> and a second longitudinal channel <NUM>. The hydraulic tool <NUM> further includes a first bypass check valve <NUM> disposed in the first longitudinal channel <NUM> and includes a second bypass check valve <NUM> disposed in the second longitudinal channel <NUM>. The longitudinal channels <NUM>, <NUM> and the bypass check valves <NUM>, <NUM> fluidly couple the fluid reservoir <NUM> to a chamber <NUM> formed within the cylinder <NUM>.

As the piston <NUM> extends within the cylinder <NUM>, pressure level in the chamber <NUM> can be reduced below the pressure level of the fluid in the fluid reservoir <NUM>, and therefore hydraulic fluid is pulled or drawn from the fluid reservoir <NUM> through the longitudinal channels <NUM>, <NUM> and the bypass check valves <NUM>, <NUM> into the chamber <NUM>.

As the piston <NUM> extends, the volume of the chamber <NUM> increases as shown in <FIG> and the chamber <NUM> is filled with hydraulic fluid from the fluid reservoir <NUM> via the longitudinal channels <NUM>, <NUM> and the bypass check valves <NUM>, <NUM>. Advantageously, with this configuration, the chamber <NUM> 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 <NUM> when driving the piston <NUM> with high pressure fluid provided to the chamber <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the piston <NUM> includes a piston rod <NUM> and a piston head <NUM>. The piston head <NUM> divides an inside of the cylinder <NUM> into the chamber <NUM> and a chamber <NUM>. The chamber <NUM> is formed between the surface of the piston head <NUM> that faces toward the ram <NUM>, a surface of the piston rod <NUM>, and an inner surface of the cylinder <NUM>. Respective volumes of the chambers <NUM> and <NUM> vary as the piston <NUM> moves within the cylinder <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the hydraulic tool <NUM> includes a return spring <NUM> disposed about an exterior peripheral surface of the piston rod <NUM> of the piston <NUM>. One end of the return spring <NUM> is fixed and the other end rests against the piston head <NUM>. As the piston <NUM> extends (e.g., moves to the left in <FIG>), the return spring <NUM> is compressed and thus the force it applies on the piston <NUM> in an opposing direction to the direction of motion of the piston <NUM> increases. As such, resistance to motion of the piston <NUM> increases and pressure level of fluid provided by the pump <NUM> through pressure rail <NUM> to the chamber <NUM> increases.

Referring back to <FIG>, the sequence valve <NUM> includes a poppet <NUM> that is biased toward a seat <NUM> via a spring <NUM>. When a pressure level of the fluid in the pressure rail <NUM> exceeds a threshold value set by a spring rate of the spring <NUM>, the fluid pushes the poppet <NUM> against the spring <NUM>, thus opening a fluid path through passage <NUM> to the chamber <NUM>.

As a result, pressurized fluid now acts on the inner diameter "d<NUM>" of the piston <NUM> as well as the annular area of the piston <NUM> around the inner cylinder <NUM>. As such, pressurized fluid now applies a pressure on an entire diameter "d<NUM>" of the piston head <NUM>. While the fluid initially acts on the smaller diameter "d<NUM>" only before the pressure level of fluid in the pressure rail <NUM> exceeds the threshold value, the piston <NUM> advances at a high speed but can apply a small force. However, by now acting on the entire diameter "d<NUM>", the piston <NUM> 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 <NUM> opens to provide pressurized fluid to the chamber <NUM>, the bypass check valves <NUM>, <NUM> are blocked or closed and low pressure fluid is no longer drawn from the fluid reservoir <NUM> via the longitudinal channels <NUM>, <NUM> into the chamber <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the hydraulic tool <NUM> further includes a pilot/shuttle valve <NUM>. The pressurized fluid in the pressure rail <NUM> is communicated through a nose <NUM> of the pilot/shuttle valve <NUM> and acts on a poppet <NUM> to cause the poppet <NUM> to be seated at a seat <NUM> within the pilot/shuttle valve <NUM>. As long as the poppet <NUM> is seated at the seat <NUM>, fluid flowing through the check valve <NUM> is precluded from flowing through the nose <NUM> of the sequence valve <NUM> and passage <NUM> around the poppet <NUM> to a tank passage <NUM>, which is fluidly coupled to the fluid reservoir <NUM>. This way, fluid is forced to enter the chamber <NUM> via the passage <NUM> as described above.

