Patent ID: 12208494

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Some example embodiments now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all example embodiments are shown. Indeed, the examples described and pictured herein should not be construed as being limiting as to the scope, applicability or configuration of the present disclosure. Rather, these example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. As used herein, operable coupling should be understood to relate to direct or indirect connection that, in either case, enables functional interconnection of components that are operably coupled to each other.

According to some example embodiments, a ratcheting assembly is provided that can utilize a toothless drive ring and movable drive pins that are engaged between an internal surface of the toothless drive ring and drive edges of an internal ratchet wrench body as a drive mechanism for a ratchet wrench or ratchet wrench assembly. The toothless drive ring and the drive pins may be implemented either in a powered ratcheting wrench or in a hand-turn only ratcheting wrench. In this regard, example embodiments are described in the context of a powered ratcheting wrench which is capable of readily transitioning between a motorized-turning mode and a hand-turning mode. As such, example embodiments that are implemented as a hand-turn only mode may include a toothless drive ring that is maintained in a fixed rotational position relative to a head of the ratchet wrench. With respect to a powered implementation, an example ratchet wrench or ratchet wrench assembly may operate in either a motorized-turning mode (e.g., for low torque turning of a fastener) and also in a hand-turning mode (e.g., for high torque turning of a fastener). The motorized-turning mode may operate to increase the efficiency of installing a fastener prior to final tightening in a hand-turn mode or removing a fastener after initially loosening a fastener using the hand-turn mode. Both the motorized-turning mode and the hand-turning mode may leverage a shared ratcheting mechanism and these modes may be transitioned between intuitively. The powered-turning mode may be implemented by, for example, simply depressing a motor operation button to activate a motor to turn the drive tang. The hand-turning mode may be implemented by simply hand-turning a handle of the ratchet wrench to turn the drive tang and ratchet back. Additionally, the ratchet wrench assembly may include a selector switch that may be actuated to change the direction of ratcheting and transition the ratchet wrench between tightening or loosening.

According to some example embodiments, an example ratchet wrench10(also referred to as a ratcheting wrench assembly) is shown inFIG.1, which provides a perspective front view of the ratchet wrench10. In this regard, the ratchet wrench10may comprise a head12, a neck14, and a handle16. As further described below, the head12of the ratchet wrench10may house a ratcheting mechanism that is configured to support both motorized-turn and hand-turn ratcheting. The ratcheting mechanism may be disposed within a cavity in the head12and the ratcheting mechanism may be held within the head12and protected from dust and debris by a cover plate24that may be affixed to the head12by fasteners26.

The neck14of the ratchet wrench10may be an interface segment coupled between the head12and the handle16. The handle16, according to some example embodiments, is typically narrower than the head12and handle16. According to some example embodiments, the head12and the neck14may be formed as a single, integrated component (e.g., steel component). As described in further detail below, the neck14may include an internal bore that houses a drive shaft that is rotated by a motor to support the motorized-turning mode.

The handle16may be coupled to the neck14and extend away from the head12to provide turning leverage for a user that is grasping the handle16. The handle16may be shaped and sized for a user's hand. According to some example embodiments, the handle16may be cylindrical in shape and may include an internal cavity for housing, for example, electronic components such as a battery and motor, as further described below. The cavity in the handle16may be accessible via a cap18, which may be removably coupled to the handle16via, for example, corresponding threading.

As shown inFIG.1, a drive tang20(also referred to as a fastener drive member) may extend from a front face of the head12of the ratchet wrench10. The drive tang20may be shaped (e.g., square shaped) to receive a fastening member, such as, for example, a socket. The drive tang20may be received into a rear opening in the socket and the socket may be configured to provide an interface at a front of the socket (e.g., via a front opening) for coupling the ratchet wrench10to a fastener (e.g., a nut, a bolt, a screw, or the like). According to some example embodiments, a detent bearing22may be disposed within the drive tang20to assist with retaining the fastening member on the drive tang20. In the hand-turn mode, the drive tang20may be configured to rotate relative to the head12about an axis of rotation25for the ratchet wrench10as indicated by the arrow35in a ratcheting direction and be prevented from moving relative to the head12in a driving direction to turn the fastener. In the motorized-turning mode, the drive tang20may be configured to rotate in a driving direction to turn the fastener but not rotate in a ratcheting direction.

FIG.2illustrates a perspective rear-view of the ratchet wrench10which illustrates additional features on the rear-side of the head12and the handle16. In this regard, selector switch40is shown on a rear face of the head12. As further described below, the selector switch40may be configured to allow a user rotate the selector switch40, as indicated by arrow65, to place the ratchet wrench10in a tightening mode or a loosening mode. Additionally, the selector switch40may be depressible and to control the operation of the detent bearing22to either lock a fastening member to the drive tang20or allow a fastening member to be released from the drive tang20.

Additionally, a motor operation button30is shown as being disposed on a rear side of the handle16. In this regard, because the handle16may be wider than the neck14, the neck14(or the handle16) may include a curved transition region15. The motor operation button30may be designed to be flush with the curvature of the transition region15to limit or prevent inadvertent actuation of the motor operation button30. A central handle axis45for the ratchet wrench10may be defined that passes centrally through the handle16and the neck14. According to some example embodiments, the motor operation button30may be configured to actuate downward in accordance with the arrow55to activate motor turning and return upward in an opposite movement direction to discontinue motor operation. As such, actuation of the motor operation button30may occur in the direction of arrow55which may be parallel to the central handle axis45.

FIG.3shows an exploded, perspective view of the ratchet wrench10. In this regard, according to some example embodiments, the motor-turning mode of operation may be powered by an on-board battery19. The battery19may be housed in a cavity in the handle16and may be removable and replaceable by accessing the cavity by removing the cap18. The battery19may any type of battery such as, for example, a rechargeable battery (e.g., a lithium ion battery). The battery19may include contacts that electrically couple to circuitry within the handle16to provide electrical power to the circuitry.

