Hammer, kit of parts, and method of operating a hammer

Abstract

A hammer comprising a housing and a power cell disposed within the housing. The power cell comprising: a reciprocating piston; a hydraulic or pneumatic system configured to drive the reciprocating piston into an out of engagement with a hammer tool; and a fluid coupling for coupling a hydraulic or pneumatic supply line of a work machine to the hydraulic or pneumatic system of the power cell; wherein the power cell further comprises a manifold interface (221) configured to selectively have coupled thereto an auxiliary unit (222), the auxiliary unit (222) being configured to modify one or more core functions of the hammer; wherein the hammer is configured to be operable in a basic mode when the auxiliary unit (222) is dismounted from the manifold interface (221) and to be operable in a modified mode when the auxiliary unit (222) is mounted to the manifold interface (221)..

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO HAMMERS

[0003] The present disclosure relates in general to improvements in or relating to hammers. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a hammer, a kit of parts and a method of operating a hammer, for example 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 / 240431A1 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] A range of models of hydraulic and pneumatic hammers may be provided to meet the varying needs of different users. Some models may be provided with modified or supplementary functions compared to other models. This can result in increased administration and complexity for manufacturers, retailers and repairers due to the increased number of models produced. of the Disclosure

[0010] Against this background there is provided in the following disclosure one or more aspects.

[0011] In one aspect the present disclosure provides a hammer comprising a housing and a power cell disposed within the housing; the power cell comprising: a reciprocating piston; a hydraulic or pneumatic system configured to drive the reciprocating piston into an out of engagement with a hammer tool; and a fluid coupling for coupling a hydraulic or pneumatic supply line of a work machine to the hydraulic system of the power cell; wherein the power cell further comprises a manifold interface configured to selectively have coupled thereto an auxiliary unit, the auxiliary unit being configured to modify one or more core functions of the hammer; wherein the hammer is configured to be operable in a basic mode when the auxiliary unit is dismounted from the manifold interface and to be operable in a modified mode when the auxiliary unit is mounted to the manifold interface.

[0012] In another aspect the present disclosure provides a kit of parts comprising: i) a hammer; ii) an auxiliary unit configured to modify one or more core functions of the hammer; and iii) a blanking unit; wherein the hammer comprises a housing and a power cell disposed within the housing, the power cell comprising: a reciprocating piston; a hydraulic or pneumatic system configured to drive the reciprocating piston into an out of engagement with a hammer tool; a fluid coupling for coupling a hydraulic or pneumatic supply line of a work machine to the hydraulic system of the power cell; and a manifold interface configured to have interchangeably coupled thereto the auxiliary unit and the blanking unit such that the hammer can be configured to be operable in a basic mode when the blanking unit is mounted to the manifold interface and to be operable in a modified mode when the auxiliary unit is mounted to the manifold interface.

[0013] In another aspect the present disclosure provides a method of operating a hammer of the type comprising a housing and a power cell disposed within the housing, the method comprising selectively: a) configuring and operating the hammer in a basic mode; and b) configuring and operating the hammer in a modified mode; wherein in the modified mode an auxiliary unit is coupled to a manifold interface of the power cell to modify one or more core functions of the hammer.

[0014] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015] 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:

[0016] Figure l is a perspective view of an exemplary work machine that includes a hydraulic hammer;

[0017] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a power cell according to the present disclosure combined with a hammer tool;

[0018] 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;

[0019] Figure 4 is an enlarged view of a portion of Figure 3 showing an embodiment of swivel coupling according to the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a portion of another embodiment of swivel coupling according to the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an integrated pressure control valve and swivel coupling according to the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 7 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a hammer housing according to the present disclosure;

[0023] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a portion of the power cell of Figure 2;

[0024] Figure 9 is a perspective view of an auxiliary unit of the power cell of Figure 8; and

[0025] Figure 10 is a perspective view of the power cell of Figure 8 with the auxiliary unit of Figure 9 removed. Detailed Description

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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. 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.

[0033] As shown in Figure 2, the power cell 118 may comprise a first swivel coupling 160 and a second swivel coupling 161 for coupling fluid supply lines (not shown) of the work machine 100 to the fluid system of the power cell 118.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] The swivel coupling 361 may be integrated with a pressure control valve 190. The pressure control valve 190, for example, 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. 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.

[0049] 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 deposed to either side of an internal raceway 383 of the swivel body 380.

[0050] 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.

