Pliers with angled crimping opening

Abstract

A crimping tool having crimping openings that extend angularly relative to an axial direction of the tool. The tool can include a jaw having a plurality of crimping openings that are cooperatively defined by the jaw at different angles relative to a longitudinal axis direction of the tool. For example, the crimping openings can originate at respective faces of the jaw, and the faces can extend at different angles relative to the longitudinal axis direction of the tool. In this manner, the tool can allow for crimping connectors at a variety of different angles, reduce a length and width of the jaw, and increase leverage of the crimper.

Description

[0001] Divisional application statement

[0002] This application is a divisional application of Chinese invention patent application filed on November 6, 2020, entitled "Pliers with Angled Crimping Openings" with application number 202011232638.X. Technical Field

[0003] This invention generally relates to pliers. More specifically, this invention relates to crimping pliers having angled crimping positions. Background Technology

[0004] Crimping tools are commonly used hand tools in electrical applications. They typically attach connectors to the ends of cables by either crimping or plastically deforming the connector to press the conductive material (e.g., metal) inside the connector against the exposed terminal portion of the cable being connected, thereby electrically bonding the cable to the connector. These tools include pivotally connected and collapsible handles that close the jaws on the connector to crimp it, as is commonly seen on pliers.

[0005] exist Figure 14 A conventional crimping tool is illustrated. As shown, tool 1400 includes a first handle 1405 and a second handle 1410, which are pivotally connected. A user can grip the first handle 1405 and the second handle 1410 to apply crimping force to connector C. Crimping tool 1400 may include a crimper 1415 having a first crimping surface 1420 and a second crimping surface 1425. Connector C can be inserted into these two surfaces 1420, 1425, and based on the force of the handles 1405, 1410, connector C can be crimped to the end of a cable by plastically deforming connector C.

[0006] As shown in the figure, the crimping tool 1400 typically includes crimping surfaces 1420, 1425, which are disposed on the sides of the jaws and extend perpendicular to the axis along which the tool 1400 extends. In this way, the tool 1400 must be inserted into an area with sufficient clearance for the handles 1405, 1410 around the connector C, and may therefore be difficult to use in hard-to-reach areas. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This invention broadly includes cable crimping tools having crimping openings located within the tool's jaws and extending at an angle relative to the jaws' axial direction. The tool may include multiple crimping openings, one of which is substantially aligned with the tool's longitudinal axis; another of the crimping openings extends at an angle relative to the tool's longitudinal axis. For example, the angled opening may extend orthogonally to a face of the tool that extends at an angle relative to the tool's longitudinal axis. In this way, the tool allows for crimping cable connectors at various angles, with reduced jaw size, and with increased leverage due to the crimper's proximity to the connection point of the tool's first and second handles.

[0008] Specifically, the present invention broadly includes tools having a longitudinal axis, and the tool includes: a first handle extending to a first jaw; and a second handle extending to a second jaw. The first jaw and the second jaw cooperate to define a first face and a second face. The tool further includes: a connection point pivotally connected to the first jaw and the second jaw; a first crimper defined by the first jaw and the second jaw and extending at an angle from the first face relative to the longitudinal axis; and a second crimper defined by the first jaw and the second jaw and extending at an angle from the second face relative to the longitudinal axis.

[0009] The invention also broadly includes tools having a longitudinal axis, and the tool includes: a first handle extending to a first jaw; and a second handle extending to a second jaw. The first jaw and the second jaw cooperate to define a first face and a second face. The first face extends at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis, and the second face extends perpendicularly relative to the longitudinal axis. The tool further includes: a connection point pivotally connected to the first jaw and the second jaw; a first crimper defined by the first jaw and the second jaw and extending at an angle from the first face relative to the longitudinal axis; and a second crimper defined by the first jaw and the second jaw and extending at an angle from the second face relative to the longitudinal axis.

[0010] The invention also broadly includes tools having a longitudinal axis, and the tool includes: a first handle extending to a first jaw; and a second handle extending to a second jaw. The first jaw and the second jaw cooperate to define a first surface and a second surface. The first surface extends at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis, and the second surface extends from the first surface at an angle relative to the first surface. The tool may further include: a connection point pivotally connected to the first jaw and the second jaw; a first crimper defined by the first jaw and the second jaw and extending at an angle from the first surface relative to the longitudinal axis; and a second crimper defined by the first jaw and the second jaw and extending at an angle from the second surface relative to the longitudinal axis. Attached Figure Description

[0011] To facilitate understanding of the subject matter for which protection is sought, embodiments thereof are shown in the accompanying drawings. By reviewing the embodiments shown in the drawings, the construction and operation of the subject matter for which protection is sought, as well as its many advantages, should be readily understood and appreciated when considering the subject matter in conjunction with the following description.

