EP0786314B1 - Ratchet - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a ratchet according to the preamble of claim 1. (see CH-A-244 678).

Such tools have proven themselves in practice for a long time. Ratchets are usually designed as universal tools, i. H. in the head of a ratchet is an inserted holder, which in turn stores an insertable or attachable tool, for example a screwdriver, wrench, or the like. To the For example, the holder rotatably mounted in the head for receiving of a so-called bit, on the end of which is a hexagon key is designed for a hexagon socket head screw. The bit can too pick up a coupling rod, at the other end a screwdriver or the like is included.

The present invention is specifically concerned with the design the actual ratchet mechanism, which is an easy switch between right-hand and left-hand (for tightening or loosening of screws, nuts and the like).

The object of the invention is to provide a ratchet of the type mentioned above, which on the one hand has a very compact structure, so that with This ratchet can also be worked in hard-to-reach places can, on the other hand preferably also switching between Right and left turns should be possible without the ratchet from the part to be turned (screw, nut, ...) must (see also FR-A-1 035 176).

This task is solved with a ratchet of the type mentioned above according to the invention by the following features of the marked part of claim 1.

With the ratchet designed in this way, the working direction of rotation (tightening a screw or loosening a screw) by the Handle is rotated about its longitudinal axis. The one rotary position corresponds, for example, to the right gear, which corresponds to the other rotational position Links gear.

Depending on the set rotary position, one of the rolling elements is replaced by the Spring means from the holder, d. H. of those on the perimeter of the holder trained receiving recesses moved so that this rolling element practically does not matter when using the tool. The other rolling element is from the associated rolling element stop member by prestressing it while overcoming that of the spring means preload applied directly to the rolling element in the direction Holders pressed so that the rolling element in a recess on Circumference of the holder is located. If the head is in relative to the holder Working direction of rotation is rotated, so the rolling element between the him straight receiving recess and an area of the inner surface pinched the head, so that a twist of the handle and hence the head takes the holder. The head turns in the direction of return rotated, this rolling element can be its associated rolling element stop member push back against its bias and thus jump into the adjacent recess in the circumference of the holder. This Jumping is repeated according to the stroke of the return movement.

The ratchet according to the invention works practically without slippage. Once the If the handle is turned in the direction of rotation, the handle also turns Holder with the bit inserted.

The entire ratchet mechanism is symmetrical with respect to one plane formed which the longitudinal axis of the handle and which the head penetrating axis of rotation of the holder intersects.

The process described above therefore runs in a corresponding manner the other rolling element if, for example, from clockwise to counterclockwise was switched. The working direction and accordingly the The return direction of this tool depends on the rotary position of the Handle with respect to the shaft receiving the handle. The rotary position the handle determines which of the two rolling elements of the circumference of the holder sitting in the head is continuously moved away, and which rolling element due to the relatively large preload of the associated one Rolling element stop member pressed against the circumference of the holder becomes.

In principle, balls can also be used as rolling elements, preferably However, cylindrical pins, as they are in principle of needle bearings are known here. Such pins give the ratchet mechanism considerable stability and durability. Corresponding to the cylindrical Pins are within the scope of the holder inserted into the head axially parallel recesses formed, which have a partially cylindrical shape and thus encompass part of the circumference of the pin in question.

The spring means that act directly on the two rolling elements the task, in the case of right-hand or left-hand rotation, the one rolling element from move the peripheral surface of the holder. An embodiment provides for this the invention that the rolling elements against the rolling element stop members preloading spring means as an open ring locking spring are formed, which in an annular locking spring receiving groove sits in a holder receiving opening of the head, the Contact the ends of the open ring locking spring with the rolling elements.

The ends of the ring locking spring press the two rolling elements the holder and its recesses away towards the handle. The position of the end face of the insertion end sitting in the shaft of the handle and the dimensions of the rolling element stop members are chosen so that the spring means these rolling element stop members over the between the ends of the ring locking spring and the rolling element stop members seated rolling elements a bit towards the handle push back as long as not one of the rolling elements (or both Rolling elements) assigned by them biasing means in the direction of Holders are biased to the part by the ring locking spring on the Rolling elements to overcome applied preload.

