Hydraulic tool

Abstract

A hydraulic tool includes a head at a first end of the hydraulic tool, where the head is configured to apply a mechanical force to a workpiece; a body including a first surface; a rear portion comprising: a second surface at a second end of the hydraulic tool opposite the first end; a third surface between the first surface and the second surface, where the third surface is inclined with respect to the first surface and the second surface; an indicator light; and a window, at least a portion of which is positioned on the third surface, where the window covers the indicator light; and a grip extending from the body away from the first surface.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of a utility model patent application with an international application date of April 20, 2021, an international application number of PCT / US2021 / 028211, a date of entry into the Chinese national phase of September 19, 2022, a Chinese national application number of 202190000354.X, and a utility model name of "Hydraulic Tools".

[0002] Related Applications

[0003] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 012,506, filed on April 20, 2020, and entitled “Hydraulic Tool,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0004] The present disclosure generally relates to power tools. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a hydraulic power tool. Background Art

[0005] In other examples, hydraulic tools can be used for crimping, shearing or cutting workpieces. In such tools, a hydraulic pump is typically used to start the tool. The force generated by the pump can be used to close the jaws of the tool to perform crimping, cutting or shearing actions at the desired position of the workpiece. In some cases, it may be difficult for the user to determine whether the tool has performed the correct crimping, shearing or cutting of the workpiece. For example, for some crimping, shearing or cutting actions, the deviation of the acceptable tolerance range may be difficult to detect by visual inspection. In addition, work site conditions (such as the workpiece is suspended above the ground) may increase the difficulty. Therefore, it is necessary to have improved user feedback on whether the tool has performed the correct cutting, shearing or crimping on the workpiece. Utility Model Content

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a hydraulic tool comprising: a head at a first end of the hydraulic tool, wherein the head is configured to apply a mechanical force to a workpiece; a body comprising a first surface; a rear portion comprising: a second surface at a second end of the hydraulic tool opposite the first end; a third surface between the first surface and the second surface, wherein the third surface is inclined relative to the first surface and the second surface; an indicator light; and a window positioned on the third surface, wherein the window covers the indicator light; and a handle extending from the body away from the first surface.

[0007] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a method of operating a hydraulic tool, the method comprising: positioning a workpiece within a head; activating a first actuator of the hydraulic tool, thereby closing the head on the workpiece; making a determination that a cutting, crimping or shearing operation that meets predetermined criteria has been performed by the head on the workpiece; and causing an indicator light to emit light corresponding to the determination.

[0008] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure provides a method of operating a hydraulic tool, the method comprising: positioning a workpiece within a head; activating a first actuator of the hydraulic tool, thereby closing the head on the workpiece; making a determination that a cutting, crimping, or shearing operation that meets predetermined criteria is not being performed by the head on the workpiece; and causing an indicator light to emit light corresponding to the determination.

[0009] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure provides a hydraulic tool comprising: a head configured to apply mechanical force to a workpiece; a first actuator of the hydraulic tool, such that when the first actuator is activated, the head closes on the workpiece; a controller, the controller determines that a cutting, crimping or shearing operation that meets predetermined criteria has been performed by the head on the workpiece; and an indicator light, the indicator light emitting light corresponding to the determination.

[0010] Advantageously, said controller determines that pressure applied by said head to said workpiece exceeds a threshold pressure.

[0011] Advantageously, said controller determines that a distance between jaws of said head is less than a threshold distance.

[0012] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure provides a hydraulic tool comprising: a head configured to apply mechanical force to a workpiece; a first actuator of the hydraulic tool, such that when the first actuator is activated, the head closes on the workpiece; a controller, which determines that a cutting, crimping or shearing operation that meets predetermined criteria is not performed by the head on the workpiece; and an indicator light, which emits light corresponding to the determination.

[0013] Advantageously, said controller determines that said first actuator has been activated for at least a threshold period.

[0014] Advantageously, said controller determines that pressure applied by said head to said workpiece does not exceed a threshold pressure.

[0015] Preferably, the controller determines that the distance between the jaws of the head is less than a threshold distance. The term "about" or "substantially" with respect to quantities or measurements described herein means that the recited characteristic, parameter or value need not be achieved exactly, but deviations or variations, including, for example, tolerances, measurement errors, measurement precision limitations, and other factors known to those skilled in the art, may occur in an amount that does not impede the effect that the characteristic is intended to provide.

