TWI909753B - Hand tool with precision rotating function - Google Patents

Abstract

A hand tool with a precision rotating function. The handle includes a working end. The ratchet ring includes a ring part and a neck part. The ring part includes ratchet teeth on the inner wall thereof, and the neck part is inserted in the working end. The column is placed in the ring part, and a perforation is disposed on the column. A notch, a receiving groove, and a switching groove are disposed on the outer edge of the column. The column includes a first stop on one side of the switching groove and a second stop on the other side of the switching groove. The knob includes a rotating cover and a switching lever. Multiple recesses are disposed on the rotating cover. The rotating cover is adapted to sheath the ratchet ring. The switching lever extends to the switching groove and engages with either the first stop or the second stop under the rotation of the rotating cover. The locking assembly includes a positioning spring and an elastic locking unit. The positioning spring is disposed in the notch and positioned in the recess. The elastic locking unit is disposed in the receiving groove and is engaged or pressed by the ratchet teeth. The tool shaft passes through the rotating cover, the perforation, the ratchet ring, and is fixed in the handle.

Description

Hand tools with precision rotating function

This case concerns hand tools, particularly a type of hand tool with a precision rotating function.

Existing screwdrivers utilize a ratchet mechanism to achieve unidirectional rotation, allowing users to tighten or loosen screws or bolts without moving the handle. When the handle moves in the opposite direction, the ratchet mechanism slides, keeping the tool head in place and significantly improving operational efficiency.

Furthermore, ratchet designs are geared towards fast and efficient work, rather than fine and precise turning requirements. Therefore, in some applications that require delicate operation, the inability to make minor adjustments becomes a significant drawback, causing inconvenience in use.

In view of this, the applicant has devoted himself to studying the existing technology and applying theoretical principles to solve the aforementioned problems, which has become the target of the applicant's improvement.

One of the objectives of this invention is to provide a hand tool with a precision rotating function, which achieves precise rotation by turning a knob, thereby increasing ease of use.

To achieve the aforementioned objectives, this invention relates to a hand tool with a precision rotating function. The handle includes a working end. The ratchet ring includes a ring portion and a neck portion connecting to the ring portion. The inner wall of the ring portion is provided with a plurality of ratchet teeth, and the neck portion passes through the working end. A ring post is disposed within the ring portion. The center of the ring post has a through hole, and the outer edge of the ring post has a notch, a pair of receiving grooves, and a switching groove. The ring post forms a first stop wall on one side of the switching groove and a second stop wall on the other side. The knob includes a cap and a switching lever disposed within the cap. The cap has a plurality of grooves and fits over the ratchet ring. The switching lever protrudes into the switching groove and, when the cap is rotated, moves either the first or second stop wall. The locking assembly includes a positioning spring and a pair of elastic locking units. The positioning spring is disposed in a notch and positioned in one of the recesses. Each elastic locking unit is disposed in its respective recess and is stopped or pressed by one of the ratchet teeth. The tool shaft passes through a screw cap, a through hole, and a ratchet ring and is fixed in the handle.

In one embodiment of this case, the hand tool further includes a locking device disposed at the working end, and one end of the tool shaft is engaged in the handle through the locking device.

In one embodiment of this case, a plurality of protrusions are provided on the outer edge of the neck, and a plurality of slots are provided on the working end, and the neck is positioned on the working end by means of the protrusions snapping into the slots.

In one embodiment of this case, the slot and the switching slot are located on opposite sides of the ring column and are disposed on one top surface of the ring column.

In one embodiment of this case, the receiving groove is located on the outer edge of the ring column and is disposed opposite to one side of the first and second baffle walls.

In one embodiment of this case, the inner wall surface of the cap is formed with a locking block, and the switching lever protrudes from the middle position of the locking block toward the center of the cap, and the size of the locking block corresponds to the size of the switching slot.

In one embodiment of this case, the positioning spring includes a convex arc and two spring arms connecting the convex arc. The size of the convex arc corresponds to the size of the groove, and the two spring arms respectively abut against the two opposite walls of the groove.

In one embodiment of this case, each latching unit includes a latching piece and a spring that elastically abuts against the latching piece. One end of the latching piece protrudes from the receiving groove and retracts into the receiving groove when pressed by one of the ratches.

