WO1995009703A1

WO1995009703A1 - Swaging tool

Info

Publication number: WO1995009703A1
Application number: PCT/US1994/011297
Authority: WO
Inventors: Srinivasarao B. Suresh
Original assignee: Deutsch Co
Current assignee: Deutsch Co
Priority date: 1993-10-06
Filing date: 1994-10-06
Publication date: 1995-04-13
Anticipated expiration: 1996-04-06
Also published as: AU7966894A

Abstract

A method of swaging and a relatively inexpensive swaging tool that can be configured to accept nearly any mechanical input. More particularly, three particular swaging tools are disclosed, each having a rotational input shaft (34) that accepts a wrench or power drill input, a reduction gear assembly that multiplies torque, and a jaw mechanism that opens and closes to perform axial swaging to connect a tube to a fitting (12). Each of two jaws (40, 42) of the jaw mechanism includes an identical yoke (68) assembly which interchangeably retain a sleeve (18) of the fitting and a swaging ring (24). When the jaw mechanism is closed, the swaging ring is axially moved over the fitting to constrict it and create a fluid-tight seal between the fitting and a tube. In this manner, the fitting may be used to couple two tubes without interim rotation of the particular swaging tool.

Description

SWAGING TOOL

This invention relates to a swaging tool and related method for swaging a fitting. More particularly, the present invention finds particular use in connecting a tube to a fitting, where the fitting may be used to join two tubes together.

BACKGROUND

Swaged fittings have been used for many years to connect tubes and pipes in various types of fluid systems, including those used in the aircraft, marine, petroleum and chemical industries. The tube ends are inserted into a fitting, usually in the form of a cylindrical sleeve, and then the fitting is swaged with a swaging tool to produce a fluid-tight connection between the tubes. This swaging operation usually is carried out by applying a radial force which radially compresses the fitting and tubing inward. This radial force may be directly applied by the swaging tool, by crimping the tubing, or indirectly by a specially shaped ring which is moved axially by the swaging tool over the sleeve. The sleeve in this latter process is usually tapered in some manner, such that the axial movement of the ring creates heightened radial force.

The invention of the present application is directed to the latter type of swaging tool, which swages fittings having axially movable swaging rings. These fittings shall be referred to as axially swaged fittings.

Typical axially swaged fittings comprise a cylindrical sleeve having openings at opposite ends for receiving the ends of two tub^.s, with a swaging ring at each end of the sleeve. The outer surface of the sleeve and the inner surface of the swaging ring which contact each o-her are shaped such that axial movement of the swaging ring over the sleeve applies a radial force to the sleeve and, to the tubes. Although not all fittings employ a sleeve with two swaging rings, the use of two swaging rings is necessary when it is desired, as is often the case, to link two tubes together.

Generally, since it is desired to a fluid-tight connection between a tube and the fitting, it is necessary to perform the swaging operation using a large amount of force to axially swage the tube to the fitting. To provide the required force, swaging tools have typically employed pneumatic or hydraulic compression as a power source, as these sources of energy readily supply the large forces necessary for swaging. While such a configuration may not be too burdensome in certain manufacturing or shop facilities, a drawback of these prior swaging tools is the required localized presence of hydraulic or pneumatic compressor and appropriate connecting hoses. Even where such is available, these swaging tools are generally bulky and not suited to frequent movement.

Furthermore, in situations where it is necessary to swage a fitting having two swaging rings, the tool operator must first swage one side of the fitting to one of the tubes by axially moving the corresponding swaging ring over the corresponding end of the sleeve. After this, the operator must usually rotate the orientation of the tool by 180 degrees and repeat the above procedure to swage the other side of the fitting to the other tube. That is to say, swaging tools are typically operated twice for each fitting, once to swage each end of the fitting to each of tube. The swaging tool is typically rotated in between these two swaging operations, since it is frequently easier to rotate the swaging tool than the tubes and fitting.

The need to change the orientation of these prior swaging tools to swage both sides of the fitting increases the time required to perform the swaging operation. This increase in time translates into increased labor costs which can be significant when swaging large numbers of fittings, as is common in aircraft applications. It also tends to result in increased operator fatigue, since existing commercially-available swaging tools tend to be large and bulky. Furthermore, the need to rotate the tool increases the effective tool envelope and can make a swaging operation difficult or impossible to perform in a confined area, such as near a bulkhead or the like.

Still another drawback with existing the conventional pneumatic and hydraulic swaging tools is their excessive weight, their rather large size and relative complexity involving a large number of moving parts. This undesirably adds to the manufacture and maintenance costs, as well as leading to increased operator fatigue when handling the tool for extended time periods. Also, because of the tool's excess size and weight, the operator must usually take special care to properly position and hold the tool over the fitting to prevent cocking of the swaging ring during the swaging operation.