[0051] As in the previous embodiments, the swivel body 361 comprises a lateral outlet port 382 for connection to a fluid supply line. The lateral outlet port 382 communicates with the internal raceway 383.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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. 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] The pressure control valve 190 may further comprise a side port

[0056] 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

[0057] 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. 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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. 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] Figure 8 shows a perspective view of a portion, for example an upper portion 220, of the power cell 118 illustrating that according to the present disclosure the power cell 118 may comprise a manifold interface 221 configured to selectively have coupled thereto an auxiliary unit 222. The auxiliary unit 222 is configured to modify one or more core functions of the hammer 102. In particular, the hammer 102 of this embodiment is configured to be operable in a basic mode when the auxiliary unit 222 is dismounted from the manifold interface 221 and to be operable in a modified mode when the auxiliary unit 222 is mounted to the manifold interface 221. The auxiliary unit 222 may also be configured to enable one or more supplementary functions of the hammer 102 when the auxiliary unit 222 is mounted to the power cell 118.

[0063] The auxiliary unit 222 may be mounted to the manifold interface 221 by means of bolts 223 that pass through apertures 224 in the auxiliary unit (Figure 9) and are received in bolt holes 225 provided in the manifold interface

[0064] 221 (Figure 10).

[0065] The auxiliary unit 222 (Figure 9) may comprise a body 230 that may, for example, be a moulding or casting. The body 230 of the auxiliary unit

[0066] 222 may consist of one or more parts. The auxiliary unit 222 may contain means for modifying one or more core functions of the hammer 102 and / or providing one or more supplementary functions. For example, as shown in Figure 9 the auxiliary unit 222 may comprises a spool valve 226, a multi-position restrictor orifice 227, etc.

[0067] The spool valve 226 may be configured, for example, to shorten the stroke of the hammer. The spool valve 226 may comprise an actuator 228 for operating the spool valve to adjust a core function of the hammer 102, e.g. the stroke length. Actuation of the actuator 228 may be used to reconfigure the spool valve 226 to change flow paths through the spool valve 226, etc. In some embodiments the stoke length may be altered by 25-40% by used of the spool valve 226.

[0068] The multi-position restrictor orifice 227 may be configured, for example, to alter a working pressure of the hydraulic or pneumatic system of the power cell 118. The multi-position restrictor orifice 227 may comprise an actuator 229 for operating the multi-position restrictor orifice 227 to adjust a core function of the hammer 102, e.g. the working pressure. For example, the multiposition restrictor orifice 227 may be provided with different sized orifice holes that can be selectively engaged in the fluid flow. For example, in one rotational position a first sized orifice hole may be operational, in a second rotational position of the multi-position restrictor orifice 227 a second, smaller orifice hole may be operational so as to increase the working pressure in the hammer that may thereby increase the piston velocity and impact energy of the hammer. The rotational positions may, e.g. be at 90 degree spacing. In some embodiments the working pressure may be altered by up to 10-15 bar though use of the multiposition restrictor orifice 227.

[0069] The actuators 228, 229 may be externally-accessible when the auxiliary unit 222 is mounted to the manifold interface 221, for example by being located on a side face of the body 230.

[0070] The actuators 228, 229 may be rotatable-actuators, for example hex-driven rotatable-actuators.

[0071] As shown in Figure 10, the manifold interface 221 is provided with a plurality of ports for fluid communication with the auxiliary unit 222 when mounted. For example, ports 231, 232 may be provided for communication with upstream and downstream ends of the multi-position restrictor orifice 227. For example, ports 236-238 may be provided for communication with the spool valve 226.

[0072] The ports 231, 232, 236-238, 240 may be provided with port seals 234, 239, 241 for creating a fluid-tight seal between the power cell 118 (e.g. a front face of the manifold interface 221) and the auxiliary unit 222 at each of ports. The port seals 234, 239, 241 may be O-ring seals, for example. The port seals 234, 239, 241 may be mounted to the auxiliary unit 222 and / or the manifold interface 221.

[0073] A blanking unit (not shown) may be provided that may be configured to be mounted to the manifold interface 221 of the power cell 118 in place of the auxiliary unit 222 when the hammer 102 is operating in a basic mode. In some embodiments the blanking unit may comprise a block or plate for sealing against the port seals 234, 239, 241. Fixing holes, spaced to match the holes 225 provided in the manifold interface 221 may be provided for receipt of the bolts 223 to allow the blanking unit to be mounted securely.

[0074] The manifold interface 221 and / or the blanking unit may comprise the port seals 234, 239, 241 for creating a fluid-tight seal between the power cell 118 and the blanking unit at each of the ports 234, 239, 241.

