ratchet wrench

Abstract

ratchet wrench, comprehensive a key body (1) having a front key side (11) and a rear key side (12) on two opposite sides and a through-hole (13) that penetrates the key body along an axial direction (D1) from the front key side (11) to the rear key side (12); an inner central part (2) extending along the axial direction (D1) and comprising a first end (21), a contact section (22) extending from the first end (21) along the axial direction (D1), and a central section (23) extending from the contact section (22) along the axial direction (D1), wherein the first end (21) forms a first surface (211) in the radial direction (D2), wherein the contact section (22) forms a second surface (221) in the radial direction (D2), and wherein the central section (23) has a middle end (231) opposite the first end (21), wherein the inner central part (2) is inserted into the through-hole (13) along the axial direction (D1), the first surface (211) bearing against the front key side (11), and the inner surface of the through-hole (13) bearing against the outer surface of the Plant section (22) is adjacent, with the central section (23) forming an annular barrier area (232),and wherein the material of the inner central part (2) is non-magnetic; , an outer ring (3) having a through-opening (31) whose shape corresponds to the annular locking surface (232), the outer ring (3) extending along the axial direction (D1) and having a second end (32) and an opposing third end (33), the third end (33) forming a third surface (331) extending outwards in a radial direction (D2), an outer annular surface (34) being formed between the second end (32) and the third end (33) being provided with a plurality of teeth, the third end (33) forming an inner recessed surface (332) extending inwards in a radial direction (D2), the outer ring (3) being placed on the annular locking surface (232) via the through-opening (31) and locking against the central section (23), the second end (32) extending radially (D2) between the inner central section (2) and the key body (1) is locatedsuch that the second end (32) rests against the second surface (221), while the third surface (331) rests against the rear key side (12), with the middle end (231) being adjacent to the inner recessed surface (332); and a changeover lever (7) arranged on the key body (1), wherein one end of the changeover lever (7) engages with the teeth of the outer ring (3); and wherein the middle end (231) is pressed along the axial direction (D1) so that the middle end (231) is deformed along the radial direction (D2) and covers the inner recessed surface (332), wherein the outer ring (3) is simultaneously confined between the second surface (221) and the deformed middle end (231) and the key body (1) is confined between the first surface (211) and the third surface (331), thereby firmly connecting the key body (1), the inner middle part (2) and the outer ring (3).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a ratchet wrench, in particular a ratchet wrench that can improve the magnetic force for attracting screwdriver bits.

[0002] As in the Fig. 10 and Fig. As shown in Figure 11, conventional ratchet wrenches all consist of a key body A, a ratchet part B and a limiting element C, the limiting element C being used to secure the ratchet part B in the key body A.

[0003] To achieve this in a limited space and without using any aids for the connection, a punch connection method was provided, which is disclosed in the Taiwanese patent publication TW202103858A entitled "Ratchet wrench and its manufacturing method", whereby the use of the limiting element C is omitted.

[0004] The ratchet wrench mentioned above is equipped with a screwdriver bit. Some ratchet wrenches have an internal magnet (E) that attracts the screwdriver bit, giving it magnetic force to further attract the screw, thus facilitating tightening.

[0005] The ratchet mechanism B inside the aforementioned ratchet wrench is a single piece and a magnetic element. The magnetic force of magnet E is weakened by ratchet mechanism B. Although the magnetic force is still sufficient to attract the screwdriver bit, it becomes more difficult to tighten the screw to be turned once the magnetic force has been transferred to the screwdriver bit.

[0006] To solve the problem of magnetic force, the ratchet part B can be made of a non-magnetic material, for example, by using stainless steel. The magnetic force of magnet E is not weakened by the ratchet part B but is transferred directly to the screwdriver bit. Therefore, the screwdriver bit has a stronger magnetic attraction to tighten the screw. However, stainless steel is less hard, and the teeth on the outer circumference of the ratchet part B are prone to wear, which impairs the operation of the ratchet wrench.

[0007] To overcome the problem of lower material hardness, the ratchet mechanism in the above-mentioned invention is divided into two components: an inner part and an outer part. The inner part consists mainly of a non-magnetic material, while the outer part consists mainly of a material with higher hardness, such as tool steel.

[0008] During assembly, the aforementioned invention attempted to fasten the parts by press fit, but during subsequent use, the inner and outer parts still tended to detach from the key body. Therefore, further attempts were made to attach the inner and outer parts to the key body using adhesives, anaerobic adhesives, or similar materials; however, the effect was limited, and the inner and outer parts still detached from the key body.

