CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application

No. 61/894,124 filed on October 22, 2013, co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/950,364 filed on March 10, 2014, co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.

61/895,719 filed on October 25, 2013, and co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/973,292 filed on April 1, 2014, the entire contents of all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to power tools, and more particularly to hand-held hydraulic power tools.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Hydraulic crimpers and cutters are different types of hydraulic power tools for performing work (e.g., crimping or cutting) on a workpiece. In such tools, a hydraulic pump is utilized for pressurizing hydraulic fluid and transferring it to a cylinder in the tool, causing an extensible piston to be displaced. The piston exerts a force on the head of the power tool, which may include opposed jaws with crimping or cutting features, depending upon the particular configuration of the power tool. In this case, the force exerted by the piston may be used for closing the jaws to perform work on a workpiece.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The invention provides, in one aspect, a hydraulic power tool including a housing defining a cylinder, a piston at least partially positioned within the cylinder and movable between a retracted position and an extended position, a reservoir containing hydraulic fluid, a pump for transferring hydraulic fluid in the reservoir to the cylinder, causing the piston to move from the retracted position toward the extended position, a return valve defining a rotational axis and positioned between the cylinder and the reservoir, and a valve actuator driven by the pump for opening the return valve, thereby fluidly communicating the cylinder and the reservoir, in response to a predetermined pressure being reached in the cylinder.

[0005] The invention provides, in another aspect, a method of operating a hydraulic tool.

The method includes providing a return valve between a cylinder and a reservoir of the hydraulic tool, detecting a pressure in excess of a predetermined pressure, rotating the valve about a rotational axis to an open position, and returning pressurized fluid in the cylinder to the reservoir through the return valve when in the open position.

[0006] The invention provides, in yet another aspect, a hydraulic power tool including a housing defining a cylinder, a piston at least partially positioned within the cylinder and movable between a retracted position and an extended position, a clevis supporting a head of the power tool, a nut coupled to an outer peripheral surface of the clevis, and a collar coupled to the housing and surrounding the nut to axially constrain the nut between the collar and the housing while permitting relative rotation between the collar and the nut.

[0007] The invention provides, in another aspect, a quick-release mechanism for removably coupling a tool head to a clevis. The quick-release mechanism includes a sleeve extending through the tool head and a pin extending through sleeve. The pin is rotatable between a first position in which the pin is prevented from being withdrawn from the sleeve and a second position in which the pin can be withdrawn from the sleeve to permit removal of the tool head from the clevis.

[0008] The invention provides, in yet another aspect, a hydraulic power tool including a housing defining a cylinder and a piston at least partially positioned within the cylinder. The piston is movable between a retracted position and an extended position. The hydraulic power tool further includes a clevis supporting a tool head of the power tool, and a quick-release mechanism for removably coupling the head to the clevis. The quick-release mechanism is operable to decouple the head from the clevis without the use of external tools.

[0009] The invention provides, in a further aspect, a jaw for a cutting tool including a blade support and a blade coupled to the blade support. The blade has a bottom portion, a top portion, and a cutting edge extending between the bottom portion and the top portion. The jaw further includes a notch located on one of the blade and the blade support and a ledge located on the other of the blade and the blade support. The ledge cooperates with the notch to provide lateral stability to the bottom portion of the blade while the cutting tool is in use.

[0010] Other features and aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration of the following detailed description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a hydraulic power tool in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, illustrating a crimping head coupled to a body of the tool.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a rotary return valve of the power tool of FIG. 1.

[0013] FIG. 3 is a portion of the power tool of FIG. 1, illustrating the rotary return valve in an open position.

[0014] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the rotary return valve immediately prior to being opened.

[0015] FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the rotary return valve just after being opened.

[0016] FIG. 5 is a portion of the power tool of FIG. 1, illustrating the rotary return valve in the closed position.

[0017] FIG. 6 A is a perspective view of the rotary return immediately prior to being closed.

[0018] FIG. 6B is a perspective view of the rotary return valve just after being closed.

[0019] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a hydraulic power tool in accordance with another embodiment of the invention, illustrating another embodiment of a rotary return valve in an open position.

[0020] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the rotary return valve shown in FIG. 7 along line 8—8 in FIG. 7. [0021] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the rotary return valve of FIG. 7, illustrating the rotary return valve in a closed position.

[0022] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the rotary return valve shown in FIG. 9 along line 10— 10 in FIG. 9.

[0023] FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of another portion of the hydraulic power tool of FIG. 7, illustrating a rotatable clevis, collar, and nut.

[0024] FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of an interface between the collar and the nut shown in FIG. 11.

[0025] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a hydraulic power tool in accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention, illustrating a cutter head coupled to a body of the tool.

[0026] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the cutter head of the hydraulic power tool of

FIG. 13, illustrating a quick-release assembly of the cutter head.

[0027] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the quick-release assembly of FIG. 14, taken along line 16—16 in FIG. 14.

[0028] FIG. 16 is an enlarged view of the quick-release assembly including a pin illustrated in a first rotational position.

[0029] FIG. 16A is an enlarged, cross-sectional view of the pin of FIG. 16.

[0030] FIG. 17 is an enlarged view of the quick-release assembly illustrated in a second rotational position.

[0031] FIG. 18 is an enlarged view of the quick-release assembly with the pin in a fully- withdrawn position.