In a special embodiment of the invention it is provided that the Rolling element stop members are designed as cylindrical pins which axially parallel to the shaft and the handle and parallel at a distance are stored to each other in the shaft, and that the pin on it the rolling elements facing end face an investment projection for the Have rolling elements. From this investment advantage and in part from the end face of the rolling element receiving member itself is then the associated rolling elements added, being by the ring locking spring is biased towards the rolling element stop member.

The ratchet mechanism according to the invention is now designed so that the moving of the rolling elements from the one rotatably seated in the head Holder is only possible as long as not on the part of a rolling element stop member a preload is applied to the associated rolling element through which the rolling element is pushed between the head and the holder is so that the rolling element is in a recess on the circumference of the rolling element.

In the ratchet mechanism according to the invention are in the At least one end of the handle on the end of the handle recessed two spring seats, in each of which sits a coil spring, the a ball axially loaded towards the head, the location of the Spring seats, the coil springs and the balls so on the location of the the rolling element stop members forming pin is matched that in one of the two rotary positions of the handle, one with one of the Balls aligned pins from the bias of the coil spring is pressed against the associated rolling element and thereby the rolling element between the holder and the head while the other is pushing Pin of the spring means against the end face of the insertion end of the Handle is pushed back.

The last mentioned, pushed back rolling element then plays with the Movement of the ratchet in the working direction or in the return direction practically no role. The other rolling element, however by the preloaded rolling element stop member between the head and Holder is pushed, locks these two parts (holder and head) with each other when the head is turned in the working direction. Becomes the head is turned in the reset direction of rotation, so the rolling element (Pin) from the wall of the recess in it Circumference of the holder against that acting on the rolling element stop member Preload moves so that the rolling element in an adjacent Recess on the circumference of the holder jumps.

With the mechanism described above, switching between Right-hand and left-hand movement possible.

However, in a preferred embodiment of the invention a locking or locking position is provided. For this, the Invention before that additional spring seats in the insertion end of the handle are provided with associated coil springs and balls and that in a third rotational position between the handle and shaft two pins pretensioned by the coil springs (rolling element stop members) the two rolling elements between the holder and the head push to lock these two parts together in a rotationally fixed manner.

The ratchet according to the invention is characterized by a compact Structure and consists of a few individual parts. The parts of the ratchet can be made into an operational tool relatively quickly and easily Assemble.

Figur 1

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer Knarre in Verbindung mit einem Bit und einer Kopfschraube, die mit der Knarre angezogen oder gelöst werden kann;

Figur 2

eine Teil-Längsschnittansicht entsprechend einer vertikalen Schnittebene durch den links in Figur 1 dargestellten Bereich der Knarre;

Figur 3

eine Teil-Schnittansicht entsprechend einer horizontalen Schnittebene in der in Figur 1 gezeigten Knarre;

Figur 4a

die Bauteile der in Figur gezeigten Knarre in auseinandergenommenem Zustand;

Figur 4b

eine Draufsicht auf die Stirnfläche des in Figur 4 in der Mitte unten gezeigten Einsetzendes des Handgriffs der Knarre nach Figur 1;

Figur 4c

eine perspektivische Ansicht eines als Zapfen mit einem Vorsprung ausgebildeten Wälzkörperanschlagglieds;

Figur 5

eine Teil-Schnittdarstellung ähnlich wie Figur 3, wobei der Knarrenmechanismus so eingestellt ist, daß die Arbeitsdrehrichtung der Drehung des Werkzeugs entgegen dem Uhrzeigersinn entspricht;

Figur 6

eine ähnliche Darstellung wie Figur 3, wobei der Sperrzustand der Knarre dargestellt ist; und

Figur 7

eine ähnliche Darstellung wie Figur 5, wobei der Knarrenmechanismus jedoch für eine Arbeitsdrehrichtung im Uhrzeigersinn eingestellt ist.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings. Show it:

Figure 1

a perspective view of a ratchet in connection with a bit and a cap screw that can be tightened or loosened with the ratchet;

Figure 2

a partial longitudinal sectional view corresponding to a vertical sectional plane through the area of the ratchet shown on the left in Figure 1;

Figure 3

a partial sectional view corresponding to a horizontal sectional plane in the ratchet shown in Figure 1;

