Electric connector installation tool

Abstract

An electrical connector mounting tool includes an elongated body, a handle, a battery, and a C-shaped tool head. The elongate body includes a first end, a second end, and an axis extending between the first end and the second end. The handle includes a switch and is positioned proximate to the first end. The switch is movable between a first position and a second position. The battery is supported on the body and is configured to provide power to the actuator when the switch is in the first position. The C-shaped tool head is positioned proximate to the second end. The C-shaped tool head includes a stop surface and an indenter, and the indenter may extend toward the stop surface.

Description

[0001] Divisional application

[0002] This application is a divisional application of a patent application for an invention titled "Electrical Connector Installation Tool" with an application date of June 5, 2019, an application number of 201980041569.3.

[0003] Citation of related applications

[0004] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 680,872, filed on June 5, 2018, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0005] The present disclosure relates to connector installation tools, and more particularly, to electrical connector installation tools mounted on a rod. Background Art

[0006] An electrical connector installation tool can be operated to install a connector, such as a wedge connector, onto a plurality of conductors. Conventional installation tools include a ram driven by ignition through a loading cartridge. The loading cartridge can contain powder that is ignited when the housing is struck (e.g., by a hammer). Summary of the Invention

[0007] In one embodiment, a connector installation tool includes an elongated body, a handle, a battery, and a C-shaped tool head. The elongated body includes a first end, a second end, and an axis extending between the first end and the second end. The handle includes a switch and is positioned near the first end. The switch is movable between a first position and a second position. The battery is supported on the body and is configured to provide power to an actuator when the switch is in the first position. The C-shaped tool head is positioned near the second end. The C-shaped tool head includes a stop surface and a ram, and the ram is extendable toward the stop surface.

[0008] In another embodiment, a connector installation tool includes an elongated body, a handle, a battery, and a tool head. The elongated body includes a first end, a second end, and an axis extending between the first end and the second end. The handle includes a switch and is positioned near the first end. The switch is movable between a first position and a second position. The battery is supported on the body and is configured to provide power to an actuator when the switch is in the first position. The tool head includes a stop surface and a ram. The ram is extendable toward the stop surface. The tool head is supported for pivotal movement about the second end of the body.

[0009] In yet another aspect, a connector installation tool includes a body having a first end and a second end. A conduit extends between the first end and the second end. The connector installation tool further includes a handle having a switch and positioned adjacent to the first end. The switch is movable between a first position and a second position. A battery is supported on the body and is in electrical communication with the switch. A pressurized fluid is configured to flow through the conduit when the switch is in the first position. The connector installation tool further includes a tool head positioned adjacent to the second end. The tool head includes a stop surface and a ram. The ram is extendable toward the stop surface.

[0010] Other aspects of the disclosure will become apparent by considering the embodiments and the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the connector installation tool.

[0012] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a top plan view of the connector installation tool of

[0013] Figure 3 is Figure 1 a side view of the connector installation tool of

[0014] Figure 4 is Figure 1 a bottom plan view of the connector installation tool of

[0015] Figure 5 is Figure 1 a perspective view of the connector installation tool of

[0016] Figure 6 is Figure 5 an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the connector installation tool of

[0017] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a connection component and a block joining two conductors.

[0018] Figure 8 is Figure 7 a perspective view of the tool head of the connection component of

[0019] Figure 9 is Figure 7 a perspective view of the tool head of the connection component of DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Before explaining any embodiments in detail, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of the construction and arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The present disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways. In addition, it should be understood that the language and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. As used herein, the use of "comprising" and "including" and variations thereof are intended to cover the items listed thereafter and their equivalents as well as additional items. The use of "consisting of" and variations thereof as used herein are intended to cover only the items listed thereafter and their equivalents. Unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," "supported," and "coupled" and variations thereof are used broadly and cover both direct and indirect mounting, connection, support, and coupling.

[0021] Generally, the present disclosure relates to an installation tool for installing a connector between two electrical conductors. In some embodiments, the connector installation tool applies a force to insert a wedge connector between two electrical conductors and form an electrical connection therebetween. The tool includes an elongated body to permit the working end to install the connector in hard-to-reach locations.

[0022] As Figures 1-4 shown, the installation tool 10 includes a body 14 having a first end 18, a second end 22, and an axis 26 extending between the first end 18 and the second end 22. In the illustrated embodiment, a handle 30 is positioned adjacent the first end 18, and a tool attachment or head 34 is coupled to the second end 22. In some embodiments, the body 14 is generally cylindrical in shape and can be at least six feet long.

