Ratchet wrench with disc-shaped spacer

Abstract

According to an embodiment, a ratchet tool includes: a head operably connected to a handle, the head including at least one cavity wherein the at least one cavity receives and attaches to a cover plate; a ratchet gear including a drive member for transmitting torque to a workpiece; the pawl is arranged in the at least one cavity and is adjacent to the ratchet gear; a pawl operable to engage with the ratchet gear in a first position for transmitting torque through the ratchet gear and the drive member in a first direction, and to engage with the ratchet gear in a second position for transmitting torque through the ratchet gear and the drive member in a second direction; a selector switch disposed in the at least one cavity and configured to move the pawl between a first position and a second position; a spacer disposed in the at least one cavity; and a retaining clip configured to inhibit vertical movement of the ratchet gear in the at least one cavity.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to ratchet tools. One exemplary ratchet tool is a ratchet, such as a ratchet having selectable ratcheting functionality for both clockwise and counterclockwise directions. Another exemplary ratchet tool is a ratchet combination wrench, such as a ratchet combination wrench having selectable ratcheting functionality for both clockwise and counterclockwise directions. Such ratchet tools can be used in automotive, shop, or construction environments when assembling or removing objects (e.g., tightening or loosening bolts or nuts). Summary of the Invention

[0002] According to an embodiment, a ratchet tool includes: a head operably connected to a handle, the head including at least one cavity, wherein the at least one cavity receives and is attached to a cover plate; a ratchet gear including a drive member for transmitting torque to a workpiece; a pawl disposed in the at least one cavity and adjacent to the ratchet gear, wherein the pawl is operable to engage with the ratchet gear in a first position to transmit torque along a first direction through the ratchet gear and the drive member, and to engage with the ratchet gear in a second position to transmit torque along a second direction through the ratchet gear and the drive member; a selector switch disposed in the at least one cavity and configured to move the pawl between the first position and the second position; a spacer disposed in the at least one cavity; and a retaining clip configured to prevent vertical movement of the ratchet gear in the at least one cavity. The ratchet tool may include a sleeve body disposed in the at least one cavity and adjacent to the selector switch and configured to retain the selector switch while allowing movement of the selector switch. The spacer may be disposed below the cover plate and above at least one of the sleeve body or the selector switch. The spacer can be positioned below the cover plate and above both the sleeve body and the selector switch. The retaining clip can be further configured to prevent vertical movement of the pawl. The retaining clip increases the lateral load strength of the ratchet tool. The positioning of the retaining clip, spacer, and cover plate increases the maximum torque deliverable by the ratchet tool. The retaining clip maintains the position of the ratchet gear along the drive axis; the switch is configured to prevent vertical movement of the pawl; and the spacer can be configured to prevent vertical movement of the switch. According to an embodiment, a ratchet tool head assembly includes: a head body having a first side and a second side and a body cavity disposed in the first side, wherein the body cavity includes: a drive cavity portion configured to receive a ratchet gear such that the ratchet gear is rotatably disposed in the drive cavity portion, the ratchet gear including a drive post extending vertically from the ratchet gear; an actuator cavity portion; and a groove disposed in a sidewall of the drive cavity portion adjacent to and parallel to the first side; a retaining clip received by the groove, wherein the retaining clip is configured to prevent vertical movement of the ratchet gear, wherein the retaining clip includes a plurality of lug arms extending toward the actuator cavity portion; a spacer received by the actuator cavity portion and configured to retain the actuator within the actuator cavity portion; and a cover plate disposed on the first side of the head body, wherein the cover plate encloses the body cavity and includes an orifice through which the drive post of the ratchet gear protrudes vertically from the ratchet gear. The retainer increases the lateral load strength of the ratchet tool head. The retainer allows for increased torque delivered through the ratchet tool. The ratchet tool may further include a pawl disposed in a pawl cavity portion, which engages with a ratchet gear to select a drive direction in which the ratchet gear rotates relative to the head body. The retainer's lug arm may be configured to prevent vertical movement of the pawl.According to an embodiment, a method of assembling a ratchet tool includes: providing a ratchet tool head having a body cavity, the body cavity including a drive cavity portion and an actuator cavity portion; inserting an actuator operable to engage a ratchet gear, wherein the actuator is inserted into the actuator cavity portion; inserting a ratchet gear having a drive post into the drive cavity portion of the ratchet tool head; engaging a retaining clip into a groove disposed in a sidewall of the drive cavity portion to prevent vertical movement of the ratchet gear in the drive cavity portion, wherein the retaining clip includes a lug arm extending toward the actuator cavity portion; placing a spacer over the actuator; and covering one or more of the body cavity, drive cavity portion, or actuator cavity portion with a cover plate, wherein the drive post protrudes outward from the ratchet gear through an orifice disposed in the cover plate, and the retaining clip is disposed between a portion of the ratchet gear and the cover plate. The method may further include: engaging the retaining clip, including distributing the interior of the retaining clip on top of a shelf of the ratchet gear. The actuator may include a pawl and a switch, wherein the pawl is disposed between a ratchet gear and the switch; and the method may further include: positioning the pawl below one or more of the lug arms of a retainer, wherein the lug arms of the retainer retain the pawl in a pawl cavity portion, and the pawl is adapted to selectively engage with the ratchet gear to select a drive direction, along which torque is transmitted to the workpiece. The switch may include a selector lever, and the method further includes: positioning the selector lever on the underside of the ratchet tool head for user operation. The method may further include: arranging a spacer and a retainer to prevent vertical movement of one or both of the pawl or the switch. Attached Figure Description

