A crimping tool

Abstract

The crimping tool includes a multi-link pliers having a pair of arms pivoted to each other, each having a handle portion E1, E2. A receiving part is provided on an opposite end to the handle portions

Description

Technical Field The present disclosure relates to crimping devices, and more specifically to plier-like crimping tools. Incorporation by Cross-reference The present application claims priority from Australian provisional application 2023900552, the contents of the specification of which is incorporated herein by way of short-hand crossreference. Background Crimping of electric components such as electrical wires, electrical cables, electrical terminals and electrical connectors typically requires the use of a crimping device, for example in the form of pliers. In their simplest form, a two-arm plier tool comprises two plier arms, pivoted I articulated to each other at an about central location along the arms, with a lower portion of the arms providing the tool gripping handles, and an upper portion being formed I shaped with corresponding concave and convex indentations and protrusions which cooperate in crimping components of varying shape and dimensions. For example, crimping pliers may be used to crimp an electrical connector to an exposed electrical wire of a cable, wherein the connector is placed in a receiving portion formed in one of the plier arms and the wire is then placed inside a ferrule or within a channel bordered by retention tabs of the connector that is / are plastically deformable, if such has not been done beforehand. When the pliers are closed, a crimping portion formed in the other of the plier arms is then brought into cooperating action with the receiving portion upon the pliers being closed, so that upon further force being applied to the plier arm handles, a crimping action is generated that causes plastic deformation of the ferrule or retention tabs and pressure is applied to create a strong frictional clamping of the wire inside the connector’s ferrule I retention channel. This results in the connector being fixed in place at and electrically connected to the wire. Typically, the cooperating receiving and crimping portions are sized to accommodate a specific geometry or diameter of the connector so that the crimpling pliers either need to have multiple receiving and crimping portions to allow the same pliers to be used with differently sized I shaped connectors, or multiple pliers need to be provided to deal with the differently sized I shaped connectors. In the latter case, this leads to the need for a trade professional or other user to possess a large range of crimping pliers to cover work requirements, added weight to a toolkit, and a loss of time swapping tools. It would be advantageous to devise a crimping tool that addresses or ameliorates one or more of the disadvantages referred to above. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a crimping tool for crimping an object as defined in claim 1. Optional and / or preferable features are defined in the dependent claims. Advantageously, in some embodiments, the crimping tool includes a pair of link (or stabiliser) arms articulated on one end to the receiving part and articulated on another end to a respective one of the two crimping jaws and the two plier arms, in such manner that in the process of applying pressure to the handle portions in a pliers closing motion, starting from the open configuration, the link membersmay cause controlled rotation of the jaw arms into the closed configuration. Advantageously also, the link members may be guided for pivotal and translatory movement within the guide slot during movement of the link arms and crimping jaws between the open and closed configurations. Preferably, the jaw memebersare respectively pivotally mounted to one of the mounting arms. In this manner, the jaw members provide side barriers restricting sideways movement of the object to be crimped when received. In some embodiments, the central portionhas a lower portion at which the plier arms are pivotably received. This provides for a compact tool design. Preferably, the three crimping elements are arranged such that, in the fully closed configuration, they locate on apices of a substantially equilateral triangle, and more preferably in a same plane. Such configuration has proven advantageous in crimping essentially tubular electrical connectors about the wires of a cable. Advantageously, the crimping mechanism may be configured such that the three opposing crimping elements remain equidistant from each other as the two-arm crimping jaws are moved from the open to the closed configuration. The three crimping elements may be arranged to contact the object to be crimped at three respective substantially equidistant locations and apply uniform pressure at these respective equidistant locations. The applied force vectors thus converge at a common central point. In the present disclosure, the term connector will be understood to include structures which may be used in electrical wiring of an electrical system, as well as structures which may be used in connecting cables, strands and the like in a mechanical force transfer arrangement. For example, an electrical connector may be any one of more of, however not limited to ring terminals, ferrules etc, to which an electrical wire, an electrical cable, an electrical terminal and the like is to be attached by plastic deformation of part I portion of the connector and frictional clamping of the wire (or the like) to the connector. Preferred crimping devices are thus configured with one stationary (i.e. the receiving part) and two rotationally moveable crimping parts (i.e. the crimping jaws) that provide jointly, in the open configuration, a receptacle that allows insertion of differently sized connectors (electrical or otherwise) in a variable-sized area in a loose fit, and which allows crimping of the connector evenly at three peripheral points, areas, regions or surfaces of the connector, by moving the rotationally movable crimping jaws with their respective crimping elements into abutting engagement against the connector. Further application of force to the plier arm handle portions in a pliers-closing manner after the crimping elements have been bought into engagement against the connector can then exert sufficient, leveraged crimping pressure to effect the crimping operation. In other words, the crimping tool is configured with a geometry that allows crimping the connector with substantially the same force at three discrete locations about the connector. The geometry of the arcuate slots and the central slot may be chosen such that In the closed configuration, the pivot hubs are at a lower end of the respective arcuate slot and the common follower pin is at an upper end of the central slot, whereas in the open configuration the pivot hubs are at an upper end of the respective arcuate slot and the common follower pin is at a lower end of the central slot. In a some embodiments, the pivot joint of the pair of plier arms fixes the plier arms to a lower part of the central part of the base member. Preferably, the pivot joint is comprised of respective, co-axial through holes in the lower part of the central portion and through holes in the plier arms, and a pin member received in through holes or bushings mounted in one or more of the through holes. In some embodiments, the base member comprises a side groove extending along and into the central slot, a second of the pair of link members extending into the groove and central slot. In some embodiments, the base member comprises a side slot extending along and into the central slot, a first of the pair of link members extending