EP1775073A1 - Reversible ratchet wrench - Google Patents

Abstract

The handle has an annular head (101) equipped of an internally toothed crown (102) and integrating a sub-assembly rotating freely, and a handle (10). An actuator rotor (20) is coupled by a lower face of the annular head and a reversing control (30) which is fixed by an upper face of the annular head. A cap (60) covers a major part of the upper face of the reversing control and is connected to the actuator rotor in a rotating manner. Grease joints are associated to the actuator rotor and the reversing control.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a reversible ratchet key which responds to a general structure comprising a handle and an annular active head, which is provided with an internal ring gear and comprises a subassembly capable of freely rotating and which, with respect to a horizontal position of the key, consists of an actuator rotor which is coupled by the underside of the annular head and by a reversing control, also rotatable, which is fixed by the upper face of said annular head and which is connected axially to the actuator rotor by reciprocating screw means, the subassembly of which interacts with a toothed shoe which is meshed with said ring gear and which has an interlock for the ends of a heart-shaped spring which forms a central point on which couples a rod of the reversing control, so that said actuator rotor and said reversing control, with the shoe and the spring, rotate freely relative to the handle during the engagement or pawl phase of the working maneuver of the key, while in the actuation phase, the shoe rotatably secures the assembly with the rotation of the handle , wherein said reciprocating means of screwing are: a screw which is screwed into an internal thread of the actuator rotor or a nut which is screwed on a threaded stud of the actuating rotor. To reverse the direction of actuation of the key, it is necessary to turn the inversion control by a quarter of a turn to reach a position in which is reached a rotation stop which is exerted by the action of said rod against a part of the actuator rotor, the position of this rod being controlled by the reversing device by means of the heart-shaped spring.

STATE OF THE PRIOR ART

The use of this type of key requires, in general, to simultaneously press the handle and the annular head thereof to ensure a perfect implementation of the tool on the actuated element so that the actuation is effective and that the tool and / or the actuated element does not suffer any deterioration that would be caused by a misalignment between the two.

Thus, with regard to the keys known in this field, in order to carry out this operation, the palm of the hand directly bears on the inversion control, which implies a real risk of actuating the inversion control involuntarily at the same time. use of the key; in such a way that, apart from the resulting inconvenience, this makes the work more difficult, can cause physical injury to the user and can damage the key and / or the actuated element.

Moreover, the keys known in this field do not provide the user with important information, such as that concerning the position adopted at each instant by the inversion control or, which is the same thing, the direction of actuation of the key. Even if the known keys in this field include arrows, among other distinguishing marks, written on the upper part of the reversal command, but without being related to any reference that allows the user to know, of a at a glance and without having to take the key and to try it, what is the direction of actuation for which it is prepared, which is due to the fact that the rotor as well as the inversion control are in free rotation during the engagement phase, or latching, relative to the actuating portion (handle and annular head). And therefore, it is not possible to establish the direction of actuation of the pawl with respect to this actuating part regardless of the indications written exclusively on the upper part of the inversion control and which are simple decorative elements ineffective in relation to the purpose of these indications.

Another aspect to consider, which is a deficiency on the keys known in this field, is the handling of the inversion control which is very often caused to be operated on this type of reversible key.

Known solutions use generally metallic and polished controls that offer little grip, which makes their handling difficult.

Another point to take into account, is the fact that the use of hand tools frequently takes place in greasy and / or dusty environments, which generally leads, in the event of direct contact with the tool, to the formation of a greasy and abrasive paste that damages the tool. Ratchets are a good example of a hand tool used very commonly in these adverse environmental conditions that produce premature wear of their mechanism by penetration of these abrasive substances between the reciprocal friction surfaces of the handle, the actuator rotor and the inversion control. The pernicious effect for the tool is aggravated because its mechanism is subjected to repeated actions of pressure and engagement at high voltages which, because of said wear, can cause defective interlocking which can cause the teeth of the hoof of the handle to escape, which will happen even more when the user exerts a major effort which assumes a greater risk of accident for him. And even putting a lubricant during the reassembly of the mechanism, it happens that the lubricant agent leaks in use and is therefore ineffective. Likewise, leakage of the lubricating agent often occurs when, for convenience, the ratchet is incorrectly cleaned by direct immersion in a degreasing liquid instead of, as recommended, disassembling it, clean and lubricate again.

EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION AND BENEFITS

In view of this state of affairs, one of the objects of the present invention consists in the presence of a cap which covers the major part of the upper face of the inversion control and which is rotatably connected to the actuator rotor. In this regard, a first option is that the cap is rotatably connected to the actuator rotor without relative angular positioning means between the two elements. An alternative of this option is that the cap is rotatably connected to the actuator rotor by a screw which passes through the cap and is screwed into said internal thread of the actuator rotor. The other variant is that the cap is rotatably connected to the actuator rotor by a nut which is screwed on a threaded stud of the actuator rotor which passes through said cap. In one or the other of these variants, it is possible at the same time to envisage two alternative solutions, one in which the cap is a separate element which is secured to said screw or nut by any known method to this effect ; and the other wherein said cap forms a single piece with the screw and the nut. A second rotary connection option between the actuator rotor and the cap is that this cap is rotatably connected to the actuator rotor with relative angular positioning means between the two elements, but is not rotatably connected to said actuator rotor. screw or said nut. In this regard, one possible solution is that said relative angular positioning means between the cap and the actuator rotor consist in that the cap comprises on the lower part tabs which remain nested between the shoulders of said actuator rotor which face them, or Conversely.

