Ratcheting Mechanisms and Hand Tools

Abstract

The ratchet mechanism includes a first member having an annular surface with a plurality of teeth arranged axially parallel; a second member configured to be rotatable about the circumferential direction of the annular surface; and at least two first drive transmission members disposed on the second member, each including at least one ratchet tooth, the first drive transmission members configured to engage with the teeth to transmit motion between the first and second members, each ratchet tooth of the first drive transmission members being in a different state of engagement with the teeth.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE This application relates to the field of hand tools, and more particularly, to ratchet mechanisms and hand tools. [Background technology]

[0002] Generally, when using hand tools such as screwdrivers and torque wrenches, hand movement in the direction of rotation is limited to a certain extent and cannot be continued in one direction, so it is necessary to move the hand in the opposite direction to the direction of rotation, or to remove the hand tool from the turned screw, adjust its position, and then rotate it again. In a narrow space with limited working space, it is also necessary to constantly adjust the position of the hand and the tool.

[0003] With the advent of ratchet wrenches and ratchet drivers, the operating handle of the tool can be rotated in the reverse direction while moving the hand in the direction of rotation, thereby effectively overcoming the above problems. In existing ratchet wrenches and ratchet drivers, when the ratchet pawl transmits force, the torque applied to the handle is transmitted to the output end through the transmission mechanism of the ratchet pawl. When the handle is returned to its original position, the transmission mechanism of the ratchet pawl rotates idly, and each time it rotates past one tooth, the pawl slides on the ratchet and makes a "click" sound. Therefore, in the process of applying force through the handle and returning to its original position, there is always a tooth clearance, that is, when the handle reaches its limit position, the handle can only be forced to continue rotating if it is returned to its original position and rotated larger than the central angle corresponding to one tooth. Taking 60 teeth evenly distributed around the ratchet as an example, the central angle corresponding to one tooth is 6°, that is, when the handle reaches its limit position, it cannot continue rotating unless it is returned to its original position and rotated 6°. Taking the example of 72 teeth evenly distributed around the ratchet, the central angle corresponding to one tooth is 5°, that is, when the handle reaches the limit position, the handle must be returned to its original position and rotated 5° before it can continue to rotate. The number of teeth may be increased to reduce the rotation angle for the handle to return to its original position. However, under the condition of guaranteeing the size of the teeth and the strength of the product, increasing the number of teeth will inevitably lead to an increase in the size of the entire ratchet. If the number of teeth is increased on the premise that the shape and size of the ratchet are not changed, the size of the teeth will be reduced, the reliability of the engagement between the pawl and the gear will decrease, and the force transmission capacity will decrease. In addition, if the number of teeth is small, the resistance during reverse rotation will be large, which is likely to lead to poor use of the ratchet and large vibration. Therefore, under the condition that the outer diameter size is limited, the number of teeth of the ratchet cannot be increased indefinitely in order to guarantee the strength of the product, and such a small number of teeth will force the angle of reverse rotation to be increased, which will affect the use in a narrow space.

[0004] Therefore, those skilled in the art have been working to provide a ratchet mechanism and a hand tool manufactured therewith that can ensure product strength, reduce resistance to reverse rotation, reduce wobble, better eliminate the effect of tooth clearance, and improve transmission efficiency under conditions where the outer diameter size is limited. DISCLOSURE OF THEINVENTION [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In view of the above-mentioned shortcomings of the conventional technology, the technical problem to be solved by the present application is to provide a ratchet mechanism and a hand tool therefor that can reduce the resistance when the ratchet rotates in the reverse direction.

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the present application provides a ratchet mechanism, the ratchet mechanism comprising: a first member having an annular surface with a plurality of teeth arranged axially parallel; A second member configured to be rotatable about a circumference of the annular surface; at least two first drive transmission members disposed on the second member, each of the first drive transmission members including at least one ratchet tooth configured to engage the tooth to transmit motion between the first member and the second member, the ratchet tooth of each of the first drive transmission members being in a different state of engagement with the tooth; Includes.

[0007] Additionally, the ratchet mechanism further includes at least two second drive transmission members disposed on the second member, each of the second drive transmission members including at least one ratchet tooth, the second drive transmission members configured to engage the tooth to transmit unidirectional motion between the first member and the second member, the ratchet tooth of each of the second drive transmission members being in a different state of engagement with the tooth; When the first member and the second member move relative to each other in a first direction, the first drive transmission member is in an operative state and the second drive transmission member is in a non-operative state; when the first member and the second member move relative to each other in a second direction, the second drive transmission member is in an operative state and the first drive transmission member is in a non-operative state.

[0008] Further, the engaged state includes a state in which the drive transmission member is fully engaged with the teeth and a state in which the drive transmission member is partially engaged with the teeth.

[0009] Further, the second member includes a plurality of receiving grooves for supporting the drive transmission members, at least one of the drive transmission members is disposed within the receiving groove, the receiving groove has an opening facing the teeth, at least a portion of the drive transmission member passes through the opening such that ratchet teeth of the drive transmission member engage with the teeth, and an elastic element is coupled to the drive transmission member.

[0010] Further, each of the receiving grooves and the contact surface of the drive transmission member received therein has a different inclination angle relative to the radial direction of the annular surface, whereby the drive transmission member has a different advance angle for different engagement with the teeth.

[0011] Additionally, the teeth are located on an inner circumferential surface of the annular surface, and the second member is located within a chamber defined by the annular surface.

[0012] Further, each of the receiving grooves has a first opening and a second opening arranged opposite each other, one of the first drive transmission members is located in the first opening and one of the second drive transmission members is located in the second opening; a first elastic element is disposed between one of the first drive transmission members and one of the second transmission members.

[0013] Further, each of the drive transmission members has oppositely disposed first and second side surfaces, the ratchet teeth are provided on the first side surface, the second side surface is located within the receiving groove, there is an inclined surface between the first and second side surfaces, the inclined surface contacts the contact surface of the receiving groove; each of the receiving grooves is provided with one of the drive transmission members, and a first elastic element is provided between the drive transmission member and a side wall of the receiving groove.

[0014] Furthermore, the ratchet mechanism further includes an annular support provided at an end of the second member, the annular support having elongated through holes provided at positions corresponding to each of the drive transmission members, one end of the drive transmission member extending into the elongated through hole, and an inclination angle of the elongated through hole relative to the radial direction being the same as the inclination angle of the corresponding contact surface.

[0015] Furthermore, the ratchet mechanism further includes a switching member provided on the second member, the switching member being configured to switch between an operative state of the first drive transmission member and an operative state of the second drive transmission member.

[0016] Furthermore, the switching member includes an end cover arranged at an end of the second member and configured to be rotatable between a first position and a second position relative to the second member; at least two block pieces are provided on the side of the end cover facing the second member; when the end cover is in the first position, each of the block pieces contacts a corresponding one of the first drive transmission members to put them in a non-operating state; when the end cover is in the second position, each of the block pieces contacts a corresponding one of the second transmission members to put them in a non-operating state.

