TW201446439A - Work tools having interchangeable work heads and hydraulic assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

A hand-held hydraulic assembly includes a work tool having a hydraulic cylinder or main body, a ram piston disposed in the hydraulic main body and a spring or other biasing member mounted on the ram piston. An interchangeable work head is selectively engaged to the ram piston of the work tool. The ram piston is axially displaceable in the main body for actuating the work head. A quick release coupling mounted to the work tool releasably connects the interchangeable work head to the work tool.

Description

Work tools and hydraulic systems with interchangeable heads

The present invention relates to hydraulic tools and interchangeable working heads. More specifically, the present invention relates to an interchangeable and detachable working head for a work tool, such as a palm-type hydraulic crimping, cutting, stamping or pressing device.

Hydraulic work tools are used in many applications to provide the user with the desired mechanical advantages. An example is in a crimping tool for crimping, for example crimping a terminal onto a conductor. Another example is in a cutting tool where the cutting tool enables a user to apply considerable force or pressure. In order to utilize one to perform these various applications, it is desirable to provide a detachable head system. Using the same work tool with different detachable/interchangeable heads, you can switch to a different application when needed.

Conventional hydraulic work tools typically include a work head and a drive having a processing tool suitable for a particular application, the drive coupled to the work head for driving the processing tool. Hydraulic mechanisms are commonly used in tool drives. For example, the work head may include a fixed mold holder and a movable mold holder, and a mold that is hydraulically driven toward the fixed mold to perform an operation. The actuator may include a hydraulic pump that operates manually or by an electric drive motor to directly or indirectly drive the movable motor of the working head. Some current work tools have a work head with a machining tool that simply closes and opens. It is also known that the detachable working head includes a linear movable member and a biasing member for providing a biasing action for returning the movable mold of the working head to the fully retracted opening position.

Although satisfactory in some respects, there is still a need for a system of work heads and work tools that can be more easily interchanged with greater reliability. Furthermore, in the case of attaching the work head to the tool, it is desirable to ensure that the attachment is secured, that the tool is in the correct position, and that engagement with the tool is ensured.

In the present invention, the problems and drawbacks existing in the foregoing prior art are dealt with in the following manner.

In one aspect, the present invention provides a hydraulic system including a work tool including a housing, a hydraulic cylinder or body located within the housing, disposed in the hydraulic body and positionable in a fully retracted position and a fully extended position An interpenetrating piston, and a biasing device associated with the impact piston and configured to bias the impact piston to a fully retracted position. The hydraulic system also includes a quick release coupling that is mounted to the work tool for releasably attaching the interchangeable work head to the work tool. With the impact piston positioned to the fully retracted position, the distal end of the impact piston extends outward beyond the quick release coupling.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a palm-type hydraulic component including a work tool having a hydraulic cylinder or body, an impact piston disposed in the hydraulic body, and a compression spring mounted on the impact piston. The hydraulic component also includes a quick release coupling that is mounted to the work tool for releasably attaching the interchangeable working head to the work tool. The coupling includes: (i) a generally cylindrical ball retaining portion defining a plurality of ball guides and an open end, the ball retaining portion engaging a cylinder or body of the work tool; (ii) a generally cylindrical locking ring Provided on the ball retaining portion and axially positionable between the unlocked position and the locked position on the ball retaining portion; and (iii) a plurality of balls disposed in the ball guide defined in the ball retaining portion .

In another aspect, the present invention provides a work head adapted to selectively engage and disengage a hydraulic work tool. The work tool has a hydraulic cylinder or body, an impact piston disposed in the hydraulic body that is movable between an extended position and a retracted position, and a biasing member that engages the impact piston. The biasing member is configured to bias the impact piston to a retracted position. The work head includes a guiding element that includes engagement means for engaging the workpiece and performing at least one operation on the workpiece. The engagement device can be positioned between the extended position and the retracted position. The guiding element includes a generally cylindrical member that is aligned with the distal end of the impact piston and that receives the distal end with the working head engaged with the work tool.

100, 1000‧‧‧Working tools

102, 1002, 1102‧‧‧ shell

104, 1004‧‧‧ nose end

106, 1006‧‧‧Quick release coupling

110, 1010‧‧‧ handle

114‧‧‧Hydraulic release switch

116‧‧‧ Container

120‧‧‧Motor

121‧‧‧Distance of the piston element

122‧‧‧ piston components

130, 500, 550, 800, 900 ‧ ‧ heads

132‧‧‧ yoke

160‧‧‧Latch

162‧‧‧Upper mold holder

164‧‧‧ Ontology

170‧‧‧ slot

180‧‧‧ pivot pin

184‧‧‧ Torsion spring

190‧‧‧ retaining ring

200‧‧‧ ontology

216‧‧‧ pivot hole

204‧‧‧ inner surface

236‧‧‧ Guide spring element

238, 886, 891 ‧ balls

250‧‧‧Cylindrical components

260, 261‧‧‧ grooves

264, 552, 890, 952‧‧ springs

274‧‧‧ screw locking mechanism

360‧‧‧Lock ring

362‧‧‧ Ball Keeping Department

370, 372‧‧‧ ball guides

380, 382‧‧‧ positioning groove

400‧‧‧Hydraulic cylinder or main body

402, 450‧‧‧ impact piston

404‧‧‧Compressed spring

410‧‧‧Piston body

436‧‧‧ inner wall

437‧‧‧Sleeve components

438‧‧‧ openings

439‧‧‧ Holder

440‧‧‧Installation guide ring

610‧‧‧Cylindrical components

612‧‧‧ hole

616‧‧‧Piston

620‧‧‧Cylindrical body

622‧‧‧ annular flange

628‧‧‧Axial threaded opening

652‧‧‧Long members

668‧‧‧Axial protrusion

670‧‧‧ annular groove

680‧‧‧ Guide ring

686‧‧ sales

690‧‧‧ head

710‧‧‧ cam surface

816‧‧‧Piston

830‧‧‧Active mold holder

888‧‧‧ biasing components

956‧‧‧Ontology

960‧‧‧ ring plate

961‧‧‧ Round clip

962‧‧‧Open end

968‧‧‧closed end

1030, 1130‧‧‧Removable/interchangeable heads

1 is a perspective view of a hydraulic working tool having a quick connect coupling for a detachable work head in accordance with the present invention.

2 is an end view of the work tool of FIG. 1.

3 is an exploded view of a portion of a hydraulically driven piston element and quick connect coupling of the work tool of FIG. 1 and an exemplary work head for the work tool of FIG. 1 in accordance with an aspect of the present invention.

4 is an enlarged exploded view of the work head of FIG. 3.

Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the assembly of Figure 3.

6 is an exploded view of an exemplary work head for the work tool of FIG. 1 in accordance with another aspect of the present invention.

7 is an exploded view of an exemplary work head for the work tool of FIG. 1 in accordance with another aspect of the present invention.

Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the working head of Figure 7 coupled to the hydraulically driven piston member and quick connect coupling of Figure 1.

9 is an exploded view of a hydraulically driven piston element and quick connect coupling of the work tool of FIG. 1 and an exemplary work head for the work tool of FIG. 1 in accordance with another aspect of the present invention.

Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the assembly of Figure 9.

11 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary work head for the work tool of FIG. 1 in accordance with another aspect of the present invention.

Figure 12 is an end elevational view of the working head of Figure 11 showing the two cross sections shown in Figures 11 and 13.

Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of the working head shown in Figures 11 and 12 taken along the cross section 13-13 shown in Figure 11 .

Figure 14 is an exploded view of a portion of the hydraulically actuated piston member and quick connect coupling of the work tool and the exemplary work head illustrated in Figures 11-13.

Fig. 15 is an enlarged exploded view of the working head of Fig. 14;

16 is an exploded view of a hydraulically driven piston element and quick connect coupling of the work tool of FIG. 1 and an exemplary work head for the work tool of FIG. 1 in accordance with another aspect of the present invention.

17 is a cross-sectional view of the assembly of FIG. 16.

Figure 18 is a detailed view of an area of Figure 5.

Figure 19 is a detailed view of an area of Figure 8.

Figure 20 is a detailed view of an area of Figure 17.

21 is a schematic illustration of a palm-type hand hydraulic tool having a quick connect coupling for a detachable work head in accordance with the present invention.