[0032] FIG. 19 is a front perspective view of a jaw for use with the cutter head of FIG.

14.

[0033] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a portion of the jaw for of FIG.19. [0034] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a blade of the jaw of FIG. 19.

[0035] FIG. 22 is a front perspective view of another jaw for use with the cutter head of FIG. 14.

[0036] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a portion of the jaw of FIG. 22.

[0037] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a portion of a blade of the jaw of FIG. 22.

[0038] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a cutter head for use with the hydraulic power tool of FIG. 13, illustrating a quick-release assembly of the cutter head.

[0039] FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of the quick-release assembly of FIG. 25 taken along line 26— 26 in FIG. 25.

[0040] FIG. 27 is an enlarged view of the quick-release assembly including a pin illustrated in a first rotational position.

[0041] FIG. 28 is an enlarged view of a detent assembly of the quick-release assembly of

FIG. 27, with the pin in the first rotational position.

[0042] FIG. 29 is an enlarged view of the pin of the quick-release assembly illustrated in a second rotational position.

[0043] FIG. 30 is an enlarged view of the detent assembly of the quick-release assembly of FIG. 29, with the pin in the second rotational position.

[0044] FIG. 31 is an enlarged view of the quick-release assembly of FIG. 27 with the pin in a partially withdrawn position.

[0045] FIG. 32 is an enlarged view of the quick-release assembly of FIG. 27 with the pin in a fully-withdrawn position.

[0046] 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. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a hydraulic power tool, shown as a crimper

10, including an electric motor 12, a pump 14 driven by the motor 12, a housing 22 defining a cylinder 26 therein, and an extensible piston 30 disposed within the cylinder 26. As is described in more detail below, the pump 14 provides pressurized hydraulic fluid to the piston cylinder 26, causing the piston 30 to extend from the housing 22 and thereby actuate a pair of jaws 32 for crimping a workpiece. The jaws 32 are a part of a crimper head 72, which also includes a clevis 74 for attaching the head 72 to a body 1 of the crimper 10, which otherwise includes the motor 12, pump 14, housing 22, and piston 30. Although FIG. 1 illustrates a hydraulic crimper 10, the inventions described herein are applicable to a wide range of hydraulic power tools (e.g., cutters, knockout punches, etc.).

[0048] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, the crimper 10 includes an auto return valve assembly 18.

The assembly 18 includes a rotary return valve 34 having a return port 38 (FIG. 3) offset from a rotational axis 40 of the valve 34. The return port 38 is in selective alignment with a return passageway 42 in the housing 22 which, in turn, is in fluid communication with the cylinder 26.

[0049] With reference to FIG. 2, the assembly 18 also includes a valve actuator 46 driven by an input shaft 50 of the pump 14 for selectively closing the return valve 34 (i.e., when the return port 38 is misaligned with the return passageway 42) and opening the return valve 34 (i.e., when the return port 38 is aligned with the return passageway 42). The valve actuator 46 includes a generally cylindrical body 48 that accommodates a first set of pawls 52 and a second set of pawls 56. In the illustrated embodiment, the first set of pawls 52 includes four pawls 52 offset from one another by about 90 degrees (FIGS. 4A-4B), and the second set of pawls 56 includes two pawls 56 offset from one another by about 180 degrees (FIGS. 6A-6B). In other embodiments, the sets of pawls 52, 56 may include any other number of pawls. [0050] The pawls 52, 56 are pivotally coupled to the body 48 and extend and retract from the body 48 in response to rotation of the input shaft 50. The pawls 52 extend when the input shaft 50 is driven in a clockwise direction from the frame of reference of FIGS. 4A and 4B, and the pawls 52 retract when the input shaft 50 is driven in a counter-clockwise direction.

Conversely, the pawls 56 extend when the input shaft 50 is driven in the counter-clockwise direction from the frame of reference of FIGS. 6A and 6B, and retract when the input shaft 50 is driven in the clockwise direction. The pawls 52, 56 are selectively engageable with

corresponding first and second radial projections 60, 64 on the return valve 34 to open and close the valve 34.

[0051] Prior to initiating a crimping operation, the return valve 34 is in an open position shown in FIG. 3, in which the return port 38 is aligned with the return passageway 42 to fluidly communicate the piston cylinder 26 and the reservoir. At this time, the piston 30 is biased toward the retracted position, shown in FIG. 1, by a compression spring 70. When a crimping operation is initiated (e.g., by pressing a motor activation trigger of the crimper 10), the input shaft 50 is driven in a counter-clockwise direction from the frame of reference of FIG. 6A and 6B, thereby rotating the valve actuator 46 counter-clockwise. As the valve actuator 46 rotates counter-clockwise, rotational or centrifugal forces cause the second set of pawls 56 to extend from the body 48 and the first set of pawls 52 to retract into the body 48. As the input shaft 50 continues to rotate, one of the pawls 56 engages the second radial projection 64, rotating the return valve 34 clockwise from the open position shown in FIG. 6A to a closed position shown in FIGS. 5 and 6B in which the return port 38 is misaligned with the return passageway 42.