FIG.4Aillustrates a conceptual block diagram of the ratchet wrench10, and example components of which will be described in additional detail thereafter and otherwise herein. In this regard, as indicated above, the ratchet wrench10may include a head12, a neck14, and a handle16. Within the head12, a ratchet mechanism50may be housed that provides for rotation of the drive tang20. The direction of ratcheting of the ratchet wrench10may be controlled via actuation of the selector switch40.

In a motorized-turn mode, a motor60in the handle16may turn a drive shaft62that operably couples with the ratchet mechanism50to cause turning of the drive tang20. The motor60may be a DC motor. According to some example embodiments, the motor60may be configured to turn at relatively high rotations per minute at a relatively low torque.

The motor60may be controlled by electronic circuitry70, which may be electrically connected to the motor60. The electronic circuitry70may include active and/or passive electronic components configured to perform the functionalities described with respect to the electronic circuitry70. In this regard, the electronic circuitry70may include switches, transistors, controllers (e.g., in the form of a processor, application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field programmable gate array (FPGA), or the like), capacitors, resistors, or the like.

According to some example embodiments, the electronic circuitry70may include a switch36that may be closed via actuation of the motor operation button30. In this regard, the motor operation button30may be operably coupled to a button extension32that may be formed as a rigid, elongated member. The button extension32may be configured to operably couple to a leaf spring34to bias the button extension32and the motor operation button30in an upward position, where the leaf spring34is not in physical contact with the switch36. However, when a user depresses the motor operation button30, the button extension32may also be actuated, which depresses the leaf spring34into the switch36to close the switch36. In response to the switch36closing, the electronic circuitry70may be configured to cause the motor60to turn the drive shaft62.

The electronic circuitry70may also be electrically coupled to the battery19. As such the battery19may provide electrical power to the electronic circuitry70. The electronic circuitry70may be configured to control power transfer from the battery19to the motor60in response to closing of the switch36. Additionally, the electronic circuitry70may be configured to control power transfer from the battery19to the motor60based on additional criteria. In this regard, the electronic circuitry70may be configured to monitor the current being drawn by the motor60. As torque on the motor60increases (e.g., due to a fastener being tightened by the ratchet wrench10), the electric current drawn by the motor60may also increase. According to some example embodiments, the electronic circuitry70may be configured to interrupt electric power transfer to the motor60in response to the electric current being drawn by the motor60exceeding a threshold current. Accordingly, when torque on a fastener reaches a corresponding torque threshold, the motor60may be stopped to prevent further turning of the fastener.

The electronic circuitry70may be configured to monitor the electric current being drawn by the motor60(because the motor operation button30is also depressed) by measuring the voltage across the terminals of the motor60. Alternatively, the voltage across a resistor in parallel with the terminals of the motor60may be monitored using, for example, a processor configured monitor voltages and compare the value of the measure voltage to a predefined threshold. As the voltage drops, the current drawn by the motor60may increase. Further, the electronic circuitry70may include for example a controllable switch in the form of a transistor (e.g., a bipolar, field effect, or the like). Power to the motor60may pass through the transistor and be controlled by a signal on the gate terminal of the transistor. In this regard, when the current or voltage exceeds a predetermined threshold a signal on a transistor gate may be controlled to interrupt power to the motor60. As such, the electronic circuitry70may be configured to monitor an electrical current to the motor60and interrupt the electrical current to the motor60in response to the electrical current to the motor60exceeding a threshold current.

According to some example embodiments, by avoiding high current conditions, battery life may be extended, particularly with respect to the number of fasteners that can be, for example, installed on a single battery charge. As such, according to some example embodiments, by implementing such a current threshold/motor turn-off technique many more fasteners may be installed relative to an implementation where the current is permitted to exceed the threshold.

Due to the inclusion of the battery19, the ratchet wrench10may be a cordless tool. However, according to some example embodiments, rather than, or in addition to the battery19, the ratchet wrench10may be corded and obtain power from an AC power outlet or the like. Additionally, according to some example embodiments, rather than being sourced by electrical power, the ratchet wrench10may be powered pneumatically. In such example embodiments, the motor60may be a pneumatic motor that translates air pressure into rotational movement for delivery to the ratchet mechanism50.

FIG.4Billustrates a side view of an upper portion of the ratchet wrench10comprising the head12and the neck14. As shown, the drive tang20extends forward from the head12and the selector switch40may be disposed on a rear side of the head12.

The construction and operation of the ratcheting mechanism50will now be described with reference toFIGS.5through20. With respect toFIG.5, an exploded view of select components of an example ratcheting mechanism of a ratchet wrench10are shown. In this regard, the head12is shown with an internal head cavity13. Within the head cavity13, a ratchet gear130is disposed having gear teeth132. The gear130may be integrated into the head12such that the ratchet gear130and the gear teeth132are part of a single molded head12. The gear teeth132may be disposed on an inner surface of the gear130, such that the gear teeth132extend towards the axis of rotation25(not shown inFIG.5).

The assembly shown inFIG.5may also include a bushing drive member160and a drive busing164. The bushing drive member160may be rotated by the drive shaft62. The bushing drive member160may include a cavity for receiving an end of the drive shaft62. In this regard, according to some example embodiments, the cavity in the bushing drive member160for receiving the drive shaft62may be keyed to fit with the drive shaft62in a manner that causes the bushing drive member160to rotate when the drive shaft62rotates. The bushing drive member160may also include a bushing drive projection162. The bushing drive projection162may be formed as a post that is offset from the center of the rotation of the bushing drive member160. As such, when the bushing drive member160is rotated by the drive shaft62, the bushing drive projection162may orbit in a circular motion around the axis of rotation of the drive shaft62. The drive bushing164may have a round shape (e.g., ball shape) with a cavity that may receive the bushing drive projection162. As such, the drive bushing164may also orbit in a circular motion around the axis of rotation of the drive shaft62. According to some example embodiments, a motor assembly may be defined that comprises the motor60, the drive shaft62, the bushing drive member160, and the drive bushing164.

