US20230241660A1 - Conduit bender - Google Patents
Conduit bender Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20230241660A1 US20230241660A1 US18/105,434 US202318105434A US2023241660A1 US 20230241660 A1 US20230241660 A1 US 20230241660A1 US 202318105434 A US202318105434 A US 202318105434A US 2023241660 A1 US2023241660 A1 US 2023241660A1
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- Prior art keywords
- housing
- power tool
- conduit
- tool
- output shaft
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- 238000005452 bending Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 134
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 claims description 6
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 claims description 6
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 6
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 description 12
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 8
- 230000037361 pathway Effects 0.000 description 6
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 5
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 4
- 230000002441 reversible effect Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000005259 measurement Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 210000003739 neck Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000003462 Bender reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000994 depressogenic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000087 stabilizing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
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Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B21—MECHANICAL METAL-WORKING WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
- B21D—WORKING OR PROCESSING OF SHEET METAL OR METAL TUBES, RODS OR PROFILES WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
- B21D7/00—Bending rods, profiles, or tubes
- B21D7/02—Bending rods, profiles, or tubes over a stationary forming member; by use of a swinging forming member or abutment
- B21D7/024—Bending rods, profiles, or tubes over a stationary forming member; by use of a swinging forming member or abutment by a swinging forming member
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B21—MECHANICAL METAL-WORKING WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
- B21D—WORKING OR PROCESSING OF SHEET METAL OR METAL TUBES, RODS OR PROFILES WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
- B21D7/00—Bending rods, profiles, or tubes
- B21D7/06—Bending rods, profiles, or tubes in press brakes or between rams and anvils or abutments; Pliers with forming dies
- B21D7/063—Pliers with forming dies
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B21—MECHANICAL METAL-WORKING WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
- B21D—WORKING OR PROCESSING OF SHEET METAL OR METAL TUBES, RODS OR PROFILES WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
- B21D7/00—Bending rods, profiles, or tubes
- B21D7/16—Auxiliary equipment, e.g. for heating or cooling of bends
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B21—MECHANICAL METAL-WORKING WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
- B21D—WORKING OR PROCESSING OF SHEET METAL OR METAL TUBES, RODS OR PROFILES WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
- B21D7/00—Bending rods, profiles, or tubes
- B21D7/14—Bending rods, profiles, or tubes combined with measuring of bends or lengths
Definitions
- Conduit may include pipes, electrical metallic tubing (EMT), intermediate metal conduit (IMC), rigid metal conduit (RMC), rigid non metallic conduit (RNC), solid stock, rebar, or any other elongate material.
- EMT electrical metallic tubing
- IMC intermediate metal conduit
- RMC rigid metal conduit
- RNC rigid non metallic conduit
- solid stock solid stock
- rebar or any other elongate material.
- the disclosure provides a powered conduit bending tool configured to bend conduit.
- the tool comprises a housing, a motor contained within the housing, and a battery removably coupled to the housing to provide power to the motor.
- An output shaft extends from the housing and is driven by the motor to rotate about an axis.
- a head is coupled to the output shaft for rotation therewith.
- the head includes a curved channel for receiving the conduit.
- the tool includes a guide coupled to the housing and supported opposite the curved channel of the head.
- the guide includes a latching handle movable between a closed position, in which the conduit is secured to the head, and an open position, in which conduit is removable from the head.
- the motor drives the head to rotate relative to the housing so that the curved channel and the guide cooperate to bend the pipe when the latching handle is in the closed position.
- the motor is coupled to the output shaft by a drive train.
- the guide is mounted on a support arm extending between a first end and a second end, the first end including an opening configured to surround the output shaft.
- the first end of the support arm includes an eccentric support that moves the opening with respect to the first end. Movement of the opening with respect to the first end changes a dimension between the guide and the output shaft.
- the tool includes a set of controls configured to set a desired bend angle and an offset.
- the tool includes an optical sensor to sense the linear and rotational movement of the conduit as it moves along the curved channel.
- the tool includes an alignment laser that projects at least one alignment plane toward a tail end of the conduit.
- the disclosure provides a power tool configured to bend conduit, the power tool including a housing, a motor supported by the housing, a guide coupled to the housing, and a user interface for controlling the motor.
- the tool further includes an output shaft coupled to the housing and including a first end extending from the housing.
- the output shaft is driven by the motor to rotate about an output axis.
- a bender head is supported on the output shaft for rotation therewith, the bender head including a curved channel for receiving the conduit.
- the bender head is rotatable relative to the guide between a first position, in which the conduit is positionable in and movable along the curved channel, and a second position, in which the conduit is secured in the curved channel.
- the user interface includes a first actuator for moving the bender head from the first position to the second position. In some embodiments, the user interface includes a second actuator for further rotating the bender head relative to the guide from the second position to bend the conduit.
- the guide in the second position, is configured to contact the conduit to secure the conduit in the curved channel. In the first position, the guide is configured to be spaced from the conduit positioned in the curved channel.
- the guide is mounted to a guide support arm, the guide support arm having a first end mounted around the output shaft and a second end which receives the guide.
- the guide support arm is selectively secured to the housing so that the guide is fixed with respect to the housing during a loading and bending operation.
- the disclosure provides a conduit bending tool for bending conduit, the conduit bending tool including a handle extending between a first end and a second end, a bender head coupled to the first end, and a bender module coupled to the handle adjacent the head.
- the bender head includes a curved channel for receiving conduit.
- the bender module includes a module housing including an angled surface, a first sensor for sensing the orientation of the handle within a first vertical plane, wherein the curved channel is positioned within the first vertical plane, and a user interface positioned on the angled surface of the module housing.
- a controller is configured to received input from the first sensor, to determine a bend angle of the conduit, and to cause the user interface to display the bend angle.
- the bender module includes a second sensor for sensing an orientation of the handle in a second vertical plane, perpendicular to the first plane.
- the controller is configured to receive input from the second sensor, to determine a tilt amount of the handle, and to cause the user interface to display a level indicator corresponding to a tilt amount.
- the disclosure provides a power tool configured to bend conduit including a housing, having a base and a tower, and a handle extending from the tower.
- the handle cooperates with the housing to define a working area at least partially between the base and the handle.
- An output shaft extends from the base into the working area and rotates about an output axis.
- a bender head is supported on the output shaft for rotation therewith and is configured to engage the conduit.
- a motor is positioned within the housing and configured to rotate the output shaft about the output axis.
- a battery receptacle is supported by the housing and is configured to removably receive a battery that provides power to the motor.
- the output axis intersects the handle.
- the handle includes a user interface.
- the housing includes a set of legs extending from the base, and wherein the power tool is alternately supported on a horizontal surface by the set of legs or supported above the horizontal surface by the handle. When the power tool is supported above the horizontal surface, the tower may be rested against a user in order to support the power tool during a bending operation.
- the motor is positioned within the tower, and the tool further comprises a drive train mounted in the housing to couple the output shaft to the motor.
- the drive train includes a first planetary gear set, a bevel gear, and a second planetary gear set.
- the motor includes a motor shaft extending along a motor axis, and wherein the motor axis is perpendicular to the output axis of the output shaft.
- the battery receptacle is located on the tower.
- the base is rotatable with respect to the tower between a first position and a second position, wherein, in the first position, the output axis intersects the handle, and wherein, in the second position, the output axis does not intersect the handle.
- a power tool configured to bend conduit.
- the power tool includes a housing, a motor supported by the housing, and a handle extending from the housing and including a user interface for controlling the motor.
- An output shaft is coupled to the housing and includes a first end extending from the housing. The output shaft is driven by the motor to rotate about a output axis.
- a bender head is supported on the output shaft for rotation therewith, the bender head including a curved channel for receiving the conduit.
- a guide assembly is coupled to the housing, the guide assembly being movable between a locked configuration, in which the guide assembly is configured to secure the conduit in the curved channel, and an unlocked configuration, in which the conduit is removable from the curved channel.
- the guide assembly includes a guide and a latching handle pivotally coupled to the guide.
- the guide includes a guide curved surface
- the latching handle includes a latch curved surface. In the locked configuration, the guide curved surface and the latch curved surface are in contact with the conduit secured in the curved channel and form a continuous guide path.
- the guide assembly includes a guide arm extending between a first arm end and a second arm end.
- the first arm end is coupled to the housing and the second arm end is coupled to the guide.
- the first arm end of the guide arm is rotatably mounted around the output shaft such that the guide arm is rotatable with respect to the output shaft, and wherein the housing includes a locking latch for selectively securing the guide arm with respect to the housing.
- the second arm end of the guide arm includes an eccentric support having an opening for coupling to the guide, and wherein the eccentric support is movable to adjust a position of the opening with respect to the guide arm.
- a power tool is configured to bend conduit.
- the power tool includes a housing, an output shaft, and a motor.
- the housing includes a tower and a base, the base being rotatable with respect to the tower.
- the output shaft extends from the base and is configured to receive a bender head with a curved channel for engaging conduit.
- the motor is positioned within the housing and configured to rotate the output shaft about an output axis.
- the base is rotatable between a first position in which the output axis extends in a first direction relative to the tower, and a second position in which the output axis extends in a second direction relative to the tower, the second direction being different than the first direction.
- the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction.
- the tool further includes a working area adjacent the output shaft, wherein in the first position the working area is in a horizontal plane such that the bending operation occurs in the horizontal plane, and wherein in the second position the working area is in a vertical plane such that the bending operation occurs in the vertical plane.
- the tool further includes a handle extending from the tower, and wherein in the first position the handle at least partially overlies the base.
- the power tool further includes a battery receptacle supported by the tower that is configured to receive a battery that provides power to the motor.
- the power tool further comprises a locking latch for securing the base in the first position and the second position.
- a bending system is configured to bend conduit.
- the system includes a power tool and a stand.
- the power tool includes a housing, a motor positioned within the housing, and an output shaft extending from the housing and driven by the motor to rotate about an axis.
- a bender head is rotatably coupled to the output shaft.
- the stand is configured to support the power tool above a surface.
- the stand includes a center column extending between a first end and a second end, the first end configured to couple to the power tool.
- a battery receptacle supported by the center column for receiving a battery to provide power to the motor of the power tool.
- a set of legs is coupled to the center column and engages the surface.
- the battery receptacle is coupled to the center end of the center column.
- the power tool is movable to different orientations relative to the stand.
- the set of legs includes three legs arranged as a tripod.
- a power tool configured to bend conduit.
- the power tool includes a housing, a motor positioned within the housing, an output shaft extending from the housing and driven by the motor to rotate about an axis, and a bender head coupled for rotation with the output shaft and configured to engage a conduit during a bending operation.
- a guide is coupled to the housing and engages the conduit during the bending operation.
- a stand is coupled to the housing for supporting the housing above a support surface. The stand includes a battery receptacle for receiving a battery that provides power to the motor.
- the housing is rotatably coupled to the stand for movement between a first position with the output shaft extending vertically, and a second position with the output shaft extending horizontally.
- the power tool further includes a handle extending from the housing.
- a user input is configured to control operation of the motor, the user input being positioned on the handle.
- a power tool is configured to bend conduit.
- the power tool includes a housing, a motor positioned within the housing, an output shaft extending from the housing and driven by the motor to rotate about an axis, and a bender head coupled for rotation with the output shaft and configured to engage a conduit during a bending operation.
- a guide is configured to support the conduit during the bending operation.
- a guide support arm supports the guide in a variety of positions with respect to the output shaft.
- the guide support arm is rotatably coupled to the output shaft such that the guide support arm is rotatable with respect to the axis.
- the power tool further includes a locking latch is used to selectively secure the guide support arm with respect to the housing.
- the guide support arm includes a first end for coupling to the output shaft and a second end for coupling to the guide.
- the first end includes an opening and an eccentric support positioned within the opening.
- the eccentric support is movable within the opening.
- the eccentric supports includes a plate having a central opening, wherein the central opening receives the output shaft. The rotation of the plate causes movement of the central opening with respect to the first end.
- a bending tool is configured to bend conduit.
- the bending tool includes a handle extending along a handle axis to an end, and a bender head coupled to the end of the handle.
- the bender head includes a curved channel for receiving conduit.
- the bending tool includes a bender module having a sensor for sensing an orientation of the bender module and configured to generate a signal, a controller configured to receive the signal and determine a bend angle based on the signal from the sensor, and a display for displaying the bend angle.
- the bender module is coupled to the handle at the end adjacent the bender head. In some embodiments the bender module is integrated into the bender head. In some embodiments the bender module further includes a power source, which may be a battery removably coupled to the bender module.
- the bender module further includes a housing with an angled surface configured to be visible by a user holding the handle, and wherein the display is positioned on the angled surface.
- the housing includes a first half and a second half movably coupled to the first half for movement between an open position and a closed position, wherein in the closed position the housing surrounds a portion of the handle, a portion of the bender head, or portions of both.
- a bending tool for bending conduit including a bender head and a laser module.
- the bender head includes a curved channel for receiving a conduit during a bending operation.
- the curved channel defines a bending plane.
- the bender head also includes a first mounting surface, and a second mounting surface spaced from the first mounting space.
- the laser module includes a laser configured to project a laser line. The laser module alternately couples to the first mounting surface and the second mounting surface. When the laser module is coupled to the first mounting surface, the laser line extends within the bending plane.
- the laser module includes a mounting feature configured to secure the laser module to the bender head, and wherein the mounting feature includes a magnet.
- the bender head when the laser module is coupled to the second mounting surface, the laser line intersects the bending plane.
- the bender head includes a clamp for engaging conduit, and the first mounting surface is adjacent the clamp.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a handheld power tool engaging a conduit according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 2 illustrates a portion of the tool of FIG. 1 including a drive train, a head, and a guide.
- FIG. 3 is a side view of the drive train of FIG. 2 .
- FIG. 4 is a partially exploded view of the power tool illustrating the head and the guide of FIG. 2 .
- FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the tool of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 6 illustrates a step of operating the tool of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 7 illustrates a further step of operating the tool of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 8 illustrates a further step of operating the tool of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 9 illustrates a further step of operating the tool of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 10 illustrates a further step of operating the tool of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 11 illustrates a further step of operating the tool of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 12 illustrates the tool of FIG. 1 in an exemplary use environment.
- FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a handheld power tool according to a further embodiment.
- FIG. 14 illustrates a step of operating the tool of FIG. 13 .
- FIG. 15 illustrates a further step of operating the tool of FIG. 13 .
- FIG. 16 illustrates a further step of operating the tool of FIG. 13 .
- FIG. 17 illustrates a further step of operating the tool of FIG. 13 .
- FIG. 18 illustrates a further step of operating the tool of FIG. 13 .
- FIG. 19 illustrates a further step of operating the tool of FIG. 13 .
- FIG. 20 illustrates a further step of operating the tool of FIG. 13 .
- FIG. 21 illustrates the tool of FIG. 13 in an exemplary use environment.
- FIG. 22 A illustrates an embodiment of a control for use with the tool of FIG. 13 .
- FIG. 22 B illustrates another embodiment of a control for use with the tool of FIG. 13 .
- FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a power tool according to a further embodiment, the power tool being coupled to a stand.
- FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the power tool of FIG. 23 .
- FIG. 25 illustrates a drive train of the power tool of FIG. 23 .
- FIG. 26 illustrates a step of operating the tool of FIG. 23 .
- FIG. 27 illustrates a further step of operating the tool of FIG. 23 .
- FIG. 28 illustrates a further step of operating the tool of FIG. 23 .
- FIG. 29 illustrates a further step of operating the tool of FIG. 23 .
- FIG. 30 illustrates a further step of operating the tool of FIG. 23 .
- FIG. 31 illustrates a further step of operating the tool of FIG. 23 .
- FIG. 32 illustrates the tool of FIG. 23 in an exemplary use environment.
- FIG. 33 is a perspective view of a power tool according to a further embodiment, the power tool being coupled with a stand.
- FIG. 34 is a perspective view of the power tool of FIG. 33 including an optical sensor.
- FIG. 35 illustrates the optical sensor of FIG. 34 .