[0009] To achieve this in a limited space and without using aids for the connection, the punch connection method is used, for example, in the Taiwanese patent publication TW202103858A entitled "Ratchet wrench and its manufacturing method".

[0010] In the aforementioned punching method, one end of the ratchet part is deformed so that the ratchet part and the key body are mutually confined and fixed. During the punching process, uncertainties can arise when deforming the end for direct contact with the key body. For example, the punched area may not fit snugly against the key body, thus failing to guarantee a stable connection between the ratchet part and the key body, creating the risk of gaps forming between these components.

[0011] When using the method described above, the deformed part rotates relative to the key body in this type of connection. With long-term use and wear, it is possible that the deformed part and the key body will no longer be securely connected.

[0012] The object of the invention is to provide a ratchet wrench to solve the problems of insufficient magnetic force in ratchet wrenches and the resulting assembly problems of the components, such as the problem of the deformed contact surface rotating relative to the wrench body. This ratchet wrench comprises:

[0013] a key body having a front key side and a rear key side on two opposite sides, and a through-hole penetrating the key body along an axial direction from the front key side to the rear key side; an inner middle section extending along the axial direction and comprising a first end, a contact section extending from the first end along the axial direction, and a middle section extending from the contact section along the axial direction, wherein the first end forms a first surface in the radial direction, wherein the contact section forms a second surface in the radial direction, and wherein the middle section has a middle end opposite the first end, and wherein the inner middle section is inserted into the through-hole along the axial direction.wherein the first surface rests against the front side of the key and the inner surface of the through-hole rests radially against the outer surface of the contact section, wherein the central section forms an annular locking surface, and wherein the material of the inner central section is non-magnetic; an outer ring having a through-hole whose shape corresponds to the annular locking surface, wherein the outer ring extends along the axial direction and has a second end and an opposite third end, wherein the third end forms a third surface extending radially outward, wherein an outer annular surface is formed between the second end and the third end, the outer surface being provided with a plurality of teeth, and wherein the third end forms an inner recessed surface extending radially inward.wherein the outer ring is placed over the through-hole onto the annular locking surface and mutually locks with the central section, the second end being located radially between the inner central section and the key body, such that the second end rests against the second surface while the third surface rests against the rear side of the key, the central end being adjacent to the inner recessed surface; and a reversing lever arranged on the key body, one end of the reversing lever engaging with the teeth of the outer ring; and wherein the central end is pressed along the axial direction, such that the central end is deformed along the radial direction and covers the inner recessed surface, the outer ring being simultaneously confined between the second surface and the deformed central end, and the key body being confined between the first surface and the third surface, thereby confining the key body,the inner middle part and the outer ring are firmly connected to each other.

[0014] Furthermore, the inner middle section forms a recess in its center in which the magnet is embedded.

[0015] Furthermore, the inner middle part consists of one of the following materials: stainless steel SUS304 or stainless steel SUS316 and the outer ring consists of one of the following materials: carbon tool steel, alloy tool steel or high-speed steel.

[0016] Furthermore, the inner recessed surface has, in the axial direction, successively an inclined surface section extending simultaneously along the axial and radial directions, a vertical surface section extending along the axial direction, and a flat surface section extending along the radial direction, with the deformed central end simultaneously covering the flat surface section, the vertical surface section, and part of the inclined surface section.

[0017] Furthermore, the deformed middle end is ring-shaped and completely covers the inner recessed area in the circumferential direction.

[0018] Furthermore, the deformed middle end has a multitude of spaced-apart pressure points, with the pressure points extending in the radial direction and covering the inner recessed area.

[0019] Furthermore, the pressure points have a circular shape.

[0020] Furthermore, the dimension of the first surface in the radial direction is larger than the dimension of the second surface in the radial direction, and the dimension of the second surface in the radial direction is in turn larger than the dimension of the middle section in the radial direction.

[0021] The following effects can be achieved through the above-mentioned technical features:

[0022] 1. The riveting process deforms the middle end, thereby joining the inner center section and the outer ring. Additionally, the key body is secured between the first surface of the inner center section and the third surface of the outer ring. No additional tools are required for assembly, the parts do not easily fall off, and assembly steps are eliminated.

[0023] 2. With prolonged use, the contact surfaces between the ratchet wrench and the screwdriver bit wear down, requiring maintenance. Because the easily worn parts are located in the recess of the inner center section, only the inner center section needs to be removed for replacement, without having to replace the more expensive outer ring. This significantly reduces maintenance costs and allows the outer ring to be reused.