The assembly shown inFIG.5may also include a yoke100. The yoke100may include a yoke ring102and a drive bushing receptacle106. The yoke ring102(which may also be referred to as a drive ring) may include a toothless inner surface104. In this regard, the inner surface104of the yoke ring102may be substantially smooth. The drive bushing receptacle106may be affixed to the yoke ring102. The drive bushing receptacle106may be formed by two opposing arcuate legs that extend from the yoke ring102to form a curved slot. As further described below, the drive bushing receptacle106may be sized to fit the drive bushing162into the slot of the drive bushing receptacle106.

The assembly shown inFIG.5may also include a pin ring110and one or more drive pins, in this case a plurality of drive pins. In the example embodiments described herein, three drive pins may make up the plurality of drive pins, but one of skill in the art would appreciate that two or more drive pins may be utilized according to some example embodiments. The pin ring110may include a respective slot for receiving each of the drive pins within the plurality of drive pins. With each of the drive pins installed in a respective slot of the pin ring110, the drive pins may be forced to move in unison when the pin ring110rotates. The plurality of drive pins (which may include a first drive pin) may include a control drive pin122and one or more follower drive pins120. The control drive pin122may be longer than the follower drive pins120and the increased length of the control drive pin122may enable to the control drive pin122to control the movement of the pin ring110and thus the follower drive pins120.

The assembly shown inFIG.5also includes, according to some example embodiments, a body80. The body80may include a number features that couple various components of the ratchet wrench10to the body80. The body80may include separate cavities for receiving a ratchet pawl140, a selector member150, a selector post42with a detent spring46, and a detent bearing22. Additionally, the drive tang20may extend from a forward end of the body80. Moving from the forward end of the body80to the rear end of the body80, the body80may include a drive plate82behind the drive tang20, followed by separate, opposing side cavities for the ratchet pawl140and the selector member150. At the rear end of the body80, a rear cavity extending along the axis of the rotation25of the ratchet wrench10is provided for receiving the selector post42which extends from the selector switch40and the detent spring46. The ratchet pawl140may be pivotally affixed to the body80via a pawl pin142and the selector member150may be pivotally affixed to the body80via the selector member pin152.

Since the selector member150may be pivotally affixed to the body80via the selector member pin152, the selector member150may rotate together with the body80and the drive tang20about the axis25. The selector member150also includes a control drive pin receptacle154that is formed as a slot between two legs of the selector member150. The control drive pin122may be received within the control drive pin receptacle154. As such, since the control drive pin122is received in the control drive pin receptacle154of the selector member150, the control drive pin122may also rotate with the body80and the drive tang20about the axis25with the selector member150. Further, since the control drive pin122may also be disposed in a respective slot of the pin ring110, the pin ring110and the follower drive pins120, disposed in respect slots of the pin ring110, may also rotate together with body80and the drive tang20about the axis25. Additionally, since the ratchet pawl140is affixed to the body80via the pawl pin142, the ratchet pawl140may also rotate together with the body80and the drive tang20about the axis25.

Referring now toFIG.6, a partially exploded view of the head12and neck14of the ratchet wrench10is shown in reference to axis25. In this regard, the ratcheting mechanism is removed from the head12. Further, the drive shaft62is shown as being removed from the neck cavity63. As can be seen in additional detail, the bushing drive member160with the drive bushing162is installed in the drive bushing receptacle106of the yoke100. Due to the offset of the drive bushing162and the resulting circular orbital movement of the drive bushing162, drive bushing162may cause the yoke100to reciprocate or repeatedly pivot about the axis25with each rotation of the drive bushing162and the drive bushing164may slide forward and backward within the slot formed by the drive bushing receptacle106with each rotation of the drive bushing162. As such, the circular orbital movement of the drive bushing162may be translated into planar reciprocating movement of the yoke100due to the interaction between the drive bushing162and the drive bushing receptacle106.

Additionally, as shown inFIG.6, the pin ring110may be disposed within the yoke ring102with each of the drive pins (i.e., control drive pin122and follower drive pins120) disposed in a respective slot in the pin ring110. As such, the drive pins may be confined in a respective space formed by a slot in the pin ring110and the inner surface104of the yoke ring102. Further, the pin ring110may be disposed around the body80such that the drive tang20extends through a central opening in the pin ring110and the yoke ring102.

FIG.7shows a perspective side view of the body80, the yoke100, and the pin ring110in an assembled configuration in isolation from other components of the ratchet wrench10in reference to axis25according to some example embodiments. In this regard, similar toFIG.6, the yoke100is shown with the pin ring110installed within the inner opening of the yoke ring102. The drive pins122,120are also shown as each being disposed within a respective slot of the pin ring110and in contact with the inner surface (i.e., the toothless, substantially smooth inner surface) of the yoke ring102. The pin ring110is disposed around a portion of the body80with the drive tang20extending forward of the pin ring110. The ratchet pawl140is also shown disposed within the ratchet pawl side cavity of the body behind the pin ring110and the yoke ring102.

FIG.8shows a perspective view of the assembly ofFIG.7in reference to axis25, with the pin ring110and yoke100removed from the body80. As shown inFIG.8, the pin ring110with the drive pins may be seated on a drive plate82of the body80. The drive plate82may include one or more drive edges (including a first drive edge) where each drive edge84is positioned to engage one of the drive pins122,120. As further described below, the drive pins122,120may be held in position by the pin ring110such that the drive pins122,120move together when the pin ring110rotates, and the drive pins122,120may also be disposed between the respective drive edges84and the inner surface104of the yoke ring102.

