Tool with pawl stroke control

Abstract

A tool includes a head having a cavity, a ratchet, a pawl carrier, first and second pawls, and a protruding portion. A ratchet gear is rotatably disposed in the cavity and includes a drive portion and a toothed portion. A pawl carrier is rotatably disposed in the cavity and includes a groove. The first and second pawls are adapted to selectively engage with the toothed portion to select one of the first and second drive directions. The protruding portion is disposed on a portion of the periphery of the cavity and protrudes radially inward toward a center point of the cavity. A first side of the projecting portion engages with the pawl carrier to prevent rotation of the pawl carrier in a first drive direction, and a second side of the projecting portion engages with the pawl carrier to prevent rotation of the pawl carrier in a second drive direction.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 606,476, filed on December 5, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Art

[0003] Hand-held tools, such as wrenches and / or ratchets, are used in a variety of industries. A ratchet may include a drive portion that engages with a fastening device (such as a nut) and provides torque to the fastening device for tightening or loosening the nut. In some ratchets, a double pawl supported by a pawl carrier engages with the drive portion to allow the drive portion to rotate in a clockwise direction and limit rotation in a counterclockwise direction. The double pawl is operable to change the direction of rotation of the drive portion so that the drive portion limits rotation in a clockwise direction and allows rotation in a counterclockwise direction. When a large amount of torque is generated between the drive portion and the fastening device, deflection of the ratchet may occur. Deflection of the ratchet under high load may cause the pawl carrier to apply a force greater than the force that limits the rotation of the drive portion, which may cause the pawl carrier to over-rotate (e.g., slip) within the ratchet. Summary of the invention

[0004] In an exemplary embodiment, a tool is provided. The tool includes a head having a cavity. The tool also includes a ratchet gear rotatably disposed in the cavity and having a drive portion and a toothed portion, wherein the drive portion protrudes outward from the cavity and is suitable for transmitting torque to a workpiece. The tool also includes a pawl carrier rotatably disposed in the cavity and including a groove. The tool also includes a first pawl and a second pawl, which are adapted to selectively engage with the toothed portion for selecting one of a first drive direction and a second drive direction. Each of the first pawl and the second pawl includes a pawl tooth, a surface opposite to the pawl tooth, and a protrusion extending outward from the surface. When the pawl carrier is rotated to disengage one of the first pawl and the second pawl from the toothed portion and to engage the other of the first pawl and the second pawl with the toothed portion, the protrusion is adapted to engage with the groove. The tool also includes a protrusion, which is disposed on a portion of the periphery of the cavity and protrudes radially inward toward a center point of the cavity. A first side of the projection engages the pawl carrier to prevent rotation of the pawl carrier in a first drive direction, and a second side of the projection engages the pawl carrier to prevent rotation of the pawl carrier in a second drive direction.

[0005] In one embodiment of the tool, the first side of the protruding portion is disposed opposite the second side.

[0006] In one embodiment of the tool, the first side and the second side of the protruding portion have an arcuate profile.

[0007] In such embodiments of the tool, the arcuate profiles of the first side and the second side are the same.

[0008] In such embodiments of the tool, the cavity has a first radius, and the arcuate profiles of the first side and the second side are defined by a second radius that is smaller than the first radius.

[0009] In one embodiment of the tool, the protruding portion further includes a third side disposed between the first side and the second side, wherein the third side forms an angle with the first side and the second side.

[0010] In such embodiments of the tool, the third side has a different arcuate profile than the first side and the second side.

[0011] In such embodiments of the tool, the first side and the third side form a first peak, and the second side and the third side form a second peak.

[0012] In such an embodiment of the tool, the first peak prevents rotation of the pawl carrier in the first drive direction and the second peak prevents rotation of the pawl carrier in the second drive direction.

[0013] In such an embodiment of the tool, the ball is partially embedded within the cavity such that the ball selectively engages the pawl carrier and wherein the first peak is on a first side of the ball and the second peak is on a second side of the ball.

[0014] In another exemplary embodiment, a tool head including a cavity and a ratchet gear assembly disposed in the cavity is disclosed. The tool head includes a pawl carrier disposed in the cavity to cooperate with the ratchet gear assembly, a first pawl and a second pawl supported in the pawl carrier and positioned to selectively engage with the ratchet gear assembly, wherein the selective engagement includes the first pawl engaging the ratchet gear assembly to select a first drive direction, and the second pawl engaging the ratchet gear assembly to select a second drive direction; and a protrusion disposed on a periphery of the cavity, wherein the protrusion extends radially inwardly toward a center point of the cavity, wherein a first side of the protrusion cooperates with the pawl carrier to prevent rotation of the pawl carrier in the first drive direction, and wherein a second side of the protrusion cooperates with the pawl carrier to prevent rotation of the pawl carrier in the second drive direction.

