Patent Publication Number: US-7588095-B2

Title: Outer bearing retention structures for ratchet hammer mechanism

Description:
PRIORITY STATEMENT 
   This application claims priority under 35 USC § 119 from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/672,545, which was filed on Apr. 19, 2005, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates in general to imparting axial movement to tool chucks configured for attachment of accessories to power drivers, and more particularly to a tool chuck that can be selectively driven in a reciprocating “hammer” mode by engaging a ratcheting mechanism and structures adapted and configured for retaining associated bearings during assembly and use of the power driver tools. 
   2. Description of Related Art 
   Commonly-assigned, copending provisional Application, entitled “TOOL CHUCK WITH POWER TAKE OFF FEATURE,” U.S. Prov. Pat. Appl., was filed Sep. 20, 2004 with the USPTO and has been allotted Ser. No. 60/610,973, and is hereafter referred to as “the &#39;973 application.” Commonly-assigned, copending provisional Application No. 11/400,378, entitled “TOOL CHUCK WITH POWER TAKE OFF AND DEAD SPINDLE FEATURES,” was filed Apr. 19, 2005, and is hereafter referred to as the “the &#39;1056 application.” The entirety of each of the above-identified applications is hereby incorporated for all purposes by reference. Both of the referenced applications describe in more detail particular tool and tool chuck configurations that may incorporate the inventions detailed below. 
   In certain drilling applications, the effectiveness of the drilling can be increased by adding a “hammer” action, i.e., a reciprocating movement along the longitudinal axis of the drill bit or other tool held in the chuck jaws. Preferably, this hammer action can be selectively engaged and disengaged to expand the versatility of the tool and to reduce unnecessary and premature wear on the hammer mechanism(s). This engaging and/or disengaging of the hammer mechanism may be controlled by a turn ring (or sleeve) or lever that is rotated manually, without using a chuck key, to alter the configuration of the hammer mechanism. 
   Other developments include tool chucks that utilize power from the power driver to open and close the chuck jaws. To this end, the tool chuck may be provided with a sleeve that is axially moveable to a position in which the sleeve is grounded (i.e., rotationally fixed) to the housing of the power driver. Thus, when the driver is powered up, a spindle of the driver (and consequently the chuck jaws) rotates relative to the sleeve. The relative rotation between the spindle and the sleeve may tighten or loosen the chuck jaws. 
   Conventional keyless tool chucks have associated disadvantages. For example, they require a user to manipulate the sleeve (i.e., rotate the sleeve and/or slide the sleeve axially). Such manipulations may be difficult, especially when the user attempts to simultaneously insert an accessory into the chuck jaws. Also, a user may inadvertently release a grounded condition between the sleeve and the tool housing when the tool is powered up. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The various example embodiments of the invention described in more detail below relate to modifications and/or additions to various structures utilized in a power driver, particularly a power driver having an optional “hammer” action, for retaining an outer bearing during assembly and/or operation of the power driver. In particular, the disclosed structures provide one or more surfaces, particularly inner peripheral surfaces, that limit movement of the bearing along the input shaft (or spindle). 
   The above and other features of the invention including various and novel details of construction and combinations of parts will now be more particularly described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It will be understood that the details of the exemplary embodiments are shown by way of illustration only and not as limitations of the invention. The principles and features of this invention may be employed in varied and numerous embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description below and the accompanying drawings, wherein like elements are represented by like reference numerals, which are given by way of illustration only and thus are not limiting of the present invention. 
       FIGS. 1A and 1B  are schematic illustrations of embodiments of power tools according to example, non-limiting embodiments of the present invention. 
       FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view of a first example embodiment of the tool according to the invention. 
       FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of a second example embodiment of the tool according to the invention. 
       FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of a third example embodiment of the tool according to the invention. 
       FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of a fourth example embodiment of the tool according to the invention. 
       FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of a fifth example embodiment of the tool according to the invention. 
       FIG. 7A  is a cross-sectional view of a sixth example embodiment of the tool according to the invention and  FIG. 7B  is a cross-section taken along line B-B in  FIG. 7A . 
       FIGS. 8A and 8B  are cross-sectional views of a portion of a seventh example embodiment of a tool according to the invention. 
       FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view of an eighth example embodiment of a tool according to the invention. 
   

   These drawings have been provided to assist in the understanding of the example embodiments of the invention as described in more detail below and should not be construed as unduly limiting the invention. In particular, the number, relative spacing, positioning, sizing and dimensions of the various elements illustrated in the drawings are not drawn to scale and may have been exaggerated, reduced or otherwise modified for the purpose of improved clarity. 
   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS 
   Example embodiments of the invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which certain example embodiments of the invention are illustrated. Those of ordinary skill in the art will also appreciate that a range of alternative configurations have been omitted simply to improve the clarity and reduce the number of drawings. Those of ordinary skill will also appreciate that certain of the various structural elements illustrated or described with respect to the various example embodiments may be selectively and independently combined to create other embodiments of tools without departing from the scope and spirit of this disclosure. 
   Example Embodiment Depicted in FIG.  1 A 
     FIG. 1A  illustrates, in schematic fashion, an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a power driver (e.g., a drill) having a tool chuck  50  configured for holding and turning an accessory (e.g., a drill bit). The tool chuck  50  may be connected to a hammer mechanism  60 , a power take off (PTO) mechanism  70 , a transmission  80  and finally, to an electric motor  90 . The transmission  70  may use gearing to effect a series of changes in the ratio between an input rpm (from the electric motor  90 ) and an output rpm (delivered to the tool chuck  50 ) to deliver higher rotational speed or higher torque. 
   Example Embodiment Depicted in FIG.  1 B 
     FIG. 1B  illustrates, in schematic fashion, an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a power driver (e.g., a drill) having a tool chuck  50  configured for holding and turning an accessory (e.g., a drill bit). The tool chuck  50  may be connected to a hammer mechanism  60 , a transmission  80  and finally, to an electric motor  90 . The transmission  70  may use gearing to effect a series of changes in the ratio between an input rpm (from the electric motor  90 ) and an output rpm (delivered to the tool chuck  50 ) to deliver higher rotational speed or higher torque. 
   In both of the example embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , the transmission  70  may include a plurality of planetary reduction systems, but it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited in this regard. For example, more or less than three planetary reduction systems may be implemented. Further, transmissions other than planetary reduction system transmissions (e.g., conventional parallel axis transmissions) may be utilized in the alternative or in combination as necessary to meet the power and functional design goals. Planetary reduction transmissions are well known in this art, and therefore a detailed discussion of the same is omitted. 
   First Example Embodiment 
     FIG. 2  illustrates, in cross-section, an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a power driver including a chuck cone containing a plurality of movable chuck jaws  602  for selectively holding and releasing an accessory (e.g., a drill bit). The tool chuck cone may be integrally mounted on a input shaft  650  (also sometimes referred to as a spindle in tools that do not include a PTO mechanism) that may, as disclosed in the &#39;1056 application, incorporate additional mechanisms (not shown) for actuating the chuck jaws  602 . The input shaft  650  is supported, in part, by an outer bearing  666  and an inner or needle bearing  674 . The input shaft  650  is also connected to a hammer mechanism that includes a rotating ratchet  668  (fixed to the rotating input shaft  650 ), a fixed ratchet  670  (typically fixed to the gear case housing) and a cam ring  672  that is attached to or includes a user operable lever or sleeve for selectively engaging the rotating and fixed ratchets (also referred to as front and rear anvils), typically by rotating or sliding an external extension of the cam ring. 
   When the hammer mechanism is engaged, opposing faces of the rotating ratchet  668  and the fixed ratchet  670  will come into contact and, as the input shaft  650  rotates, will produce a ratcheting action that will displace the shaft relative to the main tool body  680  to produce a reciprocating axial motion. This axial motion will be opposed by one or more springs  662 , typically compression springs or a resilient material, that engage the input shaft  650 , or a projection from the input shaft, and will tend to return the shaft to its non-displaced position. As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the spring  662  can be arranged between a shoulder or stepped portion of the shaft  650  and the outer bearing  666 . A portion of the input shaft  650 , the hammer mechanism and the rear bearing  674  are arranged within a gear case housing  676  that can also enclose the transmission (not shown) and, if utilized, PTO mechanisms (not shown). 