In one embodiment of this case, the cross-section of each latch is E-shaped, including a straight rib and a first, second and third transverse rib extending transversely from the straight rib. One side of the straight rib is blocked or pressed by one of the ratchet teeth, and the spring is sleeved on the second transverse rib.

In one embodiment of this case, the tool shaft includes a working section and a fixed section connected to the working section. The working section protrudes from the working end of the handle and is provided with a tool hole, and the fixed section is provided with a plurality of threads.

Compared to conventional methods, the hand tool with precision rotation function in this case allows for switching the rotation direction by rotating the knob. When the handle is rotated clockwise, the ratchet teeth of the ratchet ring continuously press against the locking surface of the locking plate, at which time the handle will rotate freely relative to the ring post. On the other hand, when the handle is rotated counterclockwise, the ratchet teeth of the ratchet ring are blocked by the locking surface of the locking plate; therefore, when the handle is rotated counterclockwise, the handle will drive the ring post to rotate counterclockwise; accordingly, the tool shaft can rotate when the handle is rotated counterclockwise. Furthermore, when the knob in this invention is rotated counterclockwise until the switch lever abuts the first stop, the tool shaft can be rotated not only by turning the handle counterclockwise, but also by precisely rotating the knob counterclockwise. Similarly, the other direction of rotation also has the same rotational function, enhancing the ease of use of the hand tool in this invention.

The detailed description and technical content of this case are illustrated in the following figures. However, the figures are provided for reference and illustration only and are not intended to limit this case.

Please refer to Figures 1 and 2, which are three-dimensional schematic diagrams of the two sides of the hand tool with precision rotating function of this invention. The hand tool 1 with precision rotating function of this invention includes a handle 10, a ratchet ring 20, a ring post 30, a knob 40, a locking assembly 50, and a tool shaft 60. The ratchet ring 20 is attached to the handle 10. The locking assembly 50 is installed in the ring post 30 and disposed in the ratchet ring 20 together with the ring post 30. The knob 40 is sleeved on the outside of the ratchet ring 20. One end of the tool shaft 60 passes through the ring post 30 and the ratchet ring 20 and is fixed in the handle 10. The other end of the tool shaft 60 protrudes from the knob 40 for rotating a stud or a nut. The hand tool 1 with precision rotating function is described in more detail below.

Please refer to Figures 3 to 5, which are exploded perspective views of the precision rotating hand tool of this invention, a three-dimensional external view of the knob, and an assembled sectional view of the hand tool. The handle 10 of this invention includes a working end 11. The ratchet ring 20 includes a ring portion 21 and a neck portion 22 connecting the ring portion 21. A plurality of ratchet teeth 211 are provided on the inner wall surface of the ring portion 21. The neck portion 22 passes through the working end 11. In this embodiment, the working end 11 is provided with a plurality of slots 111. Additionally, a plurality of protrusions 221 are provided on the outer edge surface of the neck portion 22. The neck portion 22 is positioned on the working end 11 by engaging the slots 111 with the protrusions 221.

Furthermore, the ring post 30 is disposed within the ring portion 21. A through hole 300 is provided at the center of the ring post 30, and a notch 31, a pair of receiving grooves 32, and a switching groove 33 are provided on the outer edge surface 301 of the ring post 30. A first baffle wall 34 is formed on one side of the switching groove 33, and a second baffle wall 35 is formed on the other side. In this embodiment, the pair of receiving grooves 32 are located on the outer edge surface 301 of the ring post 30 and are disposed opposite to each other on one side of the first baffle wall 34 and the second baffle wall 35. In addition, the notch 31 and the switching groove 33 are located on opposite sides of the ring post 30 and are disposed on a top surface 302 of the ring post 30.

The knob 40 includes a cap 41 and a series of switching levers 42 disposed within the cap 41. The cap 41 has a plurality of grooves 410 and fits onto the ratchet ring 20. The switching levers 42 protrude from the switching groove 33 and abut against the first stop wall 34 or the second stop wall 35 when the cap 41 is rotated. In this embodiment, the grooves 410 include a first groove 411, a middle groove 412, and a second groove 413. Furthermore, a locking block 43 is formed on the inner wall surface of the cap 41. The switching lever 42 protrudes from the middle position of the locking block 43 toward the center of the cap 41, and the size of the locking block 43 corresponds to the size of the switching groove 33.