Further, fluid in the pressure rail <NUM> is allowed to flow around the pilot/shuttle valve <NUM> through annular area <NUM> to the fluid passage <NUM>. However, as mentioned above, when the flow control valve <NUM> is closed, the fluid passage <NUM> is blocked, and fluid communicated to the fluid passage <NUM> is precluded from flowing to the fluid reservoir <NUM>.

As such, the piston <NUM> and the ram <NUM> move toward the crimping anvil <NUM>. The ram <NUM> can then contact a cable disposed in the work area <NUM>. The cable provides further resistance to movement of the ram <NUM> and the piston <NUM>, and as such pressure level of the fluid entering the chamber <NUM> increases. As a result, the force applied to the piston <NUM> by the pressurized fluid increases, and therefore the force applied by the ram <NUM> to the cable increases until the cable is crimped.

Thereafter, the operator may want to retract the piston <NUM> (e.g., move the piston <NUM> to the right in <FIG>) to release the cable and render the hydraulic tool <NUM> ready for a subsequent crimping operation. To retract the piston <NUM>, the operator can press the retraction trigger button <NUM>. When an operator presses the retraction trigger button <NUM>, an electric signal is provided via the wires <NUM> to the controller <NUM> of the hydraulic tool <NUM>. In response, the controller <NUM> sends a command signal to the electric motor <NUM>, causing an output shaft of the electric motor <NUM> coupled to the gear reducer <NUM> to rotate in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction.

Referring to <FIG>, rotating the electric motor <NUM> in the second rotational direction causes the flow control valve <NUM> to open, thus causing a fluid path to form between the pressure rail <NUM> through the annular area <NUM> and the fluid passage <NUM> to the fluid reservoir <NUM>. As a result of fluid in the pressure rail <NUM> being allowed to flow to the fluid reservoir <NUM> when the flow control valve <NUM> is opened, the pressure level in the pressure rail <NUM> decreases (e.g., to the pressure level of fluid in the fluid reservoir <NUM> or slightly higher).

<FIG> illustrates a cross-sectional view of the pilot/shuttle valve <NUM>, in accordance with an example implementation. Once the pressure rail <NUM> is depressurized as a result of the flow control valve <NUM> being opened, pressure level acting at a first end <NUM> of the poppet <NUM> is decreased. At the same time, pressurized fluid in the chamber <NUM> is communicated to the passage <NUM> through the nose <NUM> of the sequence valve <NUM> and acts on a surface area of a flange <NUM> of the poppet <NUM>. As a result, the poppet <NUM> is unseated (e.g., by being pushed downward in <FIG>).

The return spring <NUM> described above and shown in <FIG>, <FIG> pushes the piston <NUM> (e.g., to the right in <FIG>, <FIG>). As a result, fluid in the chamber <NUM> is forced out of the chamber <NUM> through the nose <NUM> of the sequence valve <NUM> to the passage <NUM>, then around a nose or second end <NUM> of the poppet <NUM> (now-unseated) to the tank passage <NUM>, and then to the fluid reservoir <NUM>. Similarly, fluid in the chamber <NUM> is forced out of the chamber <NUM> through a check valve <NUM> (shown in <FIG>), through the nose <NUM> of the sequence valve <NUM> to the passage <NUM>, then around the nose or second end <NUM> of the poppet <NUM> to the tank passage <NUM>, and then to the fluid reservoir <NUM>. The check valve <NUM> (described with respect to <FIG>) blocks fluid from flow back to the pressure rail <NUM>. Flow of fluid from the chambers <NUM> and <NUM> to the fluid reservoir <NUM> allows the piston <NUM> to retract and return to a start position, and the hydraulic tool <NUM> is again ready for another cycle or crimping operation.

The controller <NUM> can be configured to handle conditions where the trigger buttons <NUM>, <NUM> are pressed simultaneously, or pressed within a threshold amount of time (e.g., <NUM> seconds) of each other. For example, if the trigger buttons <NUM>, <NUM> are pressed simultaneously, the hydraulic tool <NUM> can be configured to not provide any signal to the controller <NUM>. Alternatively, if the trigger buttons <NUM>, <NUM> are pressed simultaneously and the controller <NUM> receives both electric signals, the controller <NUM> can be configured to provide no signals to the electric motor <NUM>. As such, the hydraulic tool <NUM> remains unactuated.