This recommended structure has the property of allowing the cap to rotate freely on the user's palm without touching the inversion control and, in this way, to avoid that, when the user works with the key, his hand can be directly in contact with the reversing command as explained previously; which presupposes that a change of direction of operation and, consequently, possible inconveniences and damages that result from it can not happen accidentally.

Another object of the present invention is that said cap comprises indicator means which interact with marking means integrated with the inversion control. In this regard, one solution consists in that these indicator means of the cap consist of a window and that said marking means on the inversion control consist of a pair of marks placed on the upper face of said control, so that in each direction of functional rotation of the key, only one of them coincides with the same rotary position of said window. One option is that said marks comprise two arrows, a dextrorsum and a sinistrorsum, which indicate to turn the handle to the right and left, respectively, to achieve the engagement phase, or latching. These two arrows also indicate the direction of actuation of the reversing command which reverses the direction of work of the key, but it is also envisaged that it is about two letters, "D" and "I", which are the initials of Right and Left, or "R" and "L", which have this meaning in English and German, or whether it is two different colors, or any other visual means, or any combination of all these means. Another solution for said indicator means of the cap consists of a radial arrow and said marking means on the inversion control consist of two marks placed on the edge of the latter so that in each direction of functional rotation of the key only one of these marks coincides with the same rotary position of said radial deflection. In this regard, an alternative is that said marking means on the edge of the inversion control consist of two curved arrows, a dextrorsum and a sinistrorsum, which indicate the direction of rotation of the handle to the right and to the left, respectively , to perform the interlocking or latching phase, and to actuate the inversion control that reverses the working direction of the key. Another alternative is that said marking means on the edge of the inversion control consist of two letters, "D" and "I" or "R" and "L", or two different colors, or any other visual means. , or any combination of all these means.

Contrary to what has been known so far, the present solution provides an unequivocal indication of the direction of rotation of the ratchet just having to look at the key from the outside, without it being necessary to take it in hand and to try. And this because said window (referring to this solution as an example for purposes of explanation) is fixed in rotation and that the reversing device (reversing control plus rotor actuator) has a degree of freedom of rotation by relative to the operating shaft during the engagement phase, so that the indication of the direction of rotation of the pawl is determined by the appearance in the window of one or the other arrow (dextrorsum or sinistrorsum) during the rotation of the inversion device mentioned. Since in the window only one or the other of these arrows appears, there is no ambiguity of indication and the user perceives unequivocally what is the direction in which the actuation of the ratchet and, therefore, the working direction of the key.

Another object of the present invention is to provide good maneuverability of the inversion control. For this purpose, said inversion control comprises a rigid base and a flexible plastic covering which covers the edge of its inversion control. According to a feature in this regard, said edge provided with the flexible coating has 8 to 12 projections arranged at regular angular intervals; and according to another feature, said edge provided with the flexible coating has an unpolished rough surface. These recommended solutions promote a comfortable grip, firm and ergonomic fingers of the user to perform the reversal of the rotation of the pawl.

This structure of the inversion control presents an interesting variant when there is coexistence with the aforementioned arrangement, namely that the indicator means of the cap which covers the inversion control are configured by means of a window through which are visible one or the other marks indicating the direction of rotation of the pawl. This variant consists in that said flexible coating comprises a patch of a different color but also of plastic, which is placed in operative conjunction with said hat window and integrates two arrows, a dextrorsum and sinistrorsum, which indicate the direction of rotation of the handle to the right and to the left, respectively, to perform the engagement phase, or detent, and to actuate the inversion control that reverses the working direction of the key, an embodiment being provided in which the different colors of the flexible coating and the insert are codified together and in conjunction with those of said arrows a dextrorsum and sinistrorsum, so that when the pawl rotates in the direction of clockwise, the arrow has dextrorsum presents the same color that the flexible coating and the frame thereof has the same color as that of the insert, and vice versa when the ratchet rotates in the opposite direction of the clockwise, an alternative embodiment is also provided wherein said rigid base and said insert are formed of a single piece of hard plastic, and a variant thereof also provided wherein said rod, said rigid base and said insert are formed of a single piece of plastic hard.

Another object of the invention is to improve the behavior of the tool under usual conditions of work in greasy and / or dusty environments. To this end, this invention advocates the existence of two grease seals which are associated with the actuator rotor and the inversion control, and which are respectively housed in grooves of the actuator rotor and the inverter. Said grease seals have a "U" section delimited laterally by an outer flexible lip and by an inner flexible lip between which is defined a hollow chamber. Said inner flexible lip has a more limited flexibility than said outer lip, and the free edges of these outer and inner flexible lips slightly press on the upper and lower faces of the annular head of the handle, which are respectively supported with a sliding fit against the lower face of the inversion control and against the upper face of the actuator rotor. The rotor of the actuator rotor has inner, bottom and outer walls whose diameters interact with the cross section of said outer and inner flexible lips of the corresponding grease seal. The inversion control groove has inner, bottom and outer walls whose diameters interact with the cross-section of said outer and inner flexible lips of the corresponding grease seal. In the following detailed description, relating to the accompanying drawings, are shown some of the preferred embodiments.

