Hydraulic pump tool systems and methods for them

Abstract

A hydraulic tool may comprise a pump, a separate head, and a hose connected between the head and the pump. The pump pressurizes the hydraulic fluid within it. The head receives the pressurized hydraulic fluid from the pump. The hose can be connected at one end to a pump outlet and at the other end to a head inlet to convey the pressurized hydraulic fluid from the pump outlet to the head inlet. The hydraulic tool may further include a control button located on the head to cause the pump to begin conveying the pressurized hydraulic fluid from the pump outlet, through the hose, to the head inlet.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 578,348 filed August 29, 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. BACKGROUND

[0002] Hydraulic tools (e.g., hydraulic hole punches, crimpers, cutters, PEX expanders, etc.) can be used to create an opening, crimp, cut, or otherwise modify a workpiece (e.g., sheet metal, PEX pipe, etc.). However, due to their size, conventional hydraulic tools cannot be inserted into confined spaces (e.g., electrical consoles, etc.). For example, the tool may include a pump to generate sufficient force (e.g., hydraulic pressure) to modify the workpiece. However, the pump may be attached to a working component (e.g., a head) of the tool as a unitary assembly, so the operator may not be able to insert the tool into confined (e.g., small) work spaces. Therefore, an operator may not be able to work efficiently on a workpiece in tight space constraints (e.g., electrical consoles) using conventional hydraulic tools. SUMMARY

[0003] Embodiments of the invention provide a hydraulic tool comprising a pump and a head, the head and pump connected by a hose. The pump pressurizes a hydraulic fluid, and the head receives the pressurized hydraulic fluid from the pump. The hose may be connected at a first end to a pump outlet and at a second end to a head inlet for directing the pressurized hydraulic fluid from the pump outlet to the head inlet. The hydraulic tool may further include a first control button disposed on the head for causing the pump to begin directing the pressurized hydraulic fluid from the pump outlet to the head inlet via the hose. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] The accompanying drawings are part of this application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of embodiments of the invention. Fig. 1 is a schematic view of a hydraulic tool according to aspects of the present invention. Fig. 2 is an isometric view of an example of a pump of the hydraulic tool of Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a side view of the pump of Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the pump of Fig. 2. Fig. 5 is an isometric view of an example of the hydraulic tool of Fig. 1. Fig. 6 is an isometric view of an example of a head for use with the hydraulic tool of Fig. 5. Fig. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the head of Fig. 6. Fig. Figure 8 is an isometric view of another example of a head for use with the hydraulic tool of Fig. 5. Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the head of Fig. 8. Fig. 10 is an isometric view of another example of the hydraulic tool of Fig. 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0005] The following description is intended to enable those skilled in the art to implement embodiments of the invention. Based on the present description, those skilled in the art can make numerous modifications to the described embodiments and apply the principles explained herein to other embodiments and applications without thereby departing from the scope of the invention. Thus, embodiments of the invention are not limited to the embodiments described herein, and numerous other embodiments can be implemented in accordance with the principles and features described herein.

[0006] The following detailed description refers to the figures, where like elements are designated by like reference numerals throughout the various figures. The figures are not necessarily to scale, depict selected embodiments, and do not limit the scope of the invention in any way. It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the examples described herein may be modified in numerous ways without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0007] Before embodiments of the invention are described in detail below, it should be pointed out that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the construction and arrangement of components described here or shown in the figures. The invention may be embodied in other embodiments and in various ways. Furthermore, it should be understood that the terminology used herein is intended to be illustrative and not limiting. When terminology includes, "comprising," or "having," other additional elements may be present in addition to the elements mentioned in connection therewith. Unless specifically specified otherwise, terminology such as "mounted," "connected," "held," and "coupled" should be interpreted broadly to include direct and indirect assemblies, connections, supports, and couplings.Furthermore, “connections” and “couplings” are not limited to physical or mechanical connections or couplings.