Accordingly, there has existed a definite need for a swaging tool that is not limited to an environment having a readily available supply of pneumatic or hydraulic energy. If such a swaging tool used more conventional sources of power, for example, mechanical energy, it could be readily implemented at nearly any location.

There has also existed a need for a swaging tool of simple construction, of lighter weight and greater reliability than prior swaging tools. Such construction would further facilitate movement of the swaging tool and its implementation at any xocation, including non- conventional environments.

Finally, a- definite need als» exists for a swaging tool that can, swage both sides of the fitting without rotating the 'tool and that can he used to swage fittings in confined- areas. The present invention satisfies these and other needs and provides further related advantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention presents a method of swaging and a relatively inexpensive swaging tool that can be configured to accept nearly any mechanical input. In addition, the swaging tool presented herein is of simple construction, small weight, and does not require a shop environment or source of compressed hydraulic or pneumatic fluid. Thus, using this swaging tool and the method of the present invention, swaging may be inexpensively performed in any environment, and the swaging tool may be easily moved to another location.

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the swaging tool includes a jaw mechanism, including a first jaw that engages a ring or sleeve of a fitting, and a second jaw that engages the other of the ring and sleeve. The jaw mechanism is controlled to move the first and second jaws relative to each other between a first position, in which the jaws are spaced apart and can accept, respectively, the ring and the sleeve prior to the swaging, and a second position, in which the jaws are moved together to complete the swaging of the sleeve to the tube. The energy to move the jaw mechanism comes from an input shaft, which is rotated, by a wrench, power drill, or other device, and a gear mechanism, which converts the rotation of the input shaft to movement of the jaw mechanism between the two positions. More particularly, each of the two jaws has an identical yoke, such that the swaging tool may be used to swage multiple fittings without requiring its rotation or the rotation of the tubes and fittings.

The present invention also provides, in another aspect, a method of using a mechanical input for the swaging operation, including the use of the following steps: (a) engaging the sleeve with one of the jaws; (b)engaging the swaging ring with the other jaw; and (c) rotating the input shaft about its axis of rotation in at least one rotational direction to thereby converge the jaws, and axially move the swaging ring over the sleeve to swage the tube to the sleeve.

Finally, in yet another aspect of the invention, a method of connecting each of two tubes to a fitting is presented. This method of attaching each tubes to opposing ends of a sleeve of the fitting includes the steps of: (a) engaging the sleeve with one of the jaws; (b) engaging one ring with the other jaw; (c) rotating the input shaft to close the jaws and thereby swage the first tube to the fitting; (d) rotating the input shaft the other way and opening the jaws; (e) without rotating the tool by 180 degrees, engaging the one jaw with a second ring and the sleeve with the other jaw; and (f) rotating the input shaft in the first direction to again close the jaws and complete the coupling.

The invention -may be better understood by referring to the following detailed description, which should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The detailed description of a particular preferred embodiment, set out below to enable one to build and use one particular implementation of the invention, is not intended to limit the enumerated claims, but to serve as a particular example thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a cross-section of an exemplary fitting that the current invention may operate upon. As seen in

FIG. 1, there are two tubes to be connected, a sleeve and

5 two rings that are each moved axially to swage their corresponding tubes to the sleeve.

FIG. 2 is a close up view of a portion of the exemplary fitting of FIG. 1, showing a tube, one of the rings and the sleeve prior to the swaging operation.

10 FIG. 3 is the close-up view similar to FIG. 2, but showing the ring of FIG. 2 axially displaced to the right in completion of the swaging operation.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one preferred swaging tool that embodies the current invention. It 15 illustrates the a gear arrangement that is effective to open and close a jaw mechanism to perform the swaging operation upon rotation of an input shaft. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, two jaws are each moved toward and away from each other in response to rotation of the

20 input shaft, and the particular embodiment uses a pair of bevel gears that effectuate a 2:1 gear reduction to amplify the torque used to move the jaw mechanism.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a second preferred swaging tool of the current invention. As seen

25 in FIG. 5, one jaw of the jaw mechanism is fixed and the bevel gear arrangement opens and closes the jaw mechanism by moving the sther jaw of the jaw mechanism in response to

-. .-'rotation of the input shaft.