[0016] These features, functions, and advantages can be achieved independently in various different embodiments of the present disclosure or may be combined in yet other embodiments, in which further details can be seen with reference to the following description and drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the illustrative embodiments are set forth in the appended claims. However, the illustrative embodiments and their preferred modes of use, further objects and description will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0018] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a hydraulic tool according to an embodiment of the utility model from the rear left;

[0019] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Close-up view of the hydraulic tool from the rear left;

[0020] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Front view of hydraulic tool;

[0021] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 Rear end view of the hydraulic tool;

[0022] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 Right side view of the hydraulic tool;

[0023] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 Left side view of the hydraulic tool;

[0024] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 A top view of a hydraulic tool;

[0025] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 Bottom end view of a hydraulic tool;

[0026] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a hydraulic tool according to another embodiment of the utility model from the rear left;

[0027] Fig.10 yes Fig. 9 Close-up view of the hydraulic tool from the rear left;

[0028] Fig.11 yes Fig. 9 Front view of hydraulic tool;

[0029] Fig.12 yes Fig. 9 Rear end view of the hydraulic tool;

[0030] Fig.13 yes Fig. 9 Right side view of the hydraulic tool;

[0031] Fig.14 yes Fig. 9 Left side view of the hydraulic tool;

[0032] Fig.15 yes Fig. 9 A top view of a hydraulic tool;

[0033] Fig.16 yes Fig. 9 Bottom end view of a hydraulic tool;

[0034] Fig.17 is a left side view of a hydraulic tool according to an embodiment of the present invention, the left side view showing the attachment ring in an extended position;

[0035] Fig.18 yes Fig.17 A left side view of a hydraulic tool of FIG. 1 , the left side view showing the attachment ring in a vertical position;

[0036] Fig.19 yes Fig.17 A close-up perspective view of a hydraulic tool of FIG. 1 , the close-up perspective view showing the attachment ring in an extended position;

[0037] Fig. 20 is a block diagram of a method according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0038] Fig.21 is a block diagram of a method according to another embodiment of the present utility model. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] The following discussion is presented to enable those skilled in the art to make and use embodiments of the utility model. Various modifications to the embodiments shown will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from embodiments of the utility model. Therefore, embodiments of the utility model are not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but are given the maximum scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein. The following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which similar elements in different drawings have similar reference numerals. The drawings, which may not be drawn to scale, depict selected embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of embodiments of the utility model. The technician will recognize that the examples provided herein have many available alternatives and fall within the scope of embodiments of the utility model.

[0040] As used herein, unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," "supported," and "coupled" and variations thereof are used in a broad sense and encompass direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings. Further, "connected" and "coupled" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections or couplings.

[0041] Hydraulic crimpers and cutters are hydraulic power tools used to perform crimping and cutting operations on workpieces. Hydraulic tools typically include a hydraulic pump that is used to pressurize a hydraulic fluid and deliver the fluid to a barrel in the power tool. The barrel includes a piston that can extend toward a cutting head of the power tool. The piston generates a force that acts on the cutting head, which can typically include opposed jaws that have certain cutting features that depend on the specific configuration of the power tool. The force generated by the piston can be used to close the jaws to perform a cut at a target cutting location on a workpiece (such as a wire).

[0042] Some hydraulic cutting tools include a cutting tool head with jaws that pivot at a pivot point. Each of the jaws may include a cutting surface and a respective ear or extension. A portion of the cutting surface may be integral with or mounted to the ear, and a pivot pin may extend through each ear to form a pivot point. In some hydraulic cutting tools, when the jaws are in a closed position, the cutting surfaces adjacent to the ears may pass each other. In use, the overlap of the cutting surfaces may prevent the jaws from completely cutting the workpiece. For example, the jaws may get stuck or bind before the workpiece is completely cut. In some hydraulic tools, which include cutting surfaces that are at least partially mounted to or formed with the ears, the cutting motion may cause the jaws to bend or be pushed laterally away from the workpiece.

[0043] A cutter is effective when the cutting tool can fully cut on the workpiece and avoid binding. An effective cutter also reduces or eliminates undesirable bending and forces acting on the jaws and blades during the cutting action. In general, it may be useful to configure the cutting tool to provide fully controllable cutting while limiting the forces that force the jaws of the cutting tool laterally away from the workpiece during the cutting action.

[0044] As described above, there is a need for hydraulic tools to have improved user feedback regarding whether the correct cut, shearing, crimping or other operation has been performed on a workpiece. In some cases, the user reaches over the user's head to place the tool in place to operate on the workpiece. In other cases, the user holds the hydraulic tool completely below the user's eyes (e.g., at waist height) to place the tool in place to operate on the workpiece. In an example, the hydraulic tool can provide a feedback mechanism that is convenient in both cases. For example, the hydraulic tool can include an indicator light that indicates whether the hydraulic tool has been successfully or unsuccessfully operated on the workpiece. For example, the indicator light is positioned so that the user can conveniently see whether the tool is raised above the user's head or at waist height.

