Patent ID: 8215207
Filing Date: 2012-07-10
Classification: B25B

Abstract:
1. A ratchet wrench comprising: a driving end, wherein the driving end includes a compartment extending therethrough, wherein the driving end includes two cavities extending therein and which are spaced from each other, wherein each cavity extends orthogonally to and connected with the compartment; a ratchet member rotatable received in the driving end, with the ratchet member received in the compartment, wherein the ratchet member includes an orifice in which a workpiece to be driven is adapted to be inserted and retained therein; two pawl mechanisms releasably engaging with the ratchet member, wherein the two pawl mechanisms are disposed in the two cavities respectively, with each of the two pawl mechanisms moving toward and away from the ratchet member in a moving path; and a switching mechanism disposed between the two pawl mechanisms and which includes a body including an urging section defining limits selectively urging the pawl mechanisms such that one limit engages with one pawl mechanism to urge the one pawl mechanism to disengage from the ratchet member while the other limit disengages from the other pawl mechanism to allow the other pawl mechanism to engage with the ratchet member in a first operation mode, and the other limit engages with the other pawl mechanism to urge the other pawl mechanism to disengage from the ratchet member while the one limit disengages from the one pawl mechanism to allow the other pawl mechanism to engage with the ratchet member in a second operation mode, with the body further including a holding section abutting both pawl mechanisms and preventing each of the two pawl mechanisms from rotating about the moving path, wherein the two pawl mechanisms alternatively engage with the ratchet member and stop the ratchet member from rotating in a direction that the ratchet wrench is intended to be turned, wherein each pawl mechanism includes a pawl, wherein the pawl of one pawl mechanism engages with the ratchet member while the pawl of the other pawl mechanism disengages from the ratchet member, wherein each pawl includes a lateral side extending longitudinally, wherein the lateral side, the ratchet member and a peripheral edge of the associated cavity define a space therebetween in order to allow the pawl to move in the associated cavity, and wherein the space has a triangular shape.