[0015] Other embodiments will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art by reading the following detailed description and, where appropriate, referring to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Example embodiments are described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0017] Figure 1 A tool according to an example embodiment is shown.

[0018] Figure 2 A perspective view of a pawl carrier and a pawl is illustrated according to an example embodiment.

[0019] Figure 3 A front view of a head of a tool is shown according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0020] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of a tool head assembly is illustrated according to an example embodiment.

[0021] Figure 5 Description: In a deflected state Figure 4 Cross-sectional view of a tool head assembly.

[0022] The drawings are schematic and are not necessarily drawn to scale.In the drawings, similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] This specification describes several exemplary embodiments, at least some of which relate to a tool for reducing excessive rotation (e.g., slippage or over-travel) of a pawl carrier. In an exemplary embodiment, the tool may include a head having a cavity. A ratchet gear having a drive portion and a toothed portion may be disposed in the cavity. The drive portion may protrude outward from the cavity and may be adapted to transmit torque to a workpiece. The pawl carrier may be disposed in the cavity and include a groove. The first pawl and the second pawl may each include a pawl tooth, a surface opposite to the pawl tooth, and a protrusion extending outward from the surface. The first pawl and the second pawl may be adapted to selectively engage with the toothed portion for selecting one of a first drive direction and a second drive direction. The protrusion may be adapted to engage with the groove when the pawl carrier is rotated to disengage one of the first pawl and the second pawl from the toothed portion and to engage the other of the first pawl and the second pawl with the toothed portion. The protrusion may be disposed on a portion of the periphery of the cavity. The protrusion may protrude radially inward toward a center point of the cavity. A first side of the protrusion can engage with the pawl carrier to prevent rotation of the pawl carrier in a first drive direction, and a second side of the protrusion can engage with the pawl carrier to prevent rotation of the pawl carrier in a second drive direction. The protrusion can reduce the likelihood and / or amount of undesired rotation (such as over-travel) of the pawl carrier when torque is transmitted to the workpiece in the first drive direction and / or the second drive direction. For example, the protrusion can control the amount of travel of the pawl carrier.

[0024] Figure 1A tool 100 is shown according to an example embodiment. The tool 100, such as a double pawl ratchet wrench, may have a head 102 and a handle portion 104. The handle portion 104 may be attachable / detachable or integral with the head 102. The head 102 includes a cavity 106 for receiving a component of the tool 100 for providing torque to a workpiece (not shown), such as a socket and / or a fastener.

[0025] The head 102 includes a first pawl 108 and a second pawl 110 disposed in the cavity 106. The first pawl 108 and the second pawl 110 are selectively engageable with a ratchet gear 112, which is operable to engage a workpiece in a known manner. When the first pawl 108 engages the ratchet gear 112, torque drive is permitted when the head 102 is rotated in a first rotational direction, while a ratcheting action occurs when the head 102 is rotated in a second rotational drive direction opposite to the first rotational drive direction. When the second pawl 110 engages the ratchet gear 112 (e.g., Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown), the first pawl 108 disengages the ratchet gear 112 and allows torque drive when the head 102 rotates in the second rotational drive direction, while a ratchet action occurs when the head 102 rotates in the first rotational drive direction.

[0026] The cavity 106 includes portions for receiving and holding the components of the tool 100 therein, respectively. The ratchet gear 112 is received in a first portion of the cavity 106, which is referred to herein as a drive cavity portion 114. In some examples, the drive cavity portion 114 is large and generally circular. The ratchet gear 112 has a generally circular body portion 116 and a drive portion 120 protruding from the body portion 116, the body portion 116 having a circumferential toothed portion 118, the drive portion 120 such as, for example, a square drive lug. The toothed portion 118 selectively engages a pawl tooth 122 formed on each of the pawls 108, 110 to selectively engage with the pawls 108, 110, thereby providing torque drive through the drive portion 120 in either a first rotational drive direction and a second rotational drive direction.

