TW201311401A - Wrench ratchet mechanisms and wrenches - Google Patents

Abstract

A wrench ratchet mechanism includes a driven member (34), a housing (16) defining a chamber (18) in which the driven member is at least partially received, a plurality of drive transmitting members (46) disposed in respective recesses (44) between the driven member and housing to transmit a drive force between the housing and driven member and a force applying member extending at least partially around the driven member. The force applying member is movable in a circumferential direction thereof to apply a circumferentially directed force to the drive transmitting members to move the drive transmitting members in the recesses from a non-drive transmitting position towards a drive transmitting position.

Description

Wrench ratchet mechanism and wrench

The invention relates to a wrench ratchet mechanism and a wrench (commonly referred to as a spanner in the United Kingdom).

Known ratchet wrenches may include a wrench head that houses a driven member. The driven member may be provided with a hole, and the shape of the hole becomes an object to be driven. For example, the hole may be a hexagonal hole that is sized to receive a fastener head/nut of a particular size. Alternatively, the driven member may include a spigot protruding from the wrench head that allows the wrench head to be coupled to a drive socket.

The driven member may have a circumferentially extending surface provided with a series of teeth and a pawl that is fixed to the wrench head and engageable with the teeth. The engagement between the pawl and the tooth is such that if the wrench head is rotated in one direction, the rotation of the wrench head is transmitted to the driven member, and if rotated in the opposite direction, the pawl slips past the driven The tooth on the component. By this means, the wrench can apply torque to the object by rotating the wrench head in one direction, and the wrench handle can be repositioned relative to the object by rotating the wrench head in the opposite direction. This type of wrench can be provided with a pair of detents that can be selectively engaged with the driven member by a switch. The torque application of the wrench and the direction in which the handle is repositioned can be reversed by the operation of the switching member.

The present invention provides a wrench ratchet mechanism including a driven member, a housing defining a chamber in which the driven member is at least partially received, and a respective recess disposed between the driven member and the housing a plurality of drive transmission members that transmit a driving force between the housing and the driven member, and a force applying member that extends at least partially around the driven member and is movable in a circumferential direction thereof to drive the drive The transmitting member applies a force directed to the circumference to move the drive transmitting member within the recess from the non-drive transfer position toward the drive transfer position.

The present invention also provides a wrench ratchet mechanism including a driven member, a housing defining a chamber in which the driven member is at least partially received, and a respective portion disposed between the driven member and the housing a plurality of drive transmitting members and a force applying member that transmit a driving force between the housing and the driven member, at least partially extending around the driven member, and movable to apply a force to the drive transmitting member And moving the drive transmission member from the non-drive transmission position toward the drive transmission position within the recess, the force application member engaging the housing and the driven member to fasten the driven member to the housing.

The present invention also provides a wrench ratchet mechanism including a driven member; a housing defining a chamber, the driven member being at least partially received within the chamber; at least one drive transmitting member disposed at the slave a recess between the movable member and the housing, and movable to transmit a driving force between the housing and the driven member; and a split ring that fastens the driven member Within the chamber, the driven member has an axis of rotation, the housing has a height parallel to the axis of rotation, and the split ring is disposed within an intermediate range of 50% of the height centered at the intermediate height.

The present invention also provides a secondary assembly for a wrench ratchet mechanism including a driven member for outputting torque from the wrench ratchet mechanism; a plurality of wedge members; and a split ring force applying member, the wedge member being at least Partially received within respective recesses defined by the driven member, and the force applying member extends around the driven member and the wedging member to secure the wedging member to the driven member and is rotatable The driven member moves to move the wedging element from the non-drive transfer position to the drive transfer position within the recess.

In order that the present invention may be fully understood, some embodiments of the present invention, which are given by way of example only, are described herein.

Referring to Figure 1, the wrench 10 includes a lever arm portion 12, and the lever arm portion 12 is provided with respective wrench heads 14 and 16 at its both ends. The wrench heads 14 and 16 are integrally formed with the wrench arm portion 12. In the illustrated example, the wrench head 14 is of the open end type that will be familiar to those skilled in the art, and the wrench head 16 is a ratchet wrench head that includes the ratchet mechanism shown in Figures 2 and 3. . It should be understood that the configuration shown is purely an example and that there are many variations. For example, the wrench head 14 can be omitted such that the wrench has only one wrench head, or the wrench head 14 can be replaced by a loop wrench head or replaced by a ratchet wrench head such that the wrench has two ratchet wrench heads unit.

Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the wrench head 16 is an annular body having an axially extending through bore defining a chamber 18. The chamber 18 has a circumferentially extending wall portion that faces the radially inner side of the wrench head 16 and is provided with a plurality of teeth 20 . The teeth 20 are disposed in a side by side relationship and extend parallel to the axis of the chamber 18. In the illustrated example, the teeth 20 are disposed about the entire circumference of the chamber 18. At the respective ends of the chamber 18, there are grooves 22 and 24 extending circumferentially (only one of which can be seen in Fig. 2). The toothing 20 extends from one groove 22 through at least substantially the entire axial length of the chamber 18 to the other groove 24. The outer periphery of each of the sealing elements 26 and 28 is received in the grooves 22 and 24. The sealing elements 26 and 28 can be plastic ring members that are snap-fit into the grooves 22 and 24 to prevent dust and the like from entering.

The additional groove 30 is provided to the chamber wall portion by the tooth portion 20. The groove 30 extends around the entire circumference of the chamber 18. Although not necessary, in the illustrated example, the grooves 30 are located substantially midway between opposite ends of the chamber 18. That is, the groove 30 is disposed substantially midway between the two annular end faces 32 of the wrench head.

Referring to Figures 2 through 4, the driven member 34 is at least partially received within the chamber 18. The driven member 34 includes a generally annular body having axially extending through holes 36. The through hole 36 has a polygonal cross section and is at least partially defined by a plurality of flat surfaces 38. Although not necessary, the corners of the through holes 36 may be defined by respective curved portions 40 that separate adjacent flat surfaces 38. The polygonal through hole 36 is sized to receive a nut/fastener head of a particular size such that the wrench can be used to apply torque to the nut/fastener head. In the illustrated example, the through hole 36 has six sides such that the through hole can act on the hex nut/fastener head. However, this is not necessary. The through holes can have any number of sides, such as four, six, or twelve, and the configuration of the surface can take any desired form suitable for the purpose in which the wrench is designed. The follower member 34 also does not necessarily have a through hole to receive the nut/fastener head. Instead, the driven member 34 can be provided with a plug that can be used to connect the driven member to a drive socket or the like.

The driven member 34 has a side wall 42 that extends circumferentially. A plurality of recesses 44 are provided in the side walls 42 to accommodate respective drive transmission members in the form of wedge elements 46. In the example shown, there are six recesses 44 and wedging elements 46. However, this should not be considered limiting as the number of recesses/wedge elements can be varied as desired. As best seen in Figure 2, each of the wedging elements 46 is provided with a centrally disposed groove 48 extending in width. The side wall 42 is provided with a circumferentially extending groove 50 extending between the recesses 44. The grooves 48 and 50 are configured such that when the wedging element 46 is positioned within the recess 44, the grooves are aligned in the circumferential direction of the driven element 34. The wedging element 46 is retained on the driven member 34 by a split ring force applying member 52 that is partially received within the grooves 48 and 50.

The force applying member 52 is made of an elastic material such as spring steel. By moving the free end of the force applying member 52 apart, the inner diameter of the force applying member can be sufficiently increased to allow it to be fitted over one end of the driven member 34 and to slide in the axial direction of the driven member. The driven member and the wedge member 46 are passed through. The release of the end of the force applying member 52 allows it to spring back to an unstressed condition when placed relative to the grooves 48 and 50, wherein portions of the inner periphery of the split ring are received in the grooves 48 and 50. Inside. Therefore, in the radial direction of the driven member 34, the wedging member 46 is confined between the driven member and the force applying member 52, and the movement of the wedging member in the axial direction of the driven member is restricted, and only The extent to which the axial clearance provided between the force applying member and the respective sets of grooves 48 and 50 is tolerable. In this manner, the force applying member 52 acts to secure the wedging element 46 to the driven member 34 to form a sub-assembly that can be inserted into the chamber 18 as a unit.

