ratchet key structure
The ratchet wrench structure addresses limitations of conventional designs by allowing multiple fitting options and secure locking, enabling versatile and durable operation with hexagonal rods.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- DE · DE
- Patent Type
- Utility models
- Current Assignee / Owner
- HUNG YU TING
- Filing Date
- 2026-03-25
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-25
AI Technical Summary
Conventional ratchet wrenches are limited to accommodating a single drive element specification, have inadequate locking mechanisms, and suffer from structural weaknesses that lead to deformation or displacement of the retaining ring.
A ratchet wrench structure with a main body featuring a receiving chamber and a ratchet wheel with multiple fitting sections, including a first and third fitting section, and a plug-in element with corresponding sections, allowing for optional alignment with a locking mechanism to secure or adjust the position of hexagonal rods.
The structure enables expandable accommodation of different hexagonal rods, provides secure locking, and allows for adjustable positioning without blocking, enhancing usability and durability.
Smart Images
Figure 00000000_0000_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical field The innovation relates to a ratchet wrench structure, in particular a ratchet wrench structure in which the plug-in element can optionally be inserted into the first fitting section or not inserted into the first fitting section. The ratchet wrench structure of the present innovation has two different specifications, through the first fitting section and the third fitting section, for accommodating hexagonal rods and has a locking effect. State of the art The conventional ratchet wrench structure, as described, for example, in US patent no. US10286531 B2 and in Taiwanese patent application no. 103129496, document no. 1542447, discloses a combination of a ratchet wrench and a drive element comprising: a main body, a ratchet ring and a drive element. When the drive element is in a first position, the first end rests against the limiting section, and when the drive element is in a second position, the first and second ends are each on opposite sides of the ratchet ring along the axial direction. However, this conventional ratchet wrench design has the following shortcomings: 1. The drive opening 33 can only be fitted to a drive element 40 with a single specification, thus limiting the expandability of the application. 2. The retaining ring 36 is designed as an approximately U-shaped clamping ring. The locking between this U-shaped retaining ring 36 and the drive element 40 is insufficient. Furthermore, the structural strength of the retaining ring 36 is inadequate, which easily leads to deformation or displacement. 3. By aligning the recess section 44 with the limiting section 34, the drive element 40 can be axially displaced within the drive opening 33 to adjust the relative position between the drive element 40 and the ratchet ring 30.However, since the limiting section 34 is located at one of the corner grooves of the drive opening 33 and the recess section 44 is located at one of the corners of the drive element 40, aligning the corner of the recess section 44 with the small-area structure of the corner groove of the limiting section 34 is not easy. The purpose of the innovation The problem addressed by this innovation is that conventional ratchet wrench designs can only accommodate one drive element of a single specification in the drive opening, thus requiring improvement in terms of expandability. In the ratchet wrench design of this innovation, the plug-in element can optionally be inserted into the first fitting section or not. The ratchet wrench design of this innovation features two different specifications—the first fitting section and the third fitting section—for accommodating hexagonal rods and provides a locking effect. Technical solution to the problem: The innovation relates to a ratchet wrench structure comprising: a main body, wherein a receiving chamber is provided at one end of the main body, which is designed as a through-hole; a ratchet wheel rotatably arranged in the receiving chamber, wherein a ratchet section is provided on the outer circumference of the ratchet wheel, which has ring-shaped teeth, wherein a first fitting section is formed inside the ratchet wheel, which is dodecagonal or hexagonal and is designed as a through-hole;a plug-in element which is plugged together with the ratchet wheel, wherein the plug-in element is removable from the ratchet wheel, wherein the plug-in element has a second fitting section on the outside which fits into the first fitting section, wherein the second fitting section is adapted to the shape of the first fitting section, wherein a third fitting section is provided inside the plug-in element which is designed as a through-opening, and wherein a locking section is provided on the third fitting section. Effect compared to the prior art: The plug-in element can be inserted into the first fitting section or not. The ratchet wrench structure of the present innovation has two different specifications for accommodating hexagonal rods, namely the first and third fitting sections. The fitting section can be either not aligned with the locking section or aligned with it. When the first connecting rod and the plug-in element are joined in a first position where the fitting section is not aligned with the locking section, the locking section and the first end section are in contact, creating a locking effect.If the first connecting rod is inserted in a second position where the passage section is aligned with the blocking section, the first connecting rod can adjust its position relative to the main body without creating the blocking effect. Brief description of the drawings Fig. 1 is a perspective exploded view of the ratchet wrench structure of the invention. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the ratchet wheel of the ratchet wrench structure of the invention. Fig. 3 is a schematic top view of the ratchet wheel of the ratchet wrench structure of the invention. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the locking element of the ratchet wrench structure of the invention. Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the plug-in element of the ratchet wrench structure of the invention. Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the ratchet wrench structure of the invention. Fig. 7 is a top view of the ratchet wrench structure of the invention. Fig. 8 is a sectional view along line AA in Fig. 7 of the ratchet wrench structure of the invention. Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the first connecting rod of the ratchet wrench structure of the invention.Figure 10 is a perspective exploded view of a first operating state of the ratchet wrench structure of the invention. Figure 11 is a perspective exploded view of a second operating state of the ratchet wrench structure of the invention. Figure 12 is a perspective exploded view of a third operating state of the ratchet wrench structure of the invention. Figure 13 is a perspective exploded view of a second embodiment of the ratchet wrench structure of the invention. Figure 14 is a perspective exploded view of a third embodiment of the ratchet wrench structure of the invention. Figure 15 is a perspective exploded view of a fourth embodiment of the ratchet wrench structure of the invention. Ways to implement the innovation On Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7 ,Figures 8 to 9 are referenced. Figure 1 is a perspective exploded view of the ratchet wrench structure of the invention. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the ratchet wheel of the ratchet wrench structure of the invention. Figure 3 is a schematic top view of the ratchet wheel of the ratchet wrench structure of the invention. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the locking element of the ratchet wrench structure of the invention. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the plug-in element of the ratchet wrench structure of the invention. Figure 6 is a perspective view of the ratchet wrench structure of the invention. Figure 7 is a top view of the ratchet wrench structure of the invention. Figure 8 is a sectional view along line AA in Figure 7 of the ratchet wrench structure of the invention. Figure 9 is a perspective view of the first connecting rod of the ratchet wrench structure of the invention. The invention relates to a ratchet wrench structure,which comprises: a main body 10, which is a ratchet wrench structure, wherein a receiving chamber 11 is provided at one end of the main body 10, which is designed as a through-opening, wherein basic components such as a pawl, required for the ratchet wrench, are arranged within the receiving chamber 11, wherein the main body 10 has a stop section 12, which is arranged at the bottom opening of the receiving chamber 11, wherein a receiving recess 13 is provided at the rear end of the main body 10, wherein the receiving recess 13 is designed as a hexagonal or dodecagonal shape; a ratchet wheel 20, which is rotatably arranged in the receiving chamber 11, wherein a ratchet section 21 is provided on the outer circumference of the ratchet wheel 20, which has annularly arranged teeth, wherein a first fitting section 22, which is dodecagonal or hexagonal and is designed as a through-opening, is formed inside the ratchet wheel 20.wherein the ratchet wheel 20 has a first groove 23 which is arranged near the opening of the first fitting section 22 and is in contact with it, wherein the first groove 23 is designed as an annular groove, wherein the ratchet wheel 20 also has two second grooves 24 which are arranged opposite each other on both sides of the first fitting section 22, wherein the second grooves 24 are in contact with the first groove 23 and the first fitting section 22, wherein the direction of extension of the second grooves 24 corresponds to that of the first fitting section 22, and wherein the second grooves 24 are designed as elongated grooves; wherein the ratchet wheel 20 is provided with at least one detent hole 25 which is in contact with the first fitting section 22 and the second groove 24, wherein the detent hole 25 is arranged in the lower region of the ratchet section 21, wherein the detent hole 25 and the first groove 23 are each located at the upper and lower ends of the first fitting section. 22 are arranged,wherein the detent hole 25 either extends through the ratchet wheel 20 in a transverse direction or does not extend through it, wherein, if the detent hole 25 extends through, it is in contact with each of the two second grooves 24, wherein, if the detent hole 25 does not extend through, it is in contact with only one of the second grooves 24, wherein the detent hole 25 is formed as a circular hole, wherein an inclined surface 26 is provided at one end of the ratchet wheel 20, which is arranged above the first groove 23, wherein the inclined surface 26 is formed as a concave conical surface, wherein the ratchet wheel 20 has a rotating section 27, the outer diameter of which is larger than the outer diameter of the ratchet section 21, wherein the rotating section 27 projects from the main body 10, and wherein the first groove 23, the inclined surface 26 and the rotating section 27 are arranged at the same end of the ratchet wheel 20; wherein, if the first fitting section 22 is formed with a twelve-sided facetthe first fitting section 22 has a first hexagon 28 and six corners 29, wherein two of the corners 29 are each aligned with the two second grooves 24, wherein the first fitting section 22 has a second hexagon 291, wherein the second hexagon 291 and the first hexagon 28 are offset, forming a twelve-sided first fitting section 22, wherein the first hexagon 28 and the second hexagon 291 are offset from each other by 30 degrees; a locking element 30, the cross-section of which is circular or formed in other shapes, wherein the locking element 30 has two first detent sections 31 which are received on the two sides of the first groove 23, wherein the first detent sections 31 are formed as curved cylindrical bodies, wherein the locking element 30 has a locking section 32 which is received in the first groove 23 and partially