22 is a schematic illustration of a distal access hydraulic tool having a quick connect coupling for a detachable working head in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 23 is a detailed view of an area of Figure 13 showing the piston partially advanced.

The embodiments and the drawings are to be considered as illustrative only, and various modifications and changes can be made to the disclosed structures without departing from the scope of the invention. Not limited. The exemplary work tools and detachable work heads in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. Also, the various specified components of the exemplary work tools and detachable work heads disclosed herein are merely terms in the art, which may vary from one manufacturer to another and should not be considered as limiting the invention.

The present invention relates generally to hydraulic tools and, in particular, to a selectively attachable work head and a quick release coupling for such a tool. In some aspects of the invention, which are described in more detail in the embodiments, the work tool is in the form of a palm-type hydraulic work tool. Typically, the work tool includes a hydraulic cylinder or body, an impact piston disposed therein, the impact piston being movable between an extended position and a retracted position and various positions therebetween. The work tool also includes a biasing member that engages the impact piston. The biasing member is configured to bias the impact piston to a retracted position. The working head generally includes a yoke or guiding element and an engagement means for engaging a workpiece, such as a cable joint or pipe fitting, and performing one or more operations on the workpiece. The engagement device can generally be positioned between the extended position and the retracted position and can be positioned anywhere between them. In many of the working head forms described in the embodiments, the yoke element defines a bore and generally defines a cylindrical bore extending through the yoke assembly. In the case of engagement or attachment with the work tool, the holes are aligned with or parallel to the longitudinal axis and/or direction of travel of the impact piston and in a collinear direction.

In a particular form of the working head, a biasing device is included that pushes or biases the engagement means of the working head to a retracted or open position. The biasing means may be in the form of a spring and is typically disposed in a bore defined within the yoke element or the guiding element.

In other forms of the working head, the working head has no biasing means to urge or bias the engaging means to any particular position or condition, particularly when disengaged from the work tool. Such a working head generally includes a slidable member associated with the yoke assembly and engaged with engagement means of the yoke element. The slidable member of the yoke element or the guiding element additionally includes a radially outwardly biased engagement means for providing selective engagement between the slidable member and the impact piston of the work tool. These and other aspects of the various tools and working heads of the present invention are described in more detail in the embodiments.

In some forms of the invention, the palm-type hydraulic component includes a work tool having a hydraulic cylinder or body, an impact piston disposed in the hydraulic body, and a compression spring mounted on the impact piston. The interchangeable working head is selectively engaged with the impact piston of the work tool. The impact piston is axially movable within the body for driving the working head. A quick release coupling mounted to the work tool releasably connects the interchangeable work head to the work tool.

In some other forms of the invention, a work head is provided that is adapted to selectively engage and disengage a hydraulic work tool. The work tool has a hydraulic cylinder or body, an impact piston disposed in the hydraulic body that is movable between an extended position and a retracted position, and a biasing member that engages the impact piston. The biasing member is configured to bias the impact piston to a retracted position. The work head includes a yoke or guide assembly that includes engagement means for engaging the workpiece and performing at least one operation on the workpiece. The engagement device can be positioned between the extended position and the retracted position. The yoke or guiding element defines a hole that is aligned with the impact piston in the event the working head is engaged with the work tool. The working head also includes biasing means disposed in the aperture of the yoke or guiding element. The biasing device is configured to bias the engagement device to the retracted position.

In other forms of the invention, a work head is provided that is adapted to selectively engage and disengage with a hydraulic work tool. The work tool has a hydraulic cylinder or body, an impact piston disposed in the hydraulic body that is movable between an extended position and a retracted position, and a biasing member that engages the impact piston. The biasing member is configured to bias the impact piston to a retracted position. The work head includes a yoke or guide assembly that includes engagement means for engaging the workpiece and performing at least one operation on the workpiece. The engagement device can be positioned between the extended position and the retracted position. The yoke or guiding element defines a hole that is aligned with the impact piston in the event the working head is engaged with the work tool. The working head also includes a slidable member that is slidable The moving member is disposed in the bore of the yoke or guide assembly and engages the engagement device. The slidable member includes a radially outwardly biased engagement device for providing selective engagement between the slidable member and the impact piston of the work tool.

In the following, reference is made to the drawings in which like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the drawings, and the work tool 100 of the palm-type hydraulic component shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is in the form of, for example, a stamping tool, including a nose end 104 The housing 102, one or more detachable/interchangeable working heads are selectively and removably attached to the nose end via a quick release coupling 106. The central portion of the housing 102 is a handle 110 for gripping the work tool 100. The work tool 100 further includes an operation switch (not shown) disposed near the nose end 104 for activating a work head (not shown); a hydraulic release switch 114; and an optional built-in power supply (on-board) A power source (not shown), such as a battery pack, is received in a receptacle 116 disposed on the housing 110 for powering the motor 120. The motor 120 is mounted or otherwise retained in the lower cylindrical portion of the housing 102 such that the visual state of the motor 120 is generally hidden from view. In still another alternative, the work tool 100 can receive electrical energy via one or more wires (not shown), or can be a manual pump operated hydraulic tool or a remote access hose connected hydraulic tool.

As will be described in the following embodiments, the work tool 100 further includes a hydraulically driven piston member 122 housed in the housing 102 for driving a working head coupled thereto. In many embodiments, the distal end 121 of the piston element 122 extends outward beyond the quick release coupling 106. In certain embodiments, the distal end 121 of the impact piston extends outward beyond the quick release coupling 106 when the impact piston is in the fully retracted position in the hydraulic tool. This configuration facilitates alignment and engagement of the work tool with the quick release coupling with the work head. In addition, this configuration enables visual inspection of the distal end of the impact piston.

3 to 5, the working tool 100 of the present invention and the interchangeable working head 130 used together. Therein, the working head 130 includes a yoke 132 that includes a pair of spaced apart, generally C-shaped arms 134, 136 that are interconnected by a base member 138. The upper or first end portions 140, 142 of each arm 134, 136 define a top yoke, while the lower or second end portions 150, 152 of each arm 134, 136 define a bottom yoke. The present invention includes a wide variety of components and components for guiding the movement of the various components of the working head, such as a movable mold holder that can be used in place of the yoke or yoke element. For example, except for the yoke 132 In addition to (or other yokes described herein), a variety of other guiding or aligning elements can also be used as the yoke. However, for ease of describing a particular embodiment of the invention, the guiding or aligning assembly is generally described herein as a yoke or yoke assembly.

The latch 160 is pivotally coupled to the upper yoke and the upper mold retainer 162 is pivotally coupled to the bottom yoke. The latch 160 includes a body 164 having an aperture 166 disposed at one end portion 168 and a slot 170 disposed at the other end portion 172. The body 164 can also include finger projections 174 that extend outwardly from the end portions 168. As shown, the latch 160 is coupled to the top yoke via a pivot pin 180. The pin 180 is inserted through a pivot hole 182 disposed on the first end portion 140 of the arm 134, a biasing member or torsion spring 184, a hole 166 of the latch 160, and a first end portion 142 disposed on the arm 136. Pivot hole 186. An outer retaining ring 190 is attached to the end of the pivot pin 180.

The upper mold holder 162 includes a C-shaped body 200 having an outer surface 202 and an inner surface 204. The upper or first end portion 206 of the body 200 includes a protrusion 210. The protrusion 210 is sized to be received in the slot 170 of the latch 160. The lower or second end portion 214 of the body 200 includes a pivot hole 216. The second end portion 214 is positioned in the second end portions 150, 152 of each of the arms 134, 136 such that the pivot hole 216 and the pivot hole 220 disposed on the second end portion 150 of the arm 134 are disposed The pivot holes 222 on the second end portion 152 of the arm 136 are aligned. As shown, the upper mold holder 162 is coupled to the bottom yoke via a pivot pin 226. The pin 226 is inserted through the pivot hole 220, the hole 216 of the upper mold holder 162, the biasing member or torsion spring 228, and the pivot hole 222. An outer retaining ring 230 is attached to the end of the pivot pin 226. The upper mold holder 162 is designed to hold a half of a circular electric lug crimping die (not shown). Specifically, the inner surface 204 of the upper mold holder 162 includes a pair of spaced apart apertures 234. A stop or guide spring assembly 236 is secured in the bore 234. In certain aspects of the invention, the stop or guide spring assembly includes an outer package or cage, a compression spring, and a steel ball that is retained in the cage and spring biased to a designated position. Such components are commercially available, for example, from Carr Lane Manufacturing Company of Louis Street, Missouri, and are commonly referred to as positioning ball plugs or other spring loaded devices. Well-known positioning ball plugs are generally available in "press-in" or "threaded" styles. The subject matter of the present invention includes the use of these and other elements to act as a stop or guide spring element. In the particular form described and illustrated, each of the guiding spring elements 236 includes a ball 238 that at least partially protrudes from the inner surface 204. Inner surface 204 A pair of spaced apart projections 240 are further provided. To secure the crimping mold to the upper mold holder 162, the crimping mold is positioned between the projections 240 such that the crimping mold engages the ball 238 disposed on the spring member 236.