The present invention also relates to a device for the inversion mechanism which is supposed to be economical in its implementation, and allows to offer a flexible and damped actuation mode. In this respect, the proposed invention consists in that said cap has a slide arranged with in such a way as to have a suitable angle with respect to the tabs which interact with a rod which appears on both faces of the inversion control and which slides along said slide between the ends thereof. An alternative is that the cap forms a protuberance which works by sliding along a curved cut which has abutting ends and which is formed in the entire hard plastic part which comprises the rigid base, the insert and the rod. Another variant is that this hard plastic part, which comprises the rigid base and the insert and which is covered with the flexible coating, has ends covered by a first and a second zone of said flexible coating.

SCHEMES AND REPERES

In order to better understand the nature of the present invention, a preferred industrial embodiment is shown as representative but not limiting in the accompanying figures.

Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of a reversible ratchet according to the object of the invention relating to the integration of the cap (60).

FIGS. 2 to 5 are sections along the axis of actuation of the key, in which embodiments of the cap (60) are shown rotatably connected to the actuator rotor (20) without relative angular positioning means between the one and the other.

Figures 6 to 8 are views showing an embodiment in which the cap (60) is rotatably to the actuator rotor (20) (but not to the screw -70-), with relative angular positioning means between one and the other. FIG. 6 is a section like those of FIG. 2 or 5. FIG. 7 is section VII-VII indicated in FIG. 6. FIG. 8 is an exploded representation of FIG.

Figures 9 to 14 show various embodiments of the invention by marks indicating what is the operating state of the pawl at each moment.

Figures 15 and 16 correspond to views in axial section and in the upper plane which show a structure of the inversion control (30) according to the invention.

Figure 17 is an enlargement of the detail XVII surrounded in Figure 16 and relative to the projections (331).

FIGS. 18 and 19 are views which represent an embodiment of the invention incorporating an inversion control (30), as in FIG. 16, and a hat (60). FIG. 18 is a section like that of FIG. 15 and FIG. 19 is the upper plane corresponding to FIG. 18.

Figures 20 and 21 are similar to Figures 18 and 19, respectively, and show a particular embodiment of the flexible coating (33) incorporating an insert (34).

Figures 22 and 23 show the two operating directions of the pawl according to Figure 21.

Figures 24 and 25 are respectively like Figures 20 and 21, but they refer to a one-piece embodiment of the rigid base (32) plus the insert.

Fig. 26 is like Fig. 24, but with reference to an embodiment in which a single piece (35a) joins together the pieces (31), (32) and (34).

Figure 27 is a view similar to Figure 8 which shows the state of the art representing the initial application of the lubricating agent (100).

Figure 28 shows the assembly according to Figure 1 and shows the leakage of lubricant (100) and the penetration of abrasive substances (200).

Figure 29 is a view similar to Figure 8 which shows an embodiment of a sealing device according to the invention.

Figure 30 is the assembly according to Figure 29.

Figure 31 is an enlargement of detail XXXI shown in Figure 30.

Figure 32 is a view like that of Figure 29, but with reference now to another possible embodiment of the sealing device according to the invention.

Figure 33 is the assembly according to Figure 32.

Figure 34 is an enlargement of detail XXXIV shown in Figure 33.

Figure 35 is an enlargement of detail XXXV shown in Figure 33.

Figure 36 is similar to Figure 7, but seen over the spring (50).

Fig. 37 is a view similar to Fig. 8, but with reference to a ratchet according to the arrangement of Fig. 36.

Fig. 38 is like Fig. 37 and shows another possible preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 39 is the assembly according to the embodiment of FIG. 38.

Figure 40 is like Figure 36 for an alternative embodiment according to the assembly of Figure 39.

FIG. 41 is like FIG. 40, but for another embodiment according to the assembly of FIG. 39.

Fig. 42 is a bottom view of the cap (60) showing the disposition of the slider (605).

FIG. 43 is an upper view of the inverter (30) showing the rod (31) which, in its upper part, serves as a stop in rotation and in its lower part, receives the tip (501) of the heart-shaped spring .

Figures 44 and 45 are like Figure 43, but showing the slide (605) in its two operating positions and indicating with arrows the direction of rotation of the inverter mechanism in each case.

Fig. 46 is like Fig. 38, but showing another embodiment according to the invention.

Figure 47 is the assembly according to Figure 46.

Fig. 48 is a bottom view of the cap (60) referring to the version with the protuberance (608).

Figure 49 is an upper view of the entire piece (35) showing the curved notch cooperating with the protuberance (608) of Figure 48.

Figure 50 is like Figure 46 and shows the arrangement of the protuberance (608) with respect to the flexible coating (33) and the entire piece (35).

Figure 51 is the assembly according to Figure 50.

Figs. 52 and 53 are like Fig. 49, but showing the protuberance (608) in contact with each flexible stop (335 and 336) of the liner (33) in its two operating positions relative to the curved cut (351 ) and indicating with arrows the direction of rotation of the reversing mechanism in each case.