through the side slot into the central slot. In some embodiments, the middle portion of the first jaw arm and the second jaw arm has an aperture adapted to receive a bushing or fastener therein. In some embodiments, the first end and the second mounting arms of the flange portion each have a depression or aperture adapted to receive a bushing or fastener therein. In some embodiments, an upper end of the central portion comprises a tip member projecting substantially in line with the longitudinal axis, the tip member being the first crimping element. In a preferred embodiment, the pair of jaw arms are each substantially planar and are symmetrically aligned about the longitudinal axis. In some embodiments, the central portion further comprises a stabiliser adapted to align the connector within the crimping device. The stabiliser can be embodied by the pair of crimping jaw members pivotally mounted spaced apart at the base member. Advantages provided by one or more of the above noted embodiments of the crimping device include: The tool is configured to be suitable for a range of different shaped and sized connectors. For example, a crimping device embodiment is configured to be suitable for electrical connectors having a tubular crimping portion having different diameters. One single crimping device can be used for various applications thereby substantially eliminating the need to use additional crimping tools. It assists reducing the time spent by an operator to carry out a required work on an electrical system. This is facilitated on the one hand by the two-directional symmetrical geometric movement of the crimping mechanism’s crimping jaws and on the other hand by the open-end portion of the crimping device providing access to the connector at a peripheral point along its length. Furthermore, crimping device embodiments are configured such that the crimping elements of the jaws move between the open and closed configurations in a stable and even manner as the crimping mechanism performs crimping. This provides an operator with one or more of improved stability, accuracy, efficiency and reliability to carry out the work required with electrical components such as, however not limited to, electrical wires, electrical cables, electrical connectors and electric terminals on an electrical system. Features which are described in the context of separate aspects and / or embodiments of the invention may be used together and / or be interchangeable wherever possible. Similarly, where features are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, those features may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub- combination. Features described in connection with the crimping tool / device may have corresponding features definable and / or combinable with respect to a method or vice versa, and these embodiments are specifically envisaged. Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the above Summary, specific embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a front view of a crimping device in accordance with a first embodiment, the crimping device being shown in a closed configuration; Figure 2 is a front view of the crimping device of Figure 1, shown in a semi open configuration; Figure 3 is a front view of the crimping device of Figure 1, shown in a fully open configuration; Figure 4 is an exploded view of the crimping device of Figure 1, illustrating mayor constituent components central part, jaw arms, link arms and plier arms; Figure 5 is another exploded view of the crimping device constituents of Figure 4; Figure 6 is a close-up view of the central part and the two jaw arms pivoted to the central part, in a closed or crimping position, of the crimping device of Figure 1, and a schematical representation illustrating the underlying geometrical relationships of the components when in the closed position; Figure 7 shows another close-up view similar to that of Figure 6; Figure 8 shows a perspective side view of a crimping device in accordance with an implemented embodiment; Figure 9 is perspective view of a crimping device in accordance with another implemented embodiment, the crimping device being shown in an open configuration; Figure 10 is perspective view of the crimping device of Figure 9 in a closed configuration; Figures 11A - 11B show a top plan view of a crimping device in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention, in open and closed states; Figure 12 is a perspective exploded view of a multi-part base member, pair of link members, and pair of jaw members of the crimping device shown in Figure 11; Figure 13 shows another perspective, partially exploded view of the crimping device shown in Figure 11; Figures 14A - 14D show a top plan view of various components of the crimping device shown in Figure 11; Figure 15 shows a perspective exploded view of one of the pair of plier arms of the crimping device shown in Figure 11; Figure 16 shows another perspective, partially exploded view of the crimping device shown in Figure 11; Figures 17A - 17B show respective top plan views of the crimping device shown in Figure 11, in open and fully closed configurations / states; and Figures 18A - 18B show perspective and top plan views, respectively, of the crimping device as shown in Figure 11 crimping an object in the form of an electrical connector to a multiwire cable. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Where reference is made in any one or more of the accompanying drawings to features that have the same reference numerals, those features have for the purposes of this description the same function(s) or operations(s), unless the contrary intention appears. In a first embodiment, a crimping device in form of a crimping pliers is illustrated in figures 1 to 10. Generally speaking, the pliers define a receiving portion configured to receive an electrical component, such as, however not limited to, an electrical cable, an electrical connector, an electrical terminal, etc. The crimping pliers comprise a multi-component crimping mechanism movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration to crimp the electrical component. The crimping mechanism essentially comprises a central member and two jaw members linked and articulated to each other with a pair of link arms, so as to provide three opposing, movable crimping elements. The crimping mechanism is configured such that, during transition from the open configuration shown in figures 3, 5 and 9, to the closed configuration shown in figures 1, 4, 6 and 10, to crimp the electrical component, each of the three crimping elements applies a force of equivalent magnitude where the crimping elements contact the electrical component. The crimping elements are provided at the two jaw members and the central member, as will be explained later. In the first embodiment, with references to Figures 1 to 10, it will be noted that the components of the crimping mechanism are pivotally coupled and moved by the plier arms between the open and closed configuration. The crimping mechanism causes the crimping elements to close on the electrical component to crimp the electrical component. The crimping device comprises a geometrical configuration by means of which, in use, during transition to the closed configuration, as the crimping device is moved to from the open configuration towards a closed configuration to crimp the electrical component, each of the three crimping elements applies a force of equivalent magnitude at the respective location where the crimping element contacts the electrical component. While the total and individual forces applied by the three crimping elements may change as the crimping device is moved from an open configuration to a