[0023] The handle 30 includes terminals (not shown) that can receive a battery 46. A grip 40 is at least partially positioned around the outer perimeter of the handle 30. The grip 40 can have a higher coefficient of friction than the remainder of the handle 30. The user's hand will rest on the grip 40, and the higher coefficient of friction helps to restrict the handle 30 from slipping in the user's hand. A switch 50 is positioned on the outer perimeter of the handle 30 adjacent the grip 40. In the illustrated embodiment, the switch 50 is a trigger. The trigger 50 is configured to allow current to pass when the trigger 50 is engaged, and the trigger 50 is configured to block current when the trigger 50 is released. In other embodiments, the switch can be a lever that is movable between a first or closed position configured to allow current to pass and a second or open position configured to block current from passing. In the illustrated embodiment, the installation tool 10 also includes a lock or latch 51 that must be actuated from an open position to a closed position to permit the trigger 50 to be actuated.

[0024] The head 34 is connected to the second end 22 of the body 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the second end 22 of the body 14 includes a protrusion 59, and the head 34 includes a protrusion 60, which is pivotally connected to the protrusion 59, for example, by a threaded fastener 62 extending through the protrusions 59, 60. The threaded fastener 62 can be rotated in a first or relaxed direction to allow the head 34 to pivot relative to the body 14. The head 34 can pivot relative to the axis 26 of the body 14 by an angle θ. In the illustrated embodiment, the head 34 can pivot from a first position in which the head 34 is aligned with the axis 26 to a second position in which the head 34 is inclined relative to the axis 26 of the body 14. In some embodiments, the head 34 can pivot through a range of 180 degrees. For example, the head 34 can pivot relative to the axis 26 through an angle θ between +90 degrees and -90 degrees, thereby allowing the head 34 to be orthogonally positioned relative to the body 14. In other embodiments, the head 34 can pivot more or less than 180 degrees. After positioning the head 34 in the desired orientation, the threaded fastener 62 is rotated in a second or tightening direction to fasten the head 34 relative to the body 14.

[0025] The installation tool 10 further includes a motor and a pump (both not shown). In some embodiments, the motor and the pump are positioned within the body 14. The motor is selectively operated by an electric current from the battery 46 based on the actuation of the trigger 50. When the trigger 50 is engaged, an electric current flows to the motor, thereby powering the motor. The motor in turn operates a fluid pump. The pump can be fluidly connected to a reservoir (not shown) and a conduit or hose 64( Figure 2 ). In the illustrated embodiment, the hose 64 is positioned outside the body 14. The pump drives a fluid (e.g., hydraulic fluid) from the reservoir through the hose 64 to the head 34. A collar 65 is disposed around the body 14 and connected to the hose 64 to prevent the hose from twisting around the body 14.

[0026] As Figure 6 shown, the head 34 includes a clamping tool 66. In the illustrated embodiment, the clamping tool 66 includes a frame 68, a piston or ram 70, and a stop surface 74 positioned opposite the ram 70. In the illustrated embodiment, the frame 68 is C-shaped. In the illustrated embodiment, the stop surface 74 is positioned adjacent to the distal end of the head 34, while the ram 70 is positioned close to the end of the head 34 connected to the second end 22 of the body 14. The ram 70 is movable relative to the frame 68. In the illustrated embodiment, the ram 70 has a first or retracted position( Figure 8 ) and a second or extended position( Figure 9)。In the retracted position, the ram 70 is substantially positioned within the frame 68. In the extended position, the ram 70 projects from the frame 68 towards the stop surface 74. In some embodiments, the ram 70 is biased towards the retracted position such that the ram 70 moves towards the retracted position when the fluid pressure is reduced.

[0027] The gripping tool 66 is operable to couple the first electrical conductor 78 to the second electrical conductor 82. As Figure 7 shown, the first conductor 78 and the second conductor 82 are positioned within the connection member 86. The connection member 86 may have a C-shaped cross-section, and one side of the connection member 86 engages the first conductor 78 while the other side of the connection member 86 engages the second conductor 82. The connection member 86 is also tapered such that one end of the connection member 86 is wider than the other end. A wedge or block 90 is partially positioned within the wider end of the connection member 86 between the first conductor 78 and the second conductor 82. The block 90 may have a chamfer or groove 91 positioned adjacent to one or both of the conductors 78, 82 ( Figure 7 ). The block 90 may be inserted into the connection member 86 towards the narrower end of the connection member 86, thereby creating a wedge between the conductors 78, 82.

