Pressing device

Abstract

Pressing device, in particular electrohydraulic or electromechanical pressing device for pressing a workpiece, with a cylindrical housing, wherein a tool holder is arranged at a first end of the housing and a battery holder is arranged at an opposite second end, where a grip area is formed through the housing, wherein a first operating element for operating the pressing device is arranged in the grip area or between the grip area and the tool holder, and a second operating element for operating the pressing device is arranged between the grip area and the battery holder.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a pressing device, in particular designed as an electrohydraulic or electromechanical pressing device for pressing a workpiece such as a press fitting, especially for joining pipe ends.

[0002] Known pressing devices have a housing in which a drive unit is located. The pressing device also has a tool holder for a pressing tool. The drive unit moves a piston within a piston assembly, which interacts with the pressing tool to generate a pressing force. For this purpose, the drive unit includes an electric motor. The movement of the electric motor is transmitted to the piston either mechanically, in the case of an electromechanical pressing device, or hydraulically via a hydraulic pump to generate the desired pressing force. Known pressing devices typically have a single operating element, which is usually located on the top of the housing. However, in confined installation situations, this single operating element may be obscured and inaccessible to the user. This limits the usability of such a pressing device.

[0003] The object of the present invention is to provide a pressing device which is versatile in its use.

[0004] The problem is solved by a pressing device according to claim 1.

[0005] According to the present invention, a pressing device is provided, in particular designed as an electrohydraulic or electromechanical pressing device for pressing a workpiece. The pressing device has a cylindrical housing, with a tool holder at a first end of the housing and a battery holder at an opposite second end. The pressing device thus has a "rod shape," which differs from an electric device with an angled handle (so-called "pistol shape"). A pressing tool can be connected to the pressing device via the tool holder, whereby the pressing force generated by the pressing device is transmitted to the workpiece by means of the pressing tool, so that it can be pressed. The pressing tool can be detachably or permanently connected to the tool holder.A battery or accumulator, which provides power for operating the crimping tool, can be connected to the battery holder located at the opposite end. For example, a battery can be detachably connected to the battery holder for operation of the crimping tool. Specifically, the power supplied by the battery operates an electric motor in the crimping tool's drive unit as soon as it is activated by the user. According to the invention, a grip area is formed within the housing. The user can grip the crimping tool in this area to operate it. A first control element for operating the crimping tool is arranged in the grip area or between the grip area and the tool holder. Furthermore, according to the invention, a second control element for operating the crimping tool is arranged between the grip area and the battery holder.Thus, the pressing device of the present invention has a first operating element and a second operating element. Due to the different operating elements, it is always possible to reach at least one of these operating elements, even in confined installation situations, so that the pressing device can be operated easily and conveniently by the user even in such situations.

[0006] Preferably, the pressing device has additional operating elements.

[0007] Preferably, the gripping area of ​​the cylindrical housing has a reduced diameter or circumference to allow the user to grasp it with one hand. Thus, the gripping area is defined in particular by a region of reduced diameter, which simplifies handling the pressing tool and enables a secure grip and operation of the pressing tool.

[0008] Preferably, the grip area of ​​the housing is provided with a rubber coating or other non-slip material. This allows for a secure grip on the crimping tool, even when wearing gloves. In particular, the grip area can be defined by such a rubber coating and / or other non-slip material.

[0009] Preferably, a ridge is arranged between the grip area and the tool holder, the ridge defining the grip area and, in particular, separating it from the tool holder. The ridge prevents the user's hand from slipping towards the tool holder. The danger zone of the tool holder is thus separated from the grip area by the ridge, preventing unintentional contact between the user's hand and the tool holder, and especially the pressing tool.

[0010] Preferably, the first control element is integrated into the ridge. This means the first control element is raised and thus set off from the surface of the grip area. Therefore, the first control element is clearly identifiable by touch even in poor visibility conditions and, if reachable, can be easily located by touch along the ridge.

[0011] Preferably, the housing has a top and an opposing bottom. In particular, the first control element is located on the top and the second control element on the bottom. Thus, the first and second control elements are arranged on opposite sides of the pressing device, ensuring that at least one or the other is always accessible to the user.