[0017] Further, a limiting portion protrudes from a side of the end cover facing the second member, the second member having a limiting groove cooperating with the limiting portion, the limiting portion configured to be slidable within the limiting groove when the end cover is rotated; movement of the limiting portion is blocked by both ends of the limiting groove, such that the end cover is in either the first position or the second position.

[0018] Furthermore, the limiting portion includes a first recess and a second recess arranged in series, the second member has a lock groove communicating with the limiting groove, a lock ball is provided in the lock groove, and when the end cover is in the first position, the first recess faces the lock groove, thereby causing the lock ball to fit into the first recess, and when the end cover is in the second position, the second recess faces the lock groove, thereby causing the lock ball to fit into the second recess.

[0019] Furthermore, the end cover is provided with a circular boss on a side facing the second member, and the second member is provided with a circular recess cooperating with the circular boss, the circular boss configured to be slidable within the circular recess when the end cover is rotated; a limiting portion protrudes radially from an end of the circular boss, and a limiting groove is provided on a side wall of the circular recess, the limiting portion is slidable within the limiting groove, and movement of the limiting portion can be blocked by both ends of the limiting groove, whereby the end cover is in either the first position or the second position.

[0020] Furthermore, a first groove and a second groove are provided on a side wall of the circular recess, a lateral groove is provided on the circular boss, and a lock ball is provided in the lateral groove, and when the end cover is in the first position, the lateral groove communicates with the first groove and the lock ball fits into the first groove, and when the end cover is in the second position, the lateral groove communicates with the second groove and the lock ball fits into the second groove.

[0021] Further, the first member defines a chamber, an interior surface of the chamber forming the annular surface; the ratchet mechanism includes two oppositely disposed sector parts, the sector parts being located within the chamber; one end of each of the sector parts forming the first drive transmission member and the other end forming the second drive transmission member; an elastic element is disposed between the sector parts; A through hole is provided in the center of each of the sector parts, and a columnar portion corresponding to the through hole is provided in the second member.

[0022] Furthermore, the ratchet mechanism may further include a support member, the support member including an annular portion and a shaft portion, the shaft portion extending from the annular portion in a direction toward the first member and positioned between two sector-shaped parts, the annular portion having an arc-shaped through hole corresponding to the cylindrical portion, the cylindrical portion passing through the arc-shaped through hole and then entering the through hole; the shaft portion having a restricting hole penetrating along its radial direction, two spherical parts being disposed opposite each other within the restricting hole, the elastic element being provided between the two spherical parts, the two spherical parts being configured to contact the corresponding sector parts, respectively, and drive the corresponding sector parts to rotate around the cylindrical portions.

[0023] Further, the teeth are located on an outer periphery of the annular surface; the second member defines a chamber, and the portion of the first member carrying the teeth is located within the chamber.

[0024] Moreover, the ratchet mechanism further includes an end cover, the second member is covered by the end cover, and the side of the end cover facing the receiving groove is provided with a plurality of block posts, with the limiting groove being provided between adjacent ones of the receiving grooves; the block posts are slidable within the corresponding limiting grooves; each of the receiving grooves receives one of the drive transmission members, and a portion of the drive transmission member is positioned within the limiting groove, so that when the block post moves to the end of the limiting groove, the block post contacts and drives the drive transmission member, placing the drive transmission member in a deactivated state.

[0025] The present application further provides a hand tool, such as a wrench or a screwdriver, comprising a handle and the above-described ratchet mechanism coupled to the handle, the handle configured to drive and rotate the first or second member of the ratchet mechanism under the action of an external force. The present application has at least the following beneficial technical effects:

[0026] In the ratchet mechanism provided by the present application, by changing the engagement state between the ratchet and the drive transmission member, it is possible to increase the transmission gears, improve the transmission efficiency, reduce wobble due to precise fitting, and eliminate the effect of tooth clearance under the condition that the number of teeth is not changed. When retracting, the increase in the gears allows for a smaller retraction angle and ensures strength, making it suitable for narrower installation spaces. In addition, the resistance between the ratchet and the pawl during reverse rotation is reduced, effectively reducing wear and tear.

[0027] Hereinafter, the concept, specific structure and technical effects of the present application will be further described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, so as to fully understand the objectives, features and effects of the present application. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the internal structure in embodiment 1 of the present application; [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a front view of embodiment 1 of the present application; [Diagram 3] A cross-sectional view taken along II in FIG. 2; [Figure 3a] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a first driving transmission member is blocked by a lock piece in accordance with the first embodiment of the present application; [Figure 3b] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the second driving transmission member is blocked by the lock piece in the first embodiment of the present application; [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic structural diagram of a second member in embodiment 1 of the present application; [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic structural diagram of a drive transmission member according to embodiment 1 of the present application; [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an advance angle of a drive transmission member in embodiment 1 of the present application; [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a schematic exploded view illustrating a first embodiment of the present application, showing an end cover; [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a schematic exploded view illustrating a first embodiment of the present application, showing the back surface of an end cover; [Figure 9] 1 is a cross-sectional view of embodiment 1 of the present application; [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a limiting groove of a second member in embodiment 1 of the present application; [Figure 11] 1 is a schematic structural diagram of embodiment 2 of the present application; [Figure 12] Schematic structural diagram of embodiment 3 of the present application; [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a schematic structural diagram of a second member in embodiment 3 of the present application; [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a schematic exploded view showing an end cover and a second structure of the third embodiment of the present application; [Figure 15] 1 is a schematic structural diagram of an end cover according to embodiment 3 of the present application; [Figure 16] 1 is a schematic structural diagram of embodiment 4 of the present application; [Figure 17] FIG. 4 is a schematic exploded view of embodiment 4 of the present application; [Figure 18] 1 is a cross-sectional view of embodiment 4 of the present application; [Figure 19]FIG. 5 is a schematic exploded view of embodiment 5 of the present application; [Figure 20] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the internal structure in embodiment 5 of the present application; [Figure 21] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the drive transmission member, the first member, and the second member in the fifth embodiment of the present application; [Figure 22] FIG. 11 is a schematic structural diagram of a second member in embodiment 5 of the present application; [Diagram 23] FIG. 11 is a schematic structural diagram of an end cover according to embodiment 5 of the present application; [Figure 24] 1 is a schematic structural diagram of the wrench of the present application; [Diagram 25] FIG. 2 is a schematic exploded view of the wrench of the present application; [Figure 26] 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a driver of the present application; [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a schematic exploded view of FIG. 26. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0029] In order to make the technical contents clearer and easier to understand, the preferred embodiments of the present application are described below with reference to the drawings in the specification. The present application can be embodied through many different forms of examples, and the protection scope of the present application is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0030] In the drawings, components having the same structure are indicated by the same reference numerals, and components having similar structures or functions are indicated by the same reference numerals. Note that the size and thickness of each component shown in the drawings are shown arbitrarily, and the size and thickness of each component are not limited to this application. For ease of illustration, the thickness of each component is appropriately exaggerated in each part of the drawings.