Additionally, the gear-engaging front face of the ratchet pawl140is shown inFIG.8. In this regard, the ratchet pawl140may include first ratchet teeth144(including a first ratchet tooth) and second ratchet teeth146(including a second ratchet tooth). The front face of the ratchet pawl140may be convex to facilitate engagement with the gear teeth132on the inner surface of the head cavity13. As further described below, the ratchet pawl140may be configured to pivot within the side pawl cavity of the body80in response to movement of the selector switch40between a fastener tightening position and a fastener loosening position.

FIG.9provides a perspective view of the yoke100with the pin ring110removed in reference to axis25, according to some example embodiments. In this regard, as mentioned above, the pin ring110may be disposed within a central opening of the yoke ring102. According to some example embodiments, the pin ring110need not physically contact the inner surface104of the yoke ring102. Rather, the drive pins122,120may physically contact the inner surface104of the yoke ring102and the walls of the respective slots in the pin ring110.

FIG.10shows a front view of the yoke100and the pin ring110in an assembled configuration according to some example embodiments. In this regard, with reference toFIG.10, control drive pin122and the follower drive pins120may be in physical contact with the inner surface104of the yoke ring102. Additionally, since the example embodiment shown inFIG.10includes three drive pins, according to some example embodiments, the drive pins may be disposed at positions around an outer circumference of the pin ring110such that each drive pin is disposed at the same distance away from the two adjacent drive pins. In this regard, according to some example embodiments, the drive pins may be disposed at about 120 degrees apart from each other around the pin ring110with respect to an origin placed at a center of the central opening in the pin ring110.

Similar toFIG.10,FIG.11shows a perspective rear view of the yoke100and the pin ring110in an assembled configuration according to some example embodiments. As can be clearly seen inFIG.11, the control drive pin122has a longer length than the follower drive pins120. The extended portion of the control drive pin122may be configured to engage with the selector member150such that when the selector member150moves, the control drive pin122also moves. Movement of the control drive pin122in turn may cause the pin ring110to rotate within the yoke ring102and cause the follower drive pins120to move accordingly.

FIGS.12and13show a perspective side views of the body80in isolation from other components of the ratchet wrench10according to some example embodiments. In this regard, the body80may include drive tang20, the drive plate82, the side pawl cavity141and the side selector member cavity151. The drive tang20may also include a detent bearing opening23that may be sized to permit the detent bearing22to extend out of the detent bearing opening23, without permitting the detent bearing22from passing through the detent bearing opening23. The drive plate82with the drive edges84are also shown.

FIG.14provides a front view of the body80according to some example embodiments. The structure of the drive plate82can be best seen inFIG.14. As mentioned above, the drive plate82may be a feature on the body80that includes one or more drive edges84, in this case a plurality of drive edges84. According to some example embodiments, the drive edges84may be linear or substantially linear. However, according to some example embodiments, the drive edges84may take on different edge profiles such as, for example, the drive edges84may be substantially arcuate (concave or convex) or curved. According to some example embodiments, since the ratchet wrench10may, for example, have three drive pins, the drive plate82may have three drive edges84that form a triangular shape. The drive edges84may extend between the edges of the rear circumference of the body80. As indicated inFIG.14, if the drive edges84were extended beyond the edges of the rear circumference of the body80, the drive edges84may form a triangular shape in the form of, for example, an equilateral triangle. However, because the drive edges84do not extend, the drive plate82may include rounded edges87in between each of the drive edges84.

FIG.15shows a side view of the ratchet pawl140of the ratchet wrench10. In this regard, the ratchet pawl140may have a generally convex front face with first ratchet teeth144(including a first ratchet tooth) disposed at a first end of the front face and second ratchet teeth146(including a second ratchet tooth) disposed at a second end of the front face of the ratchet pawl140. The first ratchet teeth144and the second ratchet teeth146may be structured to engage with the gear teeth132. As such, the first ratchet teeth144may have a convex curvature that is complementary to a concave curvature of the gear teeth132and the second ratchet teeth146may have a convex curvature that is complementary to the concave curvature of the gear teeth132.

Further, the ratchet pawl140may also include pin opening148that is configured to receive the pawl pin142to pivotally affix the ratchet pawl140within the side pawl cavity141of the body80. As such, the ratchet pawl140may pivot about the pawl pin142in response to movement of a pawl control member143within the pawl control notch148. Additionally, the angles of the walls of the pawl control notch148may be disposed in association with the positioning of the first ratchet teeth144and the second ratchet teeth146to position the ratchet pawl140in a tightening/forward or loosening/reverse position and permit the ratchet pawl140to slightly pivot or rock against the pawl control member143, which may be spring biased against a wall of the pawl control notch148to facilitate a ratcheting function with respect to the gear teeth132. During the ratcheting, depending on the position of the ratchet pawl140, either the first ratchet teeth144or the second ratchet teeth146may maintain physical contact with the gear teeth132. In this regard, based on the positioning of the ratchet pawl140and whether the first ratchet teeth144or the second ratchet teeth146are engaged with the gear teeth132, a fastener turning rotational direction and a fastener stationary rotational direction may be defined for the ratchet wrench10as further described below.

Having shown and described the various features of the drive pins, drive edges84, yoke ring102, and the ratchet pawl140,FIG.16shows a cross-section front view of the ratchet wrench10according to some example embodiments depicting an engagement between the drive pins122,120, the drive edges84, and the inner surface104of the yoke ring102to describe the functional operation of the ratcheting mechanism. In this regard,FIG.17shows the associated engagement of the ratchet pawl140with the gear teeth132according to some example embodiments.