;- . FIG. 6'is a perspective view of a third preferred

30 swaging tool that embodies the present invention. However, this third preferred embodiment uses a worm gear arrangement to open and close one jaw, while the other jaw remains fixed „n position. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a swaging tool similar to that of FIG. 6, which illustrates the configuration of the worm gear.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view a swaging tool similar to the tool of FIG. 2, but wherein the jaws of the tool each have upper and lower jaw portions that close to retain a ring and sleeve of the fitting against cocking during the swaging operation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention summarized above and defined by the enumerated claims may be better understood by referring to the following detailed description, which should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. This detailed description of three particular preferred embodiments, set out below to enable one to build and use three particular implementations of the invention, is not intended to limit the enumerated claims, but to serve as a particular example thereof.

In accordance with the principles of the invention, the preferred implementation is a swaging tool that includes all of the specific aspects of the invention summarized above, and claimed below. This swaging tool generally includes a jaw mechanism, having two jaws that are mechanically opened and closed by rotation of an input shaft to perform the swaging operation. The swaging tool is discussed further below; however, a better understanding of the operation of the tool will be gained by first describing a typical axially swaged fitting, with reference to FIGS. 1-3.

l__s_ A Typical Axially Swaged Fitting.

An exemplary fitting 12 is used to join two tubes 14 and 16, as seen in FIG. 1. As described furthe . below, the swaging tools of the present invention are particularly well-adapted for swaging fittings of the type that have a cylindrical sleeve 18 with a tapered outer surface 20, and a cylindrical inner surface 22 for receiving the tube 14 or 16. A swaging ring 24 surrounds the sleeve 18 and has an inner surface 26 which engages the outer surface 20 of the sleeve 18.

Before swaging, the swaging ring 24 is positioned outward with respect to the sleeve 18 such that no radial force is applied by the swaging ring to the sleeve. During swaging, the swaging ring 24 is moved axially in a forward direction over the sleeve 18 such that the interaction of the tapered surfaces on the ring and the sleeve applies a radial inward force to the tube 14 or 16, thereby deforming both the sleeve 18 and the tube 14 or 16. This axial movement of each of two rings 24 is designated in FIG. 1 by the reference numeral 28 for purposes of illustrating one swaging process.

As best seen in FIGS. 2-3, as the swaging ring 24 is moved in the forward direction, its inner surface 26 coacts with the tapered surface 20 of the sleeve 18 to press inward upon the tube 14. This motion deforms both the sleeve 18 and the tube 14 to provide a fluid-tight permanent seal, as illustrated by FIG. 3. The cylindrical inner surface 22 of the sleeve 18 may be provided with ridges 30 which create localized deformation of the tube 14 to further improve upon the fluid-tight seal created by the swaging operation.

These fittings shall be referred to generally as axially swaged fittings. - t will be appreciated, however, that other configurations of the contacting surfaces between the fitting 18 and the ring 24 are possible, since the operation of the tool is independent of these configurations. 2. The Configuration Of Several Preferred Swaging Tools.

FIGS. 4, 5 and 6-7 each describe a different embodiment of swaging tool that embodies the present invention. Each of these are preferred specific embodiments which have certain variations, for example, precise mechanical layout, the use of reduction gearing to increase torque used for swaging, and the amount of force multiplication, as well as many other variations. However, the construction of these preferred tools is basically the same for each tool, and therefore, the swaging tool of FIG. 4 will first be described in complete detail, followed by a discussion of variations in this design embodied by the two tools of FIGS. 5 and 6-7, respectively.

With reference to FIG. 4, a first swaging tool 32 is shown having an input shaft 34 that is hexagonal in cross-section. The input shaft rotates in both of the clockwise and counterclockwise directions to, respectively, open and close a jaw mechanism 36 that causes one of the rings 24 to be axially swaged over the sleeve 18 and tube (not shown) . As indicated by the arcuate arrow, designated by the reference numeral 38 in FIG. 4, rotation of the shaft 34 in the clockwise direction moves each of first and second jaws 40 and 42 toward each other and toward a second position in which the swaging operation is completed, as indicated by two arrows 44. A guide mechanism (not shown in FIG. 4) restrains each jaw to only linear movement between a first, spaced apart position, and the second position in a direction dependent upon the direction of rotation of the input shaft 34. Accordingly, counterclockwise rotation of the input shaft 34 moves the jaw mechanism back toward the first, spaced apart position hy urging the first and second jaws 40 and 42 apart.