[0027] A cover plate 124 is secured to the head 102 to enclose the components of the tool 100 in the cavity 106. In some examples, the cover plate 124 is retained to the head 102 using fasteners 126, such as, for example, screws, rivets, etc. The cover plate 124 includes an opening 128, such as a circular hole, through which the drive portion 120 protrudes to operably engage with a workpiece. The opening 128 also defines a bearing surface for the drive portion 120 to retain and position the ratchet gear 112. A cover plate seal 127 may be fitted between a surface of the cover plate 124 and the ratchet gear 112 to reduce the ingress of foreign material (e.g., dirt, debris, and / or fluid) through the opening 128.

[0028] The first pawl 108 and the second pawl 110 are disposed in a second portion of the cavity 106, referred to herein as the pawl cavity portion 130. The drive cavity portion 114 and the pawl cavity portion 130 overlap or communicate to allow the first pawl 108 and the second pawl 110 to selectively move into and out of engagement with the toothed portion 118 of the ratchet gear 112.

[0029] An actuator 132 is provided for selectively engaging and disengaging the first pawl 108 and the second pawl 110 with the ratchet gear 112. In some examples, the actuator 132 is disposed in the pawl cavity portion 130. The actuator 132 extends through the head 102, wherein a lever portion 134 of the actuator 132 is positioned on the outside of the head 102 and is adapted to be manually operated by a user to select a driving direction of the tool. A seal 129 is disposed circumferentially around the lever portion 134 to block or prevent contaminants or liquids from entering the cavity 106. In some examples, the actuator 132 is assembled with the head 102 by inserting the lever portion 134 into the pawl cavity portion 130 from a first side of the head 102, and by extending the lever portion 134 through an opening in the head 102 to a second side of the head 102, which facilitates the ability to prevent contaminants from entering using the seal 129. The size of the actuator 132 can be designed to prevent full passage through the opening so that the actuator 132 can be installed in only one direction.

[0030] In some examples, the actuator 132 is pivotally coupled to the pawl carrier 136 such that the pawl carrier 136 rotates together with the actuator 132 to selectively position one of the pawls 108, 110 into engagement with the ratchet gear for selecting a torque drive direction. Figure 2 As described in Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the pawl carrier 136 includes a first recess 138 and a second recess 140. Each of the pawls 108, 110 includes a surface 142 opposite the pawl teeth, which surface 142 is shaped to substantially correspond to the first recess 138 and the second recess 140, respectively. In some examples, the surface 142 is rounded / arc-shaped, and the first recess 138 and the second recess 140 have a concavity or convexity substantially similar to the concavity or convexity of the rounded / arc-shaped surface 142 of each of the pawls 108, 110. The pawl carrier 136 includes a pair of detents 154 partially defined by a first foot 156A and a second foot 156B. When the actuator 132 is set in an appropriate position for selecting the first torque drive direction and the second torque drive direction, the detent 154 can selectively engage the ball 152, which is retained by the biasing member 150 in the hole 148 of the tool 100.

[0031] The pawl carrier also includes grooves, and preferably includes first and second grooves 144A, 144B disposed adjacent to the first and second recesses 138, 140. In some examples, the grooves 144A, 144B are formed along arc-shaped paths to substantially correspond to the concave or convex shapes of the first and second recesses 138, 140. The first pawl 108 and the second pawl 110 each include a protrusion 146 adapted to slidably engage the grooves 144A, 144B, respectively. For example, the protrusion 146 of the first pawl 108 engages the first groove 144A, and the protrusion 146 of the second pawl 110 engages the second groove 144B. Although two separate grooves 144A, 144B are shown, in other examples, a single groove adapted to selectively engage the protrusion 146 of the corresponding first and second pawls 108, 110 may be used. In some examples, the end of the protrusion 146 may have an arcuate (eg, circular) profile, while in other examples, the end of the protrusion 146 may be planar.

[0032] In operation, when the pawl carrier 136 is displaced to the first position by the actuator 132 to select the first rotational drive direction, the first groove 144A engages the protrusion 146 of the first pawl 108 to push the first pawl 108 into engagement with the ratchet gear 112. At the same time, the second groove 144B engages the protrusion 146 of the second pawl 110 to disengage the second pawl 110 from the ratchet gear 112. Therefore, when the head 102 moves in the first rotational drive direction, the pawl teeth 122 of the first pawl 108 remain engaged with the toothed portion 118 of the ratchet gear 112. When the pawl carrier 136 is displaced to the second position by the actuator 132 to select the second rotational drive direction, the second groove 144B engages the protrusion 146 of the second pawl 110 to push the second pawl 110 into engagement with the ratchet gear 112. At the same time, the first groove 144A engages the protrusion 146 of the first pawl 108 to disengage the first pawl 108 from the ratchet gear 112. Therefore, the pawl teeth 122 of the second pawl 110 engage the toothed portion 118 of the ratchet gear 112 when the head 102 moves in the second rotational drive direction.