protrudes from the first hexagon 28,wherein the locking section 32 connects the two first locking sections 31 and is located between them, wherein the two first locking sections 31 are symmetrical to the locking section 32, wherein the locking section 32 is designed as a cylindrical body, wherein a second locking section 33 is provided at one end of each first locking section 31, which is received in the second groove 24, wherein the second locking section 33 is perpendicular to the first locking section 31, wherein the two second locking sections 33 are symmetrical to the locking section 32 and are designed as cylindrical bodies; wherein at least one of the second locking sections 33 has a projecting clamping section 34, or each of the second locking sections 33 has a projecting clamping section 34, wherein the projecting clamping section 34 projects slightly into the area of the first fitting section 22 and has a draw-in elasticity,wherein the projecting clamping section 34 is located approximately at the central position of the second detent section 33 and is designed as a convex arcuate cylinder, wherein a detent end 35 is provided at a first end section of each second detent section 33, the detent end 35 engaging in the detent hole 25 and bearing against the stop section 12, such that the ratchet wheel 20 is bounded by the rotary section 27 and the locking element 30 and is rotatably arranged in the receiving space 11, wherein the detent ends 35 are perpendicular to the second detent sections 33 and are designed as a cylindrical body; wherein the locking element 30 is designed as a wire body and, by bending, comprises the first detent sections 31, the locking section 32, the second detent sections 33, the projecting clamping sections 34 and detent ends 35, and wherein the cross-section at every point of the locking element 30 has the same shape; a plug-in element 40,which is connected to the ratchet wheel 20, wherein the plug-in element 40 is removable from the ratchet wheel 20, wherein the plug-in element 40 has on its outside a second fitting section 41 which fits into the first fitting section 22, wherein the second fitting section 41 is adapted to the shape of the first fitting section 22 and is dodecagonal, hexagonal or in a pluggable shape, wherein the second fitting section 41 is elastically clamped by the projecting clamping section 34 so that the second fitting section 41 cannot easily detach from the first fitting section 22, and wherein the end face of the second fitting section 41 rests against the locking section 32 or has a small distance to the locking section 32; wherein a third fitting section 42 is provided inside the plug-in element 40, which is designed as a through-opening, wherein the third fitting section 42 is hexagonal, wherein a blocking section 43 is provided on the third fitting section 42,which is arranged on one of the surfaces of the third fitting section 42, wherein the distance between the locking section 43 and the axis of the plug-in element 40 is smaller than the distance between the other surfaces of the third fitting section 42 and the axis of the plug-in element 40, that is, the distance between the locking section 43 and the axis of the plug-in element 40 is smaller, and wherein the locking section 43 is designed as a flat projection; wherein the plug-in element 40 is provided with a third groove 44, which is arranged on the bottom of the plug-in element 40 near the opening, wherein the third groove 44 is designed as an annular groove, wherein a second rotary section 45 is provided on the bottom of the plug-in element 40, the outer diameter of which is larger than the outer diameter of the second fitting section 41, wherein the second rotary section 45 projects from the main body 10 and the ratchet wheel 20,and wherein the second rotating section 45 and the first rotating section 27 are arranged at the upper and lower ends of the main body 10, respectively; a first retaining ring 50, which is designed as a slightly elastic C-ring, wherein the first retaining ring 50 is received in the third groove 44, with a part of the first retaining ring 50 projecting into the third fitting section 42; a first connecting rod 60, which has a first hexagonal section 61, wherein the first hexagonal section 61 can fit into the third fitting section 42, wherein the first retaining ring 50 elastically clamps the corners of the first hexagonal section 61 so that the first hexagonal section 61 cannot easily disengage from the third fitting section 42, wherein the first hexagonal section 61 is designed as a hexagonal cylinder, with a first end section 62 being provided at one end of the first hexagonal section 61, which forms a hexagonal surface,wherein the first connecting rod 60 has a pass-through section 63 arranged on one of the faces of the first hexagonal section 61, wherein the extension length of the pass-through section 63 corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the first hexagonal section 61, wherein the distance between the pass-through section 63 and the axis of the first connecting rod 60 is smaller than the distance between the other faces of the first hexagonal section 61 and the axis of the first connecting rod 60, wherein the distance between the pass-through section 63 and the axis of the first connecting rod 60 is shorter, and wherein the pass-through section 63 is flat; and wherein the first connecting rod 60 has a second hexagonal section 64, wherein, after removal of the plug-in element 40, the second hexagonal section 64 can be plugged together with the first pass-through section 22,wherein the dimension of the second hexagonal section 64 is larger than the dimension of the first hexagonal section 61, wherein the second hexagonal section 64 is arranged approximately at a central position of the first connecting rod 60, wherein the incircle diameter of the second hexagonal section 64 is larger than the incircle diameter of the first hexagonal section 61, and wherein the second hexagonal section 64 is designed as a hexagonal cylinder. Fig. 10 is a perspective exploded view of the ratchet wrench structure of the present invention in a first operating state. The