Ratchet wrench

Abstract

To provide a ratchet wrench with improved operational stability and service life. [Solution] The ratchet wrench of this invention comprises a handle, a gearhead 200, a ratchet gear, and a switch mechanism 400. The switch mechanism includes a stopper 410, a switch 430, and a spring 420. The stopper, provided in the radial recess 230, includes a contact hole. The spring comprises multiple coils, which are divided sequentially along the extension of the spring into a tight coil portion, a loose coil portion, and a contact coil portion. The tight coil portion fits into the front hole, and the contact coil portion corresponds to the contact hole. The multiple first coils in the tight coil portion are more densely arranged than the multiple second coils in the loose coil portion. Furthermore, the outer contour of the contact coil portion coincides with a substantially curved surface.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application claims the priority of U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 849,787 filed on July 23, 2025, the entire content of which is described herein.

[0002] The present invention relates to a tool designed for tightening or loosening fasteners. [Background Art]

[0003] A ratchet wrench is a tool designed for tightening or loosening fasteners. With this ratchet wrench, rotation in the reverse direction can be prevented during rotation in one direction. To improve its usefulness, ratchet wrenches that can be switched to rotate in the opposite direction have been developed.

[0004] A conventional ratchet wrench includes a handle, a gear head disposed at one end of the handle, a ratchet gear disposed on the gear head, and a switching mechanism disposed on the gear head. The switching mechanism comprises a pawl, a spring, a steel ball, and a switch. The steel ball is located adjacent to the pawl, and the spring is positioned between the switch and the steel ball. By swinging the switch, the spring pushes the steel ball to reach the selected pawl position. Furthermore, the pawl can be meshed with the ratchet gear via its first tooth or the second tooth, so that the conventional ratchet wrench can be rotated in different directions.

[0005] However, due to the rigid coil structure and excessive load force, conventional springs tend to be easily damaged. Furthermore, after long-term use, there arise problems that not only the steel ball is easily detached from the spring, but also the spring is easily detached from the switch, making the operation impossible. Accordingly, improvements are needed. [Summary of the Invention]

[0006] Parts of this disclosure describe that the ratchet wrench includes a handle, a gearhead, a ratchet gear, and a switch mechanism. The gearhead, including the gearhead body, is connected to one end of the handle, and the gearhead body has a ratchet hole, a radial recess connected to the ratchet hole, and a switch hole near the handle is connected to the radial recess. The ratchet gear housed in the ratchet hole has a plurality of ratchet teeth. The aforementioned switch mechanism includes a stopper, a switch, and a spring. The stopper, provided in the radial recess, has a stopper body with a front and a back, a plurality of first teeth on the front half of the front, a plurality of second teeth on the rear half of the front, and a contact hole on the back. The aforementioned switch is housed in a switch hole and includes a shaft portion and a front hole provided above the shaft portion, and faces the stopper. The aforementioned spring comprises multiple coils, which are divided in that order along the extension of the spring into a tight coil section, a loose coil section, and a contact coil section. The tight coil section is connected to the front hole, and the contact coil section is connected to the contact hole. The multiple first coils in the tight coil section are more densely arranged than the multiple second coils in the loose coil section. Furthermore, the outer contour of the contact coil section matches a substantially curved surface. This switch is operated by pushing the stopper from the first position to the second position, and the spring pushing the stopper causes the second tooth to engage with the ratchet tooth.

