An integrated pressure control valve and swivel coupling for a hammer

Abstract

A hammer and an integrated pressure control valve and swivel coupling for a hammer. The pressure control valve (190) comprises a pivot post (191) and the swivel coupling (361) comprises a swivel body (380) rotatably mounted on the pivot post (191).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] AN INTEGRATED PRESSURE CONTROL VALVE AND SWIVEL COUPLING FOR A HAMMER

[0003] The present disclosure relates in general to an integrated pressure control valve and swivel coupling for a hammer. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to pressure control valves and swivel couplings for hydraulic hammers such as those used with work machines.

[0004] Background to the Disclosure

[0005] Hydraulic hammers are used in work sites to break up large hard objects before such objects can be moved away. Hydraulic hammers can be attached to various work machines such as excavators, backhoes, tool carriers, or other like work machines for the purpose of milling stone, concrete, and other construction materials. The hydraulic hammer is mounted to a boom of the machine and connected to a hydraulic system. High pressure fluid is then supplied to the hammer to drive a reciprocating piston and a work tool in contact with the piston.

[0006] Typically, the hammer is powered by either a hydraulic or pneumatic pressure source. During a work or power stroke, high fluid pressure is applied to a first shoulder of a piston, thereby driving the piston in a forward direction. The piston then strikes a work tool, which is driven in the forward direction thereby causing a work tip of the tool to strike the rock, concrete, asphalt or other hard object to be broken up. During a return stroke, fluid pressure is applied to a second shoulder of the piston in order to return the piston to its original position.

[0007] A hydraulic hammer, among other components, typically includes a housing and a power cell disposed within the housing. The power cell includes the piston that reciprocates in the housing to strike a work tool that can be coupled with the power cell. The power cell may also contain a necessary fluid supply circuit to drive the piston in the power cell.

[0008] U. S. patent publication number US2024 / 240431 A1 discloses a power cell for a hammer comprising a head, a cylinder and a piston. The head may include a main bore, a satellite bore and a lower retainer. The main bore includes an upper chamber that includes a trough, first and second furrows, and a lock wall. The trough may include a port that extends from the main bore into the satellite bore. The lock wall may extend between the furrows. The lower retainer may be disposed in the satellite bore, and may include a core member and a jut. The core member may include a bore configured to receive a fastener. The cylinder may include a body and a protrusion on the body. The cylinder may be rotatable, wherein when in a locked position the protrusion is disposed in the port, the fastener is received in the bore, and the protrusion abuts the lock wall and the jut.

[0009] Hydraulic hammers may comprise a pressure control valve, for example, at or near an outlet port of the hydraulic system of the hammer where a pressurised fluid is being discharged from the power cell back towards a source of pressurised fluid such as a pump of the work machine. The pressure control valve functions to control the pressure of fluid within the hydraulic system of the power cell during use. Hydraulic hammers must also be provided with means for coupling fluid supply lines, e.g. hydraulic hoses, to the power cell. These multiple requirements can result in hydraulic hammers being relatively large and bulky, increasing their weight and manufacturing complexity.

[0010] Summary of the Disclosure

[0011] Against this background there is provided in the following disclosure one or more aspects.

[0012] In one aspect the present disclosure provides an integrated pressure control valve and swivel coupling, wherein the pressure control valve comprises a pivot post and the swivel coupling comprises a swivel body rotatably mounted on the pivot post.

[0013] In another aspect the present disclosure provides a hammer comprising a housing and a power cell;

[0014] the power cell comprising a reciprocating piston and a hydraulic system configured to drive the reciprocating piston into an out of engagement with a hammer tool;

[0015] the hammer further comprising the integrated pressure control valve and swivel coupling of the above aspect of the disclosure. Brief

[0016]

[0017] of the

[0018] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0019] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary work machine that includes a hydraulic hammer;

[0020] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a power cell according to the present disclosure combined with a hammer tool;

[0021] Figure 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a hammer housing according to the present disclosure having disposed therein the power cell of Figure 2;

[0022] Figure 4 is an enlarged view of a portion of Figure 3 showing an embodiment of swivel coupling according to the present disclosure;

[0023] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a portion of another embodiment of swivel coupling according to the present disclosure;

[0024] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an integrated pressure control valve and swivel coupling according to the present disclosure; and

[0025] Figure 7 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a hammer housing according to the present disclosure.