closed configuration, the force applied by each of three crimping elements at a respective location of the electrical component is substantially the same for each of the three crimping elements. In the specific embodiment illustrated in figures 1-10 (but also the second embodiment illustrated in subsequent figures and described below), the crimping mechanism is configured such that the three opposing crimping elements remain substantially equidistant from each other at least for some of the movement as the crimping mechanism is moved from the open configuration to the closed configuration. The three crimping elements may contact the electrical component at three respective substantially equidistant locations and apply uniform pressure at these respective equidistant locations. Some variations in the equidistance of the crimping elements and of the locations at which the crimping elements contact the electrical component are acceptable, however, if when the crimping mechanism is moved to the closed configuration to crimp the electrical component, the three crimping elements apply uniform pressure where the crimping elements contact the electrical component. In the specific embodiment of figures 1 to 7, the crimping mechanism comprises a base member comprised of two plate elements A and B that are joined to each other. The base member A, B is coupled to two handle elements E1, E2 by means of a pivot coupling 4 at a lower portion of plate element A. The crimping mechanism further comprises two stabiliser or link arms D1 and D2 coupled to each other and to the base plate A by means of another pivot coupling 3. The base plate A comprises a longitudinal pin guide slot 3A and the two stabiliser or link arms D1, D2 are coupled together using a single pin 3 received in through holes at the inner terminal ends of the arms D1, D2, the pin 3 being arranged to slide up and down within the central slot 3A. The stabiliser arms D1, D2 are also pivotally coupled to the upper portion of handles E1, E2 by means of pivot couplings 2A and 2B. As the plier arms E1, E2 are squeezed to close the crimping device or pulled to open the crimping device, the stabiliser arms D1, D2 move up and down while they revolve around pins at pivot points 2A and 2B and 3. In this specific embodiment, the base plate A comprises the crimping nib that locates centrally between the two sideways extending arms of base plate A. Two jaw elements C1, C2 comprise the other two crimping nibs at or near an upper end, and include an arcuate pin slot 2A, 2B by way of which these are coupled to the handle elements E1, E2 by means of respective pivot couplings positioned within the pin slots 2A, 2B. Each of these two, crimping element providing jaws C1, C2 is further pivoted to the base member by means of a respective pivot coupling 1A, 1B located in the sideways extending arms. As the crimping mechanism is operated and the crimping device is moved from an open configuration to a closed configuration, the two jaw elements C1, C2 revolve around pivot points 1A, 1B. As the crimping mechanism is operated and the crimping device is moved from an open configuration to a closed configuration, the two stabiliser arms D1, D2 revolve around pivot points 2A, 2B. As the crimping mechanism is operated and the crimping device is moved from an open configuration to a closed configuration, the pivot points 2A, 2B slide along the respective pin slot2A, 2B of the crimping elements C1, C2. It will be noted that the central member plates A and B are configured to hold the two crimping jaws C1, C2 sandwiched between them. The leverage on the crimping jaws C1, C2 increases as the crimping mechanism is moved from the open configuration to the closed configuration due to the pin slots 2A, 2B at each crimping element C1, C2. The movement of the crimping elements and crimping mechanism is stabilized by means of the two stabiliser arms D1, D2 that revolve around the same pivot point 3, which runs directly in line with the central crimping point at base plate A, as the crimping device is moved to a closed configuration. This movement creates an option of fitting centraliser plates that bring the terminal toward the centre the further the plier arms are squeezed and the crimping device moved to a closed configuration. The geometrical configuration of the crimping device is such that, when the crimping mechanism is moved from an open configuration to a closed configuration to crimp an electrical component, the crimping elements close evenly with substantially the same force applied by each crimping element. In other words, the geometrical configuration of the crimping device is such that, during transition to a closed configuration to crimp an electrical component, the crimping elements close evenly and each of the crimping elements applies a force of equivalent magnitude where the crimping element contacts the electrical component. The geometrical configuration of the crimping device may also be such that, when the crimping mechanism is moved from an open configuration to a closed configuration to crimp an electrical component, the crimping elements close evenly with a substantially triangular pattern. As a result, the three crimping elements apply uniform force where the crimping elements contact the electrical component. This gives an operator of the crimping device full control of how far and how hard the crimping elements operate as the crimping device is moved from an open configuration to a closed configuration by pressing the handle portions of the plier arms towards each other. A second embodiment of a crimping device 10 will now be described in substantially greater detail with reference to and as is illustrated in Figures 11A-18B. The skilled person will immediately appreciate that the first and second embodiments utilise similar mechanical and structural features. Consequently, features described in the context of the second embodiment may readily be transferred to the first embodiment unless such are clearly structurally incompatible. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the person skilled in the art reading this disclosure would recognise that the disclosed structural features and / or mechanisms in each of the disclosed embodiments can be combined and / or utilised across the embodiments, and possible variations are contemplated and enabled within the scope of this disclosure. The reader will also appreciate and understand that any use of relative, directional or positional terms as described herein (e.g., distal, proximal, central, terminal, lower, upper, top, bottom, right side, left side, side, outer, inner, right, left, etc) are used to convey and describe to the reader the relative position, direction, and / or orientation of the crimping device 10 as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, as well as the components themselves. For example, relative directional terms such as upper and lower ends of a feature (e.g., the base plate member 100) would generally be described as relative to the crimping device in relation to its longitudinal axis (e.g., A-A’) defined along the centre of the crimping device invention (e.g., when viewing into the page of Fig 11A / 11B). Furthermore, the use of relative positional terms such as distal, proximal, terminal, central, etc are generally used to describe the parts or regions of the device’s structural features (e.g., link members 200, 202 as per fig. 11A and 14B) by describing them relative to the centre of the crimping device (generally indicated by the longitudinal axis A-A’ shown in Fig 11 A). For example, the distal or outer ends 208, 210 of the link members 200, 202 would generally be located further away or distally from the longitudinal