In another example, if the operator presses the extension trigger button <NUM> and then within a threshold amount of time (e.g., <NUM>-<NUM> seconds) presses the retraction trigger button <NUM>, the controller <NUM> can be configured to continue extension of the piston <NUM> (i.e., continue sending the command to the electric motor <NUM> causing it to rotate in the first rotational direction) as if the retraction trigger button <NUM> has not been pressed. Similarly, in another example, if the operator presses the retraction trigger button <NUM> and then within a threshold amount of time (e.g., <NUM>-<NUM> seconds) presses the extension trigger button <NUM>, the controller <NUM> can be configured to continue retraction of the piston <NUM> (i.e., continue sending the command to the electric motor <NUM> causing it to rotate in the second rotational direction) as if the extension trigger button <NUM> has not been pressed.

Referring back to <FIG>, to crimp an object, e.g., a cable, can be positioned within the work area <NUM>, and the ram <NUM> is then advanced as the piston <NUM> extends as described above. The ram <NUM> and the crimping anvil <NUM> can then apply a compression force to the object(s) (e.g., metals, wires, cables, and/or other electrical connectors) positioned between the ram <NUM> and the crimping anvil <NUM> in the work area <NUM>. After a crimping operation is completed, the ram <NUM> can be retracted as described above to release the object or cable and allow it to be retrieved from the work area <NUM>.

Positioning an object or a cable in, or retrieving the cable from, the work area <NUM> can take place by inserting the cable laterally within the work area <NUM>. 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 <NUM> to be pivotable, such that the crimping anvil <NUM> can pivot to open and expose the work area <NUM>, thereby allowing the cable to be inserted longitudinally to within the work area <NUM>. For instance, the hydraulic tool <NUM> can be configured such that the crimping anvil <NUM> can be released at a first end <NUM> and then pivot about a second end <NUM> coupled to the crimper frame <NUM>. This way, the work area <NUM> is longitudinally exposed and an object or cable can be inserted therein. Described next are example implementations that allow the crimping anvil <NUM> to be released at one end and pivot about another end.

<FIG> illustrates a partial side view of the hydraulic tool <NUM> with a pivotable crimping anvil <NUM>, <FIG> illustrates a partial top view of the hydraulic tool <NUM> with the pivotable crimping anvil <NUM> being latched to the crimper frame <NUM>, and <FIG> illustrates a partial top view of the hydraulic tool <NUM> with the pivotable crimping anvil <NUM> being unlatched from the crimper frame <NUM> to allow pivoting thereof, in accordance with an example implementation. The pivotable crimping anvil <NUM> represents an example implementation of the crimping anvil <NUM> described above.

As shown in <FIG>, the crimper frame <NUM> can be shaped as a U-shaped yoke having two generally-parallel leg portions <NUM> and <NUM> and a base or connecting portion <NUM> that couples or connects the leg portions <NUM>, <NUM> to each other. Similarly, the pivotable crimping anvil <NUM> can be configured as a C- or U-shaped yoke or member having a first arm <NUM> and a second arm <NUM>.

The first arm <NUM> is coupled to the first leg portion <NUM> of the crimper frame <NUM> at an anvil pivot <NUM>. For example, the first leg portion <NUM> can have two prongs forming a space therebetween in which the first arm <NUM> can be inserted partially. The two prongs of the first leg portion <NUM> can have respective through-holes formed therein and the first arm <NUM> can have a corresponding through-hole that aligns with the respective through-holes of the first leg portion <NUM> to form a channel configured to receive a pivot pin <NUM> therein. On the other hand, the second arm <NUM> of the pivotable crimping anvil <NUM> is releasably coupled to the second leg portion <NUM> of the crimper frame <NUM> via a latching mechanism <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the latching mechanism <NUM> can include a lateral or cross bar <NUM> coupled to the pivotable crimping anvil <NUM>. The latching mechanism further includes a first gripping latch arm <NUM> and a second gripping latch arm <NUM> that are pivotably coupled to the cross bar <NUM>. Particularly, a first end of the first gripping latch arm <NUM> is pivotably coupled to the cross bar <NUM> at a pivot <NUM>, and a first end of the second gripping latch arm <NUM> is pivotably coupled to the cross bar <NUM> at a pivot <NUM>. A second end of the first gripping latch arm <NUM> and a second end of the second gripping latch arm <NUM> are configured to grip on the crimper frame <NUM> when the pivotable crimping anvil <NUM> is in the closed or latched state shown in <FIG>.