- FIG. 36 illustrates an alignment feature for use with the power tool of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 37 is a perspective view of an alternate guide support arm for use with any of the described power tools.
- FIG. 38 illustrates the guide support arm of FIG. 37 in a first configuration.
- FIG. 39 illustrates the guide support arm of FIG. 37 in a second configuration.
- FIG. 40 illustrates a conduit bender including a bender module.
- FIG. 41 illustrates a schematic view of the bender module of FIG. 40 .
- FIG. 42 illustrates the conduit bender of FIG. 40 in an operation position.
- FIG. 43 illustrates another embodiment of a bender module with a removable battery.
- FIG. 44 illustrates a still further embodiment of a bender module with a charging port.
- FIG. 45 illustrates a removable bender module for coupling to a conduit bending tool.
- FIG. 46 illustrates the removable bender module of FIG. 45 in an open position.
- FIG. 47 illustrates the removable bender module of FIG. 46 in a closed position, coupled to a conduit bending tool.
- FIG. 48 illustrates a laser module of an alignment system for use with a conduit bending tool.
- FIG. 49 illustrates a head of a conduit bending tool with a first mounting surface that selectively receives the laser module of FIG. 48 .
- FIG. 50 illustrates a head of a conduit bending tool with a second mounting surface that selectively receives the laser module of FIG. 48 and a third mounting surface that may selectively receive the laser module of FIG. 48 .
- FIG. 51 illustrates the head of a conduit bending tool of FIG. 51 with a fourth mounting surface that may selectively receive the laser module of FIG. 48 .
- FIG. 52 illustrates an alignment system in use with a conduit bending tool in one configuration.
- FIG. 53 illustrates the alignment system of FIG. 52 in another configuration.
- FIG. 54 illustrates a first step of an operation performed by a powered bending tool according to one embodiment.
- FIG. 55 illustrates a second step of the operation of the tool of FIG. 54 .
- FIG. 56 illustrates a third step of the operation of the tool of FIG. 54 .
- FIG. 57 illustrates a fourth step of the operation of the tool of FIG. 54 .
- FIG. 58 illustrates a final step of the operation of the tool of FIG. 54 .
- Pipes or conduit are used in a variety of use cases that can require different configurations and shapes be created.
- a conduit bender is typically used to form the pipes into the desired shape.
- Typical conduit benders use the force applied by an operator's foot to bend the conduit along a head. This can be difficult if the operator is unable to apply the correct amount of force to bend pipes, especially stiff pipes.
- the process can also be imprecise, as the force from the operator's foot must be discontinued once the pipe has reached the desired bend angle, which is measured using indicators located on the head, beneath the operator's foot. Additionally, it can be a time consuming process to create multiple bends in multiple pipes and can be difficult to keep the orientation consistent for subsequent bends.
- FIGS. 1 - 12 illustrate a powered conduit bending tool 10 .
- the bending tool 10 can be used to bend conduit.
- Conduit may include pipes, electrical metallic tubing (EMT), intermediate metal conduit (IMC), rigid metal conduit (RMC), rigid non metallic conduit (RNC), solid stock, rebar, or any other elongate material.
- the bending tool 10 includes a housing 14 having a base 18 and a tower 22 extending up from the base 18 .
- a set of legs 26 extends from the base 18 to support the housing 14 on a horizontal surface.
- the tower 22 includes a motor housing 30 containing a motor 34 .
- the motor 34 may be an electric motor 34 .
- the bending tool 10 is battery powered and the tower 22 includes a battery receptacle 38 for receiving a battery 42 .
- the battery 42 may be removable and rechargeable and is selectively electrically connected with the motor 34 .
- the bending tool 10 may alternately or additionally include a power cord extending from the housing 14 for providing power to the motor 34 .
- a handle 46 extends upwards and forwards from the tower 22 .
- the handle 46 includes a grip portion 50 having a user interface 54 .
- the user interface 54 includes a set of controls 58 and a trigger 62 .
- the bending tool 10 may include a controller (not shown) to selectively provide power from the battery 42 to the motor 34 based on input from the user interface 54 .
- the bending tool 10 is handheld, so an operator can use the grip portion 50 to support the housing 14 above a surface. As shown in FIG. 12 , in some embodiments, the operator can utilize the grip portion 50 to support the housing 14 during operation and rest a rear of the motor housing 30 against their body to add support to the bending tool 10 as the bending tool 10 operates. In other embodiments, the bending tool 10 may be supported by the set of legs 26 on a horizontal surface during operation, or before or after operation.
- the handle 46 cooperates with the base 18 and tower 22 to define a working area 70 .
- the bending tool 10 includes an output shaft 74 extending upward from the base 18 into the working area 70 .
- a bender head 78 is coupled to the output shaft 74 to rotate therewith.
- the bender head 78 may be removably coupled to the output shaft 74 and is interchangeable with any of a plurality of bender heads.
- the plurality of bender heads may include a variety of bender heads for accommodating different diameters of pipe, different stiffness of pipe, or for creating bends having different radii.
- the bender head 78 is removable and can be coupled with a handle to operate as a typical conduit bender.
- the bender head 78 includes a front portion 82 and a rear portion 86 .
- the rear portion 86 includes a central channel 90 for receiving an arm adapter 94 .
- the arm adapter 94 extends between a first end 98 and a second end 102 .
- the first end 98 includes a noncircular opening 106 for engaging the output shaft 74 and the second end 102 is mounted in the central channel 90 .
- the front portion 82 includes an outer edge 110 defining a curved channel 114 .
- the curved channel 114 may have a radius corresponding to a diameter of pipe intended to be bent by the bender head 78 . At least a portion of the outer edge 110 extends along a semi-circular profile 118 .
- the semi-circular profile 118 may have a radius corresponding to a radius of the resulting bend in the pipe.
- a holding clamp 122 extends from the front portion 82 and defines a contact surface 126 facing the curved channel 114 .
- the bender head 78 may include a plurality of indicator markings 130 , marking the sizes of the radii and the intended pipe.
- the plurality of indicator markings 130 may also include angle indicators 134 and an alignment indicator 138 .
- the bending tool 10 includes a guide assembly 140 movable between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration.
- the guide assembly 140 includes a guide 142 mounted on a guide support arm 146 .
- the guide support arm 146 extends between a first arm end 150 and a second arm end 154 .
- the first arm end 150 includes an opening 158 surrounding the output shaft 74 .
- the guide 142 is mounted to the second arm end 154 of the guide support arm 146 by a fastener 162 .
- the guide 142 includes a curved surface 166 .
- the guide 142 is mounted so that the curved surface 166 is positioned opposite the curved channel 114 , creating a pathway 170 for conduit.
- the guide 142 is reversible and includes a second curved surface 174 having a different profile to accommodate different types and sizes of conduit.
- the guide assembly 140 further includes a latching handle 178 coupled to the guide 142 .
- the latching handle 178 includes a third curved surface 182 .
- the latching handle 178 is pivotally mounted for rotation relative to the guide 142 between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the unlocked position, the latching handle 178 is pivoted away from the housing 14 to allow conduit to be installed in the bender head 78 .
- the latching handle 178 In the locked position, the latching handle 178 is pivoted toward the housing 14 until the third curved surface 182 is generally aligned with the curved surface 166 of the guide 142 , forming a continuous guide path.
- the guide 142 is rotatable with the latching handle 178 between the locked position and unlocked position.
- the latching handle 178 is integrally formed with the guide 142 .
- a drive train 186 is mounted in the housing 14 to couple the motor 34 with the output shaft 74 .
- the motor 34 includes a motor shaft (not shown) extending along a first axis 194 or motor axis 194 .
- the drive train 186 includes a first planetary gear set 198 coupled to the motor 34 .
- the first planetary gear set 198 may be a three stage planetary gear train and may transmit rotation from the motor 34 to a transfer shaft 202 , which extends along the motor axis 194 toward the output shaft 74 .
- the transfer shaft 202 includes a spiral bevel pinion 206 mounted at an end distal from the first planetary gear set 198 .
- the spiral bevel pinion 206 engages a spiral bevel gear 210 to rotate the spiral bevel gear 210 about a second axis 214 .
- the second axis 214 is perpendicular to the motor axis 194 .
- the spiral bevel gear 210 is coupled to a second planetary gear set 218 .
- the second planetary gear set 218 may be a single stage planetary gear train.
- the single stage planetary gear train transmits rotation from the spiral bevel gear 210 to an output gear 222 .
- the output gear 222 is mounted for rotation about the second axis 214 .
- the output gear 222 engages an internal ring gear 226 mounted for rotation about a third axis or output axis 230 .
- the output axis 230 is parallel to, but spaced from, the second axis 214 and is collinear with the output shaft 74 .
- the internal ring gear 226 is secured to the output shaft 74 for rotation therewith.
- rotation is transmitted through the first planetary gear set 198 to the transfer shaft 202 and spiral bevel pinion 206 .
- the spiral bevel pinion 206 rotates about the motor axis 194 to rotate the spiral bevel gear 210 about the second axis 214 .
- Rotation of the spiral bevel gear 210 is transmitted through the second planetary gear set 218 to the output gear 222 .
- the output gear 222 rotates about the second axis 214 , driving the internal gear to rotate about the output axis 230 .
- the output shaft 74 rotates with the internal gear about the output axis 230 .
- the drive train 186 is described as including a first planetary gear set 198 , a spiral bevel gear 210 , and a second planetary gear set 218 , the drive train 186 is not limited to the disclosed configuration. Other drive train components may be used interchangeably with those disclosed above. Additionally, the number of stages in each of the planetary gear sets may be increased or decreased as appropriate for the type of motor and the desired output. For example, in some embodiments, the drive train 186 may include a direct drive, a belt drive, a cam drive, and the like.
- the output shaft 74 extends along the output axis 230 between a first end 234 , supported in the housing 14 for rotation relative to the housing 14 , and a second end 238 , extending from the housing 14 into the working area 70 .
- the internal ring gear 226 is mounted adjacent the first end 234 .
- the second end 238 includes a noncircular profile 242 corresponding to the noncircular opening 106 in the arm adapter 94 of the bender head 78 .
- the noncircular profile 242 of the second end 238 is received in the noncircular opening 106 to rotatably couple the bender head 78 to the output shaft 74 .
- the guide support arm 146 is supported on the output shaft 74 for rotation relative to the output shaft 74 and is mounted between the arm adapter 94 and the internal ring gear 226 .
- the guide assembly 140 includes a locking latch 246 .
- the guide support arm 146 is rotatably secured to the housing 14 by the locking latch 246 .
- the locking latch 246 includes a locking lever 250 movable between a locked position, in which the guide support arm 146 is prevented from rotating with respect to the housing 14 , and an unlocked position, in which the guide support arm 146 is able to rotate about the output shaft 74 relative to the housing 14 .
- the guide support arm 146 is secured to the housing 14 by the locking latch 246 in the locked position, and the latch handle 178 is moved to the locked position to form the continuous guide path.
- FIGS. 6 - 11 a method of using of the bending tool 10 is illustrated.
- a pipe 254 is installed in the pathway 170 defined between the curved channel 114 and the curved surface 166 .
- the latching handle 178 can be moved (e.g., rotated) to the locked position, as shown in FIG. 7 .
- the pipe 254 is secured between the curved surface 166 and the curved channel 114 .
- the space between the pipe 254 and the bender head 78 is such that the pipe 254 can be slid along the pathway 170 until the desired starting point of the bend is aligned with the alignment indicator 138 on the bender head 78 .
- the pipe 254 is installed and aligned while the bending tool 10 is supported by the set of legs 26 on a surface. In other embodiments, the pipe 254 is installed and aligned while being supported by an operator via the grip portion 50 .
- the bending tool 10 can be operated.
- the operator actuates the trigger 62 on the grip portion 50 which sends a signal to the controller.
- the controller then supplies the motor 34 with power from the battery 42 , causing the motor shaft to rotate. Rotation of the motor 34 is transmitted through the drive train 186 to the output shaft 74 , and by extension, the bender head 78 .
- the bender head 78 rotates with respect to the housing 14 , the pipe 254 is held between the contact surface 126 of the holding clamp 122 and the curved channel 114 and is carried with the bender head 78 . Movement of the bender head 78 moves the pipe 254 through the guide 142 .
- the curved surface 166 of the guide 142 presses the pipe 254 against the curved channel 114 , bending the pipe 254 into a curve, as shown in FIG. 9 .
- the operator depresses the trigger 62 until the pipe 254 is at the desired angle, as indicated by the angle indicators 134 on the bender head 78 , which are clearly visible in the working area 70 .
- the trigger 62 is released and the motor 34 is powered down.
- the latching handle 178 is rotated to the unlocked position, as shown in FIG. 10 .
- the pipe 254 is then removed from the pathway 170 of the bending tool 10 .
- the bending tool 10 is reset, as shown in FIG. 11 , by changing the direction of the motor 34 to operate in reverse, for example by using the set of controls 58 on the grip portion 50 and using the trigger 62 to rotate the drive train 186 in reverse, rotating the bender head 78 back to the starting position.
- the process can then be repeated with another pipe, or a subsequent bend in the same pipe.
- the bending tool 10 may also include alignment lasers 290 to visually indicate a bending plane to an operator.
- the alignment lasers 290 may be mounted on the guide 142 or latching handle 178 .
- the alignment lasers 290 project a first plane 294 , perpendicular to the output axis 230 , and a second plane 298 , parallel to the output axis 230 .
- the first plane 294 may be used to align the pipe 254 for a second bend in the same plane, such as for applications where the final pipe 254 will lay flush against a flat surface.
- the second plane 298 may be used to align the pipe 254 for a second bend in a perpendicular plane, such as for applications where the final pipe 254 will need to turn a corner.
- the pipe 254 may be rotated in the channel until the tail of the pipe 254 is completely within the desired plane. Then the latching handle 178 can be moved to the locked position to lock the pipe 254 in the desired orientation.
- the alignment lasers 290 may only project one of the planes 294 , 298 , or may project more than two planes and/or planes at different angles relative to each other.
- FIGS. 13 - 22 B illustrate another handheld powered conduit bending tool 310 .
- the tool 310 is similar to the bending tool 10 shown in FIGS. 1 - 12 and similar features are given similar reference numbers, plus 300 . Features disclosed with reference to the tool 310 can be incorporated into the bending tool 10 and vice versa.
- the tool 310 includes a housing 314 with a base 318 and a tower 322 .
- the base 318 is rotatably mounted to the tower 322 to rotate a working area 370 between a horizontal plane and a vertical plane.
- the tool 310 includes a handle 346 that allows an operator to carry and support the tool 310 before, during, and after a bending operation.
- the base 318 is rotatable between a first working position in which an output shaft 374 extends from the base 318 in a first direction (e.g., a generally vertical direction), and a second working position in which the output shaft 374 extends from the base 318 in a second direction (e.g., a generally horizontal direction).
- a bender head 378 is mounted to the output shaft 374 for rotation therewith. Therefore, in the second working position the bender head 378 is rotatable about a horizontal axis.
- the tool 310 receives a pipe 554 in substantially the same way as the bending tool 10 .
- the pipe 554 is fed through a pathway 470 defined between the bender head 378 and the guide 442 , as shown in FIG. 14 .
- FIG. 15 illustrates a latching handle 478 being moved to a locked position to secure the pipe 554 in the tool 310 .
- the pipe 554 can be moved to align a desired starting point on the pipe 554 with an alignment indicator 438 on the bender head 378 , as shown in FIG. 16 .
- the handle 346 includes a set of controls 358 that allows the operator to input the required bend information.
- the operator may use the controls 358 to set the desired bend angle, the thickness of the pipe, the type of conduit, the diameter of the conduit, and/or any other relevant information.
- the input information is used to determine an additional offset angle to address the potential spring back. Spring back occurs when the conduits natural resilience restores the conduit after the bend, resulting in a bend that is less than the desired bend angle. By over-bending, or bending the conduit to an angle greater than the desired bend angle, the conduit naturally springs back, resulting in a bend of the correct angle.
- the offset may be manually accounted for by the operator entering a higher bend angle then the desired bend angle.
- the tool 310 uses the input from the controls 358 to determine an offset for each bend.