[0052] The valve actuator 46 will continue to co-rotate with the input shaft 50 after the return valve 34 reaches the closed position; however, a sufficient gap is created between the pawls 56 and the projection 64 such that they will not come into contact during subsequent rotations of the input shaft 50. The pump 14 draws hydraulic fluid from the reservoir and discharges it under pressure to the piston cylinder 26, causing the piston 30 to extend against the bias of the spring 70. The closed return valve 34 prevents the pressurized fluid in the piston cylinder 26 and the return passageway 42 from returning to the reservoir. In the illustrated embodiment of the crimper 10, the piston 30 acts on the jaws 32 as it extends, thereby pivoting the jaws 32 to a closed position. Alternatively, in different hydraulic tools in which the auto return valve assembly 18 and valve actuator 46 are incorporated, the piston 30 may act on different portions of the tool for performing work on a workpiece.

[0053] When a pressure in excess of a predetermined pressure is detected in the piston cylinder 26 (e.g., by a pressure sensor 68; FIG. 1), the counter-clockwise rotation of the input shaft 50 is stopped, and the input shaft 50 is then rotated in a clockwise direction (from the frame of reference of FIGS. 4 A and 4B) for at least one full revolution of the input shaft 50 during which time the rotational or centrifugal forces cause the first set of pawls 52 to extend from the body 48 and the second set of pawls 56 to retract into the body 48. One of the pawls 52 engages the first radial projection 60, rotating the return valve 34 counter-clockwise from the closed position shown in FIG. 4 A to the open position shown in FIGS. 3 and 4B. When the return valve 34 is opened, the return port 38 is aligned with the return passageway 42, permitting pressurized fluid in the piston cylinder 26 to be returned to the reservoir via the return passageway 42 and the return port 38, and permitting the piston 30 to retract into the cylinder 26 by action of the rebounding spring 70. The return valve 34 remains in the open position after the piston 30 reaches the fully retracted position shown in FIG. 1, ready for the next crimping operation.

[0054] FIG. 7 illustrates a portion of another embodiment of a hydraulic power tool, such as a crimper 210, including another embodiment of a rotary auto return valve assembly 218. Otherwise, like features with the crimper 10 are shown with like reference numerals plus "200." Like the return valve assembly 18, the assembly 218 permits pressurized fluid in the cylinder 226 to be returned to a reservoir (not shown) when a pressure is detected in the cylinder 226 that is in excess of a predetermined pressure. The assembly 218 includes a rotary return valve 234 having a return port 238 (FIGS. 7 and 8) offset from a rotational axis 240 of the valve 234. The return port 238 is in selective alignment with a return passageway 242 in the housing 222 which, in turn, is in fluid communication with the cylinder 226.

[0055] The assembly 218 also includes a valve actuator 246 driven by an input shaft 250 of the pump 214 for selectively closing the return valve 234 (i.e., when the return port 238 is misaligned with the return passageway 242) and opening the return valve 234 (i.e., when the return port 238 is aligned with the return passageway 242). The valve actuator 246 includes first and second shift collars 254a, 254b disposed on the input shaft 250 and respective overrunning bearings 258a, 258b between the input shaft 250 and the shift collars 254a, 254b (FIG. 7). The bearings 258a, 258b overrun in different directions, such that torque is transferred only to the first shift collar 254a when the input shaft 250 rotates in a counter-clockwise direction from the frame of reference of FIG. 10, and that torque is transferred only to the second shift collar 254b when the input shaft 250 rotates in a clockwise direction. The shift collars 254a, 254b include radial projections 262a, 262b that are selectively engageable with corresponding radial projections 266a, 266b on the return valve 234 (FIGS. 7 and 8).

[0056] Prior to initiating a crimping operation, the return valve 234 is in an open position shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, in which the return port 238 is aligned with the return passageway 242 to fluidly communicate the piston cylinder 226 and the reservoir. At this time, the piston 230 is biased toward a retracted position by a compression spring 270. When a crimping operation is initiated (e.g., by pressing a motor activation trigger of the crimper 210), the input shaft 250 is driven in a counter-clockwise direction from the frame of reference of FIG. 8, thereby rotating the first shift collar 254a via its associated engaged overrunning bearing 258a in a counterclockwise direction. The respective projections 262a, 266a on the first shift collar 254a and the return valve 234 engage, rotating the return valve 234 to a closed position shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 in which the return port 238 is misaligned with the return passageway 242.

[0057] The first shift collar 254a will continue to co-rotate with the input shaft 250 after the return valve 234 reaches the closed position; however, a sufficient gap is created between the projections 262a, 266a such that they will not come into contact during subsequent rotations of the input shaft 250. The pump 214 draws hydraulic fluid from the reservoir and discharges it under pressure to the piston cylinder 226, causing the piston 230 to extend against the bias of the spring 270. The closed return valve 234 prevents the pressurized fluid in the piston cylinder 226 and the return passageway 242 from returning to the reservoir, in a manner similar to the return valve 34 of the return valve assembly 18.

[0058] When a pressure in excess of a predetermined pressure is detected in the piston cylinder 226 (e.g., by a pressure sensor, not shown), the counter-clockwise rotation of the input shaft 250 is stopped, and the input shaft 250 is then rotated in a clockwise direction (from the frame of reference of FIG. 10) for at least one full revolution of the input shaft 250 during which time torque is transferred only to the second shift collar 254b via its associated engaged overrunning bearing 258b. The respective projections 262b, 266b on the second shift collar 254b and the return valve 234 engage, rotating the return valve 234 to the open position shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. When the return valve 234 is opened, the pressurized fluid in the piston cylinder 226 is returned to the reservoir via the return passageway 242 and the return port 238, permitting the piston 230 to retract into the cylinder 226 by action of the rebounding spring 270. The return valve 234 remains in the open position after the piston 230 reaches the fully retracted position shown in FIG. 7, ready for the next crimping operation.