[0031] 1. Ratchet mechanism The present application provides a ratchet mechanism, which includes a first member, a second member, and at least two first drive transmission members, the first member being an annular member, the entire circumferential surface of the first member being provided with teeth, the teeth can be disposed on the outer circumferential surface or the inner circumferential surface of the first member; the second member being rotatable relative to the circumferential direction of the first member, the second member being used to support the first drive transmission members, each of the first drive transmission members having at least one ratchet tooth that can engage with the teeth of the annular member. The first drive transmission members can transmit motion. Specifically, when an external force acts on the first member to rotate the first member in a first direction, the first member engages with the first drive transmission member, and the motion is transmitted to the second member, thereby rotating the second member in a preset direction. The first direction can be clockwise or counterclockwise. It should be understood that the second member can also be set as an acting member. That is, when an external force is applied to the second member to move the second member in a first direction, the motion is transmitted to the first member via the first drive transmission member, thereby rotating the first member in a preset direction. In the motion transmission process, each of the first drive transmission members is in a different engagement state with the teeth of the first member. Here, the engagement state includes at least two types of engagement states, and the first engagement state, i.e., a fully engaged state, means that the first drive transmission member is fully engaged with the teeth of the first member, and the second engagement state, i.e., a partially engaged state, means that the first drive transmission member is partially engaged with the teeth of the first member. When each of the first drive transmission members transmits motion, its engagement state changes periodically with the rotation of the ratchet mechanism.

[0032] By using different numbers of first drive transmission members, the partially engaged state can be subdivided into several situations. For example, in some embodiments, three of the first drive transmission members are used, with one first drive transmission member being fully engaged, a second first drive transmission member being one-third engaged with the teeth of the first member, and a third first drive transmission member being two-thirds engaged with the teeth of the first member. If four of the first drive transmission members are used, the first first drive transmission member is fully engaged and the remaining three first drive transmission members are partially engaged, with one-quarter, one-half, and three-quarters engaged with the teeth, respectively, and so on.

[0033] By arranging each of the first drive transmission members to have a different engagement state, the ratchet mechanism can increase the number of gears, improve transmission efficiency, and reduce wobble under the condition that the number of teeth of the first member is not changed, thereby further eliminating tooth clearance, ensuring strength, and improving operation accuracy. In addition, it is possible to increase the number of gears, achieve a smaller retraction angle, and ensure strength in a limited space, thereby making the ratchet mechanism more compact in size and having a good motion transmission effect, making it applicable to smaller installation spaces. At the same time, the resistance when the ratchet mechanism rotates in the reverse direction is reduced, and wear on the ratchet mechanism can be suppressed.

[0034] The ratchet mechanism of the present application may further comprise at least two second drive transmission members, whereby when the ratchet mechanism rotates in a second direction, motion transmission is also achieved between the first and second members. The second direction is opposite to the first direction. The function of the second drive transmission members is the same as that of the first drive transmission members, except that the second drive transmission members are non-functional when rotating in the first direction, and the first drive transmission members are non-functional when rotating in the second direction. By providing the first and second drive transmission members, the ratchet mechanism can be bidirectionally functional, and the gears of the ratchet mechanism can be expanded in both directions.

[0035] The ratchet mechanism of the present application may be used in hand tools such as ratchet wrenches, ratchet drivers, and bi-directional wrenches to provide continuous rotation of the tool in tight spaces. It is understood that the ratchet mechanism of the present application may also be used in other tools that rotate to provide torque and is not limited to hand tools.

[0036] The present application describes the ratchet mechanism in detail in the following embodiments.

[0037] EMBODIMENT 1 1 to 10 show the structure of the first embodiment.

[0038] As shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, in this embodiment, the ratchet mechanism 100 includes a first member 110, a second member 120, and three first drive transmission members 130.

[0039] The first member 110 is an annular member, and includes an annular body having an axially extending through hole, and defines a chamber 111. The chamber 111 has a circumferentially extending wall, the wall facing the radially inner side of the annular member, and a plurality of teeth 112 are provided. The plurality of teeth 112 are parallel to each other, and each tooth 112 may extend in the axial direction of the first member 110 parallel to the axial direction of the first member 110. The teeth 112 may extend from one end of the first member 110 to the other end in the axial direction of the first member 110, or may extend partially. That is, the teeth 112 may not be present on a portion of the wall surface in the axial direction.

[0040] 1 and 4, the second member 120 is at least partially received within the chamber 111. The second member 120 includes three receiving grooves 121 for receiving the first drive transmission member 130, which may be evenly spaced along the circumference of the second member 120, and one end of each receiving groove 121 includes a first opening 1211 facing the first member 110. Referring to FIG. 3, one of the first drive transmission members 130 is received in one of the receiving grooves 121. A portion of the first drive transmission member 130 may pass through the first opening 1211 and engage with the teeth 112 of the first member 110. 5, the first drive transmission member 130 is generally wedge-shaped and has a first end 1301 and a second end 1302 oppositely disposed, the first end 1301 having at least one ratchet tooth 1303 that passes through the first opening 1211 and can engage with the teeth 112 of the first member 110. In some embodiments, the first end 1301 of the first drive transmission member 130 may be configured as an arcuate sidewall, the curvature of which is the same as the curvature of the wall of the chamber 111 of the first member 110, and the first end 1301 may have a plurality of ratchet teeth 1303. Referring to FIG. 3, the second end 1302 is disposed within the receiving groove 121. Two opposing side surfaces of the first drive transmission member 130 located between the first end 1301 and the second end 1302 respectively contact the side walls of the receiving groove 121, thereby the first drive transmission member 130 is supported by the receiving groove 121.

[0041] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the first member 110 is an acting member, that is, an external force acts on the first member 110, which allows the first member 110 to move in the first direction X. At this time, the motion is transmitted to the second member 120 via the first drive transmission member 130, which causes the second member 120 to rotate in a preset direction. The preset direction may be the same as the first direction X or may be the opposite direction to the first direction X, and the direction depends on the engagement direction between the first drive transmission member 130 and the first member 110. Here, the preset direction is set to the same direction as the first direction X. When the first member 110 is driven in the opposite direction to the first direction X, the first drive transmission member 130 no longer transmits motion, and its ratchet teeth 1303 slide relatively along the teeth 112 of the first member 110, while the second member 120 remains stationary, thereby realizing reverse rotation of the ratchet mechanism 100.

[0042] The three first drive transmission members 130 have different engagement states with the teeth 112 of the first member 110. As shown in FIG. 3, when the first member 110 is driven in the first direction X, the first drive transmission member 130a is fully engaged with the teeth 112 of the first member 110, i.e., in the first state E; the first drive transmission member 130b is two-thirds engaged with the teeth 112 of the first member 110, i.e., in the second state F; and the first drive transmission member 130c is one-third engaged with the teeth 112 of the first member 110, i.e., in the third state G. As the first member 110 continues to rotate, the first drive transmission member 130a is one-third engaged, i.e., in the third state G; the first drive transmission member 130b is fully engaged, i.e., in the first state E; and the first drive transmission member 130c is two-thirds engaged, i.e., in the second state F; and so on.

