gun

Abstract

Ratchet (1) comprising a handle (2) and a ratchet head (3), wherein a ratchet wheel (4) is rotatably arranged in the ratchet head (3) and the ratchet wheel (4) has a first receiving hole (5) for receiving a screwdriver insert (9) and a second receiving hole (6), wherein the first receiving hole (5) extends inwards from a bottom (7) of the ratchet wheel (4) and the second receiving hole (6) extends inwards from a top (8) of the ratchet wheel (4), wherein the first receiving hole (5) and the second receiving hole (6) extend coaxially and are connected to each other and the ratchet wheel (4) has a retaining element (10) for retaining the screwdriver insert (9) inserted into the first receiving hole (5), wherein a pressing element (13) is coupled to the ratchet wheel (4) by means of which the screwdriver insert (9) inserted into the first receiving hole (5) can be displaced in its axial direction (A), thereby characterizedthat the pressure element (13) is designed as a spring.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a ratchet according to the features in the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Ratchet-type screwdrivers are known in the prior art. These typically have a receptacle for various screwdriver bits. To secure the inserted bits against falling out of the ratchet, it is necessary for the ratchet to have a retaining element. This can be, for example, a tension spring. For this purpose, the bits usually have a standardized notch or taper into which the retaining element can engage.

[0003] Once the bit is properly inserted into the ratchet, the retaining element exerts a force on the bit, holding it in place. To remove the bit from the ratchet, the holding force generated by the retaining element must be overcome. With standard ratchets, the bits are removed manually. The necessary force is thus transferred to the bit via the user's fingers. However, since bits are often difficult to grip, or oils or greases can make gripping more difficult, the fingers frequently slip when attempting to remove them.

[0004] To simplify the removal of the bit from the ratchet, US 2015 / 00753331 A1 discloses a ratchet with a release mechanism comprising a preload element and an elastic element. Actuating the release mechanism overcomes the holding force acting on the bit, allowing the bit to be pushed out of the ratchet.

[0005] Based on the prior art, the object of the present invention is to provide an improved ratchet whose assembly is simplified and which in particular facilitates the removal of a screwdriver insert.

[0006] The aforementioned problem is solved according to the invention by a ratchet with the features of claim 1.

[0007] Advantageous embodiments of the present invention are part of the dependent claims.

[0008] The ratchet according to the invention comprises a handle and a ratchet head. A ratchet wheel is rotatably arranged in the ratchet head. The ratchet wheel has a first receiving hole for receiving a screwdriver insert, in particular bits. Depending on requirements, differently designed screwdriver inserts can thus be received in the ratchet.

[0009] The first mounting hole extends inwards from the underside of the ratchet wheel. The ratchet wheel also has a second mounting hole, which extends inwards from the top side. The underside and top sides are therefore opposite each other on the ratchet wheel.

[0010] The essential feature of the invention is that the first receiving hole and the second receiving hole extend coaxially and are connected to each other, i.e., that the first receiving hole merges into the second receiving hole.

[0011] The ratchet wheel has a retaining element for holding the screwdriver bit inserted into the first mounting hole. This retaining element secures the screwdriver bit in the ratchet wheel, preventing it from falling out during use.

[0012] A pressing element is coupled to the ratchet wheel, which allows the screwdriver bit inserted into the first mounting hole to be displaced axially. This axial displacement releases the screwdriver bit from the holding element, allowing it to be removed from the mounting hole and thus from the ratchet by the user with significantly less effort.

[0013] The ratchet according to the invention is characterized in that the pressing element is designed as a spring. When the pressing element is actuated by a compressive force, it is compressed from a rest position against the spring force and pushes the screwdriver bit out of the first receiving hole. It is necessary that the compressive force exerted on the screwdriver bit by actuating the pressing element is greater than the holding force exerted on the screwdriver bit by the retaining element. When the pressing element is released after the screwdriver bit has been pushed out, so that the compressive force acting on it ceases, the spring-designed pressing element is returned to its original rest position due to the spring's restoring force. The spring-designed pressing element thus has the advantage that no further components are required for the ejection mechanism.Both the ejection of the screwdriver bit and its subsequent return to the resting position can be achieved by the push element according to the invention. Since no additional components are required, the push element can be easily coupled to the ratchet wheel and is therefore an improvement in terms of assembly compared to previous solutions in the prior art. Furthermore, the push element is inexpensive to manufacture and facilitates the removal of the screwdriver bit.