[0059] With reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, a crimper head 274 for attachment to the portion of the crimper 210 shown in FIG. 7 is shown. The head 274 includes jaws (not shown) and a clevis 278 for coupling the head 274 to the housing 222 (FIG. 9). As is described in more detail below, the head 274 and the clevis 278 are rotatable with respect to the housing 222 about a longitudinal axis 282 of the housing 222 (FIG. 11) 360 degrees and more. In other words, the head 274 and the clevis 278 are infinitely rotatable relative to the housing 222 to position the head 274 in a particular orientation desired by the user prior to initiating a crimping operation.

[0060] With continued reference to FIG. 11, the head 274 also includes a nut 286 coupled to an outer peripheral surface of the clevis 278. In the illustrated embodiment, the nut 286 is threaded to a threaded portion 288 of the outer peripheral surface of the clevis 278.

Alternatively, the nut 286 may be secured to the clevis 278 in any of a number of different ways (e.g., by a press fit, etc.). The head 274 further includes a collar 290 coupled to the housing 222 and surrounding the nut 286. In the illustrated embodiment, the collar 290 is threaded to a threaded portion 294 of an outer peripheral surface of the housing 222. Alternatively, the collar 290 may be secured to the housing 222 in any of a number of different ways (e.g., by a press fit, etc.).

[0061] With reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, the head 274 includes an annular groove 298 defined by the clevis 278 and the nut 286, and the collar 290 includes an annular, radially inward-extending projection 302 that is received in the groove 298 for axially constraining the nut 286 between the collar 290 and the housing 222. The thickness of the projection 302 is less than the width of the groove 298, thereby providing a first axial clearance CI between the nut 286 and a first side of the projection 302, and a second axial clearance C2 between the clevis 278 and a second side of the projection 302 (FIG. 12). The clearances CI, C2 only exist when the crimper 210 with which the head 274 is used is not performing a crimping operation (i.e., when the cylinder 226 is devoid of pressurized hydraulic fluid). Accordingly, the head 274, clevis 278, and the nut 286 are rotatable relative to the collar 286 and the housing 222 when the crimper 210 is not in use, thereby permitting the user to position the head 274 in a desired orientation prior to initiating a crimping operation.

[0062] With continued reference to FIG. 12, the nut 286 includes an annular bevel surface 306 adjacent the groove 298, and the collar 290 includes another annular bevel surface 304 adjacent the projection 302. The annular bevel surfaces 304, 306 are engageable in operation of the crimper 210 to axially constrain the nut 286 between the collar 290 and the housing 222.

[0063] When the crimper 210 is idle (i.e., when no force is being transmitted from the piston 230 to the head 274), the nut 286 is free to rotate within the collar 290, permitting unlimited or infinite rotation of the head 274 and clevis 278 relative to the housing 222. At this time, the user may rotate the head 274 to a desired orientation, if necessary, to facilitate the next crimping operation. When the crimper 210 is in use, an axial force is transmitted from the piston 230 to the head 274 to perform a crimping operation. A corresponding reaction force is developed between the collar 290 and the nut 286, causing a distal end 308 of the nut 286 to engage the projection 302 (FIG. 11). This engagement frictionally locks the head 274 in the desired rotational position relative to the housing 222. The reaction force is resolved into equal axial and radial components by the engaged annular bevel surfaces 304, 306, reducing the stress in both the nut 286 and the collar 290 in the axial direction.

[0064] FIG. 13 illustrates a hydraulic power tool in accordance with another embodiment of the invention, configured as a hydraulic cutter 310. The cutter 310 includes a body 301 that is identical to the body 1 described above in connection with the crimper 10 and illustrated in FIG. 1, and a cutter head 372 that is removably coupled to the body 301. Accordingly, like features with the crimper 10 are shown with like reference numerals plus "300." The structure and manner of attaching the cutter head 372 to the body 301 is identical to that for attaching the crimper head 72 to the body 1; therefore, the heads 72, 372 are interchangeable on the identical bodies 1, 301 shown in FIGS. 1 and 13, respectively. Specifically, the clevis 74, 374 is threadably engageable with the housing 22, 322. In the embodiments shown, the clevis 74, 374 has an internally threaded portion to accept an outer threaded portion of the housing 22, 322. To attach and remove the heads 72, 372 from the body 1, 301, a user rotates the heads 72, 372 relative to the body 1, 301 to engage or disengage the threaded portions of the clevis 74, 374 and the housing 22, 322. Alternatively, the clevis 74, 374 may be detachably coupled to the housing 22, 322 in any of a number of different ways (e.g., by a detent system, etc.).

[0065] With reference to FIG. 13, the cutter 310 includes an electric motor 312, a pump

314 driven by the motor 312, a housing 322 defining a cylinder 326 therein, and an extensible piston 330 disposed within the cylinder 326. The pump 314 provides pressurized hydraulic fluid to the piston cylinder 326, causing the piston 330 to extend from the housing 322 and thereby actuate a pair of jaws 334 for cutting a workpiece.