Referring again to FIGS. 4 and 5, the yoke 132 further includes a generally cylindrical member 250 that extends outwardly from the base member 138 toward the quick release coupling 106. The cylindrical member 250 defines an aperture 252 that is aligned with the opening 254 in the base member 138. An outer surface 256 of the cylindrical member 250 is provided with an annular track or groove 260 (described below) that selectively engages the quick release coupling 106. A biasing member or extension/tension spring 264 is received in the bore 252 of the cylindrical member 250. The spring 264 includes a first end 266 that is secured to the spring retainer 270 and a second end 272 that is secured to the threaded locking mechanism or cap 274. As shown, the retaining member 270 includes a body 276 having an enlarged radially extending or annular shelf 278 received in the opening 254 of the base member 138. The first end 266 of the spring 264 is mounted to the shelf 278. The cap 274 is provided with a body 290 having a cylindrical projection 292 extending outwardly from the body. The protrusion 292 includes a threaded portion 294 and the pitch of the threads substantially corresponds to the pitch of the undeformed tension spring 264. This allows the cap 274 to be screwed into the tension spring 264. To secure the cap 274 to the cylindrical member 250, the annular flange 296 on the body 290 opposite the projection 292 is sized to be received in a corresponding annular groove 300 on the end face of the cylindrical member 250. The set screw 310 passes through the aperture 312 in the cylindrical member 250 and engages the body 290 of the cap 274. One advantage of the set screw 310 is that it can be adjusted indefinitely because there is no need to provide a mating hole in the body 290 that is aligned with the set screw.

The exemplary work head 130 also includes a movable mold holder 320 that is configured to be biased into the open position by a tension spring 264. As shown, the movable mold holder 320 includes a body 322 that is sized to be received between the arms 134, 136 of the yoke 132 and that is movable over a portion of the base member 138. Similar to the upper mold holder 162, the movable mold holder 320 is designed to hold a half of a circular electric lug crimping mold (not shown). Molds for cutting cables, steel bars, threaded rods and other components, as well as pressed pipe fittings or other conduit fittings are also available. In particular, the body 322 has a curved surface 324 that substantially corresponds to the shape of the inner surface 204 of the upper mold holder 162 (ie, is a mirror image of the inner surface). Surface 324 includes a pair of spaces A spaced apart aperture 326 is mounted with a stop or guide spring assembly 328 therein. The guide spring element 328 is similar to the stop or guide spring element 236 and includes a ball 340 that at least partially protrudes from the outer surface 324. The surface 324 is further provided with a pair of diametrically spaced projections 342. To secure the crimping mold to the movable mold holder 320, the crimping mold is positioned between the projections 342 such that the crimping mold engages the ball 340 disposed on the leading spring assembly 328.

As described above, the cylindrical member 250 houses the tension spring 264 and the spring 264 is secured to the movable mold holder 320 via the fastener 350. The fastener 350 extends through the opening 352 in the holder 270 and is threadedly engaged with the opening in the body 322 of the movable mold holder 320. However, it should be understood that an alternative manner for mounting the spring 264 to the movable mold holder 320 is contemplated. For example, instead of the holder 270, a cylindrical protrusion may protrude from the movable mold holder 320. The cylindrical protrusion may be shaped similarly to the protrusion 292 and may include a threaded portion that can be screwed into the tension spring 264. To assemble the exemplary work head 130, a tension spring 264 is attached to the movable mold holder 320 via a spring retainer 270 and a fastener 350. Subsequently, the tension spring 264 is inserted into the cylindrical member 250 of the yoke 132. The screw lock mechanism or cap 274 is then screwed into the spring 264. As the cap 274 rotates, it will cause the spring 264 to extend to apply a preload to the movable mold holder 320, which in turn biases the movable mold holder 320 into the open position. To enable the cap 274 to be conveniently rotated, a series of apertures 297 are provided that are capable of receiving the pin-shaped projections of a wrench-type wrench (not shown) and permitting the cap 274 to rotate. Once the desired spring preload is achieved, the cap 274 can be locked in place via the set screw 310 to prevent the mechanism from unintentionally loosening. However, it should be understood that other types of screw locking mechanisms may be included, such as a locking mechanism that deforms the metal tang or has an adhesive.

Referring again to FIGS. 3 and 5, the quick connect or quick release coupling 106 includes a lock ring 360, a ball retaining portion 362 coupled to the coupler 364, and a spring member 374. In the ball holding portion 362, a ball 366 having a first diameter and a ball 368 having a second diameter are disposed in the respective ball guides 370, 372 such that they can move radially. The balls 366, 368 function as a movable locking body and are distributed on the periphery of the ball holding portion 362. When the cylindrical member 250 of the working head 130 is not inserted or not fully inserted, on the inner side of the ball holding portion 362 The shape of the ball guides 370, 372 prevents the balls 366, 368 from falling out.

Further, the ball holding portion 362 has a staggered inner diameter, that is, a region having a larger outer diameter in the region of the ball guide 370 and the ball 366, and a smaller inner side in the region of the ball guide 372 and the other ball 368. The area of the trail. As described above, the cylindrical member 250 of the yoke 132 is provided with two annular grooves 260 that are selectively engaged by the quick connect coupling 106. Thus, the cylindrical member 250 can have an equally staggered outer radius that is adapted to a corresponding scale in the ball retaining portion 362 (eg, to make the radius different).

The lock ring 360 is mounted on the ball holding portion 362 in an axially movable manner. The locking ring 360 has positioning grooves 380, 382 on the inner side, these positioning grooves being formed such that when the locking ring 360 is in the unlocked position, the balls 366, 368 can be removed into the corresponding positioning grooves 380, 382, And thus the obstruction of the insertion of the cylindrical member 250 of the working head 130 is avoided. The spring element 374 is mounted between the ball retaining portion 362 and the lock ring 360 and permanently presses the lock ring 360 into the locked position in the axial direction. Therefore, in order to achieve the unlocked position of the lock ring 360, the lock ring 360 must be manually moved into the position by means of the clamping portion 388. In order to limit the axial movement of the lock ring 360 relative to the ball retaining portion 362, the set screw 390 is screwed into the opening 392 on the lock ring 360, and the distal end of the set screw 390 is received in the axially narrow position on the ball retaining portion 362. In slot 394.

The work tool 100 includes a hydraulically driven piston member 122 for driving a working head coupled thereto. The hydraulically driven piston member 122 generally includes a hydraulic cylinder or body 400, an impact piston 402, and a biasing member or compression spring 404. The body 400 can be coupled to the coupler 364 via a set screw 406 that passes through the opening 408 of the coupler 364. Specifically, in a particular form of the invention, the body 400 is threaded onto the coupler 364. A thread may be provided along the upper end of the body 400. A set screw 406 is used to secure or lock the threaded connection. The impact piston 402 includes a piston body 410 and an elongate member 412 that extends outwardly from the piston body 410. The piston body 410 defines a first annular groove 414 and a second annular groove 416. The first groove 414 is sized to receive the first hydraulic seal 418 and the second groove is sized to receive the hydraulic guide ring 420. A cylindrical hollow protrusion 424 extends from the piston body 410 and receives the first end portion 426 of the elongate member 412. The piston body 410 is sealingly received in a cylindrical hydraulic chamber 430 of the body 400 that is open in the direction of the working head 130. It should be understood that the inner wall of the cavity 430 is used during operation of the work tool 100. To guide movement of the piston body 410 and the elongate member 412, the seal 418 provides a seal relative to the inner wall of the hydraulic chamber 430. One end 432 of the compression spring 404 is supported on the projection 424. The opposite end 434 of the spring 404 engages the inner wall 436 of the coupler 364. Therefore, the impact piston 402 is always spring loaded or offset from the working head 130.