[0003] The following is a brief description of the accompanying drawings related to this disclosure, which will be discussed in more detail in the following detailed description section.

[0004] Figure 1 The illustration shows a top perspective view of the ratchet tool according to an embodiment.

[0005] Figure 2 The illustration shows a bottom perspective view of a portion of the ratchet tool according to an embodiment.

[0006] Figure 3 The illustration shows a top perspective view of a portion of the ratchet tool according to an embodiment.

[0007] Figure 4 An exploded view of a portion of the ratchet tool according to an embodiment is shown.

[0008] Figure 5A The illustration shows a front and top perspective view of the pawl according to an embodiment.

[0009] Figure 5BThe illustration shows a rear and bottom perspective view of the pawl according to an embodiment.

[0010] Figure 6 A portion of a ratchet tool according to an embodiment is illustrated.

[0011] Figure 7 The illustration shows the path along according to an embodiment. Figure 1 The cross-sectional view of a portion of the ratchet tool taken by line 7-7 in the figure.

[0012] Figure 8 The illustration shows the path along according to an embodiment. Figure 1 The cross-sectional view of a portion of the ratchet tool taken from line 8-8.

[0013] Figure 9 This is a flowchart of a method for assembling a ratchet tool according to an embodiment.

[0014] The foregoing summary of the invention and the following detailed description of certain features of this application will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. For illustrative purposes, certain features are shown in the drawings. However, it should be understood that the claims are not limited to the arrangement shown in the drawings. Although specific features of various embodiments may be shown in some drawings and not in others, this is merely for convenience. Any feature in any drawing may be referenced and / or claimed in conjunction with any feature in any other drawing.

[0015] Unless otherwise indicated, the accompanying drawings provided herein are intended to illustrate features of embodiments of the present disclosure. These features are believed to be applicable in a wide variety of applications that include one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Therefore, the drawings are not intended to include all conventional features known to those skilled in the art and necessary for practicing the embodiments disclosed herein. Furthermore, the appearance shown in the drawings is one of many decorative appearances that can be adopted to implement the stated functionality of the system. Detailed Implementation

[0016] Ratchet tools may have a ratchet head that includes a retaining clip and / or a bolted joint for securing the ratchet assembly within the ratchet head. The retaining clip and bolted joint resist loosening over time. The bolted joint has lower requirements for manufacturing precision. When manufacturing is substandard, the retaining clip can have significantly reduced holding force, which reduces the overall strength of the ratchet assembly. Ratchet tools come in various sizes, where the thickness and length of various components may differ. In the case of both a retaining clip and a bolted joint, the bolted joint absorbs some of the load from the retaining clip, making machining less critical, and the retaining clip reduces the load on the bolted joint, thus reducing screw backout in the bolted joint. To accommodate the various dimensional differences in ratchet tools, components are incorporated into the ratchet head to help stabilize the ratchet assembly by preventing unwanted movement. For example, the retaining clip and / or bolted joint can limit or prevent vertical movement of the ratchet assembly within the ratchet tool. Vertical movement can cause misalignment of parts of the ratchet assembly (such as the ratchet gear, pawl, and / or switch). This misalignment within the ratchet tool can lead to poor or non-functional operation. Additionally, ratchet assemblies subjected to unintended vertical movement can cause breakage or reduce the tool's lifespan and / or effectiveness. For standard-length ratchet tools or low-torque applications, retaining clips or bolted connections are sufficient to hold the ratchet assembly in place. However, in ratchet tools with longer handles, used with added leverage mechanisms, or in higher-torque applications, unintended degrees of lateral and torsional loads can occur. Lateral and torsional loads are forces not directed in the direction of loosening or tightening the fasteners. The forces resulting from these unintended effects can cause retaining clips and / or bolted connections to deform, loosen, or break.