[0008] The hydraulic tool of the invention is described using an exemplary hydraulic tool (e.g., a hydraulic hole punch). However, it should be noted that one or more exemplary embodiments of the described hydraulic tool may also be incorporated into other forms of hydraulic tool (e.g., a hydraulic crimper / cutter, a PEX expander, a press, or other known hydraulic tool). Furthermore, it should be noted that one or more exemplary embodiments of the described hydraulic tool may also be used outside the context of a hydraulic tool and generally in one or more mechanisms for generating hydraulic force.

[0009] In one example, the described hydraulic tool is configured to allow a user to perform work on a workpiece (e.g., punching, cutting, crimping, expanding, etc.) even in a small space around the workpiece. For example, the tool may allow a user to create openings in a densely populated electrical console. The tool may include a pump and a head, which may be provided as separate components and connected by a hose. The pump may be configured to pressurize hydraulic fluid and supply the fluid to the head via the hose. In one example, the head may be substantially smaller than the pump so that the head can be easily actuated by a user. To simplify use of the tool, the head may include one or more local controls (e.g., for controlling actuation of a punch die, etc.).In some examples, the pump may include one or more magnets to allow the user to mount the pump adjacent to a work surface in a hands-free arrangement, thereby reducing user fatigue.

[0010] Fig. 1 shows an example of a hydraulic tool 100. In one example, the hydraulic tool 100 may be a hydraulic hole punch configured to create openings in a desired material. In another example, the hydraulic tool 100 may be a hydraulic crimper / cutter, a PEX expander, or other known hydraulic tool. The hydraulic tool 100 may include a pump 105 and a head 110. In some examples, the pump 105 and the head 110 may be physically separate but fluidly connected via a hose 115. In other words, the pump 105 and the head 110 may be separate and distinct components that are connected by the hose 115. A single pump 105 may be connected to different heads 110 depending on the desired use.In other words, one or more heads can be changed by removing a first head from the hose and connecting a second, different head to the hose. For example, the pump 105 can be connected to a cutting head, a crimping head, a hole punch, a compression head, etc. In some other examples, instead of changing the head, a single head can be used, but one or more accessories (e.g., cutting blades, crimping dies, punches, or other head accessories) can be replaced (i.e., attached to or removed from the head). Furthermore, in some examples, the pump 105 can be changed on a single head 110. For example, different sized pumps 105 (e.g., pumps with a higher or lower pressure) can be used with different heads depending on the desired application.The modularity of the hydraulic tool 100 may enable the tool 100 to be used at different work locations for different projects. Furthermore, the separation between the head 110 and the pump 105 may allow an operator to insert the head 110 into tight spaces (e.g., junction boxes, etc.) without also having to fit the pump into them.

[0011] In some examples, to connect the pump 105 to the head 110, the hose 115 may be connected at a first end of the hose to an outlet port 120 of the pump 105 and at a second, opposite end of the hose to an inlet port 126 of the head 110. In this way, hydraulic fluid from the pump 105 may be pressurized and flow through the hose 115 from the outlet port 120 to the inlet port 125. Once the pressurized fluid reaches the head 110, the fluid may create pressure within the head 110, allowing an operation (e.g., cutting, crimping, punching, expanding, etc.) to be performed based on the type of head 110. In one example, the hose 115 may have a sufficiently small diameter that a user can easily insert the head 110 without obstruction from the hose 115.In another example, the diameter of hose 115 may be sized to maximize the pressure of the hydraulic fluid delivered from pump 105 to head 110. It should be appreciated that hose 115 may be constructed from various materials depending on the desired application (e.g., rubber, polymeric materials, metal materials, etc.).

[0012] In some examples, pump 105 may take the form of a hydraulic pump that may be configured to pressurize hydraulic fluid for driving head 110. For example, pump 105 may pressurize hydraulic fluid, which may then be forced through outlet port 120, hose 115, and inlet port 125 before entering head 110 to operate head 110. In some examples, pump 105 may include a drivetrain 140 (e.g., one or more gearboxes, a motor, a piston, etc.). Drivetrain 140 may be configured to pressurize the hydraulic fluid in pump 105 for use in operating head 110. In some examples, drivetrain 140 may be powered by a power source 130. In some examples, power source 130 may be a wired or wireless power source.For example, power source 130 may be a removable, rechargeable battery (e.g., a lithium-ion battery). In another example, power source 130 may be an electrical outlet. In some examples, pump 105 may be an inverter or rectifier for converting alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) or from DC to AC. In some examples, the pump may be configured for use with both a battery and an electrical outlet.