Furthermore, the latching assembly 50 includes a positioning spring 51 and a pair of elastic latching units 52. The positioning spring 51 is disposed in the notch 31 and positioned in one of the recesses 410. Each elastic latching unit 52 is disposed in each of the receiving grooves 32 and is blocked or pressed by one of the ratchet teeth 211.

In this embodiment, the positioning spring 51 includes a convex arc 511 and two spring arms 512 connecting the convex arc 511. The size of the convex arc 511 corresponds to the size of the groove 410. The two spring arms 512 respectively abut against two opposite walls of the notch 31. In addition, each locking unit 52 includes a locking piece 521 and a spring 522 that elastically abuts against the locking piece 521. One end of the locking piece 521 protrudes from the receiving groove 32 and retracts into the receiving groove 32 when pressed by one of the ratchet teeth 211.

Specifically, each of the latching tabs 521 has an E-shaped cross-section, including a straight rib 523 and a first transverse rib 524, a second transverse rib 525, and a third transverse rib 526 extending transversely from the straight rib 523. One side of the straight rib 523 is blocked or pressed by one of the ratchet teeth 211. In addition, the spring 522 is sleeved on the second transverse rib 525.

Furthermore, the tool shaft 60 passes through the screw cap 41, the through hole 300 of the ring post 30, and the ratchet ring 20, and is fixed in the handle 10. The hand tool 1 of this invention further includes a locking fastener 70 disposed on the working end 11. One end of the tool shaft 60 is engaged in the handle 10 through the locking fastener 70. Specifically, the tool shaft 60 includes a working section 61 and a fixed section 62 connecting the working section 61. The working section 61 protrudes from the working end 11 of the handle 10 and is provided with a tool hole 610. Furthermore, the fixed section 62 is provided with a plurality of threads 620. Accordingly, the end of the tool shaft 60 is locked together with the working end 11 through the threads 620 and the locking fastener 70.

Please refer to Figures 6 and 7, which are schematic diagrams of the use of the hand tool in this case. As shown in Figure 6, when the knob 40 is not rotated, the convex arc 511 of the positioning spring 51 is positioned on the central groove 412. Specifically, the latching piece 521 of this case includes a blocking surface 5211 and a pressing surface 5212. The blocking surface 5211 and the pressing surface 5212 are vertically arranged and are blocked or pressed by the ratchet 211 of the ratchet ring 20. It is worth noting that the switching lever 42 is located in the middle position of the switching groove 33. Additionally, the locking block 43 of the knob 40 is positioned between the first stop wall 34 and the second stop wall 35, and the locking block 43 does not press on either of the elastic locking units 52. At this time, the locking tabs 521 of the elastic locking unit 52 (first locking unit) near the first stop wall 34 and the other elastic locking unit 52 (second locking unit) near the second stop wall 35 will protrude from their respective receiving slots 32.

As shown in Figure 7, the grip 10 of this invention can rotate in both directions under the action of the elastic locking unit 52 (first locking unit) near the first stop wall 34 and another elastic locking unit 52 (second locking unit) near the second stop wall 35. Specifically, regardless of whether the grip 10 rotates clockwise or counterclockwise, the ratchet 211 of the ratchet ring 20 will be blocked by the locking surface 5211 of the locking piece 521. Therefore, when the grip 10 rotates clockwise or counterclockwise, the grip 10 will drive the ring post 30 to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise. Accordingly, the tool shaft 60 can rotate clockwise or counterclockwise with the grip 10.

Please refer to Figures 8 and 9 for another schematic diagram of the use of the hand tool in this invention. The hand tool 1 of this invention can switch the rotation direction by rotating the knob 40. As shown in Figure 8, when the knob 40 of this invention is rotated counterclockwise, the switching lever 42 moves along the switching groove 33 and abuts against the first stop wall 34, and the convex arc 511 of the positioning spring piece 51 is positioned on the first groove 411. At this time, the elastic locking unit 52 (first locking unit) near the first stop wall 34 is pressed by the locking block 43 and retracts into the receiving groove 32. In addition, for the other elastic locking unit 52 (second locking unit) near the second stop wall 35, the outer end of the locking piece 521 protrudes from the receiving groove 32. To be more specific, the latch 521 of this case includes a stop surface 5211 and a press surface 5212. The stop surface and the press surface 5212 are arranged vertically and are stopped or pressed by the ratchet 211 of the ratchet ring 20.