[0017] To improve the strength of ratchet tools, particularly in limiting or preventing unwanted lateral bending and torsional loads, both a retaining clip and a bolted joint can be incorporated into the ratchet tool. When both a retaining clip and a bolted joint are included in the ratchet tool, the plate of the bolted joint can be located between the retaining clip and the ratchet mechanism. The ratchet mechanism includes both a ratchet gear and a pawl. However, the thickness of the bolted joint plate can vary between different bolted joints. While it may be possible to manufacture bolted joints with plates having a more compact thickness variation, such manufacturing may incur undesirable costs. Furthermore, a relatively large gap may be required between the retaining clip and the bolted joint plate, which may tend to reduce the effective strength of the combination of the retaining clip and plate.

[0018] Another option for increasing the strength of ratchet tools is to place a retainer between the plate and the ratchet mechanism and include a spacer. This approach avoids the complexity of accommodating variations in plate thickness when the plate is positioned between the ratchet mechanism and the retainer. However, placing the retainer between the plate and the ratchet mechanism can cause parts of the ratchet mechanism to shift and become misaligned, preventing the ratchet mechanism from reaching the reference plane. To prevent misalignment and allow the ratchet mechanism to effectively reach the reference plane, a spacer is incorporated to prevent shifting of the ratchet mechanism. Additionally, components of the ratchet mechanism (such as the pawl and ratchet gear, and the switch) are costly to manufacture. Incorporating a spacer within the ratchet allows ratchet heads with varying thicknesses to accommodate the same pawl, ratchet gear, and switch. Manufacturers do not need to custom-manufacture the pawl, ratchet gear, and switch to accommodate ratchet heads with varying thicknesses for every ratchet tool. Therefore, ratchet heads of different sizes can use some of the same dimensionally defined / configured components, thus reducing manufacturing costs. Ratchet tools with both retaining clips and spacers can accommodate ratchet heads of different sizes / thicknesses without replacing more expensive parts (such as pawls and ratchet gears).

[0019] There is a problem with placing the retainer clip between the bolt plate and the ratchet mechanism. That is, the upper plane of all ratchet components is displaced by the reference created by the bolt plate. The retainer clip can position some of the strength-critical components (such as the ratchet gear and pawl), while separate spacers are used to position other, less strength-critical components.

[0020] Figure 1 and Figure 2 Different views of the assembled ratchet tool 100 according to an embodiment are illustrated. Although these figures illustrate the ratchet tool 100 as a ratchet (as will be understood), similar techniques can be used in ratchet combination wrenches. Figure 1 The illustration shows a top perspective view of a ratchet tool 100 according to an embodiment. The ratchet tool 100 includes a handle 110, a head 120, a cover plate 130, a ratchet gear 140, a switch lever 161 (which is a feature of the switch 160 (or selector switch) and is shown in subsequent figures) and fasteners 101a, 101b (e.g., bolts). Figure 2 The illustration shows a bottom perspective view of a portion of a ratchet tool 100 according to an embodiment. The handle 110 is coupled to or connected to the head 120 (e.g., the handle 110 and head 120 are a single integral part, or they may be separate parts coupled to each other via a type of rotatable joint). Figure 2 As shown, a user of the ratchet tool 100 can engage a switch 160 to selectively switch the ratchet action direction of the ratchet tool 100 to clockwise (e.g., to tighten a bolt or nut) or counterclockwise (e.g., to loosen a bolt or nut).