first hexagonal section 61 is joined with the third fitting section 42, whereby the pass section 63 can optionally be not aligned with the locking section 43 or be aligned with it. If the pass section 63 and the locking section 43 are not aligned with each other, the first end section 62 rests against the locking section 43. The locking section 43 prevents the first end section 62 from protruding from the main body 10.If the first connecting rod 60 is joined to the third fitting section 42 at a different angle, that is, if the passing section 63 is aligned with the blocking section 43, the passing section 63 can pass over the blocking section 43, causing the first end section 62 to protrude from the main body 10, thus allowing the position of the first hexagonal section 61 relative to the main body 10 to be adjusted. The first connecting rod 60 and the third fitting section 42 can be joined at two different angles, i.e., the passing section 63 is either aligned with the blocking section 43 or not. Fig. 11 is a perspective exploded view of the ratchet wrench structure of the present invention in a second operating state. After removing the plug-in element 40, the second hexagonal section 64 is plugged together with the first fitting section 22. The first hexagonal section 61 protrudes almost completely. The two projecting clamping sections 34 each rest against two of the corners of the second hexagonal section 64. Since the two projecting clamping sections 34 are slightly pushed away by the second hexagonal section 64 and elastically clamp the two corners of the second hexagonal section 64, the first connecting rod 60 is held in an elastically locked state relative to the main body 10. The second hexagonal section 64 can be oriented relative to the first fitting section 22 either towards the first hexagon 28 or the second hexagon 291. If the second hexagonal section 64 is oriented towards the first hexagon 28, the first end section 62 can project from the main body 10. If the second hexagonal section 64 is oriented towards the second hexagon 291, the first end section 62 cannot project from the main body 10. Regardless of whether the second hexagonal section 64 is oriented towards the first hexagon 28 or the second hexagon 291, the projecting clamping sections 34 can each abut two corners of the second hexagonal section 64. Fig. 12 is a perspective exploded view of the ratchet wrench structure of the present invention in a third operating state. In this state, a second connecting rod 70 is provided, which has a different, larger dimension compared to the first connecting rod 60. The second connecting rod 70 has a third hexagonal section 71 and a second end section 72. The third hexagonal section 71 is connected to the first fitting section 22. The dimension of the third hexagonal section 71 corresponds to the dimension of the second hexagonal section 64, meaning that the dimension of the third hexagonal section 71 is larger than the dimension of the first hexagonal section 61. The first connecting rod 60 is a standard, commercially available design. The second connecting rod 70 is not provided with the fitting section 63. The third hexagonal section 71 can be oriented relative to the first fitting section 22 either towards the first hexagon 28 or the second hexagon 291. If the third hexagonal section 71 is oriented towards the first hexagon 28, the second end section 72 is not restricted by the locking section 32, so the second end section 72 can project from the main body 10. If the third hexagonal section 71 is oriented towards the second hexagon 291, the second end section 72 rests against the locking section 32, so the second end section 72 cannot project from the main body 10. Regardless of whether the third hexagonal section 71 is oriented towards the first hexagon 28 or the second hexagon 291, the projecting clamping sections 34 can each rest against two corners of the third hexagonal section 71. Reference is also made to Fig. 13. Fig. 13 is a perspective exploded view of a second embodiment of the ratchet wrench structure of the present invention. In this embodiment, the ratchet wheel 20 is additionally provided with a retaining ring groove 292, which is arranged below the ratchet section 21, and the locking element 30 is omitted. The second fitting section 41 is designed as a hexagonal cylinder. The plug-in element 40 has neither the third groove 44 nor the second rotating section 45, so that the first retaining ring 50 is omitted. Instead, a second retaining ring 80 is added, which is clamped in the retaining ring groove 292 and bears against the contact section 12, so that the ratchet wheel 20 is limited by the second retaining ring 80 and is rotatably arranged in the main body 10. The receiving recess 13 is designed to the same specifications as the second fitting section 41.After removing the plug-in element 40, the plug-in element 40 can be inserted into the receiving recess 13. Reference is also made to Fig. 14. Fig. 14 is a perspective exploded view of a third embodiment of the ratchet wrench structure of the present invention. In this embodiment, the plug element 40 is additionally provided with a fourth groove 46, wherein the fourth groove 46 is arranged far from the third groove 44. A third retaining ring 81 is provided, wherein the third retaining ring is arranged in the fourth groove 46. Reference is also made to Fig. 15. Fig. 15 is a perspective exploded view of a fourth embodiment of the ratchet wrench structure of the present invention. In this embodiment, the ratchet wheel 20 is additionally provided with a retaining ring groove 292, which is arranged below the ratchet section 21. A second retaining ring 80 is added, which is clamped in the retaining ring groove 292 and bears against the stop section 12, so that the ratchet wheel 20 is limited by the second retaining ring 80 and is rotatably arranged in the main body 10. The plug-in element 40 is provided with a fifth groove 47, the fifth groove 47 being in contact with the second fitting section 41 and the third fitting section 42. A fifth retaining ring 82 is provided, which is arranged in the fifth groove 47. The fifth retaining ring 82 can press elastically against the first fitting section 22.The fifth retaining ring 82 can also press elastically against the first hexagonal section 61. The advantages of the ratchet wrench structure of the invention are as follows: 1. The plug-in element 40 can be inserted either into the first fitting section 22 or not into the first fitting section 22. The ratchet wrench structure of the present invention has two different specifications for accommodating hexagonal rods, through the first fitting section 22 and the third fitting section 42. 