[0075] Industrial

[0076] According to the present disclosure there is provided a hammer comprising a housing and a power cell disposed within the housing; the power cell comprising: a reciprocating piston; a hydraulic or pneumatic system configured to drive the reciprocating piston into an out of engagement with a hammer tool; and a fluid coupling for coupling a hydraulic or pneumatic supply line of a work machine to the hydraulic or pneumatic system of the power cell; wherein the power cell further comprises a manifold interface configured to selectively have coupled thereto an auxiliary unit, the auxiliary unit being configured to modify one or more core functions of the hammer; wherein the hammer is configured to be operable in a basic mode when the auxiliary unit is dismounted from the manifold interface and to be operable in a modified mode when the auxiliary unit is mounted to the manifold interface.

[0077] Provision of the auxiliary unit enabling operation of multiple modes for the hammer can result in reduced administration and less complexity for manufacturers, retailers and repairers since fewer models may need to be produced, in particular, because the hammer allows for a range of operational capabilities to be embodied within the same core hammer design.

[0078] In some embodiments the auxiliary unit is configured to enable one or more supplementary functions of the hammer and the hammer is configured to be operable in a supplemental mode when the auxiliary unit is mounted to the power cell.

[0079] In some embodiments the one or more core functions of the hammer that are modified in the modified mode comprise or consist of stroke length of the reciprocating piston and a working pressure of the hydraulic or pneumatic system. For example, in some embodiments the auxiliary unit comprises one or more of a spool valve and a multi-position restrictor orifice.

[0080] In some embodiments the auxiliary unit comprises one or more actuators for adjusting the one or more core functions of the hammer. In some embodiments the one or more actuators are configured to be externally-accessible when the auxiliary unit is mounted to the manifold interface. This improves the ease of reconfiguring the hammer between modes of operation.

[0081] In some embodiments the one or more actuators comprise rotatable-actuators, optionally hex-driven rotatable-actuators.

[0082] In some embodiments the manifold interface comprises one or more ports of the hydraulic or pneumatic system which are configured to interface with the auxiliary unit. In some embodiments the manifold interface and / or the auxiliary unit comprises one or more port seals for creating a fluid- tight seal between the power cell and the auxiliary unit at each of the one or more ports.

[0083] In some embodiments the hammer further comprises a blanking unit configured to be mounted to the manifold interface of the power cell in place of the auxiliary unit when the hammer is operating in the basic mode. In some embodiments the manifold interface and / or the blanking unit comprises one or more port seals for creating a fluid-tight seal between the power cell and the blanking unit at each of the one or more ports.

[0084] In some embodiments the power cell comprises a head for receiving the hammer tool and a cylinder located proximally of the head, wherein the manifold interface is provided on the cylinder.

[0085] In some embodiments the auxiliary unit is configured to be bolted to the manifold interface.

[0086] According to the present disclosure there is also provided a kit of parts comprising: i) a hammer; ii) an auxiliary unit configured to modify one or more core functions of the hammer; and iii) a blanking unit; wherein the hammer comprises a housing and a power cell disposed within the housing, the power cell comprising: a reciprocating piston; a hydraulic or pneumatic system configured to drive the reciprocating piston into an out of engagement with a hammer tool; a fluid coupling for coupling a hydraulic or pneumatic supply line of a work machine to the hydraulic or pneumatic system of the power cell; and a manifold interface configured to have interchangeably coupled thereto the auxiliary unit and the blanking unit such that the hammer can be configured to be operable in a basic mode when the blanking unit is mounted to the manifold interface and to be operable in a modified mode when the auxiliary unit is mounted to the manifold interface.

[0087] According to the present disclosure there is also provided a method of operating a hammer of the type comprising a housing and a power cell disposed within the housing, the method comprising selectively: a) configuring and operating the hammer in a basic mode; and b) configuring and operating the hammer in a modified mode; wherein in the modified mode an auxiliary unit is coupled to a manifold interface of the power cell to modify one or more core functions of the hammer.

[0088] In some embodiments in the basic mode the auxiliary unit is decoupled from the manifold interface; and optionally wherein a blanking unit is coupled to the manifold interface in place of the auxiliary unit.

[0089] In some embodiments prior to option b) a blanking unit is decoupled from the manifold interface to permit coupling of the auxiliary unit.

[0090] In some embodiments the one or more core functions comprise or consist of stroke length of the reciprocating piston and a working pressure of the hydraulic or pneumatic system.