The swaging tool 32 is mounted by a housing 46, which includes upper and lower housing portions 48 and 50, connected by at four locations 52 by appropriate fasteners. The upper and lower housing portions 48 and 50 combine to form four journal bearings 54 which support each of the input shaft 34 and an output shaft 56 at their extremities, the two cooperating to drive the jaw mechanism 36. As observed in FIG. 4, the ends of each of the input shaft 34 and the output shaft 56 are supported in a manner that permits an input bevel gear 58 of the input shaft to mesh with an output bevel gear 60 of the output shaft, the two forming a reduction gear assembly that increases torque by a 2:1 ratio. That is to say, two rotations of the input shaft 34 will rotate the output shaft 56 only once, but with heightened torque to provide force necessary for the swaging operation. Of course, any reduction gearing may be used to achieve the desired force, and in particular, where a power mechanism is used to rotate the input shaft 34 at high speeds under power, the gear ratio may be chosen to be 20:1 or larger.

In the swaging tool 32 shown in FIG. 4, the output bevel gear 60 is supported centrally upon the output shaft 56, which it divides into two ends 62 and 64 each having a threaded exterior 66 of different orientation. Thus, each of the first and second jaws 42 and 44 are identical in construction, and each has a vertical yoke 68, a main body 70, and a threaded bore 72 that mates with the threaded exterior 66 of either end 62 and 64 of the output shaft. When the swaging tool 32 is fully assembled, each jaw rides within longitudinal slots 74 and 76 that extend vertically through the upper housing portion 48, and nearly through the lower housing portion 50 in the downward direction, respectively. The yoke 68 of each jaw 42 and 44 protrudes vertically above the top surface 73 of. the upper housing portion 48, while the main body rides within the longitudinal slots 74 and 76, ^.supported by bearings (not shown) at the bottom of the s.lot 76 of the lower housing portion 50, disposed between- the main body 70 and the bottom of the slot 76. The-rguide mechanism (shown in FIG. 6) is formed of a groove ^■ ifi one of the upper -and lower housing and a lug that is"-vertically restrained within the groove, and constrains the jaws 42 and 44 to ride upon the bearings in linear fashion only.

The yoke 74 of each jaw 42 and 44 is adapted to engage either the ring 20 or the sleeve 18 from either side of the yoke. This advantage is provided by making the portions of the yoke 74 which engage the sleeve 18 or the ring 24 identical to each other on opposite sides of each yoke. As explained below, the advantage provided by this configuration is significant.

As shown best in FIG. 4, the operator may first swage one side of the fitting 12 by, for example, engaging a groove 80 on the sleeve 18 with the yoke 74 of one jaw 42 or 44, to restrain the sleeve 18 from movement relative to the one jaw 42 or 44 during swaging. The yoke 74 of the other jaw 44 or 42 is then positioned in engagement with the outer end of the swaging ring 24, which is retained from axial movement away from " the other jaw by its snug engagement with the yoke and by a canted surface 82.

When clockwise rotation is supplied to the input shaft 34 about its axis of rotation (as supported by the journal bearings 54) , the output shaft 56 is rotated with heightened torque. In as much as the jaws 42 and 44 cannot rotate with the output shaft 56, the jaws' threaded mating engagement with the output shaft pulls the jaws together, and the canted surface 82 and locking of the groove 80 with the yoke 74 force the swaging ring 24 over the sleeve 18 to complete the swaging operation.

After this, the operator does not need to rotate the tool 10 by 180 degrees to swage the other end of the fitting 12. Instead, the operator need only again rotate the input shaft 34, in the opposite rotational direction (counterclockwise, in the embodiment of FIG. 4) , to move the j wfa 42 and 44 back toward the first, spaced apart position. The operator then lifts the fitting 11 such that the groove 80 of the sleeve 18 is removed from the yoke 74, and positions the groove in contact with the yoke 74 of the one jaw 42 or 44 that previously retained the first swaging ring 24. The operator also moves the second ring 24, shown in FIG. 4, into a position where it may be retained by the yoke 74 and canted surface 80 of the other jaw 44 or 42, and repeats the clockwise rotation of the input shaft 34 to swage a second tube to the fitting 12. Swaging of the ring 24 over the sleeve 18 in this second swaging operation is thus enabled without rotating the orientation of the tool 32 by 180 degrees, since either yoke 74 advantageously may engage the ring 24 or the sleeve 18. This allows swaging of fittings in confined areas, such as near bulkheads and the like.

In the preferred embodiment, the canted surface 82 is canted inwardly about 0-3 degrees with respect to a normal vertical surface. This canted surface is added to the yokes 74 so that the deflection in the tool resulting from the swaging forces, when applied, brings the surfaces into parallelism when maximum swaging forces are achieved. This helps reduce, and in some cases eliminates, undesir¬ able cocking of the swaging ring 24 when the swaging ring is being moved over the sleeve 18 during the swaging opera¬ tion.