[0043] By arranging the three first drive transmission members 130 so that they are in different engagement states, the number of gears of the ratchet mechanism 100 can be increased without increasing the number of teeth 112 of the first member 110, thereby improving the transmission efficiency and fitting accuracy and reducing wobble. It is well known that the more teeth the first member 110 has, the higher the transmission accuracy. Correspondingly, the thickness of each tooth 112 decreases and the strength is insufficient, so that wear and breakage are likely to occur, and the ratchet mechanism 100 will not function. However, if it is necessary to reduce the number of teeth 112 to increase the strength, the transmission accuracy will decrease. In the ratchet mechanism 100 of the present application, it is possible to increase the number of gears and improve the transmission accuracy while ensuring the strength. For example, in this embodiment, the number of teeth of the first member 110 is set to 72. By arranging the three first drive transmission members 130 as described above, the number of gears is changed to 216, which improves the fitting accuracy, effectively reduces wobble, plays a role in eliminating tooth clearance, and reduces resistance during reverse rotation. In the case where four first drive transmission members 130 are provided, the number of gears may be changed to 288, and similarly for other cases.

[0044] As described above, the first drive transmission member 130 is disposed in the receiving groove 121 of the second member 120 and supported by the receiving groove 121. The contact surface 1213 of the receiving groove 121 that contacts the first drive transmission member 130 may be designed to have different planar gradients so that the ratchet teeth 1303 of the first drive transmission member 130 have different advance angles, i.e., so that each of the first drive transmission members 130 is in a different engagement state with the teeth 112 of the first member 110. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 6, a structural diagram of the receiving groove 121 in which the first drive transmission member 130 is located is shown. There is a reference surface 1214 in the center of the side wall of the receiving groove 121. The contact surface 1213 of the receiving groove 121 with the first drive transmission member 130 is inclined by an angle α with respect to the reference surface 1214. The structure of the receiving grooves 121 in which the remaining first drive transmission members 130 are located is similar. The contact surface 1213 of each receiving groove 121 with the corresponding first driving force transmission member 130 is inclined by an angle α. However, the inclination angles α of the contact surfaces 1213 of the three receiving grooves 121 are different, and the specific value of the angle α can be set according to the advance angle required for the corresponding first driving force transmission member 130.

[0045] What has been described above is the structure in which the ratchet mechanism 100 is driven in only one direction (that is, the first direction X).

[0046] In order to realize the bidirectional transmission of the ratchet mechanism 100, a second drive transmission member group 140 including three second drive transmission members 140 may be added to the ratchet mechanism 100. As shown in FIG. 3, the second drive transmission member 140 has substantially the same shape as the first drive transmission member 130 and is disposed in the receiving groove 121. The ratchet teeth of the second drive transmission member may pass through the second opening 1222 of the receiving groove 121 and engage with the teeth 112 of the first member 110, but the description thereof will not be repeated here. When an external force acts on the first member 110 to move the first member 110 in the second direction Y (the opposite direction to the first direction X), the motion is transmitted to the second member 120 via the second drive transmission member 140, thereby rotating the second member 120 in a preset direction. The preset direction may be the same as the second direction Y or may be the opposite direction to the second direction Y, and the direction depends on the engagement direction between the second drive transmission member 140 and the first member 110. Here, the preset direction is set to the same direction as the second direction Y. When the first member 110 is driven in the opposite direction to the second direction Y, the second drive transmission member 140 no longer transmits motion, and its ratchet teeth 1303 slide relatively along the teeth 112 of the first member 110, while the second member 120 remains stationary, thereby realizing reverse rotation of the ratchet mechanism 100. Similar to the first drive transmission member 130, the second drive transmission member 140 also has different engagement states with the teeth 112 of the first member 110, and the engagement states of each second drive transmission member 140 change in the forward and backward directions as the first member 110 rotates. For the second driving transmission member 140, different engagement states are also realized by different inclination angles of the contact surface 1213 of the receiving groove 121, which is the same as that shown in FIG. 6, and the description thereof will not be repeated here.

[0047] Referring to FIG. 7, in order to switch the rotation direction of the ratchet mechanism 100, this embodiment further includes a switching member 150. When the switching member 150 is in a first position, the ratchet mechanism 100 rotates forward, i.e., the first member 110 is driven to move in a first direction X, and the first drive transmission member 130 acts to transmit the motion to the second member 120. In this case, the second drive transmission member 140 does not act. When the switching member 150 is in a second position, the ratchet mechanism 100 rotates backward, i.e., the first member 110 is driven to move in a second direction Y, and the second drive transmission member 140 acts to transmit the motion to the second member 120. In this case, the first drive transmission member 130 does not act.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 7, the switching member 150 includes an end cover 151. The first member 110 includes an annular portion 113. The annular portion 113 is located at the axial end of the chamber 111. The end cover 151 may cooperate with the annular portion 113 to be located at the end of the chamber 111. The inner diameter of the annular portion 113 is different from the inner diameter of the chamber 111, so that a step surface 114 is formed on the upper part of the tooth 112. Referring to FIG. 8 and FIG. 10, the peripheral edge of the side surface of the end cover 151 facing the tooth 112 protrudes toward the second member 120 to form an annular protrusion 152. The protrusion 152 further protrudes in the radial direction of the end cover 151 to form a block piece 153 corresponding to the drive transmission member. When the end cover 151 is located at the end of the chamber 111, the protrusion 152 is located above the step surface 114. The side of the drive transmission member facing the end cover 151 is higher than the height of the teeth 112 in the axial direction of the chamber 111, so that the block piece 153 can be located between the drive transmission member and the annular portion 113. As shown in Figures 3a and 3b, when the end cover 151 is rotated to the first position, the block piece 153 faces and contacts the second drive transmission member 140, so that the second drive transmission member 140 is disengaged from the teeth 112. In this case, when the ratchet mechanism 100 rotates in the first direction X, the second drive transmission member 140 is no longer functional, but the first drive transmission member 130 engages with the teeth 112 of the first member 110 to realize the motion transmission. When the end cover 151 is rotated to the second position, the block piece 153 faces and contacts the first drive transmission member 130, so that the first drive transmission member 130 is disengaged from the teeth 112. In this case, when the ratchet mechanism 100 rotates in the second direction Y, the first drive transmission member 130 is no longer functional, but the second drive transmission member 140 engages with the teeth 112 of the first member 110 to achieve motion transmission.

[0049] The first elastic element 125 is provided between the first drive transmission member 130 and the second drive transmission member 140, and restores the drive transmission members to a predetermined position after the drive transmission members are disengaged from the block piece 153. Specifically, when the block piece 153 is in contact with the first drive transmission member 130 or the second drive transmission member 140, the first elastic element 125 is compressed and exerts an elastic force on the first drive transmission member 130 and the second drive transmission member 140.

[0050] The end cover 151 also has a third position. In the third position, the blocking piece 153 is not in contact with the first drive transmission member 130 and the second drive transmission member 140, so that the first drive transmission member 130 and the second drive transmission member 140 are both engaged with the teeth 112 of the first member 110, are in an interference state, and do not transmit motion.