[0028] As Figure 8 shown, to position the block 90 within the gripping member 86, the gripping member 66 is positioned adjacent to the connection member 86 such that the open section of the gripping tool 66 is adjacent to the open section of the connection member 86. In other words, the opening of the C-shaped gripping tool 66 receives the opening of the C-shaped connection member 86 such that the C-shaped gripping member 66 is offset 90 degrees from the C-shaped connection member 86. The block 90 extends from the wider end of the connection member 86 and is positioned within the opening of the clamp 66. In the illustrated embodiment, the ram 70 is positioned adjacent to the block 90, and the stop surface 74 is adjacent to the surface on the opposite end (i.e., the narrower end) of the connection member 86 from the block 90.

[0029] As Figure 9 shown, when the user actuates the trigger 50, the motor receives power, thereby powering the pump. Hydraulic fluid travels from the pump through the hose 64 and to the head 34 and the gripping tool 66. The hydraulic fluid forces the ram 70 into the extended position. As the ram 70 extends, the ram 70 contacts the block 90. With the stop surface 74 engaging the opposite end of the connection member 86, the ram 70 applies a force on the block 90 and translates the block 90 into the connection member 86 and between the conductors 78, 82. In the illustrated embodiment, the gripping tool 66 may provide for a slow insertion of the block 90. In other words, the ram 70 applies a force to the block 90 over a time period (e.g., 1 millisecond, 1 second, 10 seconds, etc.) such that the block 90 is inserted the total insertion distance instantaneously (i.e., in a very short amount of time). This can help ensure that the block 90 is properly installed.

[0030] The block 90 can continue to translate until its docking stop surface 74, but it is not required for the block 90 to dock with the stop surface 74. Once the block 90 reaches the desired position (i.e., the coupling position in which the first conductor 78 to the second conductor 82 is fastened within the connecting member 86), the trigger 50 can be released, thereby stopping the flow of hydraulic fluid from the pump. After the trigger 50 is released, a spring (not shown) pushes the ram 70 toward the retracted position ( Figure 8 ). The retracted ram 70 forces the hydraulic fluid to return toward the reservoir through the hose 64. The block 90 mates with the connecting member 86 and does not move when the ram 70 retracts.

[0031] The embodiments described above and shown in the figures are presented by way of example only and are not intended as limitations on the concepts and principles of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it will be understood that variations and modifications to the elements and their configurations and / or arrangements exist within the spirit and scope of one or more of the described independent aspects.

Claims

1. A connector installation tool, comprising: An elongate body having a first end, a second end, and an axis extending between the first end and the second end; A conduit extending between the first end and the second end; A handle having a switch and positioned along the axis of the elongate body and adjacent to the first end, the switch being movable between a first position and a second position; A battery supported on the body and in electrical communication with the switch, wherein when the switch is in the first position, a pressurized fluid is configured to flow through the conduit; A tool head positioned adjacent to the second end, the tool head including a stop surface and a ram, the stop surface being configured to be adjacent to a connector, the ram being capable of linearly extending to apply a force in a direction towards the stop surface, the ram being configured to be adjacent to a block, the ram being configured to drive the block to a wedging position in which the block is wedged between two conductors positioned within the connector, the tool head being capable of pivoting about the second end through a range of at least 180 degrees.

2. The connector installation tool according to claim 1, wherein the tool head is configured to be placed around the block such that the block is positioned between the ram and the stop surface, the ram being configured to contact and drive the block.

3. The connector installation tool according to claim 1, wherein the second end of the body includes a first protrusion and the tool head includes a second protrusion adjacent to the first protrusion, the connector installation tool further including a fastener coupling the first protrusion and the second protrusion together, the fastener being adjustable between a relaxed position and a tightened position, the tool head being allowed to pivot relative to the second end of the body in the relaxed position, and the tool head being fixed to prevent movement relative to the second end of the body in the tightened position.

4. The connector installation tool according to claim 1, wherein the tool head includes a C-shaped frame.

5. A connector installation tool, comprising: A body having a first end and a second end; A handle having a switch and positioned adjacent to the first end, the switch being movable between a first position and a second position; A tool head positioned adjacent to the second end, the tool head including a fixed stop surface and a ram, the stop surface being configured to be adjacent to a connector, the ram being capable of linearly extending to apply a force in a direction towards the stop surface, the ram being configured to be adjacent to a block, the ram being configured to drive the block to a wedging position in which the block is wedged between two conductors positioned within the connector, the tool head being capable of pivoting about the second end through a range of at least 180 degrees; And A conduit extending between the outer surface of the body and the outer surface of the tool head, wherein the conduit is configured to convey a pressurized fluid to drive the ram when the switch is in the first position.