axis A-A’, and the proximal or inner ends 204, 206 of the link members 208, 210 would be generally located proximal or towards the longitudinal axis A-A’. However, the reader would understand that the moving parts of the crimping device can move towards or away from the crimping device’s centre when pivoting between an open and closed configuration (as further described herein). Other variations in the position or orientation of the components of the crimping device 10 are contemplated within the scope of this disclosure depending on the user’s specific situation. Referring then to Figures 11A to 18B, the second embodiment of the crimping device 10 is intended for crimping an object 50, in particular such as an electrical connector, to an exposed electrical wire of a cable, as illustrate in Figures 18A &18B, utilising substantially the same mechanical principles conveyed when describing the previous embodiment. Figure 11A illustrates the crimping device 10 in an open configuration while Figure 11B illustrates the crimping device 10 in a closed configuration. In the illustrated example, the crimping device 10 typically includes the main structural components of a base member 100, a pair of link members 200, 202, a pair of jaw members or arms 300, 302 and a pair of angled plier arms 400, 402. The structural features of each of the components of the crimping device 10 are described below. BASE MEMBER As can be seen best in figures 12 and 14A, base member 100 has a generally T-shaped geometry or configuration. In the illustrated example, the base member 100 is comprised of a base plate 101 and a partially complementarily shaped cover plate 148. T-shaped base plate 101 includes a central portion 104 having an inset central slot 106 defining a longitudinal axis A-A’ and an upper flange portion 102 that is substantially perpendicular in alignment to the longitudinal axis A-A’ of the central portion 104 and defines oppositely extending arms 120, 122. As better shown in Fig 14A, the central portion 104 of the base member 100 extends from an upper end 112 (typically connected to or at the flange portion 102) to a lower end 114 in a generally perpendicular fashion relative to the flange portion 102 (i.e., generally along the axis A-A’). Similarly, the central slot 106 of the central portion 104 extends from an upper slot end 108 proximal to the upper end 112 of the central portion 104 to a lower slot end 110 proximal to the lower end 114 of the central portion 104. In the illustrated example, the upper end 112 of the central portion 104 (typically at the flange portion 102) can have a central area or tip member, projection or protrusion 116 generally projecting in line or parallel with the longitudinal axis A-A’. As shown, the illustrated example of the tip member or crimping area 116 is in the form of a triangular tip member with an apex adapted to direct, receive and / or align with the received object 50 that is to be crimped while in use. However, in other variations of the invention, the tip member 116 can also be a flat, blunt, or concave-curved surface projection in order to better accommodate other types of objects to be crimped. In other variations of the invention, the tip member 116 can optionally be a modular, customisable and / or even replaceable feature connected or attached to the central portion 104, or it can be integrally formed with the central portion 104 and / or flange portion 102. At the lower end 114 of the central portion 104 (better shown in e.g. Figure 12 or 14A), there is a lower inset aperture 118 that is used to (as further described herein) receive and align with the pivot points 412, 414 of the pair of plier arms 400, 402 (to thereby define the rotational axis G-G’) and to receive pivot pin member 434. In other variations of the invention, the lower aperture 118 can be tapped or threaded into the form of a blind hole or a through hole depending on how the user chooses to join or connect the lower end 114 to the first and second plier arms 400, 402. The central pin member 434 in other variations can be other forms of pin-like members (e.g., pole, rods, shafts, axles) or other forms of fasteners (e.g., screws) depending on the desired rotational motion and form of connection. Better shown in Figure 14A, at the upper end 112 of the base member 100 is the flange portion 102. As shown in the illustrated example, the central portion 104 is typically integrally formed with the flange portion 102 as a unitary structure, however, in other variations the user may join, attach or connect the central portion 104 to the flange portion 102 as two or more separate structures. The flange portion 102 defines two arms, one either side axis A-A’, and extends from a first end 120 to a second end 122 and would be generally perpendicularly aligned with the central portion 104. However, the arms need not extend perpendicular to but could be angled with respect to axis A-A’. The first end 120 and second end 122 would each be of a generally circular profile and each concentrically aligned with and / or defining a rotational axis B-B’ and C-C’ (better shown in Fig 13 and 16). The frontside edge or regions 126, 128 of the first end 120 and second end 122 that are proximal to longitudinal axis A-A’ can be of a flat or blunt profile depending on the desired function or appearance. When assembled, the first end 120 and second end 122 would typically be aligned with the middle portion 316 of the first jaw member 300 and the middle portion 318 of the second jaw member 302, respectively. The first end 120 and second end 122 can also each be inset with a depression 130, 132 that is typically at their centre or are concentrically aligned with the rotational axes B-B’ and C-C’, respectively, to accommodate for a bushing 134, 136 and a fastener or pin joint-like member 138, 140 therein. The bushings 134, 136 can assist with reducing stresses experienced by the fasteners 138, 140 while going through the crimping motion. Other variations in the profile of the first end 120 and second end 122 of the flange portion 102 are contemplated within the scope of this disclosure (e.g., a rectangular, triangular or polygonal profile etc). Now referring to Figs. 12 to 14A, the central portion 104 of the base member 100 includes a side-slot 142 that is substantially parallel and / or aligned with the central slot 106 of the base member 100. In the illustrated example, the side-slot 142 is shown to be on the left side of the central portion 106 (when viewed down the illustrated ‘Z’ axis, or into the page relative to the longitudinal axis A-A’ in Fig 11). The side-slot, notch or aperture 142 extends generally alongside or in line with from the upper slot end 108 to the lower slot end 110 of the central slot 106 or parallel to the axis A-A’. As shown, its primary function is to slot in, accommodate and / or receive the proximal I inner end 210 of second link member 202. Though the illustrated example shows the side slot 142 on the left side of the longitudinal axis A-A’, other variations (not illustrated herein) where the side-slot 142 is provided on the right side and / or on both sides (i.e., to accommodate either link members 200, 202) are contemplated within the scope of this disclosure. The central portion 104 of the base member 100 can also include a groove 144 that, similar to the slot 142, is substantially parallel to and / or extends alongside with the upper slot end 112 and lower slot end 114 of the central slot 106. For illustrative purposes, the groove 144 is shown to be on the right side of the central portion 104 (when viewed down the illustrated ‘Z’ axis, or into the page relative to the longitudinal axis A-A’ in Fig 11) though the reader would understand