[0007] This disclosure also describes the ratchet wrench as comprising a handle, a gearhead, a ratchet gear, and a switch mechanism. The gearhead, including the gearhead body, is connected to one end of the handle and includes the gearhead body, a ratchet hole provided in the gearhead body, a radial recess corresponding to the ratchet hole, and a switch hole corresponding to the radial recess near the handle. The ratchet gear is provided in the ratchet hole and comprises a plurality of ratchet teeth. The aforementioned switch mechanism comprises a stopper, a switch, and a spring. The stopper is provided in the radial recess and comprises a stopper body including a front and back surface, a plurality of first teeth on the front front portion, a plurality of second teeth on the front rear portion, and a contact hole provided on the back surface. The aforementioned switch is housed in a switch hole and includes a shaft portion and a front hole provided above the shaft portion, and faces the stopper. The aforementioned spring contains multiple coils, which are divided in that order along the extension of the spring into a tight coil section, a loose coil section, and a contact coil section. The tight coil section is connected to the front hole, and the contact coil section is connected to the contact hole. The multiple first coils in the tight coil section are more densely arranged than the multiple second coils in the loose coil section. Furthermore, the outer contour of the contact coil section matches a substantially curved surface. This switch is operated to push the stopper from the first position to the second position, and when the spring pushes the stopper, the second tooth engages with the ratchet tooth. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] This disclosure can be better understood by referring to the diagrams and reading the details of the following examples. [Figure 1] This is a three-dimensional view of a ratchet wrench in one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a magnified view of a part of the ratchet wrench. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is a three-dimensional view of the switch mechanism coupled with the ratchet gear in the ratchet wrench. [Figure 4] Figure 1 is a three-dimensional diagram of the stopper in the switch mechanism. [Figure 5]This is a side view of the spring in the switch mechanism shown in Figure 1. [Figure 6] Figure 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of the ratchet wrench. [Figure 7] Figure 1 shows the switch operation of the ratchet wrench. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] This disclosure can be elaborated using the following embodiments, which are presented merely as examples, as it will be obvious to a skilled reader that they can be modified and adapted. Similarity numbers in the figures indicate similar components throughout. As described herein and in the subsequent claims, unless the context explicitly indicates an exception, the meanings of the indefinite articles "a" or "an" and the definite article "the" include plural subjects, and the preposition "in" includes the meanings of "in" (within) and "on" (on). The title or subtitle in this disclosure is for the convenience of the reader and does not affect the scope of this disclosure in any way.

[0010] The terms used in this document have their common industry meanings. In the event of any dispute, this document shall prevail, including the definitions provided herein. The use of one or more synonyms shall not preclude the use of other synonyms. Examples used in this specification, wherever they may appear, such as example terminology, are for illustrative purposes only and shall not limit the scope or meaning of any terms disclosed or illustrated herein. Similarly, this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Terms indicating order, such as "first," "second," or "third," may be used to describe different components, signals, or other elements, but this is intended solely to distinguish one component or signal from another, and not to essentially limit, and should not be interpreted as such.

[0011] Figure 1 is a three-dimensional view of a ratchet wrench 10 in one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 is a partially enlarged view of the ratchet wrench 10 of Figure 1. Figure 3 is a three-dimensional view showing a switch mechanism 400 connected to the ratchet gear 300 of the ratchet wrench 10 of Figure 1. The ratchet wrench 10 comprises a handle 100, a gear head 200, a ratchet gear 300, and a switch mechanism 400.

[0012] The gearhead 200 connected to one end of the handle 100 comprises a gearhead body 210, a ratchet hole 220 provided in the gearhead body 210, a radial recess 230 connected to the ratchet hole 220, and a switch hole 240 provided near the handle 100 and connected to the radial recess 230. The ratchet gear 300 provided in the ratchet hole 220 includes a plurality of ratchet teeth 310.

[0013] The aforementioned switch mechanism 400 comprises a stopper 410, a switch 430, and a spring 420. The stopper 410, housed within the radial recess 230, includes a stopper body 413. This stopper includes a front (unreferenced) and a rear (unreferenced) surface, a plurality of first teeth 411 on the front half portion, a plurality of second teeth 412 on the rear half portion of the front surface, and a contact hole 414 on the rear surface.

[0014] Figure 4 is a three-dimensional view of the stopper 410 of the switch mechanism 400 shown in Figure 1. Figure 5 is a side view of the spring 420 of the switch mechanism 400 shown in Figure 1. Figure 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of the ratchet wrench 10 shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figures 1 to 6, the switch 430 housed in the switch hole 240 includes a shaft portion 431, and the front hole 436 positioned on the shaft portion 431 faces the stopper 410. The spring 420 includes multiple coils (not indicated by symbols), and the coil is divided in that order along the extension of the spring 420 into a coil portion 421, a loose coil portion 422, and a contact coil portion 423. The tight coil portion 421 is housed in the front hole 436, and the contact coil portion 423 is connected to the contact hole 414. The multiple first coils of the coil provided in the tight coil section 421 are more densely arranged than the multiple second coils of the coil provided in the loose coil section 422. Furthermore, the outer contour of the contact coil section 423 substantially coincides with the curved surface C1. The operation of this switch 430 is performed to push the stopper 410 from the first position to the second position, and the spring 420 pushes the stopper 410, causing the second tooth 412 to engage with the ratchet tooth 310.