[0014] Preferably, the pressing element comprises a convexly shaped base body (when viewed from the outside) and a sleeve connected to the base body. The convexly shaped base body fulfills the spring function, while the sleeve transmits the pressure force acting on the pressing element to the screwdriver insert.

[0015] Preferably, the base body of the pressure element rests on the top surface of the ratchet wheel. Due to the convex shape of the base body, only its outer edge rests on the top surface of the ratchet wheel. The contour of this outer edge is preferably circular. When the pressure element is subjected to a compressive force, an inner area of ​​the base body is displaced axially towards the first receiving hole, while the outer edge of the base body on the top surface is displaced outwards, away from the sleeve. This reduces the curvature of the convex base body. When the compressive force acting on the pressure element is removed, the pressure element springs back to its rest position due to the elastic restoring force.

[0016] The sleeve is preferably positioned in the second receiving hole. When the pressing element is actuated, the sleeve is consequently pressed axially towards the first receiving hole. Since the first and second receiving holes are connected, the end of the sleeve can come into contact with a screwdriver bit inserted in the first receiving hole, so that the pressing force is transmitted via the sleeve to the screwdriver bit and pushes it out of the first receiving hole as soon as the pressing force exceeds the holding force of the retaining element.

[0017] Preferably, an undercut is formed in the ratchet wheel in a transition area between the first and second receiving holes. The undercut can be designed as a stepped circumferential shoulder, such that the diameter of the second receiving hole adjacent to the undercut is smaller than the diameter of the first receiving hole adjacent to the undercut. The undercut provides an engagement point for the push element.

[0018] For this purpose, the sleeve can have a bulge at its end, which engages in the undercut of the ratchet wheel. Preferably, the sleeve has several bulges. The engagement of the bulges in the undercut couples the pressing element to the ratchet wheel. The pressing element can be clipped into the undercut via the bulges.

[0019] The push element is preferably pre-tensioned by its coupling to the ratchet wheel. The convexly shaped base body is already pressed in when the protrusions engage the undercut, so that a restoring force acts on the top of the ratchet wheel. The protrusions of the sleeve, which engage the undercut, hold the push element in position. The pre-tension ensures that the push element is firmly coupled to the ratchet wheel and that, after actuation of the push element, sufficient restoring force is always present in the spring-like base body, so that the push element springs back to its rest position without any external pressure being applied.

[0020] The base body preferably has radial ribs, in particular three radial ribs. Within the scope of the invention, it has been shown that the radial ribs enable an optimal distribution of the restoring force.

[0021] Furthermore, the sleeve preferably has vertical ribs, in particular three vertical ribs. This design is particularly advantageous for coupling the protrusions attached to the sleeve with the undercut. The ribs are flexible enough that they can be briefly displaced inwards, i.e., towards the sleeve axis, for the corresponding locking process, so that the protrusions can engage in the undercut.

[0022] The pressure element is preferably formed in one piece, so that an optimal force structure within the component is ensured.

[0023] Furthermore, the pressure element is preferably made of a spring-elastic material, in particular plastic. This ensures optimal elasticity of the pressure element.

[0024] The pressure element is preferably manufactured using injection molding. This is a cost-effective process that allows for the one-piece production of the pressure element.

[0025] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the second receiving opening has a diameter that increases towards the top of the ratchet wheel. The second receiving hole can, for example, be funnel-shaped. If the base body of the pressing element rests radially against the top of the second receiving opening, the increasing diameter allows the base body to be pressed into the second receiving hole. This allows the sleeve of the pressing element to be pressed further into the first receiving hole, thus pushing the screwdriver insert out of the first receiving opening as far as possible.