Another advantage of the swaging tool 32 is its balanced configuration. This balanced configuration is provided by aligning the yokes 74 of the two jaws 42 and 44 along a common axis such that the forces generated during the swaging operation are also concentrated along this axis. This axis is the same as the axis of the fitting 12 and corresponds to the focal*, point of the semi-circularc base 84 of each yoke 74. This axis also is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the housing 46. To achieve this balanced configuration, the jaws 42 and 44 (including the yokes 74) are identical in structure, and their semi- circular bases 84 are spaced substantially th-a same distance from the top surface 76 of the upper housing portion 48. This structure advantageously deletes any external moment or force to the tool 32. Eliminating this external moment or force therefore provides easier manipu¬ lation and movement of the tool 32 by the operator.

Most of the components of the tool 32 are manu- factured from bar stock and may be machined into their various shapes by an electrical discharge machine. Pre¬ ferred materials for the housing 46 include stainless steel, such as PH 13-8 MO stainless steel. Preferred materials for the jaws 42 and 44, input and output shafts 34 and 36, and bevel gears 58 and 60 include stainless steel, such as PH 17-4 MO stainless steel. The bearings preferably are made from oil impregnated high strength powdered metal to reduce the need to constantly relubricate the tool.

Second and third swaging tools 86 and 88 are shown, respectively, in FIGS. 5 and 6-7, and are constructed of the same materials for the swaging tool 32 described above.

FIG. 5 shows a swaging tool that is similar to the tool described above, but with a different housing and jaw mechanism 36, wherein only one jaw 42 is moved by the output shaft 56 and the other jaw 40 remains stationary with respect to the housing. In this arrangement, the input shaft 34 is mounted at one end of the housing 46, which is comprised of a single piece of steel. The input shaft 34 is borne by two journal bearings, and protrudes via an aperture 90 through a side wall 92 of the housing for easy operator access. While-- the input shaft 34 for the embodiment of FIG. 5 is identical for the first swaging tool 32, described above, the output shaft 56 of this second swaging tool 86 is slightly different, utilizing an output bevel gear 94 that meshes with the input bevel gear of the input shaft at a side opposite the jaw mechanism 36. This output shaft 56 protrudes through two chambers 95 of the housing' and a center wall 96, and is borne by journal bearings (not -shown) at each longitudinal end 98 of the housing 46. Rotation of the input shaft 34 causes the output shaft 56 to rotate with twice the torque of the input shaft, and the threaded exterior causes the single moving jaw 42 to move with respect to the housing 46.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show two swaging tools 88 that are similar to the swaging tool of FIG. 5, but that utilize a worm gear assembly 100 in lieu of the bevel gear assembly described above. That is to say, at an end 102 of the input shaft 34 interior to the housing, a worm shaft 104 rotates with rotation of the input shaft about their common axis of rotation. The worm shaft 104 rotates a worm gear 106 of the output shaft 56 to thereby cause it to rotate with a 20:1 or more increase in torque, to thereby provide desired force multiplication to open and close the jaw mechanism 36. As described above, movement of the moving jaw is constrained to linear movement only by a lug 108 on either side of the main body 76 of the jaw 42 which rides within a longitudinal groove 110 on each interior side of the housing 46.

3_J. An Optional Jaw Locking Mechanism (FIG. 8) May Be

Employed As An Additional Safeguard Against cocking.

As seen in FIG. 8, each jaw 42 and 44 may be constructed to include a vertically-sliding upper jaw portion 112. The upper jaw portion 112 is shaped as an inverted "U" with a semi-circular ceiling 114, which is configured to lock either of the sleeve 18 or swaging ring 24 in position for the swaging operation. The vertically- extending sides 116 of each upper jaw portion 112 are of reduced width and slide within vertical slots 118 within the main body 76 of each jaw 42 and 44. In this manner, the upper jaw portion 112 may be manually lifted for acceptance of either the sleeve 18 or swaging ring 24, and then released to clamp the same under the force of gravity. As observed in FIG. 8, the upper jaw portion 112 also has a canted surface 120 which cooperates with the canted surface 82 of the jaw 42 and 44 for retaining the sleeve or swaging ring against cocking. This maintains the axis of the fitting 12 during swaging, corresponds to the focal point of the both of the semi-circular ceiling 114 and the semi-circular base 84 and deletes any external moment or force to the tool 32. Eliminating this external moment or force therefore provides for easier use of the tool 32, 86 or 88 by the operator.

