Background of the Invention
1. Field of the Invention
[0001] The present invention relates to a driving end of a tool and, in particular, to a
driving end of a tool that a user can operably move through a small angle to drive
an object engaged therewith, and which has a simple structure and is able to withstand
high torque transmission.
2. Description of the Related Art
[0002] TW Patent No. 459593 shows a structurally improved wrench. The wrench includes a driving end including
a chamber. A gear wheel is disposed in the chamber. A receiving slot is disposed adjacent
the chamber. A pivot shaft is disposed in the receiving slot and includes a gear pivotally
engaged therewith. The gear is engaged with the gear wheel. A shaft with a plurality
of teeth is engaged with the gear and the gear wheel. The gear wheel is engagable
with an object to be driven. A control mechanism is disposed in the receiving slot.
The control mechanism has various settings for controlling operational directions
of the gear wheel. The control mechanism includes a pawl to engage with the gear wheel.
[0003] It is still desirable to improve the mechanism set forth in order to provide a wrench
that is able to withstand high torque transmission.
[0004] The present invention is, therefore, intended to obviate or at least alleviate the
problems encountered in the prior art.
Summary of the Invention
[0005] According to the present invention, a driving end of a tool includes a body including
a chamber. The chamber defines first and second sectional areas. A first engaging
member is rotatably disposed in the first sectional area and includes two different
ends defining a first engaging section. The first engaging section extends circumferentially
on an outer periphery of the first engaging member and includes a plurality of teeth.
The second section engages with an object to be driven by the driving end of the tool.
A second engaging member is rotatably disposed in the second sectional area and includes
two different ends defining first and second engaging ends. The first engaging section
is engaged with the first engaging end. The first engaging end extends circumferentially
on an outer periphery of a first end of the second engaging member and includes a
plurality of teeth. The second engaging end extends circumferentially on an outer
periphery of a second end of the second engaging member and includes a plurality of
teeth. At least one pawl is slidably disposed in the second sectional area and defines
a first engaging portion including a plurality of teeth. The second engaging end is
selectively engaged with the first engaging portion. A switch pivotally engaged with
the body and abutted against the at least one pawl.
[0006] It is an objective of the present invention to provide a driving end of a tool with
a simple structure, but able to withstand high torque transmission.
[0007] It is another object of the present invention to provide a driving end of a tool
that a user can operably move through a small angle to drive an object engaged therewith.
[0008] Other objects, advantages, and new features of the present invention will become
apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when considered
in conjunction with the accompanied drawings.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0009]
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a driving end of a tool in accordance with a first
embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the driving end of the tool shown in Fig.
1.
Fig. 3 is another exploded perspective view of the driving end of the tool shown in
Fig. 1, taken from a different angle than Fig. 2.
Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 of Fig. 1.
Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 of Fig. 1.
Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of Fig. 1.
Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 of Fig. 1.
Fig. 8 is a continued cross-sectional view of Fig. 5 and shows the driving end of
the tool in a clockwise operation.
Fig. 9 is a continued cross-sectional view of Fig. 5 and shows the driving end of
the tool in a counterclockwise operation.
Fig. 10 is a continued view of Fig. 9 and shows the driving end of the tool in the
counterclockwise operation.
Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the driving end of the tool in an operation
mode different from that of Fig. 5.
Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a driving end of a tool in accordance with a second
embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the driving end of the tool shown in Fig.
12.
Fig. 14 is another exploded perspective view of the driving end of the tool shown
in Fig. 12, taken from a different angle than Fig. 13.
Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 15-15 of Fig. 12.
Fig. 16 is a perspective view of a driving end of a tool in accordance with a third
embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the driving end of the tool shown in Fig. 16.
Detailed Description of the Invention
[0010] Figs. 1 through 11 show a driving end of a tool in accordance with a first embodiment
of the present invention.
[0011] A body 10 has a first side 101 and a second side 102 opposite the first side 101.
A chamber 11 is delimited between the first and second sides 101 and 102. The chamber
11 defines first and second sectional areas 111 and 112. The body 10 includes a bore
12 extending into and in communication with the second sectional area 112. The body
10 also includes at least one first orifices 13 and a second orifice 14 extending
therethrough. In the embodiment, the body 10 includes two first orifices 13.