- the tool 310 utilizes stored information, such as a look-up table, to determine the required offset based on the bend information. For example, if the conduit bends matching the provided bend information tends to spring back from the bending operation by 10 degrees, the tool 310 sets an offset to 10 degrees, and add the offset to the desired bend angle to obtain the total bend angle.
- the offset can be measured using different units.
- an operator uses the controls 358 of the user interface 354 to input the desired bend information for the bend operation. This step can also occur before the pipe 554 is loaded into the tool 310 .
- the operator can depress a trigger 362 to begin the bending operation. This activates a motor 334 , which transmits rotation to the output shaft 374 through a drive train 486 .
- the drive train 486 may be substantially the same as drive train 186 .
- the output shaft 374 rotates the bender head 378 , as shown in FIG. 19 , which cooperates with the latching handle 178 to bend the pipe 554 .
- a controller uses the signals from the user interface 354 to automatically stop the motor 334 once the correct rotation of the bender head 378 corresponding to the input bend angle has occurred.
- the base 318 can be returned to the first position.
- the pipe 554 can be released either before or after the base 318 is returned to the first position by releasing the latching handle 478 . Then the tool 310 can be reset for the next operation.
- the operator can use a user interface 354 including the set of controls 358 to set the desired angle and offset.
- the user interface 354 includes a digital display and the control 358 in the form of a dial. The dial rotates in opposing directions to either increase or decrease a value of the desired angle and offset, as indicated on the digital display.
- the user interface 354 may include the set of controls 358 having two labeled dials with positions that correspond to different values of angles and offsets.
- the user interface 354 may include other controls, such as pure digital controls, push buttons, sliding inputs, and more.
- FIGS. 23 - 32 illustrate another embodiment of a powered conduit bending tool 610 .
- the tool 610 is similar to the tools 10 and 310 . Features disclosed with respect to the tool 610 can be incorporated into the tools 10 and 310 , and vice versa.
- the tool 610 is mounted to a stand 858 .
- the stand 858 provides hands-free support for the tool 610 , freeing an operator's hands for guiding the pipe 854 , or other related tasks, as shown in FIG. 32 .
- the stand may be a tripod including a center column, a head, and a set of three legs.
- the head may include mounting features for removably connecting to the tool 610 .
- the tool 610 may replace the head and be fixed to the center column.
- the legs may be collapsible, and the center column may include telescoping rods in order to easily transport and store the stand.
- other types of stands may be used.
- the power tool 610 includes a housing 614 including a base 618 and a handle 646 .
- the handle 646 extends along a handle axis 862 that extends generally horizontally (when the stand 858 is upright) and does not intersect the base 618 .
- a motor housing 630 extends from a lower surface of the base 618 and contains a motor 634 .
- the housing 614 is mechanically supported by, and electrically connected to, the stand 858 .
- a battery 642 may be removably mounted to the stand 858 to communicate power to the motor 634 .
- the battery 642 is coupled to a bottom of the center column, opposite the tool 610 .
- the housing 614 may be removably supported on the stand 858 , and the battery 642 and the power tool 610 may be directly coupled separately from the stand 858 to make the power tool 610 portable or handheld.
- the base 618 includes a user interface 654 including a display and a set of controls 658 in the form of push buttons adjacent the display.
- a controller may selectively couple the battery 642 with the motor 634 based on the input from the user interface 654 .
- An output shaft 674 extends from a top surface of the base 618 in a generally vertical direction.
- a bender head 678 is mounted on the output shaft 674 for rotation therewith.
- the tool 610 includes a drive train 786 connecting the motor 634 and the output shaft 674 .
- the drive train 786 includes a first planetary gear set 798 , which may be a six-stage planetary gear train.
- the first planetary gear set 798 transmits rotation from the motor 634 to an output gear 822 , all along a motor axis 794 .
- the output gear 822 is positioned in an internal ring gear 826 and drives rotation of the internal ring gear 826 about an output axis 830 .
- the output axis 830 may be parallel to and offset from the motor axis 794 .
- the internal ring gear 826 is secured to the output shaft 674 to rotate therewith. Therefore, rotation may be transmitted from the motor 634 through the drive train 786 to the output shaft 674 and thereby to the bender head 678 .
- the user interface 654 is used to set the parameters of the bending operation including, for example, a bend angle, an offset, the number of bends, or any other relevant information.
- a pipe 854 is then installed into a pathway 770 of the bender head 678 and a guide 742 .
- a latching handle 778 is moved to a locking position to retain the pipe 854 , as shown in FIG. 28 .
- the pipe 854 is then adjusted, as shown in FIG. 29 , to align a desired starting point with an alignment indicator 738 .
- a trigger 662 is positioned on the handle 646 and is actuated to start the bending operation, as shown in FIG. 30 .
- the trigger 662 is depressed constantly while the bending occurs and until the controller automatically stops the motor 634 based on the input from the user interface 654 .
- the operation may be controlled using the set of controls 658 , such as by pressing a button to start the operation and providing an emergency stop button to stop the operation in the event something goes wrong.
- the housing 614 is rotatably supported on the stand 858 to allow the base 618 to tilt into a vertical plane.
- FIGS. 33 - 35 illustrate another embodiment of a stand mounted powered conduit bending tool 910 .
- the tool 910 is substantially similar to the tool 610 , and only differences are discussed herein. Features discussed with reference to the tool 910 can be incorporated into the tools 10 , 310 , and 610 and vice versa.
- the tool 910 includes a housing 914 including a base 918 and a handle 946 with a trigger 962 .
- the handle 946 extends along a handle axis 1162 that intersects the base 918 .
- a user interface 954 is positioned at the junction between the handle 946 and the base 918 .
- the tool 910 may include an optical sensor 1166 to monitor the movement of a pipe 1154 during a bending operation. While described and shown with reference to the tool 910 of FIG. 33 , the optical sensor 1166 may be implemented in any of the bending tools described herein.
- the optical sensor 1166 may be placed on a contact surface 1026 of a holding clamp 1022 on the bender head 978 .
- the contact surface 1026 cooperates with a curved channel 1014 of the bender head 978 to secure the pipe 1154 during a bend operation.
- the optical sensor 1166 may be recessed from the contact surface 1026 so that the optical sensor 1166 does not contact the pipe 1154 .
- the optical sensor 1166 may be positioned on a curved surface of a guide. During the operation, the optical sensor 1166 can use imperfections and variations on an outer surface of the pipe 1154 to monitor if the pipe 1154 slips with respect to the holding clamp 1022 .
- the optical sensor 1166 can use the tracking features to determine if there is any rotation of the pipe 1154 as the pipe 1154 moves. This allows the operator to know if subsequent bends are in plane with each other.
- the tool 910 may include a controller configured to display the slippage, feed, and rotation information to the operator via the user interface 954 or the controller may automatically adjust operating conditions based on the input of the optical sensor 1166 .
- FIGS. 37 - 39 illustrate an alternate embodiment of a guide support arm 1346 for use with a powered conduit bending tool.
- the guide support arm 1346 is similar to the guide support arm 146 and is described for use with the bending tool 10 . However, the guide support arm 1346 could be incorporated in a similar manner into any of the tools described herein.
- the bending tool 10 interchangeably receives a bender head 78 from a set of bender heads that accommodate different diameters of pipe as well as that change the radius of the resulting bend in a pipe.
- the guide 142 may need to be in a different position relative to the output shaft 74 to create the correct bending force.
- a bender head with a smaller radius would require that the guide 142 be closer to the output shaft 74 in order to press the pipe 254 into the curved channel 114 .
- it would be possible to switch out the guide support arm 146 along with the bender head it would increase the difficulty of the changing process and increase the complexity by increasing the number of parts that must be matched and installed.
- the guide support arm 1346 supports the guide 142 in a variety of positions relative to the output shaft 74 .
- the guide support arm 1346 extends between a first end 1350 and a second end 1354 to which the guide 142 is mounted.
- the first end 1350 includes an opening 1474 for receiving an eccentric support 1478 .
- the eccentric support 1478 includes a plate 1482 with a central opening 1358 formed in the plate 1482 .
- the central opening 1358 fits around the output shaft 74 to secure the guide 142 to the housing 14 .
- the plate 1482 is rotatably mounted in the opening 1474 . Rotation of the plate 1482 within the opening 1474 moves the central opening 1358 with respect to the first end 1350 . Thus, a distance between the central opening 1358 and the guide 142 is altered.
- the plate 1482 may include a tab 1486 .
- An operator may engage the tab 1486 to rotate the plate 1482 and adjust the distance.
- the tab 1486 may further serve as a locator, to lock the plate 1482 with respect to the first end 1350 .
- the first end 1350 may include indicator markings to indicate what type of bender head 78 is appropriate for each setting.
- the plate 1482 may linearly slide, rather than rotate, between different positions.
- FIGS. 40 - 42 illustrate a handheld conduit bending tool 1510 including a bender module 1540 .
- the operator may need to pause the bending operation frequently to use a level to check the current bend angle of the conduit, or to look at the indicator lines on the head to check the current bend angle. This can require stepping over the conduit and conduit bender, or require craning the operator's neck, to be able to see the other side of the head. This can be time consuming and result in inaccurate bend angles.
- the conduit bending tool 1510 includes a handle 1514 and a head 1518 .
- the handle 1514 includes an elongate tube 1522 extending away from the head 1518 .
- the head 1518 includes a central channel for receiving the handle and an outer edge 1530 defining a curved channel 1534 .
- a holding clamp 1538 extends from the outer edge 1530 to mount the pipe in the curved channel 1534 .
- the bender module 1540 is coupled to the handle 1514 adjacent the head 1518 and includes a housing 1544 having an angled surface 1548 including a user interface 1552 or display 1552 .
- the housing 1544 includes a mounting channel 1556 surrounding the handle 1514 .
- the housing 1544 is fixed to the handle 1514 by the mounting channel 1556 .
- the display 1552 is positioned on the angled surface 1548 , so that when the conduit bending tool 1510 is positioned with the head 1518 adjacent a horizontal surface, such as the ground, the display 1552 is easily visible by an operator, as seen in FIG. 42 .
- the bender module 1540 includes a measurement system 1560 including a controller 1564 , one or more sensors 1568 , and a power source 1572 .
- the one or more sensors 1568 include at least a first orientation sensor 1576 and a second orientation sensor 1580 .
- the first orientation sensor 1576 may sense the orientation of the handle 1514 relative to the ground in a first vertical plane.
- the first vertical plane includes the curved channel 1534 of the head 1518 .
- the second orientation sensor 1580 may sense the orientation of the handle 1514 relative to the ground in a second vertical plane, perpendicular to the first plane.
- the first orientation sensor 1576 and second orientation sensor 1580 may include accelerometers, gyroscopes, or inertial measurement units.
- the one or more sensors 1568 use the center of the earth (or gravity) to establish a reference point, therefore, there is no need to calibrate the sensor for each bend operation.
- the first orientation sensor 1576 may be one of a plurality of first sensors that senses the orientation of the handle 1514 in the first plane
- the second orientation sensor 1580 may the one of a plurality of second sensors that senses the orientation of the handle 1514 in the second plane.
- the one or more sensors 1568 are configured to generate signals and send the signals to the controller 1564 .
- the controller 1564 The controller
- the controller 1564 is positioned within the housing 1544 and is electrically coupled to the power source 1572 .
- the power source 1572 is integrated into the housing 1544 .
- the power source 1572 is removably coupled to the housing 1544 .
- the controller 1564 is programmed to receive the signals from the first orientation sensor 1576 .
- the controller 1564 uses the signals from the first orientation sensor 1576 along with information stored in the controller 1564 to determine a bend angle of the conduit based on the orientation of the handle 1514 .
- the controller 1564 may use calculations, tables, or other known methods to determine the bend angle based on the input from the one or more sensors 1568 .
- the controller 1564 is also programmed to output the bend angle to an angle portion 1584 of the display 1552 .
- the angle portion 1584 may display a numeral representation of the bend angle. In some embodiments, the angle may alternately be displayed graphically, or may be communicated in another way.
- the controller 1564 is also programmed to receive the signal from the second orientation sensor 1580 and determine a tilt amount which can be categorized, for example, as within an acceptable range, out of plane in a first direction, or out of plane in a second direction. The controller 1564 then communicates with a level portion 1588 of the display 1552 to display one of a plurality of a level indicators 1592 . As seen in FIGS. 40 - 42 , the plurality of level indicators 1592 includes a first level indicator 1594 , a central level indicator 1596 , and a second level indicator 1598 . The central level indicator 1596 may be displayed when the orientation of the handle 1514 when viewed along the head 1518 is generally vertical, or the tilt amount is zero or near zero.
- the first level indicator 1594 may be displayed when the controller 1564 determines that the handle 1514 is tilted away from vertical, or out of plane, in a first direction, or when the tilt amount is negative.
- the second level indicator 1598 may be displayed when the controller 1564 determines that the handle 1514 is tilted away from vertical, or out of plane, in a second direction, or when the tilt amount is positive.
- the central level indicator 1596 may move relative to the first and second level indicators 1594 , 1598 to indicate the direction and degree of tilt.
- a conduit 1500 is installed in the conduit bending tool 1510 , and the conduit bending tool 1510 is positioned with the head 1518 adjacent a horizontal surface, such as the ground.
- the conduit 1500 extends from both sides of the head 1518 parallel to, or contacting, the ground.
- the handle 1514 extends generally vertically. The operator may place a foot or other stabilizing member on the conduit 1500 on the side of the head 1518 of the conduit bending tool 1510 opposite the holding clamp 1538 . The operator then checks the level portion 1588 of the display 1552 to see which one of the plurality of level indicators 1592 is being displayed. If needed, the operator can move the handle 1514 until the central level indicator 1596 is displayed.
- the bend angle is displayed on the angle portion 1584 of the display 1552 .
- the bender module 1540 allows the operator to easily assess the bend angle without having to use an external level and without having to step over the conduit bending tool 1510 or crane their necks to see the indicators positioned on the head 1518 .
- the bender module 1540 also allows the operator to assess spring back of the conduit and compensate during the bending operation.
- FIG. 43 illustrates a conduit bending tool 1510 ′ including another embodiment of a bender module 1540 ′ having a housing 1544 ′ with a different shape.
- the housing 1544 ′ includes a first mounting channel 1556 ′ and a second mounting channel 1602 .
- a removable battery 1604 is coupled to the housing 1544 ′ to act as the power source 1572 ′.
- the display 1552 ′ is still positioned on an angled surface 1548 ′ to provide easy visual access to the operator.
- FIG. 44 illustrates a conduit bending tool 1510 ′′ including another embodiment of a bender module 1540 ′′ having a housing 1544 ′′ with a different shape.
- the housing 1544 ′′ includes a first mounting channel 1556 ′′ and a second mounting channel 1602 ′.
- the power source 1572 ′′ is integrated into the housing 1544 ′′, and a charging port 1608 is positioned to allow for on board charging of the power source 1572 ′′.
- the charging port 1608 may be, for example, a USB-C port.
- the display 1552 ′′ is still positioned on an angled surface 1548 ′′ to provide easy visual access to the operator.
- FIGS. 45 - 47 illustrate another embodiment of a bender module 1740 .
- the bender module 1740 is removably coupled to a conduit bender 1710 ( FIG. 47 ).
- the bender module 1740 includes a housing 1744 with an angled surface 1748 including a display 1752 .
- the bender module 1740 includes a measuring system 1760 that is substantially the same as measurement system 1560 and is not described in detail.
- the illustrated housing 1744 includes a first half 1804 and a second half 1808 rotatably coupled to the first half 1804 .
- the angled surface 1748 includes a hinge 1812 that allows the second half 1808 to rotate relative to the first half 1804 about an axis 1816 that extends along the angled surface 1748 .
- the housing 1744 defines a mounting channel 1756 formed between the first half 1804 and the second half 1808 of the housing 1744 .
- the first half 1804 and the second half 1808 may be completely separate from each other without the hinge 1812 .
- the first half 1804 and the second half 1808 may be connected together by other means.