[0021] Figure 3 The illustration shows a top perspective view of the head 120 (or head body) of a ratchet tool 100 according to an embodiment. The head 120 includes a cavity 121, a lip 122, anchor holes 123a and 123b, threaded holes 127a and 127b, a groove 128, and an opening 129. The cavity 121 includes a front cavity portion 124 (or a drive cavity portion), a middle cavity portion 125 (or a pawl cavity portion), and a rear cavity portion 126. Anchor holes 123a and 123b are located in the rear cavity portion 126 of the cavity 121. Figure 4 As shown, the head opening 129 receives a portion of the switch 160. Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the front cavity portion 124, the middle cavity portion 125, and the rear cavity portion 126 of the cavity 121 are at least partially distinguished from each other by ridges 121c extending from the bottom surface 121a of the cavity 121 on the sidewall 121b, although they do not need to be so distinguished. Figure 6 As shown, the front cavity portion 124 receives at least a portion of the ratchet gear 140. The middle cavity portion 125 receives at least a portion of the pawl 150. The rear cavity portion 126 receives at least a portion of the sleeve 170 and at least a portion of the switch 160. The middle portion 125 and the rear portion 126 of the head cavity are collectively referred to as the actuator cavity portion. Figure 4 As shown, anchor holes 123a, 123b are configured to receive corresponding anchors 171a, 171b on sleeve 170 to anchor sleeve 170 to head 120.

[0022] Figure 4 An exploded view of a portion of a ratchet tool 100 according to an embodiment is shown. (In addition to the above regarding...) Figure 1-3 In addition to the mentioned components (handle 110, head 120, cover plate 130, ratchet gear 140, switch 160, and fasteners 101a, 101b), the ratchet tool 100 further includes a pawl 150, a sleeve 170, a retainer 180, a spacer 190, fasteners 101a, 101b, an O-ring 102, a biasing member 166, and a washer 105. The actuator includes the pawl 150 and the switch 160. These components and their features are further described below.

[0023] like Figure 4As shown, cover plate 130 includes a ratchet gear orifice 131 and fastener orifices 132a, 132b. Cover plate 130 rests on cavity lip 122. Cover plate 130 is fastened (e.g., bolted) to head 120 via fasteners 101a, 101b. After passing through cover plate fastener orifices 132a, 132b, fasteners 101a, 101b are secured to head 120 in head threaded holes 127a, 127b, thereby securing or bolting cover plate 130 to head 120. When cover plate 130 is bolted to head 120, it can be referred to as bolted cover plate 130. When cover plate 130 is secured to head 120, a portion of ratchet gear 140 passes through ratchet gear orifice 131. Washer 105 is positioned in washer recess 133 on the reverse side of cover plate 130, as shown. Figure 7 As can be seen, gasket 105 essentially prevents contaminants (e.g., liquids or debris) from penetrating into the components of ratchet tool 100.

[0024] like Figure 4 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, ratchet gear 140 is received by cavity 121, for example, in the front cavity portion 124 (or drive cavity portion) of cavity 121. Ratchet gear 140 is rotatable about an axis located within the front portion 124 of cavity 121. This axis extends along a vertical dimension, and references to "vertical" herein refer to this dimension. Further, "upward" refers to a direction extending along the vertical dimension away from the base of cavity 121. Ratchet gear 140 includes a plurality of ratchet teeth 141, a drive member 142, and a recess 143. Ratchet gear 140 may be a single, integral part. Drive member 142 engages with an accessory (such as a socket or extension). As shown, drive member 142 has a generally square shape, but may also have a rectangular or other shape. As shown, the drive member 142 may optionally include a ball-shaped locking pin operable to engage with a conventional bearing, such that the bearing is additionally secured to the drive member 142 during operation of the ratchet tool 100 on a workpiece (a workpiece outside the ratchet tool 100, such as the head of a bolt). Ratchet gear teeth 141 are circumferentially arranged on the ratchet gear 140. The ratchet gear teeth 141 engage with a plurality of corresponding pawl teeth 151 on the pawl 150, as will be explained further. The ratchet gear 140 further includes a horizontally oriented shelf 144. The shelf 144 is arranged above the ratchet gear teeth 141. At least a portion of the shelf 144 is configured to abut at least a portion of the clamp 180, as will be explained further.