[0012] A first engaging member 20 is rotatably disposed in the first sectional area 111
and defines a first engaging section 21. The first engaging section 21 extends circumferentially
on an outer periphery of the first engaging member 20. The first engaging section
21 includes a plurality of teeth. The first engaging member 20 also defines a second
engaging section 22 for engaging with an object to be driven by the driving end of
the tool. The second engaging section 23 includes a stem and a detent mechanism mounted
on the stem. In a case that the second engaging section 23 is engaged with an object
to be driven by the driving end of the tool, the stem joins the object to be driven
and the detent mechanism securing it to the stem. Additionally, the first engaging
member 20 includes an input end (not numbered) opposite the detent mechanism for controlling
the detent mechanism. The input end is disposed through the second orifice 14 and
exposed outside the chamber 11. Therefore, a user can easily operate the detent mechanism
since the second engaging section 22.
[0013] A second engaging member 30 is rotatably disposed in the second sectional area 112
and defines first and second engaging ends 31 and 32. The first engaging section 21
is engaged with the first engaging end 31. The first engaging end 31 extends circumferentially
on an outer periphery of a first end of the second engaging member 30. The first engaging
end 31 includes a plurality of teeth. A pitch between two adjacent teeth of the first
engaging section 21 and a pitch between two adjacent teeth of the first engaging end
31 are substantially the same. The second engaging end 32 extends circumferentially
on an outer periphery of a second end of the second engaging member 30. The second
engaging end 31 includes a plurality of teeth. A pitch between two adjacent teeth
of the second engaging end 32 is relatively smaller than that of the first engaging
end 31.
[0014] At least one pawl 40 is slidably disposed in the second sectional area 112 and defines
a first engaging portion 41. The first engaging portion 41 extends arcuately. The
first engaging portion 41 includes a plurality of teeth. The first engaging portion
41 is divided into a first sub engaging portion 411 and a second sub engaging portion
412 separate from the first sub engaging portion 411. The second engaging end 32 is
selectively engaged with the first engaging portion 41. A pitch between two adjacent
teeth of the first engaging portion 41 is substantially the same as that of the second
engaging end 32.
[0015] The first engaging member 20, the second engaging member 30, and the at least one
pawl 40 allow a user to operably move through a small angle to drive an object engaged
therewith and the driving end to withstand high torque transmission.
[0016] A switch 50 has different positions, depending on different operation modes of the
driving end of the tool. The driving end of the tool has two operation modes, and
the switch 50 is rotatable about the axis to first and second positions selectively.
The switch 50 is pivotally engaged with the body 10 about an axis and abutted against
the at least one pawl 40. The switch 50 is engaged with the bore 12. The at least
one pawl 40 includes a second engaging portion 42 opposite the first engaging portion
41 engaged with the switch 50. The second engaging portion 42 is in the form of a
recess. The switch 50 includes an activating member 51 including a fixing end 511
and a handle end 512 extending from the fixing end 511. The fixing end 511 is engaged
with the bore 12. The handle end 512 is exposed outside the bore 12. The fixing end
512 includes an outer periphery thereof including at least one first cavity 513. The
at least one first cavity 513 and the second engaging portion 42 include a first biasing
element 52 disposed theretween and engaged therewith. In the embodiment, the fixing
end 512 includes two first cavities 513, and one of the first cavity 513 includes
the first biasing element 52 engaged therewith biasing a first pusher 53 to engage
with the second engaging portion 42. The first biasing element 52 and the first pusher
53 make the at least one pawl 40 engage with the second engaging end 32 effectively.
Moreover, a detent has an end engaged with the fixing end 511 and another end engaged
with the body 10. The detent facilitates the switch 50 to be releasably fixed in the
first and second positions thereof. The body 10 includes two recesses 121 extending
therein and into the bore 12, and the fixing end 511 includes the outer periphery
thereof including a second cavity 514. The second cavity 514 includes the detent engaged
therewith, and the detent is selectively engaged in one of the two recesses 121. The
detent includes a second biasing element 54 engaged with the second cavity and a second
pusher 55 biased by the second biasing element 54 to engage with one of the recesses
121 selectively. In this embodiment, the two recesses 121 are related to two operation
modes of the switch 50.