Figure 4a

the components of the ratchet shown in the figure in a disassembled state;

Figure 4b

a plan view of the end face of the insertion end of the handle of the ratchet of Figure 1 shown in the lower center in Figure 4;

Figure 4c

a perspective view of a formed as a pin with a projection rolling element stop member;

Figure 5

a partial sectional view similar to Figure 3, wherein the ratchet mechanism is set so that the working direction of rotation corresponds to the rotation of the tool counterclockwise;

Figure 6

a representation similar to Figure 3, wherein the locked state of the ratchet is shown; and

Figure 7

a representation similar to Figure 5, but the ratchet mechanism is set for a clockwise rotation.

Figure 1 shows in perspective a ratchet 2 with a head 4, in which a Bit 6 is stored in the form of a hexagon pin. The axis of rotation of the Ratchet corresponds to the axis passing through head 4 and bit 6. Bit 6 is inserted into an Allen screw 10, see above that the cap screw 10 by tightening a handle 8 of the ratchet 2 can be tightened. The "getting dressed" here means that the Handle 8 essentially pulled out of the plane of the drawing becomes. This actuating movement of the ratchet 2 is also in the following are referred to as the working direction. The opposite movement the handle 8, that is, the movement approximately in the drawing plane is a movement in the direction of rotation of the ratchet in which the head screw 10 stops and only the handle 8 moved together with the head 4 while one is still below explained in more detail, in the head 4 seated holder 50 for the bit 6 in the Head screw 10 stops.

Before going to the details of that shown schematically in Figure 1 Ratchet is discussed in more detail, the operation of the ratchet 2 for switching between clockwise and counter-clockwise or for setting a locking or locking position are explained.

The handle 8 sits with an insertion end 81 in one piece the head 4 formed hollow shaft 42. Over a part of the circumference of the shaft 42 extends through the wall of the shaft 2 Window 44, in the edge facing the handle 8 three wells spaced apart (see Post 49 in Figure 5 bottom right) are trained. From one described below The mechanism is the handle 8 accommodated in the shaft 42 biased towards the end thereof so that one of the insertion ends 81 of the Handle 8 radially outwardly projecting projection 82 in the window 44 protrudes and due to the aforementioned bias of the handle 8 towards the end of one of the three with the appropriate rotary position Wells (49 in Figure 5) engages.

As can be seen in FIG. 1 and at the bottom right in FIG. 5, these are total three rest positions with "L", "S" or "R", what Left-hand movement, blocked position or right-hand movement means In figure it is Ratchet set to the locked position "S". In this position there is an always non-rotatable connection between bit 6 and head 4 or the handle 8.

The above-mentioned coupling between the shaft 42 and the Handle 8 is shown in the right part of Figure 2 and in Figure 3.

The cylindrical shaped insertion end 81 of the handle is from radially penetrates a receiving bore 83. The location hole 83 has an internal thread at least in the area shown below in FIG. 2. To insert the insertion end 81 into the shaft 42 first a pin 84 with a projection formed on its end face 82 and a grub screw 86 in the receiving bore 83 used. The grub screw 86 is screwed in only so far that the Projection 82 completely contained in the region of the receiving bore 83 is. Then the insertion end 81 of the handle 8 into the opening of the Shaft 42 inserted, and through a hole 48 in the wall of the Shank 42, the grub screw 46 is tightened until the projection 82 protrudes into the window 44, which in the hole 48th opposite wall of the shaft 42 is formed. Because the opening in the shaft 42 as well as the insertion end 81 of the handle 8 are cylindrical, the handle can be about its longitudinal axis twist in shaft 42 to a limited extent, the extent the twist depends on the circumferential length of the window 44.

The handle 8 with its insertion end 81 is still from below Springs described in more detail (which can be seen in FIG. 2) in FIG. 2 biased to the right, ie towards the end of the handle 8. hereby the projection 82 comes into contact with the one facing away from the head 4 Edge of the window 44, with a corresponding relative rotational position between handle 8 and shaft 42 in one of the three depressions 49 intervene and so one of the three defined rotary positions of the To take handle 8 with respect to the shaft 42.