[0012] Preferably, the second control element is arranged directly adjacent to the battery compartment. This ensures maximum distance, in particular maximum axial distance, between the first and second control elements along the length of the cylindrical housing, thus increasing the likelihood of reaching either the first or the second control element even in confined installation situations.

[0013] Preferably, the first control element is designed as a push button or slide switch. Alternatively or additionally, the second control element is designed as a push button or slide switch.

[0014] Preferably, the pressing device has a control unit, wherein all operating elements are connected to the control unit, so that when one of the operating elements is actuated by the control unit, a corresponding function of the pressing device is generated or triggered.

[0015] Preferably, the first and second operating elements provide the same or different functions for operating the pressing tool. For example, the pressing device can be activated and a pressing operation initiated by each of the first and second operating elements, for instance, by activating the drive unit or the electric motor of the drive unit. In particular, if the first and second operating elements provide the same function, they can be identical, for example, both as push buttons or both as slide switches. If the first and second operating elements provide different functions, they are designed differently.For example, the first control element can be designed as a push button to activate the pressing device or to start a pressing operation, whereas the second control element is designed as a slide button, for example as a release element to release the pressing tool after a complete or aborted pressing operation, so that the pressing tool or the piston of the pressing device can be returned to a starting position.

[0016] Preferably, the pressing device has an electric motor, wherein the first operating element and / or the second operating element are connected to the electric motor, in particular by means of a control unit, for starting or initiating a pressing operation.

[0017] Preferably, the pressing device has a release element, wherein the first operating element and / or the second operating element is connected to the release element for releasing the pressing tool so that the pressing tool can be pushed back into an open or starting position. In particular, the pressing tool can be pushed back into an open or starting position by a return spring or manually.

[0018] Preferably, the pressing device is designed as an electro-hydraulic pressing device, wherein the release element has an electric control valve or is designed as an electric control valve. A hydraulic piston is connected to a reservoir via the electric control valve, so that when the control valve is open, hydraulic fluid can flow from the hydraulic piston through the electric control valve into the reservoir, allowing the pressing tool to be pushed back into an open or starting position. When the control valve is closed, the hydraulic fluid is pumped from the reservoir into the hydraulic piston, particularly by a motor connected to a hydraulic pump, to move the piston of the pressing device and thus generate the pressing force.Upon reaching a predetermined force or if an incomplete pressing operation is aborted, the electric control valve can be opened by means of an electrical signal. In particular, the motor is stopped simultaneously. This can be done with the same or a separate control signal.

[0019] Preferably, the second control element is connected to the release element for releasing the pressing tool. In particular, the second control element is connected to the electric control valve so that the electric control valve opens when the second control element is actuated. Simultaneously, the electric motor can be stopped by actuating the second control element. Alternatively, the motor can be stopped by the opening of the electric control valve, for example, by detecting the pressure drop caused by opening the control valve or by detecting the activation or position of the control valve. Thus, for example, a first control element can be configured to activate the motor or to initiate a pressing operation, while the second control element is configured to open the electric control valve.In this case, the second control element is specifically an electrical component for controlling the electric control valve. This differs significantly from known solutions where the control valve is opened mechanically.

[0020] Preferably, the electric control valve is a solenoid valve, wherein an electrical signal is applied and the control valve is opened or closed.

[0021] Preferably, the first and second operating elements are electronic components. In particular, neither the first nor the second operating element is designed as a mechanical switch. Rather, the first and second operating elements are connected to a control unit of the pressing device, so that electrical signals generated by actuating the first or second operating element are transmitted to the control unit, enabling the control unit to send appropriate control commands to the components of the pressing device. Due to the use of exclusively electronic operating elements, the operating elements can provide a wide variety of different functions.The positioning is also independent of the function of the control element, so that, for example, the second control element can be located on the underside of the housing and, in particular, independent of, for example, a hydraulic valve.

[0022] Preferably, the second control element has a second power supply, enabling it to activate the release element or open the electric control valve even when no power is supplied by a battery connected to the battery holder. This ensures that the release of the pressing tool, and in particular the hydraulic piston, is independent of a battery connected to the battery holder. Therefore, even if the battery is defective, completely discharged, or if no battery is connected to the battery holder, the release element, especially the electric control valve, can still be actuated. This allows the electric control valve to open, enabling the pressing tool or hydraulic piston to be pressed into its initial or open position.This is particularly important because in a dangerous situation, for example where a user's hand is trapped, the hydraulic piston must always be able to be opened, regardless of any available power supply from the battery.