[0013] To simplify use of the tool 100, in some examples, the pump 105 may include a mounting assembly 145. The mounting assembly 145 may allow an operator to selectively mount the pump adjacent to a work position. For example, the mounting assembly may include one or more magnets, hooks, tabs, or other mounting components that allow an operator to mount the pump 105 in a work position. For example, the operator may mount the pump 105 adjacent to a work position so that the head 110 can be positioned at the work position. Thus, the operator may manipulate the head 110 of the tool 100 without having to hold the pump 105.

[0014] To enable use of the tool 100 without holding the pump 105, in some examples, the head 110 may include one or more controls 135 disposed on the head 110. In some examples, the controls 135 may be configured to control one or more operations of the pump 105 or the head 110. For example, the controls 135 may be configured to activate the pump 105 (e.g., to pressurize the hydraulic fluid). The controls 135 may further control one or more valves in the pump 105 or the head 110 to allow or prevent flow of hydraulic fluid into or out of the head 110. Because the controls 135 are positioned locally on the head 110 of the tool 100, the operator can perform work on a workpiece without having to directly interact with the pump 105.

[0015] Fig. 2-3 show an example of the pump 105 including a housing 205 having a first end 210 and a second end 215. In some examples, the housing 205 may be a hinged-type housing having a handle 220 extending from a first side 230 of the housing 205 between the first end 210 and the second end 215 of the housing. In one example, the handle 220 may define an arcuate and substantially semicircular shape. In other examples, the shape of the handle 220 may be different. Alternatively, the pump 105 may not include a handle 220. In some examples, the handle 220 may enable a user to carry the pump 105 without undue fatigue.

[0016] In some examples, as mentioned above, the housing 205 may include the mounting assembly 145, which may be positioned on a second side 310 of the housing 205. The mounting assembly 145 may be arranged opposite the handle 220 so that when the handle 220 is used, the pump 105 can be easily placed on the second side 310 (e.g., to enable use of the mounting assembly 145). In some examples, the mounting assembly 145 may include one or more magnets 305 disposed within the housing 205. In one example, the magnets 305 may allow a user to removably attach the pump 105 to or adjacent to a work surface. For example, a user may attach the pump 105 to a metallic work surface using the one or more magnets 305, which may reduce fatigue (e.g., due to carrying the pump 105).In addition, by mounting the pump 105 adjacent to the work surface, the required total length of the hose 115 between the pump 105 and the head 110 can be reduced.

[0017] In some examples, the power source 130 may be removably attached to the first end 210 of the pump 105. For example, a rechargeable battery (e.g., a lithium-ion battery, etc.) may be removably attached to the first end 210 of the pump 105. Accordingly, the outlet port 120 may be located at the second end 215 of the pump opposite the first end 210. As previously mentioned, the outlet port 120 may allow flow of hydraulic fluid (e.g., pressurized hydraulic fluid) from within the pump 105 into the hose 115 and to the head (e.g., for performing a work operation). In some examples, to drain the hydraulic fluid from the head (e.g., to release the pressure in the head 110), the housing 205 may include a release button 225. The release button 225 may be arranged below the handle 220 so that the button 225 is at least partially concealed.This may reduce the risk of inadvertent actuation of the release button 225. In some examples, the release button 225 may allow an operator to release (e.g., vent) the pressurized hydraulic fluid from the hose 115 and the head 110.

[0018] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the housing 205 of the pump 105. In some examples, as mentioned above, the power source 130 may provide power to the drive train 140, which includes an electric motor 405 configured to receive power. With power from the power source 130, the electric motor 405 may rotate, causing a corresponding rotation of one or more gears 410. In some examples, the gears 410 may increase or decrease the total torque output by the electric motor 405. In some examples, the gears 410 may provide rotational motion to a shaft 440, which may produce linear motion of a piston 415. In some examples, the piston 415 may be used to pressurize the hydraulic fluid in the pump 105. In some examples, the motor 405 may be connected directly to the shaft 440 rather than through one or more gears 410.