[0012] Figure 1 This is a side perspective view of a tool according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] Figure 2 This is a side plan view of a tool according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 3 This is a top plan view of a tool according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 4 This is a partially enlarged perspective view of the tool as viewed from a perspective orthogonal to the first crimper, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 5 This is a partially enlarged perspective view of the tool as seen from a view orthogonal to the second crimper, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 6 This is a side perspective view of a tool according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 7 This is a partially enlarged perspective view of a tool according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 8 This is a partially enlarged perspective view of a tool according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 9 This is a top plan view of a tool according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 10 This is a top plan view of yet another embodiment of the tool according to at least some of the currently disclosed embodiments.

[0022] Figure 11 This is a side perspective view of a tool according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 12 This is a disassembly diagram of a tool according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 13 This is a top plan view of a tool according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 14 It is a front perspective view of existing technology tools. Detailed Implementation

[0026] While the invention encompasses many different embodiments, the preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings and described in detail herein should be understood as exemplary models of the invention and not intended to limit the broad aspects of the invention to the illustrated embodiments. As used herein, the term "invention" is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but is merely a term used for illustrative purposes in discussing exemplary embodiments of the invention.

[0027] This invention broadly includes crimping tools having crimping openings defined at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the jaws by the jaws. The jaws may define multiple crimping openings arranged at different angles relative to the longitudinal axis, including one crimping opening extending substantially in a straight line with the longitudinal axis. For example, but not limited to, the jaws may include outward-facing jaw faces at which the crimping openings originate, and these faces may extend at different angles relative to the longitudinal axis of the tool. In this way, the tool can allow crimping of cable connectors at a variety of different angles.

[0028] refer to Figures 1 to 5 The tool 100 includes a first handle 105 and a second handle 115, which respectively lead to a first jaw 110 and a second jaw 120. A connection point 125, such as a screw or rivet, pivotally connects the first handle 105 and the first jaw 110 to the second handle 115 and the second jaw 120, thereby allowing pivoting about the connection point 125. As known in the art, one or more cable strippers 130 may be located near the connection point 125 and may consist of stripper openings for cables of different sizes, respectively, defined within the first handle 105 and the second handle 115. For example, the cable stripper 130 may be located on the side of the connection point 125 closer to the first handle 105 and the second handle 115.

[0029] Various cable connectors can be crimped using tool 100 with crimping openings at different angles relative to the jaws 110, 120 of the tool. For example, but not limited to, the first connector 132 and the second connector 134 can be crimped using the first crimper 137 and the second crimper 140 of tool 100, respectively. As shown, the first connector 132 can be an insulated connector, and the first crimper 137 can be a crimper suitable for crimping insulated connectors, but the first connector 132 and the first crimper 137 are not limited thereto. For example, the first crimper 137 can be configured to crimp the bare connector 134; or the two crimpers 137, 140 can be configured to crimp connectors of the same type (insulated or bare). For example, a cutter 145 can also be provided to cut insulated or bare connectors or cables, and the cutter 145 can be compliantly formed within the jaws 110, 120 of tool 100 at a position near the connection point 125 opposite to the stripper 130.

[0030] As shown, crimpers 137 and 140 may extend at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis or longitudinal direction of tool 100. For example, the first crimper 137 may originate at a first face 147 of tool 100 substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of tool 100, but may extend at a first crimper angle relative to the first face 147. The first crimper angle can be any angle. In one example, the first crimper angle may be approximately 5 degrees to approximately 85 degrees, or approximately -5 degrees to approximately -85 degrees; more specifically, it may be approximately 30 degrees to approximately 60 degrees, or approximately -30 degrees to approximately -60 degrees. The second crimper 140 may originate at a second face 149 of tool 100 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and extend at a second crimper angle relative to the second face 149. The second crimper angle can be any angle. In one example, the second crimp angle can be from approximately 5 degrees to approximately 85 degrees, or from approximately -5 degrees to approximately -85 degrees; more specifically, it can be from approximately 30 degrees to approximately 60 degrees, or from approximately -30 degrees to approximately -60 degrees. As described herein, the term "extending at an angle" relative to the longitudinal axis means extending at an angle that is neither perpendicular to nor parallel to the longitudinal axis of tool 100. "Extending in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis" and "extending in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis" mean extending in directions substantially perpendicular to or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tool, respectively, within reasonable tolerances known to those skilled in the art. Figures 1 to 6 As shown in the embodiment, the first surface 147 may be perpendicular to the second surface 149.