From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that the swaging tool of the present invention, which consists of only three major components and gearing, provides a swaging tool of greatly reduced size and weight. This results in a more simplified swaging operation and the ability to perform swaging operations that would normally be difficult or impossible to perform in a confined area, such as a bulkhead or the like. The small and lightweight nature of the tool helps reduce operator fatigue, increases productivity and reduces labor and maintenance expenses. Furthermore, the use of an appropriately configured input shaft, having a hexagonal shape, for example, permits use of nearly any mechanical tool to supply the force used to drive the swaging operation. These tools may include, by way of example, a wrench, hand crank, power drill and ratchet drive, as well as many other tools. These and other advantages give the swaging tool of the present invention a definite advantage in today's aircraft and aerospace designs, as well as those in the marine, petroleum and chemical industries.

Having thus described several exemplary embodiments of the invention, it wil-j. be apparent that various alterations, modifications, and improvements will readily occur to those skilled in the art. For example, many types of gear reductions may be used to reduce the drive effort necessary to perform the swaging, including a spur gear, or combination of multiple ge rs. Such alterations, modifications, and improvements, and others not expressly described above, are nonetheless intended and implied to be within the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoing discussion is intended to be illustrative only; the invention is limited and defined only by the following claims and equivalents thereto.

Claims

1. A swaging tool for swaging a fitting, the fitting having a sleeve that receives a tube and a swaging ring, such that axial movement of the ring over the sleeve causes the ring to apply a radial force to the sleeve to thereby swage the sleeve to the tube, said swaging tool comprising:

a jaw mechanism, including

a first jaw that engages one of the ring and the sleeve to restrain it from axial movement relative to said first jaw, and

a second jaw that engages the other of the ring and the sleeve to restrain it from axial movement relative to said second jaw,

wherein said first and second jaws are adapted for relative movement between

a first position, in which said first and second jaws are spaced apart and can engage, respectively, the ring and the sleeve prior to the swaging of the sleeve to the tube, and

a second position, in which said first and second jaws have been urged in relative movement toward each other to complete the swaging of the sleeve to the tube;

a input shaft having an axis of rotation; and

a gear mechanism that couples said input shaft to said jaw mechanism to, upon rotation of said input shaft in at least one direction of rotation, transfer the rotational energy of the rotation of said input shaft to said jaw mechanism to move said jaw mechanism toward said second position.

2. A swaging tool according to claim 1, wherein said gear mechanism includes a gear reduction, such that force applied to rotate said input shaft is amplified to move said jaw mechanism toward said second position.

3. A swaging tool according to claim 1, wherein said gear mechanism includes a bevel gear that couples said input shaft to said jaw mechanism.

4. A swaging tool according to claim 1, wherein said gear mechanism includes a spur gear that couples said input shaft to said jaw mechanism.

5. A swaging tool according to claim 1, wherein said gear mechanism includes a worm gear that couples said input shaft to said jaw mechanism.

6. A swaging tool according to claim 1, wherein said gear mechanism moves said jaw mechanism toward said second position when said input shaft is rotated in one of the clockwise and the counterclockwise directions, and toward said first position from said second position when said input shaft is rotated in the other of the clockwise and the counterclockwise directions.

7. A swaging tool according to claim 1, wherein said input shε-ft is adapted to be coupled to, and be rotated about its axis of rotation by, a variable speed power drive. -'.. -

.- >^■* 8. A swaging tool according to claim 1, wherein _;* --'said input "shaft is adapted to be coupled to, and be rotated about its axis of rotation by, an electric drill. 9. A swaging tool according to claim 1, wherein said input shaft is adapted to be coupled to, and be rotated about its axis of rotation by, an air-operated impact wrench.

10. A swaging tool according to claim 1, wherein said input shaft is adapted to be coupled to, and be rotated about its axis of rotation by, a hand crank.

11. A swaging tool according to claim 1, wherein said input shaft is adapted to be coupled to, and be rotated about its axis of rotation by, a hand crank.

12. A swaging tool according to claim 1, wherein said input shaft is adapted to be coupled to, and be rotated about its axis of rotation by, a ratchet drive.

13. A swaging tool according to claim 1, wherein at least one of said first and second jaws includes upper and lower jaw locking portions which are closed to retain one of the ring and the sleeve against cocking during the swaging operation.

14. A swaging tool according to claim 1, wherein said first and second jaws each have an identical yoke of construction that accepts and restrains both the ring and the sleeve to inhibit cocking during the swaging operation.

15. A swaging tool according to claim 1, wherein said first and second jaws each have a canted surface for contact with one of the ring and the sleeve to inhibit cocking during the swaging operation.

16. A swaging tool according to claim 15, wherein said first and second jaws each include a yoke having a U-shape, comprising two vertical side portions joined by a semi-circular base, and wherein said canted surface is provided on each of said vertical side portions 17 swaging tool according to claim 1, wherein:

relative movement between said first and second jaws is linear; and

said swaging tool further comprises a guide that guides relative movement of said jaw mechanism between said first and second positions.