As described above, the drive bushing162may be configured to circularly orbit the axis of rotation of the drive shaft62, which may also be the central handle axis45, due to being offset from the axis45by the bushing drive member160. Due to the sliding and rotational engagement between the drive bushing162and the drive bushing receptacle106of the yoke100, the circular orbit movement of the drive bushing162may be translated into reciprocating, planar movement yoke100and the yoke ring102as indicated by arrows107and109. In the positional context of the components shown inFIGS.16and17, the rotational direction107(counter-clockwise) is a fastener turning direction and the rotational direction109(clockwise) is a fastener stationary direction.

The drive pins122,120may be disposed in respective circular segment regions85(also referred to as drive pin cavities) formed by the inner surface104of the yoke ring102(forming the curved edge of the circular segment region) and the drive edge84(forming a chord of the circular segment region). As further described below, the drive pins122,120may be moveable within these respective circular segment regions85in response to actuation of the selector switch40to move the selector member150and the control drive pin122. Since the follower drive pins120are coupled to the control drive pin122via the pin ring110, the follower drive pins120also move in response to movement of the control drive pin122by the selector member150. As such, the drive pins122,120may be positioned within the circular segment regions85between and in physical contact with the both a drive edge84and the inner surface104of the yoke ring102adjacent one of the narrowing ends of the circular segment regions85.

Due to the positioning of the drive pins122,120in physical contact with the yoke ring102and the drive plate82via the drive edges84, movement of the yoke ring102may be translated through the drive pins122,120to the drive edges84to rotate the drive plate82when the yoke ring102is rotated, for example, in a first rotational direction. Since the drive plate82and the drive tang20may be integrated components of the body80, the drive plate82and the drive tang20may therefore rotate together. Additionally, since the ratchet pawl140is affixed to the body80, the ratchet pawl140may perform a ratcheting function in response to rotation of the body80relative to the head12due to engagement of the teeth of the ratchet pawl140with the gear teeth132.

More specifically, due to the shape of the circular segment regions85and the placement of the drive pins122,120within the circular segment regions85(due to the positioning of the selector switch40as further described below), the movement of the yoke ring102in a first rotational direction may cause compression on the drive pins122,120between the inner surface104of the yoke ring102and the drive edges84. The compression force may be due to the drive pins122,120being urged into a narrower end of the circular segment region85. Due to this compression force, the movement of the yoke ring102in the first rotational direction may cause rotational movement of the drive plate82in the first rotational direction and associated ratcheting of the ratchet pawl140due to the corresponding positioning of the ratchet pawl140in response to the position of the selector switch40. Accordingly, no relative movement may occur between the yoke ring102and the drive tang20in the first rotational direction (i.e., the yoke ring102and the drive tang20rotate together) as described above due to the interaction with the drive pins122,120.

However, when the yoke ring102moves in a second rotational direction (opposite to the first rotational direction) due to the reciprocating motion of the yoke100, the drive pins122,120may not be under a compression force, because the drive pins122,120are not being urged into the into the narrower ends of the circular segment regions85. As such, the movement of the yoke ring102in the second rotational direction is not translated to the drive plate82and thus the yoke ring102may rotate in the second rotational direction while the drive plate82(and the drive tang20) remain stationary. Additionally, due to the positioning of the ratchet pawl140, the teeth of ratchet pawl140may engage with the gear teeth132such that relative rotation of the ratchet pawl140and thus the body80and drive plate82are prevented in the second rotational direction by the ratchet pawl140. As such, due to the non-ratcheting engagement of the teeth of the ratchet pawl140with the gear teeth132, the body80is prevented from moving relative to the head12when the yoke100and the yoke ring102rotate in the second rotational direction (i.e., the yoke ring102and the drive tang20do not rotate together).

Having generally described the interaction between the yoke ring102, the drive pins122,120, and the drive edges84, the following provides a more specific description of the operation of the ratchet wrench10with reference to the specific positioning of the drive pins122,120in the circular segments85, the ratchet pawl140, and the rotation directions indicated by arrows107and109as shown inFIGS.16and17. In this regard, the drive pins122,120are positioned on a left (as viewed from the axis of rotation25), counter-clockwise side of the circular segment regions85due to positioning of the selector switch40, and the drive pins122,120are constrained in these positions by the slots that the drive pins122,120reside within of the pin ring110. As further described below, the pin ring110and the follower drive pins120may be held in a stationary position relative to the drive plate82due to the operation of the selector member150in association with the control drive pin122.

In this regard, when the yoke100and the yoke ring102rotate in the rotational direction107(e.g., the first rotational direction), the drive pins122,120are urged towards the narrowing end of the circular segment regions85and may be compressed between the drive edges84and the inner surface of the yoke ring102. Due to this compression force and corresponding static frictional force between each of the drive pins122,120, the inner surface of the yoke ring102and the drive edges84, the drive pins122,120and the drive edges84may rotate with the yoke ring102in the rotational direction107. As such, the drive plate82may be turned in the rotational direction107and the drive tang20may also rotate in the direction107.