[0033] Figure 3 A front view of a head 202 of a tool 200 according to an exemplary embodiment is shown. The head 202 includes a cavity 206 having a detent cavity portion 230. A protrusion 270 is disposed within the detent cavity portion 230 and includes a first side 272, a second side 274 opposite the first side 272, and a third side 276 disposed between the first side 272 and the second side 274. One or more aspects of the tool 200 may be similar or identical to the tool 100 described above. In addition, one or more aspects of the tool 200, such as the tool head 202, may be combined with one or more aspects of the tool 100.

[0034] The protrusion 270 may be disposed on a portion of the periphery 230A (e.g., the inner periphery and / or the edge) of the pawl cavity portion 230. The protrusion 270 may protrude radially inward toward the center point 231 of the pawl cavity portion 230. By protruding radially inward toward the center point 231, the distance from the center point 231 to the protrusion 270 may be less than the distance from the center point 231 to the periphery 230A of the pawl cavity portion 230. For example, a first radius (R1) from the center point 231 to the periphery 230A may be greater than a second radius (R2) from the center point 231 to the third side 276. In such an example, the third side 276 may include an arcuate profile corresponding to the second radius (R2) from the center point 231. However, in other examples, the third side 276 may have another profile, such as being flat or rounded toward the center point 231. In some examples, the protrusion 270 may take the form of a stopper or an interrupter.

[0035] In some examples, the first side 272 may have an arcuate profile. The arcuate profile of the first side 272 may be defined by a third radius (R3) originating from a point 233 that deviates from the center point 231. Point 233 may be offset from the center point 231 so that the third radius (R3) is tangent to the periphery 230A. Therefore, in an example in which the arcuate profile of the first side 272 is defined by the third radius (R3), the first side 272 may be tangent to the periphery 230A. Similarly, the second side 274 may have an arcuate profile. The arcuate profile of the second side 274 may be similarly defined by the third radius (R3). In some examples, one or more dimensions of the second side 274 may be mirrored with corresponding dimensions of the first side 272. For example, the arcuate profile of the second side 274 may be the same or substantially similar to the arcuate profile of the first side 272. The third radius (R3) may be different from the second radius (R2) so that the arcuate profiles of the first side 272 and the second side 274 may be different from the arcuate profile of the third side 276. Although the first side 272 and the second side 274 are shown as including an arcuate profile, in other examples, the first side 272 and / or the second side 274 can be flat (e.g., linearly inclined) and / or rounded (e.g., convexly rounded). In addition, one or more dimensions of the first side 272 can be different from one or more dimensions of the second side 274. For example, the first side 272 can be planar and the second side 274 can be arcuate, or vice versa.

[0036] The third radius (R3) may be smaller than the first radius (R1). The third radius (R3) emanating from point 233 within the pawl cavity portion 230 may produce a concave arcuate profile on the first side 272 and the second side 274. Because point 233 is offset from the center point 231, the arcuate profiles of the first side 272 and the second side 274 may not be concentric with the arcuate profile of the third side 276, which is based on the second radius (R2) originating from the center point 231. In such an example, the first side 272 may converge with the third side 276 at the first end to form a first peak (at Figure 3 Similarly, the second side 274 may converge with the third side 276 at the second end to form a second peak (shown as peak A in FIG. Figure 3 230A). The first peak A and the second peak B can each define a point that is radially farthest from the periphery 230A. That is, when traveling along the periphery 230A, the first peak A and the second peak B can be radially disposed on the protrusion 270 farthest from the periphery 230A. The first peak A and the second peak B can generate the greatest amount of interference between the pawl carrier and the protrusion 270 to resist further rotation of the pawl carrier within the pawl cavity portion 230.