[0023] Preferably, the second power supply is provided by a battery, and in particular a button cell. Specifically, the second power supply is integrated into the housing of the crimping tool. In particular, the second power supply is a low-capacity rechargeable battery, which is charged when a functional and sufficiently charged battery is connected to the crimping tool's battery compartment. Thus, the second power supply only needs to be designed to bridge the period during which the crimping tool is not connected to a functional and sufficiently charged battery.

[0024] In particular, the second power supply has a capacity of less than 1000mAh.

[0025] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to preferred embodiments and the accompanying figures.

[0026] They show: Fig. 1 a pressing device according to the following invention, Fig. 2 a bottom side of a pressing device according to the present invention, and Fig. 3. A schematic diagram of a pressing device.

[0027] The pressing device according to the invention Fig. 1 has a cylindrical housing 12. In particular, the pressing device 10 has a so-called "rod shape" and thus does not have a pistol grip branching off from the cylindrical housing 12 to form a gripping area. Instead, the pressing device 10 is designed according to the Fig. 1. A grip area 20 is formed by the cylindrical housing 12. The grip area 20 has a reduced diameter or circumference so that it can be easily gripped by the user. The grip area may have a rubber coating or another non-slip material 21.

[0028] Furthermore, the housing 12 has a first end with a tool holder 16. A pressing tool 18 can be connected to the tool holder 16. A workpiece can then be pressed using the pressing tool 18, with the movement of the pressing tool 18 being provided by the pressing device 10. The pressing tool 18 is detachably connected to the tool holder 16 and can therefore be exchanged, or different pressing tools 18 can be connected to the same pressing device, so that the pressing tool 18 can be adapted to different workpieces.

[0029] At the end of the housing 12 opposite the tool holder 16, it has a battery holder for receiving a battery 14, which provides power to the crimping tool 10. Furthermore, according to the present invention, the crimping tool 10 has a first operating element 22, which is arranged between the grip area 20 and the tool holder 16. In particular, a ridge 23 is provided which separates the grip area 20 from the tool holder 16 and prevents the user from unintentionally slipping into the area of ​​the crimping tool 18. The first operating element 22 is integrated into the ridge 23.

[0030] According to the invention, the pressing device 10 has further operating elements 24, 26. In particular, in the embodiment of the Fig. 1. A second control element 26 and a further control element 24 are provided. According to the invention, the second control element 26 is arranged directly adjacent to the battery compartment of the housing 12. Furthermore, the further control elements 24, 26 are arranged as shown in the Fig. 2 are located on an underside, i.e., opposite the first control element 22. Thus, if the first control element 22 is concealed or inaccessible, for example in a confined installation situation, the pressing device 10 can be controlled via the further control elements 24, 26.

[0031] For example, the first control element 22 and a second control element 26 are configured to provide an identical function. Specifically, the first control element 22 and the second control element 26 initiate a crimping operation by the crimping tool 10 or activate a motor of the crimping tool. The additional control element 24 can, for example, control a release element. The first control element 22 and the second control element 26 can be identical, for example, as pushbuttons. Alternatively or additionally, the first control element 22 and the additional control element 24 can be configured differently, as they provide different functionalities. For example, the first control element 22 can be a pushbutton, while the additional control element 24 is a slide switch.

[0032] According to the present invention, the first control element 22 and the further control elements 24, 26 are designed as electronic components, wherein the control element 22 and the further control elements 24, 26 provide electrical signals. In particular, none of these control elements is a mechanical control element that influences the functionality of the pressing tool. Rather, the control elements 22, 24, 26 are connected to a control unit (not shown) of the pressing tool 10, so that the signals generated by the first control element and the further control elements 24, 26 can be used to control the pressing device.