As shown inFIG.17, the ratchet pawl140may also ratchet across the gear teeth132when the drive plate82, and thus the body80and the ratchet pawl140, rotate in the direction107due to the positioning of the first ratchet teeth144and the spring bias applied to the ratchet pawl140by the spring145. In this regard,FIG.17provides another cross-section front view of the head12and components of the ratcheting mechanism of ratchet wrench10in the configuration shown inFIG.16at a depth that illustrates positioning of the ratchet pawl140within the side pawl cavity141and the selector member150within the side selector member cavity151. As shown, the pawl control member143(which may be spring loaded via pawl spring145) is positioned within the pawl control notch148to force the ratchet pawl140into a position where the first ratchet teeth144(including a first ratchet tooth) are in physical engagement with the gear teeth132such that rotation of the ratchet pawl140in the direction107relative to the head12and the gear teeth132performs a ratcheting function, but rotation of the ratchet pawl140in the direction109prevents relative rotation of the ratchet pawl140(and thus the body80). Additionally, the second ratchet teeth146are not engaged with the gear teeth132. The ratcheting function that occurs due to rotation of the body80in the direction107can be implemented due to an ability of the ratchet pawl140to pivot or rock at a small angle about the pawl pin142due to the spring action of the pawl control member143and the orientation of the engaging surface/walls of the pawl control notch148. Additionally, the selector control member153(which may be spring loaded via selector spring155) is positioned within the selector control notch158to force the selector member150into a position where the control drive pin122is positioned closer to a left, counter-clockwise narrowing end of the respective circular segment region85when viewed from the axis25and as shown inFIG.16.

Referring back toFIG.16, when the yoke100and the yoke ring102reciprocate and rotate back in the rotational direction109, due to the positioning of the drive pins122,120, the drive pins122,120are urged toward the wider, central portion of the circular segment regions85and are therefore not compressed. Due to the relative reduction in the associated frictional force between the drive pins122,120and the inner surface of the yoke ring102and the drive edges84, as well as the engagement between the first ratchet teeth144and the gear teeth132to prevent movement of the body80relative to the head12, rotation of the yoke ring102in the rotational direction109does not cause movement of the drive pins122,120, and therefore the body80and the drive tang20do not turn when the yoke ring102rotates in the direction109. In other words, when the yoke100and the yoke ring102are rotating in the direction109, the drive pins122,120and the drive edges84are not urged to rotate in direction109because the inner surface104of the yoke ring102is permitted to slip relative to the drive pins122,120due to the engagement of the first ratchet teeth144with the gear teeth132.

As such, when the ratchet wrench10is in the motorized-turning mode, the drive tang20rotates with the yoke100in the direction107, but remains stationary when the yoke100rotates in the direction109. Additionally, in a hand-turning mode, a turning force applied by a user on the handle16in the direction107will cause the drive pins122,120to be urged toward the narrow end of the circular segment region85and be compressed. Also, the positioning of the ratchet pawl140causes the first ratchet teeth144to catch with the gear teeth132and prevent rotation of the drive tang20relative to the head12, thereby permitting continued turning of the drive tang20in the direction107to support high-torque in the hand-turning mode. Further in the hand-turning mode, if the handle16is turned in the direction109, the drive pins122,120may be urged in a direction towards a wider, central portion of the circular segment regions85and be uncompressed and, the positioning of the ratchet pawl140permits relative ratcheting movement between the drive tang20and the head12.

FIG.18provides another cross-section front view of the head12and components of the ratcheting mechanism of ratchet wrench10in the configuration opposite that of the components inFIGS.16and17. In this regard, the positional context of the components shown inFIG.18provides for the rotational direction107(counter-clockwise) to be a fastener stationary direction, while the rotational direction109(clockwise) is a fastener turning direction. The operations associated with the directions of rotation are a function of an actuation of the selector switch40, as further described below, to move the ratchet pawl140and the selector member150into opposing positions from those ofFIGS.16and17.

In this regard, through actuation of the selector switch40, as further described below, the pawl control member143has shifted to urge the ratchet pawl140into a position where the first ratchet teeth144are no longer in engagement with the gear teeth132and the second ratchet teeth146are now in engagement with the gear teeth132. As such, the ratchet pawl140and the body80may be permitted to rotate relative to the head12in the rotational direction107, but not permitted to rotate relative to the head12in the rotational direction109. Additionally, movement of the selector member150has moved the control drive pin122into a position where the control drive pin122, as well as the follower drive pins120, are disposed on a right, (as viewed from the axis of rotation25), clockwise side of the circular segment regions85due to positioning of the selector switch40. In operation, the ratchet wrench10in this configuration operates similar to the description ifFIGS.16and17provided above, however in the opposite rotational directions.

Referring now toFIG.19, the selector switch40is shown with select components of the ratchet wrench10, according to some example embodiments. The selector switch40may include a switch interface41, a selector post42, and a detent spring46. In this regard, the selector switch40may function to both transition the ratchet wrench10between a forward turning and reverse turning mode, as well as, lock and unlock a detent of the drive tang20.

The switch interface41may be formed as, for example, a plate with an extended feature that permits a user to rotate the selector switch40. In this regard, rotation of the selector switch40in a first direction may place the ratchet wrench10in a forward turning mode (e.g., as shown inFIGS.16and17) and rotation of the selector switch40in an opposite, second direction may place the ratchet wrench10in a reverse turning mode (e.g., as shown inFIG.18).

In this regard, the selector post42, which may extend from the switch interface41, may include a pawl control cavity43and a selector control cavity53. The pawl control cavity43may be configured to receive a pawl spring145(not shown) and a pawl control member143. The pawl spring145may be seated in the pawl control cavity43and the pawl control member143, which may be formed as a cylindrically shaped cap, may be disposed over the pawl spring145such the pawl control member143extends away from the selector post42. The selector control cavity53may be disposed on an opposite side of the selector post42from the pawl control cavity43and offset from the pawl control cavity43. Similarly, the selector control cavity53may be configured to receive a selector spring155(not shown) and a selector control member153. The selector spring155may be seated in the selector control cavity53and the selector control member153, which may be formed as a cylindrically shaped cap, may be disposed over the selector spring155such the selector control member153also extends away from the selector post42.

As mentioned above, the selector post42may be received in a rear cavity of the body80. The body80may also include openings in each of the side pawl cavity141and the side selector cavity151through which the pawl control member143and the selector control member153may engage with the pawl control notch148of the ratchet pawl140and the selector control notch158of the selector member150, respectively. As such, the selector switch40may be rotatable within the body80to simultaneously move the ratchet pawl140and the selector member150between respective positions for the forward turning mode (e.g., as shown inFIGS.16and17) and a reverse turning mode (e.g., as shown inFIG.18).