[0037] Including an arcuate profile on the first side 272 and / or the second side 274 can reduce the amount of travel of a pawl carrier disposed within the pawl cavity portion 230. For example, a torque applied to the tool 200 can cause the pawl carrier to rotate (e.g., travel) within the pawl cavity portion 230. The pawl carrier can contact the first side 272 or the second side 274, depending on whether the tool 200 is rotating clockwise or counterclockwise. The arcuate profile of the first side 272 and the second side 274 that protrude inwardly away from the perimeter 230A can prevent and / or reduce the amount of travel of the pawl carrier by increasing frictional resistance. In addition, by including an arcuate profile compared to a flat, planar, or linear profile, the manufacturing of the first, second, and / or third sides 272, 274, and / or 276 can be simplified and / or accelerated. For example, the first side 272, the second side 274, and / or the third side 276 can be formed by milling with a drill having a radius equal to the above-mentioned radius (R1, R2, R3). Thus, including an arcuate profile on one or more sides of the protruding portion 270 may increase manufacturing efficiency and / or mitigate undesired rotation of the pawl carrier that may otherwise result in over-travel.

[0038] As shown, the head 202 may also include an aperture 248 disposed proximal to the detent cavity portion 230. The aperture 248 may be used to retain a biasing member, such as Figure 1 240 , the biasing member can selectively engage with the pawl carrier during actuation of the tool 200. In some examples, the hole 248 can be disposed proximal to the protrusion 270. For example, the hole 248 can be aligned with the protrusion 270 such that the protrusion 270 is disposed on either side of the hole 248. The first side 272 of the protrusion 270 and / or a portion of the first peak (A) can be on the first side of the hole 248. The second side 274 and / or a portion of the second peak (B) can be on the second side of the hole 248. The second side of the hole 248 can be opposite to the first side of the hole 248.

[0039] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of a head 302 of a tool 300 is shown in an assembled state, according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 5 Shown in a deflected state Figure 4300. The head 302 of the tool 300 includes a cavity 306 having a pawl cavity portion 330, a ratchet gear 312 disposed in the cavity 306, and a pawl carrier 336 coupled to a first pawl 308 and a second pawl 310 disposed in the pawl cavity portion 330. The drive portion 320 coupled to the ratchet gear 312 engages with a workpiece to transmit torque between the tool 300 and the workpiece. The ratchet gear 312 includes a toothed portion 318 that can engage with pawl teeth 322 of the first pawl 308 and / or the second pawl 310. The first pawl 308 and the second pawl 310 include a protrusion 346 that can engage with a groove 344A of the pawl carrier 336. The pawl carrier 336 includes one or more recesses 340 that each receive a portion of the first pawl 308 or the second pawl 310, a stop 354 that can selectively engage a ball 352 coupled to the biasing member 350, and one or more feet, such as a first foot 356A and a second foot 356B. One or more aspects of the tool 300 can be similar or identical to the tools 100 and / or 200 described above. In addition, one or more aspects of the tool 300 can be combined with one or more aspects of the tools 100 and / or 200.

[0040] In some examples, the pawl cavity portion 330 may also include a protruding portion 270, such as Figure 3 As shown and described, the protrusion 270 may be disposed on a portion of the periphery of the pawl cavity portion 330 that is adjacent to the ball 352 . Figure 5 A first side 372 and a second side 374 are shown, which may correspond to Figure 3 The first side 272 and the second side 274 of the protrusion 270 are shown. The first side 372 can be disposed on a first side of the ball 352, and the second side 374 can be on a second side of the ball 352 opposite the first side. When the pawl teeth 322 of the first pawl 308 engage with the toothed portion 318 of the ratchet gear 312, the first side 372 can engage with the first foot 356A of the pawl carrier 336. Similarly, when the pawl teeth 322 of the second pawl 310 engage with the toothed portion 318 of the ratchet gear 312, the second side 374 can engage with the second foot 356B of the pawl carrier 336. Beneficially, the interaction between the first side 372 and the first foot 356A and the interaction between the second side 374 and the second foot 356B can reduce the amount of undesired rotation of the pawl carrier 336 during use.

[0041] For example, Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, the second pawl 310 is engaged with the ratchet gear 312. When the torque generated in the tool 300 is transmitted to the workpiece through the drive portion 320, the reaction force in the head 302 can cause the pawl carrier 336 to rotate (e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise) within the pawl cavity portion 330. The rotation of the pawl carrier 336 can place the second foot 356B in communication with the second side 374. The arcuate profile of the second side 374 can be used to resist further rotation of the pawl carrier 336, for example, by increasing the friction between the second foot 356B and the second side 374. The second peak (B) (at Figure 3 374) can be radially disposed at a distance away from the periphery of the pawl cavity portion 330 so that the second foot 356B can be prohibited from rotating on the second peak (B). For example, the pawl carrier 336 can be constrained from non-rotational movement within the pawl cavity portion 330. The second peak (B) can radially protrude into the pawl cavity portion 330 at a distance greater than the non-rotational displacement distance of the second foot 356B. When the second foot 356B engages with the second side 374, the second foot 356B can be prevented from rotating on the second peak (B). The first peak (A) on the first side 372 (as shown in Figure 3 ) can interact with the first foot 356A in the same and / or similar manner as the second peak (B).