[0025] Sleeve 170 includes a body having at least a partially circumferential shape and at least partially surrounding switch 160 (e.g. Figure 4 and Figure 6(As shown in the diagram). Anchor holes 123a, 123b in the cavity 121 of the head 120 are configured to receive anchors 171a, 171b of the sleeve 170. Thus, the sleeve 170 stabilizes the switch 160 within the cavity 121 of the head 120, and specifically at least partially within the rear cavity portion 126 of the cavity 121. The sleeve 170 further includes limiters 172a, 172b disposed at opposite ends of the body, which limit rotation of the switch 160 in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. It will be understood that this disclosure contemplates a ratchet tool 100 excluding the sleeve 170.

[0026] The switch 160 includes a body 162, a lever 161, a first flange 163, a second flange 164, and a bore 165. The switch 160 is rotatably configured to pass through a switch aperture 129 in the head 120, which is located below the rear cavity portion 126 of the cavity 121. The lever 161 extends from below the cavity 121 through the head 120 via the switch aperture 129, as shown... Figure 2 and Figure 4 As can be seen, the O-ring 102 is positioned in the recess of the switch 160 and adjacent to the sidewall of the switch orifice 129 (see...). Figure 7 The O-ring 102 creates a barrier preventing debris or moisture from flowing into the cavity 121 of the head 120. A first flange 163 extends away from or laterally from the switch body 162. A second flange 164 extends away from or laterally from the switch body 162. As will be further described, a portion of the pawl 150 is received between the first flange 163 and the second flange 164, thereby restricting the upward and downward movement of the pawl 150 along the vertical dimension when the switch 160 is rotated clockwise or counterclockwise. A bore 165 extends at least partially into the switch body 162. The first flange 163 is positioned above the bore 165, and the second flange 164 is positioned below the bore 165.

[0027] The user interacts with the switch 160 via a switch lever 161. The user rotates the switch 160 clockwise or counterclockwise relative to the vertical dimension via the lever 161 to move the pawl 150 to engage with the ratchet gear 140 in different arrangements, thereby selecting clockwise or counterclockwise ratchet action. The bore 165 at least partially receives a biasing member 166 including a pin 167 and a spring 168. The pin 167 includes a body 167a and a head 167b, wherein the head 167b includes a non-planar surface operable to contact the pawl 150. The biasing member 166 defines a longitudinal axis intersecting the midpoint of the non-planar surface of the pin head 167b. The biasing member 166 uses elastic potential energy (i.e., the biasing force generated by the compression of the spring 168) to push the pin 167 into engagement with the rear surface 152 (notch 153 as shown) of the pawl 150, thereby pushing the pawl 150 against the ratchet gear 140.

[0028] like Figure 5A and Figure 5B As shown, the pawl 150 includes a front surface 155 with two sets of teeth 151a, 151b, a rear surface 152 with a notch 153, and two extensions 154a, 154b at opposite ends of the pawl 150. Figure 6 In the illustrated embodiment, the first flange 163 (shown in dashed lines) of the switch 160 overlaps with the recess 156 of the pawl 150 between the extensions 154a and 154b, such that the switch 160 does not rest on or interfere with the pawl 150. A second flange 164 is positioned below the pawl 150, such that the vertical movement of the pawl 150 is constrained by the first flange 163 and the second flange 164. The first set of pawl teeth 151a and the second set of pawl teeth 151b are operable to selectively engage the ratchet gear teeth 141, thereby limiting the rotation of the ratchet gear 140 in either a first rotational direction (clockwise) or a second rotational direction (counterclockwise).

[0029] like Figure 6 As shown, the pin head 167b of the biasing member 166 is operable to contact and engage with a first region of the notch 153 in the rear surface 152 of the pawl 150. When the pin head 167b engages with the first region of the notch 153, the first set of teeth 151a of the pawl 150 engages with the ratchet gear teeth 141 of the ratchet gear 140, and the second set of teeth 151b of the pawl 150 disengages from the ratchet gear teeth 141 of the ratchet gear 140. This configuration allows the ratchet tool 100 to perform ratchet action in a counterclockwise direction.