In this regard,FIG.20shows a perspective view of the ratchet pawl140and the selector member150in isolation from the body80and the selector switch40. As can been seen inFIG.20, the pawl spring145and the pawl control member143are offset from the selector spring155and the selector control member153. Additionally, the engagement between the pawl control member143and the ratchet pawl140and the selector control member153and the selector member150is also shown. Further, as described above, the selector member150may be engaged with the control drive pin122via the control drive pin receptacle154. As such, through movement of the selector control member153, via rotation of the selector switch40, the selector member150may be pivoted about the selector pin152to, in turn, move the control drive pin122and thus the pin ring110with the follower drive pins120. According to some example embodiments, the selector member150may therefore be configured to pivot between a first selector member position where the control drive pin122is positioned adjacent a first end of a respective drive edge84and a second selector member position where the control drive pin122is positioned adjacent a second end of a respective drive edge84.

Referring again toFIG.19, the selector post42may also include a detent cavity48that includes an upper, lock level and a lower, unlock level. In this regard, the detent bearing22may be configured to remain engaged within a detent bearing opening23in the body80as described above. However, the selector switch40may be pressable into the rear cavity of the body80, against the bias of the detent spring46also disposed in the rear cavity of the body80. The movement of the selector switch40into the body80may cause the lower, unlock level of the detent cavity to move behind the detent bearing22and permit the detent bearing22to retract into the body80. With the detent bearing22in the retracted position, a fastening member (e.g., a socket) with a detent locking groove may be removed from the drive tang20. Upon release of the pushing force on the selector switch40, the detent bearing22may ride up onto the upper, lock level of the of the detent cavity48and be locked in an extended position.

Additionally, with reference toFIG.21, a portion of the internal components of the handle16are shown in the absence of the external housing of the handle16. In this regard, the motor operation button30may be disposed above and motor60. As described above, the motor operation button30be operably coupled to a button extension32that is disposed adjacent to the motor60. The button extension32may be an elongated member that is disposed between the motor60and the external housing of the handle16.

The motor60may operably couple to the drive shaft62, such that the mechanical interface is disposed on the upper side of the motor60. Further, the electrical contacts and other electrical components (e.g., electronic circuitry70) may be disposed below the motor60. In this regard, the button extension32may permit the motor operation button30to be disposed above the motor60, while actuating a switch36below the motor60via the button extension32and a leaf spring34operably coupled to the button extension32. Further, the electrical interface to the battery19may also be disposed below the motor60.

As described above, the actuation motion of the motor operation button30may occur in the direction of the arrows33. In this regard, the downward and upward movement of the motor operation button30and the button extension32may occur in parallel with the axis of rotation45of the drive shaft62. By having the movement of the motor operation button30in the upward and downward parallel direction, inadvertent depressing of the motor operation button30may be avoided, relative to, for example, a button that operates in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation45of the drive shaft62.

As such, according to some example embodiments, an example ratchet wrench assembly is provided. The example ratchet wrench assembly may comprise a head, a ratchet gear, a yoke, at least one drive pin, a body, and a ratchet pawl. The ratchet gear may be disposed within the head and may comprise gear teeth. The yoke may be disposed within the head and may be configured to reciprocate about an axis of rotation for rotating a fastener. The yoke may comprise a yoke ring. The body may comprise at least one drive edge and a fastener drive member. A first drive edge of the at least one drive edge may be engaged with a first drive pin of the at least one drive pin such that reciprocation of the yoke causes rotation of the body and the fastener drive member about the axis of rotation via engagement of the first drive pin between the inner surface of the yoke ring and the first drive edge. The ratchet pawl may comprise a first ratchet tooth. The first ratchet tooth may be configured to ratchet against the gear teeth of the ratchet gear to permit movement of the body relative to the head in a first rotational direction and engage the gear teeth to prevent movement of the body relative to the head in second rotational direction. The second rotational direction may be opposite the first rotational direction.

According to some example embodiments, the yoke ring may have a substantially smooth inner surface. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one drive edge may comprise three drive edges oriented in a substantially triangular shape. Additionally or alternatively, each of the drive edges may be substantially linear or substantially arcuate. Additionally or alternatively, the first drive pin may be disposed within a drive pin cavity shaped as a circular segment formed by the inner surface of the yoke ring and the first drive edge of the body. Additionally or alternatively, the first drive pin may be positioned to be under compression between the inner surface of the yoke ring and the first drive edge to rotate the body with the yoke when the yoke rotates in the first rotational direction, and the first drive pin may be positioned to not be under compression between the inner surface of the yoke ring and the first drive edge when the yoke rotates in the second rotational direction such that the rotation of the yoke in the second rotational direction does not cause rotation of the body. Additionally or alternatively, the ratchet gear may be formed on an inner surface of a cavity in the head such that the gear teeth extend towards the axis of rotation. Further, the ratchet pawl may be pivotally affixed to the body. Additionally or alternatively, the yoke my includes a drive bushing receptacle. The ratchet wrench assembly may, additionally or alternatively, further comprise a motor assembly. The motor assembly may comprise a motor configured to generate rotational motion about a motor drive axis (e.g., axis45), and a drive bushing configured to circularly orbit about the motor drive axis. The drive bushing may be disposed within the drive bushing receptacle of the yoke. The circular orbital motion of the drive bushing resulting from the rotational motion generated by the motor may be converted into reciprocating motion of the yoke about the axis of rotation of the ratchet wrench. Additionally or alternatively, the ratchet pawl may comprise a second ratchet tooth disposed on an opposite front-facing side of the ratchet pawl from the first ratchet tooth. The ratchet wrench assembly may further comprise a selector switch configured to control a ratcheting direction of the ratchet wrench assembly. The selector switch may be configured to pivot the ratchet pawl between a first pawl position where the first ratchet tooth is engaged with the gear teeth and the second ratchet tooth is not engaged with the gear teeth and a second pawl position where the second ratchet tooth is engaged with the gear teeth and the first ratchet tooth is not engaged with the gear teeth. Additionally or alternatively, the selector switch may also configured to simultaneously control pivoting of a selector member and pivoting of the ratcheting pawl. In this regard, the selector member may pivotally affixed to the body and pivotally affixed to the first drive pin. Additionally or alternatively, the selector member may be configured to pivot between a first selector member position where the first drive pin is positioned adjacent a first end of first drive edge and a second selector member position where the first drive pin is positioned adjacent a second end of the first drive edge.