• 10. Manche
• 101. Tête annulaire
• 102. Couronne dentée
• 103. Face supérieure de la tête annulaire (101)
• 104. Face inférieure de la tête annulaire (101)
• 20. Rotor actionneur
• 201. Filetage intérieur
• 202. Tenon fileté
• 203. Epaulements en face de logement avec butées (209) pour tige (31)
• 204. Face supérieure de rotor actionneur (20) appuyée contre la face inférieure (104) de la tête annulaire (101)
• 205. Gorge sur rotor actionneur (20)
• 206. Paroi intérieure de gorge (205)
• 207. Paroi de fond de gorge (205)
• 208. Paroi extérieure de gorge (205)
• 209. Logement avec butées pour tige (31)
• 30. Commande d'inversion
• 301. Flèche a dextrorsum
• 302. Flèche a sinistrorsum
• 303. Flèche courbée a dextrorsum
• 304. Flèche courbée a sinistrorsum
• 305. Index
• 306. Face inférieure de commande d'inversion (30) appuyée contre la face supérieure (103) de la tête annulaire (101)
• 307. Gorge sur commande d'inversion (30)
• 308. Paroi intérieure de gorge (307)
• 309. Paroi de fond de gorge (307)
• 310. Paroi extérieure de gorge (307)
• 31. Tige
• 32. Base rigide
• 33. Revêtement souple
• 331. Saillies
• 332. Lèvre extérieure sur revêtement souple (33)
• 333. Chambre sur revêtement souple (33)
• 334. Lèvre intérieure sur revêtement souple (33)
• 335. Première zone de butée souple sur revêtement souple (33)
• 336. Deuxième zone de butée souple sur revêtement souple (33)
• 34. Pièce rapportée
• 35. Pièce entière de la base rigide (32) et la pièce rapportée (34)
• 35a. Pièce entière de la pièce (35) et la tige (31)
• 351. Entaille courbée de pièce entière (35)
• 352. Extrémité d'entaille courbée (351)
• 353. Extrémité d'entaille courbée (351)
• 40. Sabot
• 401. Denture
• 402. Emboîtement
• 50. Ressort
• 501. Pointe de ressort (50)
• 60. Chapeau
• 601. Pattes
• 602. Fenêtre
• 603. Flèche radiale
• 604. Zones de couleur distincte
• 605. Coulisse
• 606. Extrémité de coulisse (605)
• 607. Extrémité de coulisse (605)
• 608. Protubérance de chapeau (60)
• 70. Vis
• 71. Ecrou
• 80. Joints de graisse (deux)
• 801. Lèvre souple extérieure des joints (80)
• 802. Chambre des joints (80)
• 803. Lèvre souple intérieure des joints (80)
• 804. Diamètre intérieur de la lèvre souple intérieure (803)
• 805. Face d'appui des joints (80)
• 806. Diamètre extérieur de la lèvre souple extérieure (801)
• 90. Anneau souple
• 901. Lèvre extérieure à anneau souple (90)
• 902. Chambre à anneau souple (90)
• 903. Lèvre intérieure à anneau souple (90)
• 100. Agent lubrifiant
• 200. Substances abrasives

In these figures, the marks indicated are as follows:

• 10. Channel
• 101. Ring head
• 102. Toothed crown
• 103. Upper face of annular head (101)
• 104. Lower face of the annular head (101)
• 20. Rotor actuator
• 201. Internal thread
• 202. Threaded nipple
• 203. Shoulders facing housing with stops (209) for rod (31)
• 204. Actuator rotor upper face (20) pressed against the underside (104) of the annular head (101)
• 205. Throat on rotor actuator (20)
• 206. Inner throat wall (205)
• 207. Throat wall (205)
• 208. Outside throat wall (205)
• 209. Housing with stem stops (31)
• 30. Inversion command
• 301. Arrow with dextrorsum
• 302. Arrow to sinistrorsum
• 303. Curved arrow has dextrorsum
• 304. Curved arrow at sinistrorsum
• 305. Index
• 306. Reverse control bottom face (30) supported against the upper face (103) of the annular head (101)
• 307. Custom Reversing Throat (30)
• 308. Inner throat wall (307)
• 309. Throat wall (307)
• 310. Outside throat wall (307)
• 31. Stem
• 32. Rigid base
• 33. Soft coating
• 331. Stallions
• 332. Outer lip on flexible coating (33)
• 333. Room on flexible covering (33)
• 334. Inner lip on flexible covering (33)
• 335. First soft stop zone on soft cover (33)
• 336. Second flexible abutment zone on flexible coating (33)
• 34. Patch
• 35. Whole piece of the rigid base (32) and the insert (34)
• 35a. Whole piece of the piece (35) and the rod (31)
• 351. Curved whole piece notch (35)
• 352. Curved notch end (351)
• 353. Curved notch end (351)
• 40. Hoof
• 401. Denture
• 402. Nesting
• 50. Spring
• 501. Spring tip (50)
• 60. Hat
• 601. Paws
• 602. Window
• 603. Radial arrow
• 604. Areas of distinct color
• 605. Slide
• 606. Sliding end (605)
• 607. Sliding end (605)
• 608. Hat protuberance (60)
• 70. Screw
• 71. Nut
• 80. Grease seals (two)
• 801. Flexible outer lip of joints (80)
• 802. Chamber of joints (80)
• 803. Inner flexible lip of joints (80)
• 804. Inner diameter of the inner flexible lip (803)
• 805. Support face of joints (80)
• 806. Outside diameter of the outer flexible lip (801)
• 90. Flexible ring
• 901. Flexible ring outer lip (90)
• 902. Flexible ring chamber (90)
• 903. Inner lip with flexible ring (90)
• 100. Lubricating agent
• 200. Abrasive substances

DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

With respect to the diagrams and markings enumerated above, the accompanying drawings show preferred embodiments of the invention applying to a reversible ratchet wrench which has a general structure which includes a handle (10) and a annular head (101) active, which is provided with an inner ring gear (102) and integrates a subassembly which is able to rotate freely and which, with respect to a horizontal position of the key, is composed of a rotor actuator (20) which is coupled by the lower face of the annular head (101) and by a reversing control (30), also rotatable, which is fixed by the upper face of this annular head (101) and which is connected axially to the actuator rotor (20) by reciprocal screwing means, the subassembly of which interacts with a toothed shoe (40) which is meshed with said toothed ring gear (102) and which has an interlocking engagement (402) for the ends of a heart-shaped spring (50) which forms a central tip (501) on which a stem (31) of the inverting control (30) couples, so that said actuator rotor (20) and said reversing control (30), with the shoe (40) and the spring (50), rotate freely relative to the handle (10) during the engagement or detent phase of the key working control, while in the actuation phase, the shoe (40) rotatably secures the assembly with the rotation of the handle (10), wherein said reciprocal means of screwing are a screw (70) which is screwed into an internal thread (201) of the actuator rotor (20) or a nut (71) which is screwed onto a threaded stud (202) of the actuator rotor (20).

This general structure is shown in FIG. 1 with one of the objects of the present invention, which consists of a cap (60) which covers most of the upper face of the reversing control (30) and which is connected in a manner rotary actuator rotor (20). This object of the invention is that, when using the key by the user, the hand not holding the handle (10) does not come into direct contact with the inversion control (30) by pressing on the annular head (101), so as to avoid accidental reversals of the working direction of the key, with the possible consequences that ensue as an inconvenience in the work, physical injuries for the user and material damage to the tool and / or the element actuated by it.

The invention contemplates two alternatives for achieving this object. One of the alternatives consists in that said cap (60) is rotatably connected to the actuator rotor (20) without relative angular positioning means between the two elements, which can be achieved because this cap (60) is (FIG. ) rotatably connected to the actuator rotor (20) by a screw (70) which passes through the cap (60) and is screwed into said internal thread (201) of the actuator rotor (20), or because said cap (60) is (Figure 3) rotatably connected to the actuator rotor (20) by a nut (71) which is screwed onto a threaded stud (202) of the actuator rotor (20) which passes through said cap (60). In both cases, there are two possibilities: one in which (FIG. 4 and 5) the cap (60) is a separate element which is secured to said screw (70) or to said nut (71) by any method known to this effect, and the other in which (Figure 2, referring only to the screw) said cap (60) forms a single piece with the screw (70) or with the nut (71). The alternative is that the hat (60) is connected with rotary manner to the actuator rotor (20) with any relative angular positioning means between the two elements, but is not rotatably connected to said screw (70) or said nut (71); where a possible solution (FIGS. 6 to 8) is that said relative angular positioning means between the cap (60) and the actuator rotor (20) consist in that the cap (60) forms in its lower part tabs (601) which remain nested between shoulders (203) facing said actuator rotor (20), or vice versa.

Another object of the invention is to ensure that the user of the key can, without having to take it in hand, identify immediately and unequivocally the direction of rotation of the pawl and, consequently, the direction in which be turned the inversion control (30) to reverse the operation of the key. To this end, according to the invention, said cap (60) comprises indicator means which operate in conjunction with marking means incorporated in the inversion control (30). In this respect, an alternative is that these indicator means of the cap (60) consist of a window (602) and that said marking means on the inversion control (30) consist of two marks placed on the upper face of the cap. said control, such that in each direction of functional rotation of the key only one of them coincides with the same rotational position of said window (602), where one option is that said marks are (FIGS. 10) two arrows, a dextrorsum (301) and a sinistrorsum (302), which indicate to turn the handle (10) to the right and left, respectively, to perform the engagement phase, or latching, and to actuate the inversion control (30) which reverses the working direction of the key, but it is also envisaged that it is two letters, "D" and "I" or "R" and "L" , or two different colors, or any other visual means, or any combination of all these means s. Another alternative is that said indicator means of the cap (60) consist (FIGS. 11 to 13) in a radial arrow (603) and that said marking means on the inversion control (30) consist of two marks placed on the edge of the latter so that in each direction of functional rotation of the key, only one of these marks coincides with the same rotational position of said radial deflection (603). The marking means on the edge (FIGS. 11 and 12) of the reversing control (30) consist of two curved arrows, a dextrorsum (303) and a sinistrorsum (304), which indicate the direction of rotation of the handle (10) to the right and to the left, respectively, to perform the engagement phase, or detent, and the direction of rotation of the reversing control (30) which reverses the working direction of the key. It is also envisaged that said marking means on the edge of the reversing control (30) consist of two letters, "D" and "I" or "R" and "L", or of two different colors, or of any other visual means, or any combination of all these means. In this regard, Fig. 14 shows an index (305) placed on the edge of the reversing control (30), with two distinct color areas (604) placed on the cap (60). In either of these possible alternatives, it should be noted how unequivocally identified in which direction of rotation of the pawl is the key and, consequently, the direction in which the command must be actuated. reversing device (30) for changing the direction of rotation of the pawl in which the key is located.