[0026] Detailed

[0027]

[0028] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used in this specification have the same meaning as is commonly understood by the reader skilled in the art to which the claimed subject matter belongs. It is to be understood that the foregoing summary of the disclosure and the following examples are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of any subject matter claimed.

[0029] The following description is directed to one or more embodiments of the disclosure. The description of the embodiments is not meant to include all the possible embodiments of the disclosure that are claimed in the appended claims. Many modifications, improvements and equivalents which are not explicitly recited in the following embodiments may fall within the scope of the appended claims. Features described as part of one embodiment may be combined with features of one or more other embodiments unless the context clearly requires otherwise.

[0030] In this specification, the use of the singular includes the plural unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In this application, the use of “and / or” means “and” and “or” unless stated otherwise.

[0031] Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary work machine 100 that may incorporate a hammer 102, for example a hydraulic hammer. The work machine 100 may be configured to perform work associated with a particular industry such as, mining or construction. For example, work machine 100 may be a backhoe loader, an excavator (shown in Figure 1), a skid steer loader, or any other machine. The hammer 102 may be coupled to the work machine 100 via a boom 104, an arm 106 and a pivoting bracket 108 that pivotally connects the hammer 102 to the arm 106. It is contemplated that other linkage arrangements known in the art to connect the hammer 102 to the work machine 100 may alternatively be utilized.

[0032] In the embodiment of Figure 1, one or more hydraulic cylinders 110 may raise, lower, and / or swing the boom 104, the arm 106 and the pivoting bracket 108 to correspondingly raise, lower, and / or swing the hammer 102. The hydraulic cylinders 110 may be connected to a hydraulic supply system (not shown) within the work machine 100. Specifically, the work machine 100 may include a hydraulic pump (not shown) connected to the hydraulic cylinders 110 and to the hammer 102 through one or more hydraulic supply lines (not shown). The hydraulic supply system may introduce pressurized fluid, for example oil, from the pump and into the hydraulic cylinders 110. Operator controls for movement of the hydraulic cylinders 110 and / or the hammer 102 may be located within a cabin 112 of the work machine 100.

[0033] The hammer 102 includes a hammer housing 116 (herein after referred to simply as housing 116) and a power cell 118 (Figure 2) disposed within the housing 116. A work tool 114 may be operatively coupled to the hammer, in particular to a distal end of the power cell, so as to be partially disposed within the power cell 118 and to partially extend outward from a distal (lower) end of the housing 116 (Figure 1), i.e. at an end of the housing 116 that is disposed opposite to the pivoting bracket 108. The work tool 114 may be configured to break rocks and / or drill ground surfaces 120 (Figure 1) when the hammer 102 is operated. In one embodiment, work tool 114 may include or may be a chisel bit.

[0034] Figure 2 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the power cell 118. The power cell 118 may define a longitudinal axis Y. The power cell 118 is configured to drive the work tool 114 of the hammer 102 (Figure 1). The power cell 118 (Figure 2) may comprise a head 122 and a cylinder 124, a piston 130 and a hydraulic circuit with other necessary components for actuating the piston 130. The power cell 118, the head 122, the cylinder 124, the work tool 114 and the piston 130 may be disposed along, and (in some embodiments) centred on, the longitudinal axis Y. The piston 130 is operatively disposed within the power cell 118 (e.g. within the cylinder 124) and is configured to translate parallel to the longitudinal axis Y to drive the work tool 114. The piston 130 is configured to reciprocate in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis Y within both the head 122 and the cylinder 124 during operation of the hammer 102. The head 122 has a bottom end 132 and a top end 138.