Particularly, the latching mechanism <NUM> can include a first release lever <NUM> coupled to the first gripping latch arm <NUM>, e.g., at the pivot <NUM>. The latching mechanism <NUM> can also include a second release lever <NUM> coupled to the second gripping latch arm <NUM>, e.g., at the pivot <NUM>.

Further, the latching mechanism <NUM> includes a first spring <NUM> that biases the first release lever <NUM> and the first gripping latch arm <NUM> toward a gripping position shown in <FIG> where the first gripping latch arm <NUM> contacts and grips on a surface of the second leg portion <NUM> of the crimper frame <NUM>. For instance, a first end of the first spring <NUM> can be secured against an exterior surface of the second arm <NUM> of the pivotable crimping anvil <NUM>, whereas a second end of the first spring <NUM> is coupled to the first release lever <NUM>. With this configuration, the first spring <NUM> biases the first release lever <NUM> and the first gripping latch arm <NUM> pivotably coupled thereto in a counter-clockwise direction in <FIG> to grip on the crimper frame <NUM>.

As an example for illustration, the first gripping latch arm <NUM> and the crimper frame <NUM> can having corresponding retention structures that facilitate forming a grip between the first gripping latch arm <NUM> and the surface of the crimper frame <NUM>. For instance, the first gripping latch arm <NUM> can have a protrusion or projection <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) that is configured to mate and engage with a ridge formed in the surface of the crimper frame <NUM>. As such, when the first gripping latch arm <NUM> is biased toward the crimper frame <NUM> via the first spring <NUM>, it grips on the crimper frame <NUM>.

Similarly, the latching mechanism <NUM> includes a second spring <NUM> that biases the second release lever <NUM> and the second gripping latch arm <NUM> toward a gripping position shown in <FIG> where the second gripping latch arm <NUM> contacts and grips on the surface of the second leg portion <NUM> of the crimper frame <NUM>. For instance, a first end of the second spring <NUM> can be secured against the exterior surface of the second arm <NUM> of the pivotable crimping anvil <NUM>, whereas a second end of the second spring <NUM> is coupled to the second release lever <NUM>. With this configuration, the second spring <NUM> biases the second release lever <NUM> and the second gripping latch arm <NUM> pivotably coupled thereto in a clockwise direction in <FIG> to grip on the crimper frame <NUM>.

As an example for illustration, similar to the first gripping latch arm <NUM>, the second gripping latch arm <NUM> and the crimper frame <NUM> can having corresponding retention structures that facilitate forming a grip between the second gripping latch arm <NUM> and the surface of the crimper frame <NUM>. For instance, the second gripping latch arm <NUM> can have a protrusion or projection <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) that is configured to mate and engage with a ridge formed in the surface of the crimper frame <NUM>. As such, when the second gripping latch arm <NUM> is biased toward the crimper frame <NUM> via the second spring <NUM>, it grips on the crimper frame <NUM>.

In the closed or latched state shown in <FIG>, the hydraulic tool <NUM> 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 <NUM>, the latching mechanism <NUM> can be actuated to release the pivotable crimping anvil <NUM> and allow it to be pivoted about the anvil pivot <NUM> to enable removing the crimped object longitudinally and positioning another object within the work area <NUM>.