The elongate member 412 of the impact piston 402 is formed as a unitary body that extends through the opening 438 in the spring 404 and the inner wall 436 and extends outwardly a predetermined distance beyond the quick connect coupling 106. It will be appreciated that it may be advantageous to form the piston 410 in a two-piece arrangement and the elongate member 412 is made of a different material than the piston. To ensure proper alignment of the elongate member 412 as it quickly connects the coupling 106, a guide ring 440 can be disposed in the inner groove 442 that is located on a surface of the inner wall 436 that defines the opening 438. The guide ring 440 can be formed of an elastomeric material that allows the guide ring to act as a wipe for removing contaminants from the elongate member 412 when the impact piston 402 is retracted. This serves to protect the impact piston seals 418, 420 from contaminants that may cause hydraulic leakage.

Referring to FIG. 5, in order to connect the working head 130 to the piston member 122 of the work tool 100 via the quick connect coupling 106, the cylindrical member 250 of the working head 130 is inserted into the quick connect coupling 106. The interchangeable working head defines a recessed receiving area for receiving the distal end of the impact piston that extends outwardly beyond the quick release coupling of the work tool. The free second end portion 450 of the elongate member 412 of the impact piston 402 is inserted through a cap 274 that is secured to the cylindrical member 250 and the tension spring 264. Additionally, the cap is used to support the tension spring 264 and serves as a centering device that positions the elongate member 412 in the center of the cylindrical member 250. The end face of the second end portion 450 is provided with a bore 452 that is sized to receive the head of the fastener 350 that extends through the retainer 270 and that is secured to the movable mold holder 320. This allows the second end portion 450 of the elongate member 412 to abut the body 276 of the retainer 270.

When the palm-type work tool 100 is driven, oil or other hydraulic fluid or working fluid is pumped into the pressure space, whereby the impact piston 402 moves in the direction of the writing head 130 against the action of the compression spring 404. This in turn causes the movable mold holder 320 of the work head 130 to resist the action of the tension spring 264. When the predetermined maximum pressure is exceeded, once the check valve is opened, the tension type spring 264 acting on the movable mold holder 320 and the compression type spring 404 acting on the piston body 410 via the centered projection 424 are realized. Impact piston The return movement of 402. The work tool 100 allows the user to interchange the work head 130 in a simple, modular manner. Due to this configuration, the palm-type work tool 100 can also be pre-assembled, filled with oil, and inspected, after which a suitable work head 130 can be installed as needed.

Additional details of the quick connect coupling 106 are provided herein in connection with the description of FIG.

FIG. 6 illustrates an interchangeable work head 500 for a work tool 100 in accordance with another aspect of the present invention. Similar to the working head 130, the working head 500 includes a yoke 132 that includes a pair of spaced apart arms 134, 136 that are interconnected by a base member 138. The latch 160 is pivotally coupled to the yoke 132 via a pivot pin 180 that is inserted through the torsion spring 184 and held by the retaining ring 190. The upper mold holder 162 is pivotally coupled to the yoke 132 via a pivot pin 226 that is inserted through the torsion spring 228 and held by the retaining ring 230. The upper mold holder 162 includes a stop or guide spring assembly 236.

The yoke 132 also includes a generally cylindrical member 250 (see FIG. 5) that is selectively coupled to the quick release coupling 106. A biasing member or tension spring 264 is housed in the cylindrical member 250. The spring 264 is secured to the threaded locking mechanism or cap 274 and spring retainer 502. Spring retainer 502 includes a base 504 having an opening 506. The first arm 510 extends outwardly from one edge of the base 504 and the second arm 512 extends outwardly from the opposite edge of the base 504. Each of the first and second arms 510, 512 has a respective bend 520, 522 adapted to engage the coil of the spring 264. The tension spring 264 is mounted to the movable mold holder 320 via a fastener 350 that extends through the opening 506 of the holder 502. The movable mold holder 320 is biased into the open position by the tension spring 264 and includes a stop or guide spring assembly 328.

To assemble the exemplary work head 500, a tension spring 264 is attached to the movable mold holder 320 via a spring retainer 502 and an axially disposed fastener 350. Next, the tension type spring 264 is inserted into the cylindrical member 250 of the yoke 132. Then, the screw lock mechanism or cap 274 is screwed into the tension spring 264. Once the desired spring preload is achieved, the cap 274 can be locked in place via the set screw 310 and the threaded bore 312 to prevent inadvertent loosening of the mechanism.

Figures 7 and 8 illustrate an interchangeable working head 550 for a work tool 100 in accordance with another aspect of the present invention. Similar to the work head described above, the working head 550 includes a yoke 132 that includes a pair of spaced apart arms 134, 136 that are interconnected by a base member 138. Latch 160 The yoke 132 is pivotally coupled via a pivot pin 180 that is inserted through the torsion spring 184 and held by the retaining ring 190. The upper mold holder 162 is pivotally coupled to the yoke 132 via a pivot pin 226 that is inserted through the torsion spring 228 and held by the retaining ring 230. The upper mold holder 162 includes a stop or guide spring assembly 236.

The yoke 132 also includes a generally cylindrical member 250 that is selectively coupled to the quick release coupling 106. A biasing member or compression type spring 552 is housed in the cylindrical member 250. The spring 552 is mounted on a cup sleeve or holder 554. The retainer 554 includes a cylindrical body 556 having a radial flange 560 at the open end 562 of the body and an axial through bore 566 at the generally closed end 568 of the body 556. With the retaining member 554 inserted through the compression type spring 552, the flange 560 acts as a stop for one end 580 of the spring 552. The other end 582 of the spring 552 is supported on the inner wall or step 584 of the bore 252 of the cylindrical member 250. The substantially closed end 568 of the holder body 556 is sized to pass at least partially through the opening 586 defined by the step 584. The retainer 554 is mounted to the movable mold holder 320 via a fastener 350 that extends through the opening 566 of the retainer 554. The movable mold holder 320 is spring loaded or biased by an compression spring 552 in an open position and includes a stop pin 328.

When the palm-type work tool 100 is driven, oil or other hydraulic fluid or working fluid is pumped into the pressure space of the body 400 of the piston member 122, whereby the impact piston 402 resists the action of the compression spring 404 along the head of the work. 550 direction movement. The end portion 450 of the elongate member 412 of the impact piston body 410 received in the retainer 554 engages the generally closed end 568 of the retainer body 556. This in turn moves the holder 554 through the opening 586 and moves the movable mold holder 320 of the working head 550. This motion compresses the spring 552. When the predetermined maximum pressure is exceeded, once the check valve is opened, the compression type spring 552 acting on the holder 554 and the movable mold holder 320 and the compression type spring 404 acting on the piston body 410 via the centering protrusion 424 are used. The return movement of the impact piston 402 is achieved.

The springs 264 and 552 in the aforementioned working heads 130, 500 and 550 are examples of biasing means provided in the bore of the yoke element. It should be understood that the present invention includes other types of biasing devices.

Additional details of the quick connect coupling 106 are provided herein in connection with the description of FIG.

9 and 10 illustrate an interchangeable working head 600 for a work tool 100 in accordance with another aspect of the present invention. Similar to the above-described work head, the work head 600 includes a yoke 132 that includes a pair of spaced apart arms 134, 136 that are interconnected by a base member 138. The latch 160 is pivotally coupled to the yoke 132 via a pivot pin 180 that is inserted through the torsion spring 184 and held by the retaining ring 190. The upper mold holder 162 is pivotally coupled to the yoke 132 via a pivot pin 226 that is inserted through the torsion spring 228 and held by the retaining ring 230. The upper mold holder 162 includes a stop or guide spring assembly 236.