   A bearing retainer housing  664  is configured to cooperate with the gear case housing  676  to define a recess that will retain the outer bearing  666 . In particular, the bearing retainer housing  664  can be configured with a shoulder or stepped portion  664   a  that extends over a surface of the outer bearing  666  and will tend to maintain the position of the bearing during assembly and operation of the tool. The bearing retainer housing  664  can be provided with projections, slots or other openings (not shown) that will cooperate with corresponding recesses or projections from the gear case housing  676  to maintain the relative position of these two components and allow a projecting portion of the cam ring  672  to extend from the housing surface for convenient access by the operator. The bearing retainer housing  664  may also be attached to the gear case housing and/or a main tool body  680  or a main tool body  680  using one or more fasteners  678 . 
   Second Example Embodiment 
     FIG. 3  illustrates, in cross-section, another exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a power driver including a chuck cone containing a plurality of movable chuck jaws  602  for selectively holding and releasing an accessory (e.g., a drill bit). The tool chuck cone is mounted on a input shaft  650  that may, as disclosed in the &#39;1056 application, incorporate additional mechanisms (not shown) for actuating the chuck jaws  602 . The input shaft  650  is supported, in part, by an outer bearing  666  and an inner or needle bearing  674 . 
   The input shaft  650  is also connected to a hammer mechanism that includes a rotating ratchet  668 , a fixed ratchet  670  and a cam ring  672  that is attached to or includes a user operable lever or sleeve for selectively engaging the ratchets, typically by rotating or sliding an external extension of the cam ring. The rotating ratchet  668 , fixed ratchet  670 , spring  662  and the majority of the cam ring  672  may be surrounded and contained within a backup sleeve  669  arranged between the hammer mechanism and the bearing retainer housing  664 . 
   When the hammer mechanism is engaged, opposing faces of the rotating ratchet  668  and the fixed ratchet  670  will come into contact and, as the input shaft  650  rotates, will produce a ratcheting action that will repeatedly displace the input shaft relative to the main tool body  680  to produce a reciprocating axial motion. This axial motion will typically be opposed by one or more springs  662  that engage the input shaft  650 , a projection from the input shaft, a surface of the outer bearing  666  and/or the rotating ratchet  668  and will tend to return the shaft to its non-displaced position. As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the spring  662  can be arranged between the rotating ratchet  668  and the outer bearing  666 . A portion of the input shaft  650 , the hammer mechanism and the rear bearing  674  are arranged within a gear case housing  676  that can also enclose the transmission (not shown) and, if utilized, a PTO mechanism (not shown). 
   A bearing retainer housing  664  is configured to cooperate with the backup sleeve  669  to define a recess that will retain the outer bearing  666 . In particular, the bearing retainer housing  664  can be configured with a shoulder or stepped portion  664   a  that extends over a portion of the surface of the outer bearing  666  and will tend to maintain the position of the bearing during assembly and operation of the tool. The bearing retainer housing can be provided with slots or other openings (not shown) that will cooperate with corresponding projections from the gear case housing  676  to maintain the relative position of these two components and allow a projecting portion of the cam ring  672  to extend from the housing surface for access by the operator. The bearing retainer housing  664  may also be attached to the gear case housing and/or a main tool body  680  using one or more fasteners  678 . 
   Third Example Embodiment 
     FIG. 4  illustrates, in cross-section, another exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a power driver including a chuck cone containing a plurality of movable chuck jaws  602  for selectively holding and releasing an accessory (e.g., a drill bit or a Phillips, square or Torx™ driver bit). The tool chuck cone is mounted on a input shaft  650  that may, as disclosed in the &#39;1056 application, incorporate additional mechanisms (not shown) for actuating the chuck jaws  602 . As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the chuck cone can include an outer chuck cover  651  that includes a threaded lower internal surface. The threaded surface of the chuck cover  651  can engage a corresponding threaded exterior surface of the gear case housing  676 . As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , flat spring  662 ′, such as a Smalley wave spring or other low profile compression spring, can be provided between a lower surface of the tool chuck cone and can cooperate with a bearing retainer  663  and/or the gear case housing  676  to maintain the positioning of the outer bearing  666 . 