[0045] The disclosed embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some but not all of the disclosed embodiments are shown. In fact, several different embodiments may be provided, and they should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to make the disclosure in-depth and complete, and these embodiments fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0046] Figures 1 to 8 A hydraulic tool 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 1 , the hydraulic tool 100 includes a head 102 at a first end 104 of the hydraulic tool 100. The head 102 is configured to apply a mechanical force to a workpiece. As shown, the head 102 takes the form of a crimping head or a cutting head, which includes opposing jaws 103. However, in some embodiments, the head can be configured for shearing or another mechanical operation. The head 102 is hydraulically driven and can be used to crimp an electrical connector to one or more wires, cut wires or structural cables, and / or for shearing wires or structural cables. There can be other examples.

[0047] The hydraulic tool 100 also includes a body 106 including a first surface 108 (e.g., a lower surface). The body 106 can house various hydraulic and / or mechanical components that are configured to drive the head 102 to operate on a workpiece. The first surface 108 is parallel to a longitudinal axis 124 of the hydraulic tool 100. For example, the longitudinal axis 124 can be in a symmetry plane of the head 102 that bisects the head 102. The body 106 extends longitudinally from the head 102 along the longitudinal axis 124.

[0048] The hydraulic tool 100 also includes a rear portion 110 that includes a second surface 112 at a second end 114 of the hydraulic tool 100, the second end being opposite the first end 104. The rear portion 110 also includes a third surface 116 between the first surface 108 and the second surface 112. The third surface 116 is inclined relative to the first surface 108 and the second surface 112 and defines a plane that is inclined about the longitudinal axis 124 (e.g., the plane is not parallel to the longitudinal axis 124). In some embodiments, the plane defined by the third surface 116 is not perpendicular to the axis 124. The second surface 112 is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 124. The third surface 116 includes a first portion 126 adjacent to the second surface 112 and a second portion 128 adjacent to the first surface 108. In the illustrated embodiment, the first edge 115 is formed at the junction of the first portion 126 and the second surface 112 (see, e.g., Figure 2 Similarly, the second edge 117 is formed at the junction of the second portion 128 and the first surface 108 (see, for example Figure 2 ). Each of the first and second edges 115, 117 may be configured to have an obtuse angle with a rounded outer surface.

[0049] The hydraulic tool 100 also includes an indicator light 118 and a window 120 positioned on the third surface 116. The window 120 (e.g., a snap-on plastic window) overlaps the first portion 126 and the second portion 128 and covers and protects the indicator light 118 (e.g., a multi-color light emitting diode (LED) array, discrete LEDs, or a light bulb). In the illustrated embodiment, the window 120 is disposed proximate to the first edge 115.

[0050] The hydraulic tool 100 includes a grip 122 extending from the body 106 away from the first surface 108. The grip 122 extends away from the body 106 generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 124. As shown, the grip 122 is in the form of a pistol grip, but other examples are possible. The grip 122 includes a first actuator 130 (e.g., a trigger) that closes the head 102 (e.g., on a workpiece) when activated. The grip 122 includes a second actuator 132 that opens the head 102 (e.g., away from the workpiece) when activated. In some examples, the positions of the first actuator 130 and the second actuator 132 can be switched. In some embodiments, the first and second actuators 130, 132 can be arranged at overlapping positions along the grip 122.

[0051] The hydraulic tool 100 is configured (e.g., via a control system) to make a first determination that a cutting, crimping, or shearing operation (or another type of operation) has been performed on a workpiece by the head 102 that meets a predetermined criterion and is configured to cause the indicator light 118 to emit a first light corresponding to the first determination. For example, the indicator light 118 emitting a green light may indicate that the operation performed on the workpiece by the head 102 meets the predetermined criterion. Such predetermined criteria are discussed in more detail below and are used to evaluate the operation performed by the hydraulic tool 100.

[0052] The hydraulic tool 100 is also configured to make a second determination that a cutting, crimping, or shearing operation that meets the predetermined criteria has not (e.g., not yet) been performed by the head on the workpiece and is configured to cause the indicator light to emit a second light corresponding to the second determination. For example, the indicator light 118 emitting a red light can indicate that the operation performed by the head 102 on the workpiece has not (e.g., not yet) met the predetermined criteria. Such predetermined criteria are discussed in more detail below and are used to evaluate the operations performed by the hydraulic tool 100.

