Electric ratchet wrench

Abstract

To provide an electric ratchet wrench.SOLUTION: An electric ratchet wrench includes a tool head unit 2, a wrench body unit 4, an output unit 3, an electric unit 5, and a control unit 6. The wrench body unit 4 defines a front space 401, an intermediate space 402 and a rear space 403, and each of the spaces includes a support ring 41 including front and rear ring parts 411 and 412 surrounding the intermediate spaces 401 and 402. The electric unit 5 includes an electric motor 51 which is connected to the rear ring part 412 and converts electric energy into kinetic energy, and a transmission sub-unit 52 which is connected to the front ring part 411 and transmits the kinetic energy to a head driving device 31 of the output unit 3. The control unit 6 includes a control module 61 which is connected to the electric motor 51 by signal, and a battery module 65 which is electrically connected to the control unit 6 and provides electric energy.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electric ratchet wrench, and more specifically to an electric ratchet wrench with a built-in battery.

Background Art

[0002] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a conventional electric ratchet wrench disclosed in Cited Document 1 includes a tool head portion 11, a main body 12 connected to the tool head portion 11, an output member 13 attached to the tool head portion 11 and outputting rotational energy, a motor 14 attached to the main body 12 and operable to convert electrical energy into kinetic energy, a battery cell 15 attached to the main body 12 and supplying power to the motor 14, a front cover 16 attached between the tool head portion 11 and the main body 12, a reduction gear set 17 covered by the front cover 16 and transmitting kinetic energy, and a crown portion 18 movably disposed between the tool head portion 11 and the main body 12 and for turning on the motor 14. The main body 12 includes a support pipe 121 surrounding the front cover 16 and the motor 14, and a handle 122 surrounding the support pipe 121 for gripping.

[0003] However, in the conventional electric ratchet wrench 1, since the front cover 16, the reduction gear set 17, and the support pipe 121 are sequentially covered one by one, the overall volume is relatively large and miniaturization is difficult. Also, it is difficult to move the crown portion 18 in the longitudinal direction of the main body 12 to turn on the motor 14.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Therefore, the object of this disclosure is to provide an electric ratchet wrench that can mitigate at least one of the drawbacks of the prior art. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to this disclosure, an electric ratchet wrench includes a tool head unit, a wrench body unit, an output unit, an electric unit, and a control unit. The wrench body unit is detachably connected to the tool head unit, extends along a first axis, and includes a support ring, a sleeve member, and a connecting ring, and defines a front space adjacent to the tool head unit, a rear space located opposite the front space along the first axis, and an intermediate space positioned between the front space and the rear space and spatially communicating with the front space and the rear space. The support ring includes a front ring portion that surrounds the front space and is connected to the tool head unit, and a rear ring portion located opposite the front ring portion along the first axis and surrounding the intermediate space. The sleeve member surrounds a portion of the support ring and the rear space. The connecting ring screws onto the tool head unit and the front ring portion of the support ring so that the wrench body unit is connected to the tool head unit and is detachable from the tool head unit along the axis. The output unit includes a head drive device attached to the tool head unit, which extends along a second axis intersecting the first axis and is configured to rotate in a selected direction and output rotational energy. The electric unit includes an electric motor mounted in the intermediate space and connected to the rear ring portion, which converts electrical energy into kinetic energy, and a transmission subunit mounted in the front space and connected to the front ring portion, which is configured to send the kinetic energy to the head drive device. The control unit includes a control module mounted on the wrench body unit and signal-connected to the electric motor, and a battery module located in the rear space, electrically connected to the control module, and configured to supply electrical energy. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] Other features and advantages of this disclosure will become apparent by referring to the accompanying drawings and describing the details of the embodiments below. Note that various features may not be depicted to exact scale. [Figure 1] This is a partially exploded perspective view of a conventional electric ratchet wrench disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2022 / 0266439. [Figure 2] This is a schematic front view of a conventional electric ratchet wrench. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view of an embodiment of an electric ratchet wrench according to the present disclosure. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view of the above embodiment showing the electric ratchet wrench with the trigger in its normal position. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view showing a part of the above embodiment disassembled. [Figure 6] This is an exploded perspective view of the transmission subunit and support ring of the above embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a cross-sectional view along line VII-VII in Figure 4. [Figure 8] This diagram is similar to Figure 4, but it shows the trigger at the pressing position. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] Before describing this disclosure in more detail, please note that, where appropriate, reference numerals or the end portion of reference numerals are repeated between figures to indicate corresponding or similar elements, and these may optionally have similar characteristics.