[0051] 7, 8 and 10, the end cover 151 has a limiting portion 154 at the center of the side surface facing the chamber 111. The second member 120 has a limiting groove 122 at a position corresponding to the limiting portion 154. The shape of the limiting groove corresponds to the movement trajectory of the limiting portion 154 accompanying the rotation of the end cover 151. The limiting portion 154 extends into the limiting groove 122. When the end cover 151 is rotated, the limiting portion 154 can slide along the limiting groove 122. When the limiting portion 154 moves to one of the two ends of the limiting groove 122, the limiting portion 154 is blocked by the limiting groove 122, preventing the end cover 151 from continuing to move, and achieving the purpose of controlling the rotation stroke of the end cover 151. Specifically, when the limiting portion 154 moves to the first end 1221 of the limiting groove 122, the end cover 151 is in the first position and the block piece 153 disengages the second drive transmission member 140 from the teeth 112. When the limiting portion 154 moves to the second end 1222 of the limiting groove 122, the end cover 151 is in the second position and the block piece 153 disengages the first drive transmission member 130 from the teeth 112. The limiting portion 154 is a structure that protrudes from the end cover 151 toward the chamber 111, and one end of the limiting portion 154 extends into the limiting groove 122.

[0052] The ratchet mechanism 100 further includes a locking member for locking the ratchet mechanism 100 in the first position or the second position. As shown in Figures 7, 8 and 10, the second member 120 is provided with a locking groove 123. One end of the locking groove 123 communicates with the center of the limiting groove 122, and a locking ball 124 is disposed in the locking groove 123. The limiting portion 154 includes a first recess 1541 and a second recess 1542 that are disposed in series, and both the first recess 1541 and the second recess 1542 are recessed in the radial direction of the end cover 151. When the end cover 151 is in the first position, the first recess 1541 faces the locking groove 123, and the locking ball 124 slides into the first recess 1541 to lock the end cover 151 in the first position, and when the end cover 151 is in the second position, the second recess 1542 faces the locking groove 123, and the locking ball 124 slides into the second recess 1542. A second elastic element 126 (see FIG. 11 ) is provided between the locking ball 124 and the end of the locking groove 123 away from the limiting groove 122. An elastic force may be exerted on the locking ball 124 when the locking ball 124 enters the first recess 1541 or the second recess 1542. When the connection between the first recess 1541 and the second recess 1542 faces the locking groove 123, the locking ball 124 is blocked in the locking groove 123 by the connection, so that the end cover 151 is in the third position.

[0053] The ratchet mechanism 100 further includes a tail cover 160. The tail cover 160 is provided at an end of the chamber 111 opposite the end cover 151 of the first member 110, and together with the end cover 151, seals and protects the chamber 111.

[0054] A directional indicator 161 may be provided on the end cover 151 to indicate the current direction of rotation of the ratchet mechanism 100 .

[0055] In this embodiment, a ratchet mechanism 100 that can move in two directions will be described, and when moving in each direction, the drive transmission members act, allowing the number of transmission gears to be increased without increasing the number of teeth. The direction of movement can be switched by the switching member 150, achieving bidirectional action.

[0056] EMBODIMENT 2 11 shows the configuration of the main part of embodiment 2. Most of the features of this embodiment are similar to those of embodiment 1, and only the differences between the two embodiments will be described below.

[0057] 11, the second member 120 is a substantially annular member, and six receiving grooves 121 are evenly arranged in the circumferential direction on its circumferential side wall. A drive transmission member is provided in each receiving groove 121. Three of the drive transmission members function as first drive transmission members 130, and the other three function as second drive transmission members 140. The first drive transmission members 130 and the second drive transmission members 140 are evenly arranged alternately along the circumferential direction of the second member 120.

[0058] The structures of the drive transmission members are substantially the same, and one of the first drive transmission members 130 will be taken as an example to be described in detail below. The first drive transmission member 130 has a first side surface 131 and a second side surface 132 arranged opposite to each other. The first side surface 131 faces the first member and has at least one ratchet tooth 1303, which can engage with the teeth 112 of the first member 110. The second side surface 132 is located in the receiving groove 121. The inclined surface 133 connects the first side surface 131 and the second side surface 132, and the inclined surface 133 contacts the side wall of the receiving groove 121.

[0059] The structures of the receiving grooves 121 are basically the same, and one of them will be taken as an example to be described in detail below. The receiving groove 121 includes a first side wall 1215 and a second side wall 1216 arranged opposite to each other along the circumference of the second member 120. The first side wall 1215 is arranged obliquely, that is, the first side wall 1215 and the radial direction of the second member 120 form an included angle. The first side wall 1215 contacts the inclined surface 133 of the first drive transmission member 130 to support the first drive transmission member 130. It should be noted that the first side wall 1215 of each receiving groove 121 is inclined at a different angle relative to the radial direction of the second member 120, so that the corresponding drive transmission member has a different advance angle. Therefore, the drive transmission member is in a different engagement state with the teeth 112 of the first member 110. The engagement state is the same as that of the first embodiment, and the description thereof will not be repeated here.

[0060] Further, a first elastic element 125 is connected to the end of each drive transmission member opposite to the inclined surface 133, and the other end of the elastic element 125 is connected to the receiving groove 121, so that an elastic force can be applied to the drive transmission member. The effect is the same as that of the first embodiment, that is, the drive transmission member is restored to the position where it engages with the first member 110.

[0061] This embodiment is similar to the first embodiment, in that the ratchet mechanism can move in two directions, and when moving in each direction, the drive transmission member group acts, allowing the number of transmission gears to be increased without increasing the number of teeth. The same switching member as in the first embodiment allows the direction of movement to be switched, achieving bidirectional action.

[0062] EMBODIMENT 3 12 to 15 show the structure of the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 12, in this embodiment, the number of drive transmission members is increased compared to embodiments 1 and 2, and a total of 12 drive transmission members are provided, of which six drive transmission members function as first drive transmission members 130 and the remaining six drive transmission members function as second drive transmission members 140.

[0063] The second member 120 has a sidewall extending in the axial direction, and six receiving grooves 121 for receiving the drive transmission members are provided in the sidewall. One first drive transmission member 130 and one second drive transmission member 140 are disposed in one receiving groove 121, and are respectively located at both ends of the receiving groove 121. A side surface 1217 of the receiving groove 121 that comes into contact with the drive transmission members is an inclined surface.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 13, an annular support 127 is further provided at the axial end of the second member 120. The annular support 127 may be formed integrally with the second member 120 or may be a separate member fixed to the second member 120. The annular support 127 is provided with through holes 1271 at positions corresponding to the drive transmission members. One end of the drive transmission member extends into the through hole 1271 and is slidable in the length direction of the through hole 1271. The length direction of each through hole 1271 is inclined relative to the radial direction, and the inclination angle is approximately the same as the inclination angle of the corresponding inclined surface of the receiving groove 121. The inclination angles are set differently for each inclined surface and the corresponding through hole 1271, so that the drive transmission member has a different advance angle and achieves a different engagement state with the teeth of the first member 110. The concept of the engagement state is the same as in embodiment 1, i.e., one first drive transmission member 130 is fully engaged and the other first drive transmission member 130 is partially engaged, but the contact areas are different, and similarly for the second drive transmission member 140.