[0017] The chamber 11 includes an opening closed by a cover member 80. The cover member
80 is fixed to the body 10 by at least one stopper 70. The cover member 80 includes
a first hole 81 with which the at least one stopper 70 is engaged, a second hole 82
with which a first end of the first engaging member 20 is engaged, and a third hole
83 an end of the second engaging member 30 is engaged. In the embodiment, the driving
end of the tool includes two stoppers 70 engaging the cover member 80 with the body
10. The cover member 80 engaged with the body 10 includes two first holes 81 aligned
with and corresponding to the two first orifices 13, respectively. The two stoppers
70 are disposed through the two firsts orifices 13 and engaged in the two first holes
81 to secure the cover member 80 to the body 10. The cover member 80 also includes
a second hole 82 and a third hole 83 extending therethrough. The second engaging section
22 is disposed through the second hole 82 and disposed outside the chamber 11, and
the second hole 82 is aligned with and corresponds to the second orifice 14. The third
hole 83 pivotally receives an end of the second engaging member 30. Since the third
hole 83 can retain the second engaging member 30, the second engaging member can be
stably positioned in the chamber 11.
[0018] In a case that the switch 50 is operated to the first position and the driving end
of the tool is in a first operation mode and is operated in a first direction, the
first and second engaging members 20 and 30 are not rotated and the second engaging
member 30 is engaged with the first sub engaging portion 411 of the at least one pawl
40, and an object engaged with the driving end of the tool is able to be driven in
the first direction.
[0019] In a case that the switch 50 is operated to the first position and the driving end
of the tool is in the first operation mode and is operated in a second direction,
which is opposite to the first direction, the first and second engaging members 20
and 30 are being rotated and rotate in opposite directions relative to each other,
and the second engaging member 30 is engaged with the second sub engaging portion
412 of the at least one pawl 40, and the driving end of the tool is in a freewheel
rotation with respect to the object engaged therewith.
[0020] In a case that the switch 50 is operated to a second position and the driving end
of the tool is in a second operation mode and is operated in the first direction,
the first and second engaging members 20 and 30 are being rotated and rotate in opposite
directions relative to each other, and the second engaging member 30 is engaged with
the second sub engaging portion 412 of the at least one pawl 40, and the driving end
of the tool is in a freewheel rotation with respect to the object engaged therewith.
[0021] In a case that the switch 50 is operated to the second position and the driving end
of the tool is in the second operation mode and is operated in the second direction,
the first and second engaging members 20 and 30 are not rotated and the second engaging
member 30 is engaged with the first sub engaging portion 411 of the at least one pawl
40, and the object engaged with the driving end of the tool is able to be driven in
the first direction.
[0022] Figs. 12 through 15 show a driving end of a tool in accordance with a second embodiment
of the present invention, and same numbers are used to correlate similar components
of the first embodiment, but bearing a letter a. The second embodiment is similar
to the first embodiment except a body 10, two pawls 40a, a switch 50, and a biasing
member engage the two pawls 40a. The two pawls 40a have shapes symmetrical to each
other and are spaced and include the biasing member 60 disposed therebetween and engaged
therewith. Each pawl 40a defines a first engaging portion 41a. The first engaging
portion 41a extends arcuately. The first engaging portion 41a includes a plurality
of teeth. The first engaging portion 41a of one pawl 40a is separate from the first
engaging portion 41a of another pawl 40a. Each pawl 40a also defines a second engaging
portion 42a engaged with the switch 50a. The second engaging portion 42a extends in
the bore 12a. The switch 50a includes an activating member 51a including a fixing
end 511a and a handle end 512a extending from the fixing end 511a. The fixing end
511a is engaged in the bore 12a and the handle end 512a is exposed outside the bore
12a. The fixing end 512a includes an outer periphery thereof including a first cavity
513a in which the two second engaging portions 42a are movably disposed and two second
cavities 514a in which the two second engaging portions 42a are selectively engaged
therewith respectively. One of the body 10a and switch 50a includes a recess 121a
and the other of the body 10a and the switch 50a includes a protrusion 515a pivotally
engaged in the recess 121a. One of the body 10a and switch 50a includes a protruding
member 122a and the other of the body 10a and the switch 50a includes two receiving
areas 516a selectively engaged with the protruding member 122a.