2. The pass-through section 63 can be optionally aligned with or not aligned with the locking section 43. When the first connecting rod 60 and the plug-in element 40 are connected in a first position where the pass-through section 63 is not aligned with the locking section 43, the locking section 43 and the first end section 62 are in contact, creating a locking effect.When the first connecting rod 60 is inserted in a second position, where the pass section 63 is aligned with the blocking section 43, the first connecting rod 60 can adjust its position relative to the main body 10 without creating a blocking effect. Thus, there are two functional states between the first connecting rod 60 and the plug-in element 40: with a blocking effect and without a blocking effect. 3. The plug-in element 40 is inserted into the first pass section 22. The pass section 63 can optionally be aligned with or not aligned with the blocking section 43, whereby the blocking section 43 has the effect of either blocking or not blocking the first connecting rod 60.When the first connecting rod 60 and the plug-in element 40 are connected in a first position, the first end section 62 and the locking section 43 are abutting each other, so that the first end section 62 does not protrude from the main body 10. In this state, the locking section 43 rests against the end face 62. When the first connecting rod 60 is inserted in a second position, in which the pass-through section 63 is aligned with the locking section 43, the end face 62 can pass the locking section 43. In this state, the locking section 43 does not rest against the end face 62, so that the first hexagonal section 61 can adjust its position relative to the main body 10. 4. When the plug-in element 40 is inserted in the first pass-through section 22, the two projecting clamping sections 34 rest against two of the corners of the second pass-through section 41.The protruding clamping sections 34 are slightly pushed away by the second fitting section 41 and elastically clamp the two corners of the second hexagonal section 64. The locking element 30 elastically clamps the plug-in element 40, so that the plug-in element 40 is elastically locked relative to the ratchet wheel 20. This prevents the plug-in element 40 from easily coming loose from the ratchet wheel 20. 5. The first retaining ring 50 is located in the third groove 44. When the first hexagonal section 61 and the second fitting section 41 are plugged together in two different positions, the first retaining ring 50 can rest against the corners of the first hexagonal section 61 in each case. When the first hexagonal section 61 is inserted in two different positions in the second fitting section 41, a positioning effect is achieved in each case. 6. When the plug-in element 40 is removed, the first fitting section 22 can be plugged together with the second hexagonal section 64.The second hexagonal section 64 can be inserted into the first fitting section 22 in either of two different angular positions. The locking section 32 can either rest against the end face of the second hexagonal section 64 or not rest against the end face of the second hexagonal section 64. Regardless of which of the two angular positions the second hexagonal section 64 is inserted into, the two projecting clamping sections 34 each rest against two of the corners of the second hexagonal section 64, so that the first connecting rod 60 is held in an elastically locked and fixed state relative to the main body 10. 7. The locking element 30 has the first detent sections 31, the locking section 32, the second detent sections 33, the projecting clamping sections 34, and the detent ends 35. The locking section 32 has a locking function, while the projecting clamping sections 34 have an elastic clamping function.The detent ends 35 engage in the detent holes 25 and rest against the stop section 12, so that the ratchet wheel 20 is limited by the rotary section 27 and the locking element 30 and is rotatably arranged in the receiving space 11. Therefore, the locking element 30 has the effect of rotatably fixing the ratchet wheel 20. The locking element 30 combines three functions: locking action, elastic clamping action, and rotatable fixing of the ratchet wheel 20. 8. The third hexagonal section 71 can be oriented relative to the first fitting section 22 either towards the first hexagon 28 or the second hexagon 291. If the third hexagonal section 71 is oriented towards the first hexagon 28, the second end section 72 is not restricted by the locking section 32, so that the second end section 72 can protrude from the main body 10.When the third hexagonal section 71 is aligned with the second hexagon 291, the second end section 72 rests against the locking section 32, preventing the second end section 72 from protruding from the main body 10. Regardless of whether the third hexagonal section 71 is aligned with the first hexagon 28 or the second hexagon 291, the projecting clamping sections 34 can each rest against two corners of the third hexagonal section 71. 9. If the ratchet wheel 20 is not provided with the locking element 30, this does not affect the original function of the ratchet wheel 20, even though the ratchet wheel 20 has the first groove 23 and the second grooves 24. The ratchet wheel 20 of the present invention can also be mounted on a conventional ratchet wrench structure. Therefore, the ratchet wheel 20 of the present invention has the effect of being able to share parts with conventional ratchet wrench structures. 