   The input shaft  650  is supported, in part, by an outer bearing  666  and an inner or needle bearing  674 . The input shaft  650  is also connected to a hammer mechanism that includes a rotating ratchet  668 , a fixed ratchet  670  and a cam ring  672  that is attached to or includes a user operable lever or sleeve for selectively engaging the ratchets, typically by rotating or sliding an external extension of the cam ring. The rotating ratchet  668 , fixed ratchet  670 , and majority of the cam ring  672  may be surrounded and contained within a backup sleeve arranged between the hammer mechanism and the gear case housing  676 . 
   When the hammer mechanism is engaged, opposing faces of the rotating ratchet  668  and the fixed ratchet  670  will come into contact and, as the input shaft  650  rotates, will produce a ratcheting action that will displace the input shaft relative to the main body  680  to produce a reciprocating axial motion. This axial motion will be opposed by one or more springs  662 ′ that engage the input shaft  650 , or a projection from the input shaft, and will tend to return the shaft to its non-displaced position. As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the spring  662 ′ can be arranged between a lower surface of the chuck cone and the outer bearing  666 . A portion of the input shaft  650 , the hammer mechanism and the rear bearing  674  are arranged within a gear case housing  676  that can also enclose the transmission (not shown) and, if utilized, PTO mechanisms (not shown). 
   Fourth Example Embodiment 
     FIG. 5  illustrates, in cross-section, another exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a power driver including a chuck cone containing a plurality of movable chuck jaws  602  for selectively holding and releasing an accessory (e.g., a drill bit). The tool chuck cone is mounted on a input shaft  650  that may, as disclosed in the &#39;1056 application, incorporate additional mechanisms (not shown) for actuating the chuck jaws  602 . 
   As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the gear case housing  676  can include an upper internal threaded surface. The threaded surface of the gear case housing  676  can engage a corresponding threaded exterior surface of a threaded bearing retainer  667  for retaining the outer bearing  666  within the gear case housing. As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the tool may also include a sleeve retaining ring  675 . 
   The input shaft  650  is supported, in part, by an outer bearing  666  and an inner or needle bearing  674 . The input shaft  650  is also connected to a hammer mechanism that includes a rotating ratchet  668 , a fixed ratchet  670  and a cam ring  672  that is attached to or includes a user operable lever or sleeve for selectively engaging the ratchets, typically by rotating or sliding an external extension of the cam ring. The rotating ratchet  668 , fixed ratchet  670  and the majority of the cam ring  672  may be surrounded and contained within a space defined by the gear case housing  676 . 
   When the hammer mechanism is engaged, opposing faces of the rotating ratchet  668  and the fixed ratchet  670  will come into contact and, as the input shaft  650  rotates, will produce a ratcheting action that will displace the input shaft relative to the main body  680  to produce a reciprocating axial motion. This axial motion will be opposed by one or more springs  662  that engage the input shaft  650 , or a projection from the input shaft, and will tend to return the shaft to its non-displaced position. As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the spring  662  can be arranged between a lower surface of the chuck cone and the outer bearing  666 . A portion of the input shaft  650 , the hammer mechanism and the rear bearing  674  are arranged within a gear case housing  676  that can also enclose the transmission (not shown) and, if utilized, PTO mechanisms (not shown). 
   Fifth Example Embodiment 
     FIG. 6  illustrates, in cross-section, another exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a power driver including a chuck cone containing a plurality of movable chuck jaws  602  for selectively holding and releasing an accessory (e.g., a drill bit). The tool chuck cone is mounted on a input shaft  650  that may, as disclosed in the &#39;1056 application, incorporate additional mechanisms (not shown) for actuating the chuck jaws  602 . 
   As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the chuck cone can include an outer chuck cover  651  that includes a threaded lower internal surface. The threaded surface of the chuck cover  651  can engage a corresponding threaded exterior surface of the input shaft (or spindle)  650 . As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , spring  662  can be provided between an outer bearing  666  and the rotating ratchet  668 . The input shaft  650  is supported, in part, by the outer bearing  666  and an inner or needle bearing  674 . 