Figure 4a shows the individual components of the total shown in Figure 1 Ratchet 2. On the right in Figure 4a is the handle 8 with its insertion end 81 shown. In the end face of the insertion end 81 is a Set of four spring seats 85a, 85b, 85c and 85d formed. The spring seats are each designed as blind holes and are in the shown in Figure 4b about the central longitudinal axis of the handle 8 or its engaging end 81 arranged at the same distance.

A coil spring 87 is received in each spring seat 85a-85d which each owns a small ball 88. As can be seen in Figure 2, the coil springs 87 press the associated small balls 88 against the bottom surface of the recess of the shaft 42 to thereby Insert 81 and with this the handle 8 to the right in FIG. 2 pretension.

The head 4 is shown on the left in FIG. 4a, which has a circular receiving opening 45 owns. In the middle of the height of the receiving opening 45 is a locking spring receiving groove 46 for receiving a ring spring trained locking spring 43 formed. At the top of the There is another receiving opening 45, not here with reference numerals provided groove to accommodate a steel ring spring trained retaining spring 47, with the help of the holder 50 in the receiving opening 45 of the head 4 is secured.

As shown at the top left in Figure 4a, are on the peripheral surface of the holder 50 axially parallel and several at equal intervals partially cylindrical recesses 53 formed, their function continues will be explained below.

The holder 50 is penetrated in the middle by an opening in which a second retaining spring 52 an ejector button 51 is received.

As shown on the left in FIG. 2, the holder 50 receives bit 6, wherein the bit 6 has a circumferential groove and between them Circumferential groove and an annular groove inside the central opening of the Holder 50 is a further retaining spring 52.

If according to Figure 2 in the direction of the arrow a compressive force along the Axis of rotation A is exerted on the ejector button 51 (this happens most conveniently using the thumb), presses the bottom of the Ejector button on the upper end face of bit 6, so that the Bit from the central opening of the holder 5 releases. So you can do different Place bits 6 in holder 50. The second retaining spring 52 sits in an outer peripheral groove of the ejector button 51 and is in an axial relatively large circumferential groove of the central opening of the holder 50 axially displaceable.

After ejecting bit 6, the ejector button is turned on another bit inserted into the holder 50 again into the one in FIG. 2 shown upper position pressed.

The following is the ratchet mechanism of the invention Ratchet 2 described in more detail.

At the bottom left in FIG. 4a are components of the ratchet mechanism shown separately. One recognizes two rolling elements 93 and 94, each are designed as cylindrical pins. To each of the rolling elements 93 and 94 includes a roller stop member 92 and 91, respectively.

Figure 4c shows a perspective view of the shape of the rolling element stop member 91. The rolling element stop member 92 is designed in the same way. The rolling element stop member 91 or 92 has the shape of a cylindrical pin with a flat end face, which in Figure 4c is covered. At the other end of the pin there is a partial end face 91a, on which a projection 91x arises, the stop surface 91c and a narrow end face 91b. The two Surface sections 91a and 91c form a receiving or stop area for the rolling element associated with this rolling element stop member 91 94th

Figure 3 shows a horizontal section through that shown in Figure 1 Gun. It can clearly be seen that the shaft 42 is made in one piece with the ring body trained head 4 is formed. In the intermediate area are located between the receiving opening of the shaft 42 and the head 4 two bearings designed as cylindrical bores for receiving each of a rolling element stop member 91 or 92. A plane of symmetry runs perpendicular to the plane of the drawing in FIG. 3, which is the central longitudinal axis of the handle 8 and the common Includes axis of rotation A of the holder 50 and the head 40. The entire ratchet mechanism is symmetrical with respect to this plane of symmetry built up.

As can be seen in Figure 3, the two are designed as pins Rolling elements 93 and 94 each in a recess 53 on the outer circumference of the holder 50, with one end of the Ring locking spring 43 abuts. According to Figure 3 and Figure 1 is the handle 8 adjusted with respect to the shaft 42 so that this rotational position the locking position "S" for the ratchet is defined. In this locked position 3, the two rolling element stop members 91 and 92 opposite the two balls 88, which to the coil springs 87 in belong to the spring seats 85a and 85d. The springs 87 on the Balls 88 applied bias overcomes the ring locking spring 43 applied to the rolling elements 93 and 94 tension, see above that these two rolling elements 93 and 94 in the direction of the holder 50th be pressed and thereby by two of the partially cylindrical recesses 53 are included.