[0023] Figs. 16 and 17 show a driving end of a tool in accordance with a third embodiment
of the present invention. The third embodiment is similar to the first embodiment,
and same numbers are used to correlate similar components of the first embodiment,
but bearing a letter b. The third embodiment is similar to the first embodiment except
a switch 50b. The switch 50b includes an activating member 51b including a fixing
end 511b and a handle end 512b extending from the fixing end 511b. The fixing end
511b is engaged with the bore 12 and the handle end 512b is exposed outside the bore
12. The fixing end 512b includes an outer periphery thereof including a first cavity
513b. The first cavity 513b and the second engaging portion 42 include a first biasing
element 52b disposed theretween and engaged therewith. A first pusher 53b is biased
by the first biasing element 52 to engage with the second driving portion 42. The
first biasing element 52b and the first pusher 53b make the at least one pawl 40 engage
with the second engaging end 32 effectively. Moreover, a detent has an end engaged
with the fixing end 511 and another end engaged with the body 10. The body 10 includes
two recesses 121 extending therein and into the bore 12, and the fixing end 511b includes
the outer periphery thereof including a second cavity 514b. The second cavity 514b
includes the detent engaged therewith, and the detent is selectively engaged in one
of the two recesses 121, depending on the operation modes of the switch 50. The detent
includes a second biasing element 54b engaged with the second cavity 514b and a second
pusher 55b biased by the second biasing element 54b to engage with one of the recesses
121 selectively.
[0024] In view of the foregoing, the driving end of the tool has a simple structure, but
is able to withstand high torque transmission, and a user can operably move through
a small angle to drive an object engaged therewith.
1. A driving end of a tool comprising:
a body (10, 10a) including a chamber (11, 11a), with the chamber (11, 11a) defining
first and second sectional areas (111, 112, 111a, 112a);
a first engaging member (20) rotatably disposed in the first sectional area (111,
111a) and including two different ends defining a first engaging section (21) and
a second engaging section (22) respectively, with the first engaging section (21)
extending circumferentially on an outer periphery of the first engaging member (20)
and including a plurality of teeth, with the second engaging section (22) engaging
with an object to be driven by the driving end of the tool;
a second engaging member (30) rotatably disposed in the second sectional area (112,
112a) and including two different ends defining first and second engaging ends (31,
32) respectively, with the first engaging section (21) engaged with the first engaging
end (31), with the first engaging end (31) extending circumferentially on an outer
periphery of a first end of the second engaging member (30) and including a plurality
of teeth, with the second engaging end (32) extending circumferentially on an outer
periphery of a second end of the second engaging member and including a plurality
of teeth;
at least one pawl (40, 40a) slidably disposed in the second sectional area (112) and
defining a first engaging portion (41, 41a) including a plurality of teeth, with the
second engaging end (32) selectively engaged with the first engaging portion (41,
41a); and
a switch (50, 50a) pivotally engaged with the body (10, 10a) and abutted against the
at least one pawl (40, 40a).
2. The driving end of the tool as claimed in claim 1, wherein the body (10, 10a) includes
a bore (12, 12a) extending into and in communication with the second sectional area
(112, 112a).
3. The driving end of the tool as claimed in claim 2, wherein the switch (50, 50a, 50b)
is engaged with the bore (12, 12a), wherein the at least one pawl (40, 40a) includes
a second engaging portion (42, 42a) opposite the first engaging portion (41, 41a)
engaged with the switch (50, 50a, 50b), and wherein the second engaging portion (42,
42a) is in the form of a recess.