[0065] It should be understood that the structure of the second member 120 that supports the drive transmission member in this embodiment can also be applied to embodiments 1 and 2, but the number of receiving grooves 121 and through holes 1271 must be reduced accordingly.

[0066] The configuration of the switching member 150 in this embodiment also differs from that in the first and second embodiments.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 14 and FIG. 15, the switching member 150 includes an end cover 151. The end cover 151 includes a block piece 153. The arrangement and function of the block piece 153 are the same as those of the first embodiment, and the only difference is that the number of the block pieces 153 is six, matching the number of the drive transmission members in the present embodiment. A circular boss 155 is provided on a side surface 1217 of the end cover 151 facing the second member 120, and a corresponding circular recess 128 is provided on the second member 120. When the end cover 151 is disposed on the end of the second member 120, the circular boss 155 is located in the circular recess 128, and when the end cover 151 is rotated, the circular boss 155 can be rotated in the circular recess 128. The side wall of the circular boss 155 of the end cover 151 protrudes radially outward to form a limiting portion 154, and the circumferential side wall of the circular recess 128 is recessed radially to form a limiting groove 122. When the circular boss 155 is rotated, the limiting portion 154 is located in the limiting groove 122 and slides along the limiting groove 122. When the limiting portion 154 moves to one of the two ends of the limiting groove 122, the limiting portion 154 is blocked by the end of the limiting groove 122, preventing the end cover 151 from continuing to move, and achieving the purpose of controlling the rotation stroke of the end cover 151.

[0068] As shown in Fig. 13, a first groove 1281 and a second groove 1282 are provided in the circumferential side wall of the circular recess 128. As shown in Fig. 15, a lateral groove 1551 is provided in the circular boss 155, and an opening of the lateral groove 1551 is provided in the circumferential side wall of the circular boss 155. A lock ball 124 is provided in the lateral groove 1551, and an elastic element 126 is provided between the lock ball 124 and the side wall of the lateral groove 1551. When the circular boss 155 is rotated to the first position, the opening of the lateral groove 1551 communicates with the first groove 1281, and the lock ball 124 enters the first groove 1281 due to the action of the elastic element 126, locking the end cover 151 in the first position. When the circular boss 155 is rotated to the second position, the opening of the lateral groove 1551 communicates with the second groove 1282, and the locking ball 124 enters the second groove 1282 under the action of the elastic element 126, locking the end cover 151 in the second position. When the opening of the lateral groove 1551 faces the junction of the first groove 1281 and the second groove 1282 (see FIG. 12), the locking ball remains positioned within the lateral groove 1551, and the end cover 151 is in the third position.

[0069] The above-mentioned first groove 1281, second groove 1282, lock ball and lateral groove 1551 may be provided in only one group, or in order to increase the lock strength, two groups may be provided as shown in the figure.

[0070] It should be understood that the switching member in this embodiment can also be applied to the first and second embodiments.

[0071] Compared with the first and second embodiments, in this embodiment, the number of drive transmission members is increased, and the number of gears is also increased.

[0072] EMBODIMENT 4 16 to 18 show the structure of the fourth embodiment. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the number of drive transmission members is reduced.

[0073] 16, this embodiment includes two first drive transmission members 130 and two second drive transmission members 140. It should be understood that the structure of the four drive transmission members may be the same as that described in the first, second or third embodiment except that the number is reduced based on the first, second or third embodiment, or may be a structure for adapting to different types of hand tools in this embodiment.

[0074] As shown in Fig. 16, one first driving transmission member 130 and one second driving transmission member 140 are integrated, that is, formed as a sector-shaped part. Ratchet teeth are provided at both ends of the sector-shaped part, and function as the first driving transmission member 130 and the second driving transmission member 140, respectively. Both of the two sector-shaped parts, that is, the first sector-shaped part 1701 and the second sector-shaped part 1702, have a through hole 171. The second member 120 has a columnar part 1201 that passes through the through hole 171 at a corresponding position.

[0075] The ratchet mechanism of this embodiment further includes a support member 180. The support member 180 includes an annular portion 181. The annular portion 181 is provided with two arc-shaped through holes 182 corresponding to the columnar portion 1201. After the columnar portion 1201 passes through the arc-shaped holes 182, it enters the through holes 171 of the sector parts 1701 and 1702. A shaft portion 183 protrudes from the side surface of the annular portion 181 facing the first member 110. The shaft portion 183 is located between the two sector parts 1701 and 1702. The shaft portion 183 is provided with a limiting hole 186 that penetrates along the radial direction. Two openings of the limiting hole 186 are arranged opposite to each other, one opening facing the first sector part 1701, and the other opening facing the second sector part 1702. Two spherical parts 184 are disposed in the restricting hole 186, and a spring 185 is disposed between the two spherical parts 184. Under the action of the spring 185, the two spherical parts 184 are in contact with a first sector part 1701 and a second sector part 1702, respectively.

[0076] By rotating the annular portion 181, one of the spherical parts 184 can be brought into contact with the first drive transmission member 130 of the first sector part 1701, and the other spherical part 184 can be brought into contact with the first drive transmission member 130 of the second sector part 1702. By abutting with the spherical part 184, the two sector parts 1701 and 1702 each rotate by a small angle, and the first drive transmission member 130 is engaged with the teeth 112 of the first member 110 and the second drive transmission member 140 is disengaged from the teeth 112 of the first member 110. When the annular portion 181 is rotated in the opposite direction, the engagement state of the first drive transmission member 130 and the second drive transmission member 140 is reversed.

[0077] In this embodiment, the first drive transmission member 130 engages with the teeth 112 of the first member 110 in two states, i.e., a fully engaged state and a partially engaged state, and the same is true for the second drive transmission member 140. In the sector-shaped part, the contact surface of the first drive transmission member part with the spherical part and the contact surface of the second drive transmission member part with the spherical part may be set to have different inclination angles with respect to the radial direction to achieve different engagement states.

[0078] EMBODIMENT 5 19 to 23 show the structure of the fifth embodiment. In the first to fourth embodiments, all of the teeth of the first member are provided on the inner circumferential surface of the first member. In the present embodiment, the teeth of the first member are provided on the outer circumferential surface of the first member.

[0079] As shown in Figures 20, 21 and 22, a substantially annular chamber 129 is formed at the end of the second member 120. A plurality of teeth 112 are provided in the axial direction on the outer peripheral surface of the first member 110. The portion of the first member 110 where the teeth 112 are provided is located within the chamber 129. A plurality of receiving grooves 121 are formed in the side wall of the chamber 129. Openings 1218 of the receiving grooves 121 face the teeth 112 of the first member 110. One drive transmission member is disposed in one receiving groove 121. The ratchet teeth of the drive transmission member pass through the openings 1218 of the receiving grooves and engage with the teeth 112 of the first member 110.