[0066] With reference to FIG. 14, the cutter 310 includes jaws 334, each having a blade mount 338 supporting a blade 342, a pivot arm 346 extending from the blade mount 338, and a bearing eye 350. When the jaws 334 are assembled together, the bearing eyes 350 are coaxial and define a common pivot axis 354 of the jaws 334. The cutter 310 further includes head 372, which includes the jaws 334 and a clevis 374 having first and second, longitudinally-extending legs 378, 382 between which the head 372 is supported (FIG. 14). A quick-release mechanism 386 removably couples the head 372 to the clevis 374. As described in greater detail below, the quick-release mechanism 386 permits the head 372 to be removed from and inserted into the clevis 374 without requiring the use of external tools (e.g., wrenches, pliers, etc.).

[0067] With reference to FIG. 15, the quick-release mechanism 386 includes a hollow, cylindrical sleeve 390 and a sliding pin 394. When assembled with the head 372, the sleeve 390 extends through the bearing eyes 350 of the jaws 334 and includes an outer bearing surface around which the jaws 334 pivot during a cutting operation. The sleeve 390 may be secured within the bearing eyes 350 by snap rings (not shown) received in grooves 398 formed near the ends of the sleeve 390. In some embodiments, the sleeve 390 may be omitted and the sliding pin 394 may directly contact the bearing eyes 350 of the jaws 334. Alternatively, the cutter 310 may include jaws 334 that pivot about separate axes. In such embodiments, the sleeve 390 may be omitted or may be coupled to or integrally formed with a connecting bracket or other structure suitable for coupling the head 372 to the clevis 374.

[0068] The sliding pin 394 includes a first end 402 (FIG. 16) provided with a handle portion 406 (FIG. 15) to facilitate manipulation of the sliding pin 394 and a second end 410 opposite the first end 402. In the illustrated embodiment, the handle portion 406 is secured to the first end 402 by a screw 411 countersunk into a bore 413 in the handle portion 406. In other embodiments, the handle portion 406 may be secured to the first end 402 by a press-fit, adhesive, fusion-bond, set screw, or any other suitable arrangement. Alternatively, the handle portion 406 may be integrally formed as a single piece with the remainder of the sliding pin 394.

[0069] The sliding pin 394 is axially movable between an inserted position (FIGS. 15 and

16) and a withdrawn position (FIG. 18). In the inserted position, the pin 394 extends through the sleeve 390 and through coaxial bores 414 (FIG. 15) in the respective legs 378, 382 of the clevis 374 to retain the jaws 334 to the clevis 374. In the withdrawn position, the sliding pin 394 is removed from the sleeve 390 to allow the jaws 334 and the sleeve 390 to be removed from the clevis 374 as a unit. The ends of the sleeve 390 are received within recessed slots 418 (FIG. 16) in the respective legs 378, 382 of the clevis 374 to guide the jaws 334 as they are removed from and inserted into the clevis 374.

[0070] With reference to FIGS. 16-18, the quick-release mechanism 386 further includes a detent assembly 430 for selectively retaining the sliding pin 394 in the inserted position. The detent assembly 430 includes a detent pin 434 projecting into the bore 414 in the first leg 378 of the clevis 374 and a detent receiving member 438 located on the exterior of the sliding pin 394. In the illustrated embodiment, the detent pin 434 is press-fit into a bore 435 (FIG. 15) in the first leg 378 of the clevis 374. In other embodiments, the detent assembly 430 may also include a second detent pin (not shown) press-fit into a transverse bore 436 offset 180 degrees about the axis 354 from the bore 435.

[0071] Referring to FIG. 15, a biasing member 486 is disposed between the handle portion 406 and the first leg 378 of the clevis 374. The biasing member 486 axially biases the sliding pin 394 in the direction of arrow A to bias the detent receiving member 438 into engagement with the detent pin 434, and movement of the sliding pin 394 in the direction of arrow B compresses the biasing member 486 between the handle portion 406 and the first leg 378. In the illustrated embodiment, the biasing member 486 is a coil spring; however, the biasing member 486 may be any other type of spring, such as a wave spring, Belleville washer, or leaf spring.

[0072] With reference to FIG. 16-18, the detent receiving member 438 includes a radial groove 470 proximate the first end 402 of the sliding pin 394 in which the detent pin 434 is received. The detent receiving member 438 further includes a notch 450 located on an axial face of the radial groove 470 and a keyway 454 (FIG. 18) perpendicular to the notch 450. The keyway 454 consists of a longitudinal groove 474 extending from the radial groove 470 toward the second end 410 of the sliding pin 394 (FIG. 16A). In the illustrated embodiment, the longitudinal groove 474 further extends from the radial groove 470 to the first end 402 of the sliding pin 394 (FIG. 18). By aligning the detent pin 434 with the keyway 454, the sliding pin 394 can be installed through the second leg 382 of the clevis 374. The handle portion 406 may include projections (not shown) sized and shaped to mate with portions 475 (FIG. 16) of the first end 402 in order to align the handle portion 406 relative to the sliding pin 394, and to strengthen the connection between the handle portion 406 and the sliding pin 394.