[0026] The diameter of the second receiving opening on the top side is preferably 50 to 200% larger, in particular 100% larger, than the diameter of the second receiving opening at the opposite end of the second receiving opening.

[0027] In a further advantageous embodiment, a step is formed in the transition area between the first and second receiving holes. The diameter of the first receiving hole adjacent to the step is larger than the diameter of the second receiving hole adjacent to the step. The step forms a contact surface for the screwdriver insert. Preferably, the undercut is directly adjacent to the step.

[0028] The sleeve is particularly well positioned against the screwdriver bit when it is inserted into the first receiving hole. This has the advantage that any axial displacement of the sleeve directly results in an axial displacement of the screwdriver bit out of the first receiving hole. The further the screwdriver bit is pushed out of the first receiving hole by the sleeve, the easier it is to remove.

[0029] The retaining element according to the invention is preferably a tension spring, particularly preferably a fork-shaped tension spring.

[0030] Further advantages, features, properties, or aspects of the present invention are part of the following description. Preferred embodiments are illustrated in the schematic figures. These serve to facilitate understanding of the invention. They show: Fig. 1 an exploded view of a ratchet according to the invention with screwdriver insert; Fig. 2 the ratchet according to the invention with inserted screwdriver insert in section AA; Fig. 3a a pressure element in a top view; Fig. 3b the push element in section BB; Fig. 4a a detailed view of the ratchet head with push element in rest position and Fig. 4b a detailed view of the ratchet head with push element in release position.

[0031] The same reference symbols are used in the figures for identical or similar components, even if a repeated description is omitted for the sake of simplicity.

[0032] Fig. Figure 1 shows an exploded view of a ratchet 1 according to the invention. The ratchet 1 comprises a handle 2 and a ratchet head 3. A ratchet wheel 4 is rotatably arranged in the ratchet head 3.

[0033] Fig. Figure 2 shows that the ratchet wheel 4 has a first receiving hole 5 and a second receiving hole 6, wherein the first receiving hole 5 extends inwards from a bottom surface 7 of the ratchet wheel 4 and the second receiving hole 6 extends inwards from a top surface 8 of the ratchet wheel 4. The first receiving hole 5 and the second receiving hole 6 are coaxially aligned and connected to each other.

[0034] The first receiving hole 5 is designed to receive a screwdriver insert 9, in this embodiment a bit. To secure or hold the screwdriver insert 9 arranged in the first receiving hole 5, the ratchet wheel 4 has a retaining element 10 in the form of a forked tension spring.

[0035] The retaining element 10 has corresponding protrusions 11 on the ratchet wheel 4.

[0036] Fig. Figure 4a shows the ratchet head 3 with the screwdriver insert 9 arranged in the ratchet wheel 4. The screwdriver insert 9 has a circumferential standardized groove 12 into which the retaining element 10 engages when the screwdriver insert 9 is fully inserted into the first receiving hole 5. The retaining element 10 thus transmits a holding force Fh to the screwdriver insert 9.

[0037] To release the screwdriver insert 9 from the ratchet 1, a force is required that is consequently greater than the holding force Fh applied by the retaining element 10. To simplify the pressing process of the screwdriver insert 9 out of the first receiving hole 5, a pressing element 13 is coupled to the ratchet wheel 4.

[0038] Fig. Figure 4b shows the ratchet head 3 with the depressed push element 13. By applying a pressure force Fd to the push element 13, the push element 13 is displaced axially in the direction of the first receiving hole 5, and the pressure force Fd is transferred to the screwdriver bit 9 inserted in the first receiving hole 5, so that the screwdriver bit 9 is released from the retaining element 10 and displaced in its axial direction (A). Subsequently, the screwdriver bit 9 can be removed from the receiving hole 5 by a user with significantly less force.

[0039] According to the invention, the push element 13 is designed as a spring. After actuation of the push element 13, whereby a compressive force Fd is exerted on the push element 13, and a corresponding axial displacement of the push element 13, it automatically springs back to its initial or rest position when the compressive force Fd acting on it is removed, due to its design as a spring. Thus, no further components or parts are required for the release mechanism besides the push element 13.