The force applying member 52 is provided with a respective engaging member 54 to engage the wedging member 46 when the force applying member is moved in its circumferential direction to apply a circumferentially directed force to the wedging member. The engagement member 54 extends radially inward of the split ring and, in the example shown, takes the form of a short, generally rectangular projection. As shown in Figures 4 through 7, when the force applying member 52 is assembled on the driven member 34, the engaging member 54 projects into the recess 44 within which the respective wedging members 46 are received.

The secondary assembly shown in Figure 4 can be assembled into the chamber 18 by the compressive force applying member 52 to reduce its effective outer diameter at least about a portion of its circumference. This allowable secondary assembly is pushed into the chamber 18 after the force applying member 52 is supported against the tooth portion 20 and compressed by the tooth portion 20. Once inserted into the chamber 18, the secondary total achievement can be axially slid within the chamber to a position where the force applying member 52 is placed relative to the groove 30. At this time, the force applying member 52 can spring back to the case where the outer periphery thereof is received in the groove 30. As can be seen in Figure 3, the secondary assembly is thus secured within the chamber 18 by engagement of the force applying member 52 within the groove.

The force applying member 52, the grooves 48 and 50 of the wedge member 46 and the driven member 34, and the groove 30 of the wrench head 16 are sized such that when in the assembled condition shown in Figure 3, the force applying member The outer periphery is firmly pressed against the radially facing wall or rear wall portion 56 of the groove 30 in the wrench head 16. The force applying member 52 is compressed by engagement with the wall portion 56 such that the force applying member 52 and the wall portion are elastically engaged with a sufficient force to allow the rotation of the wrench head 16 to be transmitted to the force applying member, so that the force The application member rotates with the wrench head. However, between the force-applying member 52 and the radially facing wall or rear wall portion 58 of the groove 48 of the wedging element 46 or the radially facing wall or rear wall portion of the groove 50 of the driven member There is no contact. Therefore, the circumferential movement of the force applying member 52 is completely transmitted to the wedge member by the engagement of the engaging member 54 with the wedging member.

As best seen in Figures 5 to 7, the wedging element 46 has a push-out cross-section defined by a convex major surface provided with teeth 60 and a concave major surface 62 that is generally oppositely disposed. In the width direction, both major surfaces are curved. The curvature of the major surface is such that the cross-section of the wedging element 46 is pushed up between the wider trailing end portion 64 and the narrower leading end portion 66.

The recess 44 has a generally U-shaped cross section and is defined by two generally radially extending side walls 68 and 70 and a generally radially facing connecting wall portion 72, wherein the connecting wall portion 72 is tied to the driven member 34. The circumferential direction extends and connects the two side walls 68 and 70. The wedging element 46 is received within the recess 44 below its main surface 62 supported against the connecting wall portion 72 pointing in the opposite direction. As can be seen in Figures 5 to 7, the side wall 68 is larger in the radial extent than the side wall 70 such that in the circumferential direction of the wrench head 16, the recess 44 has a varying depth to provide a deeper adjacent to the side wall 68. The end region and the shallower end region adjacent to the sidewall 70. Thus, in cross section, the recess 44 narrows from a wider (darker) end adjacent the side wall 68 to a narrower (lighter) end adjacent the side wall 70. The wedging element 46 is disposed within the recess 44 such that its trailing end portion 64 faces the wider end of the recess and its front end portion 66 faces the narrower end.

The width of the recess 44 (i.e., the distance between the side walls 68 and 70) is greater than the width of the wedging member 46 such that the wedging member is movable back and forth within the recess in the circumferential direction of the driven member 34. The engagement member 54 of the force applying member 52 can engage the trailing end portion 64 of the wedge member to apply a force directed toward the circumference to move the wedge member toward the drive transfer position at the narrower end of the recess 44. The curvature of the connecting wall portion 72 is such that as the wedging member 46 moves from the wider end portion of the recess toward the narrower end portion of the recess portion 44, the radial component of the movement is added to the circumference caused by the force applying member 52. mobile. As can be seen in Figures 5 to 7, the radial component of the movement causes the wedging element 46 to move towards the outside of the driven member 34. Thus, in Figure 4, it can be seen that the wedging element 46 is disposed at least substantially entirely within its recess in Figure 5, while it protrudes from the recess in Figures 6 and 7. In particular, the toothing 60 on the wedging element 46 is moved into engagement with the toothing 20 on the wrench head. The connecting wall portion 72 acts as a cam to move the wedge member 46 from the wedge member 46 away from the wrench head (Fig. 5) to the tooth portion 60 on the wedge member 46 and the tooth portion 20 on the wrench head. The position of the joint (Figure 7).

The tooth portion 20 on the wrench head 16 and the tooth portion 60 on the wedge member 46 have a generally sinusoidal profile, and the curvature of the surface of the connecting wall portion 72 and the wedge member on which the tooth portion is disposed is Thus, as the wedging elements move toward their drive transfer positions at the narrower ends of the respective recesses 44, all of the teeth on the wedging elements engage substantially simultaneously with the teeth on the wrench head.

The operation of the wrench head 16 to apply a torque directed in a clockwise direction to a nut/fastener head (not shown) received within the through hole 36 is described below with reference to FIGS. 5 through 7. Although only one of the wedging elements 46 is shown in Figures 5 through 7, it should be understood that each of the other wedging elements will also undergo substantially the same movement due to the action of the force applying member 52.

Figure 5 shows the neutral position of the wedge member 46 in the wrench head 16 where it cannot transmit torque. The counterclockwise or counterclockwise force applied to the wrench head 16 (via the lever arm portion 12) causes the wrench head 16 and the force applying member 52 to move circumferentially relative to the driven member 34 that does not move with both. If the user applies a clockwise rotational force (torque) to the lever arm portion 12, the wrench head portion 16 will rotate clockwise, and due to the outer circumference of the force applying member 52 and the facing surface of the groove 30 in the wrench head portion To the friction between the wall portions 56, the force applying member 52 rotates together with the wrench head. As previously mentioned, there is no contact between the inner periphery of the force applying member 52 and the radially facing wall portions of the follower members 34 and the grooves 48 and 50 of the wedging member 46, such that the wrench head and force are applied The movement of the component is not immediately transmitted to the driven member.

As the force applying member 52 moves clockwise, the engaging member 54 is pressed against the trailing end portion 64 of the wedging member 46, thereby transmitting the circumferential movement of the force applying member to the wedging member. Referring to Figure 6, it can be seen that the wedging element 46 has moved in a clockwise direction with the force applying member 52 and the wrench head 16 and is in a near midway position between the ends of the recess 44. Due to the cam action provided by the curvature of the connecting wall portion 72, the movement of the wedging element 46 contains a radial component, and thus the wedging element has moved towards the toothing 20 on the wrench head. At this stage, the wedging element 46 has not yet engaged with the wrench head and thus has not yet been strongly transferred to the driven member 34.

Referring to Figure 7, continued clockwise rotation of the wrench head 16 has brought the wedging element 46 to the drive transfer position at the narrower end of the recess 44. In this position, the wedging element is wedged between the wrench head 16 and the driven member 34, and the toothing 20 on the wrench head is fully engaged with the toothing 60 on the wedging element. Due to the wedging of the wedging element, continued clockwise rotation of the wrench head 16 causes clockwise torque to be applied to the driven member 34 via the wedging element. If the resistance from the nut/fastener is high and the user must apply considerable force to the wrench 10, there will be no slippage within the ratchet mechanism as the wedging element 46 will tend to be driven to the wrench head And the driven member has a more stable joint.

If the user has to reposition the lever arm 12 before applying a further clockwise torque to the nut/fastener, the user applies a counterclockwise rotational force to the lever arm. This causes the wrench head 16 and the force applying member to rotate counterclockwise. Due to the engagement of the toothing 20 on the wrench head with the toothing 60 on the wedging element, the wedging element will move with the wrench head and the force applying member and thus be pulled away from its narrower end at the recess The drive transmission position at the department. As the wedging element 46 moves counterclockwise, the wedging element tends to follow the connecting wall portion 72 and retreat from the wrench head 16 into the recess 44. This brings the wedge element 46 to a position where the tooth 60 is no longer engaged with the wrench head 16 such that the wrench head can move independently of the driven member 34. Thus, the lever arm portion 12 can be repositioned without affecting the position of the driven member and the nut/fastener head engaged with the driven member.

If the user wants to use the wrench head 16 to apply a counterclockwise torque to the nut/fastener head, the user simply flips the wrench head 16 180 degrees so that the front end 66 of the wedge element 46 points backwards Hour direction.