[0042] When the first pawl 308 is engaged with the ratchet gear 312, the engagement with the workpiece can generate a torque that causes the pawl carrier 336 to rotate in a direction opposite to the engagement of the second pawl 310 with the ratchet gear 312. In such an example, the first foot 356A can interact with the first side 372 in the same or similar manner as the second foot 356B and the second side 374 to resist rotation of the pawl carrier 336. Thus, the first side 372 can interact with the pawl carrier 336 to resist rotation in a first direction, and the second side 374 can interact with the pawl carrier 336 to resist rotation in a second direction opposite to the first direction. This is in Figure 5 35, wherein when the tool 300 is in a deflected state, such as when engaging a workpiece, the second foot 356B is disposed at a distance from the ball 352 such that there is a gap between the stop 354 and the ball 352. By selectively resisting undesired rotation of the pawl carrier 336 during use, the protrusion can allow a higher torque load to be generated between the tool 300 and the workpiece, which can allow a user to effectively engage the workpiece. For example, a fastener or socket that may have previously required a torque that caused excessive travel to occur in the pawl carrier of the tool can now be operated (e.g., tightened or loosened) with minimal to no slippage.

[0043] It should be understood that the arrangements described herein and / or shown in the accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be limiting. Thus, those skilled in the art will appreciate that other arrangements and elements (e.g., machines, interfaces, functions, sequences, and / or functional groupings) may be used instead, and some elements may be omitted entirely.

[0044] Although various aspects and embodiments are described herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope being indicated by the claims and the full range of equivalents to which these claims are entitled. It should also be understood that the terms used herein are intended only to describe the purpose of the embodiments and are not intended to be limiting.

[0045] In this specification, the articles “a,” “an,” and “the” are used to introduce elements and / or functions of example embodiments. Use of these articles intends that there are one or more of the introduced elements and / or functions.

[0046] In this specification, the intention of using the term "and / or" within a list of at least two elements or functions and the intention of using the term "at least one of..." within a list of at least two elements or functions are understood as the intention of using the term "and / or" within a list of at least two elements or functions.

[0047] "At least one of," "one or more of," "one or more of," and "one or more of" immediately preceding a list of at least two components or functions will encompass every embodiment that includes the listed components or functions independently and every embodiment that includes the listed components or functions in combination. B or C, or one or more of A, B, and C, or one or more of A, B, or C, or one or more of A, B, or C, is intended to encompass each of the following possible implementations: (i) an implementation that includes A but not B and does not include C, (ii) an implementation that includes B but not A and does not include C, (iii) an implementation that includes C but not A and does not include B, (iv) an implementation that includes A and B but not C, (v) an implementation that includes A and C but not B, (v) an implementation that includes B and C but not A, and / or (vi) an implementation that includes A, B, and C. For an implementation that includes component or function A, the implementation may include one A or multiple A. For an implementation that includes component or function B, the implementation may include one B or multiple B. For an implementation that includes component or function C, the implementation may include one C or multiple C. According to the foregoing examples and at least some example embodiments, “A” may represent a component, “B” may represent a system, and “C” may represent a device.

[0048] The use of ordinal numbers such as "first," "second," "third," etc., is intended to distinguish corresponding elements rather than to indicate the order of these elements, unless the context in which these terms are used clearly indicates otherwise. In addition, description of a "first" element (such as a first arm and a first portion) does not require the presence of a second or any other element (such as a second arm and a second portion).

[0049] Therefore, embodiments of the present disclosure may relate to one of the enumerated examples (EE) listed below.