[0091] In some embodiments the method further comprising selectively: c) configuring and operating the hammer in a supplemental mode; wherein in the supplemental mode the auxiliary unit is coupled to the manifold interface of the power cell to enable one or more supplementary functions of the hammer.

[0092] 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. A hammer comprising a housing and a power cell disposed within the housing; the power cell comprising: a reciprocating piston; a hydraulic or pneumatic system configured to drive the reciprocating piston into an out of engagement with a hammer tool; and a fluid coupling for coupling a hydraulic or pneumatic supply line of a work machine to the hydraulic or pneumatic system of the power cell; wherein the power cell further comprises a manifold interface configured to selectively have coupled thereto an auxiliary unit, the auxiliary unit being configured to modify one or more core functions of the hammer; wherein the hammer is configured to be operable in a basic mode when the auxiliary unit is dismounted from the manifold interface and to be operable in a modified mode when the auxiliary unit is mounted to the manifold interface.

2. The hammer of claim 1, wherein the auxiliary unit being configured to enable one or more supplementary functions of the hammer and the hammer is configured to be operable in a supplemental mode when the auxiliary unit is mounted to the power cell.

3. The hammer of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the one or more core functions of the hammer that are modified in the modified mode comprise or consist of stroke length of the reciprocating piston and a working pressure of the hydraulic or pneumatic system.

4. The hammer of any preceding claim, wherein the auxiliary unit comprises one or more of a spool valve and a multi-position restrictor orifice.

5. The hammer of any preceding claim, wherein the auxiliary unit comprises one or more actuators for adjusting the one or more core functions of the hammer.

6. The hammer of claim 5, wherein the one or more actuators are configured to be externally-accessible when the auxiliary unit is mounted to the manifold interface.

7. The hammer of claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the one or more actuators comprise rotatable-actuators, optionally hex-driven rotatable- actuators.

8. The hammer of any preceding claim, wherein the manifold interface comprises one or more ports of the hydraulic or pneumatic system which are configured to interface with the auxiliary unit.

9. The hammer of claim 8, wherein the manifold interface and / or the auxiliary unit comprises one or more port seals for creating a fluid- tight seal between the power cell and the auxiliary unit at each of the one or more ports.

10. The hammer of any preceding claim, wherein the hammer further comprises a blanking unit configured to be mounted to the manifold interface of the power cell in place of the auxiliary unit when the hammer is operating in the basic mode.

11. The hammer of claim 10, wherein the manifold interface and / or the blanking unit comprises one or more port seals for creating a fluid- tight seal between the power cell and the blanking unit at each of the one or more ports.

12. The hammer of any preceding claim, wherein the power cell comprises a head for receiving the hammer tool and a cylinder located proximally of the head, wherein the manifold interface is provided on the cylinder.

13. The hammer of any preceding claim, wherein the auxiliary unit is configured to be bolted to the manifold interface.

14. A kit of parts comprising: i) a hammer; ii) an auxiliary unit configured to modify one or more core functions of the hammer; and iii) a blanking unit; wherein the hammer comprises a housing and a power cell disposed within the housing, the power cell comprising: a reciprocating piston; a hydraulic or pneumatic system configured to drive the reciprocating piston into an out of engagement with a hammer tool; a fluid coupling for coupling a hydraulic or pneumatic supply line of a work machine to the hydraulic or pneumatic system of the power cell; and a manifold interface configured to have interchangeably coupled thereto the auxiliary unit and the blanking unit such that the hammer can be configured to be operable in a basic mode when the blanking unit is mounted to the manifold interface and to be operable in a modified mode when the auxiliary unit is mounted to the manifold interface.

15. A method of operating a hammer of the type comprising a housing and a power cell disposed within the housing, the method comprising selectively:a) configuring and operating the hammer in a basic mode; and b) configuring and operating the hammer in a modified mode; wherein in the modified mode an auxiliary unit is coupled to a manifold interface of the power cell to modify one or more core functions of the hammer.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein in the basic mode the auxiliary unit is decoupled from the manifold interface; and optionally wherein a blanking unit is coupled to the manifold interface in place of the auxiliary unit.

17. The method of claim 15 or claim 16, wherein prior to option b) a blanking unit is decoupled from the manifold interface to permit coupling of the auxiliary unit.

18. The method of any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the one or more core functions comprise or consist of stroke length of the reciprocating piston and a working pressure of the hydraulic or pneumatic system.

19. The method of any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein the method further comprising selectively: c) configuring and operating the hammer in a supplemental mode; wherein in the supplemental mode the auxiliary unit is coupled to the manifold interface of the power cell to enable one or more supplementary functions of the hammer.

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