The yoke 132 also includes a generally cylindrical member 610 that is selectively coupled to the quick release coupling 106. A slidable member or piston 616 is received in the bore 612 defined by the cylindrical member 610. The piston 616 includes a cylindrical body 620 having an annular flange 622 at one end and an axial threaded opening 628 at the other end. Piston 616 is mounted to movable mold holder 630 via fasteners 632. The fastener 632 extends through an opening 634 in the surface 636 of the movable mold holder 630 and threadsingly engages the opening 628 of the piston 616. The movable mold holder 630 is spring loaded or biased in an open position by a biasing member or compression type spring 640 of the hydraulically driven piston assembly 122 and includes a stop or guide spring assembly 328.

The hydraulically driven piston member 122 for driving the work head 600 coupled thereto generally includes a hydraulic body 400, an impact piston 642, and a compression spring 640. The impact piston 642 includes a piston body 650 and an elongate member 652 that extends outwardly from the piston body. The piston body 650 defines a first annular groove 654 and a second annular groove 656. The first groove 654 is sized to receive the first hydraulic seal 658 and the second groove 656 is sized to receive the hydraulic guide ring 660. The piston body 650 is sealingly received in the cylindrical hydraulic chamber 430 of the body 400. One end 662 of the compression spring 640 abuts the body 650. The opposite end 664 of the spring 640 engages the inner wall 436 of the coupler 364. Therefore, the impact piston 642 is always spring loaded or biased away from the working head 600.

The elongate member 652 of the impact piston 642 extends through the spring 640 and the opening 438 in the inner wall 436. The distal end of elongate member 652 includes an axial projection 668 defining an annular groove 670 therein. To ensure proper alignment of the elongate member 652 by the quick connect coupling 106, the guide ring 680 can be mounted in the opening 438 of the inner wall 436. Similar to the guide ring 440 (Fig. 5), the guide ring 680 can be formed from an elastomeric material that allows the guide ring 680 to be used as A wipe for removing any contaminants from the elongate member 652 when the impact piston 642 is retracted.

To connect the work head 600 to the work tool 100 via the quick connect coupling 106, the cylindrical member 610 of the work head 600 is inserted into the quick connect coupling 106. A pair of diametrically spaced holes 684 are positioned on the flange 622 of the piston 616. A pin 686 is positioned in each aperture 684 that is biased outwardly from the flange 622 via a biasing member or compression spring 688. Each pin 686 includes a head 690 that is inserted through the spring 688 such that one end of the spring abuts the head 690 and the other end of the spring abuts a projection 692 disposed in the aperture 684. Each bore 684 is in communication with an axial bore 700 of the piston 616, and the radial force applied to the pin 686 causes the distal end of the pin to at least partially project into the axial bore 700. The axial bore 700 is sized to receive an axial projection 668 on the distal end of the elongate member 652. Components 686, 688 are examples of engagement devices that are biased radially outward.

When the palm-type work tool 100 is driven, the oil is pumped to the pressure space, whereby the impact piston 642 moves in the direction of the writing head 600 against the action of the compression spring 640. This in turn causes the piston 616 and the movable mold holder 630 of the working head 600 to move. As the piston 616 is advanced, the head 690 of the pin 686 moves along the cam surface 710 disposed in the cylindrical member 610. The engagement between the pin 686 and the cam surface 710 applies a radial force to the pin 686 such that the pin 686 moves through the aperture 684 and at least partially into the axial bore 700 of the piston 616. The distal end of the pin 686 is then received in an annular groove 670 of the axial projection 668 located in the bore 700. This in turn causes the piston 616 to mechanically engage or couple to the impact piston 642. When the predetermined maximum pressure is exceeded, once the check valve is opened, the return movement of the piston 616 and the impact piston 642 is achieved by means of the compression type spring 640 acting on the piston body 650. When the piston 616 returns, the pin 686 moves back onto the cam surface 710, which in turn causes the pin 686 to disengage from the protrusion 688 and is biased outwardly from the flange 622. This radial movement of the pin 686 causes the piston 616 to disengage or disengage from the impact piston 642.

11 through 15 illustrate another interchangeable working head 800 for a work tool 100 in accordance with the present invention. Similar to the above-described work head, the work head 800 includes a yoke 132 that includes a pair of spaced apart arms 134, 136 that are interconnected by a base member 138. The latch 160 is pivotally coupled to the yoke 132 via a pivot pin 180 that is inserted through the torsion spring 184 and held by the retaining ring 190. The upper mold holder 162 is pivotally coupled to the yoke 132 via a pivot pin 226 that is inserted through the torsion spring 228 and is retained by the retaining ring 230 keep. The upper mold holder 162 includes a stop or guide spring assembly 236.

The yoke 132 also includes a generally cylindrical member 810 that is selectively coupled to the quick release coupling 106. A slidable member or piston 816 is received in the bore 812 defined by the cylindrical member 810. The piston 816 includes a cylindrical body 820 having an annular flange or region 822 at one end of the body 820 and an axial threaded opening 828 at the other end of the body 820. Piston 816 is mounted to movable mold holder 830 via fasteners 832. The fastener 832 extends through an opening 834 in the surface 836 of the movable mold holder 830 and is threadedly engaged with the opening 828 of the piston 816. The movable mold holder 830 is spring loaded or biased in the open position by a biasing member or compression spring 840 of the hydraulically driven piston assembly 122 and includes a spring assembly 328.

With further reference to FIGS. 11-15, the hydraulically actuated piston member 122 for driving the working head 800 coupled thereto generally includes a hydraulic body 400, an impact piston 842, and a compression spring 840. The impact piston 842 includes a piston body 850 and an elongate member 852 that extends outwardly from the piston body. The piston body 850 defines a first annular groove 854 and a second annular groove 856. The first groove 854 is sized to receive the first hydraulic seal 858 and the second groove 856 is sized to receive the hydraulic guide ring 860. The piston body 850 is sealingly received in the cylindrical hydraulic chamber 430 of the body 400. One end 862 of the compression spring 840 abuts the body 850. The opposite end 864 of the spring 840 engages the inner wall 436 of the coupler 364. Thus, the impact piston 842 is always spring loaded or biased away from the working head 800.

The elongate member 852 of the impact piston 842 extends through the spring 840 and the opening 438 in the inner wall 436. The distal end of elongate member 852 includes an axial recess 868 that defines an annular groove 870 therein. To ensure proper alignment of the elongate member 852 as it is quickly coupled to the coupling 106, a guide ring 880 can be mounted in the opening 438 of the inner wall 436. Similar to the guide ring 440 (see FIG. 5), the guide ring 880 can be formed of an elastomeric material that allows the guide ring 880 to act as a wipe for removing any contaminants from the elongate member 852 when the impact piston 842 is retracted.

With further reference to FIGS. 11-15, in order to connect the work head 800 to the work tool 100 via the quick connect coupling 106, the cylindrical member 810 of the work head 800 is inserted into the quick connect coupling 106. A pair of diametrically spaced holes 884 are positioned on the flange 822 of the piston 816. A ball 886 is positioned in each aperture 884 (Fig. 11) that is biased outwardly from flange 822 via biasing assembly 888 (Fig. 14). Although the invention includes a wide range of biasing elements The construction, components and components of the 888, but in the particular form shown in the figures, the biasing assembly 888 includes a spring 890 and a ball 891 that is urged into contact with the ball 886, thereby placing each ball 886 Pushing radially outward from the piston 816. The longitudinal axis of the biasing assembly 888, i.e., the motion vector of the ball 891, is oriented to intersect the region of the corresponding ball 886 that is located in the inwardly facing hemisphere of the ball 886. Thus, in the event of contact between the balls 891 and 886, the location of such contact on the ball 886 causes the push displacement of the ball 886 to be radially outward. The plug 892 (Fig. 13) fills the bore of the piston 816 after the ball 891 and spring 890 are inserted. Assembly 886, 888 is an example of an engagement device that is biased radially outward. Coupler 893 is positioned between the distal end of elongate member 852 of impact piston 842 and piston 816. Specifically, the coupler 893 includes a protrusion 894 that is sized and configured to extend into a recess 868 defined within the elongate member 852, and an oppositely directed protrusion 895 that is sized and configured to Used to extend into a corresponding axial recess defined in the piston 816. The coupler 893 also includes a radial member 897 that is sized and configured to cooperatively engage in a bore 812 defined within the cylindrical member 810. Coupler 893 additionally defines a receiving recess 896 as described in greater detail herein. In the description of Figure 23, additional details of this embodiment are provided herein.