- the bender module 1740 can be opened, as shown in FIG. 46 by pivoting the first half 1804 away from the second half 1808 .
- the bender module 1740 can then be closed around a handle 1714 of the conduit bender 1710 , as seen in FIG. 47 .
- the bender module 1740 includes a latch for securing the first half 1804 of the housing 1744 relative to the second half 1808 .
- the mounting channel 1756 of the bender module 1740 may include an adjustable portion or adapter to allow the bender module 1740 to mount to handles with varying diameters.
- the bender module 1740 may be coupled to a conduit bender 1710 using a different method, other than rotatable halves.
- the bender module 1740 may fit on the end of the handle 1714 and may slide along the handle 1714 toward the head 1718 .
- the bender module 1740 may be secured by tightening a collar, once in place. Other implementations may also be used.
- FIGS. 48 - 53 illustrate an alignment system 1960 for use with a conduit bending tool 1910 .
- the illustrated alignment system 1960 is described and illustrated in use with a handheld conduit bending tool 1910 ; however, the alignment system 1960 can be used with a powered conduit bending tool, such as those described previously, in substantially the same way.
- the alignment system 1960 is used to position conduit to create aligned subsequent bends.
- the conduit bending tool 1910 includes a handle 1914 and a head 1918 .
- the head 1918 extends between a front portion 1922 and a rear portion 1926 .
- the front portion 1922 includes a curved channel 1928 for receiving a conduit 1900 .
- the curved channel 1928 defines a bending plane.
- the rear portion 1926 couples to the handle 1914 .
- the head 1918 includes a top surface 1930 and a bottom surface 1934 .
- a holding clamp 1938 extends up from the bottom surface 1934 and secures the conduit 1900 in the curved channel 1928 .
- the holding clamp 1938 is at a left side of the head 1918 , and at the right side of the head 1918 is a footrest 1942 ( FIG. 52 ).
- conduit 1900 is installed in the curved channel 1928 , and the handle 1914 is lowered to the right, toward the footrest 1942 , to bend the conduit 1900 .
- the conduit 1900 can then be fed further through the curved channel 1928 and positioned to create an additional bend. It can be difficult to keep the conduit 1900 aligned in the curved channel 1928 in order to create the desired geometry. For example, when creating a U-bend using two 90 degree angle bends, the already bent pipe needs to be positioned so that a segment extends within the bending plane.
- FIG. 48 illustrates the alignment system 1960 including a laser module 1964 having a housing 1968 and a laser 1972 positioned within the housing 1968 .
- the laser 1972 generates a laser line 1976 that extends within an alignment plane.
- the housing 1968 includes a bottom surface 1980 having at least one alignment feature 1984 and a mounting feature 1988 .
- the mounting feature 1988 may include a magnet, a recess or post configured to secure via snap fit, a threaded opening or threaded post, or any other appropriate mounting feature.
- the mounting feature 1988 includes a magnet.
- the at least one alignment feature 1984 includes a first aperture 1992 and a second aperture 1996 .
- the second aperture 1996 is smaller than the first aperture 1992 .
- the at least one alignment feature 1984 may include one or more shaped profiles, tapered surfaces, or any other appropriate feature to prevent the laser module 1964 from being mounted in an incorrect orientation.
- the laser module 1964 can be coupled to one of a plurality of mounting surfaces 2004 on a head 1918 of the conduit bending tool 1910 .
- Each of the mounting surface 2004 includes a head mounting feature 2008 and at least one head alignment feature 2012 corresponding to the at least one alignment feature 1984 of the laser module 1964 .
- the head mounting feature 2008 includes a magnetic surface of the mounting surface 2004 .
- the at least one head alignment feature 2012 includes a first post 2016 and a second post 2020 .
- the first post 2016 is larger than the second post 2020 , and generally corresponds to the first aperture 1992 on the laser module 1964 .
- the second post 2020 generally corresponds to the second aperture 1996 on the laser module 1964 .
- the mounting feature 1988 of the laser module 1964 engages the head mounting feature 2008 to secure the laser module 1964 to the mounting surface 2004 , or in other words the magnet 1988 secures the laser module 1964 to the magnetic surface 2004 .
- the first post 2016 is received by the first aperture 1992 and the second post 2020 is received by the second aperture 1996 to ensure that the laser module 1964 is oriented correctly on the mounting surface 2004 .
- the laser module 1964 is coupled to a power source (not shown) in order to activate the laser 1972 .
- the laser module 1964 includes electrical contacts 2024 positioned in the first aperture 1992 and the second aperture 1996
- the head 1918 includes electrical contacts 2028 positioned on the first post 2016 and the second post 2020 .
- the electrical contacts 2024 may be positioned elsewhere on the laser module 1964 .
- the electrical contacts 2024 may be coupled to the power source via external wires.
- the laser module 1964 may be coupled to the power source 1572 through electrical contacts 2024 .
- the laser module 1964 is mounted to a first mounting surface 2030 .
- the first mounting surface 2030 is positioned on a front side of the holding clamp 1938 .
- the laser module 1964 is positioned by the mounting features 1988 and the at least one alignment feature 1984 to project the laser line 1976 to the left of the head 1918 and forward of the curved channel 1928 .
- the alignment plane is parallel to and may be coplanar with the bending plane. The first configuration may be useful in creating offset bends in a conduit 1900 .
- the laser module 1964 is mounted to a second mounting surface 2032 .
- the second mounting surface 2032 is positioned adjacent a rear portion 1926 of the head 1918 .
- the laser module 1964 is positioned to project the laser line 1976 to the left of the head 1918 and rearward of the curved channel 1928 .
- the alignment plane is parallel to and may be coplanar with the bending plane. The second configuration may be useful in creating U bends in a conduit 1900 .
- the laser module 1964 is mounted to a third mounting surface 2036 .
- the third mounting surface 2036 is positioned on a bottom surface 1934 of the head 1918 .
- the laser module 1964 is positioned on the third mounting surface 2036 so that the laser line 1976 is projected to the left of the head 1918 and below the curved channel 1928 , or in other words on the side of the bottom surface 1934 .
- the alignment plane is perpendicular to the bending plane. The third configuration may be useful in creating a first type of corner bends.
- the laser module 1964 is mounted to a fourth mounting surface 2040 .
- the fourth mounting surface 2040 is positioned on a top surface 1930 of the head 1918 .
- the laser module 1964 is positioned on the fourth mounting surface 2040 so that the laser line 1976 is projected to the left of the head 1918 and above the curved channel 1928 , or in other words on the side of the top surface 1930 .
- the alignment plane is perpendicular to the bending plane. The fourth configuration may be useful in creating a second type of corner bends.
- the laser module 1964 is coupled to one of the mounting surfaces according to the desired type of bend.
- the conduit 1900 is moved through the curved channel 1928 until the location of the second bend is positioned in the curved channel 1928 .
- the bent end 1902 of the conduit is rotated until the laser line 1976 is visible along a length of the bent end 1902 .
- a second bending operation is then performed, creating a subsequent bend that is correctly aligned with the first bend.
- the alignment system 1960 allows for multiple configurations by easily moving the laser module 1964 between the mounting surfaces 2004 .
- the resulting bends are more accurate, and the process is simpler.
- the laser module 1964 may be used in combination with one of the bender modules described above. With such an arrangement, the power source of the bender module may also provide power to the laser module 1964 .
- FIGS. 54 - 58 illustrate another embodiment of a powered conduit bending tool 2110 including an electronic locking feature.
- the tool 2110 is similar to the tool 610 , as well as the other tools disclosed herein. Features disclosed with respect to the tool 2110 can be incorporated into the other tools 10 , 310 , 610 , 910 , etc., and vice versa. While not shown in FIGS. 54 - 58 , the tool 2110 may be mounted to a stand to provide hands-free support, similar to the stand 858 .
- the tool 2110 includes a housing 2114 with a user interface 2154 having controls 2158 and a trigger 2162 .
- a bender head 2178 is coupled to an output shaft 2174 powered by a motor to rotate the bender head 2178 with respect to a guide 2242 .
- the guide 2242 is fixed with respect to the housing 2114 .
- the bender head 2178 may begin in a loading position.
- conduit C is positioned between a curved channel 2214 of the bender head 2178 and a holding clamp 2218 of the bender head 2178 .
- the conduit C can then be moved within the channel 2214 to align a mark on the conduit C with an alignment marking 2238 on the bender head 2178 .
- a first actuator e.g., a locking button 2101 .
- the motor when the locking button 2101 is actuated, the motor operates to rotate the bender head 2178 into a ready position, in which the conduit is clamped between the bender head 2178 and the guide 2242 .
- the operator can then actuate a second actuator 2162 (e.g., a trigger) to begin the bend operation, as seen in FIG. 57 .
- a second actuator 2162 e.g., a trigger
- the operator may hold the trigger 2162 to manually control the bend angle.
- the operator may set a desired bend angle using the user interface 2154 and pull the trigger 2162 once to start the bend operation and the tool 2110 may automatically stop rotating the bender head 2178 once the desired bend angle has been reached.
- the operator may set a desired bend angle and hold the trigger 2162 until the motor stops rotating the bender head 2178 once the desired bend angle has been reached.
- an operator may actuate a third actuator (e.g., an unlock button 2102 ), which rotates the bender head 2178 in reverse to the loading position.
- the conduit C can then be lifted out of the bender head 2178 .
- the three actuators 2101 , 2102 , 2106 define a user control 2158 .
- functionality of the actuators 2101 , 2102 , 2106 may be combined into fewer than three actuators (e.g., the button 2101 may both lock and unlock the bender head 2178 , depending on the current position of the bender head 2178 ).
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Bending Of Plates, Rods, And Pipes (AREA)
Abstract
A powered conduit bending tool is configured to bend conduit. The tool comprises a housing, a motor contained within the housing, and a battery removably coupled to the housing to provide power to the motor. An output shaft extends from the housing and is driven by the motor to rotate about an axis. A head is coupled to the output shaft for rotation therewith. The head includes a curved channel for receiving the conduit. A guide is coupled to the housing and supported opposite the curved channel of the head. The guide includes a latching handle movable between a closed position and an open position. The motor drives the head to rotate relative to the housing so that the curved channel and the guide cooperate to bend the pipe.
Description
- This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/345,317, filed May 24, 2022, to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/323,151, filed Mar. 24, 2022, and to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/306,381, filed Feb. 3, 2022, the entire contents of which are all incorporated herein by reference.
- The present disclosure relates to a tool for bending conduit. Conduit may include pipes, electrical metallic tubing (EMT), intermediate metal conduit (IMC), rigid metal conduit (RMC), rigid non metallic conduit (RNC), solid stock, rebar, or any other elongate material.
- In one embodiment, the disclosure provides a powered conduit bending tool configured to bend conduit. The tool comprises a housing, a motor contained within the housing, and a battery removably coupled to the housing to provide power to the motor. An output shaft extends from the housing and is driven by the motor to rotate about an axis. A head is coupled to the output shaft for rotation therewith. The head includes a curved channel for receiving the conduit. The tool includes a guide coupled to the housing and supported opposite the curved channel of the head. The guide includes a latching handle movable between a closed position, in which the conduit is secured to the head, and an open position, in which conduit is removable from the head. The motor drives the head to rotate relative to the housing so that the curved channel and the guide cooperate to bend the pipe when the latching handle is in the closed position.
- In some embodiments, the motor is coupled to the output shaft by a drive train.
- In some embodiments, the guide is mounted on a support arm extending between a first end and a second end, the first end including an opening configured to surround the output shaft.
- In some embodiments, the first end of the support arm includes an eccentric support that moves the opening with respect to the first end. Movement of the opening with respect to the first end changes a dimension between the guide and the output shaft.
- In some embodiments, the tool includes a set of controls configured to set a desired bend angle and an offset.
- In some embodiments, the tool includes an optical sensor to sense the linear and rotational movement of the conduit as it moves along the curved channel.
- In some embodiments, the tool includes an alignment laser that projects at least one alignment plane toward a tail end of the conduit.
- In another embodiment, the disclosure provides a power tool configured to bend conduit, the power tool including a housing, a motor supported by the housing, a guide coupled to the housing, and a user interface for controlling the motor. The tool further includes an output shaft coupled to the housing and including a first end extending from the housing. The output shaft is driven by the motor to rotate about an output axis. A bender head is supported on the output shaft for rotation therewith, the bender head including a curved channel for receiving the conduit. The bender head is rotatable relative to the guide between a first position, in which the conduit is positionable in and movable along the curved channel, and a second position, in which the conduit is secured in the curved channel.
- In some embodiments, the user interface includes a first actuator for moving the bender head from the first position to the second position. In some embodiments, the user interface includes a second actuator for further rotating the bender head relative to the guide from the second position to bend the conduit.
- In some embodiments, in the second position, the guide is configured to contact the conduit to secure the conduit in the curved channel. In the first position, the guide is configured to be spaced from the conduit positioned in the curved channel.
- In some embodiments, the guide is mounted to a guide support arm, the guide support arm having a first end mounted around the output shaft and a second end which receives the guide. The guide support arm is selectively secured to the housing so that the guide is fixed with respect to the housing during a loading and bending operation.
- In another embodiment, the disclosure provides a conduit bending tool for bending conduit, the conduit bending tool including a handle extending between a first end and a second end, a bender head coupled to the first end, and a bender module coupled to the handle adjacent the head. The bender head includes a curved channel for receiving conduit. The bender module includes a module housing including an angled surface, a first sensor for sensing the orientation of the handle within a first vertical plane, wherein the curved channel is positioned within the first vertical plane, and a user interface positioned on the angled surface of the module housing. A controller is configured to received input from the first sensor, to determine a bend angle of the conduit, and to cause the user interface to display the bend angle.
- In some embodiments, the bender module includes a second sensor for sensing an orientation of the handle in a second vertical plane, perpendicular to the first plane. In some embodiments, the controller is configured to receive input from the second sensor, to determine a tilt amount of the handle, and to cause the user interface to display a level indicator corresponding to a tilt amount.
- In another embodiment, the disclosure provides a power tool configured to bend conduit including a housing, having a base and a tower, and a handle extending from the tower. The handle cooperates with the housing to define a working area at least partially between the base and the handle. An output shaft extends from the base into the working area and rotates about an output axis. A bender head is supported on the output shaft for rotation therewith and is configured to engage the conduit. A motor is positioned within the housing and configured to rotate the output shaft about the output axis. A battery receptacle is supported by the housing and is configured to removably receive a battery that provides power to the motor.
- In some embodiments, the output axis intersects the handle. In some embodiments, the handle includes a user interface. In some embodiments, the housing includes a set of legs extending from the base, and wherein the power tool is alternately supported on a horizontal surface by the set of legs or supported above the horizontal surface by the handle. When the power tool is supported above the horizontal surface, the tower may be rested against a user in order to support the power tool during a bending operation.
- In some embodiments the motor is positioned within the tower, and the tool further comprises a drive train mounted in the housing to couple the output shaft to the motor. In some embodiments the drive train includes a first planetary gear set, a bevel gear, and a second planetary gear set. The motor includes a motor shaft extending along a motor axis, and wherein the motor axis is perpendicular to the output axis of the output shaft. In some embodiments, the battery receptacle is located on the tower.
- In some embodiments the base is rotatable with respect to the tower between a first position and a second position, wherein, in the first position, the output axis intersects the handle, and wherein, in the second position, the output axis does not intersect the handle.
- In another embodiment a power tool is configured to bend conduit. The power tool includes a housing, a motor supported by the housing, and a handle extending from the housing and including a user interface for controlling the motor. An output shaft is coupled to the housing and includes a first end extending from the housing. The output shaft is driven by the motor to rotate about a output axis. A bender head is supported on the output shaft for rotation therewith, the bender head including a curved channel for receiving the conduit. A guide assembly is coupled to the housing, the guide assembly being movable between a locked configuration, in which the guide assembly is configured to secure the conduit in the curved channel, and an unlocked configuration, in which the conduit is removable from the curved channel.