that it can be provided on either side of the central portion 104 or slot 106 in other variations (not illustrated herein). As shown in Fig 12 and 13, the groove 144 enables for the insertion of the proximal (or inner) end 208 of the first link member 200 to thereby align with and articulate with the proximal end 210 of the second link member 202 through a common follower pin member 212 to thereby define a rotational axis F-F’. The arrangement of the groove 144 and side-slot 142 can be varied depending on how one wishes to arrange, receive and / or articulate the corresponding link member components 200 202. For example, the user may choose to incorporate only slots 142 or only grooves 144 on both sides or on opposite faces of the central portion 104 in order to customise how the base member 100 accommodates and articulates the first and second link members 200, 202. The blase plate 101 carries the partially complementarily shaped cover plate member 148 that shares a substantially similar or near identical geometric profile and structure as with the base plate 101, to thereby secure and / or house the crimping device’s other structural components (e.g., the link member arms 200, 202, jaw arms 300, 302, etc) within the base plate member 100. The complementary cover plate member 148 can join with the base member 100 via two fasteners 138 and 140 that are aligned with and received at the first arm 120 and second arm122 of the flange portion 102. However, in other variations (not illustrated herein), the base plate 101 and cover plate 148 can also be assembled as a substantially enclosed unitary or integral structure to enclose all the crimping device 100 components therein to ensure, e.g., none of the components fall out and / or no unwanted environmental products enter in (e.g., grease, dust etc). Such unitary structure can be manufactured using additive manufacturing techniques in metal or machine-grade polymers. For example, the central slot 106 can be sealed on the top side (i.e., the side visible to the reader when viewed into the page in Fig 11 A,) and / or it can be sealed on the bottom side (i.e., the non-visible side when viewed into the page of Fig 11A) or both. This can advantageously prevent any unwanted external dust or grease from entering the base member 100 of the crimping device 10. For illustrative purposes, the examples of the central slot portion 104 of both the base plate 101 and the complementary cover plate 148 illustrated herein are shown to be un-sealed in order to better convey the trajectory and movement of the moving parts in the central portion 106 (e.g., the link members 200, 202) as further described herein. LINK MEMBERS The structural features of the pair of link members 200, 202 will now be described. For ease of conveying information to the reader, the first link member 200 will be described with reference to the link member on the ‘right’ side of the crimping device 10 (relative to the longitudinal axis A-A’ in Fig 11 when viewed into the page), and the second link member 202 will be described with reference to the link member on the ‘left’ side of the crimping device 10 (relative to the longitudinal axis A-A’ in Fig 11 when viewed into the page). The reader will however appreciate that the structural features of the first link member 200 and the second link member 202 can be interchangeably configured to one another and such variations are also considered within the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, other variations of the invention (not illustrated herein) involving more than two link members (and thereby different geometric profiles and / or alignments) are also contemplated within the scope of this disclosure. As better shown in Fig 12 and 14B, the first link member 200 and second link member 202 each extend from a central or inner end 208, 210 to a distal or outer end 204, 206, respectively. The surfaces of each of the link members 200, 202 are of a generally planar profile with a visible top surface and a non-visible bottom surface. The distal / terminal ends 204, 206 would generally have or be formed with a circular profile each providing an inset circular aperture 214, 216 serving as pivot points for the distal ends 204, 206 that couple with the arcuate slots 312, 314 of the jaw arms 300, 302 when assembled (thereby defining and aligning with rotational axes D-D’ and E-E’). The central / proximal ends 208, 210 of the link members 200, 202 would also be formed with a generally circular profile while also providing an inset aperture 218, 220 that when assembled would articulate to the common follower pin 212 to then be received by the central slot 106 for linear or translational movement therein while being guided by the central slot 106 (e.g., along the longitudinal axis A-A’). Though the example shows the radius of the distal ends 204, 206 of the link members 200, 202 to be larger than the radius of the central ends 208, 210, such geometries can be varied and adjusted in other variations of the invention. Referring now to Figs. 12-14, at the distal ends 204, 206 of the first and second link member 200, 202 there is a side-slot 224, 226 extending partially along the side surface 228, 230 inset between the top surface and bottom surface of the link members 200, 202. When assembled, the side-slots 224, 226 of base member 100 are used to receive and insert the distal ends 308, 310 of the jaw members 300, 302. The apertures 214, 216 of the distal ends 204, 206 would then align with the arcuate slots 312, 314 of the jaw arms 300, 302 (as per the axes D-D’ and E-E’) and subsequently join / couple with the lever portions 404, 406 of the pair of plier arms 400, 402 via the follower pin 424, 426 of the hub 420, 422 (better shown in Fig 13 or 16). As shown in Fig. 12, the central or proximal end 210 of the second link member 202 can be partially depressed / grooved / notched / inset so that it can fit / slot into the receiving side-slot 142 of the central portion 106 (as previously described). The central end 210 of the second link member 202 can then join, couple, or articulate with the central end 208 of the first link member 200 within the central slot 106 (thereby define the rotational axis F-F’) while also aligning with the longitudinal axis A-A’ and. In other variations of the invention, features described herein related to the first link member 200 can also apply to the second link member 202 (and vice versa) and features related to the central ends 208, 210 and / or distal ends 204, 206 of the link members 200, 202 can interchange and are not limited to the illustrated examples herein. PAIR OF JAW MEMBERS OR ARMS The structural features of the jaw arms 300, 302 will now be described. The crimping device 10 has a pair of jaw arms or members - a first jaw arm 300 and a second jaw arm 302 that are respectively pivoted at the flange portion 102 of base member 100 to be rotatable in clockwise and anti-clockwise directions and with respect to each other. The first and second jaw arm 300, 302 each extend from a proximal end 304, 306 to a distal end 308, 310 with a middle portion 316, 318 extending or situated therebetween. The distal ends 308, 310 of the first and second jaw arm members 300, 302 each have an arcuate slot 312, 314 that serves to guide a movement path of the pivot points at the distal ends 204, 206 of the pair of link members 200, 202. The arcuate slots 312, 314 each typically extend from an upper end 330, 332 to a lower end 326, 328. The upper end 330, 332 of the arcuate slot 312, 314 is typically proximal the middle portion 316, 318 and the proximal end 304, 306 of the jaw member 300, 302 and the lower end 326, 328 of the arcuate slot 312, 314 is typically proximal the distal