[0053] Figure 2 This is a close-up view of the hydraulic tool from the rear left. That is, Figure 2 is a close-up view of the rear portion 110. Figure 2 As shown, the first portion 126 is separated from the second portion 128 by a boundary 129 (e.g., a weld). In a sense, the boundary 129 divides the window 120 into two along the longitudinal axis of the window 120. The longitudinal axis of the window 120 is formed below the longitudinal axis 124 and extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 124. On the other hand, the window 120 is elongated in a direction substantially parallel to the boundary 129 separating the first portion 126 from the second portion 128. The window 120 is rounded so that it is consistent with the first portion 126 and the second portion 128, so that the window 120 extends into each of the first portion 126 and the second portion 128.

[0054] Figure 3 1 is a front end view of the hydraulic tool 100. Each of the first and second actuators 130, 132 extends transversely across the handle 122. In the illustrated embodiment, the first actuator 130 is separated from the second actuator 132 by a portion of the handle 122.

[0055] Figure 4 1 is a rear end view of the hydraulic tool 100 including the window 120. The window 120 extends across a perpendicular bisector 134 between a first end 131 and a second end 133. The perpendicular bisector 134 intersects the longitudinal axis 124 perpendicularly. The longitudinal sides of the window 120 form a curve between the first end 131 and the second end 133 so that the first end 131 and the second end 133 are disposed closer to the longitudinal axis 124 than the portion of the window close to the perpendicular bisector 134.

[0056] Figures 5 to 8 Additional views of a hydraulic tool 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention are shown. In particular, Figure 5 is a right side view of the hydraulic tool 100, Figure 6 is a left side view of the hydraulic tool 100, Figure 7 is a top view of the hydraulic tool 100, and Figure 8 is a bottom end view of the hydraulic tool 100 .

[0057] Figures 9 to 16 A hydraulic tool 100 according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown. Fig. 9 and 10 , another example window 120 is defined with Figures 1 to 8 The windows 120 shown in FIG. 1 are of different shapes.

[0058] refer to Fig.10 , the window 120 is elongated in a direction substantially perpendicular to the boundary 129 separating the first portion 126 from the second portion 128. In this regard, the window 120 is rounded so that it conforms to the second surface 112, the first portion 126, and the second portion 128 so that the window 120 extends into each of the first portion 126 and the second portion 128.

[0059] Figures 11 to 16 Additional views of a hydraulic tool 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention are shown. In particular, Fig.11 yes Fig. 9 and Fig.10 The front end view of the hydraulic tool 100 is shown. Fig.12 yes Figures 9 to 11 The rear end view of the hydraulic tool 100 is shown. Fig.13 yes Figures 9 to 12 A right side view of the hydraulic tool 100 is shown. Fig.14 yes Figures 9 to 13 The left side view of the hydraulic tool 100 is shown. Fig.15 yes Figures 9 to 14 A top view of the hydraulic tool 100 is shown, and Fig.16 yes Figures 9 to 15 A bottom end view of the hydraulic tool 100 is shown.

[0060] Figures 17 to 19 A hydraulic tool 100 according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figures 17 to 19 In the illustrated embodiment, the hydraulic tool 100 includes an attachment ring 121. The attachment ring 121 may be used in a variety of hydraulic tools, including Figures 1 to 8 and Figures 9 to 16 Each of the embodiments of the hydraulic tool 100 is shown in FIG.

[0061] Fig.17 and Fig.19 The hydraulic tool 100 is shown with the attachment ring 121 in an extended position, and Fig.18 The hydraulic tool 100 is shown with the attachment ring 121 in a vertical position.

[0062] like Figures 17 to 19 As shown, the attachment ring 121 is attached to the rear portion 110. In e.g. Figures 1 to 16 In the retracted position shown, the adjustable ring 121 is between the head 102 and the second surface 112. Fig.17 In the extended position shown, the adjustable ring 121 extends beyond the second surface 112. Fig.18 In the vertical position shown, the adjustable loop 121 is between the head 102 and the second surface 112 (eg, when projected onto the longitudinal axis of the hydraulic tool 100). For example, in some embodiments, the adjustable loop 121 can be used to hang the hydraulic tool 100 on a hook or belt loop.