When the palm-type work tool 100 is driven, oil is pumped into the pressure space, whereby the impact piston 842 moves in the direction of the work head 800 against the action of the compression spring 840. This in turn causes the piston 816 and the movable mold holder 830 of the working head 800 to move. As shown in FIG. 23, as the piston 816 is advanced, the ball stop 886 moves along the aperture 812 and remains at least partially disposed in the receiving recess 896 of the coupler 893, thereby coupling the piston 816 and the impact piston 842. Together. When the predetermined maximum pressure is exceeded, once the check valve is opened, the return movement of the piston 816 and the impact piston 842 is effected by means of the compression type spring 840 acting on the piston body 850. When the piston 816 returns, the ball stop 886 is received in the receiving recess 899, which in turn causes the ball stop 886 to disengage from the coupler 893 and outwardly biased from the flange 822 (as shown in Figure 13). This radial movement of the ball stop 886 causes the piston 816 to disengage or disengage from the impact piston 842.

16 and 17 illustrate another interchangeable working head 900 for a work tool 100 in accordance with the present invention. Similar to the above-described work head, the work head 900 includes a yoke 132 that includes a pair of spaced apart arms 134, 136 that are interconnected by a base member 138. The latch 160 is pivotally coupled to the yoke 132 via a pivot pin 180 that is inserted through the torsion spring 184 is also held by the retaining ring 190. The upper mold holder 162 is pivotally coupled to the yoke 132 via a pivot pin 226 that is inserted through the torsion spring 228 and held by the retaining ring 230. The upper mold holder 162 includes a stop or guide spring assembly 236.

The yoke 132 also includes a generally cylindrical member 250 that is selectively coupled to the quick release coupling 106. A biasing member or compression spring 952 is housed in the cylindrical member 250. Spring 952 is disposed on sleeve or retainer 954. The retaining member includes a cylindrical body 956 having a seat ring 960 at the open end 962 of the body 956 and having a plate 966 to form a generally closed end 968 of the body 956. With the retaining member 954 inserted through the compression spring 952, the seat ring 960 acts as a stop for one end 980 of the spring 952. The circular clip 961 is received in a groove defined at the end 962 of the holder 954 and holds the seat ring 960 onto the holder 954. The circular clip 961 prevents the seat ring 960 from being removed or separated from the holder 954. The other end 982 of the spring 952 is supported against the inner wall or step 984 of the bore 252 of the cylindrical member 250. The substantially closed end 968 of the holder body 956 is sized to pass at least partially through the opening 986 defined by the step 984. The retainer 954 is mounted to the movable mold holder 320 and the spring pin 321 is engaged in the recess 957 in the end 968 of the body 956 through the aperture 323 in the movable mold holder 320. The movable mold holder 320 is spring loaded or biased by the compression spring 952 in an open position and includes a stop pin 328.

The work tool 100 includes a hydraulically driven piston member 122 for driving a working head coupled thereto. The assembly 122 shown in Figure 16 is described above in connection with Figure 3. Guide ring 440 is used to ensure proper alignment and provides a wiping function, as also described in connection with FIG. Related retainer 439 and sleeve member 437 can be used to mount guide ring 440. The quick connect coupling 106 is described in conjunction with FIG. Additional details of the quick connect coupling 106 are described in conjunction with FIG.

When the palm-type work tool 100 is driven, oil or other hydraulic fluid or working fluid is pumped into the pressure space, whereby the impact piston 402 is extremely piston body 410 and elongate member 412 resisting the action of the compression spring 404 along The direction of the working head 900 moves. The end portion 450 of the elongate member 412 of the impact piston received in the retainer 954 engages the generally closed end 968 of the retainer body 956 by pressing against the plate 966. This in turn moves the holder 954 through the opening 986 and moves the movable mold holder 320 of the working head 900. This kind of operation Dynamically compress spring 952. When the predetermined maximum pressure is exceeded, once the check valve is opened, the compression type spring 952 acting on the holder 954 via the seat ring 960 and the circular clip 961 and the movable mold holder 320 and acting via the centering protrusion 424 The compression type spring 404 on the piston body 410 effects the return movement of the impact piston 402.

18, 19, 20 and 23 show detailed views of the regions shown in Figs. 5, 8, 17, and 13, respectively. Figures 18, 19, 20 and 23 show in more detail specific aspects of a releasable engagement element in accordance with the present invention for certain quick connect couplings, such as coupling 106. In particular, the releasable engagement element includes a particular configuration of the various components, a plurality of balls having a first diameter, and a plurality of balls having a second diameter. In many forms of the invention, the second diameter is greater than the first diameter. For example, as shown in FIG. 16, the plurality of balls 366 have a diameter greater than the diameter of the plurality of balls 368.

The specific construction of the various components of the releasable engagement element includes an outer lock ring, such as a lock ring 360, which provides a generally annular inner surface that defines at least one locating groove, in particular spaced apart from the first locating groove The first annular positioning groove and the second annular positioning groove. Each of the first and second positioning grooves can be accessed along the inner surface of the lock ring. Representative examples of such positioning grooves include positioning grooves 380 and 382 of the lock ring 360. In some forms of the invention, the locating recess is shaped and dimensioned to cooperatively receive a plurality of balls. For example, a positioning groove (e.g., positioning groove 382) that is closer to the pressing device is shaped and sized to cooperatively receive a plurality of balls 366 (see, for example, Figure 3, as not shown in Figures 18-20). And a positioning groove (e.g., positioning groove 380) that is closer to the working head is shaped and dimensioned to cooperatively receive the plurality of balls 368. As described in more detail herein, the outer lock ring can be axially positioned relative to the ball retaining portion (eg, 362 shown in Figures 3 and 16).

The construction of the various components also includes an inner cylindrical member that is a cylindrical member of the yoke, such as the cylindrical member 250 of the yoke 132. The inner cylindrical member provides a generally annular outer surface that defines at least one groove, specifically a first annular groove and a second annular groove spaced apart from the first groove. Each of the first and second grooves is accessible along an outer surface of the cylindrical member. Representative examples of such grooves include grooves 260 and 261 of cylindrical member 250. In some forms of the invention, the recess is shaped and dimensioned to cooperatively receive a plurality of balls. For example, a groove (eg, groove 260) that is closer to the pressing device is shaped and dimensioned to cooperatively receive a plurality of balls 366 or a first portion of the plurality of balls 366 and 368. Also, the recess (e.g., recess 261) that is closer to the working head is shaped and dimensioned to cooperatively receive the plurality of balls 368 or the second portions of the plurality of balls 366 and 368.

The construction of each component also includes a cylindrical ball retaining portion disposed between the inner surface of the lock ring and the outer surface of the cylindrical member of the yoke. An example of the ball holding portion is a ball holding portion 362. The ball retaining portion defines a generally annular outer surface and an oppositely directed and generally annular inner surface. In the case where the components are assembled such that the ball holding portion is disposed between the lock ring and the cylindrical member of the yoke, the outer surface of the ball holding portion is directed to the inner surface of the lock ring, and the inner surface of the ball holding portion is directed to the yoke The outer surface of the cylindrical member of the object. The ball retaining portion also defines a plurality of apertures or ball guides, in particular a plurality of first apertures each having a first diameter and a plurality of second apertures each having a second diameter. A hole or ball guide extends through the wall of the ball retaining portion and provides communication between the outer and inner surfaces of the ball retaining portion. The diameter of the plurality of first holes (e.g., holes 372) defined in the ball retaining portion is sized to receive the plurality of balls 368. Also, the diameter of the plurality of second holes or ball guides (e.g., 370) defined in the ball retaining portion is sized to receive the plurality of balls 366. Thus, the diameter of the plurality of second holes or ball guides (eg, 370) is greater than the diameter of the plurality of first holes or ball guides (eg, 372). A plurality of first holes or ball guides (eg, 372) defined in the ball retaining portion are arranged in a row along the circumference, and a plurality of second holes or ball guides (eg, 370) defined in the ball retaining portion are along The other circumference of the plurality of first holes is spaced apart and arranged in a row. The distance between the rows of holes defined in the ball retaining portion is equal to or substantially equal to the distance between the two grooves (eg, grooves 260, 261) defined in the cylindrical member of the yoke. In the case where the cylindrical member of the yoke is fully inserted into the ball holding portion, the hole in the ball holding portion or the row of the ball guide is aligned with the groove in the outer surface of the cylindrical member of the yoke, and Directly stacked on the groove. In the case of assembling the cylindrical member of the lock ring, the ball retaining portion and the yoke; and in the case of positioning the locking ring to its unlocked position, the row of the ball or the ball guide in the ball retaining portion is along the lock The positioning grooves of the inner surface of the ring are aligned and stacked directly on the positioning groove.