- In some embodiments, the guide assembly includes a guide and a latching handle pivotally coupled to the guide. In some embodiments, the guide includes a guide curved surface, and the latching handle includes a latch curved surface. In the locked configuration, the guide curved surface and the latch curved surface are in contact with the conduit secured in the curved channel and form a continuous guide path.
- In some embodiments the guide assembly includes a guide arm extending between a first arm end and a second arm end. The first arm end is coupled to the housing and the second arm end is coupled to the guide. In some embodiments the first arm end of the guide arm is rotatably mounted around the output shaft such that the guide arm is rotatable with respect to the output shaft, and wherein the housing includes a locking latch for selectively securing the guide arm with respect to the housing. In some embodiments, the second arm end of the guide arm includes an eccentric support having an opening for coupling to the guide, and wherein the eccentric support is movable to adjust a position of the opening with respect to the guide arm.
- In another embodiment, a power tool is configured to bend conduit. The power tool includes a housing, an output shaft, and a motor. The housing includes a tower and a base, the base being rotatable with respect to the tower. The output shaft extends from the base and is configured to receive a bender head with a curved channel for engaging conduit. The motor is positioned within the housing and configured to rotate the output shaft about an output axis. The base is rotatable between a first position in which the output axis extends in a first direction relative to the tower, and a second position in which the output axis extends in a second direction relative to the tower, the second direction being different than the first direction.
- In some embodiments, the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction.
- In some embodiments the tool further includes a working area adjacent the output shaft, wherein in the first position the working area is in a horizontal plane such that the bending operation occurs in the horizontal plane, and wherein in the second position the working area is in a vertical plane such that the bending operation occurs in the vertical plane. In some embodiments the tool further includes a handle extending from the tower, and wherein in the first position the handle at least partially overlies the base.
- In some embodiments the power tool further includes a battery receptacle supported by the tower that is configured to receive a battery that provides power to the motor. In some embodiments the power tool further comprises a locking latch for securing the base in the first position and the second position.
- In another embodiment, a bending system is configured to bend conduit. The system includes a power tool and a stand. The power tool includes a housing, a motor positioned within the housing, and an output shaft extending from the housing and driven by the motor to rotate about an axis. A bender head is rotatably coupled to the output shaft. The stand is configured to support the power tool above a surface. The stand includes a center column extending between a first end and a second end, the first end configured to couple to the power tool. A battery receptacle supported by the center column for receiving a battery to provide power to the motor of the power tool. A set of legs is coupled to the center column and engages the surface.
- In some embodiments the battery receptacle is coupled to the center end of the center column. The power tool is movable to different orientations relative to the stand. The set of legs includes three legs arranged as a tripod.
- In another embodiment a power tool is configured to bend conduit. The power tool includes a housing, a motor positioned within the housing, an output shaft extending from the housing and driven by the motor to rotate about an axis, and a bender head coupled for rotation with the output shaft and configured to engage a conduit during a bending operation. A guide is coupled to the housing and engages the conduit during the bending operation. A stand is coupled to the housing for supporting the housing above a support surface. The stand includes a battery receptacle for receiving a battery that provides power to the motor.
- In some embodiments the housing is rotatably coupled to the stand for movement between a first position with the output shaft extending vertically, and a second position with the output shaft extending horizontally.
- In some embodiments the power tool further includes a handle extending from the housing. A user input is configured to control operation of the motor, the user input being positioned on the handle.
- In another embodiment, a power tool is configured to bend conduit. The power tool includes a housing, a motor positioned within the housing, an output shaft extending from the housing and driven by the motor to rotate about an axis, and a bender head coupled for rotation with the output shaft and configured to engage a conduit during a bending operation. A guide is configured to support the conduit during the bending operation. A guide support arm supports the guide in a variety of positions with respect to the output shaft. The guide support arm is rotatably coupled to the output shaft such that the guide support arm is rotatable with respect to the axis. In some embodiments, the power tool further includes a locking latch is used to selectively secure the guide support arm with respect to the housing.
- In some embodiments the guide support arm includes a first end for coupling to the output shaft and a second end for coupling to the guide. The first end includes an opening and an eccentric support positioned within the opening. The eccentric support is movable within the opening. The eccentric supports includes a plate having a central opening, wherein the central opening receives the output shaft. The rotation of the plate causes movement of the central opening with respect to the first end.
- In another embodiment, a bending tool is configured to bend conduit. The bending tool includes a handle extending along a handle axis to an end, and a bender head coupled to the end of the handle. The bender head includes a curved channel for receiving conduit. The bending tool includes a bender module having a sensor for sensing an orientation of the bender module and configured to generate a signal, a controller configured to receive the signal and determine a bend angle based on the signal from the sensor, and a display for displaying the bend angle.
- In some embodiments the bender module is coupled to the handle at the end adjacent the bender head. In some embodiments the bender module is integrated into the bender head. In some embodiments the bender module further includes a power source, which may be a battery removably coupled to the bender module.
- In some embodiments the bender module further includes a housing with an angled surface configured to be visible by a user holding the handle, and wherein the display is positioned on the angled surface.
- In some embodiments the housing includes a first half and a second half movably coupled to the first half for movement between an open position and a closed position, wherein in the closed position the housing surrounds a portion of the handle, a portion of the bender head, or portions of both.
- In another embodiment, a bending tool for bending conduit, the bending tool including a bender head and a laser module. The bender head includes a curved channel for receiving a conduit during a bending operation. The curved channel defines a bending plane. The bender head also includes a first mounting surface, and a second mounting surface spaced from the first mounting space. The laser module includes a laser configured to project a laser line. The laser module alternately couples to the first mounting surface and the second mounting surface. When the laser module is coupled to the first mounting surface, the laser line extends within the bending plane.
- In some embodiments the laser module includes a mounting feature configured to secure the laser module to the bender head, and wherein the mounting feature includes a magnet.
- In some embodiments, when the laser module is coupled to the second mounting surface, the laser line intersects the bending plane. In some embodiments the bender head includes a clamp for engaging conduit, and the first mounting surface is adjacent the clamp.
- The features identified above may be used in any combination or individually. Other aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a handheld power tool engaging a conduit according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 2 illustrates a portion of the tool ofFIG. 1 including a drive train, a head, and a guide. -
FIG. 3 is a side view of the drive train ofFIG. 2 . -
FIG. 4 is a partially exploded view of the power tool illustrating the head and the guide ofFIG. 2 . -
FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the tool ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 6 illustrates a step of operating the tool ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 7 illustrates a further step of operating the tool ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 8 illustrates a further step of operating the tool ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 9 illustrates a further step of operating the tool ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 10 illustrates a further step of operating the tool ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 11 illustrates a further step of operating the tool ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 12 illustrates the tool ofFIG. 1 in an exemplary use environment. -
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a handheld power tool according to a further embodiment. -
FIG. 14 illustrates a step of operating the tool ofFIG. 13 . -
FIG. 15 illustrates a further step of operating the tool ofFIG. 13 . -
FIG. 16 illustrates a further step of operating the tool ofFIG. 13 . -
FIG. 17 illustrates a further step of operating the tool ofFIG. 13 . -
FIG. 18 illustrates a further step of operating the tool ofFIG. 13 . -
FIG. 19 illustrates a further step of operating the tool ofFIG. 13 . -
FIG. 20 illustrates a further step of operating the tool ofFIG. 13 . -
FIG. 21 illustrates the tool ofFIG. 13 in an exemplary use environment. -
FIG. 22A illustrates an embodiment of a control for use with the tool ofFIG. 13 . -
FIG. 22B illustrates another embodiment of a control for use with the tool ofFIG. 13 . -
FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a power tool according to a further embodiment, the power tool being coupled to a stand. -
FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the power tool ofFIG. 23 . -
FIG. 25 illustrates a drive train of the power tool ofFIG. 23 . -
FIG. 26 illustrates a step of operating the tool ofFIG. 23 . -
FIG. 27 illustrates a further step of operating the tool ofFIG. 23 . -
FIG. 28 illustrates a further step of operating the tool ofFIG. 23 . -
FIG. 29 illustrates a further step of operating the tool ofFIG. 23 . -
FIG. 30 illustrates a further step of operating the tool ofFIG. 23 . -
FIG. 31 illustrates a further step of operating the tool ofFIG. 23 . -
FIG. 32 illustrates the tool ofFIG. 23 in an exemplary use environment. -
FIG. 33 is a perspective view of a power tool according to a further embodiment, the power tool being coupled with a stand. -
FIG. 34 is a perspective view of the power tool ofFIG. 33 including an optical sensor. -
FIG. 35 illustrates the optical sensor ofFIG. 34 . -
FIG. 36 illustrates an alignment feature for use with the power tool ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 37 is a perspective view of an alternate guide support arm for use with any of the described power tools. -
FIG. 38 illustrates the guide support arm ofFIG. 37 in a first configuration. -
FIG. 39 illustrates the guide support arm ofFIG. 37 in a second configuration. -
FIG. 40 illustrates a conduit bender including a bender module. -
FIG. 41 illustrates a schematic view of the bender module ofFIG. 40 . -
FIG. 42 illustrates the conduit bender ofFIG. 40 in an operation position. -
FIG. 43 illustrates another embodiment of a bender module with a removable battery. -
FIG. 44 illustrates a still further embodiment of a bender module with a charging port. -
FIG. 45 illustrates a removable bender module for coupling to a conduit bending tool. -
FIG. 46 illustrates the removable bender module ofFIG. 45 in an open position. -
FIG. 47 illustrates the removable bender module ofFIG. 46 in a closed position, coupled to a conduit bending tool. -
FIG. 48 illustrates a laser module of an alignment system for use with a conduit bending tool. -
FIG. 49 illustrates a head of a conduit bending tool with a first mounting surface that selectively receives the laser module ofFIG. 48 . -
FIG. 50 illustrates a head of a conduit bending tool with a second mounting surface that selectively receives the laser module ofFIG. 48 and a third mounting surface that may selectively receive the laser module ofFIG. 48 . -
FIG. 51 illustrates the head of a conduit bending tool ofFIG. 51 with a fourth mounting surface that may selectively receive the laser module ofFIG. 48 . -
FIG. 52 illustrates an alignment system in use with a conduit bending tool in one configuration. -
FIG. 53 illustrates the alignment system ofFIG. 52 in another configuration. -
FIG. 54 illustrates a first step of an operation performed by a powered bending tool according to one embodiment. -
FIG. 55 illustrates a second step of the operation of the tool ofFIG. 54 . -
FIG. 56 illustrates a third step of the operation of the tool ofFIG. 54 . -
FIG. 57 illustrates a fourth step of the operation of the tool ofFIG. 54 . -
FIG. 58 illustrates a final step of the operation of the tool ofFIG. 54 . - Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways.
- It should also be noted that certain features are described in reference to certain embodiments but are not limited to application in that embodiment and may be incorporated into other embodiments, both explicitly disclosed and not disclosed.
- Pipes or conduit are used in a variety of use cases that can require different configurations and shapes be created. A conduit bender is typically used to form the pipes into the desired shape. Typical conduit benders use the force applied by an operator's foot to bend the conduit along a head. This can be difficult if the operator is unable to apply the correct amount of force to bend pipes, especially stiff pipes. The process can also be imprecise, as the force from the operator's foot must be discontinued once the pipe has reached the desired bend angle, which is measured using indicators located on the head, beneath the operator's foot. Additionally, it can be a time consuming process to create multiple bends in multiple pipes and can be difficult to keep the orientation consistent for subsequent bends.