[0019] In some examples, the pump 105 may include a manifold 420 configured to direct or directly pressurize fluid from the outlet port 120 and through the hose 115 to the head 110. In some examples, to retain the hydraulic fluid in the pump (e.g., when the pump is not in use), the pump 105 may further include a reservoir 425 disposed between the manifold 420 and the outlet port 120. The reservoir 425 may be configured to hold hydraulic fluid for use by the tool 100. During periods of use, the hydraulic fluid stored in the reservoir 425 may be pressurized by the piston 415 and directed through the manifold 420, the outlet port 120, and to the head 110. In some examples, to return the hydraulic fluid from the head 110 to the reservoir 425, the operator may actuate the release button 225.In some examples, actuation of the release button 225 may pivot a lever 430 and trigger (e.g., open) a valve 435 to allow hydraulic fluid to return to the reservoir 425 (e.g., from the hose 115 or the head 110).

[0020] Fig. 5 shows a specific example of a hydraulic tool 500 (e.g., as a specific configuration of the schematically shown hydraulic tool 100). It should be clear that the tool 500 has a number of the same components as in the previously described and shown examples and operates in a similar manner. For the sake of brevity, these common features will not be described again in detail. The above explanations of features with the same name and reference numerals also apply to example configurations of the tool 500, unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0021] In one example, the hydraulic tool 500 may take the form of a hole punch. The hole punch may include a head 505 that attaches to the hose 115 and is configured to receive hydraulic pressure from the pump 105. In some examples, the head 505 may include a body 510 and a punching die 515 that may be controlled by the controls 135. For example, the controls 135 may operate the punching die 515 to cut (e.g., punch) a hole in a workpiece. In a particular example (e.g., a hydraulic hole punch), the punching die 515 may be removably connected to the body 510 so that the cutting die 515 may be changed by a user to modify the size of the hole created by the tool 500. For example, changing the cutting die 515 may allow a user to select a predetermined hole size (e.g., diameter) based on the user's needs.

[0022] Fig. 6 shows an example of the head 505 for use with the hydraulic tool 500 with the punch die 515 removed. The head 505 may include a body 510 sized according to a total pressure rating of the head 505. For example, if the head 505 has a maximum allowable pressure rating of 5 tons, the body 510 may be smaller than a head with a maximum allowable pressure rating of 10 tons. In one example, the head 505 may include a cylinder 605 disposed within the body 510. The cylinder 605 may include a mounting flange 620 extending outwardly from the body 510. The mounting flange 620 may be configured to receive the punch die 515 to allow the tool 500 to create an opening (e.g., punch a hole) in a desired material. In some examples, the die 515 may be threadably connected to the head 505.In other examples, the die 515 may be pressure-fitted or otherwise bonded to the head 505.

[0023] To accomplish the cutting of a desired material (e.g., punching a hole) as mentioned above, the head 505 may receive pressurized hydraulic fluid from the pump 105 via the hose 115. The hose 115 may deliver pressurized hydraulic fluid into the head 505 via the inlet port 125. In some examples, to control the flow of pressurized hydraulic fluid into or out of the head 505, the head 505 may include one or more control elements 135. For example, the head 505 may include a return control button 610 and a run control button 615. The return control button 610 may be configured to control the return of hydraulic fluid from the head 505 back to the pump 105 (e.g., via the hose 115). For example, the return control button 610 may open a valve (e.g., valve 435) to allow hydraulic fluid to return to the reservoir 425.Accordingly, the run control button 615 may be configured to control the flow of pressurized hydraulic fluid from the pump 105 to the head 505 (e.g., via the hose 115). For example, the run control button 615 may be configured to activate the motor 405 of the pump 105, thereby increasing the hydraulic fluid pressure and supplying the pressurized hydraulic fluid to the head 505.