Referring to Figure 8, in one example, the curvature of the connecting wall portion 72 is determined by a fixed radius R, wherein the fixed radius R is at least substantially equal to the toothed wall from the axial center C of the driven member 34 to the chamber 18. The radius of the part. The center of the radius R is offset from the center C by a distance sufficient to provide the recess 44 with a depth sufficient to allow the wedge element 46 to move out of engagement with the tooth 20.

As shown in FIG. 8, the recess 44 is disposed in the driven member 34 to be generally opposite the flat surface 38 and away from the curved portion 40. Therefore, the recess 44 is provided at a thicker section of the driven member 34 than if the recess is provided opposite to the curved portion 40. This means that the diameter of the driven member 34 can be maintained at a minimum value, and the overall size of the wrench head 16 can be maintained to a small size.

Figure 9 is a plan view of a modified force applying member 52' that can be used with the wrench head 16 in place of the force applying member 52. The force applying member 52' includes a split ring member that is provided with a radially projecting engagement member 54' to engage the trailing end portion 64' of the wedge member 46'. The modified force applying member 52' additionally includes a respective engagement member 74' to engage the forward end portion 66' of the wedge member. The modified force applying member 52' acts in the same manner as the force applying member 52 except that when the wrench head 16 is rotated counterclockwise (as viewed in Figures 5-7), the engagement member 74' engages the wedging element The front end portion 66' of the 46' provides a positive circumferential force to the wedging element to force the wedging element from its drive transfer position to its non-drive transfer position. Thus, the force applying member 52' can transmit a positive circumferential force to the wedging member 46' in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions such that the wedging member 46' is between its drive transfer position and non-drive transfer position. Drive reliably. In the illustrated example, the engagement members 54' and 74' define a pocket portion and the wedging member 46' is retained within the pocket portion under its end engaging engagement member. This is not necessary. In other examples not shown, there may be a gap between one or both of the engagement members 54' and 74' and the ends 64' and 66' of the associated wedge member.

10 and 11 show another wrench 110 having a lever arm or handle 112 and a ratchet wrench head 116. In this example, there is no wrench head at the end of the lever arm that is remote from the wrench head 116. However, it should be understood that this is not required, and an open end wrench head, a ring wrench head, or another ratchet wrench head such as the wrench head 14 shown in FIG. 1 may be provided. The wrench 110 has a number of portions that are the same or similar to those of the wrench 10. Like or identical parts are labeled with the same reference numerals plus 100 and may not be described again in detail.

The wrench head 116 is an annular body having an axially extending through bore defining a chamber 118. The chamber 118 has a circumferentially extending wall portion that faces the radially inner side of the wrench head 116 and is provided with a plurality of teeth 120. The teeth 120 are disposed in a side by side relationship and extend parallel to the axis of the chamber 118. In the illustrated example, the teeth 120 are disposed about the entire circumference of the chamber 118. The through hole defining the chamber 118 has a stepped diameter to define a shoulder 121 at one end of the chamber. At the end of the chamber 118 opposite the end provided with the shoulder 121, a circumferentially extending groove 122 receiving the sealing element 126 is provided. Although not required, in the illustrated example, the tooth portion 120 extends between the shoulder 121 and the groove 122 throughout at least substantially the entire axial length of the chamber 118. The sealing element 126 can be a plastic ring member that is snap-fit into the groove 122 to prevent ingress of dirt and dust.

The chamber 118 is provided with a circumferentially extending groove 130 located approximately midway between the shoulder 121 and the groove 122 and receiving the outer periphery of the force applying member 152.

The wrench 110 includes a driven member 134 that is received in the chamber 118. The driven member 134 is provided with a relatively smaller diameter end portion to define the shaft portion 135, and when the driven member is seated on the shoulder 121, the shaft portion 135 is received in a through hole defining the chamber 118 Inside the narrow diameter end. At the end of the driven member 134 opposite the end provided with the shaft portion 135, a relatively smaller diameter end portion 137 received within the sealing member 126 is provided. The driven member 134 additionally includes an axially extending through bore 136 that is configured to receive a nut/fastener head of a particular shape and size.

The circumferentially extending sidewall 142 of the driven member 134 is provided with a plurality of recesses 144 for receiving respective drive transmitting members in the form of wedge members 146. The side wall 142 is provided with a circumferentially extending groove 150 extending between the recesses 144. As best seen in Figure 12, the recess 144 is defined by planar surface portions 172(1) and 172(2) that are inclined to each other, while the surface portions 172(1) and 172(2) are opposite from the recess. The side edges 173(1) and 173(2) extend to an arcuate connecting portion 175 defined at the center of the recess. The surface portions 172(1) and 172(2) generally face the outer side of the driven member 134.

Each of the wedging elements 146 includes an arcuate major surface provided with teeth 160. The teeth 160 extend in parallel along the entire length (height) of the wedging element 146 in a side by side relationship. The groove 148 extends across the toothed surface of the wedging element 146 between the two ends 164 and 166 of the wedging element. The groove 148 extends through the tooth portion 160. When the wedging element 146 is received within the recess 144, the groove 148 is aligned with the groove 150 disposed in the driven member 134 such that the grooves 148 and 150 can receive the split ring force applying member 152. Wedge element 146 additionally includes a planar main surface portion 162(1) extending from end portion 164, and a planar main surface portion 162(2) extending from end portion 166. Surface portions 162(1) and 162(2) are inclined to each other to complement surface portions 172(1) and 172(2), and at arcuate corners or edges 163 that extend parallel to tooth portion 160 and ends 164 and 166. meet.

The generally V-shaped cross-section of the recess 144 and the wedging element 146 allows the wedging element to be wedged between the wrench head 116 and the driven member 134 at both ends of the recess of the driven member 134, with the wrench 110 becomes a two-way wrench.

Referring to Figure 10, the force applying member 152 is identical to the force applying member 52' because the force applying member 152 has first and second engaging members 154 and 174 to engage the opposite ends of the wedging member 146 in a clockwise and inverse manner. A force directed to the circumference can be applied in both the hour and the hour directions. As best seen in the enlarged portion of Fig. 11, the force applying member 152 is different from the force applying members 52 and 52' in that the force applying member 152 has teeth 176 on its outer periphery. The tooth portion 176 faces the radially outer side of the force applying member 152 to be engaged by the user operable switching member 180.

The driven member 134, the wedging member 146, and the force applying member 152 can be assembled in a manner similar to the sub-assembly shown in FIG. 4, and can be assembled into the chamber 18 with the assembly of FIG. The same manner is assembled into the chamber 118.

The switching member 180 is housed in a recess 182 defined by the lever arm portion 112. The recess 182 abuts the chamber 118 to allow the switching member 180 to engage the force applying member 152. The switching member 180 includes a cylindrical body portion 184. The recess 182 includes a semi-cylindrical pocket 186. The pocket portion 186 is disposed on the axial centerline of the lever arm portion 112, and is disposed such that the recess portion 182 is the portion farthest from the chamber 118. A post 188 (shown in FIG. 11 and omitted in FIG. 10) is disposed within the recess 182 with respect to the pocket portion 186. The switch body portion 184 is disposed within the pocket portion 186. The lateral movement of the body portion 184 is limited by the side walls of the pocket portion 186 and the post 188 such that the switching member 180 is constrained to be rotatable only. The switch body portion 184 is provided with an axially extending blind hole (not visible in the figures). One end of the compression spring 190 is received in the blind hole. The opposite end of the spring 190 is received within a hole (not visible in the figure) formed in the bottom wall of the recess 182.

The switch body portion 184 is provided with a latch member 192 and a grip 194, both of which are integral parts of the body portion. The latch member 192 is a protrusion having a generally rectangular cross section that extends parallel to the axis of the body portion and is disposed at an innermost portion of the pocket portion 186. The grip 194 is a projection having a generally rectangular cross section that is disposed on the end surface of the body portion 184 opposite the end surface provided with the blind hole for the spring 190.

The recess 182 is closed by a cover member 196. The cover member 196 is provided with a through hole 197 and a counterbore 198. The cover member 196 is displayed upside down in FIG. 10 to expose a pair of latch members receiving recesses 200 disposed on the side walls of the column pits 198. When the cover member 196 is fitted over the recess 182, the end of the switch body portion 184 provided with the grip 194 is received within the post 198 and the grip protrudes through the through hole 197 to be accessible to the user of the wrench 110 operating. At the same time, a portion of the latching member 192 is engaged within one of the receiving recesses 200. To switch the latch member 192 from one recess to the other, the shifting member 180 is pushed into the wrench head 116 under the resistance spring 190 to move the engaged portion of the latch member 192 out of the recess into which it is engaged. The switch is released by 200 so that the switch can be rotated. When the pressure is removed, the spring 190 biases the latching member 192 into engagement with the oppositely disposed recess 200.