Another object of the invention is to facilitate the handling of the inversion control (30) so that it is simple, fast, efficient and ergonomic. To this end, it is a question of producing a good grip of the user's fingers, without the occurrence of slippage hindering the work and making handling more and more difficult because of the clogging of the tool to the user. 'use. For this, according to the invention, said inversion control (30) (FIG. 15) comprises a rigid base (32) and a flexible plastic covering (33) which covers the edge of its inversion control (30). wherein said provided edge (Figures 16 and 17) of the flexible coating (33) has projections (331), and a contour delimited by the flexible coating (33) has an unpolished rough surface. In the case in which the indicator means of the cap (60) consist of a window (602), the invention provides a solution in which (FIGS. 20 to 23) said flexible coating (33) comprises an insert (34) of a different color but also plastic, which is placed in operative conjunction with said window (602) of the hat (60) and incorporates two arrows, a dextrorsum (301) and a sinistrorsum (302), which indicate the direction of rotation of the handle (10) to the right and to the left, respectively, to perform the engagement phase, or detent, as well as the direction of rotation of the inversion control (30) which reverses the working direction of the key . According to the invention, there is also provided the feature that said different colors of the flexible coating (33) and the insert (34) are coded together and in conjunction with those of said arrows a dextrorsum (301) and a sinistrorsum (302), so when the pawl rotates in the direction of rotation of the handle (10) in the direction of clockwise, the arrow has dextrorsum (301) has the same color as that of the flexible coating (33) and the frame of this- it presents the same color as that of the insert (34), and vice versa when the pawl rotates in the direction of rotation of the handle (10) in the opposite direction of clockwise of said handle (10). In this regard, another feature of the invention is that (Figures 24 and 25) said rigid base (32) and said insert (34) are formed of a single piece of hard plastic (35). A variant of this feature consists in that (FIG. 26) said rod (31), said rigid base (32) and said insert (34) are formed of a single piece of hard plastic (35a).

It is another object of the invention to provide adequate sealing conditions which will avoid the problems mentioned above in this regard. For this purpose, as shown in FIGS. 29 to 31, there are two grease seals (80) which are associated with the actuator rotor (20) and the inverting control (30), and which are respectively housed in grooves (205) and (307) of the actuator rotor (20) and the inverter (30). Said grease seals (80) have a "U" section delimited laterally by an outer flexible lip (801) and an inner flexible lip (803) between which is defined a hollow chamber (802). Said inner flexible lip (803) has a more limited flexibility than said outer lip (801), and the free edges of said outer (801) and inner (803) flexible lips lightly press, respectively, on the upper faces (103). and lower (104) of the supported head (101) of the handle (10), which are respectively backed with a sliding fit against the underside (306) of the inverting control (30) and against the upper face (204) actuator rotor (20). The groove (205) of the actuator rotor (20) has inner (206), bottom (207) and outer (208) walls whose diameters interact with the cross-section of said outer (801) and inner (803) flexible lips of the corresponding grease seal (80). The groove (307) of the reversing control (30) has inner (308), bottom (309) and outer (310) walls whose diameters interact with the cross-section of said outer (801) and inner ( 803) of the corresponding grease seal (80). One embodiment is that described in FIGS. 29 to 31, in which said groove (205) of the actuator rotor (20) and said groove (307) of the inversion control (30) are respectively formed in said upper face (204). rotor actuator (20) and said lower face of the reversing control (30). On the two grease seals (80), the clearance between the outside diameter (806) of the outer flexible lip (801) and the outer diameters (208 and 310) of the grooves (205 and 307), respectively, facilitates the flexibility of the outer flexible lip (801) of the grease seals (80). For its part, the inside diameter (804) of the inner flexible lip (803) of these grease seals (80) and the respective inside diameters (206 and 308) of the grooves (205 and 307) have a tight fit which ensures contacting the grease seals (80) on the actuator rotor (20) and the reversing control (30), while the inner lip (803) has a more limited flexibility constituting a barrier which ensures a perfect seal, and thanks to which, at the time of the initial assembly, the lips (801 and 803) of the seals (80) are installed with a slight compression, proportional to the effect of the screw (70) on (FIG. 27) the upper faces (103). ) and lower (104) of the annular head (101). Said compression is suitably ensured by the contact with the lower faces (306) of the inversion control (30) and upper (204) of the actuator rotor (20), which makes it possible to obtain the functional clearance which facilitates the functional rotation. of the mechanism. The presence of said flexible outer lip (801) and inner semi-rigid lip (803) ensures a maximum seal without significantly increasing the friction rotor torque during the indexing cycle (inversion), so that it is the weakest possible and that it does not interfere negatively with the efforts necessary for an effective work of the ratchet and to avoid that it skates or that it breaks with each movement of return trip the work carried out.

In this regard, another embodiment of the invention is that described in Figures 32 to 35, consisting in that said grease seal (80) associated with the inversion control (30) is integrated in said flexible coating (33), where it forms the corresponding outer (332) and inner (334) flexible lips, and a chamber (333) therebetween; and wherein the grease seal (80) which is associated with the actuator rotor (20) takes the form of a flexible ring (90) fixed to the actuator rotor (20) by gluing or other suitable means and where it forms the lips corresponding outer flexible (901) and inner (903), and a chamber (902) therebetween. In these embodiments, the flexible lips (801 and 803) separated by the chamber (802) prevent the penetration of the abrasive substances (200) (FIG. 28) as well as the leakage of the lubricating agent (100) (FIG. 27) which is integrated during initial assembly of the pawl.