   The input shaft  650  is also connected to a hammer mechanism that includes a rotating ratchet  668 , a fixed ratchet  670  and a cam ring  672  that is attached to or includes a user operable lever or sleeve for selectively engaging the ratchets, typically by rotating or sliding an external extension of the cam ring. The rotating ratchet  668 , fixed ratchet  670 , spring  662  and majority of the cam ring  672  may be surrounded and contained within the gear case housing  676  and the outer bearing  666 . The outer bearing  666  is, in turn, located by surfaces on the gear case housing  676 , a shoulder portion extending from the bearing retainer housing  664  and a lower surface of a stepped or shoulder portion of the input shaft  650 . 
   When the hammer mechanism is engaged, opposing faces of the rotating ratchet  668  and the fixed ratchet  670  will come into contact and, as the input shaft  650  rotates, will produce a ratcheting action that will displace the input shaft relative to the main body  680  to produce a reciprocating axial motion. This axial motion will be opposed by one or more springs  662  that engage the input shaft  650 , or a projection from the input shaft, and will tend to return the shaft to its non-displaced position. A portion of the input shaft  650 , the hammer mechanism and the rear bearing  674  are arranged within a gear case housing  676  that can also enclose the transmission (not shown) and, if utilized, PTO mechanisms (not shown). 
   As also illustrated in  FIG. 6 , particularly on the upper left side of the illustrated embodiment, depending on the relative sizing and positioning of the various structural components, fasteners such as screws can be used to fix, on at least a temporary basis, the location of the outer bearing  666  relative to the gear case housing. The fasteners  678 ″ can be inserted through a side surface to contact and fix the relative position of the outer bearing  666 . Alternatively, or in addition to a first fastener through a side surface, when the input shaft  650  is configured to remove any peripheral portions or flanges that would tend to obscure the upper surface of the gear case housing  676 , one or more fasteners  678 ′ can be inserted through a top or upper surface of the gear case housing  676  to fix the relative position of the outer bearing  666 . 
   Sixth Example Embodiment 
     FIGS. 7A and 7B  illustrate, in cross-section, another exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a power driver including a chuck cone containing a plurality of movable chuck jaws  602  for selectively holding and releasing an accessory (e.g., a drill bit). The tool chuck cone is mounted on a input shaft  650  that may, as disclosed in the &#39;1056 application, incorporate additional mechanisms (not shown) for actuating the chuck jaws  602 . 
   As illustrated in  FIG. 7A , the input shaft  650  is supported, in part, by the outer bearing  666  and an inner or needle bearing  674 . The input shaft  650  is also connected to a hammer mechanism that includes a rotating ratchet  668 , a fixed ratchet  670  and a cam ring  672  that is attached to or includes a user operable lever or sleeve for selectively engaging the ratchets, typically by rotating or sliding an external extension of the cam ring. 
   The rotating ratchet  668 , fixed ratchet  670  and the majority of the cam ring  672  may be surrounded and contained within the gear case housing  676  and the outer bearing  666 . The outer bearing  666  is, in turn, located by surfaces on the gear case housing  676  and/or an inner surface of a bearing retainer housing  664 . As reflected in  FIG. 7A , however, no portion of the bearing retainer housing  664  (left side of  FIG. 7A ) or the gear case housing (right side of  FIG. 7A ) extends inwardly across the outer bearing  666 . The gear case housing  676  is provided with a groove or other recess into which a corresponding portion or portions of a retainer ring  682  can be fastened, at least temporarily. 
   As reflected in  FIGS. 7A and 7B , the retaining ring  682  may have a split ring configuration, allowing the retaining ring to be positioned on and secured to a portion of the gear case housing  664  or other external surface while reducing the mechanical deformation of the retaining ring required to position it as desired on the housing. As illustrated in  FIG. 7B , flanges can be provided on opposing ends of a split ring for attaching a fastener (not shown) or a handle  684  that will serve to fix the retainer ring  682  into position. As illustrated in  FIG. 7A , a portion or flange may also be provided around the inner circumference of the retaining ring  682  that will extend inwardly from the retaining ring to define a lower surface that will tend to retain the outer bearing. 