[0009] In this specification, for the sake of clarity, terms such as “top,” “bottom,” “up,” “down,” “above,” “above,” “above,” “below,” and “upward” may be used throughout the disclosure, with reference to features shown in the drawings. Features may be in different orientations (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative terms used herein may be interpreted accordingly.

[0010] Referring to Figures 3, 4, and 5, the embodiment of the electric ratchet wrench of the present disclosure includes a tool head unit 2, an output unit 3, a wrench body unit 4, an electric unit 5, and a control unit 6.

[0011] In this embodiment, the tool head unit 2 includes an H-shaped portion 21 and a neck portion 22 connected to the H-shaped portion 21 and extending along a first axis.

[0012] The output unit 3 includes a head drive device 31 and a yoke 32.

[0013] The head drive unit 31 is attached to the H-shaped portion 21 of the tool head unit 2, extends along a second axis intersecting the first axis, is configured to rotate in a selected direction, and outputs rotational energy. In this embodiment, the second axis is substantially perpendicular to the first axis.

[0014] The yoke 32 includes an annular toothed portion 321 surrounding the head drive device 31 and an operating portion 322 extending into the neck portion 22.

[0015] Output unit 3 is well known in the related art and is not a distinctive feature of this disclosure; therefore, for the sake of brevity, further details are omitted in the following description.

[0016] The wrench body unit 4 extends along the first axis and is detachably connected to the neck 22 of the tool head unit 2. The wrench body unit 4 includes a support ring 41 that surrounds the first axis and defines a front space 401 and an intermediate space 402, a sleeve member 42 that surrounds a part of the support ring 41 and defines a rear space 403, and a connecting ring 43 that is connected to the support ring 41 and is located along the first axis opposite to the sleeve member 42. The front space 401, the intermediate space 402, and the rear space 403 are arranged in order along the first axis. The intermediate space 402 is spatially connected to the front space 401 and the rear space 403.

[0017] The support ring 41 includes a front ring portion 411 surrounding the front space 401 and a rear ring portion 412 located opposite to the front ring portion 411 along the first axis and surrounding the intermediate space 402. The front ring portion 411 has a plurality of grooves 413 formed on its inner surface and extending from its edge toward the rear ring portion 412. The rear ring portion 412 has a plurality of slots 414 formed through its outer surface and inner surface.

[0018] Referring to FIGS. 4, 5 and 7, in this embodiment, the sleeve member 42 is composed of two halves 421 engaged with each other, and includes a plurality of protrusions 422 formed on its inner surface and each engaging with a plurality of slots 414 of the rear ring portion 412. The number of the protrusions 422 is the same as the number of the slots 414, which is four in this embodiment. The connection strength between the sleeve member 42 and the support ring 41 is increased by the connection between the protrusions 422 and the slots 414. The sleeve member 42 has two storage portion defining walls 424 extending from its outer surface toward the support ring 41 in a direction substantially parallel to the second axis to define a storage portion 423, and two guide grooves 425 respectively formed on the two storage portion defining walls 424.

[0019] The connection ring 43 is screwed with the front ring portion 411 of the support ring 41 and the neck portion 22 of the tool head unit 2 so that the wrench body unit 4 is connected to the tool head unit 2 and is detachable from the tool head unit 2 along the axis.

[0020] Referring to FIGS. 4 to 6, the electric unit 5 includes an electric motor 51 and a transmission sub-unit 52.

[0021] The electric motor 51 is mounted in the intermediate space 402 and connected to the rear ring portion 412 of the support ring 41. The electric motor 51 is capable of operating to convert electrical energy into kinetic energy and includes a spindle 511 that extends into the forward space 401 and is rotatable about the first axis, and a transmission gear 512 that fits over the spindle 511 and is rotatably connected to the spindle 511.

[0022] The transmission subunit 52 is mounted in the forward space 401 and connected to the front ring portion 411. The transmission subunit 52 is configured to transmit kinetic energy from the electric motor 51 to the head drive unit 31. In this embodiment, the transmission subunit 52 includes an internal gear ring 521 engaged with the front ring portion 411, a plurality of planetary gears 522 that mesh with the internal gear ring 521 and engage with a transmission gear 512 so as to be connected to the spindle 511 so as to be able to rotate with the spindle 511, and a gear plate 523 connected to the plurality of planetary gears 522 and the yoke 32. The internal gear ring 521 includes a plurality of ribs 524 formed on its outer surface and engaged with a plurality of grooves 413. In this embodiment, the plurality of grooves 413 are spaced at equal angles to each other, and the plurality of ribs 524 are each complementary in shape to the grooves 413 and aligned with the grooves 413. Furthermore, the number of ribs 524 is the same as the number of grooves 413, which in this embodiment is four. The gear plate 523 meshes with the planetary gear 522 and is driven by the planetary gear 522 to rotate the yoke 32 and send kinetic energy to the head drive device 31.