[0050] EE 1 is a tool, comprising: a head having a cavity; a ratchet gear rotatably disposed in the cavity and having a drive portion and a toothed portion, wherein the drive portion protrudes outward from the cavity and is adapted to transmit torque to a workpiece; a pawl carrier rotatably disposed in the cavity and comprising a groove; a first pawl and a second pawl adapted to selectively engage with the toothed portion to select one of a first driving direction and a second driving direction, wherein each of the first pawl and the second pawl comprises a pawl tooth, a surface opposite to the pawl tooth, and a tooth extending outward from the surface a protrusion, wherein the protrusion is adapted to engage with the groove when the pawl carrier is rotated to disengage one of the first and second pawls from the toothed portion and to engage the other of the first and second pawls with the toothed portion; and a protrusion that is disposed on a portion of the periphery of the cavity and protrudes radially inward toward a center point of the cavity, wherein a first side of the protrusion engages with the pawl carrier to prevent rotation of the pawl carrier in a first drive direction, and a second side of the protrusion engages with the pawl carrier to prevent rotation of the pawl carrier in a second drive direction.

[0051] EE 2 is a tool as described in EE 1, wherein the first side of the protruding portion is arranged opposite to the second side.

[0052] EE 3 is a tool as described in EE 1 or EE 2, wherein the first side and the second side of the protruding portion have a curved profile.

[0053] EE 4 is a tool as described in EE 3, wherein the arcuate profiles of the first side and the second side are the same.

[0054] EE 5 is a tool as described in EE 3 or EE 4, wherein the cavity has a first radius, and the arcuate profiles of the first side and the second side are defined by a second radius that is smaller than the first radius.

[0055] EE 6 is a tool as described in any one of EE 1-5, wherein the protruding portion further comprises a third side disposed between the first side and the second side, wherein the third side forms an angle with the first side and the second side.

[0056] EE 7 is a tool as described in any one of EE 3 to EE 6, wherein the third side has a different arc profile than the first side and the second side.

[0057] EE 8 is a tool as described in EE 6 or EE 7, wherein the first side and the third side form a first peak, and the second side and the third side form a second peak.

[0058] EE 9 is a tool as described in EE 8, wherein the first peak prevents rotation of the pawl carrier in the first drive direction, and the second peak prevents rotation of the pawl carrier in the second drive direction.

[0059] EE 10 is a tool as described in EE 8 or EE 9, wherein the ball is partially embedded in the cavity so that the ball selectively engages the pawl carrier, and wherein the first peak is on a first side of the ball and the second peak is on a second side of the ball.

[0060] EE 11 is a tool head, which includes a cavity and a ratchet gear assembly arranged in the cavity, the tool head including a pawl carrier, the pawl carrier being arranged in the cavity to cooperate with the ratchet gear assembly; a first pawl and a second pawl, the first pawl and the second pawl being supported in the pawl carrier and positioned to selectively engage with the ratchet gear assembly, wherein the selective engagement includes the first pawl engaging the ratchet gear assembly to select a first drive direction, and the second pawl engaging the ratchet gear assembly to select a second drive direction; and a protrusion, which is arranged on the periphery of the cavity, wherein the protrusion extends radially inward toward the center point of the cavity, wherein a first side of the protrusion cooperates with the pawl carrier to prevent the pawl carrier from rotating in the first drive direction, and wherein a second side of the protrusion cooperates with the pawl carrier to prevent the pawl carrier from rotating in the second drive direction.

[0061] EE 12 is the tool head of EE 11, wherein the first side of the protruding portion is disposed opposite to the second side.

[0062] EE 13 is a tool head as described in EE 11 or EE 12, wherein the first side and the second side of the protruding portion have an arcuate profile.

[0063] EE 14 is a tool head as described in EE 13, wherein the arcuate profile of the first side is the same as the arcuate profile of the second side.

[0064] EE 15 is the tool head of EE 13 or EE 14, wherein the cavity has a first radius, and the arcuate profiles of the first side and the second side are defined by a second radius that is smaller than the first radius.

[0065] EE 16 is the tool head of any one of EE 11-15, wherein the protruding portion further comprises a third side disposed between the first side and the second side, wherein the third side forms an angle relative to the first side and the second side.

[0066] EE 17 is the tool head of any one of EE 13 to EE 16, wherein the third side has an arcuate profile different from the arcuate profiles of the first side and the second side.

[0067] EE 18 is the tool head of EE 16 or EE 17, wherein the first side and the third side form a first peak, and the second side and the third side form a second peak.

[0068] EE 19 is the tool head of EE 18, wherein the first peak prevents rotation of the pawl carrier in the first drive direction, and the second peak prevents rotation of the pawl carrier in the second drive direction.

[0069] EE 20 is the tool head of EE 18 or EE 19, wherein the ball is partially embedded in the cavity so that the ball selectively engages the pawl carrier, and wherein the first peak is on a first side of the ball and the second peak is on a second side of the ball.