[0073] The sliding pin 394 is rotatable relative to the clevis 374 between a first rotational position (FIG. 16) and a second rotational position (FIG. 17). In the illustrated embodiment, the first rotational position is offset by about 90 degrees from the second rotational position to correspond with the relative orientation of the notch 450 and the keyway 454. In the illustrated embodiment, the radial groove 470 extends about a 90 degree section of the sliding pin 394. However, in alternate embodiments, the notch 450 and the keyway 454 have two-fold rotational symmetry with the radial groove 470 extending about the entire circumference of the sliding pin 394 (not shown). In such an embodiment, the sliding pin 394 can be rotated between the first rotational position and the second rotational position in either direction.

[0074] In the first rotational position (FIG. 16), the detent pin 434 engages the notch 450 to maintain the sliding pin 394 in the inserted position. In the second rotational position, (FIGS. 17 and 18), the keyway 454 is aligned with the detent pin 434, allowing the sliding pin 394 to move between the inserted position and the withdrawn position without interference between the detent pin 434 and the detent receiving member 438. As the sliding pin 394 is moved towards the withdrawn position, the detent pin 434 slides along the length of the longitudinal groove 474 to maintain the sliding pin 394 in the second rotational position. The longitudinal groove 474 terminates in a wall 490 (FIG. 16A) that engages the detent pin 434 to prevent the sliding pin 394 from being completely separated from the clevis 374 (FIG. 18). Alternatively, the groove 474 may extend entirely through the second end 410 of the sliding pin 394 to permit the sliding pin 394 to be separated from the clevis 374.

[0075] In operation, to unlock the quick-release mechanism 386, a user grasps the handle portion 406 and pushes the handle portion 406 against the bias of the spring 486 in the direction of arrow B (FIG. 15), thereby disengaging the detent pin 434 from the notch 450. Once the detent pin 434 is positioned within the radial groove 470, the sliding pin 394 is rotated relative to the clevis 374 by about 90 degrees to align the keyway 454 with the detent pin 434 (FIG. 17), allowing the sliding pin 394 to be axially withdrawn in the direction of arrow A (FIG. 15). The user pulls the sliding pin 394 out of engagement with the sleeve 390 until the sliding pin 394 reaches the withdrawn position (FIG. 18), where it is retained with the clevis 374 by engagement between the detent pin 434 and the retaining recesses wall 490. The user can then slide the jaws 334 together with the sleeve 390 out of the clevis 374, in the direction of arrow C. Thus, the user can quickly and easily remove the jaws 334 to facilitate transportation and/or storage of the cutter 310, or repair or replacement of the jaws 334.

[0076] To reconnect the jaws 334 or to connect a new set of jaws 334 to the clevis 374, the user aligns the ends of the sleeve 390 with the recessed slots 418 in the respective legs 378, 382 of the clevis 374. With the sliding pin 394 in the withdrawn position, the user slides the sleeve 390 along the recessed slots 418 until the sleeve 390 is aligned with the sliding pin 394 (FIG. 18). The user then pushes the sliding pin 394 through the sleeve 390 and toward the inserted position (FIG. 17). Once the sliding pin 394 is fully inserted, the user grasps the handle portion 406 and rotates the sliding pin 394 relative to the clevis 374. As the sliding pin 394 is rotated out of the second rotational position, the detent pin 434 slides along the radial groove 470 and encounters the notch 450 (FIG. 16). Upon releasing the handle portion 406, the biasing member 486 urges the sliding pin 394 in the direction of arrow A (FIG. 15), causing the detent pin 434 to be received within the notch 450. Accordingly, the biasing member 486 provides tactile feedback to the user that the sliding pin 394 is securely seated in the first rotational position. The jaws 334 are now secured to the clevis 374 and the cutter 310 can be used to perform a cutting operation.

[0077] FIG. 19 illustrates a jaw 433 usable with a cutting tool, such as the hydraulic cutter 310 as described above. The jaw 433 includes a blade mount 437 supporting a blade 441, a pivot arm 445 extending from the blade mount 437, and a pair of ears 447 having a central bearing eye 449 that defines a pivot axis 453 of the jaw 433. With reference to FIG. 21, the blade 441 has a top portion 455, a bottom portion 461, a cutting edge 463 extending between the top and bottom portions 455, 461, and a shoulder or ledge 467 located on the bottom portion 461. The ledge 467 cooperates with a notch 471 located on the ear 447 to provide lateral stability to the bottom portion 461 of the blade 441 during a cutting operation.

[0078] In the illustrated embodiment, the ledge 467 and the notch 471 extend in a direction generally perpendicular to the cutting edge 463 of the blade 441. Additionally, the ledge 467 and the notch 471 include angled engagement surfaces 477, 479, respectively, that abut one another when the blade 441 is coupled to the blade mount 437. The angled engagement surfaces 477, 479 reduce the shear stresses experienced by the ledge 467 and notch 471.

[0079] With reference to FIG. 22, the jaw 433 may cooperate with a second jaw 433' which, in the illustrated embodiment, is identical to the jaw 433. Accordingly, like features are identified with like reference numerals. The second jaw 433 ' includes a pair of spaced ears 447 between which one of the ears 447 of the jaw 433 is receivable. In other embodiments the second jaw 433' may include only a single ear 447. Like the jaw 433, the second jaw 433' includes a blade mount 437 for supporting a blade 441 and a notch 471 that cooperates with a ledge 467 on the blade 441.