Particularly, the operator can squeeze the first release lever <NUM> (e.g., upward in <FIG>) and the second release lever <NUM> (e.g., downward in <FIG>), thereby compressing the springs <NUM>, <NUM> respectively. As a result, the first spring <NUM> pulls the first gripping latch arm <NUM>, which then pivots clockwise to a released position about the pivot <NUM>, and similarly, the second spring <NUM> pulls the second gripping latch arm <NUM>, which then pivots counter-clockwise to a released position about the pivot <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates the gripping latch arms <NUM>, <NUM> in released positions. In the released positions, the gripping latch arms <NUM>, <NUM> and their projections <NUM>, <NUM> disengage from the second leg portion <NUM> of the crimper frame <NUM> as depicted in <FIG>. With the gripping latch arms <NUM>, <NUM> being released from the crimper frame <NUM>, the operator can now rotate or pivot the pivotable crimping anvil <NUM> in a counter-clockwise direction in <FIG> to pivot the pivotable crimping anvil <NUM> about the anvil pivot <NUM>, thereby allowing the work area <NUM> to be longitudinally-accessible such that the crimped object can be removed and another object can be placed therein.

<FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> illustrate a different example implementation. Particularly, <FIG> illustrates a partial perspective view of the hydraulic tool <NUM> with an alternative latch mechanism, <FIG> illustrates cross-sectional front view of the hydraulic tool <NUM> showing components of the alternative latch mechanism, and <FIG> illustrates a partial exploded view of the hydraulic tool showing components of the alternative latch mechanism, in accordance with an example implementation. <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> are described together.

<FIG> and <FIG> depict a pivotable crimping anvil <NUM> that represents an example implementation of the crimping anvil <NUM> described above. Similar the pivotable crimping anvil <NUM>, the pivotable crimping anvil <NUM> can be configured as a C- or U-shaped yoke or member having a first arm <NUM> and a second arm <NUM>. The first arm <NUM> is coupled to the first leg portion <NUM> of the crimper frame <NUM> at an anvil pivot <NUM>. For example, the first leg portion <NUM> can have two prongs forming a space therebetween in which the first arm <NUM> can be inserted partially. The two prongs of the first leg portion <NUM> can have respective through-holes formed therein and the first arm <NUM> can have a corresponding through-hole that aligns with the respective through-holes of the first leg portion <NUM> to form a channel configured to receive a pivot pin <NUM> therein.

The second leg portion <NUM> of the crimper frame <NUM> can also have two respective prongs forming a space therebetween in which the second arm <NUM> of the pivotable crimping anvil <NUM> can be inserted partially. The two respective prongs of the second leg portion <NUM> can have respective through-holes formed therein and the second arm <NUM> can have a corresponding through-hole that aligns with the respective through-holes of the second leg portion <NUM> to form a channel configured to receive a releasable pin <NUM> (see <FIG>, <FIG>) therein.

As shown in <FIG>, the releasable pin <NUM> is coupled to a cap <NUM>. The cap <NUM> can have a cylindrical portion <NUM> and a flanged portion <NUM>. The cap <NUM> has a cavity therein to receive and retain a head portion <NUM> of the releasable pin <NUM> therein. Further, the cap <NUM> has a first slot or longitudinal blind hole <NUM> and a second slot or longitudinal blind hole <NUM>. The first longitudinal blind hole <NUM> houses a first spring <NUM>, whereas the second longitudinal blind hole <NUM> houses a second spring <NUM>.

The first spring <NUM> has a first end that rests against the second leg portion <NUM> and a second end that rests against an interior surface bounding the first longitudinal blind hole <NUM> of the cap <NUM>. Thus, the first spring <NUM> applies a biasing force on the cap <NUM> and the releasable pin <NUM> outward (e.g., upward in <FIG>). Similarly, the second spring <NUM> has a first end that rests against the second leg portion <NUM> and a second end that rests against an interior surface bounding the second longitudinal blind hole <NUM> of the cap <NUM>. Thus, the second spring <NUM> applies a biasing force on the cap <NUM> and the releasable pin <NUM> outward (e.g., upward in <FIG>).

As such, the springs <NUM>, <NUM> cooperate to bias the cap <NUM> and the releasable pin <NUM> outward with a biasing force that tend to release the releasable pin <NUM> from the second leg portion <NUM>. However, in the position shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, the cap <NUM> and the releasable pin <NUM> are retained in an inserted position in the second leg portion <NUM> by way of a release lever <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the release lever <NUM> is pivotably coupled to the second leg portion <NUM> of the crimper frame <NUM> via a screw <NUM>. Further, a torsional spring (not shown) can be disposed at an interface between the release lever <NUM> and the second leg portion <NUM> of the crimper frame <NUM>, such that the torsional spring biases the release lever <NUM> toward the position shown in <FIG> (e.g., biases the release lever <NUM> in a clockwise direction in <FIG>).