[0023] The control unit 6 is attached to the wrench body unit 4 and includes a control module 61, a sensor 62, a first light-emitting element 63, four second light-emitting elements 64, a battery module 65, a display member 66, a trigger 67, and an elastic element 68.

[0024] The control module 61 is located in part of the intermediate space 402 and the rear space 403, and is signal-connected to the electric motor 51.

[0025] Sensor 62 is electrically connected to control module 61 and can operate to output a sensing signal to control module 61 when pressed by trigger 67. Trigger 67 is connected to sleeve member 42 and is located in storage compartment 423 defined by two storage compartment defining walls 424, and can operate to turn on electric motor 51.

[0026] The first light-emitting element 63 is attached to the sleeve member 42 and is electrically connected to the control module 61. In this embodiment, the first light-emitting element 63 is positioned between the neck 22 of the tool head unit 2 and the trigger 67 and is configured to emit a ray substantially oriented toward the second axis. The ray emitted from the first light-emitting element 63 and the first axis define a first bounding angle (θ1), which is in the range of 40 to 50 degrees. In this embodiment, the first bounding angle (θ1) is 45 degrees.

[0027] Each second light-emitting element 64 is electrically connected to the control module 61 and is arranged in a direction parallel to the first axis.

[0028] The battery module 65 is located in the rear space 403, is electrically connected to the control module 61, and is configured to supply electrical energy. In this embodiment, the battery module 65 includes a battery 651 that supplies electrical energy to the electric motor 51, the control module 61, the sensor 62, the first light-emitting element 63, and each of the second light-emitting elements 64. The battery 651 is a rechargeable lithium battery that stores electrical energy, but is not limited to this disclosure.

[0029] Referring to Figures 4, 5, 7, and 8, the display member 66 is attached to the sleeve member 42 of the wrench body unit 4 to indicate the remaining power of the battery module 65. The display member 66 includes four windows 661 aligned in a direction parallel to the first axis, and four light guide strips 662, each positioned between one of the second light-emitting elements 64 and one of the windows 661, to guide the light rays emitted by one of the second light-emitting elements 64 to one of the windows 661.

[0030] The trigger 67 is connected to the sleeve member 42 so as to be pivotable and is movably positioned in the housing 423. Specifically, the trigger 67 includes two flange portions 671 formed on opposite sides thereof, each of which is received in a guide groove 425, and a trigger portion 672 that extends toward the sensor 62 in a direction substantially parallel to the second axis and is movable relative to the sensor 62. The trigger 67 can pivot relative to the sleeve member 42 between a pressed position (see Figure 8) and a normal position (see Figure 4). When the trigger 67 is in the pressed position, the trigger portion 672 of the trigger 67 is pressing the sensor 62. When the trigger 67 is in the normal position, the trigger portion 672 of the trigger 67 is spaced apart from the sensor 62 and the second angle (θ2) defined by the trigger 67 together with the first axis is in the range of 2 to 5 degrees. In this embodiment, the second angle (θ2) is 3 degrees.

[0031] The elastic element 68 is mounted between the sleeve member 42 and the trigger 67, and provides a force that biases the trigger 67 toward its normal position, away from the sensor 62.

[0032] The control module 61 is configured to turn on the electric motor 51 and the first light-emitting element 63 when it receives a sensing signal from the sensor 62, and to turn off the electric motor 51 if it does not receive a sensing signal when the sensor 62 is not pressed by the trigger unit 672, and to turn off the first light-emitting element 63 after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the electric motor 51 was turned off. In this embodiment, the predetermined period is 10 seconds, but is not limited to this.

[0033] The control module 61 is further configured to turn on the second light-emitting elements 64 based on the remaining power of the battery module 65. The number of each second light-emitting element 64 that is turned on is positively correlated with the remaining power of the battery module 65. For example, the percentage of remaining power in the battery module 65 could be an arithmetic progression of 25, 50, 75, and 100. When the percentage of remaining power in the battery module 65 is 100%, the control module 61 turns on four second light-emitting elements 64. In this way, the light rays emitted by each second light-emitting element 64 travel along each of the light guide strips 662 to each of the four windows 661 so that the light is emitted out of the four windows 661. Similarly, when the percentage of remaining power in the battery module 65 is 75%, the control module 61 turns on three second light-emitting elements 64. When the remaining power of the battery module 65 is at 50%, the control module 61 turns on two second light-emitting elements 64. When the remaining power of the battery module 65 is at 25%, the control module 61 turns on one second light-emitting element 64. When the remaining power of the battery module 65 is at 0%, the control module 61 does not turn on any second light-emitting elements 64, so the four second light-emitting elements 64 do not emit light.