[0080] In an alternate embodiment (not shown), a jaw is similar to the jaw 434 of FIG. 19 except that the locations of the ledge 467 and the notch 471 are switched. In other words, the ledge 467 is located on the ear 447, and the notch 471 is located on the bottom portion 461 of the blade 441. [0081] FIG. 25 illustrates a second embodiment of a cutter head 572 for use in place of cutter head 372 of FIGS. 13 and 14. With reference to FIG. 25, the cutter head 572 includes a clevis 574 and a pair of jaws 534. Each of the jaws 534 includes a blade mount 538 supporting a blade 542, a pivot arm 546 extending from the blade mount 538, and a bearing eye 550. When the jaws 534 are assembled together, the bearing eyes 550 are coaxial and define a common pivot axis 554 of the jaws 534. In the illustrated embodiment, the clevis 574 will releaseably and interchangeably couple to a housing (not shown) of a tool substantially similar to the housing 322 shown in FIG. 13 or the housing 222 shown in FIGS. 11 and 12.

[0082] Referring again to FIG. 25, a blade retainer 520 is coupled to the top portion of the blade 542. The blade retainer 520 has a generally U-shaped body including two legs 512, 514 and a space 516 defined therebetween. During operation, as the jaws 534, 534 pivot toward a closed position, the blade of the second jaw 534 slides into the space 516 of the blade retainer 520, adjacent the blade 542 of the first jaw 534. The blade retainer 520 laterally stabilizes the blades 542 between the two legs 512, 514 during the cutting operation to reduce lateral separation or deflection of the blades 542.

[0083] With reference to FIG. 26, the clevis 574 includes first and second,

longitudinally-extending legs 578, 582 between which the jaws 534 are supported. A quick- release mechanism 586 removably couples the jaws 534 to the clevis 574. As described in greater detail below, the quick-release mechanism 586 permits the jaws 534 to be removed from and inserted into the clevis 574 without requiring the use of external tools (e.g., wrenches, pliers, etc.).

[0084] With continued reference to FIG. 26, the quick-release mechanism 586 includes a hollow, cylindrical sleeve 590 and a sliding pin 594. The sleeve 590 extends through the bearing eyes 550 of the jaws 534 and includes an outer bearing surface around which the jaws 534 pivot during a cutting operation. The sleeve 590 may be secured within the bearing eyes 550 by snap rings (not shown) received in grooves 598 formed near the ends of the sleeve 590. In some embodiments, the sleeve 590 may be omitted and the sliding pin 594 may directly contact the bearing eyes 550 of the jaws 534. Alternatively, the head 572 may include jaws 534 that pivot about separate axes. In such embodiments, the sleeve 590 may be coupled to or integrally formed with a connecting bracket or other structure suitable for coupling the jaws 534 to the clevis 574.

[0085] The sliding pin 594 includes a first end 602 provided with a handle portion 606 to facilitate manipulation of the sliding pin 594 and a second end 610 opposite the first end 602. The handle portion 606 may be secured to the first end 602 by a press-fit, adhesive, fusion-bond, set screw, or any other suitable arrangement. Alternatively, the handle portion 606 may be integrally formed as a single piece with the remainder of the sliding pin 594.

[0086] The sliding pin 594 is axially movable between an inserted position (FIGS. 26 and

27) and a withdrawn position (FIG. 32). In the inserted position, the pin 594 extends through the sleeve 590 and through coaxial bores 614 (FIG. 26) in the respective legs 578, 582 of the clevis 574 to secure the jaws 534 to the clevis 574. In the withdrawn position, the sliding pin 594 is removed from the sleeve 590 to allow the jaws 534 and the sleeve 590 to be removed from the clevis 574 together as a unit. The ends of the sleeve 590 are received within recessed slots 618 (FIG. 27) in the respective legs 578, 582 of the clevis 574 to guide the unitized jaws 534 and sleeve 590 as they are removed from and inserted into the clevis 574.

[0087] With reference to FIGS. 27-30, the quick-release mechanism 586 further includes a detent assembly 630 for selectively retaining the sliding pin 594 in the inserted position. The detent assembly 630 includes a detent pin 634 located on the sliding pin 594 and a detent receiving member 638 located on an outer side of the second leg 582 of the clevis 574. The detent pin 634 extends transversely through the sliding pin 594 and has opposing end portions 646 (FIG. 28) that project outwardly from the sliding pin 594. The detent pin 634 may be secured to the sliding pin 594 by a press-fit, adhesive, fusion-bond, or any other suitable arrangement. Alternatively, the detent pin 634 may be integrally formed as a single piece with the sliding pin 594. A biasing member (e.g., a coil spring; not shown) axially biases the sliding pin 594 in the direction of arrow A (FIG. 27) to bias the detent pin 634 into engagement with the detent receiving portion 638. In some embodiments, the biasing member may be supported between the handle portion 606 and the first leg 578 of the clevis 574 such that movement of the sliding pin 594 in the direction of arrow B compresses the biasing member between the handle portion 606 and the first leg 578. [0088] With reference to FIGS. 28 and 30, the detent receiving member 638 includes a notch 650 and a keyway 654 perpendicular to the notch 650. The sliding pin 594 is rotatable relative to the detent receiving member 638 between a first rotational position (FIG. 28) and a second rotational position (FIG. 30). In the illustrated embodiment, the first rotational position is offset by about 90 degrees from the second rotational position to correspond with the relative orientation of the notch 650 and the keyway 654. In the first rotational position (FIGS. 27 and 28), the detent pin 634 engages the notch 650 to maintain the sliding pin 694 in the inserted position. In the second rotational position, (FIGS. 29 and 30), the detent pin 634 is aligned with the keyway 654, allowing the sliding pin 594 to move between the inserted position and the withdrawn position without interference between the detent pin 634 and the detent receiving member 638.