The switch body portion 184 is provided with a plurality of protruding arms 204. The arms 204 are divided into two groups, with one group on each side of the axis extending in the longitudinal direction of the grip 194. The arms 204 within each group extend parallel to each other and progressively lengthen to engage the teeth 176 on the outer periphery of the force applying member 152. In the example shown, there are three arms 204 within each group. However, in theory, there can be any desired number of arms within each group. Alternatively, there may be only one arm on each side of the grip 194. It is advantageous to have a group of a plurality of arms to avoid the possibility that the force applying member 152 becomes trapped in a specific position due to the end of the arm portion 204 being engaged between the free ends of the split ring members. .

In use, the force application direction of the wrench 110 is set by the switching member 180. The switch 180 can be rotated to bring one of the groups of arms 204 into engagement with the teeth 176 of the force applying member 152. Under the engagement of the arms 204 with the teeth 176, continued rotation of the switching member 180 exerts a force directed toward the circumference of the force applying member 152. The circumferential movement of the force applying member 152 brings the first engagement member 154 or the second engagement member 174 (in the direction in which the force application member is being moved by the switching member 180) to the respective end 164 of the wedge member 146. Or 166 are engaged to move the wedging elements from one side of their respective recesses 144 to the other side. For example, starting from the position shown in Figure 11, if the wrench 110 is to be used to apply a clockwise torque to the fastener head received within the through bore 136 of the driven member 134, the switch body portion 184 is rotated in a counterclockwise direction. The counterclockwise rotation of the switching member 180 brings the group of disengaged arms 204 shown in the figures into engagement with the teeth 176 of the force applying member while simultaneously disengaging the group shown as engaging force applying members. Continued counterclockwise rotation of the shifting member 180 applies a force to the force applying member 152 that causes the force applying member to move circumferentially in a clockwise direction, thereby bringing the first engaging member 154 to the end 166 of the respective wedging member 146. Engage. The clockwise circumferential force applied by the force applying member 152 to the end 166 of the wedging element 146 forces the surface portion 162(1) of the wedging element to engage the surface portion of the respective recess 144. As the wedging element 146 is pushed against the surface portion 172(1), the radially moving component is dispensed to cause the wedging element to move outwardly into engagement with the toothing 120 of the chamber wall portion. Thus, surface portion 172(1) acts as a cam to distribute the desired outward movement to the wedging element. The switching member 180 has a range of movement sufficient to move the wedging element 146 to a position that causes the wedging element to be at a position that is wedged between the chamber wall portion and the surface portion 172(1). At this position, the latching member 192 has clicked over from one recess to the other and secured the switching member in position. The user can feel this position latch, which indicates that the wrench 110 is ready to be used. The application of the clockwise torque to the lever arm portion 112 causes the wrench head to rotate in a clockwise direction, and the engagement between the tooth portion 120 on the chamber wall portion and the tooth portion 160 on the wedge member 146 forces the wedge The element is quickly wedged between the wrench head 116 and the surface portion 172(1) to transfer the applied torque to the driven member 134, and torque is transmitted from the driven member 134 to the received through hole The fastener head in 136.

In the same manner as described in relation to the wrench 10, the greater the force applied to the lever arm, the greater the wedging effect between the wrench head, the wedging element, and the driven member, so that the force can be The parts are transferred without slipping. If the lever arm 112 must be repositioned before applying further torque to the fastener head, the lever arm is rotated counterclockwise. Initially, this movement exerts a counterclockwise force on the wedging element 146 because the toothing 120 on the chamber wall portion engages the toothing 176 on the outer periphery of the force applying member. The follower member 134 will not move as long as the resistance provided by the fastener is sufficient, and thus the wedging member 146 will move relative to the center of the follower member toward its respective recess and will tend to the wrench head. The radially inner movement is such that the contact between the wedge element and the wrench head is substantially reduced to allow the wrench head to be rotated past the wedge element. Once the lever arm portion 112 has been properly repositioned, the clockwise torque can be achieved by rotating the lever arm portion again in a clockwise direction and wedge the wedge member 146 to the tooth portion 120 and the surface portion 172(1). It is applied to the fastener again.

To reverse the torque application direction of the wrench such that it can apply a counterclockwise torque, the switching member 180 is rotated clockwise to move the wedging element 146 across the recess 144 to bring the surface portion 162(2) to The surface portions 172(2) of the recesses are cooperatively joined.

Referring to Figures 13 and 14, the two-way wrench 310 includes a lever arm portion 312 and a wrench head portion 316. The wrench head 316 is coupled to the lever arm portion 312 by a clevis joint, wherein the U-shaped joint includes two spaced apart ears 318 disposed on the wrench head, one end of the lever arm portion The nose portion 320 extends into the gap between the ears and a pivot pin 322 that extends through the ear and nosepiece components. The U-joint connection allows the wrench head 316 and the lever arm portion 312 to be relatively rotatable about an axis defined by the pivot pin 322. The nose piece 320 is provided with a tooth portion 324 that is engaged by the locking member 326. The locking member 326 is received within a through hole 328 provided on a side of the wrench head 316 between the ears 318. As will be described in more detail below, the locking member 326 engages the switching member and the operation of the switching member allows the locking member to engage the tooth portion 324 within the through hole 328 to lock the lever arm portion 312 and the wrench head portion 316 The desired orientation is disengaged from the locking member to permit movement between the lever arm and the position at which the wrench head is relatively rotatable.

With particular reference to FIG. 14, the wrench head 316 is provided with a through hole defining a chamber 330, and the driven member 332 is partially received within the chamber 330. The driven member 332 includes a generally cylindrical body portion 334 that is received within the chamber 330, and a plug 336 that extends axially from the end of the body portion and projects from the chamber. Plug 336 has a generally rectangular cross section.

The blind hole 338 extends through the body portion 334 and terminates within the plug 336. A transverse bore (not shown) extends through one side of the plug 336 and intersects the blind bore 338 at a location spaced from the inner end of the bore. A generally cylindrical locking member 340 is received within the transverse bore. The locking member 340 includes a first rounded tip end portion 342 and a second rounded tip portion 344. The first rounded tip end portion 342 has a larger radius than the second rounded tip end portion 344. The locking member 340 is disposed in the lateral hole such that the first rounded distal end portion 342 is disposed inside the second rounded distal end portion 344. The locking member 340 is secured within the transverse bore by the ring member 346. The ring member 346 defines a hole that is sized to allow the first rounded tip portion to protrude from the plug to lock the standard socket to the plug 336.

The release switching member 348 is housed in the blind hole 338. The release switching member is a generally cylindrical multi-diameter body including a push-out portion 350 and a first cylindrical portion 352, and the first cylindrical portion 352 extends from the push-out portion to have a larger size than the first cylindrical portion A second cylindrical portion 354 of diameter. The release switch 348 has a button 356 at one end. The release switch 348 is received within the blind hole 338, wherein the button 356 protrudes from the blind hole, and the push-out portion 350 is disposed between the innermost end of the blind hole and the position where the blind hole and the lateral hole intersect. A compression spring (not shown) is fitted around the second cylindrical portion 354 of the release switch 348 with one end of the spring engaged with the bottom side of the button 356 and the other end engagement defined by the change in diameter of the blind hole 338 Ladder (not shown). The spring applies a force to the button to push the button toward the outside of the blind hole 338 and pulls the push-out portion 350 into engagement with the first rounded tip end portion 342 of the locking member 340. The push-out portion 350 applies a force to the locking member 340 to push the locking member toward the outside of the plug 336 to provide a locking force that retains the socket on the plug. To release the socket, the button 356 is pushed into the blind hole 338 against the action of the spring. This will push the push-out portion 350 away from the locking member 340 and bring the first cylindrical portion 352 to a position relative to the inboard end of the transverse bore. Movement of the push-out portion 350 removes the locking force, thereby allowing at least a portion of the first rounded tip portion 342 of the locking member to be pushed rearwardly from the transverse bore to the end of the first cylindrical portion 352 relative to the transverse bore Positioning is achieved within the space within the blind hole 338. When the user releases the button 356, the push-out portion 350 is pulled back by the spring to engage with the locking member 340 to restore the locking force.