In some embodiments, the plurality of first holes or ball guides 372 are equally spaced apart from one another along the circumferential row of the indicia. Also, a plurality of second holes or ball guides 370 are equally spaced apart from one another along the circumferential row of the indicia. A staggered arrangement of holes or ball guides 370, 372, such as shown in Figures 3 and 16, may be employed, with holes or ball guides 370 in one row being disposed in two adjacent holes or ball guides 372 in another row. Between and in the other row of holes or balls guide A member 372 is disposed between two adjacent holes or ball guides 370 in the one row.

In the case of assembling the components, a plurality of first balls (eg, balls 368) are disposed in the plurality of first holes or ball guides 372, and a plurality of second balls (eg, balls 366) are disposed in the plurality of second Hole or ball guide 370. The lock ring 360 can be axially positioned relative to the ball retaining portion 362 (and other components) and can be positioned between a locked position (eg, as shown in Figures 18, 19, and 20) and an unlocked position in which the unlocked position, The lock ring 360 moves toward the work tool. With the locking ring axially positioned to its unlocked position, the positioning grooves 380 and 382 in the locking ring 360 are respectively aligned with the holes or ball guides 372 and 370 in the ball retaining portion, thereby allowing the ball 368 portion to It is received in the positioning groove 380 and allows the ball 366 to be partially received in the positioning groove 382. The positioning of such a portion of the ball is received such that the inner surface of the ball retaining portion 362 is not obstructed, i.e., portions of the balls 366 and 368 project inwardly, thereby allowing the cylindrical member 250 to follow the ball retaining portion thereof. The inner surface moves axially. Thus, the yoke and associated work head can be removed or disengaged from the engagement element and the work tool. In the case of axially positioning the lock ring to its locked position, the positioning grooves 380 and 382 are not directly superposed on the holes or ball guides 372 and 370, thereby pushing the balls 366, 368 to the cylindrical member, respectively. In the grooves 261 and 260, and thereby the cylindrical member of the yoke is engaged with the engaging member and the ball retaining portion of the work tool. It will be appreciated that the number of rows of multiple balls may be more or less than the two rows described herein, and this should not limit the applicability of the foregoing embodiments.

The work tool 100 and interchangeable work heads 130, 500, 550, 600, 800, and 900 of the present invention have a number of advantages over prior designs. One of the advantages is that assembly is easy because the design of the working heads 130, 500, 550 with the screw locking mechanism 274 allows pretensioning of the tension springs 264 without the need to pre-extend the springs. The threaded portion of the screw lock mechanism 274 can tension and/or extend the tension spring 264 as the mechanism rotates. Another advantage is that the elongated elongate member 412 of the impact piston 402 facilitates alignment of the detachable working heads 130, 500, 550, and 900 with the work tool 100. By incorporating the extended elongate member 412 into the hydraulic working tool 100 and removing the otherwise required separate handle from the detachable working heads 130, 500, 550, and 900, relative to existing designs having a two-piece shank, It also has the advantage of cost. In addition, all of the tools and head systems can employ quick connect elements to releasably engage the work head with the work tool.

In some embodiments of the invention, a working head is provided that includes a biasing device that will One or more members, such as a movable mold member, are biased to a desired position, such as an open position. Generally, the biasing means includes at least one axially oriented spring or other biasing member disposed about the impact piston in the working head. Figure 5 (the working head 130 with the spring 264 is disposed around the impact piston 402); Figure 8 (the working head 550 with the spring 552 is disposed about the impact piston 450); and Figure 17 (the working head 900 with the spring 952 is disposed around the impact piston 450) Various embodiments of such a configuration are shown in ).

In other embodiments of the invention, a working head is provided that does not have such a biasing device, and in particular does not have a spring disposed about the impact piston. For example, Figure 10 illustrates a work head 600; and Figures 11 and 13 illustrate a work head 800 that does not have a biasing device that biases one or more members of the work head (e.g., movable mold members) to an open position .

The present invention includes various features in combination with other tool configurations such as palm-type hand hydraulic tools. 21 schematically illustrates a manually operated work tool 1000 having a housing 1002 having a nose end 1004 and one or more detachable/interchangeable working heads 1030 selectively via a quick release coupling 1006 And removably attached at the nose end. Tool 1000 includes a handle 1010 that is pivotally attached to housing 1002. The housing 1002 includes a hydraulic cylinder (not shown), an impact piston (not shown) disposed in the cylinder, and a biasing device (not shown) associated with the impact. It should be understood that the pivotal displacement or "pumping" of the handle 1010 causes hydraulic fluid in the tool 1000 to move and ultimately results in the extension of a hydraulic piston (not shown). Figure 21 illustrates that palm-type manually operated hydraulic tools may also utilize aspects and features of the present invention.

The invention also includes various features in other tool configurations that incorporate a tool system such as a remote access. Figure 22 schematically illustrates a distal access tool system 1100 that includes a hydraulic head housing 1102 that includes a quick release coupling 1106 that enables one or more detachable/can be The interchangeable working head 1130 can be selectively and removably attached to the housing 1102 at the nose end 1104. The remote access system 1100 also includes a manually powered base unit 1190 or an electric base unit 1195 that provides hydraulic fluid under pressure to the head member housing 1102 via hydraulic flow lines 1192 or 1194, respectively. It should be understood that the base unit 1190, 1195 typically includes a hydraulic fluid reservoir, a hydraulic pump and a handle or an electric motor. The hydraulic head housing 1102 includes a hydraulic cylinder (not shown), an impact piston (not shown) disposed in the cylinder, and a biasing device (not shown) associated with the impact. Figure 22 shows that the remotely accessed hydraulic tools and tool systems can also utilize aspects and features of the present invention.

Many other advantages will undoubtedly become apparent from the future application and development of the technology.

Thus, all patents, applications, standards, and documents described herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

The present invention includes all operational combinations of the various features and aspects described herein. Thus, for example, if a feature is described as being associated with one embodiment and another feature is described as being associated with another embodiment, it is to be understood that the invention includes embodiments having combinations of these features.

As described above, the present invention addresses many of the problems associated with the aforementioned strategies, systems, and/or devices. It will be understood, however, that the details of the invention may be described and illustrated herein to explain the features of the invention, Various changes have been made to the materials and component arrangements.

100‧‧‧Working tools

102‧‧‧ housing

104‧‧‧Nose end

106‧‧‧Quick release coupling

110‧‧‧ handle

114‧‧‧Hydraulic release switch

116‧‧‧ Container

120‧‧‧Motor

121‧‧‧Distance of the piston element

122‧‧‧ piston components

Claims (40)