[0089] With reference to FIGS. 28 and 30, the detent assembly 630 further includes a cam profile 658 having curved surfaces disposed on either side of the notch 650 and the keyway 654. As the sliding pin 594 rotates, the detent pin 634 slides along the cam profile 658, imparting axial movement to the sliding pin 594. The cam profile 658 includes valleys 659 surrounding each of the notch 650 and the keyway 654, respectively. As such, when the sliding pin 594 is rotated out of the first or second rotational positions, the sliding pin 594 must climb out of the valley 659, inducing axial movement of the sliding pin 594 in the direction of arrow B (FIG. 27). This movement compresses the biasing member which provides resistance and inhibits inadvertent rotation of the sliding pin 594 out of the first and second rotational positions. Conversely, when the sliding pin 594 approaches the first or second rotational positions, the detent pin 634 slides along the cam profile 658, and the biasing member urges the sliding pin 594 into valleys 659. This provides tactile feedback to the user and positively positions the sliding pin 594 in the first or second rotational positions.

[0090] Referring to FIG. 32, the clevis 574 further includes a pair of retaining recesses

662 (only one of which is visible) in the first leg 578 of the clevis 574 that receive the respective end portions 646 of the detent pin 634 when the sliding pin 594 is in the withdrawn position. Each of retaining recesses 662 includes a wall 666 that engages the detent pin 634 to prevent the sliding pin 594 from being completely separated from the clevis 574. Alternatively, the retaining recesses 662 may extend entirely through the first leg 578 of the clevis 574 to permit the sliding pin 594 to be separated from the clevis 574.

[0091] With reference to FIGS. 26, 27, and 28, the sliding pin 594 includes a radial groove 670 proximate the first end 602 and a longitudinal groove 674 (FIGS. 27 and 29) extending from the radial groove 670 to the second end 610. When the sliding pin 594 is in the inserted position, the radial groove 670 receives a projection 678 (FIG. 26) located within the bore 614 of the first leg 578 of the clevis 574. The projection 678 engages an axial wall 682 of the groove 670 to further secure the sliding pin 594 in the inserted position. When the sliding pin 594 is in the second rotational position (FIG. 29), the longitudinal groove 674 is aligned with the projection 678. As the sliding pin 594 is moved towards the withdrawn position, the projection 678 slides along the length of the longitudinal groove 674 to maintain the sliding pin 594 in the second rotational position.

[0092] In operation, to unlock the quick-release mechanism 586, a user grasps the handle portion 606 and rotates the sliding pin 594 relative to the clevis 574 by about 90 degrees. When the sliding pin 594 reaches the second rotational position, the detent pin 634 is aligned with the keyway 654 of the detent receiving member 638, allowing the sliding pin 594 to be axially withdrawn in the direction of arrow A (FIG. 31). The user pulls the sliding pin 594 out of engagement with the sleeve 590 until the sliding pin 594 reaches the withdrawn position (FIG. 32), where it is retained with the clevis 574 by engagement between the detent pin 634 and the retaining recesses 662. The user can then slide the jaws 534 together with the sleeve 590 out of the clevis 574, in the direction of arrow C. Thus, the user can quickly and easily remove the jaws 534 to facilitate transportation and/or storage of the tool, or repair or replacement of the jaws 534.

[0093] To reconnect the jaws 534 or to connect a new set of jaws 534 to the clevis 574, the user aligns the ends of the sleeve 590 with the recessed slots 618 in the respective legs 578, 582 of the clevis 574 (FIG. 32). With the sliding pin 594 in the withdrawn position, the user slides the jaws 534 and the sleeve 590 as a unit along the recessed slots 618 until the sleeve 590 is aligned with the sliding pin 594. The user then pushes the sliding pin 594 through the sleeve 590 and toward the inserted position (FIG. 31). Once the sliding pin 594 is fully inserted, the user grasps the handle portion 606 and begins to rotate the sliding pin 594 relative to the clevis 574. As the sliding pin 594 is rotated out of the second rotational position (FIGS. 29 and 30), the detent pin 634 slides along the cam profile 658 to climb out of the valley 659 surrounding the keyway 654. This induces axial movement of the sliding pin 594 in the direction of arrow B (FIG. 27) thereby compressing the biasing member. As the user continues to rotate the sliding pin 594 toward the first rotational position, the detent pin 634 continues to slide along the cam profile 658 and encounters the valley 659 surrounding the notch 650. The biasing member urges the detent pin 634 into the valley 659 and into positive engagement with the notch 650.

Accordingly, the biasing member provides tactile feedback to the user that the sliding pin 594 is securely seated in the first rotational position. The head 572 is now secured to the clevis 574 and the tool can be used to perform a cutting operation.

[0094] Various features of the invention are set forth in the following claims.