[0033] The embodiment according to the Fig. The pressing tool 10 is designed as an electro-hydraulic pressing tool. The pressing force is generated by a hydraulic piston 40, whereby the movement of the piston 40, as indicated by arrows 42, is transmitted to the pressing tool 18 to generate the pressing force. A hydraulic pump 32, specifically a piston pump driven by an electric motor 28 via a motor shaft 30, pumps hydraulic fluid from a reservoir 38 through a supply line 34 into the hydraulic piston 40. The motor 28 can be activated by the first control element 22 or the second control element 26 to connect the electric motor 28 to the battery 14. When a preset pressing force is reached by the hydraulic piston 40, or when a pressing process is aborted, a non-return valve 46 is opened. The non-return valve 46 is designed as a controllable or electronic valve.The hydraulic fluid can then flow back from the piston unit 40 via a return line 44 and the check valve 46 into the reservoir 38. The electronic control valve 46 can be activated by the additional control element 24. In the illustration of the... Fig. In this case, the control valve 46 is controllable via the additional control element 24, which is connected to an additional power supply 48 via the additional control element 24. This power supply is independent of the battery 14, so that the control valve 46 can be activated even if the battery is completely discharged, damaged, or disconnected from the pressing device 10. This allows the hydraulic piston 40 to be retracted, as the hydraulic fluid can flow from the hydraulic piston 40 into the reservoir 38 via the return line 44. The hydraulic piston 40 can thus be returned to its starting position. Due to the additional power supply 48, it is ensured that the controllable valve 46 can always be activated and is therefore independent of the battery 14, even in emergency situations.

[0034] Even if in the Fig.Since the pressing device 10 is depicted as an electro-hydraulic pressing device, the same applies to an electromechanical pressing device in which a release element can be activated by a further operating element 24, in particular also with an additional power supply 48, for example in the form of an additional battery. The present invention is therefore not limited to only an electro-hydraulic pressing device.

[0035] This resulted in a pressing tool that is easy to control and ensures that at least one of the available operating elements is always accessible, even in inaccessible installation situations. Furthermore, the pressing tool has the advantage that the release element has an independent power supply, meaning it is independent of the battery and can always be activated, thus enabling the pressing tool to be opened in any situation.

Claims

[1] Pressing device, in particular electrohydraulic or electromechanical pressing device for pressing a workpiece, with a cylindrical housing, wherein a tool holder is arranged at a first end of the housing and a battery holder is arranged at an opposite second end, where a grip area is formed through the housing, wherein a first operating element for operating the pressing device is arranged in the grip area or between the grip area and the tool holder, and a second operating element for operating the pressing device is arranged between the grip area and the battery holder. [2] Pressing device according to claim 1, characterized by , that in the handle area the cylindrical housing has a reduced diameter to allow the user to grip it with one hand. [3] Pressing device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized bythat the housing has a rubber coating or other non-slip material in the handle area. [4] Pressing device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by , that a ridge is arranged between the grip area and the tool holder, the ridge limiting the grip area so that the user's hand does not slip towards the tool holder. [5] Pressing device according to claim 4, characterized by , that the first control element is integrated into the bulge. [6] Pressing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by that the housing has a top and an opposite bottom, with the first control element located on the top and the second control element located on the bottom. [7] Pressing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by , that the second control element is located immediately adjacent to the battery compartment. [8] Pressing device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by that the first control element and / or the second control element is designed as a push button or slide button. [9] Pressing device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by that the first control and the second control provide the same or different functions. [10] Pressing device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by , that the first control element and the second control element are each designed to start a pressing operation. [11] Pressing device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by , that the pressing device has a motor to generate the pressing force, wherein the first control element and the second control element are connected to the motor, each to activate the motor. [12] Pressing device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized by, that the pressing device has a release element, wherein the second operating element is connected to the release element to release the pressing tool, so that the pressing tool can be pushed back into an open position. [13] Pressing device according to claim 12, characterized by , that the pressing device is designed as an electro-hydraulic pressing device, wherein the release element is designed as an electric control valve which connects a hydraulic piston to a reservoir, so that when the control valve is open, hydraulic fluid can flow from the hydraulic piston via the electric control valve into the reservoir, so that the pressing tool can be pushed back into an open position. [14] Pressing device according to claim 12 or 13, characterized by , that the second control element is connected to the release element to activate the release element. [15] Pressing device according to one of claims 12 to 14, characterized by, that the second control element is connected to a second power supply, so that the second control element can activate the release element when no power is supplied from a battery connected to the battery holder.

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