A work tool having an interchangeable work head, comprising: a work tool including a housing, a hydraulic cylinder or body located within the housing, disposed in the hydraulic body and capable of being positioned in a fully retracted position and completely An impact piston between the extended positions, and a biasing device associated with the impact piston and configured to bias the impact piston to a fully retracted position; a quick release coupling to which the quick release coupling is mounted a work tool for releasably attaching the interchangeable working head to the work tool; wherein, in the case of positioning the impact piston to a fully retracted position, the distal end of the impact piston extends outwardly beyond the quick release Couplings. The work tool having an interchangeable work head according to claim 1, further comprising: an interchangeable work head, the interchangeable work head being selectively engageable to the quick release coupling. A work tool having an interchangeable work head according to claim 2, wherein the work head defines a recessed receiving area for receiving the fully retracted portion when the work head is coupled to the work tool Impact the distal end of the piston. A work tool having an interchangeable work head according to claim 2, wherein the work head includes a movable mold member that is driven by the impact piston in the case where the work head is coupled to the work tool. A work tool having an interchangeable working head according to claim 4, wherein the working head further comprises biasing means for biasing the movable mold member to an open position. A work tool having an interchangeable working head according to claim 5, wherein the biasing means comprises at least one axially oriented spring that surrounds the working head in the case where the working head is coupled to the working tool The impact piston is set. A work tool having an interchangeable work head according to claim 5, wherein in the case of connecting the work head to the work tool, the work head does not have a spring disposed around the impact piston in the work head. A work tool having an interchangeable working head according to claim 1, wherein the quick release coupling comprises: (i) a substantially cylindrical ball retaining portion defining a plurality of ball guides and an open end, the ball The retaining portion is engaged with the cylinder or body of the work tool; (ii) substantially round a cylindrical lock ring disposed on the ball retaining portion and axially positionable between the unlocked position and a locked position on the ball retaining portion; and (iii) a plurality of balls disposed in the limit In the ball guide in the ball holding portion. A work tool having an interchangeable working head according to claim 8, wherein the plurality of balls include a plurality of first balls each having a first diameter and a plurality of second balls each having a second diameter, the second diameter Greater than the first diameter. A work tool having an interchangeable working head according to claim 8, wherein the lock ring defines a substantially annular inner surface and at least one positioning groove defined in the inner surface. A work tool having an interchangeable working head according to claim 9, wherein the lock ring defines a substantially annular inner surface and a first positioning groove defined on the inner surface, the size of the first positioning groove And forming a shape to cooperatively receive the plurality of first balls. A work tool having an interchangeable working head according to claim 11, wherein the lock ring further defines a second positioning groove defined on the inner surface, the second positioning groove being spaced apart from the first positioning groove And sized and shaped to cooperatively receive the plurality of second balls. A work tool having an interchangeable working head according to claim 9, wherein the plurality of ball guides defined by the ball holding portion include a plurality of first ball guides, and diameter diameters of the plurality of first ball guides Formed to receive the plurality of first balls. A work tool having an interchangeable working head according to claim 13, wherein the plurality of ball guides defined by the ball holding portion include a plurality of second ball guides, and the plurality of second ball guides are sized to be formed To receive the plurality of second balls. A work tool having an interchangeable working head according to claim 8 further comprising: an interchangeable working head selectively engageable to the quick release coupling, wherein the interchangeable working head includes an extension extending from the working head A substantially cylindrical member sized to be inserted into the open end of the ball retaining portion. A work tool having an interchangeable working head according to claim 15 wherein the generally cylindrical member defines an annular outer surface and at least one groove defined on the outer surface. A work tool having an interchangeable working head according to claim 15, wherein the cylindrical member defines an annular outer surface and a first groove defined on the outer surface, the size and shape of the first groove Formed to cooperatively receive the first portion of the plurality of balls. A work tool having an interchangeable working head according to claim 17, wherein the cylindrical member defines a second groove on the outer surface, the second groove being spaced apart from the first groove, and The two recesses are sized and shaped to cooperatively receive the second portion of the plurality of balls. A palm-type hydraulic system comprising: a work tool having a hydraulic cylinder or body, an impact piston disposed in a hydraulic body, and a compression type spring mounted on the impact piston; and a quick release coupling, A quick release coupling is mounted to the work tool for releasably attaching the interchangeable working head to the work tool, the quick release coupling comprising: (i) a generally cylindrical ball retaining portion defining a plurality of balls a guide member and an open end portion, the ball retaining portion engaging the cylinder or body of the work tool; (ii) a substantially cylindrical lock ring disposed on the ball retaining portion and capable of being on the ball retaining portion The axial direction is positioned between the unlocked position and the locked position; and (iii) a plurality of balls disposed in the ball guide defined within the ball retaining portion. The palm-type hydraulic system of claim 19, wherein the impact piston comprises an integral elongate member having a distal end extending outwardly from a nose end of the work tool. The palm-type hydraulic system of claim 19, wherein the plurality of balls comprise a plurality of first balls each having a first diameter and a plurality of second balls each having a second diameter, the second diameter being greater than the first One diameter. The palm-type hydraulic system of claim 21, wherein the plurality of ball guides comprise: a plurality of first ball guides sized to receive a plurality of first balls having the first diameter; and Two second ball guides sized to receive a plurality of second balls having the second diameter. The palm-type hydraulic system of claim 19, wherein the lock ring defines a generally annular inner surface and at least one positioning groove defined in the inner surface. The palm-type hydraulic system of claim 21, wherein the lock ring defines a substantially annular inner surface and a first positioning groove defined on the inner surface, the first positioning groove being sized and shaped to be used The plurality of first balls are cooperatively received. The palm-type hydraulic system of claim 24, wherein the lock ring further defines a limit a second positioning groove defined on the inner surface, the second positioning groove being spaced apart from the first positioning groove and sized and shaped to cooperatively receive the plurality of second balls. The palm-type hydraulic system of claim 21, wherein the plurality of ball guides defined by the ball retaining portion comprise a plurality of first ball guides sized to receive The plurality of first balls. The palm-type hydraulic system of claim 26, wherein the plurality of ball guides defined by the ball retaining portion comprise a plurality of second ball guides sized to receive The plurality of second balls. The palm-type hydraulic system of claim 19, further comprising: an interchangeable working head selectively coupled to the impact piston of the work tool, wherein the impact piston is axially movable within the body for use The working head is driven, and the working head includes a substantially cylindrical member extending from the working head, the substantially cylindrical member being sized to be inserted into the open end of the ball retaining portion. A palm-type hydraulic system according to claim 28, wherein the working head includes a tension type spring engaged with a cylindrical member, and a movable mold member coupled to the tension spring and driven by the impact piston, the movable mold member The tension spring is biased to the open position. The palm-type hydraulic system of claim 28, wherein the working head includes a second compression type spring engaged with a cylindrical member, and a movable mold member coupled to the second compression type spring and driven by the impact piston, The movable mold member is biased by the second compression type spring to an open position. The palm-type hydraulic system of claim 28, wherein the substantially cylindrical member defines an annular outer surface and at least one groove defined on the outer surface. The palm-type hydraulic system of claim 28, wherein the plurality of balls comprises a plurality of first balls each having a first diameter and a plurality of second balls each having a second diameter, the second diameter being greater than the first Diameter, and wherein the cylindrical member defines an annular outer surface and a first groove defined on the outer surface, the first groove being sized and shaped to cooperatively receive the plurality of first balls . The palm-type hydraulic system of claim 32, wherein the cylindrical member defines a second groove on the outer surface, the second groove being spaced apart from the first groove, and the second groove The size and shape are formed to cooperatively receive the plurality of second balls. A work head adapted to be selectively engaged and disengaged from a hydraulic work tool having a hydraulic cylinder or body disposed in the hydraulic cylinder or body for movement between an extended position and a retracted position An impact piston, and a biasing member engaged with the impact piston, the biasing member configured to bias the impact piston to a retracted position; the working head comprising: a guiding element including for engaging Engaging means for performing at least one operation on the workpiece, the engagement means being positionable between an extended position and a retracted position, the guiding element comprising a substantially cylindrical member, the cylinder being engaged with the work tool when the working head is engaged The shaped member is aligned with the impact piston and receives the distal end of the impact piston. The work head of claim 34, further comprising: a biasing device disposed in the bore of the guide assembly, wherein the biasing device is configured to bias the engagement device to the retracted position. The work head of claim 35, wherein the biasing means comprises a coil spring. The work head of claim 36, wherein at least a portion of the impact piston of the work tool extends through at least a portion of the coil spring in the event of engagement between the work head and the hydraulic work tool. The work head of claim 34, wherein the work head does not have a spring disposed about the impact piston in the work head. A working head according to claim 34, wherein the working head is adapted to be selectively and releasably engaged with a quick release coupling comprising: (i) a generally cylindrical ball retaining portion Defining a plurality of ball guides and an open end of the cylindrical member adapted to receive the yoke; (ii) a substantially cylindrical lock ring disposed on the ball retaining portion and capable of being on the ball retaining portion Positioned axially between an unlocked position and a locked position; and (iii) a plurality of balls disposed in a ball guide defined within the ball retaining portion. The work head of claim 34, wherein the guide assembly of the work head is configured such that the cylindrical member receives the distal end of the impact piston of the work tool when the impact piston is in the fully retracted position.