10.The locking element 30 is designed as a wire body in which the first detent sections 31, the locking section 32, the second detent sections 33, the projecting clamping sections 34, and the detent ends 35 are formed by bending, thus resulting in no significant additional part costs for the locking element 30. 11. The main body 10 is provided with the receiving recess 13, which can accommodate various hexagonal rod structures, such as those commonly found in conventional hand tools, for example, screwdriver head structures. The first hexagonal section 61 can be inserted into the receiving recess 13 to rotate the first connecting rod 60, or, as shown in the second embodiment in Fig. 13, the second fitting section 41 can be inserted into the receiving recess 13. Reference symbol list 10 Main body 11 Receiving space 12 Stop section 13 Receiving recess 20 Ratchet wheel 21 Ratchet section 22 First fitting section 23 First groove 24 Second groove 25 Detent hole 26 Inclined surface 27 First rotating section 28 First hexagon 29 Corner 291 Second hexagon 292 Retaining ring groove 30 Locking element 31 First detent section 32 Locking section 33 Second detent section 34 Protruding clamping section 35 Detent end 40 Plug-in element 41 Second fitting section 42 Third fitting section 43 Blocking section 44 Third groove 45 Second rotating section 46 Fourth groove 47 Fifth groove 50 First retaining ring 60 First connecting rod 61 First hexagon section 62 First end section 63 Passing section 64 Second hexagon section 70 Second connecting rod 71 Third hexagon section 72 Second End section 80 Second retaining ring 81 Third retaining ring 82 Fifth retaining ring QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION 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 US 10286531 B2
[0002] TW 103129496
[0002] WO 1542447
[0002]
Claims
Ratchet wrench structure comprising: a main body (10) wherein a receiving chamber (11) is provided at one end of the main body (10) which is designed as a through-opening, wherein the main body (10) has a stop section (12) which is arranged at the bottom opening of the receiving chamber (11), wherein a receiving recess (13) is provided at the rear end of the main body (10), wherein the receiving recess (13) is hexagonal or dodecagonal; a ratchet wheel (20) which is rotatably arranged in the receiving chamber (11), wherein a ratchet section (21) is provided on the outer circumference of the ratchet wheel (20) which has annularly arranged teeth, wherein a first fitting section (22) is formed inside the ratchet wheel (20), which is dodecagonal or hexagonal and is designed as a through-opening, wherein the ratchet wheel (20) has a first groove (23),which is located near the opening of the first fitting section (22) and is connected to it, wherein the first groove (23) is designed as an annular groove, wherein the ratchet wheel (20) also has two second grooves (24) which are arranged opposite each other on both sides of the first fitting section (22), wherein the second grooves (24) are connected to the first groove (23) and the first fitting section (22), wherein the direction of extension of the second grooves (24) corresponds to that of the first fitting section (22), and wherein the second grooves (24) are designed as elongated grooves; wherein the ratchet wheel (20) is provided with at least one detent hole (25) which is connected to the first fitting section (22) and the second groove (24), wherein the detent hole (25) is located in the lower region of the ratchet section (21), wherein the detent hole (25) and the first groove (23) are located at the upper and lower ends of the first fitting section (21), respectively. Passport section (22) are arranged,wherein the detent hole (25) extends transversely through the ratchet wheel (20) or does not extend through it, wherein, if the detent hole (25) extends through, it is in contact with each of the two second grooves (24), wherein, if the detent hole (25) does not extend through, it is in contact with only one of the second grooves (24), wherein the detent hole (25) is formed as a circular hole, wherein an inclined surface (26) is provided at one end of the ratchet wheel (20) and is arranged above the first groove (23), wherein the inclined surface (26) is formed as a concave conical surface, wherein the ratchet wheel (20) has a rotating section (27) whose outer diameter is larger than the outer diameter of the ratchet section (21), wherein the rotating section (27) projects from the main body (10), and wherein the first groove (23), the inclined surface (26), and the rotating section (27) are located at the same end of the ratchet wheel (20) are arranged; wherein,if the first fitting section (22) is twelve-sided, the first fitting section (22) has a first hexagon (28) and six vertices (29), wherein two of the vertices (29) are each aligned with the two second grooves (24), wherein the first fitting section (22) has a second hexagon (291), wherein the second hexagon (291) and the first hexagon (28) are offset, forming a twelve-sided first fitting section (22), wherein the first hexagon (28) and the second hexagon (291) are offset from each other by 30 degrees; a locking element (30) having a circular cross-section, wherein the locking element (30) has two first detent sections (31) which are received on the two sides of the first groove (23), wherein the first detent sections (31) are formed as curved cylindrical bodies, wherein the locking element (30) has a locking section (32),which is received in the first groove (23) and partially protrudes from the first hexagon (28), wherein the locking section (32) connects the two first locking sections (31) and is located between them, wherein the two first locking sections (31) are symmetrical to the locking section (32), wherein the locking section (32) is designed as a cylindrical body, wherein a second locking section (33) is provided at one end of each first locking section (31), which is received in the second groove (24), wherein the second locking section (33) is perpendicular to the first locking section (31), wherein the two second locking sections (33) are symmetrical to the locking section (32) and are designed as cylindrical bodies; wherein at least one of the second locking sections (33) has a projecting clamping section (34), or each of the second locking sections (33) has a projecting clamping section (34),wherein the projecting clamping section (34) extends slightly into the area of the first fitting section (22) and has a retraction elasticity, wherein the projecting clamping section (34) is located approximately at the central position of the second detent section (33) and is designed as a convex arcuate cylinder, wherein a detent end (35) is provided at a first end section of each second detent section (33), wherein the detent end (35) engages in the detent hole (25) and rests against the stop section (12), so that the ratchet wheel (20) is limited by the rotary section (27) and the locking element (30) and is rotatably arranged in the receiving space (11), wherein the detent ends (35) are perpendicular to the second detent sections (33) and are designed as a cylindrical body; a plug-in element (40) which is plugged together with the ratchet wheel (20), wherein the plug-in element (40) is removable from the ratchet wheel (20),wherein the plug-in element (40) has on the outside a second fitting section (41) which fits into the first fitting section (22), wherein the second fitting section (41) is adapted to the shape of the first fitting section (22), wherein the second fitting section (41) is elastically clamped by the projecting clamping section (34) so that the second fitting section (41) cannot easily detach from the first fitting section (22), and wherein the end face of the second fitting section (41) rests against the locking section (32) or has a small distance to the locking section (32); wherein a third fitting section (42) is provided inside the plug-in element (40), which is designed as a through-opening, wherein a blocking section (43) is provided on the third fitting section (42), which is arranged on one of the surfaces of the third fitting section (42),wherein the distance between the locking section (43) and the axis of the plug-in element (40) is smaller than the distance between the other surfaces of the third fitting section (42) and the axis of the plug-in element (40), that is, the distance between the locking section (43) and the axis of the plug-in element (40) is smaller, and wherein the locking section (43) is designed as a flat projection; wherein the plug-in element (40) is provided with a third groove (44) which is arranged on the bottom of the plug-in element (40) near the opening, wherein the third groove (44) is designed as an annular groove, wherein a second rotating section (45) is provided on the bottom of the plug-in element (40) the outer diameter of which is larger than the outer diameter of the second fitting section (41), wherein the second rotating section (45) projects from the main body (10) and the ratchet wheel (20),and wherein the second rotating section (45) and the first rotating section (27) are arranged at the upper and lower ends of the main body (10), respectively; a first retaining ring (50) designed as a slightly elastic C-ring, wherein the first retaining ring (50) is received in the third groove (44), and wherein a part of the first retaining ring (50) projects into the third fitting section (42); a first connecting rod (60) having a first hexagonal section (61), wherein the first hexagonal section (61) can fit into the third fitting section (42), wherein the first retaining ring (50) elastically clamps the corners of the first hexagonal section (61) so that the first hexagonal section (61) cannot easily disengage from the third fitting section (42), wherein the first hexagonal section (61) is designed as a hexagonal cylinder, and wherein a first end section (62) is provided at one end of the first hexagonal section (61).forming a hexagonal surface, wherein the first connecting rod (60) has a pass-through section (63) arranged on one of the surfaces of the first hexagonal section (61), the extension length of the pass-through section (63) corresponding to the longitudinal direction of the first hexagonal section (61), the distance between the pass-through section (63) and the axis of the first connecting rod (60) being smaller than the distance between the other surfaces of the first hexagonal section (61) and the axis of the first connecting rod (60), the distance between the pass-through section (63) and the axis of the first connecting rod (60) being shorter, and the pass-through section (63) being flat; and wherein the first connecting rod (60) has a second hexagonal section (64), wherein, after removing the plug-in element (40), the second hexagonal section (64) can be plugged together with the first pass-through section (22).wherein the dimension of the second hexagonal section (64) is larger than the dimension of the first hexagonal section (61), wherein the second hexagonal section (64) is arranged approximately at a central position of the first connecting rod (60), wherein the incircle diameter of the second hexagonal section (64) is larger than the incircle diameter of the first hexagonal section (61), and wherein the second hexagonal section (64) is designed as a hexagonal cylinder. Ratchet key structure according to claim 1, characterized in that the main body (10) is a ratchet key structure, wherein basic components such as a pawl are arranged within the receiving space (11) which are required for the ratchet key. Ratchet wrench structure according to claim 1, characterized in that the locking element (30) is designed as a wire body and has, by bending, the first detent sections (31), the locking section (32), the second detent sections (33), the projecting clamping sections (34) and the detent ends (35), and wherein the cross-section at each point of the locking element (30) has the same shape. Ratchet wrench structure according to claim 1, characterized in that the second fitting section (41) is designed as a twelve-sided or hexagonal cylinder. Ratchet key structure according to claim 1, characterized in that the third fitting section (42) is designed as a hexagonal through-hole. Ratchet wrench structure according to claim 1, characterized in that the first hexagonal section (61) is joined with the third fitting section (42), wherein the pass section (63) can