[0035] The hammer 102 may be powered by any suitable means, such as being pneumatically-powered or hydraulically-powered. For example, a hydraulic or pneumatic system of the power cell 118 may provide pressurized fluid to drive the piston 130 towards the work tool 114 during a work stroke and to return the piston 130 during a return stroke.

[0036] As shown in Figure 2, the power cell 118 comprises a first swivel coupling 160 and optionally also a second swivel coupling 161 for coupling one or more fluid supply lines (not shown) of the work machine 100 to the fluid system of the power cell 118.

[0037] The piston 130 may be disposed in the cylinder 124 and the head 122 and, in operation, the piston 130 is driven into the end of the work tool 114 that is proximal to the piston 130. The end of the work tool 114 that is distal to the piston 130 is positioned to engage an object or the ground surface 120 (Figure 1). The impact of the piston 130 on the work tool 114 may cause a shock wave that fractures a hard object (e.g., rock) or ground surface 120 causing it to break apart. Figure 3 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the housing 116 in which is disposed the power cell 118. The housing 116 comprises one or more walls defining an interior of the housing 116 for receipt of the power cell 118. The one or more walls may, for example, comprise a front wall 140, a rear wall (not visible in Figure 3), a first side wall 142 and second side wall 143.

[0038] The housing 116 may have an upper opening (see Figure 7, 417), for example defined by the front wall 140, the rear wall, the first side wall 142 and second side wall 143. The power cell 118 may be inserted into the housing 116 and withdrawn from the housing 116 through the upper opening 417. The pivoting bracket 108 (Figure 1) may be coupled to the upper (distal) end of the housing 116 by one or more bracket fasteners 119 (Figure 3) so as to close the upper opening 417.

[0039] A first supply line opening 150 is provided in a first wall of the hammer housing 116 (in the illustrated example of Figure 3, the first wall is the front wall 140). A second supply line opening 151 may be provided, which may also be in the first wall of the hammer housing 116, e.g. the front wall 140 as shown in Figure 3. The first and second supply line openings 150, 151 may be provided at left and right sides of the front wall 140, optionally with each being immediately adjacent to its respective first side wall 142 or second side wall 143.

[0040] The first and second supply line openings 150, 151 may each be configured to allow passage of a fluid supply line (not shown) of the hammer 102 there through for connection to one of the swivel couplings 160, 161. Each fluid supply line may be, for example, a hydraulic line or a pneumatic line. Each line may be, for example, a hose. The opposite end of each fluid supply line may be connected to a source of pressurised fluid, for example provided as part of the work machine 100. One fluid supply line may be configured for transporting fluid from the source of pressurised fluid to the power cell 118 and the other fluid supply line may be configured for transporting fluid back to the source of pressurised fluid from the power cell 118.

[0041] A first access opening 152 may be provided in a second wall of the hammer housing 116 (in the illustrated example of Figure 3, the second wall is the first side wall 142). The first access opening 152 is configured to allow hand and / or tool access to the first swivel coupling 160 (Figure 4) mounted to the power cell 118 when within the interior of the hammer housing 116. A second access opening 153 may be provided, optionally in a third wall of the hammer housing 116 (in the illustrated example of Figure 3, the third wall is the second side wall 143). The second access opening 153 may be configured to allow hand and / or tool access to the second swivel coupling 161 (Figure 2) mounted to the power cell 118 when within the interior of the hammer housing 116.

[0042] A plane of each supply line opening 150, 151 may be substantially perpendicular to a plane of its respective access opening 152, 153. For example, the first supply line opening 150 in the front wall 150 may be perpendicular to the first access opening 152 in the first side wall 142.