[0080] In this embodiment, the number of first drive transmission members 130 is three, the number of second drive transmission members 140 is three, and the number of receiving grooves 121 is six. The first drive transmission members 130 and the second drive transmission members 140 may be arranged alternately and evenly.

[0081] The contact surface 1213 of each receiving groove 121 with the drive transmission member has a different inclination angle with respect to the radial direction, thereby realizing different engagement states between the drive transmission member and the teeth 112 of the first member 110. The principle is the same as in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will not be repeated here.

[0082] As shown in Figures 19, 20 and 23, the switching member includes an end cover 151. The second member 120 is covered by the end cover 151. The block post 1511 is disposed on the inner surface of the end cover 151 facing the receiving groove 121. The side wall of the chamber 129 is provided with a plurality of limiting grooves 122 cooperating with the block post 1511. One limiting groove 122 is located between two adjacent receiving grooves 121, and the block post 1511 extends into the limiting groove 122. When the end cover 151 is rotated, the block post 1511 can slide in the limiting groove 122. When the drive transmission members 130 and 140 engage with the teeth 112, at least a part of them is located in the limiting groove 122. When the block post 1511 moves to the end of the limiting groove 122 , it can contact the drive transmission members 130 and 140 , thereby driving the corresponding drive transmission members 130 and 140 out of engagement with the teeth 112 .

[0083] A hole 1204 is provided in the side wall of the second member 120 facing the end cover 151. A lock ball 124 is provided in the hole 1204. A first recess 1512, a second recess 1513, and a third recess 1514 are provided in that order in the end cover 151 at positions facing the through holes. When the end cover 151 is rotated so that a different recess faces the through hole, the lock ball fits into the corresponding recess, and the end cover can be locked in place. For example, when the locking ball 124 is in the first recess 1512, the block post 1511 is in contact with the first drive transmission member 130, so that the first drive transmission member 130 is disengaged from the teeth 112 and does not play a role in transmitting motion, i.e., is not in an active state; when the locking ball 124 is in the third recess 1514, the block post 1511 is in contact with the second drive transmission member 140, so that the second drive transmission member 140 is disengaged from the teeth 112 and does not play a role in transmitting motion, i.e., is not in an active state; when the locking ball 124 is in the second recess 1513, the block post 1511 is not in contact with the first and second drive transmission members. A second elastic element (not shown) is provided between the locking ball 124 and the hole 1204.

[0084] The drive transmission member is coupled with the first elastic element 125 in the receiving groove 121, and the first elastic element 125 can restore the drive transmission member to its original position.

[0085] The above embodiments describe the ratchet mechanism provided by the present application. By arranging the drive transmission mechanism to be in different engagement states with the teeth of the first member, under the condition that the number of teeth is not changed, the number of transmission gears is increased, the transmission efficiency is improved, the vibration is reduced, the strength is guaranteed, and the resistance during reverse rotation is reduced, which contributes to reducing wear and damage. The ratchet mechanism can also realize bidirectional switching by the switching member, and the number of bidirectional transmission gears can be increased. The ratchet mechanism is not limited to the above embodiments, and it should be understood that a person skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations according to the concept of the present application without creative efforts, all of which are within the scope of protection of the claims of the present application.

[0086] 2. Ratchet wrench The ratchet mechanism of the present application was described in Section 1. This section describes the application of this ratchet mechanism to a wrench.

[0087] As shown in FIG. 24 and FIG. 25, the wrench 200 includes a handle 220 having a corresponding wrench head 210 at its end. A ratchet mechanism according to any one of the first to fourth embodiments is disposed on the wrench head 210. The first member 110 of the ratchet mechanism may be configured to be integrally formed with the handle 220. In the illustrated example, the wrench head 210 includes an output end 230 that can be connected to a variety of different sockets. The output end 230 is connected to the central hole 1202 of the second member 120 of the ratchet mechanism and rotates together with the second member 120. When the user operates the handle 220, a torque is applied to the handle 220, which drives the first member 110 to rotate, and the motion is transmitted to the second member 120 by driving the transmission member, and the output end 230 is driven to rotate together, thereby achieving the purpose of torque output. When the user rotates the handle 220 in the opposite direction, the ratchet mechanism rotates in the opposite direction and the second member 120 does not rotate, allowing the user's hand to return to its original position and allowing continuous tightening of fasteners in tight spaces.

[0088] It should be understood that the wrench head 210 may be provided as an open type, i.e., the central hole 1202 of the second member 120 may be provided as a polygonal through hole that may directly cooperate with the fastener and receive the nut / fastener head so that the wrench can apply torque to the nut / fastener head. Additionally, the wrench head 210 may be provided on each end of the handle 220.

[0089] 3. Drivers This section describes the application of ratcheting mechanisms to drivers. As shown in FIG. 26 and FIG. 27, the driver 300 includes a handle 310. The handle 310 is connected to an operating member of a ratchet mechanism. The output member of the ratchet mechanism is connected to a shaft rod 320. The end of the shaft rod 320 may be provided with a socket or may be provided with an output end connected to the head 330 of the driver. Preferably, the ratchet mechanism has the structure described in the fifth embodiment. The outer peripheral surface of the first member 110 is provided with teeth, which are located in the chamber 129 of the second member 120. The second member 120 is connected to the handle 310. The shaft rod 320 is connected to the first member 110 and rotates together with the first member 110. The shaft rod 320 may be formed integrally with the first member 110.

[0090] When a user uses the screwdriver, torque is applied to the handle 310, driving the second member 120 to rotate, which in turn drives the transmission member to transmit the motion to the first member 110, which in turn rotates with the shaft rod 320 to output torque. When the user drives the handle 310 to rotate in the opposite direction, the ratchet mechanism rotates in the opposite direction and the shaft rod 320 does not rotate.

[0091] The connection between the second member 120 and the handle 310 may be any method known in the art. For example, a blind hole is provided inside the handle 310. A groove 311 is provided on the side wall of the blind hole. The second member 120 may be inserted into the blind hole, while the second member 120 is provided with a protrusion 1203 that cooperates with the groove 311. The cooperation of the groove 311 and the protrusion 1203 may realize torque transmission from the handle 310 to the second member. Any other connection manner that allows the handle 310 to transmit torque to the second member 120 is applicable in this embodiment.

[0092] The preferred specific embodiments of the present application have been described in detail above. It should be understood that a person skilled in the art can make many modifications and variations according to the concept of the present application without creative activity. Therefore, based on the concept of the present application and the prior art, any technical scheme that can be obtained by a person skilled in the art through logical analysis, reasoning or limited experimentation may be included in the scope of protection defined by the claims.