end 308, 310 of the arcuate slot. The arcuate slot 312, 314 serves to guide the distal ends 204, 206 of the pair of link members 200, 202 that is coupled / joined / articulated with the hub 420, 422 of each of the angled plier arms 400, 402 (as further described herein). As the crimping device 10 moves between an open configuration and a closed configuration (as further described herein), the arcuate slot 312, 314 would frictionally engage with the follower pin 424, 426 of the hub portion 420, 422 and the jaw member 300, 302 would rotate about the respective rotational axes B-B’ and C-C’. The illustrated slot 312, 314 generally has an arcuate, otherwise curved or arched profile, other variations in the geometric profile of the slot 312 314 would entail a more complex guiding structure, with additional components to achieve the desired uniform application of crimping pressure at three equidistantly located points I regions of the connector to be crimped. The middle portion 316, 318 of the jaw arms 300, 302 typically has a circular and / or curved profile and has an inset aperture 334, 336 that is aligned to and pivot and / or rotate about the first end 120 and second end 122 of the flange portion 102 of the base member 100, respectively (i.e., about the axes B-B’ and C-C’). For example, as shown in Fig 12 or 13, the aperture 334, 336 can be (e.g.) threaded or tapped to receive an inserted bushing 134, 136 and / or fastener 138, 140 to join / fasten / secure the jaw arms 300, 302 to the first end 120 and second end 122 of the flange portion 102, respectively. A crimping jaw surface 322, 324 is provided at the proximal end 304, 306 of the jaw member 300, 302 that extends from the middle portion 316, 318 and proximal end 304, 306 with a crimping surface, area, tip or region that typically converges or hooks towards the central longitudinal axis A-A’. In other variations of the invention (not illustrated herein), the crimping jaw 322, 324 can have a completely different profile to that of a typical crimping device (e.g., a protrusion, blade, plier, grip, teeth, hook or with a sharp or blunt profile etc) and it would depend on the desired use case. The preferably identical crimping jaws 322, 324 are typically also symmetrically aligned about the longitudinal axis A-A’ and when pivoting between the open and closed configuration (as further described herein), the crimping jaw 322, 324 of the jaw member 300, 302 would converge and / or diverge away from the tip member 116 to thereby crimp / compress and / or release the received object or connector 50 (as shown Fig 18A-18B). PLIER ARMS The structural features of the plier arms 400, 402 will now be described. The pair of angled plier arms 400, 402 typically each have a lever portion 404, 406 with a pivot hub (better shown as 420 and 422 in Fig 15-16) at a terminal end 408, 410 thereof, a pivot joint 412, 414 at which the pair of angled plier arms 400, 402 are joined together in articulated manner, and a handle portion 416, 418 extending from the pivot joint 412, 414 at an angle ‘0’ relative to the lever portion 404, 406 (as shown in Fig 14D). As previously described, the pivot hub 420, 422 of each of the angled plier arms 400, 402 (better shown in Fig 15 / 16) provide a follower pin structure 424, 426 received in the arcuate slots 312, 314; and the pivot point 440, 442 that each define the rotational axes D-D’ and E-E’ (respectively) about which the distal ends 204, 206 of the link arms 200, 202 may rotate while the corresponding proximal ends 208, 210 are being displaced linearly within the central slot 106 along the longitudinal axis A-A’ (as further described herein). Though the pair of plier arms 400, 402 are described as a pair of plier arm structures, in a variation of the embodiment, the plier arms each can optionally be split into two complementary and / or near identical plier arm structures (as shown in Figure 13, 15-16 &18) to secure the previously described crimping device 10 features therein (e.g., the link members 200, 202, the jaw arms 300, 302, the base member 100 etc). For example (as better shown in Figure 13), the first plier arm structure 400 can be split into a first upper plier arm 400a and a first lower plier arm 400b and the second plier arm structure 402 can be split into a second upper handle structure 402a and a second lower plier arm structure 402b. However, the reader will understand that the pair of plier arm structures 400, 402 can therefore be provided as a pair of integrally formed plier arm structures 400, 402 or as a pair of complementary plier arm structures 400a / 400b and 402a / 402b that are joined, attached and / or fastened via fasteners 550 or depending on how the user wishes to assemble the crimping device 10. The reader would also understand that the terms ‘upper’ and ‘lower’ are used as positional and / or directional terms relative to the crimping device 10 and / or relative to the reference Z axis provided in the Figures for guidance purposes. The lever portion 404, 406 of each of the plier arms 400, 402 extends from the pivot joint (or point) 412 414 thereof. At the pivot point 412, 414 of the plier arms 400, 402 there is provided an inset, curved or circular notch 430, 432 that projects outwardly while providing an inset aperture or depression that aligns with the lower inset aperture 118 of the central portion 104 to subsequently define the rotational axis G-G’ about which the pair of plier arms 400, 402 rotate, and also receive the central pin member 434 therein which secures the base member 100 to the handles 400, 402. As further described herein, the pivot points 412, 414 joining the pair of angled plier arms 400, 402 allow pivotal rotation of the handle portions 416, 418 towards one another (i.e., towards the axis A-A’) or away from one another (i.e., away from the axis A-A’) as shown in Figure 17A-17B. The distal / terminal ends 408, 410 of the lever portions 404, 406 which are generally formed with a circular profile have an inset aperture or depression 440, 442 that aligns with the inset circular aperture 214, 216 of the distal ends 204, 206 of the link members 200, 202, and the arcuate slots 312, 314 of the jaw members 300, 302 (generally defining the rotational axis DD’ and E-E’). The lever portions 404, 406 have the hub 420, 422 at the terminal ends 408, 410 thereof which provides the follower pin function member 424, 426 that is housed or secured within the hub 420, 422 and received in the arcuate slot 312, 314 of the jaw members 300, 302. The pivot hubs 420, 422 provide and / or serve as pivot point about which the terminal ends 204, 206 of the link arms 200, 202 can rotate as the proximal ends 208, 210 of the link members 200, 202 are displaced up and down within the central slot 106 (i.e., up and down the longitudinal axis A-A’) as further described herein. CRIMPING MECHANISM (OPEN &CLOSED) The kinematics (i.e., the combination of rotational, translational and / or linear movements) of the components in the crimping device 10 will now be described. The description provided will describe the features of the crimping device 10 that move from the open configuration (e.g., Fig 17A) to the closed configuration, respectively (e.g., Fig 17B) and vice versa. Referring to Fig 17A, the crimping device 10 is illustrated in the substantially ‘open’ configuration, whereby the pivot hubs 420, 422 at the terminal (upper) ends of the plier arms 400 and 402, are typically located at or proximal to the upper ends 330, 332 of the arcuate slots 312, 314 of the jaw members 300, 302, and the follower pin 212 common to the first and second link members 200, 202 is located at or proximal to the lower end 110 of the central slot 106 of base member 100. The user