[0034] When the user grips the wrench body unit 4 and presses the trigger 67 to move the trigger 67 to the pressed position, the trigger unit 672 presses the sensor 62, causing the sensor 62 to output a sensing signal to the control module 61. In this way, when the control module 61 receives the sensing signal, it turns on the electric motor 51 and the first light-emitting element 63.

[0035] In this case, the light emitted by the first light-emitting element 63 is substantially directed toward the second axis, thereby illuminating bolts and nuts (not shown) located below the head drive device 31 and driven by the head drive device 31, as they enter the light-emitting range of the first light-emitting element 63.

[0036] The kinetic energy from the electric motor 51 is transmitted by the transmission subunit 52 to drive the actuation part 322 of the yoke 32, causing it to pivot, and also to drive the head drive device 31 via the annular tooth portion 321, causing it to rotate around the second axis, thereby enabling the electric ratchet wrench to tighten or loosen bolts and nuts (not shown).

[0037] When the user releases the trigger 67 and the elastic element 68 returns the trigger 67 to its normal position, the sensor 62 stops outputting a sensing signal to the control module 61, so the electric motor 51 is immediately turned off, and the first light-emitting element 63 is turned off after a predetermined period, for example 10 seconds, has elapsed since the electric motor 51 was turned off.

[0038] In conclusion, the advantages of the above embodiment are as follows:

[0039] Firstly, the support ring 41 provides relatively high structural strength to the electric ratchet wrench, offers a relatively smooth appearance without steps, and the overall volume of the electric ratchet wrench is relatively compact.

[0040] Secondly, the electric motor 51 can be activated by simply pressing the trigger 67 with the fingers holding the wrench body unit 4, which is very convenient and easy to use.

[0041] Thirdly, the first light-emitting element 63 illuminates the parts driven by the electric ratchet wrench, which is useful for the use of the electric ratchet wrench.

[0042] In the above, many specific details have been provided to facilitate a full understanding of the embodiments for illustrative purposes. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that one or more other embodiments can be implemented without specific details. Furthermore, in descriptions of "one embodiment" or "one example" in this specification, it should be understood that all descriptions accompanied by ordinal numbers or other designations may be included in specific implementations of the invention having a particular aspect, structure, or feature. Moreover, in this description, multiple variations are sometimes incorporated into a single embodiment, drawing, or description thereof, for the purpose of streamlining this description and to illustrate the multifaceted nature of this disclosure. Additionally, one or more features or specific examples in one embodiment may, where appropriate, be implemented in conjunction with one or more features or specific examples in other embodiments of this disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0043] 2 Tool Head Units 21 H-shaped part 22 Neck 3 Output Units 31 Head drive device 32 York 321 Circumferential tooth region 322 Operating part 4. Wrench body unit 401 Front space 402 Intermediate space 403 Rear space 41 Support ring 411 Front ring section 412 Rear ring section 413 Groove 414 slots 42 Sleeve component 421 Half body 422 Protrusion 423 Storage compartment 424 Storage area defined wall 425 Guide groove 43 connecting rings 5 Electric Unit 51 Electric motor 511 Spindle 512 Transmission gears 52 Transmission Subunit 521 Internal gear ring 522 Planetary gear 523 Gear Plate 524 Rib 6. Control Unit 61 Control Module 62 sensors 63 First light-emitting element 64 Second light-emitting element 65 Battery Modules 651 Battery 66 Display component 661 Window 662 Light guide strip 67 Trigger 671 Flange section 672 Trigger section 68 Elastic elements θ1 First included angle θ2 Second included angle