Another object of the invention is an alternative embodiment intended to reduce the manufacturing cost of the pawl by eliminating the machining of the housing with stops (209) of the actuator rotor (20). In this regard, a solution consists (FIGS. 38 to 45) in that said cap (60) has (FIG. 42) a slider (605) arranged to have a suitable angle with respect to the tabs (601) which interact with a rod (31) which appears on both sides of the inverting control (30) and slides along said slider (605) between the ends (606) and (607) thereof. This slide (605), with its ends (606) and (607), establishes (FIGS. 44 and 45) travel stops for the rod (31) which limit the functional rotation of the inversion mechanism and which determine the direction of rotation. ratchet work; a variant of this consists in that the cap (60) forms (FIGS. 46 to 49) a protuberance (608) which works by sliding along a curved cut (351) which has (FIG. 49) ends (352). and (353) and which is formed in the entire hard plastic part (35a) which comprises the rigid base (32), the insert (34) and the rod (31); another variant consists in that (FIGS. 50 to 53) this hard plastic part (35), which comprises the rigid base (32) and the insert (34) and which is covered with the flexible coating (33), presents ends (352) and (353) covered by a first (335) and a second (336) area of said flexible covering (33) so that the flexibility of these areas (335 and 336) allows to dampen the movement of reversing the working direction of the pawl and securing the teeth (401) of the shoe (40) relative to the annular head (101) of the handle (10).

This last embodiment aims to have a very flexible inversion system with good damping.

Claims (28)