Assuming that the handle 8 in Figure 3 is clockwise is pivoted about the axis of rotation A, the rolling element stop member comes 91 with its partial end face and the inclined surface (91c in Figure 4c) for contact with the outer circumference of the designed as a pin Rolling element 94, so that this rolling element 94 between the receiving it Recess 53 and the opposite of this recess Wall of the head 4 is pinched. This will create a Relative rotation between head 4 and holder 50 prevented, so that Holder 50 and the tool insert or attachment coupled thereto be turned with the head 4.

If the ratchet according to FIG. 3 is turned counterclockwise, it will kick the same effect as described above, however in this case on the right side of Figure 3, so that even with a such movement of the handle 8 in the counterclockwise direction of the holder 50 is rotated together with the head 4.

The process described above is in Figure 6 in connection with the schematic representation of the spring seats in the end face of the insertion end 81 of the handle 8 shown. There is also the window 44, from which it can be seen that the rotational position of the Handle relative to the shaft 42 corresponds to the blocking position S. In the two spring seats 85a and 85d (in FIG. 6 hatched) the two rolling element stop members 91 or 92 in alignment with each other.

Around the tool e.g. to loosen a screw, the Working direction of rotation opposite to the arrow direction shown in Figure 5 correspond clockwise. For this purpose, the handle 8 is opposite the shaft 42 rotated so that the rotational position of the left gear "L" equivalent. In this relative rotational position between the handle 8 and the Shaft 42 lies, as schematically indicated by hatching in FIG. 5, the spring seat 85b is aligned with the rolling element stop member 91 across from. The coil spring seated in this spring seat 85b presses the associated ball against the lower end face of the rolling element stop member 91, so that the rolling element stop member 91 the associated Rolling element 94 presses in the direction of the holder 50. So will that Handle 8 with the head 4 in the direction of the arrow counterclockwise rotated, the holder 50 is due to the between the holder 50th and the head 4 pinched rolling element 94.

The other rolling element stop member 92 is from the associated end the ring locking spring 43 biased towards the handle 8, and in the absence of a corresponding counterforce (by one of the coil springs in one of the spring seats 85a-85d is the lower end face of the Rolling element stop member 92 on the end face of the insertion end 81 of the Handle 8 on. The location of the end face of the insertion end 81 and the Dimensions of the rolling element stop member 92 and the associated Rolling element 93 are selected so that the rolling element 93 is completely of the Holder 50 and the recesses 53 located on its circumference moved away is. If the handle 8 with the head 4 against the direction of the arrow rotated clockwise in Figure 5, it plays on the right Rolling element 93 shown does not matter, while the one shown on the left Rolling elements 94 into the recess 53 of the holder 50, which is adjacent to the right can jump, the rolling element stop member during this jump 91 for a short time contrary to that applied by the spring 87 Bias is pushed back. With a corresponding rotary stroke there is a corresponding number of jumps of the rolling element 94 from a recess 53 in the respective adjacent recess 53.

FIG. 7 shows the reverse process with respect to FIG. 5. In this case is the rolling element stop member 92 in alignment with the spring seat 85c Insert end of the handle opposite, so that the rolling element stop member 92 associated rolling elements 93 in the direction of the holder 50 is pushed. If the head 4 is turned in the direction of the arrow, take this rotary movement due to the pinching of the rolling element 93 between head 4 and holder 50 with the holder 50. A counter turn the direction of the arrow in FIG. 7, ie counterclockwise, causes a reset stroke (creak effect), the holder 50 with its tool insert and the screw engaged with it or mother stops.

The embodiment described above is preferred, however Modifications possible. In a less favorable embodiment the locked position of the ratchet can be omitted, so that only one switchover between counterclockwise and clockwise rotation is possible. Needed for this then only in the end face of the insertion end 81 of the handle 8 two spring seats (with a corresponding number of coil springs and small balls) to be present. The mode of operation according to FIG. 6 would then be dropped.