[0043] The first and / or second access opening 152, 153 may be, for example, larger in diameter than that of the respective swivel coupling 160, 161 to improve tool access and allow access to the edge faces of the swivel coupling 160, 161 to couple and decouple in use the fluid supply lines with the swivel couplings 160, 161. The first and / or second access opening 152, 153 may be hexagonal in shape, for example, as shown in Figure 3. Other shapes for the openings 152, 153 may be used.

[0044] The first swivel coupling 160 may be fully contained within the interior of the housing 116 (Figure 4). The second swivel coupling 160 may also be fully contained within the interior of the housing 116. Preferably, the first and / or second swivel coupling 160, 161 is fully contained within the interior of the housing 116 such that no part of the swivel coupling 160, 161 projects externally of the housing 116, and in particular does not project past the outer face of the respective wall of the housing 116. For example, as shown in Figures 3 and 4 the outermost extremity of the first swivel coupling 160 does not project past the outer face of the first side wall 142 of the housing 116. More preferably, the first and / or second swivel coupling 160, 161 are recessed relative to the outer face of the respective wall of the housing 116. Most preferably, the first and / or second swivel coupling 160, 161 are sufficiently recessed relative to the walls of the housing 116 to enable withdrawal of the power cell 118 from the housing 116 while the swivel couplings 160, 161 remain mounted to the power cell 118. For example, the first and / or second swivel coupling 160, 161 may be recessed relative to the inner face of the respective wall of the housing 116, such that the power cell 118 can be withdrawn from the housing 116 through the upper opening 417 (after decoupling of the fluid supply lines) without the swivel coupling 160, 161 catching or being obstructed by the walls (e.g. the side walls 142, 143) of the housing 116.

[0045] Additionally or alternatively the swivel couplings 160, 161 may be removed from the power cell 118 through the respective access openings 152, 153 while the power cell 118 remains located within the housing 116 since the access opening 152, 153 are large enough for the swivel couplings to pass there through.

[0046] The housing 116 may also comprise a plug (Figure 7, 470) for closing the first access opening 152. A plug may also be provided for closing the second access opening 152. Each plug 470 may comprise a deformable plug that can be push-fit into the access opening 152, 153. The plug 470 may comprise or consist of a plastic, elastomer or rubber material.

[0047] Figure 4 shows an enlarged view of the first swivel coupling 160. The first swivel coupling 160 may comprise a swivel body 180 rotatably mounted on a pivot post 181. The swivel body 180 may comprise a lateral outlet port 182 for connection to the fluid supply line. In Figure 4 the lateral outlet port 182 is shown closed with a blanking bolt 183 which would be removed at the time of connection to the fluid supply line. The swivel body 180 may have a generally round external shape other than for the projecting lateral outlet port 182.

[0048] Figure 5 shows another embodiment of swivel coupling 260 according to the present disclosure. In this embodiment the external shape of the swivel body 280 is modified to be more block-shaped. In addition, a blanking plate 283 is used instead of a blanking bolt to close the lateral outlet port 282 when not connected to the fluid supply line. In other respects the swivel coupling 260 functions in the same way as the swivel coupling 160, 161.

[0049] Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of swivel coupling. The coupling is shown, by way of example, as a second swivel coupling 361 that in use is recessed behind the second side wall 143 of the housing 116 and is configured to transport fluid back to the source of pressurised fluid from the power cell 118. In accordance with the present disclosure the swivel coupling 361 is integrated with a pressure control valve 190. The pressure control valve 190 comprises a pivot post 191 and the swivel coupling 361 comprises a swivel body 380 rotatably mounted on the pivot post 191. The pivot post 191 comprises a portion of a valve body 192 of the pressure control valve 190. Consequently, the pivot post 191 forms both a part of the swivel coupling 361 and the pressure control valve 190. An integrated pressure control valve and swivel coupling may therefore be provided. A fluid flow path of the pressure control valve 190 passes through the pivot post 191.

[0050] The pivot post 191 defines a longitudinal axis Z and the swivel coupling 361 is co-axially mounted on the pivot post 191 to be rotatable about the longitudinal axis Z.