[0063] Fig. 20 2 is a block diagram of a method 200 of operating a hydraulic tool, such as the hydraulic tool 100 (e.g., any of the embodiments of the hydraulic tool 100 described herein). By way of example, the method 200 will be described below with reference to the hydraulic tool 100. At block 202, the method 200 includes positioning a workpiece within the head 102. For example, a user may place the workpiece between the jaws 103. At block 204, the method 200 includes activating the first actuator 130 of the hydraulic tool 100, thereby closing the head 102 (e.g., the jaws 103) on the workpiece.

[0064] At box 206, the method 200 includes making a determination that a cutting, crimping, or shearing operation that meets predetermined criteria has been performed on the workpiece by the head 102. For example, making the determination may include the control system of the hydraulic tool 100 determining that the pressure applied to the workpiece by the head 102 exceeds a threshold pressure (e.g., the pressure threshold may be between about 5,000 psi and about 10,000 psi, or about 7,200 psi, for example). Additionally or alternatively, making the determination may include the control system determining a distance 210 (see FIG. 210 ) between the jaws 103 of the head 102. Figure 1 ) is less than a threshold distance. Such a threshold distance may correspond to completion of an action performed on the workpiece. For example, a distance of approximately zero inches (i.e., the jaws are in contact) may correspond to a completed cutting of the workpiece. In another example, a particular non-zero distance may correspond to a completed crimping of the workpiece. At block 208, the method 200 includes causing the indicator light 118 to emit a light (e.g., a green light) corresponding to the determination.

[0065] Fig.21 is a block diagram of a method 300 of operating a hydraulic tool, such as the hydraulic tool 100. By way of example, the method 300 will be described below with reference to the hydraulic tool 100. At block 302, the method 300 includes positioning a workpiece within the head 102. For example, a user may place the workpiece between the jaws 103. At block 304, the method 300 includes activating the first actuator 130 of the hydraulic tool 100, thereby closing the head 102 (e.g., the jaws 103) on the workpiece.

[0066] At box 306, the method 300 includes making a determination that a cutting, crimping, or shearing operation that meets the predetermined criteria is not (e.g., not yet) performed by the head 102 on the workpiece. For example, making the determination may include the control system of the hydraulic tool 100 determining that the pressure applied by the head 102 to the workpiece does not exceed a threshold pressure (e.g., the pressure threshold may be between about 5,000 psi and about 10,000 psi or, for example, about 7,200 psi). As described above with respect to the method 200, additionally or alternatively, making the determination may include the control system determining the distance 210 (see FIG. 210 ) between the jaws 103 of the head 102. Figure 1 ) is greater than a threshold distance. In addition, making a determination may include the control system determining that the first actuator 130 has been activated for at least a threshold period. At box 308, the method 300 includes causing the indicator light 118 to emit a light (e.g., a red light) corresponding to the determination.

[0067] The description of different advantageous embodiments has been given for the purpose of illustration and description, and the description is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments in the disclosed form. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Further, different advantageous embodiments may provide different advantages over other advantageous embodiments. One or more embodiments are selected and described in order to best explain the principles of the embodiments, the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the disclosure of different embodiments with different modifications suitable for the specific use under consideration.

Claims

1. A hydraulic tool, characterized in that: The hydraulic tool comprises: a head configured to apply a mechanical force to a workpiece; a first actuator of the hydraulic tool, such that when the first actuator is activated, the head closes on the workpiece; a controller that determines that a cutting, crimping, or shearing operation that meets predetermined criteria has been performed by the head on the workpiece; and An indicator light is provided, wherein the indicator light emits light corresponding to the determination.

2. The hydraulic tool according to claim 1, characterized in that: The controller determines that the pressure applied by the head to the workpiece exceeds a threshold pressure.

3. The hydraulic tool according to claim 1, characterized in that: The controller determines that the distance between the jaws of the head is less than a threshold distance.

4. A hydraulic tool, characterized in that: The hydraulic tool comprises: a head configured to apply a mechanical force to a workpiece; a first actuator of the hydraulic tool, such that when the first actuator is activated, the head closes on the workpiece; a controller that determines that a cutting, crimping, or shearing operation that meets predetermined criteria is not being performed by the head on the workpiece; and An indicator light is provided, wherein the indicator light emits light corresponding to the determination.

5. The hydraulic tool according to claim 4, characterized in that: The controller determines that the first actuator has been activated for at least a threshold period.

6. The hydraulic tool according to claim 4, characterized in that: The controller determines that the pressure applied by the head to the workpiece does not exceed a threshold pressure.

7. The hydraulic tool according to claim 4, characterized in that: The controller determines that the distance between the jaws of the head is less than a threshold distance.

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