[0040] An advantageous embodiment of the pressure element 13 is found in the Fig. 3a and Fig. Figure 3b shows the pressure element 13, which has a convexly shaped base body 14 (when viewed from the outside) and a sleeve 15 connected to the base body 14. The convexly shaped base body 14 forms the actual spring.

[0041] The base body 14 rests on the upper surface 8 of the ratchet wheel 4, while the sleeve 15 is located in, or projects into, the second receiving hole 6. When the user applies a pressure force Fd to the pressing element 13, an inner area 16 of the base body 14 is pressed towards the second receiving hole 6. This causes an outer edge 17 of the base body 14, which is in contact with the upper surface 8 of the ratchet wheel 4, to be pressed outwards on the upper surface 8. Simultaneously, the inner area 16 of the base body 14, and thus also the sleeve 15, is pressed towards the first receiving hole 5. The screwdriver insert 9 is thus displaced in its axial direction (A) via the sleeve 15 and released from the retaining element 10.

[0042] In a transition area 18 between the first receiving hole 5 and the second receiving hole 6, a circumferential undercut 19 is formed in the ratchet wheel 4. The sleeve 15 has end projections 20, the projections 20 engaging in the undercut 19 of the ratchet wheel 4. The engagement of the projections 20 in the undercut 19 couples the push element 13 to the ratchet wheel 4. The push element 13 can thus be clipped into the ratchet wheel 4 via the second receiving hole 6.

[0043] Furthermore, the push element 13 is in a pre-tensioned state due to its coupling with the ratchet wheel 4. The push element 13 is fixed in its position by the engagement of the protrusions 20 in the undercut 19. The length of the sleeve 5 is dimensioned such that the convexly shaped base body 14 is slightly compressed, thus exerting a resulting spring force on the upper surface 8 of the ratchet wheel 4. As a result, the push element 13 is pre-tensioned and secured against falling out of the ratchet 1. Additionally, the pre-tension ensures that the push element 13 automatically springs back to its initial or rest position after actuation.

[0044] The base body 14 has three radial webs 21. The central longitudinal axes of each radial web 21 are arranged at an angle α of 120° to each other. The design of three radial webs 21 has proven advantageous within the scope of the invention for the required spring force of the pressure element 13.

[0045] The sleeve 15 has three vertical ribs 22. The vertical ribs 22 are each aligned with one of the radial ribs 21. During the clipping process of the pressing element 13, the individual vertical ribs 22 can be slightly pressed inwards, i.e. towards the sleeve axis, before they engage in the undercut 19 of the ratchet wheel 4.

[0046] The base body 14 has a centrally arranged opening 23 and three convexly shaped elongated holes 24 arranged radially around the opening 23. The three elongated holes 24 are each aligned with the radial webs 21 and the vertical webs 22.

[0047] The pressure element 13 is formed in one piece, which improves the stability of the pressure element 13.

[0048] The pressure element 13 is also made of a spring-elastic plastic. This material offers a good compromise between load-bearing capacity, elasticity, and low manufacturing costs.

[0049] The pressure element 13 is manufactured using injection molding. This is a cost-effective manufacturing method that also allows for the production of a large number of corresponding pressure elements 13.

[0050] The second receiving opening 6 has a diameter that increases towards the top 8. The diameter D1 of the second receiving opening 6 at the top 8 is twice the diameter D2 at the other end of the second receiving opening 6. The second receiving opening 6 is thus funnel-shaped. This allows the inner area 16 of the base body 14 to be pressed into the second receiving opening 6 during the insertion process. This allows the sleeve 15 to be pressed further into the first receiving opening 5, thus pushing the screwdriver insert 9 further out of the first receiving opening 5. This simplifies the removal of the screwdriver insert 9.

[0051] A step 25 is formed in the transition area 18 between the first receiving hole 5 and the second receiving hole 6. When the screwdriver insert 9 is inserted into the first receiving hole 5, it comes into contact with the step 25. The step 25 thus defines the insertion length of the screwdriver insert 9 and is arranged such that the notches 12 of the screwdriver insert 9 are optimally aligned with the retaining element 10.