[0030] The ratcheting direction of the ratcheting tool 100 can be switched to a clockwise direction. Rotating the switch 160 causes the pin head 167b of the biasing member 166 to engage in different complementary areas of the notch 153, thereby causing the second set of teeth 151b to engage with the ratchet gear teeth 141 and causing the first set of teeth 151a to disengage from the ratchet gear teeth 141. This configuration allows the ratcheting tool 100 to operate in a clockwise direction. The user can switch between a clockwise and counterclockwise ratcheting configuration by moving or rotating the switch lever 161, thereby changing the orientation of the biasing member 166.

[0031] like Figure 4 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the retaining clip 180 includes lug arms 181a and 181b extending circumferentially around a portion of the ratchet gear 140. Lug arms 181a and 181b keep the pawl 150 aligned with the ratchet gear 140 and the switch 160. Lug arms 181a and 181b also prevent the pawl 150 from sticking to the ratchet gear 140, which could cause the ratchet gear 140 to jam the switch 160, slip the switch, or cause the switch to change direction undesirably. Lug arms 181a and 181b each terminate with lugs 182a and 182b. Each lug 182a and 182b is wider than the rest of the corresponding lug arm 181a and 181b. The lugs 182a and 182b shown each have a generally circular profile with a central hole. Lugs 182a and 182b include portions extending above portions of the ratchet gear 140 and the pawl 150. Lugs 182a and 182b help prevent movement between the ratchet gear 140, pawl 150, and / or switch 160, which could cause the ratchet gear 140 to fail to engage with the pawl 150 and / or vice versa. Additionally, movement between the pawl 150 and switch 160 could prevent the user from changing the ratchet configuration from clockwise to counterclockwise, and vice versa. Lugs 182a and 182b of retaining clip 180 keep the ratchet gear 140, pawl 150, and switch 160 positioned within cavity 121 to make the ratchet tool 100 more efficient over a longer period. Retaining clip 180 keeps the ratchet gear 140 and pawl 150 in the desired position; the ratchet gear and pawl are the more expensive and strength-critical components of the ratchet tool 100. The retaining clamp 180 is formed of or comprises a material such as high carbon steel, which provides high strength to resist loads and high hardness to resist wear caused by rotation between the ratchet gear 140 and / or the pawl 150.

[0032] At least a portion of the retaining clip 180 is received by a recess 128 in the head 120. The recess 128 is horizontally arranged in the head 120 and is located in the front cavity portion 124 of the head 120, near the ratchet gear 140. When the retaining clip 180 is received by the recess 128, the retaining clip 180 is positioned above the shelf 144 of the ratchet gear 140. When the ratchet tool 100 is not in use, a gap may exist between the shelf 144 and the retaining clip 180. Furthermore, lugs 182a and 182b are provided above corresponding extensions 154a and 154b of the pawl 150. A space may exist between the top surface of the extensions 154a and 154b and the corresponding lugs 182a and 182b. When the extensions 154a and 154b contact the lugs 182a and 182b, the lugs 182a and 182b prevent the pawl 150 from making excessive vertical movements during the use of the ratchet tool 100.

[0033] Furthermore, if during use the ratchet gear 140 is twisted or torsioned, causing a portion of the shelf 144 to move upward within the cavity 121, the shelf 144 (or the edge of the shelf 144 extending toward the ratchet tooth 141) engages with the retaining clip 180. This engagement tends to prevent further twisting of the ratchet gear 140, thereby preventing the contact portion of the shelf 144 from moving higher within the cavity 121. Further, if the twisting of the ratchet gear 140 causes a portion of the retaining clip 180 to rise, then, in the presence of sufficient twisting of the ratchet gear 140 and the retaining clip 180, this portion of the retaining clip 180 can contact the cover plate 130. The contact between the retaining clip 180 and the cover plate prevents further twisting of the retaining clip 180 and the ratchet gear 140, such that the retaining clip 180 and the ratchet gear shelf 144 have a maximum height (not higher than the cover plate 130). The retaining clip 180 may only contact the underside of the cover plate 130 under extreme stress (potentially exceeding the breaking strength of the retaining clip 180). The contact between the retaining clip 180 and the cover plate 130 transfers stress and force to the cover plate 130. This transfer of stress and force from the retaining clip 180 to the cover plate 130 prevents the retaining clip 180 from breaking.