-
FIGS. 1-12 illustrate a poweredconduit bending tool 10. Thebending tool 10 can be used to bend conduit. Conduit may include pipes, electrical metallic tubing (EMT), intermediate metal conduit (IMC), rigid metal conduit (RMC), rigid non metallic conduit (RNC), solid stock, rebar, or any other elongate material. Thebending tool 10 includes ahousing 14 having a base 18 and atower 22 extending up from thebase 18. A set oflegs 26 extends from the base 18 to support thehousing 14 on a horizontal surface. Thetower 22 includes amotor housing 30 containing amotor 34. Themotor 34 may be anelectric motor 34. In the illustrated embodiment, the bendingtool 10 is battery powered and thetower 22 includes abattery receptacle 38 for receiving abattery 42. Thebattery 42 may be removable and rechargeable and is selectively electrically connected with themotor 34. In some embodiments thebending tool 10 may alternately or additionally include a power cord extending from thehousing 14 for providing power to themotor 34. Ahandle 46 extends upwards and forwards from thetower 22. Thehandle 46 includes agrip portion 50 having auser interface 54. Theuser interface 54 includes a set ofcontrols 58 and atrigger 62. Thebending tool 10 may include a controller (not shown) to selectively provide power from thebattery 42 to themotor 34 based on input from theuser interface 54. In the illustrated embodiment, the bendingtool 10 is handheld, so an operator can use thegrip portion 50 to support thehousing 14 above a surface. As shown inFIG. 12 , in some embodiments, the operator can utilize thegrip portion 50 to support thehousing 14 during operation and rest a rear of themotor housing 30 against their body to add support to thebending tool 10 as thebending tool 10 operates. In other embodiments, the bendingtool 10 may be supported by the set oflegs 26 on a horizontal surface during operation, or before or after operation. - The
handle 46 cooperates with thebase 18 andtower 22 to define a workingarea 70. Thebending tool 10 includes anoutput shaft 74 extending upward from the base 18 into the workingarea 70. Abender head 78 is coupled to theoutput shaft 74 to rotate therewith. Thebender head 78 may be removably coupled to theoutput shaft 74 and is interchangeable with any of a plurality of bender heads. The plurality of bender heads may include a variety of bender heads for accommodating different diameters of pipe, different stiffness of pipe, or for creating bends having different radii. In some embodiments, thebender head 78 is removable and can be coupled with a handle to operate as a typical conduit bender. - As best shown in
FIG. 2 , thebender head 78 includes afront portion 82 and arear portion 86. Therear portion 86 includes acentral channel 90 for receiving anarm adapter 94. Thearm adapter 94 extends between afirst end 98 and asecond end 102. Thefirst end 98 includes anoncircular opening 106 for engaging theoutput shaft 74 and thesecond end 102 is mounted in thecentral channel 90. Thefront portion 82 includes anouter edge 110 defining acurved channel 114. Thecurved channel 114 may have a radius corresponding to a diameter of pipe intended to be bent by thebender head 78. At least a portion of theouter edge 110 extends along asemi-circular profile 118. Thesemi-circular profile 118 may have a radius corresponding to a radius of the resulting bend in the pipe. A holdingclamp 122 extends from thefront portion 82 and defines acontact surface 126 facing thecurved channel 114. Thebender head 78 may include a plurality ofindicator markings 130, marking the sizes of the radii and the intended pipe. The plurality ofindicator markings 130 may also includeangle indicators 134 and analignment indicator 138. - As shown in
FIG. 4 , the bendingtool 10 includes aguide assembly 140 movable between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration. Theguide assembly 140 includes aguide 142 mounted on aguide support arm 146. Theguide support arm 146 extends between afirst arm end 150 and asecond arm end 154. Thefirst arm end 150 includes anopening 158 surrounding theoutput shaft 74. In the illustrated embodiment, theguide 142 is mounted to thesecond arm end 154 of theguide support arm 146 by afastener 162. Theguide 142 includes acurved surface 166. Theguide 142 is mounted so that thecurved surface 166 is positioned opposite thecurved channel 114, creating apathway 170 for conduit. In some embodiments, theguide 142 is reversible and includes a secondcurved surface 174 having a different profile to accommodate different types and sizes of conduit. Theguide assembly 140 further includes alatching handle 178 coupled to theguide 142. The latching handle 178 includes a thirdcurved surface 182. In the illustrated embodiment, the latchinghandle 178 is pivotally mounted for rotation relative to theguide 142 between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the unlocked position, the latchinghandle 178 is pivoted away from thehousing 14 to allow conduit to be installed in thebender head 78. In the locked position, the latchinghandle 178 is pivoted toward thehousing 14 until the thirdcurved surface 182 is generally aligned with thecurved surface 166 of theguide 142, forming a continuous guide path. In some embodiments, theguide 142 is rotatable with the latchinghandle 178 between the locked position and unlocked position. In some embodiments, the latchinghandle 178 is integrally formed with theguide 142. - As illustrated in
FIGS. 2-3 , adrive train 186 is mounted in thehousing 14 to couple themotor 34 with theoutput shaft 74. Themotor 34 includes a motor shaft (not shown) extending along afirst axis 194 ormotor axis 194. Thedrive train 186 includes a first planetary gear set 198 coupled to themotor 34. The first planetary gear set 198 may be a three stage planetary gear train and may transmit rotation from themotor 34 to atransfer shaft 202, which extends along themotor axis 194 toward theoutput shaft 74. Thetransfer shaft 202 includes aspiral bevel pinion 206 mounted at an end distal from the first planetary gear set 198. Thespiral bevel pinion 206 engages a spiral bevel gear 210 to rotate the spiral bevel gear 210 about asecond axis 214. Thesecond axis 214 is perpendicular to themotor axis 194. The spiral bevel gear 210 is coupled to a second planetary gear set 218. The second planetary gear set 218 may be a single stage planetary gear train. The single stage planetary gear train transmits rotation from the spiral bevel gear 210 to anoutput gear 222. Theoutput gear 222 is mounted for rotation about thesecond axis 214. Theoutput gear 222 engages aninternal ring gear 226 mounted for rotation about a third axis oroutput axis 230. Theoutput axis 230 is parallel to, but spaced from, thesecond axis 214 and is collinear with theoutput shaft 74. Theinternal ring gear 226 is secured to theoutput shaft 74 for rotation therewith. When power is provided to themotor 34, rotation is transmitted through the first planetary gear set 198 to thetransfer shaft 202 andspiral bevel pinion 206. Thespiral bevel pinion 206 rotates about themotor axis 194 to rotate the spiral bevel gear 210 about thesecond axis 214. Rotation of the spiral bevel gear 210 is transmitted through the second planetary gear set 218 to theoutput gear 222. Theoutput gear 222 rotates about thesecond axis 214, driving the internal gear to rotate about theoutput axis 230. Theoutput shaft 74 rotates with the internal gear about theoutput axis 230. - While the
drive train 186 is described as including a first planetary gear set 198, a spiral bevel gear 210, and a second planetary gear set 218, thedrive train 186 is not limited to the disclosed configuration. Other drive train components may be used interchangeably with those disclosed above. Additionally, the number of stages in each of the planetary gear sets may be increased or decreased as appropriate for the type of motor and the desired output. For example, in some embodiments, thedrive train 186 may include a direct drive, a belt drive, a cam drive, and the like. - The
output shaft 74 extends along theoutput axis 230 between afirst end 234, supported in thehousing 14 for rotation relative to thehousing 14, and asecond end 238, extending from thehousing 14 into the workingarea 70. Theinternal ring gear 226 is mounted adjacent thefirst end 234. Thesecond end 238 includes anoncircular profile 242 corresponding to thenoncircular opening 106 in thearm adapter 94 of thebender head 78. Thenoncircular profile 242 of thesecond end 238 is received in thenoncircular opening 106 to rotatably couple thebender head 78 to theoutput shaft 74. Theguide support arm 146 is supported on theoutput shaft 74 for rotation relative to theoutput shaft 74 and is mounted between thearm adapter 94 and theinternal ring gear 226. - As best seen in
FIG. 5 , theguide assembly 140 includes a lockinglatch 246. Theguide support arm 146 is rotatably secured to thehousing 14 by the lockinglatch 246. The lockinglatch 246 includes a lockinglever 250 movable between a locked position, in which theguide support arm 146 is prevented from rotating with respect to thehousing 14, and an unlocked position, in which theguide support arm 146 is able to rotate about theoutput shaft 74 relative to thehousing 14. In the locking configuration of theguide assembly 140, theguide support arm 146 is secured to thehousing 14 by the lockinglatch 246 in the locked position, and the latch handle 178 is moved to the locked position to form the continuous guide path. - With reference to
FIGS. 6-11 , a method of using of thebending tool 10 is illustrated. As shown inFIG. 6 , with the latchinghandle 178 in the unlocked position apipe 254 is installed in thepathway 170 defined between thecurved channel 114 and thecurved surface 166. Once thepipe 254 has been installed, the latchinghandle 178 can be moved (e.g., rotated) to the locked position, as shown inFIG. 7 . In the locked position, thepipe 254 is secured between thecurved surface 166 and thecurved channel 114. As shown inFIG. 8 , the space between thepipe 254 and thebender head 78 is such that thepipe 254 can be slid along thepathway 170 until the desired starting point of the bend is aligned with thealignment indicator 138 on thebender head 78. In some embodiments thepipe 254 is installed and aligned while thebending tool 10 is supported by the set oflegs 26 on a surface. In other embodiments, thepipe 254 is installed and aligned while being supported by an operator via thegrip portion 50. - Once the
pipe 254 is installed and aligned, the bendingtool 10 can be operated. The operator actuates thetrigger 62 on thegrip portion 50 which sends a signal to the controller. The controller then supplies themotor 34 with power from thebattery 42, causing the motor shaft to rotate. Rotation of themotor 34 is transmitted through thedrive train 186 to theoutput shaft 74, and by extension, thebender head 78. As thebender head 78 rotates with respect to thehousing 14, thepipe 254 is held between thecontact surface 126 of the holdingclamp 122 and thecurved channel 114 and is carried with thebender head 78. Movement of thebender head 78 moves thepipe 254 through theguide 142. Thecurved surface 166 of theguide 142 presses thepipe 254 against thecurved channel 114, bending thepipe 254 into a curve, as shown inFIG. 9 . The operator depresses thetrigger 62 until thepipe 254 is at the desired angle, as indicated by theangle indicators 134 on thebender head 78, which are clearly visible in the workingarea 70. Once thepipe 254 has been bent to the desired angle, thetrigger 62 is released and themotor 34 is powered down. - To release the now
bent pipe 254, the latchinghandle 178 is rotated to the unlocked position, as shown inFIG. 10 . Thepipe 254 is then removed from thepathway 170 of thebending tool 10. Thebending tool 10 is reset, as shown inFIG. 11 , by changing the direction of themotor 34 to operate in reverse, for example by using the set ofcontrols 58 on thegrip portion 50 and using thetrigger 62 to rotate thedrive train 186 in reverse, rotating thebender head 78 back to the starting position. The process can then be repeated with another pipe, or a subsequent bend in the same pipe. - As shown in
FIG. 36 , the bendingtool 10 may also includealignment lasers 290 to visually indicate a bending plane to an operator. Thealignment lasers 290 may be mounted on theguide 142 or latchinghandle 178. Thealignment lasers 290 project afirst plane 294, perpendicular to theoutput axis 230, and asecond plane 298, parallel to theoutput axis 230. Thefirst plane 294 may be used to align thepipe 254 for a second bend in the same plane, such as for applications where thefinal pipe 254 will lay flush against a flat surface. Thesecond plane 298 may be used to align thepipe 254 for a second bend in a perpendicular plane, such as for applications where thefinal pipe 254 will need to turn a corner. Thepipe 254 may be rotated in the channel until the tail of thepipe 254 is completely within the desired plane. Then the latchinghandle 178 can be moved to the locked position to lock thepipe 254 in the desired orientation. In some embodiments, thealignment lasers 290 may only project one of theplanes -
FIGS. 13-22B illustrate another handheld poweredconduit bending tool 310. Thetool 310 is similar to thebending tool 10 shown inFIGS. 1-12 and similar features are given similar reference numbers, plus 300. Features disclosed with reference to thetool 310 can be incorporated into thebending tool 10 and vice versa. Thetool 310 includes ahousing 314 with abase 318 and atower 322. In the illustrated embodiment, thebase 318 is rotatably mounted to thetower 322 to rotate a workingarea 370 between a horizontal plane and a vertical plane. Thetool 310 includes ahandle 346 that allows an operator to carry and support thetool 310 before, during, and after a bending operation. Thebase 318 is rotatable between a first working position in which anoutput shaft 374 extends from the base 318 in a first direction (e.g., a generally vertical direction), and a second working position in which theoutput shaft 374 extends from the base 318 in a second direction (e.g., a generally horizontal direction). Abender head 378 is mounted to theoutput shaft 374 for rotation therewith. Therefore, in the second working position thebender head 378 is rotatable about a horizontal axis. - In operation, the
tool 310 receives apipe 554 in substantially the same way as thebending tool 10. Thepipe 554 is fed through apathway 470 defined between thebender head 378 and theguide 442, as shown inFIG. 14 .FIG. 15 illustrates alatching handle 478 being moved to a locked position to secure thepipe 554 in thetool 310. Once thepipe 554 has been secured, thepipe 554 can be moved to align a desired starting point on thepipe 554 with analignment indicator 438 on thebender head 378, as shown inFIG. 16 . - Once the
pipe 554 has been installed and aligned, thetool 310 is ready to perform a bending operation. Thehandle 346 includes a set ofcontrols 358 that allows the operator to input the required bend information. For example, in some embodiments the operator may use thecontrols 358 to set the desired bend angle, the thickness of the pipe, the type of conduit, the diameter of the conduit, and/or any other relevant information. In some embodiments, the input information is used to determine an additional offset angle to address the potential spring back. Spring back occurs when the conduits natural resilience restores the conduit after the bend, resulting in a bend that is less than the desired bend angle. By over-bending, or bending the conduit to an angle greater than the desired bend angle, the conduit naturally springs back, resulting in a bend of the correct angle. In some embodiments the offset may be manually accounted for by the operator entering a higher bend angle then the desired bend angle. In other embodiments, including this embodiment, thetool 310 uses the input from thecontrols 358 to determine an offset for each bend. Thetool 310 utilizes stored information, such as a look-up table, to determine the required offset based on the bend information. For example, if the conduit bends matching the provided bend information tends to spring back from the bending operation by 10 degrees, thetool 310 sets an offset to 10 degrees, and add the offset to the desired bend angle to obtain the total bend angle. In other embodiments, the offset can be measured using different units. As shown inFIG. 17 , an operator uses thecontrols 358 of theuser interface 354 to input the desired bend information for the bend operation. This step can also occur before thepipe 554 is loaded into thetool 310. - In narrow workspaces (such as that illustrated in
FIG. 21 ) and especially for bends that occur in the middle of a long piece of pipe, it may be desirable to orient thetool 310 so that thepipe 554 moves in a vertical plane as it bends, rather than in a horizontal plane. In such cases, an operator can rotate the base 318 to the second working position after thepipe 554 has been installed, as shown inFIG. 18 . - Once the
tool 310 has been oriented as needed, the operator can depress atrigger 362 to begin the bending operation. This activates amotor 334, which transmits rotation to theoutput shaft 374 through a drive train 486. The drive train 486 may be substantially the same asdrive train 186. Theoutput shaft 374 rotates thebender head 378, as shown inFIG. 19 , which cooperates with the latching handle 178 to bend thepipe 554. A controller uses the signals from theuser interface 354 to automatically stop themotor 334 once the correct rotation of thebender head 378 corresponding to the input bend angle has occurred. - As shown in
FIG. 20 , in cases where thebase 318 has been rotated to the second position, once thepipe 554 has been bent, the base 318 can be returned to the first position. Thepipe 554 can be released either before or after thebase 318 is returned to the first position by releasing the latchinghandle 478. Then thetool 310 can be reset for the next operation. - As discussed above, the operator can use a
user interface 354 including the set ofcontrols 358 to set the desired angle and offset. In some embodiments, such as the embodiment shown inFIG. 22A , theuser interface 354 includes a digital display and thecontrol 358 in the form of a dial. The dial rotates in opposing directions to either increase or decrease a value of the desired angle and offset, as indicated on the digital display. In other embodiments, such as the embodiment shown inFIG. 22B , theuser interface 354 may include the set ofcontrols 358 having two labeled dials with positions that correspond to different values of angles and offsets. In still further embodiments, theuser interface 354 may include other controls, such as pure digital controls, push buttons, sliding inputs, and more. -
FIGS. 23-32 illustrate another embodiment of a poweredconduit bending tool 610. Thetool 610 is similar to thetools tool 610 can be incorporated into thetools FIG. 23 , thetool 610 is mounted to astand 858. Thestand 858 provides hands-free support for thetool 610, freeing an operator's hands for guiding thepipe 854, or other related tasks, as shown inFIG. 32 . The stand may be a tripod including a center column, a head, and a set of three legs. The head may include mounting features for removably connecting to thetool 610. Alternately, thetool 610 may replace the head and be fixed to the center column. The legs may be collapsible, and the center column may include telescoping rods in order to easily transport and store the stand. In other embodiments, other types of stands may be used. - The
power tool 610 includes ahousing 614 including abase 618 and ahandle 646. Thehandle 646 extends along ahandle axis 862 that extends generally horizontally (when thestand 858 is upright) and does not intersect thebase 618. In the illustrated embodiment, amotor housing 630 extends from a lower surface of thebase 618 and contains amotor 634. In the illustrated embodiment, thehousing 614 is mechanically supported by, and electrically connected to, thestand 858. Abattery 642 may be removably mounted to thestand 858 to communicate power to themotor 634. In the illustrated embodiment, thebattery 642 is coupled to a bottom of the center column, opposite thetool 610. In some embodiments thehousing 614 may be removably supported on thestand 858, and thebattery 642 and thepower tool 610 may be directly coupled separately from thestand 858 to make thepower tool 610 portable or handheld. Thebase 618 includes auser interface 654 including a display and a set ofcontrols 658 in the form of push buttons adjacent the display. A controller may selectively couple thebattery 642 with themotor 634 based on the input from theuser interface 654. Anoutput shaft 674 extends from a top surface of the base 618 in a generally vertical direction. Abender head 678 is mounted on theoutput shaft 674 for rotation therewith. - As shown in