[0051] The pivot post may have a cylindrical mounting portion defining one or more cylindrical bearing surfaces 193 for supporting the swivel body 380. Two bearing surfaces 193 may be provided that are spaced apart which contact rim portions of the swivel body 380 disposed to either side of an internal raceway 383 of the swivel body 380.

[0052] The pivot post 191 may comprise one or more transfer ports 194 for transfer of fluid from an interior of the pressure control valve 190 to the swivel coupling 361. The one or more transfer ports 194 may directly communicate with the internal raceway 383 of the swivel coupling 361. The one or more transfer ports 194 may be, for example, radial ports extending through an annular wall 195 of the pivot post 191.

[0053] As in the previous embodiments, the swivel body 380 comprises a lateral outlet port 382 for connection to a fluid supply line. The lateral outlet port 382 communicates with the internal raceway 383.

[0054] The pressure control valve 190 as shown comprises a spring 196 for biasing a valve member 197 of the pressure control valve 190. As shown the spring 196 biases the valve member 197 to the left into a closed configuration preventing or limiting flow of fluid through the pressure control valve 190 towards the lateral outlet port 382. A valve rod 199 may be provided to transfer the biasing force of the spring 196 to the valve member 197. In the closed configuration fluid sealing may be provided between one or more portions of the valve member 197 and the valve body 192. For example, an outer end 197a of the valve member 197 may form a sliding seal with a cylindrical portion 192a of the valve body 192 as shown in Figure 6.

[0055] Additionally or alternatively, an inner end 197b of the valve member 197 may, for example, bear against a shoulder 198 at an inner end of the valve body 192. Effective fluid sealing may be achieved by use of a tight tolerance fit between the valve body 192 and the valve member 197. Alternatively, additional sealing means may be provided if desired.

[0056] An inner end of the pressure control valve 190 may be provided with a push pin 205 reciprocally slidable in an aperture at the inner end of the valve body 192. An outer end of the push pin 205 can lie within an interior of the pivot post 191 and can engage the inner end 197b of the valve member 197. An inner end of the push pin 205 may extend out of the pivot post 191 to be exposed to the fluid pressure of a flow conduit 206 of the hydraulic or pneumatic system of the power cell 118. In the illustrated example the flow conduit 206 is a high pressure hydraulic flow conduit.

[0057] The pressure control valve 190 may further comprise a side port 207 that provides fluid communication between a chamber 210 within the interior of the pressure control valve 190 and a pressure source 208. The pressure source 208 may be for example be a conduit containing a flow of hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic system of the power cell 118. At least a portion of the valve member 197 may in use reciprocate within the chamber 210 along longitudinal axis Z. An internal shoulder 209 of the valve member 197 towards the inner end 197b may be exposed to the fluid pressure within the chamber 210.

[0058] In use, the spring 196 acting on the valve member 197 through the valve rod 199 and the pressure of the fluid in the chamber 210 holds the pressure control valve 190 closed until the fluid pressure in the flow conduit 206 acting on the inner end of the push pin 205 rises to a sufficient level to counteract these forces and displaces the valve member 197 to the right, as viewed in Figure 6. This unseals the outer end 197a of the valve member 197 from the cylindrical portion 192a of the valve body 192 thereby opening the pressure control valve 190 allowing flow of fluid from the pressure source 208, through the interior of the pivot pin 191, the transfer ports 194, the internal raceway 383 and out of the lateral outlet port 382. Once the pressure rise in the flow conduit 206 has passed the pressure control valve 190 is closed by action of spring 196 on the valve member 197 to reset the push pin 205.