Claims (6)

1. A ratchet comprising a handle (8), a head (4) having a holder (50) inserted therein for receipt e.g. of a tool bit (6), and a ratchet mechanism (43, 53, 85, 87, 88, 91 to 94) blocking relative rotation of said holder (50) with respect to said head (4) in an operational direction of rotation while permitting such relative rotation in an opposite, resetting direction of rotation, in which it is possible to selectively adjust which one of the two possible directions of rotations (L, R) is the operational direction of rotation and which one the resetting direction of rotation;
   said head (4) having a shaft (42) in which an insertion end (81) of said handle (8) is inserted;
   a plurality of recesses (53) being arranged around the outer circumference of said holder (50), each thereof being designed to have partially immersed therein one of a pair of roller bodies (93, 94) each; characterized in that:

   a) a locking mechanism (82, 44, 49) renders possible at least two rotational positions of said handle (8) relative to said shaft (42) that are defined by locking engagement;

   b) that the ratchet mechanism further comprises the following features:

   b1) the roller bodies (93, 94) are adapted to be selectively biased, on the one hand, by one roller body stop member (91, 92) each that is supported in said shaft (42) and biased in the direction of said holder (50), into recesses (53) of said holder (50) located opposite said roller body stop members (91, 92) each,

   b2) and, on the other hand, are biased by spring means (43) against said roller body stop members (91, 92); and

   b3) in each of said two defined rotational positions (L, R) between handle (8) and shaft (42), one roller body stop member (91, 92) each is released from said bias such that the associated roller body (94, 93) is shifted away from the holder (50), due to the bias of said spring means (43), to such an extent that this roller body (94, 93) is no longer immersed in said recesses (53), whereas the other roller body stop member (92, 91) urges the associated roller body (93, 94) against said holder (50), and in case of relative rotation between head (4) and holder (50) in said resetting direction of rotation, permits this roller body (93, 94) to jump from one recess (53) into an adjacent recess (53), whereas in case of relative rotation between head (4) and holder (50) in said operational direction of rotation, this roller body (93, 94) locks said head (4) with said holder (50).
2. A ratchet according to claim 1,
   wherein said roller bodies (93, 94) are in the form of cylindrical pins and said recesses (53) in the outer circumference of the holder (50) inserted in said head (59) have part-cylindrical surfaces.
3. A ratchet according to claim 1 or 2,
   wherein said spring means (43) biasing said roller bodies (93, 94) against said roller body stop members (91, 92) are in the form of an open-ring locking spring (43) seated in an annular locking spring receiving groove (46) in a holder receiving opening (45) of the head (4), with the ends of the open-ring locking spring (43) abutting said roller bodies (93, 94).
4. A ratchet according to any of claims 1 to 3,
   wherein said roller body stop members (91, 92) are in the form of cylindrical pegs supported axis-parallel to said shaft (42) and said handle (8) and in spaced apart, parallel manner in said shaft (42), and
   wherein said pegs, on the end face thereof facing said roller bodies (93, 94), each have an abutment projection (91x) for the associated roller body (93, 94).
5. A ratchet according to claim 4,
   wherein the insertion end (81) of said handle (8), which is received in said shaft (42), has at least two spring seats (85b, 85c) formed therein in its end face, having one coil spring (87) each arranged therein which axially biases a ball (88) in the direction of said head (4), and wherein the positions of said spring seats (85b, 85c), coil springs (87) and balls (88) is matched to the positions of the pegs constituting said roller body stop members (91, 92), such that in each of said two defined rotational positions of said handle (8), only one of said two pegs is aligned with one of said balls (88) and is urged by the bias of the associated coil spring (87) against the associated roller body (93, 94) and, in doing so, urges this roller body (93, 94) between said head (4) and said holder (50) in a manner locking said head (4) and holder (50) with each other, whereas the other peg is urged back by the spring means (43) against the end face of the insertion end (81) of the handle via the associated roller body (93, 94).
6. A ratchet according to claim 5,
   wherein the insertion end (81) of the handle (8) has formed therein additional spring seats (85a, 85d) with respectively associated coil springs (87) and balls (88), and wherein in a third rotational position (S) between said handle (8) and said shaft (42), both pegs are aligned with one ball (88) each and thus are biased by one coil spring (87) each, so that both roller bodies (93, 94) are urged by the respective associated peg between said holder (50) and said head (4) and lock said holder (50) and said head (4) with each other.

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