[0031] Figure 4 This is a partially enlarged perspective view of the tool 100 as viewed from a perspective orthogonal to the first crimper 137; Figure 5This is a partially enlarged perspective view of the tool 100, viewed orthogonally to the second crimper 140, according to at least some of the currently disclosed embodiments. As shown, the first crimper 137 extends at a first crimper angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the tool 100 to allow for compact crimping of the connector and also allows the second crimper 140 to be compactly contained within the jaws 110, 120 of the tool 100. By combining the crimpers 137, 140 in this way, the length of the jaws 110, 120 can also be reduced, and by positioning the crimpers 137, 140 closer to the connection point 125, the leverage effect applied by the tool 100 can be maximized.

[0032] Figures 6 to 9 Another embodiment of the invention is shown, wherein similar elements are defined by similar reference numerals. For example, Figures 6 to 9 The embodiment includes a tool 600 having a first handle 605 and a second handle 615, which respectively lead to a first jaw 610 and a second jaw 620. A connection point 625, such as a screw or rivet, can pivotally connect the first handle 605 and the first jaw 610 to the second handle 615 and the second jaw 620, thereby allowing their pivoting. A cable stripper 630 may be located near the connection point 625 and may include a stripper opening that allows stripping the cable overlay of cables with different thicknesses or gauges, as is known in the art. The tool 600 may also include: a plurality of crimpers, such as a first crimper 637 and a second crimper 640 for crimping a first connector 132 and a second connector 134, respectively; and a cutter 645 for cutting connectors 132, 134, or any other object that may need to be cut.

[0033] Figures 6 to 9 The embodiment includes: a first surface 647 located at the front of the tool 100, the first surface 647 extending at a first surface angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the tool 100; and a second surface 649 extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tool 100, as shown in... Figure 9As best illustrated in the diagram. A first crimper 637 may extend through the jaws 610, 620 in a direction orthogonal to the first face 647 and at a first crimper angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the tool 100; a second crimper 637 may extend through the jaws 610, 620 in a direction orthogonal to the second face 649 and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tool 100. In this way, the first crimper 637 and the second crimper 640 may extend at an angle relative to each other, allowing for a shorter jaw length, wherein the leverage applied by the jaws 610, 620 is greater due to the tightness of the crimpers 637, 640 to the connection point 625. Similar to the first crimper angle described above, the first crimper angle of the first crimper 637 can be any angle. In one example, the first crimp angle can be from about 5 degrees to about 85 degrees, or from about -5 degrees to about -85 degrees; more specifically, it can be from about 30 degrees to about 60 degrees, or from about -30 degrees to about -60 degrees.

[0034] Figure 10 Another embodiment of the invention is shown, wherein similar elements are defined by similar reference numerals. For example, Figure 10 The embodiment includes a tool 1000 having a first handle 1005 and a second handle 1015, the first handle 1005 and the second handle 1015 leading to a first jaw 1010 and a second jaw 1020, respectively. A connection point 1025, such as a screw or rivet, can pivotally connect the first handle 1005 and the first jaw 1010 to the second handle 1015 and the second jaw 1020, thereby allowing their pivoting. A stripper 1030 may be located near the connection point 1025 and may include a stripper opening that allows stripping of the cable overlay, as is known in the art. The tool 1000 may also include: a plurality of crimpers, such as a first crimper 1037 and a second crimper 1040 for crimping a first connector 132 and a second connector 134; and a cutter 1045 for cutting connectors 132, 134, or any other object that may need to be cut.

[0035] Similar to Figures 6 to 9 In the embodiments, Figure 10 The tool 1000 may include a first surface 1047 that extends at an angle relative to a second surface 1049 of the jaws 1010, 1020. A first crimper 1037 and a second crimper 1040 may then originate at the first surface 1047 and the second surface 1049, respectively, and extend perpendicularly to the first surface 1047 and the second surface 1049 through the jaws 1010, 1020. (As stated above regarding...) Figures 1 to 9 The embodiments shown are discussed. Figure 10 The embodiments provide similar space and leverage advantages.

[0036] Figures 11 to 13 Another embodiment of the invention is shown, wherein similar elements are defined by similar reference numerals. For example, Figures 11 to 14 Embodiments include a tool 1100 having a first handle 1105 and a second handle 1115, the first handle 1105 and the second handle 1115 leading to a first jaw 1110 and a second jaw 1120, respectively. A connection point 1125, such as a screw or rivet, can pivotally connect the first handle 1105 and the first jaw 1110 to the second handle 1115 and the second jaw 1120, thereby allowing their pivoting. A wire stripper 1130 may be located near the connection point 1125 and may include a wire stripper opening that allows stripping of the cable overlay, as is known in the art. The tool 1100 may also include a plurality of crimpers, such as a first crimper 1137 and a second crimper 1140 for crimping connectors. Additionally, the tool may include: a front cutter 1145 for cutting connectors 132, 134, or any other object that may need to be cut; and a rear cutter 1150 for cutting connectors or any other object that may need to be cut, such as the cable after the cable sheath has been removed using the stripper 1130. For example, the front cutter 1145 may be positioned on the side of the connection point 1125 near the first jaw 1110 and the second jaw 1120; the rear cutter 1150 may be positioned on the side of the connection point 1125 near the first handle 1105 and the second handle 1115. Therefore, the front cutter 1145 and the rear cutter 1150 may be located on opposite sides of the connection point 1125.