18. A swaging tool according to claim 17, wherein:

said gear mechanism includes an output shaft that has an axis of rotation and is externally threaded;

at least one of said first jaw and said second jaw has a threaded bore that mates in threaded engagement with said output shaft; and

rotation of said output shaft produces linear movement of said threaded bore and its associated jaw parallel to said axis of rotation of said output shaft, to thereby move said jaw mechanism between said first and second positions in a linear direction associated with the direction of rotation of said output shaft.

19. A swaging tool according to claim 18, wherein said gear mechanism includes a reduction gear that supplies at least a two-tσ-one increase in force to said output shaft, such that said output shaft is supplied with at least twice the torque supplied to said input shaft.

. 20. A swaging tool according to claim 18, wherein .said gear mechanism includes a reduction gear that includes a worm gear that supplies at least a twenty-to-one increase in force to said output shaft, such that said output shaft is supplied with at least twenty times the torque supplied to said input shaft.

21. A swaging tool according to claim 13, wherein:

said swaging tool further comprises a housing that fixedly mounts said first jaw;

said output shaft is restrained from linear axial movement;

said output shaft is externally threaded;

said second jaw has a threaded bore that mates in threaded engagement with said output shaft, such that rotation of said output shaft produces linear movement of said second jaw toward and away from said first jaw, depending upon the direction of rotation of said output shaft.

22 A swaging tool according to claim 18, wherein:

said output shaft is restrained from linear axial movement and has a first end and a second end;

said output shaft is externally threaded with a left-handed thread at said first end and a right- handed thread at said second end;

said first jaw has a threaded bore that mates in threaded engagement with said first bore and said second jaw has a threaded bore that mates in threaded engagement with said second end, such that rotation of said output shaft produces linear movement of said first and second jaws toward and away from each other, depending upon the direction of rotation of said output shaft. 23. A swaging tool according to claim 18, wherein said gear mechanism includes an output bevel gear of said output shaft that rotates axially therewith and an input bevel gear of said input shaft that rotates axially therewith.

24. A swaging tool according to claim 23, wherein:

said output shaft is restrained from linear axial movement;

said output bevel gear is centrally mounted upon said output shaft, between two opposing ends thereof including a first end and a second end, to rotate about its axis of rotation;

said output shaft is externally threaded at each opposing end, respectively, with a left-handed thread at said first end and a right-handed thread at said second end;

said first jaw has a threaded bore that mates in threaded engagement with said first bore and said second jaw has a threaded bore that mates in threaded engagement with said second end, such that rotation of said output shaft produces linear movement of said first and second jaws toward and away from each other, depending upon the direction of rotation of said output shaft.

25 swaging tool according to claim 24, wherein:

said swaging tool further comprises a housing;

said housing includes an input shaft bearing that mounts said input shaft for rotation about its axis of rotation; said housing includes an output shaft bearing that mounts said output shaft to maintain said output bevel gear in mated relationship with said input bevel gear and allows rotation of said output shaft about its axis of rotation;

said housing mounts said guide to restrain rotation of said first and second jaws to permit substantially only linear relative movement between them; and

one of said housing and said first and second jaws mounts first and second jaw end stops that define said first position of said jaw mechanism and inhibit movement of said first and second jaws apart from each other beyond said first position.

26. A swaging tool according to claim 23, wherein:

said output shaft is restrained from linear axial movement with respect to said first jaw, and has a first end and a second end;

said output shaft mounts said output bevel gear about its axis of rotation at its first end, and is externally threaded at its second end; and

said second jaw has a threaded bore that mates in threaded engagement with said second end of said output shaft, such that rotation of said output shaft produces linear movement of said second jaw toward and away from said first jaw, depending upon the direction of rotation of said output shaft.

swaging tool according to claim 26, wherein: said swaging tool further comprises a housing;

said housing includes an input shaft bearing that mounts said input shaft for rotation about its axis of rotation;

said housing includes an output shaft bearing that mounts said output shaft to maintain said bevel gears in mated relationship with each other and allows rotation of said output shaft about its axis of rotation;

said housing mounts said guide to restrain rotation of said second jaw to permit substantially only linear movement toward and away from said first jaw; and

one of said housing and said second jaw mounts a second jaw end stop that defines said first position of said jaw mechanism and inhibits movement of said second jaw away from said first jaw beyond said first position.

28. A swaging tool according to claim 18, wherein said gear mechanism includes a worm gear of said output shaft that rotates axially therewith and an worm thread of said input shaft that rotates axially therewith.