[0034] exist Figure 4 , Figure 7 and Figure 8In the illustrated embodiment, spacer 190 is positioned below cover 130. The upper surface of spacer 190 contacts the lower surface of cover 130. Spacer 190 is further positioned above switch 160, above sleeve 170, and above a portion of pawl 150 (including above portions of extensions 154a, 154b of pawl 150). The lower surface of spacer 190 is adjacent to the upper surface of sleeve 170. A gap exists between the lower surface of spacer 190 and the upper surface of switch 160. A gap exists between the lower surface of spacer 190 and portions of extensions 154a, 154b of pawl 150. The positioning of spacer 190 prevents excessive movement between components located in ratchet head 120. However, due to permissible movement between components, spacer 190 may contact some of the components in ratchet head. Because the cover plate 130 is fixed to the head 120 and cannot move vertically, the spacer 190 has limited (or no) vertical movement. Therefore, the spacer 190 prevents excessive vertical movement of the sleeve 170, switch 160, and / or pawl 150. Furthermore, the switch 160 and pawl 150 can still move or rotate to function as described above. Furthermore, the contact between the lower surface of the spacer 190 and the upper surface of the sleeve 170 prevents the spacer 190 from moving downwards. The spacer 190 allows for thickness variations within the head 120 and maintains the position of components that are not critical for strength, such as the switch 160, pawl 150, pin 167, and spring 168. The retaining clip 180, positioned below the pawl 150, does not provide any additional strength to resist gear tilting. The spacer 190 being located below the pawl 150 defeats the purpose of including the spacer 190, as a new switch lever 161 is required to keep the pin 167 in contact with the correct spot on the pawl 150. Placing the spacer 190 above the pawl 150 facilitates manufacturing. If the spacer 190 were placed below the pawl 150, the switch lever 161 of the switch 160 would not be able to pass through the switch orifice 129 for assembly.

[0035] Figure 9 This is a flowchart 200 of a method for assembling a ratchet tool 100 according to an embodiment. Flowchart 200 describes the ratchet tool 100, but is not limited thereto. The steps of flowchart 200 may be arranged in a different order, or some steps may be omitted. The steps may be performed simultaneously or combined into a single step.

[0036] At step 210, a ratchet tool 100 with a head 120 is provided, the head having a body cavity including a drive cavity portion 124 and a cavity portion 125. At step 220, a ratchet gear 140 is inserted into the drive cavity portion 124 of the head 120. At step 230, an actuator (pawl 150 in this embodiment) is inserted into the cavity portion 125 of the head 120. At step 240, a retaining clip 180 is received in a groove 128 located in the sidewall of the drive cavity portion 124 of the head 120 to prevent upward vertical movement of the ratchet gear 140 in the drive cavity portion 124. The interior of the retaining clip 180 may be disposed above the shelf 144 of the ratchet gear 140. At step 250, a spacer 190 is placed above the actuator (pawl 150 in this embodiment). The spacer 190 and retaining clip 180 may be arranged to prevent one or both of the pawl 150 or switch 160 from moving vertically upwards. At step 260, one or more of the head cavity 121, drive cavity portion 124, or cavity portion 125 are covered with a cover plate 130.

[0037] Parts list:

[0038]

[0039]

[0040]

[0041] Those skilled in the art will understand that various changes may be made and equivalents may be used without departing from the scope of the novel technology disclosed herein. Furthermore, many modifications may be made to adapt specific situations or materials to the teachings of the novel technology without departing from its scope. Therefore, the novel technology is not intended to be limited to the specific technology disclosed, but rather it will include all technologies falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A ratchet tool, comprising: A head, operably connected to a handle, the head including at least one cavity, wherein the at least one cavity receives and is attached to a cover plate; Ratchet gear, including a drive component for transmitting torque to a workpiece; A pawl is disposed in the at least one cavity and adjacent to the ratchet gear, wherein the pawl is operable to engage with the ratchet gear in a first position to transmit torque through the ratchet gear and the drive member in a first direction, and to engage with the ratchet gear in a second position to transmit torque through the ratchet gear and the drive member in a second direction; A selector switch is disposed in the at least one cavity and configured to move the pawl between the first position and the second position; A spacer is disposed in the at least one cavity; and The retaining clamp is configured to prevent vertical movement of the ratchet gear in the at least one cavity.