As shown in Figure 9, when the knob 40 is rotated counterclockwise, the ratchet ring 20 rotates along with the grip 10. The elastic locking unit 52 (first locking unit) near the first stop wall 34 in the locking assembly 50 retracts into the receiving groove 32. The grip 10 can rotate in one direction under the action of the elastic locking unit 52 (second locking unit) near the second stop wall 35. Specifically, when the grip 10 rotates clockwise, the ratchet teeth 211 of the ratchet ring 20 continuously press against the pressing surface 5212 of the locking plate 521. At this time, the grip 10 will rotate freely relative to the ring post 30. On the other hand, when the grip 10 rotates counterclockwise, the ratchet 211 of the ratchet ring 20 is stopped by the stopping surface 5211 of the locking plate 521. Therefore, when the grip 10 rotates counterclockwise, the grip 10 will drive the ring post 30 to rotate counterclockwise. Accordingly, the tool shaft 60 can rotate when the grip 10 rotates counterclockwise.

It should be noted that when the knob 40 is rotated counterclockwise until the switch lever 42 abuts the first stop 34, the tool shaft 60 can not only be rotated when the handle 10 is rotated counterclockwise, but the tool shaft 60 can also be precisely rotated counterclockwise along with the knob 40.

Please also refer to Figures 10 and 11, which are further schematic diagrams of the use of the hand tool in this case. As shown in Figure 10, when the knob 40 of this case is rotated clockwise, the switching lever 42 moves along the switching groove 33 and abuts against the second stop wall 35, and the convex arc 511 of the positioning spring piece 51 is positioned on the second groove 413. At this time, the elastic locking unit 52 (second locking unit) near the second stop wall 35 is pressed by the locking block 43 and retracts into the receiving groove 32. In addition, for the elastic locking unit 52 (first locking unit) near the first stop wall 34, one outer end of the locking piece 521 protrudes from the receiving groove 32.

As shown in Figure 11, when the knob 40 is rotated clockwise, the ratchet ring 20 rotates along with the grip 10. The elastic locking unit 52 (second locking unit) near the second stop wall 35 in the locking assembly 50 retracts into the receiving groove 32. The grip 10 can rotate in one direction under the action of the elastic locking unit 52 (first locking unit) near the first stop wall 34. Specifically, when the grip 10 rotates counterclockwise, the ratchet teeth 211 of the ratchet ring 20 continuously press against the pressing surface 5212 of the locking plate 521. At this time, the grip 10 will rotate freely relative to the ring post 30. On the other hand, when the grip 10 rotates clockwise, the ratchet 211 of the ratchet ring 20 is stopped by the stop surface 5211 of the stop plate 521. Therefore, when the grip 10 rotates clockwise, the grip 10 will drive the ring post 30 to rotate clockwise. Accordingly, the tool shaft 60 can rotate when the grip 10 rotates clockwise.

It should be noted that when the knob 40 is rotated clockwise until the switch lever 42 abuts the second stop 35, the tool shaft 60 can not only be rotated when the handle 10 is rotated clockwise, but the tool shaft 60 can also be precisely rotated clockwise along with the knob 40.

The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this case and is not intended to define the scope of the patent in this case. All other equivalent variations that apply the spirit of the patent in this case shall fall within the scope of the patent in this case.

1: Hand tool 10: Handle 11: Working end 111: Slot 20: Ratchet ring 21: Ring part 211: Ratchet 22: Neck part 221: Protrusion 30: Ring post 300: Perforation 301: Outer edge surface 302: Top surface 31: Notch 32: Receiving groove 33: Switching groove 34: First stop wall 35: Second stop wall 40: Button 41: Cap 410: Groove 411: First groove 412: Middle groove 413: Second groove 42: Switching lever 43: Locking block 50: Locking assembly 51: Positioning spring 511: Convex arc 512: Spring arm 52: Elastic locking unit 521: Locking piece 5211: Locking surface 5212: Pressing surface 522: Spring 523: Straight rib 524: First transverse rib 525: Second transverse rib 526: Third transverse rib 60: Tool shaft 61: Working section 610: Tool hole 62: Fixed section 620: Thread 70: Locking fastener

Figures 1 and 2 are three-dimensional schematic diagrams of the two sides of the hand tool with precision rotation function in this case.