The body portion 334 of the driven member 332 has a circumferentially extending side wall provided with teeth 364. The teeth 364 are disposed side by side and extend parallel to the axis of the body portion 334. A groove 366 extending circumferentially extends through the tooth 364 into the sidewall. Individual trenches 368 (only one of which can be seen in FIG. 14) are disposed at each end of the sidewall of body portion 334. The teeth 364 extend from one groove 368 to the other.

As shown in Figures 14 and 15, the chamber 330 is defined by a through bore having a generally circular cross section that extends through the wrench head 316. The recess 370 is defined between the through hole and the wall portion with the ear portion 318 protruding to the wrench head 316. The recess 370 opens into the chamber 330 via a gap of the side wall 372 of the chamber. A plurality of recesses 374 are defined in the sidewalls 372 to receive the respective wedging elements 376. As best seen in Figure 15, the recess 374 has a generally U-shaped cross section and is outlined by two generally radially extending side walls 378 and 380 and in the circumferential direction of the wrench head 316 to join the side walls. The ground is defined by a radial connecting wall 382. The sidewall 378 is smaller in the radial extent than the sidewall 380 such that in the circumferential direction, the recess 374 has a varying depth to provide a relatively shallow end region adjacent the sidewall 378 and a relatively deep end adjacent the sidewall 380 Department area. In the example shown, the wrench head is provided with two sets of recesses each comprising three recesses 374. The first set of recesses 374(1) are configured such that their shallow ends point in a counterclockwise direction, while the second set of recesses 374(2) are configured such that their shallow ends point in a clockwise direction. A groove 384 is provided in a portion of the side wall 372 between the recesses 374. As shown in FIG. 14, the groove 384 formed in the side wall portion adjacent to the narrow end portion of the recess 374 extends into the connecting wall portion 382 of the recess.

The wedging element 376 is identical to the wedging element 46 of the wrench 10 except that the teeth 386 and the grooves 388 extending in the width direction are disposed on the concave major surface rather than on the convex major surface 390. Thus, the curvature of the major surface of the wedging element 376 is such that in the cross-section, the wedging element is pushed up between the wider trailing end 392 and the narrower leading end 394. The wedging element 376 is positioned within its respective recess 374 such that the trailing end 392 of the wedging element faces the wider end of the recess and the front end 394 faces the narrower end of the recess.

The curvature of the connecting wall portion 382 of the recess 374 and the convex surface 390 of the wedging member 376 is such that when the wedge member moves from the deep end portion to the shallow end portion of the recess portion, the radial component of the movement is divided into wedges. Combined components. Therefore, the connecting wall portion 382 provides a cam action in the same manner as the connecting wall portion 72 of the wrench 10, except that in the wrench 10, the moving component directed to the radially outer side is distributed to the wedge engaging member, and in the wrench 310, the movement is performed. The system is oriented radially inward.

The wrench head 316 is provided with two force applying members 396 and 398 that are fitted into the chamber 330, wherein the member 396 is disposed on the member 398. The grooves 384 in the wall portion of the chamber and the grooves 388 in the wedging member 376 have sufficient height to receive the stacked force applying members 396 and 398 under a small gap.

In the illustrated example, the force applying members 396 and 398 have the same configuration. As shown in Figures 16 through 19, each of the force applying members 396 and 398 is a split ring member that is bent at the ends to define two spring tails 400 and 402. Each of the force applying members 396 and 398 defines three pocket portions at its outer periphery to receive the respective wedging members 376. The pocket portion is asymmetrically disposed relative to the space between the spring tails 400 and 402 extending through the split ring member and the centerline of the portion of the split ring member that is diametrically opposed to the space. The asymmetric configuration of the pocket portion is such that another force is applied by flipping one force applying member 398 by 180 degrees (to the position shown in Fig. 18) and stacking the force applying member at the position shown in Fig. 16. On the applying member 396, the pocket portion is spaced apart around the circumferences of the two stacked force applying members to provide a series of six pocket portions, and when the force applying member is fitted in the chamber 330, the six pocket portions It will be set relative to the six recesses 374. In Figures 16 to 19, the three wedging elements received within the set of recesses 374(1) are wedging elements 376(1) and are received by the three weds within the set of recesses 374(2). The component is a wedge component 376(2). Thus, the wrench head 316 has two sets of wedging elements 376(1) and 376(2) disposed within the respective recesses 374(1) and 374(2), and a force that applies a circumferential direction to the wedging elements. Components 396 and 398 are applied to the respective forces. As will be described in more detail below, the set of wedging elements 376(1) acts when the wrench 310 is used to apply a counterclockwise torque, and the set of wedges is used when the wrench is used to apply a clockwise torque. Element 376(2) acts.

The wrench head 316 is provided with a switching member 410 that is used to switch the wedging element 376 between its active and inactive conditions. The shifting member 410 is also operable to control the locking of the lever arm portion 312 by the locking member 326.

The switching member 410 includes a generally cylindrical body portion 412 that is seated within a recess 370 that is disposed in the wrench head. As best seen in Figure 15, the sidewall of the recess 370 closely surrounds the sidewall of the body portion 412 such that the switching member 410 is constrained to rotate within the recess. The body portion 412 defines a recess 414 (Figs. 16-19) that faces the interior of the chamber 330. The body portion 412 is diametrically disposed with respect to the recess 414 with a generally axially extending groove 416. When the switching member 410 is rotated to a position where the groove 416 is disposed relative to the through hole 328, the end of the locking member 326 is received within the groove 416.

One end of the body portion 412 is provided with a grip 418. In the illustrated example, the grip is an elongate member that extends across the body portion 412 in diameter and is integral with the body portion. The end of the body portion 412 provided with the grip 418 is fitted with a tab washer 420. As best seen in FIG. 15, the wrench head 316 is provided with a recess 422 that receives the tab 424 of the tongue washer 420.

As shown in Figures 17 and 19, the axially extending blind bore 426 is disposed opposite the end of the switch body portion 412 that is provided with the end of the grip. The blind hole 426 receives one end of the compression spring 428. The other end of the compression spring 428 is received within a hole (not shown) provided in the bottom wall of the recess 370. The compression spring 428 provides an upward bias to urge the tongue washer 420 into contact with the bottom side of the cover member 430 (Fig. 14), wherein the cover member 430 is seated in a recess provided in the major surface 434 of the wrench head. Within 432. The cover member 430 is threaded into the recess within the recess 432 to provide resistance to the upward biasing force provided by the compression spring 428.

As shown in FIG. 14, the cover member 430 has a hole 434. The aperture is sized such that the cover member 430 can seat on a shoulder defined by the groove 368, wherein the groove 368 is disposed at the end of the driven member body portion 334 with the switch button 356 protruding. . A cover member 430, which may be made of a plastic material, engages the driven member 332 to form a dust/dirty-proof seal. The cover member 430 is provided with a second aperture 436 that is sized to seat on the tongue washer 420 at the grip end of the switching member 410. As shown in FIG. 20, the bottom side of the cover member 430 is provided with three recesses 438, 440, and 442 that open into the holes to receive the tabs 424 of the tongue washers 420. The recesses 438, 440, 442 define three switching positions of the switching member 410. By switching the switching member into the recess 370 under the resisting spring 428, the tab 424 is moved out of the plane of the cover member to release the switching member and the switching member can be freely rotated within the recess 370, so that the switching member 410 can be switched. Move between positions. When the switching member has been rotated to the desired position, removing the force applied against the compression spring 428 will allow the spring to urge the switching member into engagement with the cover member, particularly the tongue can be urged to the appropriate recess 438. 440, 442. Engagement of the tabs 424 within the recesses 438, 440, 442 locks the switching member 410 to prevent accidental movement.