According to some example embodiments, another ratchet wrench assembly is provided. The example ratchet wrench assembly may include a head, a ratchet gear, a yoke, a motor assembly, at least one drive pin, a body, and a ratchet pawl. The ratchet gear may be disposed within the head and may comprise gear teeth. The yoke may be disposed within the head and may be configured to reciprocate about an axis of rotation for rotating a fastener. The yoke may comprise a yoke ring. The motor assembly may be powered by a battery, and the motor assembly may comprise a motor configured to operably couple with the yoke to generate the reciprocating motion of the yoke about the axis of rotation in response to rotational movement of a shaft of the motor. The body may comprise at least one drive edge and a fastener drive member. A first drive edge of the at least one drive edge may be engaged with a first drive pin of the at least one drive pin such that reciprocation of the yoke may cause rotation of the body and the fastener drive member about the axis of rotation via engagement of the first drive pin between the inner surface of the yoke ring and the first drive edge. The ratchet pawl may comprise a first ratchet tooth. The first ratchet tooth may be configured to ratchet against the gear teeth of the ratchet gear to permit movement of the body relative to the head in a first rotational direction and engage the gear teeth to prevent movement of the body relative to the head in second rotational direction. The second rotational direction may be opposite the first rotational direction.

Additionally or alternatively, the ratchet wrench assembly may further comprise electronic circuitry configured to monitor an electrical current to the motor and interrupt the electrical current to the motor in response to the electrical current to the motor exceeding a threshold current. Additionally or alternatively, a motor operation button may be configured to control operation of the motor such that movement of the motor operation button during actuation occurs in a direction parallel with a motor drive shaft axis of rotation. According to some example embodiments, the yoke ring may have a substantially smooth inner surface. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one drive edge may comprise three drive edges oriented in a substantially triangular shape. Additionally or alternatively, each of the drive edges may be substantially linear or substantially arcuate. Additionally or alternatively, the first drive pin may be disposed within a drive pin cavity shaped as a circular segment formed by the inner surface of the yoke ring and the first drive edge of the body. Additionally or alternatively, the first drive pin may be positioned to be under compression between the inner surface of the yoke ring and the first drive edge to rotate the body with the yoke when the yoke rotates in the first rotational direction, and the first drive pin may be positioned to not be under compression between the inner surface of the yoke ring and the first drive edge when the yoke rotates in the second rotational direction such that the rotation of the yoke in the second rotational direction does not cause rotation of the body. Additionally or alternatively, the ratchet gear may be formed on an inner surface of a cavity in the head such that the gear teeth extend towards the axis of rotation. Further, the ratchet pawl may be pivotally affixed to the body. Additionally or alternatively, the yoke my includes a drive bushing receptacle. The ratchet wrench assembly may, additionally or alternatively, further comprise a motor assembly. The motor assembly may comprise a motor configured to generate rotational motion about a motor drive axis (e.g., axis45), and a drive bushing configured to circularly orbit about the motor drive axis. The drive bushing may be disposed within the drive bushing receptacle of the yoke. The circular orbital motion of the drive bushing resulting from the rotational motion generated by the motor may be converted into reciprocating motion of the yoke about the axis of rotation of the ratchet wrench. Additionally or alternatively, the ratchet pawl may comprise a second ratchet tooth disposed on an opposite front-facing side of the ratchet pawl from the first ratchet tooth. The ratchet wrench assembly may further comprise a selector switch configured to control a ratcheting direction of the ratchet wrench assembly. The selector switch may be configured to pivot the ratchet pawl between a first pawl position where the first ratchet tooth is engaged with the gear teeth and the second ratchet tooth is not engaged with the gear teeth and a second pawl position where the second ratchet tooth is engaged with the gear teeth and the first ratchet tooth is not engaged with the gear teeth. Additionally or alternatively, the selector switch may also configured to simultaneously control pivoting of a selector member and pivoting of the ratcheting pawl. In this regard, the selector member may pivotally affixed to the body and pivotally affixed to the first drive pin. Additionally or alternatively, the selector member may be configured to pivot between a first selector member position where the first drive pin is positioned adjacent a first end of first drive edge and a second selector member position where the first drive pin is positioned adjacent a second end of the first drive edge.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the chuck set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these embodiments pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the chucks are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, although the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings describe exemplary embodiments in the context of certain exemplary combinations of elements and/or functions, it should be appreciated that different combinations of elements and/or functions may be provided by alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In this regard, for example, different combinations of elements and/or functions than those explicitly described above are also contemplated as may be set forth in some of the appended claims. In cases where advantages, benefits or solutions to problems are described herein, it should be appreciated that such advantages, benefits and/or solutions may be applicable to some example embodiments, but not necessarily all example embodiments. Thus, any advantages, benefits or solutions described herein should not be thought of as being critical, required or essential to all embodiments or to that which is claimed herein. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.