optionally not be aligned with the locking section (43) or be aligned with it, wherein, if the pass section (63) and the locking section (43) are not aligned with each other, the first end section (62) rests against the locking section (43), wherein the locking section (43) prevents the first end section (62) from protruding from the main body (10), and if the first connecting rod (60) is joined with the third fitting section (42) at a different angle, that is, if the pass section (63) is aligned with the locking section (43), the pass section (63) can pass the locking section (43), thereby allowing the first end section (62) to protrude from the main body (10).so that the position of the first hexagonal section (61) is adjusted relative to the main body (10), whereby the first connecting rod (60) and the third fitting section (42) can be joined together at two different angles, depending on whether the passing section (63) is aligned with the blocking section (43) or not. Ratchet wrench structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, after removal of the plug-in element (40), the second hexagonal section (64) is plugged together with the first fitting section (22), wherein the first hexagonal section (61) protrudes almost completely, wherein the two projecting clamping sections (34) each bear against two of the corners (29) of the second hexagonal section (64), wherein the two projecting clamping sections (34) are slightly pushed away by the second hexagonal section (64) and elastically clamp the two corners (29) of the second hexagonal section (64), thereby holding the first connecting rod (60) relative to the main body (10) in an elastically locked state, wherein the second hexagonal section (64) can be selectively aligned relative to the first fitting section (22) either with the first hexagon (28) or the second hexagon (291), wherein, when the second hexagonal section (64) is aligned with the first hexagon (28),the first end section (62) can protrude from the main body (10), and if the second hexagonal section (64) is aligned with the second hexagon (291), the first end section (62) cannot protrude from the main body (10), therefore, regardless of whether the second hexagonal section (64) is aligned with the first hexagon (28) or the second hexagon (291), the projecting clamping sections (34) can each abut two corners (29) of the second hexagonal section (64). Ratchet wrench structure according to claim 1, characterized in that a second connecting rod (70) is provided which has a different, larger dimension compared to the first connecting rod (60), wherein the second connecting rod (70) has a third hexagonal section (71) and a second end section (72), wherein the third hexagonal section (71) is joined to the first fitting section (22), wherein the dimension of the third hexagonal section (71) corresponds to the dimension of the second hexagonal section (64), which means that the dimension of the third hexagonal section (71) is larger than the dimension of the first hexagonal section (61), wherein the first connecting rod (60) is a standard design available on the market, and wherein the second connecting rod (70) is not provided with the fitting section (63). Ratchet wrench structure according to claim 1, characterized in that the third hexagonal section (71) can be selectively aligned relative to the first fitting section (22) either with the first hexagon (28) or the second hexagon (291), wherein, when the third hexagonal section (71) is aligned with the first hexagon (28), the second end section (72) is not restricted by the locking section (32), so that the second end section (72) can project out of the main body (10), and when the third hexagonal section (71) is aligned with the second hexagon (291), the second end section (72) rests against the locking section (32), so that the second end section (72) cannot project out of the main body (10), therefore, regardless of whether the third hexagonal section (71) is aligned with the first hexagon (28) or the second hexagon (291), the projecting clamping sections (34) each engage at two corners (29) of the third hexagonal section (71) can be located. Ratchet wrench structure according to claim 1, characterized in that the ratchet wheel (20) is additionally provided with a retaining ring groove (292) which is arranged below the ratchet section (21), wherein the second fitting section (41) is designed as a hexagonal cylinder, wherein a second retaining ring (80) is added which is clamped in the retaining ring groove (292) and bears against the contact section (12), so that the ratchet wheel (20) is limited by the second retaining ring (80) and rotatably fixed in the main body (10), wherein the receiving recess (13) is designed in the same specification as the second fitting section (41), wherein after removing the plug-in element (40) the plug-in element (40) can be inserted into the receiving recess (13). Ratchet wrench structure according to claim 1, characterized in that the plug element (40) is additionally provided with a fourth groove (46), wherein the fourth groove (46) is arranged far away from the third groove (44), wherein a third retaining ring (81) is provided which is arranged in the fourth groove (46). Ratchet wrench structure according to claim 1, characterized in that the ratchet wheel (20) is additionally provided with a retaining ring groove (292) arranged below the ratchet section (21), wherein a second retaining ring (80) is added which is clamped in the retaining ring groove (292) and bears against the contact section (12), such that the ratchet wheel (20) is limited by the second retaining ring (80) and is rotatably arranged in the main body (10), wherein the plug element (40) is provided with a fifth groove (47), wherein the fifth groove (47) is in contact with the second fitting section (41) and the third fitting section (42), wherein a fifth retaining ring (82) is provided which is arranged in the fifth groove (47), wherein the fifth retaining ring (82) can press elastically against the first fitting section (22), and wherein the fifth retaining ring (82) can also press elastically against the first hexagonal section (61) can be pressed.