would typically squeeze the plier arms 400, 402 inwardly (i.e., towards the axis A-A’) by providing a moment / force (represented by vectors M1 and M2 in Fig. 17B) into the handle portions 416, 418. The pivotal rotation of the handle portions 416, 418 about the pivot points 412, 414 (Fig. 11B) or generally about the rotational axis G-G’ (Fig. 13116) towards one another causes the distal ends 204, 206 of the link members 200, 202 to counter-rotate, given that they are coupled to pivot hubs 420, 422, and also causing the pair of jaw arms 300, 302 to rotate from the open (e.g., Fig 17A) to the closed (e.g., Fig. 17B) configuration, given the pivot hubs 420, 422 are constrained to travel in the arcuate slots 312, 314. As the pivot hubs 420, 422 and link members 200, 202 counter rotate, the distal ends 204, 206 of the link members 200, 202 rotate about the pivot points 440, 442 provided by the pivot hubs 420, 422 (i.e., about rotational axes D-D’ and E-E’ respectively as per Fig. 13). Simultaneously, the proximal ends 208, 210 of the link members 200, 202 also rotate about the axis F-F’ defined by the common central pin 212 as it is displaced up, along the central slot 206 in a linear or translational manner. Fig 17B shows the crimping device 10 in the resultant ‘closed’ configuration in which the pivot hubs 420, 422 are located at the lower ends 326, 328 of the arcuate slots 312, 314 and the common follower pin 212 is located at the upper end 108 of the central slot 106. With reference to the disclosed structural features of the crimping device 10 illustrated in connection with both embodiments, the ‘three-point’ crimping mechanism could also be aptly described as comprising a receiving part or portion and a two-arm crimping mechanism. In both embodiments, the multi-link pliers have a pair of plier arms 400, 402 pivoted to each other. The receiving ‘part’ or portion of the crimping device 10 is represented by and would be configured to receive an object 50 (e.g., an electrical connector) and would have a crimping element (generally defined by the first crimping jaw 322 of the first jaw 300, the second crimping jaw 322 of the second jaw 302 and / or the tip member 116 previously described herein). The plier arms 400, 402 would also be pivoted between an open and closed configuration / position of the pliers (as previously described herein). The two-arm crimping mechanism (generally defined by the mechanisms of the base member 102, link members 200, 202 and jaw arms 300, 302 previously described herein) is pivotable by the plier arms 400, 402 between an open configuration, in which the electrical connector 50 can be placed into the receiving part, and a closed configuration, in which a crimping element at each of the crimping arms 300, 302 is brought into an abutting position against a plastically deformable part of the electrical connector in the process of bringing the pliers into the closed position (e.g., as shown in Fig 18A-18B). The geometry and linked arrangement of the receiving part and its crimping element and the two-arm crimping mechanism (as previously described herein) are configured such that, during the transition from the open configuration (e.g., Fig 17A) to the closed configuration (e.g., Fig 17B-18B) to crimp the electrical component, each of the crimping elements of the two crimping arms (e.g., jaw arms 300 302) and the crimping element of the receiving portion (e.g., the first crimping jaw surface 322, second crimping jaw surface 324 and the tip member 116) apply a force of substantially equivalent magnitude where the crimping elements contact the received object or electrical component (as shown in Fig 18B). The reader would appreciate that the arrangement and features disclosed herein of the crimping device 10 can also be suitable for other use cases that are not limited to crimping objects alone (e.g., the apparatus can be used for cutting objects, as pliers etc). It will be understood to persons skilled in the art of the invention that many modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Features which are described in the context of separate embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination. The applicant hereby gives notice that new claims may be formulated to such features and / or combinations of such features during the prosecution of the present application or of any further application derived therefrom. Features of the tools / devices described may be incorporated into / used in corresponding methods and vice versa. In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention. Reference Numeral Guide Feature Reference Numeral CrimpingTool 10 Object 50 Base Member 100 Base Plate 101 Flange Portion 102 Central Portion 104 Central Slot 106 Upper Slot End 108 Lower Slot End 110 Upper End (Base Member) 112 Lower End (Base Member) 114 Tip Member 116 Lower Aperture 118 First End (Flange Portion) 120 Second End (Flange Portion) 122 Side Region (First End) 126 Side Region (Second End) 128 First Depression (First End) 130 Second Depression (Second End) 132 Bushing (B-B1) for First End (Flange Portion) 134 Bushing (C-C) for Second End (Flange Portion) 136 Fastener (B-B1) for First End (Flange Portion) 138 Fastener (C-C) for Second End (Flange Portion) 140 Side-Slot (Central Portion) 142 Groove (Central Portion) 144 Complementary Cover Member 148 First Link Member 200 Second Link Member 202 Distal End (First Link Member) 204 Distal End (Second Link Member) 206 Proximal / Central End (First Link Member) 208 Proximal / Central End (Second Link Member) 210 Common Follower Pin (F-F) 212 Aperture (First Distal End) 214 Aperture (Second Distal End) 216 Aperture (First Central End) 218 Aperture (Second Central End) 220 Side Slot (First Link Member) 224 Side Slot (Second Link Member) 226 Side Surface (First Link Member) 228 Side Surface (Second Link Member) 230 First Jaw Arm 300 Second Jaw Arm 302 Proximal End (First Jaw Arm) 304 Proximal End (Second Jaw Arm) 306 Distal End (First Jaw Arm) 308 Distal End (Second Jaw Arm) 310 Arcuate Slot (First Jaw Arm) 312 Arcuate Slot (Second Jaw Arm) 314 Middle Portion (First Jaw Arm) 316 Middle Portion (Second Jaw Arm) 318 Crimping Jaw (First Jaw Arm) 322 Crimping Jaw (Second Jaw Arm) 324 Lower End of Arcuate Slot (First Jaw Arm) 326 Lower End of Arcuate Slot (Second Jaw Arm) 328 Upper End of Arcuate Slot (First Jaw Arm) 330 Upper End of Arcuate Slot (Second Jaw Arm) 332 Aperture of Middle Portion (First Jaw Arm) 334 Aperture of Middle Portion (Second Jaw Arm) 336 First Plierarm 400 First Upper Plier arm (Half) 400a First Lower Plier arm (Half) 400b Second Plierarm 402 Second Upper Plierarm (Half) 400a Second Lower Plier arm (Half) 400b Lever Portion (First Plierarm) 404 Lever Portion (Second Plierarm) 406 Terminal End (First Plier arm) 408 Terminal End (Second Plier arm) 410 Pivot Point (First Plier arm) 412 Pivot Point (Second Plier arm) 414 Handle Portion (First Plierarm) 416 Handle Portion (Second Plierarm) 418 Pivot Hub (First Plier arm) 420 Pivot Hub (Second Plierarm) 422 Pin Member (First Hub) 424 Pin Member (Second Hub) 426 Notch (First Plier Arm) 430 Notch (Second Plier Arm) 432 Central Pin Member 434 Pivot Point (Terminal End First Arm) 440 Pivot Point (Terminal End Second Arm) 442 Angle between handle portion and lever portion of the pair of handle arms 0 Inward Force (First Plier Arm) Ml Inward Forst (Second Plier Arm) M2 Axis Central Longitudinal Axis A-A' Rotational Axis of First Jaw Arm B-B' Rotational Axis of Second Jaw Arm C-C Rotational Axis of Distal End (First Link Member) D-D' Rotational Axis of Distal End (Second Link member) E-E' Rotational Axis of Central Ends of First and Second Link Member F-F' Rotational Axis of First and Second Handle Arms G-G'