Claims

1. a first member having an annular surface with a plurality of teeth arranged axially parallel; A second member configured to be rotatable about a circumference of the annular surface; at least two first drive transmission members disposed on the second member, each of the first drive transmission members including at least one ratchet tooth configured to engage the tooth to transmit motion between the first member and the second member, the ratchet tooth of each of the first drive transmission members being in a different state of engagement with the tooth; A ratchet mechanism comprising:

2. further comprising at least two second drive transmission members disposed on the second member, each of the second drive transmission members including at least one ratchet tooth, the second drive transmission members configured to engage the teeth to transmit unidirectional motion between the first member and the second member; The ratchet teeth of each of the second drive transmission members are in different states of engagement with the teeth; when the first member and the second member move relative to each other in a first direction, the first drive transmission member is in an operative state and the second drive transmission member is in a disengaged state; when the first member and the second member move relative to each other in a second direction, the second drive transmission member is in an operative state and the first drive transmission member is in a disengaged state.

2. The ratchet mechanism of claim 1.

3. 3. The ratchet mechanism of claim 2, wherein said engaged states include a state in which said drive transmission member is fully engaged with said teeth and a state in which said drive transmission member is partially engaged with said teeth.

4. 3. The ratchet mechanism of claim 2, wherein the second member includes a plurality of receiving grooves for supporting the drive transmission members, at least one of the drive transmission members being disposed within the receiving groove, the receiving groove having an opening facing the teeth, at least a portion of the drive transmission member passing through the opening such that ratchet teeth of the drive transmission member are engaged with the teeth; and a resilient element is coupled to the drive transmission members.

5. 5. The ratchet mechanism of claim 4, wherein each of said receiving grooves and a contact surface of said drive transmission member received therein has a different inclination angle relative to a radial direction of said annular surface, whereby said drive transmission member has a different advance angle for different engagement with said teeth.

6. 6. The ratchet mechanism of claim 5, wherein said teeth are located on an inner circumferential surface of said annular surface, and said second member is located within a chamber defined by said annular surface.

7. 7. The ratchet mechanism of claim 6, wherein each of the receiving grooves has a first opening and a second opening disposed opposite each other, one of the first drive transmission members being located in the first opening and one of the second drive transmission members being located in the second opening; and a first elastic element being disposed between one of the first drive transmission members and one of the second drive transmission members.

8. 7. The ratchet mechanism of claim 6, wherein each of the drive transmission members has oppositely disposed first and second side surfaces, the ratchet teeth are provided on the first side surface, the second side surface is located within the receiving groove, there is an inclined surface between the first and second side surfaces, the inclined surface contacts the contact surface of the receiving groove; each of the receiving grooves is provided with one of the drive transmission members, and a first elastic element is provided between the drive transmission member and a side wall of the receiving groove.

9. 7. The ratchet mechanism of claim 6, further comprising an annular support provided at an end of the second member, the annular support having elongated through holes at positions corresponding to each of the drive transmission members, one end of the drive transmission member extending into the elongated through holes, and an inclination angle of the elongated through holes relative to a radial direction being the same as an inclination angle of the corresponding contact surface.

10. 7. The ratchet mechanism according to claim 6, further comprising a switching member provided on the second member, the switching member being configured to switch between an operative state of the first drive transmission member and an operative state of the second drive transmission member.

11. The ratchet mechanism of claim 10, wherein the switching member includes an end cover disposed at an end of the second member and configured to be rotatable between a first position and a second position relative to the second member; at least two block pieces are provided on a side of the end cover facing the second member; when the end cover is in the first position, each of the block pieces contacts a corresponding one of the first drive transmission members to put them in a non-operated state; and when the end cover is in the second position, each of the block pieces contacts a corresponding one of the second drive transmission members to put them in a non-operated state.

12. 12. The ratchet mechanism of claim 11, wherein a limiting portion protrudes from a side of the end cover facing the second member, the second member having a limiting groove cooperating with the limiting portion, the limiting portion configured to be slidable within the limiting groove when the end cover is rotated; movement of the limiting portion is blocked by both ends of the limiting groove so that the end cover is in either the first position or the second position.

13. 13. The ratchet mechanism according to claim 12, wherein the limiting portion includes a first recess and a second recess arranged in series, the second member includes a lock groove communicating with the limiting groove, a lock ball is provided in the lock groove, and when the end cover is in the first position, the first recess faces the lock groove, thereby causing the lock ball to fit into the first recess, and when the end cover is in the second position, the second recess faces the lock groove, thereby causing the lock ball to fit into the second recess.

14. 12. The ratchet mechanism of claim 11, wherein the end cover has a circular boss on a side facing the second member, the second member has a circular recess cooperating with the circular boss, the circular boss configured to be slidable within the circular recess when the end cover is rotated; a limiting portion protruding radially from an end of the circular boss, the circular recess has a limiting groove on a side wall thereof, the limiting portion is slidable within the limiting groove, and movement of the limiting portion can be blocked by both ends of the limiting groove, so that the end cover is in either the first position or the second position.

15. 15. The ratchet mechanism according to claim 14, wherein a side wall of the circular recess is provided with a first groove and a second groove, the circular boss is provided with a lateral groove, a lock ball is provided in the lateral groove, when the end cover is in the first position, the lateral groove communicates with the first groove and the lock ball fits into the first groove, and when the end cover is in the second position, the lateral groove communicates with the second groove and the lock ball fits into the second groove.

16. the first member defines a chamber, an interior surface of the chamber forming the annular surface; the ratchet mechanism includes two oppositely disposed sector parts, the sector parts being located within the chamber; one end of each of the sector parts forms the first drive transmission member and the other end forms the second drive transmission member; and an elastic element is provided between the sector parts; A through hole is provided at the center of each of the sector parts, and a columnar portion corresponding to the through hole is provided on the second member.

3. The ratchet mechanism of claim 2.

17. 17. The ratchet mechanism of claim 16, further comprising a support member, the support member including an annular portion and a shaft portion, the shaft portion extending from the annular portion in a direction toward the first member and positioned between two sector-shaped parts, the annular portion having an arc-shaped through hole corresponding to the columnar portion, the columnar portion passing through the arc-shaped through hole and then entering the through hole; the shaft portion having a restricting hole penetrating along a radial direction thereof, two spherical parts being disposed opposite each other in the restricting hole, an elastic element being provided between the two spherical parts, the two spherical parts being configured to contact the corresponding sector parts, respectively, and to drive the corresponding sector parts to rotate around the columnar portions.

18. 6. The ratchet mechanism of claim 5, wherein said teeth are located on an outer circumferential surface of said annular surface; and said second member defines a chamber, and a portion of said first member carrying said teeth is located within said chamber.

19. 19. The ratchet mechanism of claim 18, further comprising an end cover, the second member being covered by the end cover, a side of the end cover facing the receiving grooves being provided with a plurality of block posts, and limiting grooves being provided between adjacent ones of the receiving grooves; the block posts are slidable within the corresponding limiting grooves; each of the receiving grooves receives one of the drive transmission members, and a portion of the drive transmission member is located within the limiting groove, so that when the block post moves to an end of the limiting groove, the block post comes into contact with and drives the drive transmission member, thereby disengaging the drive transmission member.

20. 20. A hand tool comprising a wrench or a screwdriver, the hand tool comprising a handle and a ratchet mechanism as described in any one of claims 1 to 19 coupled to the handle; the handle configured to drive and rotate the first member or the second member of the ratchet mechanism under the action of an external force.

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