[0052] With the screwdriver bit 9 inserted into the first receiving hole 5, the sleeve 15 rests against the screwdriver bit 9. This has the advantage that when the pressing element 13 is pressed and the sleeve 15 is thereby axially displaced towards the first receiving hole 5, it directly transmits the resulting pressure force Fd to the screwdriver bit 9. This pushes the screwdriver bit out of the first receiving hole 5 as far as possible. Reference symbol: 1 gun 2 handles 3 ratchet heads 4 ratchet wheel 5 first receiving hole 6 second receiving hole 7 Underside 8 Top 9 screwdriver insert 10 retaining elements 11 Bulge of 4 12 notch 13 Push element 14 basic shapes 15 Sleeve 16 outer area to 14 17 inner area to 14 18 Transition area 19 Undercut 20 bulge of 15 21 radial webs 22 vertical walkways 23 Opening 24 slotted holes Level 25 D1 diameter D2 diameter Fd pressure force Fh holding force α angle A Axial direction of 9 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] US 2015 / 00753331 A1

[0004]

Claims

[1] Ratchet (1) comprising a handle (2) and a ratchet head (3), wherein a ratchet wheel (4) is rotatably arranged in the ratchet head (3), and the ratchet wheel (4) has a first receiving hole (5) for receiving a screwdriver bit (9) and a second receiving hole (6), wherein the first receiving hole (5) extends inwardly from a bottom side (7) of the ratchet wheel (4) and the second receiving hole (6) extends inwardly from a top side (8) of the ratchet wheel (4), wherein the first receiving hole (5) and the second receiving hole (6) extend coaxially and are connected to one another, and the ratchet wheel (4) has a holding element (10) for holding the screwdriver bit (9) inserted into the first receiving hole (5), wherein a pressing element (13) is coupled to the ratchet wheel (4), by means of which the screwdriver bit (9) inserted into the first receiving hole (5) is pushed in its axial direction (A). can be relocated, characterized bythat the pressing element (13) is designed as a spring. [2] Ratchet (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that the screwdriver bit (9) is a bit. [3] Ratchet (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the pressing element (13) has a convex-shaped base body (14) and a sleeve (15) connected to the base body (14). [4] Ratchet (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the base body (14) rests on the upper side (8) of the ratchet wheel (4) and the sleeve (15) is arranged in the second receiving hole (6). [5] Ratchet (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that an undercut (19) is formed in the ratchet wheel (4) in a transition region (18) between the first receiving hole (5) and the second receiving hole (6). [6] Ratchet (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the sleeve (15) has a bulge (20) at its end and the bulge (20) engages in the undercut (19) of the ratchet wheel (4). [7] Ratchet (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the pressing element (13) is pre-tensioned by the coupling with the ratchet wheel (4). [8] Ratchet (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the base body (14) has radial webs (21), in particular three radial webs (21). [9] Ratchet (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the sleeve (15) has vertical webs (22), in particular three vertical webs (22). [10] Ratchet (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the pressing element (13) is formed in one piece. [11] Ratchet (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the pressing element (13) is made of a spring-elastic material, in particular plastic. [12] Ratchet (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the pressing element (13) is manufactured by injection molding. [13] Ratchet (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the second receiving opening (6) has a diameter (D1, D2) which increases in the direction of the upper side (8). [14] Ratchet (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the diameter (D1) of the second receiving opening (6) at the top (8) is 50 to 200% larger than the diameter (D2) of the second receiving opening (6) at the opposite end of the second receiving opening (6). [15] Ratchet (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a step (25) is formed in the transition region (18) between the first receiving hole (5) and the second receiving hole (6). [16] Ratchet (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the sleeve (15) rests against the screwdriver bit (9) when the screwdriver bit (9) is inserted into the first receiving hole (5). [17] Ratchet (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the holding element (10) is a tension spring, in particular a fork-shaped tension spring.

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