[0037] Figures 11 to 13 The illustrated embodiment includes a first crimper 1137 and a second crimper 1140, both of which can have different angles relative to the pivot axis P of the tool 100. For example, the angle 1 (first crimper angle) defined between the first crimper 1137 and the pivot axis P can be greater than the angle 2 (second crimper angle) defined between the second crimper 1140 and the pivot axis P. In this way, the tool 100 can be used for different crimping applications. For example, the first crimper 1137 can be used to crimp exposed connectors, and the second crimper 1140 can be used to crimp insulated connectors, and vice versa. In one example, angle 1 is approximately 1 to 89 degrees or approximately -1 to -89 degrees, more specifically, approximately 30 to 60 degrees or approximately -30 to -60 degrees; angle 2 is approximately 1 to 89 degrees or approximately -1 to -89 degrees, more specifically, approximately 30 to 60 degrees or approximately -30 to -60 degrees. Furthermore, as shown in the figure, angles 1 and 2 can be different or substantially the same. (As mentioned above regarding...) Figures 1 to 10 The subject of discussion Figures 11 to 13The embodiments provide similar space and leverage advantages.

[0038] As used herein, the term "connection" and its functional equivalents are not intended to be limited to a direct mechanical connection of two or more components. Rather, the term "connection" and its functional equivalents are intended to represent any direct or indirect mechanical, electrical, or chemical connection between two or more objects, features, workpieces, and / or environmental elements. In some examples, "connection" also means that one object is integral with another.

[0039] The description and figures above are for illustrative purposes only and not for limitation. While specific embodiments have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications can be made without departing from the broader aspects of the inventors' contributions. The actual scope of protection sought is intended to be defined in the appended claims when viewed from a suitable perspective based on the prior art.

Claims

1. A tool having a longitudinal axis, the tool comprising: A first handle, which extends to a first jaw; A second handle extends to a second jaw, wherein the first handle, the second handle, the first jaw, and the second jaw extend in the direction of the longitudinal axis; A connection point that pivotally connects the first jaw and the second jaw relative to a pivot axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; A first crimping device is defined by the first jaw and the second jaw in cooperation, and extends at a first crimping device angle that is neither parallel to nor perpendicular to the pivot axis; as well as The second crimper is defined by the first and second jaws in a mating arrangement and extends at a second crimper angle that is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the pivot axis.

2. The tool according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first crimping device is defined between the first crimping device and the pivot axis, and the first crimping device angle is from about 1 degree to about 89 degrees.

3. The tool according to claim 2, characterized in that, The angle of the first crimper is approximately 30 degrees to approximately 60 degrees.

4. The tool according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second crimping device and the pivot axis define an angle between the second crimping device and the second crimping device, the second crimping device angle being from about 1 degree to about 89 degrees.

5. The tool according to claim 4, characterized in that, The angle of the second crimper is approximately 30 degrees to approximately 60 degrees.

6. The tool according to claim 1, characterized in that, The angle of the first crimper is approximately equal to the angle of the second crimper.

7. The tool according to claim 1, characterized in that, The angle of the first crimper is different from that of the second crimper.

8. The tool according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a first cutter located near the connection point, wherein the first cutter is formed in conjunction with the first jaw and the second jaw near the connection point.

9. The tool according to claim 8, characterized in that, It also includes a peeler located near the connection point, wherein the peeler includes a plurality of peeler openings defined by the first handle and the second handle, and the first cutter and the peeler are located on opposite sides of the connection point.

10. The tool according to claim 8, characterized in that, It also includes a second cutter located near the connection point, wherein the first cutter and the second cutter are located on opposite sides of the connection point.

11. The tool according to claim 1, characterized in that, The angle of the first crimper is greater than the angle of the second crimper.

12. The tool according to claim 11, characterized in that, It also includes a first cutter, which is arranged near the connection point and is formed in conjunction with the first jaw and the second jaw near the connection point.

13. The tool according to claim 12, characterized in that, It also includes a peeler arranged near the connection point, wherein the peeler includes a plurality of peeler openings operable by the first handle and the second handle, and the first cutter and the peeler are located on opposite sides of the connection point.

14. The tool according to claim 12, characterized in that, It also includes a second cutter, which is arranged near the connection point, wherein the first cutter and the second cutter are located on opposite sides of the connection point.

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