[0024] As mentioned above, the pump 105 and the head 505 may be physically separated by the hose 115, allowing the head 505 to be moved independently of the pump 105. Therefore, an operator may only need to insert the smaller head 505 (relative to the pump) into a work area to perform a work operation on a workpiece. Furthermore, the operator only needs to manipulate (e.g., lift or move) the head 505 to create an opening in a desired material. This can reduce fatigue and the risk of injury. Furthermore, the modularity of the pump 105, the head 505, and the hose 115 allows for the interchange of different pumps, heads, or hoses based on the desired application of the tool 500. For example, the operator may replace the head 505 with a different head (e.g., a cutting head, a PEX expansion head, a crimping head, etc.).) depending on the desired application.

[0025] Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the head 505. In some examples, during use of the tool 500, pressurized hydraulic fluid may flow into the inlet port 125 of the head 505 (e.g., when the run control button 615 is actuated). The pressurized hydraulic fluid may flow into an internal chamber 715 of the head 505 and fill the internal chamber 715 until the pressure in the chamber 715 is greater than a preload force for a piston 725 of the head 505. In some examples, the preload force supplied to the piston 725 may be generated by one or more springs (e.g., a first spring 705 and a second spring 710). However, in other examples, other preloading members (e.g., wave springs, disc springs, preload materials, etc.) may be used.

[0026] If the pressure in chamber 715 continues to rise (e.g., due to additional hydraulic fluid from pump 105), piston 725 may be actuated in the direction indicated by arrow 720. For example, the biasing force of springs 705, 710 may be overcome by the pressure of the fluid in chamber 715. Therefore, die 515 may move in the direction indicated by arrow 720 to cut a hole in the workpiece. In some examples, once the cutting process is complete, the operator may actuate return control button 610 to drain the hydraulic fluid from chamber 715 and return the fluid to pump 105.

[0027] Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 show another example of a head 800 used with the hydraulic tool 500 of Fig. 5 (e.g., as an alternative configuration of head 505). It should be understood that head 800 includes a number of the same components as in the previously described and illustrated examples and operates in a similar manner. For the sake of brevity, these common features will not be described again in detail. The above explanations of features with the same name and reference numerals also apply to the exemplary configurations of head 800, unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0028] In some examples, head 800 may include a body 805 that is dimensionally smaller than body 510. Accordingly, head 800 may include a mounting flange 820 that is correspondingly smaller than the previously described mounting flange 620. In some examples, body 805 and mounting flange 820 may be smaller because head 800 has a lower maximum allowable pressure than head 505. For example, head 505 described above may have a maximum allowable pressure of 10 tons, while head 800 has a maximum allowable pressure of 6 tons. Accordingly, head 505 may be configured to create large-diameter openings in thicker, heavier materials, while head 800 may be configured to create smaller-diameter openings in thinner, lighter materials.It should be clear that the heads on the pump 105 and hose 115 can be interchanged depending on the desired application. Thus, an operator can use heads with maximum allowable pressures ranging from 0 tons to 30 tons. Furthermore, depending on the desired application, the operator can use heads configured as PEX expanders, crimpers, cutters, hole punches, or other hydraulically actuated heads.

[0029] Fig.10 shows another example of a hydraulic tool 1000 (e.g., having a particular configuration of the schematically shown hydraulic tool 100). It should be clear that the tool 1000 has a number of the same components as in the previously described and shown examples and operates in a similar manner. For the sake of brevity, these common features will not be described again in detail. The above explanations of features with the same designation and reference numerals also apply to the example configurations of the tool 1000, unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0030] In one example, the hydraulic tool 1000 may take the form of a hydraulic crimping / cutting tool. The crimping / cutting tool may include a head 1005 attached to the hose 115 and configured to receive pressurized hydraulic fluid from the pump 105. In some examples, the head 1005 may include one or more jaws forming a C-shaped body 1010 defining an opening 1015. For example, the opening 1015 may be defined by the one or more jaws including a first jaw 1020 (e.g., a fixed jaw) and a second jaw 1025 (e.g., a movable jaw). In some examples, the second jaw 1025 may receive a crimping or punching die depending on the desired application of the tool 1000.