4. The driving end of the tool as claimed in claim 3, wherein the switch (50, 50a, 50b)
includes an activating member (51, 51a, 51b) including a fixing end (511, 511a, 511b)
and a handle end (512, 512a, 512b) extending from the fixing end (511, 511a, 511b),
wherein the fixing end (511, 511a, 511b) is engaged with the bore (12, 12a) and the
handle end (512, 512a, 512b) is exposed outside the bore (12, 12a), wherein the fixing
end (512, 512a, 512b) includes an outer periphery thereof including at least one first
cavity (513, 513a, 513b), and wherein the at least one first cavity (513, 513a, 513b)
and the second engaging portion (42, 42a) include a first biasing element (52, 52b)
disposed theretween and engaged therewith.
5. The driving end of the tool as claimed in claim 4, wherein the fixing end (512) includes
two first cavities (513), and wherein one of the first cavity (513) includes the first
biasing element (52) engaged therewith biasing a first pusher (53) to engage with
the second engaging portion (42).
6. The driving end of the tool as claimed in claim 4 further comprising a first pusher
(53, 53b) biased by the first biasing element (52, 52b) to engage with the second
driving portion (42).
7. The driving end of the tool as claimed in any of claims 4 and 5, wherein the body
(10) includes two recesses (121) extending therein and into the bore (12), wherein
the fixing end (511) includes the outer periphery thereof including a second cavity
(514), wherein the second cavity (514) includes a detent engaged therewith, and wherein
the detent is selectively engaged in one of the two recesses (121).
8. The driving end of the tool as claimed in claim 7, wherein the detent includes a second
biasing element (54) engaged with the second cavity (514) and a second pusher (55)
biased by the second biasing element (54) to engage with one of the recesses (121)
selectively.
9. The driving end of the tool as claimed in claim 2, wherein the at least one pawl (40a)
includes two pawls, wherein the two pawls (40a) include a biasing member (60) disposed
therebetween and engaged therewith.
10. The driving end of the tool as claimed in claim 9, wherein each pawl (40a) includes
a second engaging portion (42a) engaged with the switch (50a), and wherein the second
engaging portion (42a) extends in the bore (12a).
11. The driving end of the tool as claimed in claim 10, wherein the switch (50a) includes
an activating member (51a) including a fixing end (511a) and a handle end (512a) extending
from the fixing end (511a), wherein the fixing end (511a) is engaged in the bore (12a)
and the handle end (512a) is exposed outside the bore (12a), wherein the fixing end
(512a) includes an outer periphery thereof including a first cavity (513 a) in which
the two second engaging portions (42a) are movably disposed and two second cavities
(514a) in which the two second engaging portions (42a) are selectively engaged therewith
respectively.
12. The driving end of the tool as claimed in claim 11, wherein one of the body (10a)
and switch (50a) includes a recess (121a) and the other of the body (10a) and the
switch (50a) includes a protrusion (515a) pivotally engaged in the recess (121a),
and wherein one of the body (10a) and switch (50a) includes a protruding member (122a)
and the other of the body (10a) and the switch (50a) includes two receiving areas
(516a) selectively engaged with the protruding member (122a).
13. The driving end of the tool as claimed in claim 1, wherein the chamber (11, 11a) includes
an opening closed by a cover member (80), and wherein the cover member (80) is fixed
to the body (10, 10a) by at least one stopper (70).
14. The driving end of the tool as claimed in claim 13, wherein the cover member (80)
includes a first hole (81) with which the at least one stopper (70) is engaged, a
second hole (82) with which a first end of the first engaging member (20) is engaged,
and a third hole (83) an end of the second engaging member (30) is engaged.
15. The driving end of the tool as claimed in any of claims 1-14, wherein a pitch between
two adjacent teeth of the first engaging section (21) and a pitch between two adjacent
teeth of the first engaging end (31) are substantially the same, wherein a pitch between
two adjacent teeth of the second engaging end (32) is relatively smaller than that
of the first engaging end (31), and wherein a pitch between two adjacent teeth of
the first engaging portion (41) is substantially the same as that of the second engaging
end (32).