[0059] A spring adjuster 200 may be provided for adjusting a pre-tension of the spring 196. The pre-tension of the spring 196 affects the pressure at which the valve member 197 is moved into the open configuration, i.e. the pressure required in the flow conduit 206 to open the pressure control valve 190. The spring adjuster 200 may be located in a distal end 201 of the pivot post 191, the distal end 201 being located within or projecting from a bore 385 of the swivel body 380. The spring adjuster 200 may be co-axially mounted within a threaded bore of the pivot post 191. An internal end of the spring adjuster 200 may engage a distal end of the spring 196. A pre-compression force of the spring 196 may be adjusted by operating the spring adjuster 200, for example by screwing the spring adjuster to move it along the threaded bore of the pivot post 191. The spring adjuster 200 is accessible when the integrated pressure control valve and swivel coupling is mounted in the power cell 118. In particular, the spring adjuster 200 is accessible via the access opening (in the case of the example of Figure 6 this would be the second access opening 153 in the second side wall 143 of the housing 116). Additionally or alternatively the integrated pressure control valve and swivel coupling may be removed from the power cell 118 through the access opening 152, 153 while the power cell 118 remains located within the housing 116 since the access opening 152, 153 is large enough for the integrated pressure control valve and swivel coupling to pass there through.

[0060] Figure 7 shows another embodiment of a housing 416 for the power cell 118. Only those features that differ from the previously described housing 116 will be described. In other respects the housing 416 is as previously described, and in particular allows for the swivel couplings 160, 161, 361 to be fully contained within the interior of the housing 416 and for the incorporation of a power cell 118 having one or more integrated pressure control valve and swivel couplings mounted thereto as described above. The housing 416 has its upper opening 417 open in Figure 7. When mounted to the work machine 100, the upper opening 417 may be closed by the bracket 108.

[0061] The first and second access openings in this embodiment are closed by plugs. Plug 470 is shown mounted to first side wall 442. The first and / or second access opening may be circular in shape, for example. Other shapes for the access openings may be used.

[0062] The first and second supply line openings 450, 451 may be provided with inserts 452, 453 that define, for example, linear apertures for the fluid supply lines in order to configure the alignment and plane of movement of the fluid supply lines during use. The inserts 452, 453 may also be produced from a material, for example a plastic, elastomer or rubber that is non-abrasive in order to prevent damage of the fluid supply lines as they are moved relative to the housing 416.

[0063] Industrial Applicability

[0064] According to the present disclosure there is provided an integrated pressure control valve and swivel coupling, wherein the pressure control valve comprises a pivot post and the swivel coupling comprises a swivel body rotatably mounted on the pivot post.

[0065] Integrating the pressure control valve together with the swivel coupling allows for a smaller and less bulky component to be produced, thereby decreasing weight and manufacturing complexity.

[0066] The pivot post may comprise a portion of a valve body of the pressure control valve.

[0067] In some embodiments the pivot post defines a longitudinal axis and the swivel coupling is co-axially mounted on the pivot post to be rotatable about the longitudinal axis.

[0068] In some embodiments the pivot post comprises a cylindrical mounting portion defining one or more cylindrical bearing surfaces for supporting the swivel body.

[0069] In some embodiments a fluid flow path of the pressure control valve passes through the pivot post. In some embodiments the pivot post comprises one or more transfer ports for transfer of fluid from an interior of the pressure control valve to the swivel coupling.

[0070] In some embodiments the one or more transfer ports directly communicate with an internal raceway of the swivel coupling.

[0071] In some embodiments the one or more transfer ports are radial ports extending through an annular wall of the pivot post.

[0072] In some embodiments the swivel body comprises a lateral outlet port for connection to a supply line, the lateral outlet port communicating with the internal raceway.

[0073] In some embodiments the pressure control valve comprises a spring for biasing a valve member of the pressure control valve and a spring adjuster for adjusting a pre-tension of the spring, wherein the spring adjuster is located in a distal end of the pivot post, the distal end being located within or projecting from a bore of the swivel body.

[0074] In some embodiments the spring adjuster is co-axially mounted within a threaded bore of the pivot post.