When wrench 310 is used, switch 410 is operated to determine a particular use condition. For example, if the relative orientation of the lever arm 312 and the wrench head 316 is to be adjusted, the switching member 410 is rotated such that the tab 424 is centered within the central recess 440 defined by the cover member 430. At this position of the switching member 410, the groove 416 of the body portion 412 of the switching member is disposed relative to the through hole 328 of the receiving locking member 326. At this time, if the lever arm 312 and the wrench head 316 are pivoted relative to each other, this relative movement pushes the locking member 326 such that the locking member can move rearward within the through hole into the space defined by the groove 416. This releases the lock between the lever arm and the wrench head. Once the desired orientation is achieved, the switching member 410 is pressed against the compression spring 428 to release the tab 424 from the central recess 440 and is then rotated to select the torque application direction of the wrench. Once the direction is selected, the switching member is released to force the tab 424 into engagement with the appropriate one of the recesses 438 and 442 to lock the switching member 410 in position. This rotation of the switching member 410 moves the groove 416 out of alignment with the through hole 328 and brings the side wall of the body portion 412 into engagement with the inboard end of the locking member 326. This forces the locking member to move outwardly within the through bore 328 to engage the teeth 324 on the nose piece 320 of the lever arm portion 312 and lock the lever arm to the selected orientation relative to the wrench head 316.

As shown in FIGS. 16-20, the spring tails 400 and 402 of the force applying members 396 and 398 are received within the recess 414 of the switching member 410. The recess 414 is approximately U-shaped and has side walls 450 and 452. The side walls 450 and 452 are inclined to each other to converge toward the inner end of the recess 414. When the switching member 410 is rotated in the counterclockwise direction (as viewed in FIGS. 16-20), the side wall 452 is brought into engagement with the spring tails 402 of the force applying members 396 and 398. As the switching member 410 is rotated and the end of the spring tail 402 moves along the side wall 452, the force applying members 396 and 398 are pulled in a clockwise direction. Therefore, the force applying members 396 and 398 move clockwise around the driven member 332, and a force directed to the clockwise direction on the circumferential direction is applied to the wedge member 376. If the switching member is rotated in a clockwise direction, the side wall 450 is brought into engagement with the spring tails 400 of the force applying members 396 and 398. This causes the force applying members 396 and 398 to move counterclockwise about the driven member and applies a force directed to the counterclockwise direction on the circumferential direction of the wedge member 376. In this manner, the circumferentially directed force exerted by the force applying members 396 and 398 can be used to move the wedging element 376 between the shallow end and the deep end of its respective recess 374 to remove it from The action is switched to its inoperative condition.

At the position of the switching member 410 shown in FIG. 15, the tongue 424 is received in the recess 438 as shown in FIG. At the position of the switching member 410 shown in FIGS. 17 to 19, the tongue 424 is received in the recess 442. When the tab is located within the recess 438, the wedging element 376(2) within the recess 374(2) is disposed at a shallow end of the recess adjacent its respective front end 392 adjacent the respective side wall 378 of the recess. This causes the wedging element 376(2) to act. At the same time, the wedging element 376(1) is adjacent the side wall 380 at its trailing end at the deep end of the recess 374(1). This causes the wedging element 376(1) to be inactive. When the wedging element 376(2) is in an active condition, the wrench 310 is operable to apply a counterclockwise torque (when viewed in the figures). If the switching member 410 is rotated such that the tab 424 is received within the recess 442, the wedging element 376(1) acts and the wedging element 376(2) becomes inactive, such that the wrench 310 is operable to apply a clockwise Torque.

With the wedging element 376(2) in the action shown in Figure 15, if a counterclockwise force is applied to the lever arm portion 312, the wedging element 376(2) will be tightly wedged in its recess 374 (2) The shallow end portion thus locks the wrench head 316 and the driven member 332 together such that the applied torque is transmitted to the driven member and the driven member applies torque to the plug 336 Socket or similar. If the lever arm 312 must be repositioned to continue to apply counterclockwise torque, the lever arm 312 is rotated clockwise. As the wrench head 316 rotates clockwise, the wedging element 376(2) is released from the wedging engagement with the driven member 332, thereby allowing the wrench head and the wedging element to rotate independently of the driven member. Once the lever arm 312 is properly repositioned, the counterclockwise force is again applied to the lever arm portion 312. The raised surface 390 of the wedging element 376(2) is engaged by the connecting wall portion 382 of its respective recess 374(2) to provide a radial amount of movement to the wedging element while driving its toothed portion 386 to The teeth 364 on the driven member 332 are engaged. The wedging element 376(2) is wedged between the driven member and the wrench head to transmit counterclockwise torque as previously described.

To reconfigure the wrench 310 to apply a clockwise torque, the switching member 410 is rotated in the clockwise direction as seen in FIG. This rotation of the shifting member releases the spring tail 400 from engagement with the sidewall 450 of the recess 414 and brings the sidewall 452 into engagement with the spring tail 402 (as shown in Figures 16-19). As the switching member 410 rotates, the end of the spring tail 402 that engages the side wall 452 moves along the side wall while the force applying members 396 and 398 are pulled by the force applied by the switching member in a counterclockwise direction about the driven member 332. The movement of the force applying members 396 and 398 exerts a force directed toward the circumference of the wedging element 376. In particular, the force applying member 396 applies a circumferentially directed force to the forward end portion 394 of the wedging element 376(2) that moves the wedging element to the deep end of its respective recess 374(2). At the same time, the force applying member 398 applies a circumferentially directed force to the trailing end portion 394 of the wedging member 376(1) to move the wedging member from the deep end portion of its respective recess 374(1) to the shallow end portion. Thus, the wedging element 376(2) is moved from the active drive transfer position to the inactive non-drive transfer position while the wedging element 376(1) is moved from the inactive non-drive transfer position to the active Drive delivery location. At that time, the operation of the wrench 310 applying a clockwise torque is as described previously, but only in a clockwise/counterclockwise direction.

21 and 22 show a ratchet wrench head 416 of another example that can be used with the lever arm portion 312 of FIG. The wrench head 416 combines the features of the wrench head of the wrench 110 with the wrench head 316 of the wrench shown in FIG. In particular, the wrench head employs a switching member 418 that is used to pull the force applying member 420 around the driven member 422. The circumferential movement of the force applying member 420 about the driven member 422 is used to apply a circumferentially directed force to the plurality of wedging elements 424 received within the respective recesses 426. Wedge element 424 and recess 426 have a generally V-shaped cross section. Thus, the wrench head 416 can be operated in both directions, and in the same manner as the wrench 110, the direction in which the wrench head can apply torque is determined by which side of the recess 426 the wedging element 424 is disposed.

In Figure 21, the wedging elements 424 are shown engaging the sides of their respective recesses 426 on the left hand side (when viewed in the figures). In this position, the wrench head 416 is operable to apply a clockwise torque because the wedge element 424 will become tightly wedged between the wrench head 416 and the driven member 422 when the wrench head is rotated in a clockwise direction. Between these, the portions become locked and the torque applied to the wrench head 416 is transmitted to the driven member.

To change the direction of operation of the wrench head 416, the shifting member 418 is rotated in a counterclockwise direction (when viewed in Figures 21 and 22). This releases the spring tail 430 of the force applying member 420 from engagement with the switching member 418 and brings the switching member into engagement with the spring tail 432 at the opposite end of the force applying member. As described above with respect to the wrench 310, operation of the switching member 418 pulls the force applying member 420 about the driven member 422. This circumferential movement of the force applying member 420 applies a circumferential force to the wedging element 424 that moves the wedging element across its respective recess 426, thereby bringing the wedging element to the right hand side of the recess (when in the figure Side view when viewed. In this position, the wrench head 416 is operable to apply a counterclockwise torque because the wedge element 424 will become tightly wedged between the wrench head 416 and the driven member 422 when the wrench head is rotated in a counterclockwise direction. Between these, the portions become locked and the torque applied to the wrench head 416 is transmitted to the driven member.

Thus, the wrench head 416 provides a two-way capability using a shifter system corresponding to the wrench 310, but does not require two sets of wedge elements/recesses for use with the respective force applying members. This makes the wrench head simpler. If desired, two additional wedging elements and respective recesses can be placed diametrically opposite the wedging elements shown in Figures 21 and 22 to more evenly distribute the transmitted load around the wrench head 416. Ground distribution.

In the illustrated example, the force applying member ensures that the wedging element moves substantially simultaneously to the drive transfer position. This results in a uniform force distribution of the torque transmitted to the driven member and reduces damage to portions or parts of the wrench head due to stress concentrations caused by one or more of the wedging elements not carrying the load they should share. possibility.

In a conventional ratchet wrench, torque is transmitted from the wrench head to the driven member via the pawl. The area of contact between the pawl and the driven member is typically relatively small. It has been found in some preferred known ratchet wrenches that the engagement between the pawl and the driven member may contain nearly 31 degrees of the perimeter of the cover member. In the illustrated example of the use of six simultaneously joined wedge members, a nearly 132 degree engagement of the perimeter of the cover driven member has been achieved. This reduces stress concentration for any given load compared to conventional ratchet wrenches. The reduced stress concentration found in the examples shown can result in a reduced likelihood of damage to the wrench when in use, especially in high load applications. This also allows components such as the wrench head and the driven member to be relatively thinner in the radial direction than conventional ratchet wrenches of corresponding size, such that the overall size of the wrench head can be reduced compared to conventional ratchet wrenches. .