[0024] 3. The deformed middle end simultaneously covers the flat surface section, the vertical surface section and part of the inclined surface section, thus bringing the middle end into contact with the inner recessed surface in multiple directions, increasing the contact area between the middle end and the inner recessed surface and increasing the connection strength.

[0025] 4. During rotation, the front side of the key body moves relative to the first surface, and the rear side of the key body moves relative to the third surface. However, no relative movement occurs between the middle end of the inner section and the inner recessed surface of the outer ring. This ensures that the middle end, connected by the riveting process, does not detach from the inner recessed surface under external forces. Furthermore, it prevents mutual wear between the middle end and the inner recessed surface.

[0026] 5. The inner central part is non-magnetic, allowing the magnetic force of the magnet located in the inner central part to be fully transferred to the screwdriver bit in contact. This gives the screwdriver bit a stronger magnetic force to tighten the screws or bolts being used. The invention is described in detail below with reference to embodiments and the drawing. The drawing shows: Fig. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the invention. Fig. 2 an exploded view of the invention. Fig. 3 a partial sectional view of the invention. Fig. 4 a flowchart of the assembly of the invention, Fig. 5 A schematic view of the riveting of the middle end during the assembly of the invention. Fig. 6 A schematic view of the riveting of the middle end during the assembly of the invention. Fig. 7 an enlarged view of the deformed middle end of the invention. Fig. Figure 8 shows a schematic view of the connection with a screwdriver bit of the invention. Fig. 9 a schematic view of the middle end with a plurality of pressure points of the invention. Fig. 10 a perspective view of the conventional ratchet wrench and Fig. 11 a sectional view of the conventional ratchet wrench.

[0027] In summary, the main advantages of the ratchet wrench according to the invention, based on the above-mentioned technical features, can be clearly demonstrated in the following embodiments.

[0028] As in the Fig. 1, Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the ratchet wrench of the invention comprises a key body 1, an inner middle part 2, an outer ring 3, a magnet 4 and a switching lever 7.

[0029] The key body 1 has a front key side 11 and a rear key side 12 on two opposite sides, as well as a through-hole 13 that penetrates the key body along an axial direction D1 from the front key side 11 to the rear key side 12. Specifically, the key body 1 has a handle end (not shown in the figures) and the through-hole 13, which is located at the opposite end of the handle end.

[0030] The inner central section 2 extends along the axial direction D1 and has a first end 21, a contact section 22 extending from the first end 21 along the axial direction D1, and a central section 23 extending from the contact section 22 along the axial direction D1. The first end 21 forms a first surface 211 in the radial direction D2. The contact section 22 forms a second surface 221 in the radial direction D2. The central section 23 has a middle end 231 opposite the first end 21. The inner central section 2 is inserted into the through-hole 13 along the axial direction D1, with the first surface 211 bearing against the front key face 11 and the inner surface of the through-hole 13 bearing against the outer surface of the contact section 22 in the radial direction D2. The central section 23 forms an annular barrier surface 232. The material of the inner central part 2 is non-magnetic.Specifically, the first end 21, the mounting section 22, and the central section 23 are stepped and cylindrical and share the same central axis. The radial dimension of the first surface 211 D2 is larger than the radial dimension of the second surface 221 D2. The radial dimension of the second surface 221 D2 is, in turn, larger than the radial dimension of the central section 23 D2. The annular locking surface 232 is provided with an annular groove 233 at a position near the second surface 221. The inner central section 2 forms a recess 24 in its center, in which the magnet 4 is embedded. The inner central section is made of one of the following materials: stainless steel SUS304 or stainless steel SUS316.

[0031] The outer ring 3 has a through-opening 31 whose shape corresponds to the annular locking surface 232. The outer ring 3 extends along the axial direction D1 and has a second end 32 and an opposing third end 33. The third end 33 forms a third surface 331, which extends outwards in the radial direction D2. Between the second end 32 and the third end 33, an outer annular surface 34 is formed, which is provided with a plurality of teeth. The third end 33 forms an inner recessed surface 332, which extends inwards in the radial direction D2. The outer ring 3 is placed onto the annular locking surface 232 via the through-opening 31 and locks against the central section 23.The second end 32 is located radially in direction D2 between the inner central part 2 and the key body 1, such that the second end 32 rests against the second surface 221, while the third surface 331 rests against the rear side of the key 12, with the central end 231 being adjacent to the inner recessed surface 332. Specifically, the dimension of the second end 32 in radial direction D2 is smaller than the dimension of the second surface 221 in radial direction D2. The inner recessed surface 332 comprises, successively in axial direction D1, an inclined surface section 3321 extending simultaneously along the axial direction D1 and the radial direction D2, a vertical surface section 3322 extending along the axial direction D1, and a flat surface section 3323 extending along the radial direction D2.The outer ring 3 consists of one of the following materials: carbon tool steel, alloy tool steel or high-speed steel.