Figure 3 is a three-dimensional exploded view of the hand tool with precision rotation function in this case.

Figure 4 is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the knob in this case.

Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the hand tools used in this case.

Figures 6 and 7 are schematic diagrams illustrating the use of the hand tools in this case.

Figures 8 and 9 are another schematic diagram of the use of the hand tools in this case.

Figures 10 and 11 are further illustrations of the use of the hand tools in this case.

10: Grip

211: Rachoids

30: Ring Pillar

33: Switching slot

34: The First Barrier

35: The Second Barrier

41: Screw cap

410: Groove

411: First Groove

412: Central Groove

413: Second Groove

42: Switching lever

43: Card Block

50: Card Deck

51: Positioning shrapnel

511:convex arc

52: Flexible latch unit

521: Card/Panel

5211: Brake face

5212: Pressure Surface

522: Spring

60: Tool Shaft

Claims (10)

A hand tool with precision rotating function, comprising: a handle including a working end; a ratchet ring including a ring portion and a neck portion connecting to the ring portion, the inner wall surface of the ring portion being provided with a plurality of ratchet teeth, the neck portion passing through the working end; a ring post disposed in the ring portion, the ring post having a through hole at its center, the outer edge surface of the ring post having a notch, a pair of receiving grooves, and a switching groove, the ring post forming a first stop wall on one side of the switching groove and a second stop wall on the other side; A knob comprising a cap and a set of levers disposed within the cap, the cap having a plurality of grooves and fitting around the ratchet ring, the levers protruding from the switching grooves and abutting against the first or second stop wall when the cap is rotated; A locking assembly comprising a positioning spring and a pair of elastic locking units, the positioning spring being disposed in the notch and positioned in one of the grooves, each elastic locking unit being disposed in its respective receiving groove and being stopped or pressed by one of the ratchet teeth; and A tool shaft passing through the cap, the through hole, and the ratchet ring, and fixed in the handle. The hand tool with precision rotation function as described in claim 1 further includes a locking fastener disposed at the working end, through which one end of the tool shaft is engaged in the handle. The hand tool with precision rotation function as described in claim 1, wherein the outer edge of the neck is provided with a plurality of protrusions, the working end is provided with a plurality of slots, and the neck is positioned on the working end by engaging the protrusions with the slots. The hand tool with precision rotation function as described in claim 1, wherein the notch and the switching slot are on opposite sides of the ring post and are disposed on a top surface of the ring post. The hand tool with precision rotation function as described in claim 1, wherein the receiving groove is located on the outer edge of the ring post and is disposed opposite to one side of the first stop wall and the second stop wall. The hand tool with precision rotation function as described in claim 1, wherein a latch block is formed on the inner wall surface of the cap, the switching lever protrudes from the middle position of the latch block toward the center of the cap, and the size of the latch block corresponds to the size of the switching slot. The hand tool with precision rotation function as described in claim 1, wherein the positioning spring includes a convex arc and two spring arms connecting the convex arc, the size of the convex arc being set to correspond to the size of the groove, and the two spring arms respectively abutting against two opposite walls of the notch. The hand tool with precision rotation function as described in claim 1, wherein each elastic locking unit includes a locking piece and a spring that elastically abuts the locking piece, one end of the locking piece protruding from the receiving groove and retracting into the receiving groove when pressed by one of the ratchet teeth. As described in claim 8, the hand tool with precision rotation function, wherein each of the latches has an E-shaped cross section, including a straight rib and a first transverse rib, a second transverse rib and a third transverse rib extending transversely from the straight rib, one side of the straight rib being blocked or pressed by one of the ratchet teeth, and the spring being sleeved on the second transverse rib. The hand tool with precision rotation function as described in claim 1, wherein the tool shaft includes a working section and a fixed section connected to the working section, the working section protruding from the working end of the handle and having a tool hole, and the fixed section having a plurality of threads.