In this biased position, the release lever <NUM> can retain the cap <NUM> and the releasable pin <NUM> in the position shown in <FIG>, where the pivotable crimping anvil <NUM> is in a closed state. Particularly, the release lever <NUM> can have a distal portion <NUM> having a circular interior profile that matches curvature of the cap <NUM> to allow the release lever <NUM> to interface with and retain the cap <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, in this position, the release lever <NUM> is positioned in contact with the flanged portion <NUM> of the cap <NUM>, and therefore, the cap <NUM> and the releasable pin <NUM> cannot "pop" or be pushed outward (e.g., upward in <FIG>) by the springs <NUM>, <NUM>. Rather, the releasable pin <NUM> and the cap <NUM> remain engaged with the second leg portion <NUM> and the second arm <NUM> of the pivotable crimping anvil <NUM>. In this position, an object placed within the work area <NUM> can be crimped as described above.

To release the object after completing a crimping operation, the release lever <NUM> can be pivoted or rotated (in a counter-clockwise direction in <FIG>) by the operator about the screw <NUM>, therefore allowing the springs <NUM>, <NUM> to push the cap <NUM> and the releasable pin <NUM> coupled thereto outwardly from the longitudinal holes of the second arm <NUM> and the second leg portion <NUM>. As a result, the pivotable crimping anvil <NUM> is now released from engagement with the crimper frame <NUM> via the releasable pin <NUM>. With the second arm <NUM> being released from engagement with the second leg portion <NUM>, the operator can now rotate or pivot the pivotable crimping anvil <NUM> in a clockwise direction in <FIG> to pivot the pivotable crimping anvil <NUM> about the anvil pivot <NUM>, thereby allowing the work area <NUM> to be longitudinally-accessible such that the crimped object can be removed and another object can be placed therein.

If the release lever <NUM> is released by the operator, the above-mentioned torsional spring can cause the release lever <NUM> to rotate or return back to its biased, un-pivoted position. To preclude the release lever <NUM> from impacting the spring <NUM> that is now, at least partially, exposed as the cap <NUM> and releasable pin <NUM> are pushed outward, the crimper frame <NUM> can have a protrusion <NUM> configured as a stop feature that stops the release lever <NUM> at a particular position prior to reaching the spring <NUM>. This way, damage or deterioration of the spring <NUM> can be prevented.

To perform a subsequent crimping operation, an object can be positioned in the work area <NUM>, and the pivotable crimping anvil <NUM> can then be rotated back (counter-clockwise in <FIG>) to place the second arm <NUM> partially within the second leg portion <NUM> of the crimping frame and align their through-holes in preparation for receiving the releasable pin <NUM> therein. The operator can then push the cap <NUM> and the releasable pin <NUM> back inwardly against the biasing force of the springs <NUM>, <NUM>.

Notably, referring to <FIG>, the flanged portion <NUM> can have a chamfered exterior peripheral surface <NUM> and the release lever <NUM> can have a corresponding chamfered interior surface <NUM>. As such, as the cap <NUM> is being pushed inwardly to re-engage the releasable pin <NUM> with the pivotable crimping anvil <NUM>, the chamfered exterior peripheral surface <NUM> contacts the chamfered interior surface <NUM>, thereby slightly pushing the release lever <NUM> (e.g., to the right in <FIG> and counter-clockwise in <FIG>) out of the way until the flanged portion <NUM> "pops over" the release lever <NUM> and contacts the second leg portion <NUM>. The release lever <NUM> is then returned back by the above-mentioned torsional spring to the position shown in <FIG> where it locks or retains the cap <NUM> (and the releasable pin <NUM>) in place. The hydraulic tool <NUM> is now ready for a subsequent crimping operation.

<FIG> is a flowchart of a method <NUM> for operating a hydraulic tool, in accordance with an example implementation. The method <NUM> can, for example, be performed by a controller such as the controller <NUM> to control the hydraulic tool <NUM>.