Reversible ratchet wrench comprising a handle (10) and an active annular head (101), which is provided with an internal ring gear (102) and incorporates a freely rotatable subassembly which, with respect to a horizontal position of the key, consists of an actuator rotor (20) which is coupled by the underside of the annular head (101) and an inverting control (30), also rotatable, which is fixed by the upper face of said annular head (101) and which is axially connected to the actuator rotor (20) by reciprocal screwing means, the subset of which interacts with a shoe (40), provided with a toothing (401), meshing with said toothed ring gear (102) having a socket (402) for the ends of a heart-shaped spring (50) which forms a central point (501) on which a pin (31) of the control gear inversion (30), so that said actuator rotor (20) and said control 30 (30), with the shoe (40) and the spring (50), rotate freely relative to the handle (10) during the engagement or latching phase of the key operating control, while in the actuation phase, the shoe (40) rotatably secures the assembly with the rotation of the handle (10), wherein said reciprocal means of screwing are a screw (70) which is screwed into an internal thread (201) of the rotor actuator (20) or a nut (71) which is screwed onto a threaded stud (202) of the actuator rotor (20), characterized by the presence of a cap (60) which covers most of the upper face of the reversing control (30) and being rotatably connected to the actuator rotor (20). Reversible ratchet wrench according to claim 1, characterized in that said cap (60) is rotatably connected to the actuator rotor (20) without relative angular positioning means between the two elements. Reversible ratchet wrench according to claim 2, characterized in that said cap (60) is rotatably connected to the actuator rotor (20) by a screw (70) which passes through the cap (60) and is screwed into said internal thread (201) of the actuator rotor (20). Reversible ratchet wrench according to claim 2, characterized in that said cap (60) is rotatably connected to the actuating rotor (20) by a nut (71) which is screwed onto a threaded stud (202) of the actuating rotor ( 20) which passes through said cap (60). Reversible ratchet wrench, according to claims 2 to 4, characterized in that said cap (60) is a separate element which is secured to said screw (70) or to said nut (71) by any method known for this purpose. Reversible ratchet wrench, according to claims 2 to 4, characterized in that said cap (60) consists of a single piece with the screw (70) or with the nut (71). Reversible ratchet wrench according to claim 1, characterized in that said cap (60) is rotatably connected to the actuator rotor (20) by any relative angular positioning means between the two elements, but is not connected in such a way rotary with said screw (70) or said nut (71). Reversible ratchet wrench according to claim 7, characterized in that said relative angular positioning means between the cap (60) and the actuator rotor (20) consist in that the cap (60) forms tabs ( 601) which engage between shoulders (203) of said actuator rotor (20) facing them, or vice versa. Reversible ratchet wrench, according to the preceding claims, characterized in that said cap (60) comprises indicator means which interact with marking means incorporated in the reversing control (30) which indicate the direction of rotation of the handle (10). ) to the right and to the left, respectively, to perform the engagement phase, or detent, and the direction of rotation of the inversion control (30) which reverses the working direction of the key. Reversible ratchet wrench according to claim 9, characterized in that said cap indicator means (60) consist of a window (602) and said marking means on the inverting control (30) consist of two marks placed on the upper face of said control, so that in each direction of functional rotation of the key, only one of them coincides with the same rotational position of said window (602). Reversible ratchet wrench according to claim 10, characterized in that said marks are two arrows, a dextrorsum (301) and a sinistrorsum (302), which indicate to turn the handle (10) to the right and to the left respectively for performing the engagement phase, or latching phase, and to actuate the inversion control (30) which reverses the working direction of the key. Reversible ratchet wrench according to claim 10, characterized in that said marks are two letters, "D" and "I" or "R" and "L", or two different colors, or any other visual means, or any combination of all these means. Reversible ratchet wrench according to claim 9, characterized in that said cap indicator means (60) consist of a radial deflection (603) and said marking means on the reversing control (30) consist of two marks placed on the song thereof so that in each direction of functional rotation of the key, only one of these marks coincides with the same rotational position of said radial boom (603). Reversible ratchet wrench according to claim 13, characterized in that said marking means on the edge of the reversing control (30) consist of two curved arrows, a dextrorsum (303) and a sinistrorsum (304), which indicate the direction of rotation of the handle (10) to the right and to the left, respectively, to perform the engagement phase, or detent, and to actuate the inversion control (30) which reverses the direction of work of the key. Reversible ratchet wrench according to claim 13, characterized in that said marking means on the edge of the reversing control (30) consist of two letters, "D" and "I" or "R" and "L". or two different colors, or any other visual means, or any combination of all these means. Reversible ratchet wrench, according to the preceding claims, characterized in that said inversion control (30) comprises a rigid base (32) and a flexible plastic covering (33) which covers the edge of its inverting control (30). ). Reversible ratchet wrench according to claim 16, characterized in that said edge provided with the flexible coating (33) has projections (331). Reversible ratchet wrench according to claim 16, characterized in that said edge provided with the flexible coating (33) has an unpolished rough surface. Reversible ratchet wrench, according to claims 10 and 16 to 18, characterized in that said flexible covering (33) has an insert (34) of a different color but also of plastic, which is placed in operative conjunction with said window (602) of the cap (60) and incorporates two arrows, a dextrorsum (301) and a sinistrorsum (302), which indicate the direction of rotation of the handle (10) to the right and to the left, respectively, to achieve the phase interlocking, or latching, and to actuate the inversion control (30) which reverses the working direction of the key. Reversible ratchet wrench according to claim 19, characterized in that the different colors of the flexible coating (33) and the insert (34) are coded together and in conjunction with those of said dextrorsum (301) and sinistrorsum arrows. (302), so that when the pawl rotates in the direction of rotation of the handle (10) in a clockwise direction, the arrow has dextrorsum (301) has the same color as that of the flexible coating (33). ) and the frame thereof has the same color as that of the insert (34), and vice versa when the pawl rotates in the direction of rotation of the handle (10) in the opposite direction of the clockwise . Reversible ratchet wrench, according to the preceding claims 16 and 19, characterized in that said rigid base (32) and said insert are formed in one piece (35). Reversible ratchet wrench according to claims 1, 16 and 19, characterized in that said rod (31), said rigid base (32) and said insert (34) are formed in one piece (35a). Reversible ratchet wrench, according to the preceding claims, characterized by the presence of two grease seals (80) which are associated with the actuator rotor (20) and the inverting control (30), and which are respectively housed in grooves (205) and (307) of the actuator rotor (20) and the inverter (30), said grease seals (80) have a "U" section delimited laterally by an outer flexible lip (801) and a lip flexible inner (803) between which is defined a hollow chamber (802), said inner flexible lip (803) has a more limited flexibility than said outer lip (801), and the free edges of these outer flexible lips (801) and inner (803) lightly press the upper (103) and lower (104) faces of the annular head (101) of the handle (10), which are respectively supported with a sliding fit against the underside (306) of the control inversion (30) and against the upper face (204) of the actuator rotor (20), the groove (205) of the actuator rotor (20) has inner (206), bottom (207) and outer (208) walls whose diameters interact with the cross section of said outer (801) and inner (803) flexible lip of the corresponding grease seal (80), the reversing control groove (307) has bottom (308) inner walls (309) and exterior (310) whose diameters interact with the cross section of said outer (801) and inner (803) flexible lips of the corresponding grease seal (80). Reversible ratchet wrench according to claim 23, characterized in that said groove (205) of the actuator rotor (20) and said groove (307) of the inversion control (30) are respectively arranged in said upper face (204). the actuator rotor (20) and in said lower face of the reversing control (30). Reversible ratchet wrench according to claims 16 and 23, characterized in that said grease seal (80) associated with the reversing control (30) is integrated in said flexible covering (33), where it forms the outer flexible lips (332) and inner (334), and a chamber (333) therebetween; and in that the grease seal (80) which is associated with the actuator rotor (20) takes the form of a flexible ring (90) fixed to the actuating rotor (20) by gluing or any other suitable means and where it forms the corresponding outer (901) and inner (903) flexible lips, and a chamber (902) therebetween. Reversible ratchet wrench according to claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said cap (60) has a slide (605) arranged to have a suitable angle with respect to the tabs (601) which interact with a rod (31) which appears on both sides of the inverting control (30) and slides along said slider (605) between the ends (606) and (607) thereof, and thereby to define the direction of use ratchet. Reversible ratchet wrench according to Claims 1 to 4 and 22, characterized in that the cap (60) forms a protuberance (608) which slides along a curved cut (351) which has ends (352). and (353) and which is formed in the entire hard plastic part (35a) which comprises the rigid base (32), the insert (34) and the rod (31). Reversible ratchet wrench according to claims 16, 19 and 21, characterized in that said hard plastic part (35), which comprises the rigid base (32) and the insert (34) and which is covered with the flexible coating ( 33), has ends (352 and 353) covered by a first (335) and a second (336) area of said flexible coating (33).

Images