[0032] The switching lever 7 is arranged on the key body 1, with one end of the switching lever 7 engaging with the teeth of the outer ring 3.

[0033] As in the Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6 and Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the assembly of the ratchet wrench comprises the following steps: The inner center section 2 is inserted into the through-hole 13 along the axial direction D1, with the first surface 211 bearing against the front side of the wrench 11 and the inner surface of the through-hole 13 bearing against the outer surface of the contact section 22 in the radial direction D2. The outer ring 3 is placed onto the annular locking surface 232 via the through-hole 31 and locks against the center section 23. The second end 32 is located in the radial direction D2 between the inner center section 2 and the wrench body 1, and the second end 32 bears against the second surface 221. Since the annular locking surface 232 is provided with the annular groove 233 at a position near the second surface 221, the second end 32 can bear completely against the second surface 221. The third surface 331 bears against the rear side 12 of the wrench.The middle end 231 is adjacent to the inner recessed surface 332. The middle end 231 is then pressed along the axial direction D1, causing it to deform along the radial direction D2 and cover the inner recessed surface 332. Simultaneously, the outer ring 3 is confined between the second surface 221 and the deformed middle end 231, and the key body 1 is confined between the first surface 211 and the third surface 331, thus firmly connecting the key body 1, the inner middle section 2, and the outer ring 3. Specifically, a pressing tool 5 is used to press the middle end 231. The pressing tool 5 has a die whose shape determines the form of the middle end 231 after the pressing process. In the first embodiment, the deformed middle end 231 is annular and completely covers the inner recessed surface 332 in the circumferential direction.The deformed central end 231 simultaneously covers the flat surface section 3323, the vertical surface section 3322, and part of the inclined surface section 3321. The ring-shaped central end 231, which completely covers the circumference, offers an aesthetically pleasing appearance and gives the assembly of the key body 1, the inner central section 2, and the outer ring 3 an integrated, high-quality design with a multifaceted visual effect. Furthermore, it is not apparent from the outside that the ratchet wrench of the invention uses riveting for the connection.

[0034] When the ratchet wrench according to the invention is used after assembly, the inner central part 2 and the outer ring 3 rotate synchronously within the through-bore 13 about the axial direction D1. During the rotation, the front wrench side 11 of the wrench body 1 moves relative to the first surface 211, and the rear wrench side 12 of the wrench body 1 moves relative to the third surface 331. However, no relative movement occurs between the middle end 231 of the inner central part 2 and the inner recessed surface 332 of the outer ring 3. This ensures that the middle end 231, which is connected by riveting, does not detach from the inner recessed surface 332 under the influence of external forces. Furthermore, mutual wear between the middle end 231 and the inner recessed surface 332 is prevented.

[0035] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the screwdriver bit 6 is mounted in the recess 24, and the inner center part 2 is non-magnetic. This allows the magnetic force of the magnet 4 embedded in the inner center part 2 to be fully transferred to the screwdriver bit 6 in contact with it. This gives the screwdriver bit 6 a stronger magnetic force to tighten the screws or bolts to be turned.

[0036] Fig. Figure 9 shows the second embodiment of the invention, in which a pressing tool is used for pressing the inner central part 231, which has a punch with a different shape. Here, the deformed central end 231 has a plurality of spaced-apart pressing points. The pressing points extend in the radial direction D2 and cover the inner recessed surface 332. The pressing points have a circular shape. This represents one of the executable variants of the invention, but is not limited to it.