[0015] As described above, since the outer contour of the contact coil portion 423 substantially matches the curved surface C1, the contact coil portion 423 easily slides into the contact hole 414, and the first tooth 411 or the second tooth 412 can engage the stopper 410 with the ratchet teeth 310. Here, conventional steel balls are not required. The operational stability and service life of the ratchet wrench 10 are thus improved.

[0016] As shown in Figure 1, the handle 100 has an elongated structure, and the ratchet wrench 10 may further include an open-ended wrench head 500 connected to the other end of the handle 100, but the invention of this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0017] The gearhead body 210 has an elliptical shape, and an upper and lower opening is formed by a ratchet hole 220 located at the front of the gearhead body, forming an annular wall. A radial recess 230 is located inside the rear of the gearhead body 210. This wall is partially open so that the radial recess 230 connects to the ratchet hole 220. A switch hole 240 is located at the rear of the lower part of the wall. The gearhead 200 described above may further include a positioning hole (unmarked), a first recess 251, and a second recess 252. The positioning hole is located at the lower part of the wall of the switch hole 240 so that the switch 430 can be rotated. The first recess 251 and the second recess 252 are located on the side wall of the switch hole 240. The first recess 251 is adjacent to the second recess 252. The convex-shaped connecting portion (not indicated) is located on the side wall of the switch hole 240 and is in contact with the midpoint between the first recess 251 and the second recess 252.

[0018] The ratchet gear 300 is incorporated into the gearhead body 210 by being housed within the ratchet hole 220, and the ratchet teeth 310 face the annular wall. The ratchet gear 300 may further include internal meshing parts such as nuts and screws.

[0019] As shown in Figures 2-6, the switch mechanism 400 is used to switch the rotation direction of the ratchet wrench 10. Because the size of the chock 410 is smaller than the radial recess 230, the chock 410 can be moved to the right or left within the radial recess 230. The first surface of the chock 410 is curved, and the diameter of the first surface is larger than the diameter of the ratchet gear 300. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, it can be seen from the bottom view of the ratchet wrench 10 that the first tooth 411 is on the front left side of the chock 413 and the second tooth 412 is on the front right side of the chock 413.

[0020] The back surface of the pawl 413 is flat. The contact hole 414 includes a center zone 4141 and two end zones 4142. The two end zones 4142 are respectively connected to both sides of the center zone 4141, and the curvature of the center zone 4141 is smaller than the curvature of each of the two end zones 4142. The center zone 4141 is longer than each of the two end zones 4142. Furthermore, the boundary contour between each of the end zones 4142 and the back surface is a curved line, and the boundary contour between the center zone 4141 and the back surface includes two straight lines. The two curved lines and the two straight lines are connected to form a capsule shape. The inner surface of the contact hole 414 is not flat. Therefore, when the inner surface of the contact hole 414 contacts the spring 420, the load force can be evenly distributed, which increases the operational stability when the switch is in use or when an external force is applied. Furthermore, since the curvature of the end zones 4142 is larger than the curvature of the center zone 4141, the spring 420 can slide on the center zone 4141 and correspond to the end zones 4142.

[0021] As shown in Figure 3, the pawl 410 is also provided with a switch groove 415 on the back surface below the contact hole 414. Figure 4 shows that the switch groove 415 is located above the contact hole 414. The lower portion of the switch groove 415 is open. The switch groove 415 includes an opening, an inner groove wall 4153 opposite to the opening, two side surfaces 4152, and two convex curved surfaces 4151 each extending from the two side surfaces 4152 and connected to the back surface of the pawl 410 near the opening. The width of the opening of the switch groove 4153 is larger than the width of the inner wall of the switch groove 4153.

[0022] Figure 7 shows the switch operation of the ratchet wrench 10 of Figure 1. As shown in Figures 2 to 7, the switch 430 is operated by a user. The switch 430 further includes a lever portion 433 and a pin 435, the lever portion 433 extends from a shaft portion 431 and is exposed through the switch hole 240. The pin 435 protrudes axially from the lower portion of the shaft portion 431, and is accommodated in the positioning hole, so that the switch 430 rotates on the positioning hole. Accordingly, the user can rotate the switch 430 by operating the lever portion 433.

[0023] Said switch 430 also includes a protrusion 432 and a lever portion 433. The protrusion 432 extends radially from the shaft portion 431, and the protrusion 432 and the lever portion 433 extend in directions opposite to each other. The protrusion 432 protrudes into the switch groove 415.