[0031] In some examples, the actuation of the second jaw 1025 may be controlled via the control elements 135. For example, the control elements 135 may operate the second jaw 1025 to perform a cutting or crimping operation on a workpiece. In some examples, the first and second jaws 1020, 1025 may be movable jaws actuated by the flow of hydraulic fluid into the head 1005. In other examples, only one of the first and second jaws 1020, 1025 may be a movable jaw actuated by the flow of hydraulic fluid into the head 1005, while the other jaw may remain fixed (e.g., may be a component of the body 1010).

[0032] In some implementations, the devices or systems described herein may be used, manufactured, or installed using aspects embodying the invention. Accordingly, a description of particular features, capabilities, or uses of a device or system generally also includes a method of using such devices for the stated purposes, a method of implementing such capabilities differently, a method of manufacturing relevant components of such a device or system (or the entire device or system), and a method of installing the described (or otherwise known) components to support such uses or capabilities.And unless specifically stated otherwise, a description of a method of making or using a particular device or system, including installing the device or system, also includes a disclosure, as embodiments of the invention, of the features employed and the capabilities implemented by such a device or system.

[0033] Unless specifically stated otherwise, "or" indicates a non-exclusive list of components or operations that may be provided in any combination, rather than an exclusive list of components that can be provided only alternatively to one another. For example, a list of "A, B, or C" indicates the following options: A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; and A, B, and C. Thus, the word "or" only indicates exclusive alternatives when used in conjunction with "either," "one of," "only one of," or "exactly one of." For example, a list of "one of A, B, or C" indicates the following options: A, but not B or C; B, but not A or C; and C, but not A or B. A list denoted by "one or more of" and "or" indicates any options of some or all of the named items.For example, the phrases "one or more of A, B, or C" and "at least one of A, B, or C" include the following options: one or more A; one or more B; one or more C; one or more A and one or more B; one or more B and one or more C; one or more A and one or more C; and one or more A, one or more B, and one or more C. Similarly, a list including "a plurality of" and "or" specifies multiple instances of some or all of the listed items. For example, the phrases "a plurality of A, B, or C" and "two or more of A, B, or C" specify the following options: A and B; B and C; A and C; and A, B, and C.

[0034] Unless specifically stated otherwise, directional references are used here to clarify specific figures or examples. For example, references to a downward direction (or another direction) or an upward position (or another position) may be used to explain aspects of a particular example or figure, although this orientation may not apply to all installations or configurations.

[0035] Unless specifically stated otherwise, “substantially parallel” is understood here to mean a direction that lies within ± 12 degrees of a parallel to a reference direction (e.g. ± 6 degrees).

[0036] Unless specifically stated otherwise, “substantially perpendicular” is understood here to mean a direction that lies within ± 12 degrees of a normal to a reference direction (e.g. ± 6 degrees).

[0037] Unless specifically stated otherwise, "integral" refers to elements made from a single piece, and therefore not using fasteners, adhesives, or the like to join separate parts together. For example, a component stamped, cast, or otherwise formed from a single piece of sheet metal without rivets, screws, or adhesives to hold separately formed parts together is a one-piece element. In contrast, an element formed from multiple separately formed parts that are subsequently joined together is not a one-piece element.

[0038] Unless specifically stated otherwise, phrases such as “approximately” and “approximately” with respect to a reference value indicate variations from the reference value of ± 15% or less, including the endpoints of the range. Similarly, phrases such as “substantially equal” with respect to a reference value indicate variations from the reference value of ± 10% or less. Phrases such as “substantially” indicate a variation in a numerical direction relative to a reference value. In particular, phrases such as “substantially less than” with respect to a reference value indicate a value decreased by 10% or more from the reference value, and phrases such as “substantially greater than” with respect to a reference value indicate a value increased by 30% or more from the reference value.

[0039] When two or more systems or components are said to be "substantially similar," it means that they are manufactured using the same process and specifications, with variations between the components or systems within the limits of acceptable tolerances for the particular process and specifications. For example, two components are considered substantially similar if the components are manufactured according to the same standardized manufacturing steps, from the same materials, and to the same acceptable dimensional tolerances (e.g., as specified for the particular process or product).

[0040] Unless specifically stated otherwise, lists with ordinal numbers are generally used to distinguish different elements in the order of their appearance in the description. For example, terms such as "first," "second," etc., generally refer to the order in which the designated element appears in the description and do not indicate any spatial, functional, temporal, or structural order or ranking.