[0037] Based on the explanation of the embodiments mentioned above, the operation, application, and effects achieved by the invention can be sufficiently understood. However, it should be noted that the embodiments described above represent only preferred embodiments of the invention and are not intended to limit the scope of its implementation. This means that all simple equivalent changes and modifications made based on the claims and the description are within the scope of protection of the present invention. Reference symbol list 1 key body 11 Front side of key 12 Rear key side 13 Through-hole 2 Inner middle section 21 First End 211 First area 22 Plant section 221 Second area 23 Middle section 231 Middle End 232 annular barrier surface 233 Ring groove 24 Exclusion 3 Outer ring 31 Passage opening 32 Second Ending 33 Third End 331 Third area 332 Inner recessed area 3321 Sloping surface section 3322 Vertical surface section 3323 Flat area section 34 outer ring surface 4 Magnet 5 Press tool 6 screwdriver bits 7 shift levers D1 Axial direction D2 Radial direction A key body B ratchet part C Boundary element E Magnet QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] TW 202103858A [0003, 0009]

Claims

Ratchet wrench comprising a wrench body (1) having a front wrench side (11) and a rear wrench side (12) on two opposite sides and a through-hole (13) penetrating the wrench body along an axial direction (D1) from the front wrench side (11) to the rear wrench side (12); an inner central section (2) extending along the axial direction (D1) and comprising a first end (21), a contact section (22) extending from the first end (21) along the axial direction (D1), and a central section (23) extending from the contact section (22) along the axial direction (D1), wherein the first end (21) forms a first surface (211) in the radial direction (D2), wherein the contact section (22) forms a second surface (221) in the radial direction (D2), and wherein the central section (23) has a middle end (231) extending from the first end (21) oppositewherein the inner central part (2) is inserted into the through-hole (13) along the axial direction (D1), the first surface (211) bearing against the front key side (11) and the inner surface of the through-hole (13) bearing against the outer surface of the contact section (22) in the radial direction (D2), the central section (23) forming an annular locking surface (232), and wherein the material of the inner central part (2) is non-magnetic; an outer ring (3) having a through-hole (31) whose shape corresponds to the annular locking surface (232), the outer ring (3) extending along the axial direction (D1) and having a second end (32) and an opposite third end (33), the third end (33) forming a third surface (331) extending outwards in the radial direction (D2), wherein between the second end (32) and the third end (33) an outer ring surface (34) is formed,which is provided with a plurality of teeth, wherein the third end (33) forms an inner recessed surface (332) extending inwards in a radial direction (D2), wherein the outer ring (3) is placed over the through-hole (31) onto the annular locking surface (232) and locks against the central section (23), wherein the second end (32) is located in a radial direction (D2) between the inner central section (2) and the key body (1), such that the second end (32) abuts the second surface (221), while the third surface (331) abuts the rear key side (12), the central end (231) being adjacent to the inner recessed surface (332); and a changeover lever (7) arranged on the key body (1), wherein one end of the changeover lever (7) engages with the teeth of the outer ring (3); and wherein the middle end (231) is pressed along the axial direction (D1),such that the middle end (231) is deformed along the radial direction (D2) and covers the inner recessed surface (332), the outer ring (3) being simultaneously bounded between the second surface (221) and the deformed middle end (231) and the key body (1) being bounded between the first surface (211) and the third surface (331), thereby firmly connecting the key body (1), the inner middle part (2) and the outer ring (3). Ratchet wrench according to claim 1, characterized in that the inner central part (2) forms a recess (24) in its center in which the magnet (4) is embedded. Ratchet wrench according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the inner middle part is made of one of the following materials: stainless steel SUS304 or stainless steel SUS316 and the outer ring (3) is made of one of the following materials: carbon tool steel, alloy tool steel or high-speed steel. Ratchet wrench according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the inner recessed surface (332) has successively in the axial direction (D1) an inclined surface section (3321) extending simultaneously along the axial direction (D1) and the radial direction (D2), a vertical surface section (3322) extending along the axial direction (D1), and a flat surface section (3323) extending along the radial direction (D2), wherein the deformed central end (231) simultaneously covers the flat surface section (3323), the vertical surface section (3322), and a part of the inclined surface section (3321). Ratchet wrench according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the deformed middle end (231) is annular and completely covers the inner recessed surface (332) in the circumferential direction. Ratchet wrench according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the deformed middle end (231) has a plurality of spaced-apart pressure points, wherein the pressure points extend in the radial direction (D2) and cover the inner recessed surface (332). Ratchet wrench according to claim 6, characterized in that the pressing points have a circular shape. Ratchet wrench according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the dimension of the first surface (211) in radial direction (D2) is larger than the dimension of the second surface (221) in radial direction (D2) and the dimension of the second surface (221) in radial direction (D2) is in turn larger than the dimension of the central section (23) in radial direction (D2).

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