The method <NUM> may include one or more operations, or actions as illustrated by one or more of blocks <NUM>-<NUM>. 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 <NUM> 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 <NUM> and other processes and operations disclosed herein, one or more blocks in <FIG> may represent circuitry or digital logic that is arranged to perform the specific logical operations in the process.

At block <NUM>, the method <NUM> includes receiving input information via a first trigger button (e.g., the extension trigger button <NUM>) indicating a request to extend the piston <NUM> disposed within the cylinder <NUM> of the hydraulic tool <NUM>, wherein the hydraulic tool <NUM> comprises the ram <NUM> coupled to the piston <NUM> and an anvil (e.g., the crimping anvil <NUM>), such that extension of the piston <NUM> causes the ram <NUM> to extend and perform an operation on an object disposed in the work area <NUM> formed between the ram <NUM> and the anvil (e.g., the crimping anvil <NUM>).

At block <NUM>, the method <NUM> includes, in response, causing the electric motor <NUM> to rotate in a first rotational direction, thereby causing the pump <NUM> to draw fluid from the fluid reservoir <NUM> and provide fluid flow through the pressure rail <NUM> to the cylinder <NUM> and extending the piston <NUM>, wherein the hydraulic tool <NUM> includes the flow control valve <NUM> that blocks fluid flow from the pressure rail <NUM> to the fluid reservoir <NUM> as the electric motor <NUM> rotates in the first rotational direction.

At block <NUM>, the method <NUM> includes receiving input information via a second trigger button (e.g., the retraction trigger button <NUM>) indicating a respective request to retract the piston <NUM> within the cylinder <NUM> of the hydraulic tool <NUM> to release the object upon completion of the operation.

At block <NUM>, the method <NUM> includes, in response, causing the electric motor <NUM> to rotate in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction, thereby causing the flow control valve <NUM> to open a fluid path from the pressure rail <NUM> to the fluid reservoir <NUM> and reducing pressure level in the pressure rail <NUM>, allowing fluid from the cylinder <NUM> to flow back to the fluid reservoir <NUM>.

The detailed description above describes various features and operations of the disclosed systems with reference to the accompanying figures. The illustrative implementations described herein only show exemplary embodiments. Thus, certain aspects of the disclosed systems can be arranged and combined in a wide variety of different configurations within the scope of what is known to those skilled in the art.

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. The description of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is intended to be illustrative. Various modification, alternatives and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.

Claim 1:
A hydraulic tool (<NUM>) comprising:
a fluid reservoir (<NUM>);
a pump (<NUM>) fluidly coupled to the fluid reservoir (<NUM>);
an electric motor (<NUM>) mechanically coupled to the pump (<NUM>);
a cylinder (<NUM>);
a piston (<NUM>) slidably accommodated within the cylinder (<NUM>);
a first trigger button (<NUM>);
a second trigger button (<NUM>); and
a controller (<NUM>) configured to perform operations comprising:
receiving a first signal carried by wires (<NUM>) when the first trigger button (<NUM>) is triggered,
in response to the first signal, causing the electric motor (<NUM>) to rotate in a first rotational direction, thereby: (i) causing the pump (<NUM>) to provide fluid to the cylinder (<NUM>), and (ii) causing the piston (<NUM>) to move in a first linear direction,
thereafter, receiving a second signal carried by the wires (<NUM>) when the second trigger button (<NUM>) is triggered, and
in response to the second signal, causing the electric motor (<NUM>) to rotate in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction, thereby: (i) opening a fluid path from the cylinder (<NUM>) to the fluid reservoir (<NUM>), and (ii) causing the piston (<NUM>) to move in a second linear direction opposite the first linear direction,
characterised in that the tool further comprises:
an elastomeric wrap (<NUM>) wrapped around and disposed about an exterior peripheral surface of the cylinder (<NUM>), the elastomeric wrap (<NUM>) configured as a C-shaped wrap having a partial circular cross section and forms a gap (<NUM>) through which the wires (<NUM>) extend to electrically couple the first trigger button (<NUM>) and the second trigger button (<NUM>) to the controller (<NUM>); and
a wire cover (<NUM>) having a curved profile that matches curvature of the cylinder (<NUM>) and is configured to cover the wires (<NUM>) disposed through the gap (<NUM>).