[0041] The above description of various embodiments is intended to enable one skilled in the art to practice the invention. Based on the description, one skilled in the art can make numerous modifications to the embodiments and apply the principles explained herein to other embodiments without thereby departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein, but encompasses numerous other embodiments based on the principles and novel features described herein. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 63 / 578,348

[0001]

Claims

[1] Hydraulic tool, comprising: a pump that pressurizes a hydraulic fluid, a head provided separately from the pump, the head receiving the pressurized fluid from the pump, a hose disposed between the pump and the head and comprising a first end and a second end, the hose being connected at the first end to a pump outlet and at the second end to a head inlet, the hose carrying the pressurized hydraulic fluid from the pump outlet to the head inlet, and a first control button disposed on the head, the first control button activating the pump to supply the pressurized hydraulic fluid from the pump outlet to the head inlet via the hose. [2] A hydraulic tool according to claim 1, further comprising: a power source that is removably attached to the pump. [3] A hydraulic tool according to claim 2, wherein the power source is a rechargeable battery. [4] A hydraulic tool according to claim 2 or 3, further comprising: a drive train disposed in the pump, the drive train pressurizing the hydraulic fluid in the pump when receiving power from the power source. [5] A hydraulic tool according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first control button is a run control button, and wherein the run control button commands the pump to provide the pressurized hydraulic fluid to the head. [6] A hydraulic tool according to claim 5, further comprising: a second control button located on the head. [7] The hydraulic tool of claim 6, wherein the second control button is a return control button, and wherein actuation of the return control button causes the pressurized hydraulic fluid to be returned from the head to the pump. [8] A hydraulic tool according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the head is removably connected to the second end of the hose to enable changing of one or more heads. [9] Hydraulic tool according to one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising: a handle extending from a first side of the pump. [10] A hydraulic tool according to claim 9, further comprising: a mounting arrangement disposed on a second side of the pump opposite the first side of the pump. [11] A hydraulic tool according to claim 10, wherein the mounting assembly comprises a magnet. [12] Hydraulic tool, comprising: a pump that pressurizes a hydraulic fluid stored in the pump, a head that can be moved independently of the pump, the head receiving the pressurized hydraulic fluid from the pump, a hose connected between the pump and the head, a power source removably attached to a second end of the pump, and a first control button disposed on the head, the first control button activating the power source to supply the pressurized hydraulic fluid from the pump to the head. [13] A hydraulic tool according to claim 12, wherein the power source is a rechargeable battery. [14] A hydraulic tool according to claim 12 or 13, further comprising: a drive train disposed in the pump, the drive train pressurizing the hydraulic fluid in the pump when receiving power from the power source. [15] A hydraulic tool according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the first control button is a run control button, and wherein the run control button instructs the pump to provide the pressurized hydraulic fluid to the head. [16] A hydraulic tool according to claim 15, further comprising: a second control button located on the head. [17] The hydraulic tool of claim 16, wherein the second control button is a return control button, and wherein actuation of the return control button causes the pressurized hydraulic fluid to be returned from the head to the pump. [18] Hydraulic tool according to one of claims 12 to 17, further comprising: a handle arranged on a first side of the pump, and a mounting arrangement arranged on a second side of the pump opposite the first side of the pump, wherein the mounting assembly comprises a magnet. [19] Hydraulic tool according to one of claims 12 to 18, wherein the hydraulic tool is a crimping / cutting tool, a PEX expander, a hole punch or a pressing tool. [20] Hydraulic tool, comprising: a pump that pressurizes a hydraulic fluid stored in the pump, a head that can be moved independently of the pump, the head receiving the pressurized hydraulic fluid from the pump, a hose connected between a first end of the pump and the head, a power source removably attached to a second end of the pump, a drive train disposed in the pump, the drive train receiving power from the power source and pressurizing the hydraulic fluid in the pump, a first control button disposed on the head, the first control button activating the pump to supply the pressurized hydraulic fluid from the pump to the head, and a second control button disposed on the head, the second control button returning the pressurized hydraulic fluid from the head to the pump.

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