[0024] The switch 430 may include a spring retainer pin 437. The spring retainer pin 437 protrudes from the bottom surface of the front hole 436 toward the ratchet gear 300. The circular front hole 436 is provided on the front flat surface of the shaft portion 431. The front hole 436 is disposed above the protrusion 432. The spring retainer pin 437 has a cylindrical shape, and the center of the spring retainer pin 437 is aligned with the center of the front hole 436.

[0025] Said switch 430 further includes a rear hole 434 located on the opposite side of the front hole 436. The switch mechanism 400 further includes an elastic holding member 440 disposed in the rear hole 434. When the switch 430 is in the first position, the elastic holding member 440 protrudes into the first recess 251. When the switch 430 is in the second position, the elastic holding member 440 protrudes into the second recess 252.

[0026] More specifically, the elastic holding member 440 is made of an elastic material such as rubber. The elastic holding member 440 includes a shank portion and a curved portion, which are connected to each other. The shank portion is accommodated in the rear hole 434, and the curved portion is partially exposed from the rear hole 434 to correspond to the first recess 251 or the second recess 252. In other embodiments, the elastic holding member may include a coil spring and a steel ball abutting against the coil spring, or a coil spring and a cylinder for accommodating the coil spring. Furthermore, in other embodiments, the elastic holding member, the first recess, and the second recess may be omitted, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0027] The spring 420 can be formed by winding metal in a spiral shape and providing a space in the coil and axial direction. When the tight coil portion 421 of the spring 420 fits into the front hole 436, the spring retaining pin 437 is inserted into the space provided in the axial direction of the spring 420, and the spring retaining pin 437 supports the spring 420. The tight coil portion 421 is defined as having a first coil near the shaft portion 431, with the number of first coils being two, and there being no gap between the two first coils. The loose coil portion 422 is connected to the tight coil portion 421, with the number of second coils being six, for example. Furthermore, it is defined that the gap between any two first coils is larger than the gap between any two first coils. Therefore, the coils are more densely arranged than the second coils, and the number of first coils is less than the number of second coils. The contact coil portion 423 includes a third coil, and the number of third coils can be two, for example. The gap between any two third coils is defined to be smaller than the gap between any two second coils, but larger than the gap between any two first coils. As the coil diameter of the third coil gradually decreases, the outer contour of the contact coil portion 423 substantially coincides with the curved surface C1, and in particular with the steel ball. Therefore, in this structure, the tight coil portion 421 does not easily deform and fits securely into the front hole 436. On the other hand, the loose coil portion 422 deforms easily, thus promoting the expansion and contraction of the spring 420. The curved contact coil portion 423 slides easily into the contact hole 414 but does not easily deform.

[0028] Furthermore, if the wire diameter of the third coil is less than 0.3 mm, there are two third coils. If the wire diameter of the third coil is between 0.3 mm and 0.35 mm, there are three third coils. If the wire diameter of the third coil is 0.35 mm or more, there are four third coils. Also, let D1 be the diameter of one of the third coils closest to the stopper 410, and D2 be the diameter of one of the first coils, satisfying the condition 0.75 ≤ D1 / D2 ≤ 0.95. From the above relationships, the spring 420 has the excellent property of being flexible and expandable.

[0029] As shown in Figure 7, the stopper 410 is initially located to the left of the radial recess 230, and is pressed by the spring 420 so that the first tooth 411 engages with the ratchet tooth 310. Next, the elastic retaining member 440 protrudes into the first recess 251 so that the switch 430 can be held in the first position. When the ratchet gear 300 is rotated in the first direction, the stopper 410 prevents the ratchet gear 300 from rotating in the second direction. When the user turns the switch near the pin 435, the elastic retaining member 440 deforms and moves away from the first recess 251, and the protruding portion 432 comes into contact with the convex curved surface 4151 of the stopper 410.

[0030] As described above, the stopper 410 is pushed to the right of the radial recess 230, the spring 420 pushes the stopper 410, and the second tooth 412 engages with the ratchet tooth 310. The elastic retaining member 440 protrudes into the second recess 252, so that the switch 430 can be held in the second position. The second tooth 412 engages with the ratchet tooth 310, causing the ratchet gear 300 to rotate in the second direction, and the stopper 410 prevents the ratchet gear 300 from rotating in the first direction.

[0031] This disclosure has provided detailed descriptions with reference to examples, but other examples are also possible. Accordingly, the spirit and scope of the claims in the attached table are not limited to the descriptions of the examples presented herein.