2. The ratchet tool according to claim 1, wherein, The ratchet tool includes a sleeve body disposed in the at least one cavity and adjacent to the selector switch, and configured to retain the selector switch while allowing the selector switch to move.

3. The ratchet tool according to claim 2, wherein, The spacer is arranged below the cover plate and above at least one of the sleeve body or the selector switch.

4. The ratchet tool according to claim 3, wherein, The spacer is positioned below the cover plate and above both the sleeve body and the selector switch.

5. The ratchet tool according to claim 3, wherein, The retaining clip is also configured to prevent vertical movement of the pawl.

6. The ratchet tool according to claim 5, wherein, The retaining clip increases the lateral load strength of the ratchet tool.

7. The ratchet tool according to claim 5, wherein, The positioning of the retaining clip, the spacer, and the cover plate increases the maximum torque that can be delivered by the ratchet tool.

8. The ratchet tool according to claim 5, wherein: The retaining clamp holds the position of the ratchet gear along the drive axis; the switch is configured to prevent vertical movement of the pawl; and The spacer is configured to prevent vertical movement of the switch.

9. A ratchet tool head assembly, comprising: A head body having a first side portion and a second side portion, and a body cavity disposed in the first side portion, wherein the body cavity includes: A drive cavity portion, wherein the drive cavity portion is configured to receive a ratchet gear such that the ratchet gear is rotatably disposed in the drive cavity portion, the ratchet gear including a drive post extending vertically from the ratchet gear; The actuator cavity portion; and A groove is provided in the sidewall of the drive cavity portion that is close to the first side and parallel to the first side. A retaining clip is received by the groove, wherein the retaining clip is configured to prevent vertical movement of the ratchet gear, wherein the retaining clip includes a plurality of lug arms extending toward the actuator cavity portion; A spacer, received by the actuator cavity portion and configured to hold the actuator within the actuator cavity portion; and A cover plate is disposed on a first side of the head body, wherein the cover plate encloses the body cavity and includes an opening through which the drive pin of the ratchet gear protrudes vertically from the ratchet gear.

10. The ratchet tool head assembly according to claim 9, wherein, The retaining clip increases the lateral load strength of the ratchet tool head.

11. The ratchet tool head assembly of claim 10, wherein, The retainer allows for increased torque delivered via the ratchet tool.

12. The ratchet tool head assembly of claim 11, wherein, The ratchet tool also includes a pawl disposed in the pawl cavity portion, the pawl being capable of engaging the ratchet gear to select a driving direction, the ratchet gear rotating relative to the head body along the driving direction.

13. The ratchet tool head assembly of claim 12, wherein, The lug arm of the retaining clamp is configured to prevent vertical movement of the pawl.

14. A method for assembling a ratchet tool, the method comprising: A ratchet tool head is provided with a body cavity, the body cavity including a drive cavity portion and an actuator cavity portion; An actuator operable to engage the ratchet gear is inserted, wherein the actuator is inserted into a cavity portion of the actuator; The ratchet gear with a drive post is inserted into the drive cavity portion of the ratchet tool head; The retaining clip engages in a groove provided in the side wall of the drive cavity portion to prevent vertical movement of the ratchet gear in the drive cavity portion, wherein the retaining clip includes a lug arm extending toward the actuator cavity portion; Place the spacer above the actuator; and A cover plate is used to cover one or more of the body cavity, the drive cavity portion, or the actuator cavity portion, wherein the drive column protrudes outward from the ratchet gear through an opening provided in the cover plate, and the retaining clip is provided between a portion of the ratchet gear and the cover plate.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising: Engaging the retaining clip includes: distributing the interior of the retaining clip on the top of the rack of the ratchet gear.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein: The actuator includes a pawl and a switch, wherein the pawl is disposed between the ratchet gear and the switch; and The method further includes: positioning the pawl below one or more of the lug arms of the retaining clamp, and The retaining clamp's lug arm holds the pawl in the pawl cavity portion, and the pawl is adapted to selectively engage with the ratchet gear to select a drive direction, wherein torque is transmitted to the workpiece along the drive direction.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein, The switch includes a selector lever, and the method further includes: positioning the selector lever on the underside of the ratchet tool head for user operation.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising: The spacer and the retaining clip are arranged to prevent vertical movement of one or both of the pawl or the switch.

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