In order for the ratchet wrench to function, the object being operated by the wrench must provide sufficient resistance to movement during the repositioning movement of the wrench head to retain the driven member. The resistance required for the ratchet head of the illustrated example is significantly lower than a conventional ratchet wrench having a spring biased pawl that is permanently engaged with the driven member during repositioning motion. There must be initial resistance to overcome the friction between the wedge element and the driven member and the wrench head. However, this is typically much lower than required to overcome the spring bias acting on the pawl in a conventional ratchet wrench, and once the wedge element is no longer engaged with the wrench head, minimal or no resistance is required. Any resistance is required.

The force applying member in the illustrated example acts to apply a circumferentially directed force to the wedge member to move the wedge member from the non-drive transfer position to the drive transfer position. The force applying member does not act to transfer torque from the wrench head to the driven member. This is achieved by providing a gap between the inner periphery of the force applying member and the oppositely disposed portion of the driven member and the wedging member. Because the force applying member only needs to apply the relatively low force required to move the wedging element without the need to transfer torque between the head and the driven member, the force applying member need not be structurally strong. Therefore, the force applying member can have a relatively light and slender configuration. This has the advantage of keeping the overall size of the wrench head as small as possible and keeping the weight of the wrench as low as possible.

The illustrated example is described as being used to apply torque to a fastener head or nut. It should be understood that the illustrated wrench head is not limited to this application. By appropriately arranging a suitably shaped hole that can be a blind hole or a through hole, or by attaching a suitable fitting in the case where the driven member is provided with a drive plug (for example, the drive plug 336 of the wrench 310) The wrench head can be used to apply torque to a wide variety of parts or parts. For example, a suitably shaped aperture can be provided to the driven member to engage the end of the shaft member provided with a spline or other structure.

In the illustrated example, the wedging element is shown provided with a toothed portion that can be driven outwardly from the respective recess of the wedging element to engage the opposing member and the opposing member The upper teeth are engaged. For example, in the wrench head shown in Figures 2 and 10, the wedging element is shown having a toothed portion that engages a toothing on a wall portion of a chamber that houses the driven member. In the example shown in Figures 14 and 21, the wedging element is shown with a toothed portion that engages a toothed portion provided on the side wall of the driven member. In each case, the teeth are not necessary and the respective engagement surfaces can be generally smooth and without any engagement structure.

In the above description, clockwise and counterclockwise movement is used as a reference. This is only the direction seen in the relevant schema and should not be considered a limitation.

In the context of the present case, the wrench ratchet mechanism and the ratchet wrench head are means for applying torque in one direction and allow the wrench to be held in engagement with the object at the head of the wrench or a socket attached to the head of the wrench or the like. The head can be repositioned relative to the object to which the torque is being applied.

10. . . wrench

12. . . Lever arm

14. . . Wrench head

16. . . Wrench head

18. . . Room

20. . . Tooth

twenty two. . . Trench

twenty four. . . Trench

26. . . Sealing element

28. . . Sealing element

30. . . Trench

32. . . Annular end face

34. . . Driven component

36. . . Through hole

38. . . Flat surface

40. . . Curved part

42. . . Side wall

44. . . Concave

46. . . Wedge element

46’. . . Wedge element

48. . . Trench

50. . . Trench

52. . . Force application member

52’. . . Force application member

54. . . Joint member

54’. . . Joint member

56. . . Radial wall or rear wall

58. . . Radial wall or rear wall

60. . . Tooth

62. . . Concave the main surface

64. . . Tail end

64’. . . Tail end

66. . . Front end

66’. . . Front end

68. . . Side wall

70. . . Side wall

72. . . Connecting wall

74’. . . Joint member

110. . . wrench

112. . . Lever arm or handle

116. . . Ratchet wrench head

118. . . Room

120. . . Tooth

121. . . Shoulder

122. . . Trench

126. . . Sealing element

130. . . Trench

134. . . Driven component

135. . . Shaft

136. . . Through hole

137. . . End section

142. . . Side wall

144. . . Concave

146. . . Wedge element

148. . . Trench

150. . . Trench

152. . . Force application member

154. . . First joint member

160. . . Tooth

162(1). . . Plane main surface part

162(2). . . Plane main surface part

163. . . Curved corner or edge

164. . . End of wedge element

166. . . End of wedge element

172(1). . . Planar surface portion

172(2). . . Planar surface portion

173(1). . . Side of the recess

173(2). . . Side of the recess

174. . . Second joint member

175. . . Curved connection

176. . . Tooth

180. . . Switching piece

182. . . Concave

184. . . Cylindrical body part

186. . . Semi-cylindrical pocket

188. . . Column

190. . . compressed spring

192. . . Latching member

194. . . Grip

196. . . Cover

197. . . Through hole

198. . . Pillar pit

200. . . Latch member receiving recess

204. . . Protruding arm

310. . . Two-way wrench

312. . . Lever arm

316. . . Wrench head

318. . . Ear

320. . . Nose part

322. . . Pivot

324. . . Tooth

326. . . Locking member

328. . . Through hole

330. . . Room

332. . . Driven component

334. . . Body part

336. . . Plug

338. . . Blind hole

340. . . Locking member

342. . . First round top

344. . . Second round top

346. . . Ring

348. . . Release switch

350. . . Push part

352. . . First cylindrical part

354. . . Second cylindrical portion

356. . . Button

364. . . Tooth

366. . . Trench

368. . . Trench

370. . . Concave

372. . . Side wall

374. . . Concave

374(1). . . The first set of recesses

374(2). . . The second set of recesses

376. . . Wedge element

376(1). . . Wedge element

376(2). . . Wedge element

378. . . Side wall

380. . . Side wall

382. . . Connecting wall

384. . . Trench

386. . . Tooth

388. . . Trench

390. . . Protruding the main surface

392. . . Tail end

394. . . Front end

396. . . Force application member

398. . . Force application member

400. . . Spring tail

402. . . Spring tail

410. . . Switching piece

412. . . Body part

414. . . Concave

416. . . Trench

418. . . Grip

420. . . Tab gasket

422. . . Concave

424. . . Tab

426. . . Blind hole

428. . . compressed spring

430. . . Cover

432. . . Concave

434. . . Main surface (Figure 15)

434. . . Holes (Figures 14 and 20)

436. . . Second hole

438. . . Concave

440. . . Concave

442. . . Concave

450. . . Side wall

452. . . Side wall

C. . . Axial center

R. . . radius

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a wrench provided with a ratchet wrench head.

2 is an exploded perspective view of the wrench head of the wrench of FIG. 1 showing the components of the ratchet mechanism.

Figure 3 is a cross section taken on line III-III in Figure 1.

4 is a perspective view of the assembly of the driven member and the wedge member of the ratchet mechanism of FIG. 2.

5 through 7 are plan views showing different positions of the wedge member with respect to the driven member.

Figure 8 is a plan view of the wrench head of Figure 2 with the sealing member removed to reveal the internal components.

9 is a plan view of a modified force applying member suitable for use with the ratchet wrench head of FIG. 1.

Fig. 10 is an exploded perspective view showing another example of a wrench provided with a ratchet wrench head.

Figure 11 is a plan view of the wrench of Figure 10 with some components omitted to reveal the interior thereof.

Figure 12 is an enlarged perspective view of the wedging element of the wrench head of Figure 10.

Figure 13 is a perspective view of another example of a wrench provided with a ratchet wrench head.

Figure 14 is an exploded perspective view of the wrench head of the wrench of Figure 13;

Figure 15 is a top plan view of the wrench head of Figure 14 with the cover removed to show the internal components.

Figure 16 is a bottom plan view of the switching member and the force applying member of the wrench of Figure 13;

Figure 17 is a perspective view corresponding to Figure 16.

Figure 18 is a bottom plan view of the shifting member of Figure 16 and another force applying member of the wrench.

Figure 19 is a perspective view corresponding to Figure 18.

Figure 20 is a plan view of the underside of the cover of the wrench of Figure 13;

Figure 21 is a plan view of another ratchet wrench head in a first operational condition with the cover removed to reveal the internal components.