[0032] It will be obvious to a person skilled in the art that modifications and applications of the structures described herein are possible without deviating from the scope and spirit of this disclosure. With this in mind, this disclosure is intended to include such modifications and applications, provided they fall within the scope of the utility model claims.

Claims

1. Handle and, A gearhead connected to one end of the handle, The gearhead body and A ratchet hole provided in the gearhead body, A radial recess communicating with the ratchet hole, A gearhead including a switch hole located near the handle and communicating with a radial recess, A ratchet gear, which includes multiple ratchet teeth, is provided within the ratchet hole. A switch mechanism, A stopper mechanism provided in a radial recess, comprising a stopper body including a front and a back surface, a plurality of first teeth provided in the front half portion of the front surface, a plurality of second teeth provided in the rear half portion of the front surface, and a contact hole provided on the back surface, A switch provided within a switch hole, comprising a shaft portion and a front hole provided on the shaft portion facing a stopper structure, A spring comprising multiple coils arranged in order along the extension of the spring, a tight coil portion, a loose coil portion, and a contact coil portion, wherein the tight coil portion is housed in a front hole, the contact coil portion corresponds to a contact hole, the multiple first coils in the tight coil portion are more closely arranged than the second teeth in the loose coil portion, and the outer contour of the contact coil portion conforms to a substantially curved surface, and a switch mechanism comprising a spring, A ratchet wrench in which, when the switch is operated from the first position to the second position to press the stopper, the aforementioned spring presses the stopper and the second tooth engages with the ratchet teeth.

2. The ratchet wrench according to claim 1, wherein the diameter of multiple coils in the contact coil portion of the third coil is less than 0.3 mm, and the number of third coils is two.

3. The ratchet wrench according to claim 1, wherein the diameter of multiple coils in the contact coil portion of the third coil is 0.3 to 0.35 mm, and the number of third coils is three.

4. The ratchet wrench according to claim 1, wherein the diameter of multiple coils in the contact coil portion of the third coil is 0.35 mm or more, and the number of third coils is four.

5. A ratchet wrench according to claim 1, wherein D1 is the coil closest to the stopper among the third coils in the contact coil portion, D2 is the diameter of one of the coils in the first coil, and the condition 0.75 ≤ D1 / D2 ≤ 0.95 is satisfied.

6. A ratchet wrench according to claim 1, wherein a spring retaining pin protrudes from the bottom of the front hole toward the ratchet gear, and a spring further equipped with a switch is provided, the tight coil portion of the spring is housed in the front hole, and the spring retaining pin is inserted into a space formed in the axial direction of the spring.

7. Handle and, A gearhead connected to one end of the handle, The gearhead body and A ratchet hole provided in the gearhead body, A radial recess connected to a ratchet hole, A gearhead including a switch hole near the handle that is connected to a radial recess, A ratchet gear is installed inside the ratchet hole, A switch mechanism, A stopper structure provided in a radial recess, comprising: a stopper body having a front and a back surface; a plurality of first teeth on the front half portion; a plurality of second teeth on the back half portion; and a contact hole provided on the back surface; A switch that fits inside a switch hole, The shaft part, A switch including a front hole located on the shaft portion and facing the stopper, A switch mechanism including a spring in which multiple coils, distinguished as a tight coil portion, a loose coil portion, and a contact coil portion, are arranged in order along the extension of the spring, The aforementioned tight coil portion fits within the front hole, the contact coil portion corresponds to the contact hole, the number of first coils in the tight coil portion is smaller than the number of second coils in the loose coil portion, and the outer contour of the contact coil portion coincides with a substantially curved surface. A ratchet wrench in which, by operating the aforementioned switch, the stopper is pushed from the first position to the second position, and when the spring pushes the stopper, the second tooth engages with the ratchet teeth.

8. The ratchet wrench according to claim 7, wherein the wire diameter of multiple coils in the contact coil portion of the third coil is less than 0.3 mm, and the number of third coils is two.

9. The ratchet wrench according to claim 7, wherein, among the third coils provided in the contact coil portion, the wire diameter of each of the multiple coils is 0.3 to 0.35 mm, and the number of third coils is three, or four if the wire diameter is 0.35 mm or more.

10. A ratchet wrench according to claim 7, wherein D1 is the diameter of one of the multiple coils closest to the stopper among the third coils in the contact coil portion, D2 is the diameter of one coil in the first coil, and the condition 0.75 ≤ D1 / D2 ≤ 0.95 is satisfied.

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