Claims

1. A tool comprising: a head having a cavity; a ratchet gear rotatably disposed in the cavity and having a drive portion and a toothed portion, wherein the drive portion projects outwardly from the cavity and is adapted to transmit torque to a workpiece; a pawl carrier rotatably disposed in the cavity and comprising a recess; a first pawl and a second pawl adapted to selectively engage with the toothed portion to select one of a first drive direction and a second drive direction, wherein each of the first pawl and the second pawl comprises a pawl tooth, a surface opposite to the pawl tooth, and a protrusion extending outwardly from the surface, wherein the protrusion is adapted to engage with the groove when the pawl carrier is rotated to disengage one of the first pawl and the second pawl from the toothed portion and to engage the other of the first pawl and the second pawl with the toothed portion; and a protrusion that is disposed on a portion of the periphery of the cavity and protrudes radially inward toward a center point of the cavity, wherein a first side of the protrusion engages with the pawl carrier to prevent rotation of the pawl carrier in the first drive direction, and a second side of the protrusion engages with the pawl carrier to prevent rotation of the pawl carrier in the second drive direction.

2. The tool according to claim 1, wherein: The first side and the second side of the protruding portion are disposed opposite to each other. 3 . The tool of claim 1 , wherein the first side and the second side of the protruding portion have an arcuate profile.

4. The tool according to claim 3, wherein: The arcuate profiles of the first side and the second side are the same. 5 . The tool of claim 4 , wherein the cavity has a first radius and the arcuate profiles of the first and second sides are defined by a second radius that is smaller than the first radius.

6. The tool of claim 1, wherein the protruding portion further comprises a third side disposed between the first side and the second side, wherein the third side forms an angle with the first side and the second side.

7. The tool of claim 6, wherein the third side has a different arcuate profile than the first side and the second side.

8. The tool according to claim 6, wherein: The first side and the third side form a first peak, and the second side and the third side form a second peak.

9. The tool according to claim 8, wherein: The first peak prevents rotation of the pawl carrier in the first drive direction, and the second peak prevents rotation of the pawl carrier in the second drive direction.

10. The tool according to claim 9, wherein: A ball is partially embedded within the cavity such that the ball is selectively engageable with the pawl carrier, and wherein the first peak is on a first side of the ball and the second peak is on a second side of the ball.

11. A tool head comprising a cavity, and a ratchet gear assembly disposed in the cavity, the tool head comprising: a pawl carrier disposed in the cavity to cooperate with the ratchet gear assembly; a first pawl and a second pawl supported within the pawl carrier and positioned to selectively engage the ratchet gear assembly, wherein the selective engagement includes the first pawl engaging the ratchet gear assembly to select a first drive direction and the second pawl engaging the ratchet gear assembly to select a second drive direction; and A protrusion is disposed on a periphery of the cavity, wherein the protrusion extends radially inwardly toward a center point of the cavity, wherein a first side of the protrusion cooperates with the pawl carrier to prevent rotation of the pawl carrier in the first drive direction, and wherein a second side of the protrusion cooperates with the pawl carrier to prevent rotation of the pawl carrier in the second drive direction.

12. The tool head of claim 11, wherein the first side and the second side of the protrusion are disposed opposite each other.

13. The tool head of claim 11, wherein the first side and the second side of the protruding portion have an arcuate profile.

14. The tool head of claim 13, wherein the arcuate profile of the first side is the same as the arcuate profile of the second side.

15. The tool head of claim 14, wherein the cavity has a first radius and the arcuate profiles of the first and second sides are defined by a second radius that is smaller than the first radius.

16. The tool head of claim 11, wherein the protruding portion further comprises a third side disposed between the first side and the second side, wherein the third side is angled relative to the first side and the second side.

17. The tool head of claim 16, wherein the third side has an arcuate profile that is different from the arcuate profiles of the first and second sides.

18. The tool head of claim 16, wherein the first side and the third side form a first peak, and the second side and the third side form a second peak.

19. The tool head of claim 18, wherein the first peak prevents rotation of the pawl carrier in the first drive direction and the second peak prevents rotation of the pawl carrier in the second drive direction.

20. The tool head of claim 19, wherein a ball is partially embedded within the cavity such that the ball is selectively engageable with the pawl carrier, and wherein the first peak is on a first side of the ball and the second peak is on a second side of the ball.

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