29. A swaging tool according to claim 28, wherein:

said output shaft is restrained from linear ?x±dl movement with respect to said fiirst jaw, and has a first end and a second end;

said output shaft mounts said worm gear about its axis of rotation at its first end, and is externally threaded at its second end; and said second jaw has a threaded bore that mates in threaded engagement with said second end of said output shaft, such that rotation of said output shaft produces linear movement of said second jaw toward and away from said first jaw, depending upon the direction of rotation of said output shaft.

30. A swaging tool according to claim 29, wherein:

said swaging tool further comprises a housing;

said housing includes an output shaft bearing that mounts said output shaft to maintain said worm gear in mated relationship with said worm thread and allows rotation of said output shaft about its axis of rotation;

one of said housing and said second jaw mounts a second jaw end stop that defines said first position of said jaw mechanism and inhibits movement of said --.econd j-aw away from said first jaw beyond said first position.

31. A method of swaging & fitting,

the fitting having a sleeve, that receives a tube, and a swaging ring, such that axial movement of the ring over 1 he sleeve causes the ring to apply a radial force to the sleeve to thereby swage the sleeve to the tube,

wherein the fitting is swaged by a swaging tool of the type having a first jaw which is adapted to engage one of the sleeve and the swaging ring and restrain it from axial movement relative to the first jaw, a second jaw which is adapted to engage the other of the sleeve and the swaging ring and restrain it from axial movement relative to said second jaw, an input shaft that has an axis of rotation and a gear mechanism that converts rotation of the input shaft to relative movement of the first and second jaws toward each other,

said method comprising the steps of:

(a) engaging the sleeve with one of the first and second jaws to restrain it from axial movement with respect to the one jaw;

(b) engaging the swaging ring with the other of the first and second jaws to restrain it from axial movement with respect to the other jaw; and

(c) rotating the input shaft about its axis of rotation in at least one rotational direction to thereby provide linear converging movement between the first and second jaws, to thereby move the swaging ring axially over the sleeve and swage the tube to the sleeve.

32. A method according to claim 31, wherein the gear mechanism includes a gear reduction unit that increases the torque supplied by rotation of the input shaft, and wherein said method further comprises the steps of multiplying the torque of rotation of the input shaft to increase the torque, and converting the torque to linear displacement of at least one of the first and second jaws.

33. A method according to claim 32, wherein the input shaft is coupled to a manual rotation device, and wherein the step of rotating the input shaft includes the step of manually rotating the manual rotation device to thereby rotate the input shaft and provide multiplied, manually-supplied torque for displacing at least one of the first and second jaws.

34. A method of swaging a fitting,

the fitting having a sleeve that receives a first tube at one end of the sleeve and a second tube at the other end of the sleeve, and a first swaging ring at one end of the sleeve and a second swaging ring at the other end of the sleeve, such that axial movement of the rings over the sleeve causes the rings to apply radial forces to the sleeve to swage the sleeve to the tubes,

wherein the fitting is swaged by a swaging tool of the type having a first jaw which is adapted to engage one of the sleeve and a particular ring of the first and second rings and restrain it from axial movement relative to the first jaw, a second jaw which is adapted to engage the other of the sleeve and the particular ring and restrain it from axial movement relative to said second jaw, an input shaft that has an axis of rotation and a gear mechanism that converts rotation of the input shaft to relative movement of the first and second jaws toward each other,

said method comprising the steps of:

(a) engaging the sleeve with one of the first and second jaws to restrain it from axial movement* with respect to the one jaw; (b) engaging the first ring with the other of the first and second jaws to restrain it from axial movement with respect to the other jaw;

(c) rotating the input shaft about its axis of rotation in a first rotational direction to thereby provide linear converging movement between the first and second jaws, to thereby move the first ring axially over the sleeve and swage the first tube to the sleeve;

(d) rotating the input shaft about its axis of rotation in a second, different rotational direction to thereby provide linear diverging movement between the first and second jaws and moving the tool in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of the fitting;

(e) without rotating the tool by 180 degrees, engaging the sleeve with the other of the first and second jaws to restrain it from axial movement with respect to the other jaw and engaging the second ring with the one jaw to restrain it from axial movement with respect to the one jaw; and

(f) rotating the input shaft about its axis of rotation in the first rotational direction to thereby provide relative movement between the first and second jaws so that they converge, to thereby move the second ring axially over the sleeve and swage the second tube to the sleeve.

35. A method according to claim 34, wherein the input shaft is coupled to a manual rotation device, and

- wherein each of the steps of rotating the input shaft includes the step of manually rotating the manual rotation device to thereby rotate the input shaft and provide multiplied, manually-supplied torque for displacing at least one of the first and second jaws.