6. The connector installation tool according to claim 5, wherein the tool head is positioned at least six feet away from the first end when the tool head is connected to the second end.

7. The connector installation tool according to claim 5, wherein when the tool head further includes a spring, the spring is configured to bias the ram away from the stop surface when the switch is in the second position.

8. The connector installation tool according to claim 5, wherein the tool head includes a frame having the stop surface, the frame is fixed relative to the linear movement of the ram, and the pivoting of the tool head is configured to move the frame and the ram together.

9. The connector installation tool according to claim 5, wherein: the second end of the body includes a first opening; the tool head includes a second opening; a fastener configured to be inserted through the first opening and the second opening, the fastener being adjustable between a relaxed position and a tightened position, the tool head being allowed to pivot relative to the second end of the body in the relaxed position, and the tool head being fixed to prevent movement relative to the second end of the body in the tightened position; and the conduit is spaced apart from the first opening.

10. The connector installation tool according to claim 5, wherein the tool head includes a C-shaped frame.

11. The connector installation tool according to claim 5, further comprising a battery removably connected to the first end of the body, wherein the battery is configured to be in electrical communication with the switch when connected to the body.

12. A connector installation tool, comprising: a body having a first end and a second end; a conduit extending at least partially along the body to the second end; a handle having a switch and positioned close to the first end, the switch being movable between a first position and a second position; a tool head positioned close to the second end, the tool head including a fixed stop surface and a ram, the stop surface being configured to be positioned close to the connector, the ram being able to linearly extend between a retracted position and an extended position to apply a force in a direction towards the stop surface; and a spring disposed in the tool head and configured to bias the ram towards the retracted position when the switch is in the second position; wherein the tool head is pivotable around the second end through a range of at least 180 degrees.

13. The connector installation tool according to claim 12, wherein the tool head includes a C-shaped frame.

14. The connector installation tool according to claim 12, wherein the tool head is positioned at least six feet away from the first end when the tool head is connected to the second end.

15. The connector installation tool according to claim 12, wherein the tool head includes a frame having the stop surface, the frame is fixed relative to the linear movement of the ram, and the pivoting of the tool head is configured to move the frame and the ram together.

16. The connector installation tool according to claim 12, wherein: the second end of the body includes a first opening; the tool head includes a second opening; a fastener configured to be inserted through the first opening and the second opening, the fastener being adjustable between a relaxed position and a tightened position, the tool head being allowed to pivot relative to the second end of the body in the relaxed position, and the tool head being fixed in the tightened position to prevent movement relative to the second end of the body; and the conduit is spaced from the first opening and the second opening and extends between the outer surface of the tool body and the outer surface of the tool head.

17. The connector installation tool according to claim 12, further comprising a battery removably connected to the first end of the body, wherein the battery is configured to be in electrical communication with the switch when connected to the body.

18. The connector installation tool according to claim 12, wherein the conduit extends between the outer surface of the body and the outer surface of the tool head.

19. A connector installation tool, comprising: a body extending between a first end and a second end along an elongated axis, wherein the second end of the body includes a first opening; a conduit extending at least partially along the body; an actuator positioned near the first end; a battery supported on the body and in electrical communication with the actuator; a tool head positioned near the second end, the tool head including: a fixed stop surface, a ram capable of linearly extending to apply a force in a direction towards the stop surface, and a second opening; and a fastener configured to be inserted through the first opening and the second opening, the fastener being adjustable between a relaxed position and a tightened position, the tool head being allowed to pivot relative to the second end of the body in the relaxed position, and the tool head being fixed in the tightened position to prevent movement relative to the second end of the body; and wherein the conduit is spaced from the first opening and the second opening and extends between the outer surface of the tool body and the outer surface of the tool head.

20. The connector installation tool according to claim 19, wherein the tool head is capable of pivoting around the second end through a range of at least 180 degrees.

21. The connector installation tool according to claim 19, wherein the tool head includes a C-shaped frame having the stop surface, the frame being fixed relative to the linear movement of the ram, and the pivoting of the tool head being configured to move the frame and the ram together.

22. The connector installation tool according to claim 19, wherein the tool head further includes a spring configured to bias the ram away from the stop surface when the actuator is not engaged.

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