CONDUIT BENDER
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.
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.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe 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.
SUMMARYIn 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.
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.
DETAILED DESCRIPTIONPipes 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.
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. In some embodiments, the bender head 78 is removable and can be coupled with a handle to operate as a typical conduit bender.
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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, 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.
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Once the pipe 254 is installed and aligned, 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. As 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
To release the now bent pipe 254, the latching handle 178 is rotated to the unlocked position, as shown in
As shown in
In operation, 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
Once the pipe 554 has been installed and aligned, the tool 310 is ready to perform a bending operation. The handle 346 includes a set of controls 358 that allows the operator to input the required bend information. For example, in some embodiments 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. 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, 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. In other embodiments, the offset can be measured using different units. As shown in
In narrow workspaces (such as that illustrated in
Once the tool 310 has been oriented as needed, 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
As shown in
As discussed above, the operator can use a user interface 354 including the set of controls 358 to set the desired angle and offset. In some embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in
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. In the illustrated embodiment, a motor housing 630 extends from a lower surface of the base 618 and contains a motor 634. In the illustrated embodiment, 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. In the illustrated embodiment, the battery 642 is coupled to a bottom of the center column, opposite the tool 610. In some embodiments 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.
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With reference to
A trigger 662 is positioned on the handle 646 and is actuated to start the bending operation, as shown in
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With reference to
In the illustrated embodiment shown in
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. When the bending tool 10 is used with a bender head for creating a bend with different radii, the guide 142 may need to be in a different position relative to the output shaft 74 to create the correct bending force. For example, 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. While 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. In some embodiments, 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. In some embodiments, the first end 1350 may include indicator markings to indicate what type of bender head 78 is appropriate for each setting. In some embodiments, the plate 1482 may linearly slide, rather than rotate, between different positions.
With reference to
The controller 1564 is positioned within the housing 1544 and is electrically coupled to the power source 1572. In some embodiments, the power source 1572 is integrated into the housing 1544. In some embodiments, 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 then 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. As seen in
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
With reference to
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.
The illustrated housing 1744 includes a first half 1804 and a second half 1808 rotatably coupled to the first half 1804. In the illustrated embodiment, 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. In other embodiments, the first half 1804 and the second half 1808 may be completely separate from each other without the hinge 1812. In still other embodiments, the first half 1804 and the second half 1808 may be connected together by other means.
In operation, the bender module 1740 can be opened, as shown in
In some embodiments, 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. In some embodiments, the bender module 1740 may be coupled to a conduit bender 1710 using a different method, other than rotatable halves. For example, 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.
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The laser module 1964 is coupled to a power source (not shown) in order to activate the laser 1972. In the illustrated embodiment, the laser module 1964 includes electrical contacts 2024 positioned in the first aperture 1992 and the second aperture 1996, and the head 1918 includes electrical contacts 2028 positioned on the first post 2016 and the second post 2020. In other embodiments, 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. In embodiments such as the conduit bending tool 1510, the laser module 1964 may be coupled to the power source 1572 through electrical contacts 2024.
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With continued reference to
With reference to
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 a bent end 1902, 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.
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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
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.
Type: Application
Filed: Feb 3, 2023
Publication Date: Aug 3, 2023
Inventors: Brandon L. Yahr (Slinger, WI), James Wekwert (Whitefish Bay, WI), Matthew N. Thurin (Richfield, WI), Dayton J. Aardema (Menomonee Falls, WI), Van N. Heyer (Milwaukee, WI), Ameya Sanjay Kulkarni (Brookfield, WI), Benjamin J. Boldt (Milwaukee, WI)
Application Number: 18/105,434