Figure 22 is a view corresponding to Figure 21 showing the second operational situation.

12. . . Lever arm

16. . . Wrench head

18. . . Room

20. . . Tooth

twenty two. . . Trench

twenty four. . . Trench

26. . . Sealing element

30. . . Trench

32. . . Annular end face

34. . . Driven component

42. . . Side wall

44. . . Concave

46. . . Wedge element

48. . . Trench

50. . . Trench

52. . . Force application member

54. . . Joint member

62. . . Concave the main surface

Claims (35)

A wrench ratchet mechanism includes: a driven member; a housing defining a chamber, and the driven member is at least partially received in the housing; a plurality of drive transmitting members disposed on the driven member and a respective recess between the housings for transmitting a driving force between the housing and the driven member; and a force applying member extending at least partially around the driven member and movable in a circumferential direction thereof A force directed to the circumference is applied to the drive transmitting member to move the drive transmitting member from the non-drive transfer position toward the drive transfer position within the recess. The wrench ratchet mechanism of claim 1, wherein the drive transmitting member is a wedging member wedged between the housing and the driven member when in the drive transmitting position. The wrench ratchet mechanism of claim 1 or 2, wherein each of the recesses is at least partially defined by at least a first generally radially facing wall portion, the first generally facing radially The wall portion may be engaged by the respective major surfaces of the drive transmission members as the drive transmission member moves from the non-drive transfer position toward the drive transfer position to cause a radial component of movement of the drive transfer member. The wrench ratchet mechanism of claim 3, wherein each of the recesses is at least partially defined by a second generally radially facing wall portion joined by a respective second major surface of the drive transmitting member The first generally radially facing wall portion causes a radial component of the movement as the drive transmitting member moves from the non-drive transfer position in a clockwise direction toward the drive transfer position, and the second generally faces the diameter The wall portion is configured to constitute a radial component that causes movement when the drive transmission member moves from the non-drive transmission position in the counterclockwise direction toward the drive transmission position. The wrench ratchet mechanism of claim 4, wherein the recess has a generally V-shaped cross section. The wrench ratchet mechanism of claim 3, wherein the first generally radially facing wall portion is disposed such that in the circumferential direction, the recess has a shallower first end region and a shallower a varying depth between the second end regions, and the drive transmitting member moves away from the first end region toward the second end region when moving from the non-drive transfer position to the drive transfer position . The wrench ratchet mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one of the driven member and the housing includes a wall portion provided with a plurality of first tooth portions, and the plurality The tooth portions are disposed in series in the circumferential direction, and the drive transmission member is provided with a second tooth portion to engage the first tooth portion when the drive transmission member is in the drive transmission position. The wrench ratchet mechanism of claim 7, wherein the generally radially facing wall portion and the major surface are configured such that all of the second tooth portions engage the first tooth portion substantially simultaneously. The wrench ratchet mechanism of any one of claims 3 to 8, wherein the radial component of the movement is generally toward a radially outer side of the driven member, and the force applying member surrounds the slave The moving member and the drive transmitting member extend. The wrench ratchet mechanism of any one of claims 3 to 8, wherein the radial component of the movement is generally toward a radially inner side of the driven member, the force applying member is wound around the driven member The member extends and the drive transmitting member is disposed about the force applying member. The wrench ratchet mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the drive transmission member is completely housed in the recess when in the non-drive transmission position, and the drive transmission member is at The drive partially protrudes from the recess when the position is transmitted. The wrench ratchet mechanism of any one of clauses 1 to 11, wherein the force applying member comprises a split ring member. The wrench ratchet mechanism of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the force applying member includes a force that is operably engageable with the drive transmitting member to apply the directed circumferential force to the drive transmitting member. First joint member. The wrench ratchet mechanism of claim 13, wherein the force applying member comprises a second engaging member that is engageable with the drive transmitting member to move the drive transmitting member away from the drive transmitting position. The wrench ratchet mechanism of claim 13 or 14, wherein each of the engaging members includes a projection extending radially from the force applying member. The wrench ratchet mechanism of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the force applying member is partially received in the housing and partially received in the driven member to The driven member is fastened in the chamber. The wrench ratchet mechanism of claim 16, wherein the force applying member is engaged in at least one groove disposed in the housing and disposed in at least one groove of the driven member. The wrench ratchet mechanism of claim 16 or 17, wherein the force applying member is partially received in a groove different from the drive transmitting member to fasten the drive transmitting member to the One of the housing and the driven member. The wrench ratchet mechanism of claim 15, wherein the driven member has an axis of rotation, the chamber has a height parallel to the axis of rotation, and the force applying member is It is set in the middle range where the height is 75% centered on the intermediate height. The wrench ratchet mechanism of claim 19, wherein the force applying member is disposed at a substantially intermediate height. A wrench ratchet mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the force applying member engages the housing such that rotation of the housing by the force directed toward the circumference is transmitted to the Force application of components. The wrench ratchet mechanism of claim 21, wherein the force applying member is an elastic member that elastically engages the housing to transmit the circumferential force. The wrench ratchet mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 20, further comprising a switching member movable to move the force applying member in the circumferential direction to point the circumference A force is applied to the drive transmission member. The wrench ratchet mechanism of claim 23, wherein the switching member includes a plurality of arms that are engageable with a structure disposed on an outer periphery of the force applying member. The wrench ratchet mechanism of claim 23, wherein the switching member includes a respective engagement surface for engaging respective end members of the force applying member to provide a pulling force on the end member to The force applying member is pulled around the circumference of the driven member. The wrench ratchet mechanism of claim 25, comprising: a first force applying member having at least one first of the driving transmitting members associated therewith; and a second force applying member having a correlation thereto At least one second of the drive transmitting members, the shifting member being movable in a first direction to move the first force applying member in the first circumferential direction to move the at least one first drive transmitting member thereto The driving transmission position, and the switching member is movable in the second direction to move the second force applying member in the second circumferential direction to move the at least one second driving transmission member to the driving transmission thereof position. A wrench ratchet mechanism includes: a driven member; a housing defining a chamber, and the driven member is at least partially received in the housing; a plurality of drive transmitting members disposed on the driven member and a respective recess between the housings for transmitting a driving force between the housing and the driven member; and a force applying member extending at least partially around the driven member and movable to drive the drive The transmitting member applies a force to move the drive transmitting member from the non-drive transmitting position toward the drive transmitting position within the recess, the force applying member engaging the housing and the driven member to fasten the driven member to the housing body. The wrench ratchet mechanism of claim 27, wherein the force applying member is movable in a circumferential direction thereof to apply the force as a force directed toward the circumference. A wrench ratchet mechanism includes: a driven member; a housing defining a chamber, and the driven member is at least partially received within the chamber; at least one drive transmitting member disposed at the driven member and a recess between the housings and movable to transmit a driving force between the housing and the driven member; and a split ring member fastening the driven member in the housing, the driven member There is an axis of rotation, the housing has a height parallel to the axis of rotation, and the split ring is disposed within an intermediate range of 50% of the height centered on the intermediate height. A wrench comprising a wrench ratchet mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 29. A secondary assembly for a wrench ratchet mechanism, comprising: a driven member for outputting torque from the wrench ratchet mechanism; a plurality of wedge members; and a split ring force applying member, the wedge member being at least partially received Within each recess defined by the driven member, and the force applying member extends around the driven member and the wedging member to secure the wedging member to the driven member and is rotatable about the driven member The member moves to move the wedging element from the non-drive transfer position to the drive transfer position within the recess. The secondary assembly for a wrench ratchet mechanism according to claim 31, wherein the driven member and the wedge member are provided with a groove, and the force applying member is received in the groove to The wedge element is fastened to the driven member. A secondary assembly for a wrench ratchet mechanism according to claim 32, wherein the driven member has an axis of rotation, and the force applying member has a radially facing inner peripheral surface, and the radially facing inner portion The peripheral surface is disposed radially further from the axis of rotation than the respective inner side surface of the groove. The sub-assembly for a wrench ratchet mechanism according to claim 31, wherein the force applying member comprises a respective first engaging member protruding from the split ring member, The first end of the wedging element is engaged as the force applying member moves about the driven member in the first direction. The secondary assembly of the wrench ratchet mechanism of claim 34, wherein the force applying member comprises a respective second engaging member protruding from the split ring member to surround the driven member at the force applying member The second end of the wedging element is engaged when the second direction is moved.