Claims

1. It includes a tool head unit, a wrench body unit, an output unit, an electric unit, and a control unit. The wrench body unit extends along a first axis and is detachably connected to the tool head unit, and includes a support ring, a sleeve member, and a connecting ring integrally formed, defining a front space adjacent to the tool head unit, a rear space located opposite the front space along the first axis, and an intermediate space positioned between the front space and the rear space and spatially communicating with the front space and the rear space. The support ring comprises a front ring portion that surrounds the front space and is connected to the tool head unit, It includes a rear ring portion located opposite to the front ring portion along the first axis and surrounding the entire intermediate space, The sleeve member surrounds a part of the support ring and the rear space. The connecting ring is screwed with the tool head unit and the front ring portion of the support ring so that the wrench body unit is connected to the tool head unit and can be attached to and detached from the tool head unit along the axis. The output unit includes a head drive device attached to the tool head unit, extends along a second axis intersecting the first axis, and is configured to rotate in a selected direction and output rotational energy. The electric unit is mounted in the intermediate space, connected to the rear ring portion, and includes an electric motor capable of operating to convert electrical energy into kinetic energy. It includes a transmission subunit that is mounted in the forward space, connected to the front ring portion, and configured to send the kinetic energy to the head drive device, The control unit is attached to the wrench body unit, and A control module that is signal-connected to the aforementioned electric motor, An electric ratchet wrench comprising a battery module located in the rear space, electrically connected to the control module, and configured to supply electrical energy.

2. The rear ring portion has a plurality of slots formed through the outer and inner surfaces of the rear ring portion, The electric ratchet wrench according to claim 1, wherein the sleeve member includes a plurality of projections formed on its inner surface, each of which engages with the plurality of slots.

3. The electric motor includes a spindle that extends into the forward space and is rotatable about the first axis, The aforementioned transmission subunit is, The internal gear ring that engages with the aforementioned front ring portion, Multiple planetary gears connected to the spindle so as to rotate together with the spindle and meshing with the internal gear ring, The electric ratchet wrench according to claim 1, further comprising: a gear plate that meshes with the plurality of planetary gears, rotates when driven by the plurality of planetary gears, and transmits kinetic energy to the head drive device.

4. The front ring portion of the support ring has a plurality of grooves formed on its inner surface and extending from its edge toward the rear ring portion. The electric ratchet wrench according to claim 3, wherein the internal gear ring includes a plurality of ribs formed on its outer surface and each engaging with the plurality of grooves.

5. The aforementioned sleeve member is Two storage section defining walls extend from its outer surface toward the support ring in a direction substantially parallel to the second axis, defining the storage section, It has two guide grooves formed in the defining walls of the two storage compartments, The control unit is connected to the sleeve member, is located in the housing, can operate to turn on the electric motor, and further includes a trigger comprising two flange portions. The electric ratchet wrench according to claim 3, wherein the two flange portions are formed on opposite sides of the trigger, each is received in the two guide grooves, and can move in a direction parallel to the second axis relative to the two guide grooves.

6. The control unit further includes a sensor electrically connected to the control module, The trigger further includes a trigger portion that extends toward the sensor in a direction substantially parallel to the second axis and is movable relative to the sensor, The electric ratchet wrench according to claim 5, wherein the control module is configured to turn on the electric motor when it receives a sensing signal from the sensor when the sensor is pressed on the trigger portion.

7. The trigger is pivotably connected to the sleeve member and can pivot relative to the sleeve member between a pressed position and a normal position. The pressing position is the position where the trigger portion of the trigger is pressing the sensor. The electric ratchet wrench according to claim 6, wherein the normal position is a position in which the trigger portion is spaced apart from the sensor and the angle defined by the trigger together with the first axis is in the range of 2 to 5 degrees.

8. The electric ratchet wrench according to claim 6, wherein the control unit further includes a light-emitting element, the light-emitting element being attached to the sleeve member, electrically connected to the control module, positioned between the tool head unit and the trigger, and configured to emit a ray of light substantially toward the second axis.

9. The electric ratchet wrench according to claim 8, wherein the angle defined by the light ray emitted by the light-emitting element and the first axis is in the range of 40 to 50 degrees.

10. When the control module receives the sensing signal, it turns on the light-emitting element. When the sensor is not pressed on the trigger and no sensing signal is received from the sensor, the electric motor is turned off. The electric ratchet wrench according to claim 8, further configured to turn off the light-emitting element after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the electric motor was turned off.

11. The electric ratchet wrench according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit further includes a display member attached to the wrench body unit for indicating the remaining power of the battery module.

12. The control unit further includes a plurality of light-emitting elements that are electrically connected to the control module and arranged in a direction parallel to the first axis, The display member is Multiple windows arranged in a direction parallel to the first axis and that transmit light, The system includes a plurality of light guide strips, each positioned between one of the light-emitting elements and one of the windows, in order to guide the light rays emitted by one of the light-emitting elements to one of the windows, The electric ratchet wrench according to claim 11, wherein the control unit is configured to turn on the light-emitting elements based on the remaining power of the battery module, and the number of light-emitting elements that are turned on is positively correlated with the remaining power of the battery module.

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