[0075] In some embodiments the swivel coupling is configured for connection to a fluid line, optionally a pneumatic or hydraulic fluid line.

[0076] In some embodiments the integrated pressure control valve and swivel coupling are configured to be mounted to a power cell of a hammer.

[0077] According to the present disclosure there is also provided a hammer comprising a housing and a power cell;

[0078] the power cell comprising a reciprocating piston and a hydraulic system configured to drive the reciprocating piston into an out of engagement with a hammer tool;

[0079] the hammer further comprising an integrated pressure control valve and swivel coupling as claimed in any preceding claim.

[0080] The advantages described above apply likewise to the hammer housing.

[0081] In some embodiments the integrated pressure control valve and swivel coupling is configured to be mounted to and dismounted from the power cell as an integral assembly while the power cell is disposed within the housing. It is to be understood that at least some of the figures and descriptions of the disclosure have been simplified to focus on elements that are relevant for a clear understanding of the disclosure, while eliminating, for purposes of clarity, other elements that the reader skilled in the art will appreciate may also be required. Because such elements are well known to the reader skilled in the art, and because they do not necessarily facilitate a better understanding of the disclosure, a description of such elements is not provided herein.

Claims

Claims1. An integrated pressure control valve and swivel coupling, wherein the pressure control valve comprises a pivot post and the swivel coupling comprises a swivel body rotatably mounted on the pivot post.

2. The integrated pressure control valve and swivel coupling of claim 1, wherein the pivot post comprises a portion of a valve body of the pressure control valve.

3. The integrated pressure control valve and swivel coupling of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the pivot post defines a longitudinal axis and the swivel coupling is co-axially mounted on the pivot post to be rotatable about the longitudinal axis.

4. The integrated pressure control valve and swivel coupling of any preceding claim, wherein the pivot post comprises a cylindrical mounting portion defining one or more cylindrical bearing surfaces for supporting the swivel body.

5. The integrated pressure control valve and swivel coupling of any preceding claim, wherein a fluid flow path of the pressure control valve passes through the pivot post.

6. The integrated pressure control valve and swivel coupling of any preceding claim, wherein the pivot post comprises one or more transfer ports for transfer of fluid from an interior of the pressure control valve to the swivel coupling.

7. The integrated pressure control valve and swivel coupling of claim 6, wherein the one or more transfer ports directly communicate with an internal raceway of the swivel coupling.

8. The integrated pressure control valve and swivel coupling of claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the one or more transfer ports are radial ports extending through an annular wall of the pivot post.

9. The integrated pressure control valve and swivel coupling of claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the swivel body comprises a lateral outlet port for connection to a supply line, the lateral outlet port communicating with the internal raceway.

10. The integrated pressure control valve and swivel coupling of any preceding claim, wherein the pressure control valve comprises a spring for biasing a valve member of the pressure control valve and a spring adjuster for adjusting a pre-tension of the spring, wherein the spring adjuster is located in a distal end of the pivot post, the distal end being located within or projecting from a bore of the swivel body.

11. The integrated pressure control valve and swivel coupling of claim 10, wherein the spring adjuster is co-axially mounted within a threaded bore of the pivot post.

12. The integrated pressure control valve and swivel coupling of any preceding claim, wherein the swivel coupling is configured for connection to a fluid line, optionally a pneumatic or hydraulic fluid line.

13. The integrated pressure control valve and swivel coupling of any preceding claim, configured to be mounted to a power cell of a hammer.

14. A hammer comprising a housing and a power cell; the power cell comprising a reciprocating piston and a hydraulic system configured to drive the reciprocating piston into an out of engagement with a hammer tool;the hammer further comprising an integrated pressure control valve and swivel coupling as claimed in any preceding claim.

15. The hammer of claim 14, wherein the integrated pressure control valve and swivel coupling is configured to be mounted to and dismounted from the power cell as an integral assembly while the power cell is disposed within the housing.

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