Claims

1. A crimping tool for crimping an object, comprising:a base member comprising:a central portion having a central slot defining a longitudinal axis, a pair of mounting arms extending transversely from the central portion, and a first crimping element;a pair of link members each comprising:an inner end and an outer end, the inner end being articulated to a common follower pin received for linear movement in the central slot of the base member;a pair of jaw members each comprising:a proximal end, a middle portion, and a distal end, the proximal end having an arcuate slot in which the outer end of a respective one of the link members is guided, the jaw members being respectively pivoted at the middle portion to one of the mounting arms of the base member, the distal end having a respective second and third crimping element; anda pair of angled plier arms each comprising:a lever portion with a pivot hub at a terminal end thereof, a pivot joint at which the pair of angled plier arms are joined together and articulated to each other, and a handle portion extending from the pivot joint at an angle relative to the lever portion,wherein the pivot hubs of the lever portions are respectively received in one of the arcuate slots of the jaw members and provide respective followers movable along the arcuate slots;wherein the pivot hubs of the lever portions are respectively articulated to one of the outer ends of the link members, so that up and down displacement of the inner ends of the link members at the central slot causes arcuate movement of the link member distal ends and the pivot hubs of the plier arms away from one another and towards each other, respectively;wherein the angled plier arms, pair of link members, pair of jaw members and base member are kinematically linked to each other such that rotation of the handle portions about the pivot joint towards or away from one another causes the pivot hubs to move within the arcuate slots of the jaw members and along arcuate paths away from one another ortowards each other and thereby cause the pair of jaw members to rotate between an open and a closed configuration, wherein leverage on the jaw members increases as the jaw members rotate between the open and closed configuration;wherein in the closed configuration the three crimping elements are closest to each other, and in the open configuration the three crimping elements are farthest from each other; andwherein the geometry and linked arrangement of the pair of plier arms, the central portion and the two crimping jaws are configured such that during transition from the open to the closed configuration, each of the crimping elements applies a crimping force of equivalent magnitude where the crimping elements contact the object.

2. The crimping tool of claim 1, wherein the pair of link members articulate in such a manner that in the process of applying a pressure to the handle portions in a closing motion, starting from the open configuration, the link members cause controlled rotation of the jaw members into the fully closed configuration.

3. The crimping tool of claim 1 or 2, wherein the link members are guided for pivotal and translatory movement within the arcuate slot of the jaw member during movement of the link members and the jaw members between the open and closed configurations.

4. The crimping tool of claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the jaw members are respectively pivotally mounted to one of the mounting arms, the arrangement being such that the jaw members provide side barriers restricting sideways movement of the object to be crimped when received.

5. The crimping tool of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the central portion has a lower aperture at which the plier arms are pivotably received.

6. The crimping tool of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the three crimping elements are arranged such that, in the fully closed configuration, they locate on apices of a substantially equilateral triangle.

7. The crimping tool of claim 6, wherein the three crimping elements are arranged to contact the object at three respective substantially equidistant locations and apply uniform pressure at these respective equidistant locations to converge at a common central point.

8. The crimping tool according to claim 1, wherein the geometries of the arcuate slots and the central slot are chosen such that, in the closed configuration, the pivot hubs are at a lower end of the respective arcuate slot and the common follower pin is at an upper end of the central slot, whereas, in the open configuration, the pivot hubs are at an upper end of the respective arcuate slot and the common follower pin is at a lower end of the central slot.

9. The crimping tool of claim 1 or 8, wherein the pivot joint of the pair of plier arms fixes the plier arms to a lower part of the central part of the base member.

10. The crimping tool of claim 9, wherein the pivot joint is comprised of respective, co-axial through holes in the lower part of the central portion, through holes in the plier arms, and a pin member received in through holes or bushings mounted in one or more of the through holes.

11. The crimping tool of any one of claims 1 or 8 to 10, wherein the base member comprises a side groove extending along and into the central slot, a second of the pair of link members extending into the groove and central slot.

12. The crimping device according to any one of claims 1 or 8 to 11, wherein the base member comprises a side slot extending along and into the central slot, a first of the pair of link members extending through the side slot into the central slot.

13. The crimping device according to any one of claims 1 or 8 to 12, wherein the middle portion of the first jaw arm and the second jaw arm has an aperture adapted to receive a bushing or fastener therein, and / or wherein the first end and the second mounting arms of a flange portion each have a depression or aperture adapted to receive a bushing or fastener therein.

14. The crimping device according to any one of claims 1 or 8 to 13, wherein an upper end of the central portion comprises a tip member projecting substantially in line with the longitudinal axis, the tip member being the first crimping element.

15. The crimping device according to any one of claims 1 or 8 to 14, wherein the pair of jaw arms are symmetrically spaced apart on either side of the longitudinal axis and configured or shaped to create, together with the base part, an aligning receptacle for the connector to be crimped.

16. The crimping device according to any one of claims 1 or 8 to 15, wherein the distal end of the pair of link members each have a slot adapted to receive the distal end of the respective jaw member to which the respective link member is pivotally attached.

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