FIG. 25 , thetool 610 includes adrive train 786 connecting themotor 634 and theoutput shaft 674. Thedrive train 786 includes a first planetary gear set 798, which may be a six-stage planetary gear train. The first planetary gear set 798 transmits rotation from themotor 634 to anoutput gear 822, all along amotor axis 794. Theoutput gear 822 is positioned in aninternal ring gear 826 and drives rotation of theinternal ring gear 826 about anoutput axis 830. Theoutput axis 830 may be parallel to and offset from themotor axis 794. Theinternal ring gear 826 is secured to theoutput shaft 674 to rotate therewith. Therefore, rotation may be transmitted from themotor 634 through thedrive train 786 to theoutput shaft 674 and thereby to thebender head 678. - With reference to
FIG. 26 , theuser interface 654 is used to set the parameters of the bending operation including, for example, a bend angle, an offset, the number of bends, or any other relevant information. As shown inFIG. 27 , apipe 854 is then installed into apathway 770 of thebender head 678 and aguide 742. A latchinghandle 778 is moved to a locking position to retain thepipe 854, as shown inFIG. 28 . Thepipe 854 is then adjusted, as shown inFIG. 29 , to align a desired starting point with analignment indicator 738. - A
trigger 662 is positioned on thehandle 646 and is actuated to start the bending operation, as shown inFIG. 30 . Thetrigger 662 is depressed constantly while the bending occurs and until the controller automatically stops themotor 634 based on the input from theuser interface 654. In other embodiments, the operation may be controlled using the set ofcontrols 658, such as by pressing a button to start the operation and providing an emergency stop button to stop the operation in the event something goes wrong. Once thepipe 854 has been bent, thepipe 854 is released from thetool 610 by moving the latching handle 778 to an unlocked position, as shown inFIG. 31 . Thetool 610 is then reset as needed. - As shown in
FIG. 32 , in some embodiments thehousing 614 is rotatably supported on thestand 858 to allow the base 618 to tilt into a vertical plane. -
FIGS. 33-35 illustrate another embodiment of a stand mounted poweredconduit bending tool 910. Thetool 910 is substantially similar to thetool 610, and only differences are discussed herein. Features discussed with reference to thetool 910 can be incorporated into thetools tool 910 includes ahousing 914 including abase 918 and ahandle 946 with atrigger 962. Thehandle 946 extends along ahandle axis 1162 that intersects thebase 918. Auser interface 954 is positioned at the junction between thehandle 946 and thebase 918. - With reference to
FIGS. 34-35 , thetool 910 may include anoptical sensor 1166 to monitor the movement of apipe 1154 during a bending operation. While described and shown with reference to thetool 910 ofFIG. 33 , theoptical sensor 1166 may be implemented in any of the bending tools described herein. - In the illustrated embodiment shown in
FIG. 34-35 , theoptical sensor 1166 may be placed on acontact surface 1026 of a holdingclamp 1022 on thebender head 978. Thecontact surface 1026 cooperates with acurved channel 1014 of thebender head 978 to secure thepipe 1154 during a bend operation. Theoptical sensor 1166 may be recessed from thecontact surface 1026 so that theoptical sensor 1166 does not contact thepipe 1154. In some embodiments, theoptical sensor 1166 may be positioned on a curved surface of a guide. During the operation, theoptical sensor 1166 can use imperfections and variations on an outer surface of thepipe 1154 to monitor if thepipe 1154 slips with respect to the holdingclamp 1022. Additionally, between subsequent bending operations on thesame pipe 1154, as thepipe 1154 travels through thebender head 978, theoptical sensor 1166 can use the tracking features to determine if there is any rotation of thepipe 1154 as thepipe 1154 moves. This allows the operator to know if subsequent bends are in plane with each other. In some embodiments, thetool 910 may include a controller configured to display the slippage, feed, and rotation information to the operator via theuser interface 954 or the controller may automatically adjust operating conditions based on the input of theoptical sensor 1166. -
FIGS. 37-39 illustrate an alternate embodiment of aguide support arm 1346 for use with a powered conduit bending tool. Theguide support arm 1346 is similar to theguide support arm 146 and is described for use with thebending tool 10. However, theguide support arm 1346 could be incorporated in a similar manner into any of the tools described herein. - The
bending tool 10 interchangeably receives abender head 78 from a set of bender heads that accommodate different diameters of pipe as well as that change the radius of the resulting bend in a pipe. When thebending tool 10 is used with a bender head for creating a bend with different radii, theguide 142 may need to be in a different position relative to theoutput shaft 74 to create the correct bending force. For example, a bender head with a smaller radius would require that theguide 142 be closer to theoutput shaft 74 in order to press thepipe 254 into thecurved channel 114. While it would be possible to switch out theguide support arm 146 along with the bender head, it would increase the difficulty of the changing process and increase the complexity by increasing the number of parts that must be matched and installed. - The
guide support arm 1346 supports theguide 142 in a variety of positions relative to theoutput shaft 74. Theguide support arm 1346 extends between afirst end 1350 and asecond end 1354 to which theguide 142 is mounted. Thefirst end 1350 includes anopening 1474 for receiving aneccentric support 1478. Theeccentric support 1478 includes aplate 1482 with acentral opening 1358 formed in theplate 1482. Thecentral opening 1358 fits around theoutput shaft 74 to secure theguide 142 to thehousing 14. Theplate 1482 is rotatably mounted in theopening 1474. Rotation of theplate 1482 within theopening 1474 moves thecentral opening 1358 with respect to thefirst end 1350. Thus, a distance between thecentral opening 1358 and theguide 142 is altered. In some embodiments, theplate 1482 may include atab 1486. An operator may engage thetab 1486 to rotate theplate 1482 and adjust the distance. Thetab 1486 may further serve as a locator, to lock theplate 1482 with respect to thefirst end 1350. In some embodiments, thefirst end 1350 may include indicator markings to indicate what type ofbender head 78 is appropriate for each setting. In some embodiments, theplate 1482 may linearly slide, rather than rotate, between different positions. -
FIGS. 40-42 illustrate a handheldconduit bending tool 1510 including abender module 1540. In a standard handheld conduit bending operation, the operator may need to pause the bending operation frequently to use a level to check the current bend angle of the conduit, or to look at the indicator lines on the head to check the current bend angle. This can require stepping over the conduit and conduit bender, or require craning the operator's neck, to be able to see the other side of the head. This can be time consuming and result in inaccurate bend angles. With reference toFIG. 40 , theconduit bending tool 1510 includes ahandle 1514 and ahead 1518. Thehandle 1514 includes anelongate tube 1522 extending away from thehead 1518. Thehead 1518 includes a central channel for receiving the handle and anouter edge 1530 defining acurved channel 1534. A holdingclamp 1538 extends from theouter edge 1530 to mount the pipe in thecurved channel 1534. Thebender module 1540 is coupled to thehandle 1514 adjacent thehead 1518 and includes ahousing 1544 having anangled surface 1548 including auser interface 1552 ordisplay 1552. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 40 , thehousing 1544 includes a mountingchannel 1556 surrounding thehandle 1514. Thehousing 1544 is fixed to thehandle 1514 by the mountingchannel 1556. Thedisplay 1552 is positioned on theangled surface 1548, so that when theconduit bending tool 1510 is positioned with thehead 1518 adjacent a horizontal surface, such as the ground, thedisplay 1552 is easily visible by an operator, as seen inFIG. 42 . - With reference to
FIG. 41 , thebender module 1540 includes ameasurement system 1560 including acontroller 1564, one ormore sensors 1568, and apower source 1572. The one ormore sensors 1568 include at least afirst orientation sensor 1576 and asecond orientation sensor 1580. Thefirst orientation sensor 1576 may sense the orientation of thehandle 1514 relative to the ground in a first vertical plane. The first vertical plane includes thecurved channel 1534 of thehead 1518. Thesecond orientation sensor 1580 may sense the orientation of thehandle 1514 relative to the ground in a second vertical plane, perpendicular to the first plane. Thefirst orientation sensor 1576 andsecond orientation sensor 1580 may include accelerometers, gyroscopes, or inertial measurement units. The one ormore sensors 1568 use the center of the earth (or gravity) to establish a reference point, therefore, there is no need to calibrate the sensor for each bend operation. In some embodiments, thefirst orientation sensor 1576 may be one of a plurality of first sensors that senses the orientation of thehandle 1514 in the first plane, and thesecond orientation sensor 1580 may the one of a plurality of second sensors that senses the orientation of thehandle 1514 in the second plane. The one ormore sensors 1568 are configured to generate signals and send the signals to thecontroller 1564. The controller - The
controller 1564 is positioned within thehousing 1544 and is electrically coupled to thepower source 1572. In some embodiments, thepower source 1572 is integrated into thehousing 1544. In some embodiments, thepower source 1572 is removably coupled to thehousing 1544. Thecontroller 1564 is programmed to receive the signals from thefirst orientation sensor 1576. Thecontroller 1564 then uses the signals from thefirst orientation sensor 1576 along with information stored in thecontroller 1564 to determine a bend angle of the conduit based on the orientation of thehandle 1514. Thecontroller 1564 may use calculations, tables, or other known methods to determine the bend angle based on the input from the one ormore sensors 1568. Thecontroller 1564 is also programmed to output the bend angle to anangle portion 1584 of thedisplay 1552. As seen inFIGS. 40-42 , theangle portion 1584 may display a numeral representation of the bend angle. In some embodiments, the angle may alternately be displayed graphically, or may be communicated in another way. - The
controller 1564 is also programmed to receive the signal from thesecond orientation sensor 1580 and determine a tilt amount which can be categorized, for example, as within an acceptable range, out of plane in a first direction, or out of plane in a second direction. Thecontroller 1564 then communicates with alevel portion 1588 of thedisplay 1552 to display one of a plurality of alevel indicators 1592. As seen inFIGS. 40-42 , the plurality oflevel indicators 1592 includes afirst level indicator 1594, acentral level indicator 1596, and asecond level indicator 1598. Thecentral level indicator 1596 may be displayed when the orientation of thehandle 1514 when viewed along thehead 1518 is generally vertical, or the tilt amount is zero or near zero. Thefirst level indicator 1594 may be displayed when thecontroller 1564 determines that thehandle 1514 is tilted away from vertical, or out of plane, in a first direction, or when the tilt amount is negative. Thesecond level indicator 1598 may be displayed when thecontroller 1564 determines that thehandle 1514 is tilted away from vertical, or out of plane, in a second direction, or when the tilt amount is positive. In some embodiments, thecentral level indicator 1596 may move relative to the first andsecond level indicators - With reference to
FIG. 42 , in operation, aconduit 1500 is installed in theconduit bending tool 1510, and theconduit bending tool 1510 is positioned with thehead 1518 adjacent a horizontal surface, such as the ground. In the initial position, theconduit 1500 extends from both sides of thehead 1518 parallel to, or contacting, the ground. Thehandle 1514 extends generally vertically. The operator may place a foot or other stabilizing member on theconduit 1500 on the side of thehead 1518 of theconduit bending tool 1510 opposite the holdingclamp 1538. The operator then checks thelevel portion 1588 of thedisplay 1552 to see which one of the plurality oflevel indicators 1592 is being displayed. If needed, the operator can move thehandle 1514 until thecentral level indicator 1596 is displayed. The operator then lowers thehandle 1514 toward the anchored end of theconduit 1500, and thehead 1518 bends theconduit 1500 upward creating a tail. As thehandle 1514 is lowered, the bend angle is displayed on theangle portion 1584 of thedisplay 1552. Additionally, the operator can monitor thelevel portion 1588 of thedisplay 1552, to ensure that thehandle 1514 remains within the correct plane the entire operation. The operator can easily read the bend angle on thedisplay 1552 without stepping over theconduit bending tool 1510 and can stop the bending operation once the desired angle has been reached. - The
bender module 1540 allows the operator to easily assess the bend angle without having to use an external level and without having to step over theconduit bending tool 1510 or crane their necks to see the indicators positioned on thehead 1518. Thebender module 1540 also allows the operator to assess spring back of the conduit and compensate during the bending operation. -
FIG. 43 illustrates aconduit bending tool 1510′ including another embodiment of abender module 1540′ having ahousing 1544′ with a different shape. In the illustrated embodiment, thehousing 1544′ includes afirst mounting channel 1556′ and asecond mounting channel 1602. Aremovable battery 1604 is coupled to thehousing 1544′ to act as thepower source 1572′. Thedisplay 1552′ is still positioned on anangled surface 1548′ to provide easy visual access to the operator. -
FIG. 44 illustrates aconduit bending tool 1510″ including another embodiment of abender module 1540″ having ahousing 1544″ with a different shape. Thehousing 1544″ includes afirst mounting channel 1556″ and asecond mounting channel 1602′. In the illustrated embodiment, thepower source 1572″ is integrated into thehousing 1544″, and a chargingport 1608 is positioned to allow for on board charging of thepower source 1572″. The chargingport 1608 may be, for example, a USB-C port. Thedisplay 1552″ is still positioned on anangled surface 1548″ to provide easy visual access to the operator. -
FIGS. 45-47 illustrate another embodiment of abender module 1740. In the illustrated embodiment, thebender module 1740 is removably coupled to a conduit bender 1710 (FIG. 47 ). Thebender module 1740 includes ahousing 1744 with anangled surface 1748 including adisplay 1752. Thebender module 1740 includes a measuring system 1760 that is substantially the same asmeasurement system 1560 and is not described in detail. - The illustrated
housing 1744 includes afirst half 1804 and asecond half 1808 rotatably coupled to thefirst half 1804. In the illustrated embodiment, theangled surface 1748 includes ahinge 1812 that allows thesecond half 1808 to rotate relative to thefirst half 1804 about anaxis 1816 that extends along theangled surface 1748. Thehousing 1744 defines a mountingchannel 1756 formed between thefirst half 1804 and thesecond half 1808 of thehousing 1744. In other embodiments, thefirst half 1804 and thesecond half 1808 may be completely separate from each other without thehinge 1812. In still other embodiments, thefirst half 1804 and thesecond half 1808 may be connected together by other means. - In operation, the
bender module 1740 can be opened, as shown inFIG. 46 by pivoting thefirst half 1804 away from thesecond half 1808. Thebender module 1740 can then be closed around ahandle 1714 of theconduit bender 1710, as seen inFIG. 47 . In some embodiments, thebender module 1740 includes a latch for securing thefirst half 1804 of thehousing 1744 relative to thesecond half 1808. Once thebender module 1740 is coupled to theconduit bender 1710, thebender module 1740 can be operated in the same way as described above with reference tobender module 1540. - In some embodiments, the mounting
channel 1756 of thebender module 1740 may include an adjustable portion or adapter to allow thebender module 1740 to mount to handles with varying diameters. In some embodiments, thebender module 1740 may be coupled to aconduit bender 1710 using a different method, other than rotatable halves. For example, thebender module 1740 may fit on the end of thehandle 1714 and may slide along thehandle 1714 toward thehead 1718. Thebender module 1740 may be secured by tightening a collar, once in place. Other implementations may also be used. -
FIGS. 48-53 illustrate analignment system 1960 for use with aconduit bending tool 1910. The illustratedalignment system 1960 is described and illustrated in use with a handheldconduit bending tool 1910; however, thealignment system 1960 can be used with a powered conduit bending tool, such as those described previously, in substantially the same way. Thealignment system 1960 is used to position conduit to create aligned subsequent bends. - As seen best in
FIGS. 50-51 , theconduit bending tool 1910 includes ahandle 1914 and ahead 1918. Thehead 1918 extends between afront portion 1922 and arear portion 1926. Thefront portion 1922 includes acurved channel 1928 for receiving aconduit 1900. Thecurved channel 1928 defines a bending plane. Therear portion 1926 couples to thehandle 1914. Thehead 1918 includes atop surface 1930 and abottom surface 1934. A holdingclamp 1938 extends up from thebottom surface 1934 and secures theconduit 1900 in thecurved channel 1928. The holdingclamp 1938 is at a left side of thehead 1918, and at the right side of thehead 1918 is a footrest 1942 (FIG. 52 ). In a typical conduit bending operation,conduit 1900 is installed in thecurved channel 1928, and thehandle 1914 is lowered to the right, toward thefootrest 1942, to bend theconduit 1900. Theconduit 1900 can then be fed further through thecurved channel 1928 and positioned to create an additional bend. It can be difficult to keep theconduit 1900 aligned in thecurved channel 1928 in order to create the desired geometry. For example, when creating a U-bend using two 90 degree angle bends, the already bent pipe needs to be positioned so that a segment extends within the bending plane. -
FIG. 48 illustrates thealignment system 1960 including alaser module 1964 having ahousing 1968 and alaser 1972 positioned within thehousing 1968. Thelaser 1972 generates alaser line 1976 that extends within an alignment plane. Thehousing 1968 includes a bottom surface 1980 having at least onealignment feature 1984 and a mountingfeature 1988. The mountingfeature 1988 may include a magnet, a recess or post configured to secure via snap fit, a threaded opening or threaded post, or any other appropriate mounting feature. In the illustrated embodiment, the mountingfeature 1988 includes a magnet. In the illustrated embodiment, the at least onealignment feature 1984 includes afirst aperture 1992 and asecond aperture 1996. Thesecond aperture 1996 is smaller than thefirst aperture 1992. In other embodiments, the at least onealignment feature 1984 may include one or more shaped profiles, tapered surfaces, or any other appropriate feature to prevent thelaser module 1964 from being mounted in an incorrect orientation. - As seen in