   When the hammer mechanism is engaged, opposing faces of the rotating ratchet  668  and the fixed ratchet  670  will come into contact and, as the input shaft  650  rotates, will produce a ratcheting action that will displace the input shaft relative to the main body  680  to produce a reciprocating axial motion. This axial motion will be opposed by one or more springs  662  that engage the input shaft  650 , or a projection from the input shaft, and will tend to return the shaft to its non-displaced position. A portion of the input shaft  650 , the hammer mechanism and the rear bearing  674  are arranged within a gear case housing  676  that can also enclose the transmission (not shown) and, if utilized, PTO mechanisms (not shown). 
   Seventh Example Embodiment 
     FIGS. 8A and 8B  illustrate, in simplified cross-section, another exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a power driver according to the invention that includes a input shaft  650  that is supported, in part, by the outer bearing  666  and is also connected to a hammer mechanism that includes a rotating ratchet  668  (not shown), a fixed ratchet  670  (not shown) and a cam ring  672  (not shown) that is attached to or includes a user operable lever or sleeve for selectively engaging the ratchets, typically by rotating or sliding an external extension of the cam ring. 
   As reflected in  FIG. 8A , however, no portion of the gear case housing  676  or bearing retainer housing  664  (for the purpose of discussion only, the exterior component illustrated will be identified as a gear case housing) extends inwardly across the outer bearing  666 . The gear case housing  676  is, however, provided with one or more grooves or other recess into which a corresponding portion or portions of a retainer ring or cap  686  can be fastened, at least temporarily. 
   As reflected in  FIGS. 8A and 8B , the retaining ring  686  or cap may be configured to have one or more pliant or resilient regions that will allow it to be forced onto the gear case housing  676  until the corresponding projections “snap” or “clip” into the corresponding recesses provided on the gear case housing. Alternatively, the retaining ring  686  may be applied to the gear case housing in an original configuration (not shown) and then deformed with a tool (not shown) to conform to the groove(s) or recess(es) provided on the gear case housing to fix the retaining ring to the housing. As suggested in  FIGS. 8A and 8B , the retaining ring  686 ,  686   a  can be provided in a range of configurations depending on the materials used and the extent to which the inner periphery extends over the outer bearing  666 . 
   Eighth Example Embodiment 
     FIG. 9  illustrates, in cross-section, another exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a power driver including a chuck cone containing a plurality of movable chuck jaws  602  for selectively holding and releasing an accessory (e.g., a drill bit). The tool chuck cone is mounted on a input shaft  650  that may, as disclosed in the &#39;1056 application, incorporate additional mechanisms (not shown) for actuating the chuck jaws  602 . As illustrated in  FIG. 9 , the chuck cone can include an outer chuck cover  651  that includes a threaded lower internal surface. The threaded surface of the chuck cover  651  can engage a corresponding threaded exterior surface of the gear case housing  676 . As illustrated in  FIG. 9 , the chuck cover  651  can also include an interior flange that may seat against an upper surface of the gear case housing  676  and form a bearing retention structure extending inwardly from the gear case housing. 
   The input shaft  650  is supported, in part, by an outer bearing  666  and an inner or needle bearing  674 . The input shaft  650  is also connected to a hammer mechanism that includes a rotating ratchet  668 , a fixed ratchet  670  and a cam ring  672  that is attached to or includes a user operable lever or sleeve for selectively engaging the ratchets, typically by rotating or sliding an external extension of the cam ring. As illustrated in  FIG. 9 , a spring  662 , typically a compression spring, can be provided between a lower surface of the outer bearing  666  and the rotating ratchet  668 . The rotating ratchet  668 , fixed ratchet  670 , spring  662  and majority of the cam ring  672  may be surrounded and contained within a backup sleeve arranged between the hammer mechanism and the gear case housing  676 . 
   When the hammer mechanism is engaged, opposing faces of the rotating ratchet  668  and the fixed ratchet  670  will come into contact and, as the input shaft  650  rotates, will produce a ratcheting action that will displace the input shaft relative to the main body  680  to produce a reciprocating axial motion. This axial motion will be opposed by one or more springs  662  that engage the input shaft  650 , or a projection from the input shaft directly or indirectly, and will tend to return the shaft to its non-displaced position. 
   Example embodiments of the invention have been disclosed herein and, although specific terms are employed, they are used and are to be interpreted in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purpose of limitation. Accordingly, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form and details may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth herein.