FIGS. 49-51 , thelaser module 1964 can be coupled to one of a plurality of mounting surfaces 2004 on ahead 1918 of theconduit bending tool 1910. Each of the mounting surface 2004 includes ahead mounting feature 2008 and at least onehead alignment feature 2012 corresponding to the at least onealignment feature 1984 of thelaser module 1964. In the illustrated embodiment, thehead mounting feature 2008 includes a magnetic surface of the mounting surface 2004. In the illustrated embodiment, the at least onehead alignment feature 2012 includes afirst post 2016 and asecond post 2020. Thefirst post 2016 is larger than thesecond post 2020, and generally corresponds to thefirst aperture 1992 on thelaser module 1964. Thesecond post 2020 generally corresponds to thesecond aperture 1996 on thelaser module 1964. When thelaser module 1964 is positioned on one of the mounting surfaces 2004, such as inFIG. 49 , the mountingfeature 1988 of thelaser module 1964 engages thehead mounting feature 2008 to secure thelaser module 1964 to the mounting surface 2004, or in other words themagnet 1988 secures thelaser module 1964 to the magnetic surface 2004. Thefirst post 2016 is received by thefirst aperture 1992 and thesecond post 2020 is received by thesecond aperture 1996 to ensure that thelaser module 1964 is oriented correctly on the mounting surface 2004. - The
laser module 1964 is coupled to a power source (not shown) in order to activate thelaser 1972. In the illustrated embodiment, thelaser module 1964 includeselectrical contacts 2024 positioned in thefirst aperture 1992 and thesecond aperture 1996, and thehead 1918 includeselectrical contacts 2028 positioned on thefirst post 2016 and thesecond post 2020. In other embodiments, theelectrical contacts 2024 may be positioned elsewhere on thelaser module 1964. Theelectrical contacts 2024 may be coupled to the power source via external wires. In embodiments such as theconduit bending tool 1510, thelaser module 1964 may be coupled to thepower source 1572 throughelectrical contacts 2024. - As seen in
FIG. 49 , in a first configuration of thealignment system 1960, thelaser module 1964 is mounted to a first mounting surface 2030. The first mounting surface 2030 is positioned on a front side of the holdingclamp 1938. As also seen inFIG. 52 , thelaser module 1964 is positioned by the mountingfeatures 1988 and the at least onealignment feature 1984 to project thelaser line 1976 to the left of thehead 1918 and forward of thecurved channel 1928. In the first configuration, the alignment plane is parallel to and may be coplanar with the bending plane. The first configuration may be useful in creating offset bends in aconduit 1900. - As seen in
FIG. 50 , in a second configuration of thealignment system 1960 thelaser module 1964 is mounted to a second mounting surface 2032. The second mounting surface 2032 is positioned adjacent arear portion 1926 of thehead 1918. Thelaser module 1964 is positioned to project thelaser line 1976 to the left of thehead 1918 and rearward of thecurved channel 1928. In the second configuration, the alignment plane is parallel to and may be coplanar with the bending plane. The second configuration may be useful in creating U bends in aconduit 1900. - With continued reference to
FIG. 50 , in a third configuration of thealignment system 1960 thelaser module 1964 is mounted to athird mounting surface 2036. Thethird mounting surface 2036 is positioned on abottom surface 1934 of thehead 1918. As seen inFIG. 53 , thelaser module 1964 is positioned on thethird mounting surface 2036 so that thelaser line 1976 is projected to the left of thehead 1918 and below thecurved channel 1928, or in other words on the side of thebottom surface 1934. In the third configuration the alignment plane is perpendicular to the bending plane. The third configuration may be useful in creating a first type of corner bends. - With reference to
FIG. 51 , in a fourth configuration of thealignment system 1960 thelaser module 1964 is mounted to a fourth mounting surface 2040. The fourth mounting surface 2040 is positioned on atop surface 1930 of thehead 1918. Thelaser module 1964 is positioned on the fourth mounting surface 2040 so that thelaser line 1976 is projected to the left of thehead 1918 and above thecurved channel 1928, or in other words on the side of thetop surface 1930. In the fourth configuration, the alignment plane is perpendicular to the bending plane. The fourth configuration may be useful in creating a second type of corner bends. - In operation, the
laser module 1964 is coupled to one of the mounting surfaces according to the desired type of bend. After a first bend operation has been performed creating abent end 1902, theconduit 1900 is moved through thecurved channel 1928 until the location of the second bend is positioned in thecurved channel 1928. Thebent end 1902 of the conduit is rotated until thelaser line 1976 is visible along a length of thebent end 1902. A second bending operation is then performed, creating a subsequent bend that is correctly aligned with the first bend. - The
alignment system 1960 allows for multiple configurations by easily moving thelaser module 1964 between the mounting surfaces 2004. The resulting bends are more accurate, and the process is simpler. Thelaser module 1964 may be used in combination with one of the bender modules described above. With such an arrangement, the power source of the bender module may also provide power to thelaser module 1964. -
FIGS. 54-58 illustrate another embodiment of a poweredconduit bending tool 2110 including an electronic locking feature. Thetool 2110 is similar to thetool 610, as well as the other tools disclosed herein. Features disclosed with respect to thetool 2110 can be incorporated into theother tools FIGS. 54-58 , thetool 2110 may be mounted to a stand to provide hands-free support, similar to thestand 858. - As seen in
FIG. 54 , thetool 2110 includes ahousing 2114 with auser interface 2154 havingcontrols 2158 and atrigger 2162. Abender head 2178 is coupled to anoutput shaft 2174 powered by a motor to rotate thebender head 2178 with respect to aguide 2242. Theguide 2242 is fixed with respect to thehousing 2114. - As seen in
FIG. 54 , thebender head 2178 may begin in a loading position. In operation, conduit C is positioned between acurved channel 2214 of thebender head 2178 and a holdingclamp 2218 of thebender head 2178. As seen inFIG. 55 , the conduit C can then be moved within thechannel 2214 to align a mark on the conduit C with an alignment marking 2238 on thebender head 2178. Once the conduit C is properly positioned, the operator can actuate a first actuator (e.g., a locking button 2101). As seen inFIG. 56 , when thelocking button 2101 is actuated, the motor operates to rotate thebender head 2178 into a ready position, in which the conduit is clamped between thebender head 2178 and theguide 2242. The operator can then actuate a second actuator 2162 (e.g., a trigger) to begin the bend operation, as seen inFIG. 57 . During some operations, the operator may hold thetrigger 2162 to manually control the bend angle. During other operations, the operator may set a desired bend angle using theuser interface 2154 and pull thetrigger 2162 once to start the bend operation and thetool 2110 may automatically stop rotating thebender head 2178 once the desired bend angle has been reached. During still further operations, the operator may set a desired bend angle and hold thetrigger 2162 until the motor stops rotating thebender head 2178 once the desired bend angle has been reached. - As seen in
FIG. 58 , once the bend operation has been completed, an operator may actuate a third actuator (e.g., an unlock button 2102), which rotates thebender head 2178 in reverse to the loading position. The conduit C can then be lifted out of thebender head 2178. Together, the threeactuators user control 2158. In some embodiments, functionality of theactuators button 2101 may both lock and unlock thebender head 2178, depending on the current position of the bender head 2178). - The embodiments described above and illustrated in the figures are presented by way of example only and are not intended as a limitation upon the concepts and principles of the present subject matter. As such, it will be appreciated that variations and modifications to the elements and their configuration and/or arrangement exist within the spirit and scope of the one or more independent aspects as described.
- Various features and advantages of the invention are set forth in the following claims.
Claims (49)
1. A power tool configured to bend conduit, the power tool comprising:
a housing including a base and a tower;
a handle extending from the tower, the handle cooperating with the housing to define a working area at least partially between the base and the handle;
an output shaft extending from the base into the working area and configured to rotate about an output axis;
a bender head supported on the output shaft for rotation therewith, the bender head configured to engage the conduit;
a motor positioned within the housing and configured to rotate the output shaft about the output axis; and
a battery receptacle supported by the housing, the battery receptacle configured to removably receive a battery that provides power to the motor.
2. The power tool of claim 1 , wherein the output axis intersects the handle.
3. The power tool of claim 1 , wherein the handle includes a user interface.
4. The power tool of claim 1 , wherein the housing includes a set of legs extending from the base, and wherein the power tool is alternately supported on a horizontal surface by the set of legs, and supported above the horizontal surface by the handle.
5. The power tool of claim 4 , wherein when the power tool is supported above the horizontal surface, the tower may be rested against a user in order to support the power tool during a bending operation.
6. The power tool of claim 1 , wherein the motor is positioned within the tower, and further comprising a drive train mounted in the housing to couple the output shaft to the motor.
7. The power tool of claim 6 , wherein the drive train includes a first planetary gear set, a bevel gear, and a second planetary gear set.
8. The power tool of claim 6 , wherein the motor includes a motor shaft extending along a motor axis, and wherein the motor axis is perpendicular to the output axis of the output shaft.
9. The power tool of claim 1 , wherein the battery receptacle is located on the tower.
10. The power tool of claim 1 , wherein the base is rotatable with respect to the tower between a first position and a second position, wherein, in the first position, the output axis intersects the handle, and wherein, in the second position, the output axis does not intersect the handle.
11. A power tool configured to bend conduit, the power tool comprising:
a housing;
a motor supported by the housing;
a user interface for controlling the motor;
an output shaft coupled to the housing and including a first end extending from the housing, the output shaft being driven by the motor to rotate about an output axis;
a bender head supported on the output shaft for rotation therewith, the bender head including a curved channel for receiving the conduit; and
a guide coupled to the housing;
wherein the bender head is rotatable relative to the guide between a first position, in which the conduit is positionable in and movable along the curved channel, and a second position, in which the conduit is secured in the curved channel.
12. The power tool of claim 11 , wherein the user interface includes a first actuator for moving the bender head from the first position to the second position.
13. The power tool of claim 12 , wherein the user interface includes a second actuator for further rotating the bender head relative to the guide from the second position to bend the conduit.
14. The power tool of claim 11 , wherein, in the second position, the guide is configured to contact the conduit to secure the conduit in the curved channel.
15. The power tool of claim 11 , wherein, in the first position, the guide is configured to be spaced from the conduit positioned in the curved channel.
16. The power tool of claim 11 , wherein the guide is mounted to a guide support arm, the guide support arm having a first end mounted around the output shaft and a second end which receives the guide.
17. The power tool of claim 16 , wherein the guide support arm is selectively secured to the housing so that the guide is fixed with respect to the housing during a loading and bending operation.
18. A power tool configured to bend conduit, the power tool comprising:
a housing including a tower and a base, the base being rotatable with respect to the tower;
an output shaft extending from the base and configured to receive a bender head with a curved channel for engaging conduit; and
a motor positioned within the housing and configured to rotate the output shaft about an output axis;
wherein the base is rotatable between a first position in which the output axis extends in a first direction relative to the tower, and a second position in which the output axis extends in a second direction relative to the tower, the second direction being different than the first direction.
19. The power tool of claim 18 , wherein the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction.
20. The power tool of claim 18 , further comprising a working area adjacent the output shaft, wherein in the first position the working area is in a horizontal plane such that the bend occurs in the horizontal plane, and wherein in the second position the working area is in a vertical plane such that the bend occurs in the vertical plane.
21. The power tool of claim 18 , further comprising a handle extending from the tower, and wherein in the first position the handle at least partially overlies the base.
22. The power tool of claim 18 , further comprising a battery receptacle supported by the tower and configured to receive a battery that provides power to the motor.
23. The power tool of claim 18 , further comprising a locking latch for securing the base in the first position and the second position.
24. A bending system configured to bend conduit, the system comprising:
a power tool including
a housing,
a motor positioned within the housing,
an output shaft extending from the housing and driven by the motor to rotate about an axis, and
a bender head rotatably coupled to the output shaft; and
a stand configured to support the power tool above a surface, the stand including
a center column extending between a first end and a second end, the first end configured to couple to the power tool,
a battery receptacle supported by the center column for receiving a battery to provide power to the motor of the power tool, and
a set of legs coupled to the center column and configured to engage the surface.
25. The bending system of claim 24 , wherein the battery receptacle is coupled to the second end of the center column.
26. The bending system of claim 24 , wherein the power tool is movable to different orientations relative to the stand.
27. The bending system of claim 24 , wherein the set of legs includes three legs arranged as a tripod.
28. A power tool configured to bend conduit, the power tool comprising:
a housing;
a motor positioned within the housing;
an output shaft extending from the housing and driven by the motor to rotate about an axis;
a bender head coupled for rotation with the output shaft and configured to engage a conduit during a bending operation;
a guide coupled to the housing and configured to engage the conduit during the bending operation; and
a stand coupled to the housing for supporting the housing above a support surface, the stand including a battery receptacle for receiving a battery that provides power to the motor.
29. The power tool of claim 28 , wherein the housing is rotatably coupled to the stand for movement between a first position with the output shaft extending vertically, and a second position with the output shaft extending horizontally.
30. The power tool of claim 28 , further comprising a handle extending from the housing.
31. The power tool of claim 30 , further comprising a user input configured to control operation of the motor, the user input being positioned on the handle.
32. A power tool configured to bend conduit, the power tool comprising:
a housing;
a motor positioned within the housing;
an output shaft extending from the housing and driven by the motor to rotate about an axis;
a bender head coupled for rotation with the output shaft and configured to engage a conduit during a bending operation;
a guide configured to support the conduit during the bending operation; and
a guide support arm configured to support the guide in a variety of positions with respect to the output shaft, the guide support arm being rotatably coupled to the output shaft such that the guide support arm is rotatable with respect to the axis.
33. The power tool of claim 32 , further comprising a locking latch for selectively securing the guide support arm with respect to the housing.
34. The power tool of claim 32 , wherein the guide support arm includes a first end for coupling to the output shaft and a second end for coupling to the guide.
35. The power tool of claim 34 , wherein the second end includes an opening and an eccentric support positioned within the opening.
36. The power tool of claim 35 , wherein the eccentric support is movable within the opening.
37. The power tool of claim 35 , wherein the eccentric support includes a plate having a central opening, wherein the central opening receives the output shaft, and wherein rotation of the plate causes movement of the central opening with respect to the first end.
38. A bending tool configured to bend conduit, the bending tool comprising:
a handle extending along a handle axis to an end;
a bender head coupled to the end of the handle, the bender head including a curved channel for receiving conduit;
a bender module including:
a sensor for sensing an orientation of the bender module and configured to generate a signal,
a controller configured to receive the signal and determine a bend angle based on the signal from the sensor, and
a display for displaying the bend angle.
39. The bending tool of claim 38 , wherein the bender module is coupled to the handle at the end adjacent the bender head.
40. The bending tool of claim 38 , wherein the bender module is integrated into the bender head.
41. The bending tool of claim 38 , wherein the bender module further includes a power source.
42. The bending tool of claim 41 , wherein the power source is a battery removably coupled to the bender module.
43. The bending tool of claim 38 , wherein the bender module further includes a housing with an angled surface configured to be visible by a user holding the handle, and wherein the display is positioned on the angled surface.
44. The bending tool of claim 38 , wherein the housing includes a first half and a second half movably coupled to the first half for movement between an open position and a closed position, and wherein in the closed position the housing surrounds a portion of the handle, a portion the bender head, or portions of both.
45. A bending tool for bending conduit, the bending tool comprising:
a bender head including
a curved channel for receiving a conduit during a bending operation, the curved channel defining a bending plane,
a first mounting surface, and
a second mounting surface spaced from the first mounting surface; and
a laser module including a laser configured to project a laser line, the laser module alternately couplable to the first mounting surface and the second mounting surface, wherein when the laser module is coupled to the first mounting surface, the laser line extends within the bending plane.
46. The bending tool of claim 45 , wherein the laser module includes a mounting feature configured to secure the laser module to the bender head.
47. The bending tool of claim 46 , wherein the mounting feature includes a magnet.
48. The bending tool of claim 45 , wherein when the laser module is coupled to the second mounting surface, the laser line intersects the bending plane.
49. The bending tool of claim 45 , wherein the bender head includes a clamp for engaging the conduit, and wherein the first mounting surface is adjacent the clamp.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US18/105,434 US20230241660A1 (en) | 2022-02-03 | 2023-02-03 | Conduit bender |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US202263306381P | 2022-02-03 | 2022-02-03 | |
US202263323151P | 2022-03-24 | 2022-03-24 | |
US202263348317P | 2022-06-02 | 2022-06-02 | |
US18/105,434 US20230241660A1 (en) | 2022-02-03 | 2023-02-03 | Conduit bender |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20230241660A1 true US20230241660A1 (en) | 2023-08-03 |
Family
ID=87431315
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US18/105,434 Pending US20230241660A1 (en) | 2022-02-03 | 2023-02-03 | Conduit bender |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20230241660A1 (en) |
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2023
- 2023-02-03 US US18/105,434 patent/US20230241660A1/en active Pending
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