Controlling incoming air for a multi-directional rotational motor in a single rotational direction
AssigneeSnap-on Incorporated
InventorsDennis A. Nowak, Jr., John R. Williams
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Mechanisms for reducing power output of a power tool by restricting airflow into the motor of the tool. The power regulator can be implemented in only one of the rotational directions, for example, the forward (or clockwise) direction, and can be independent of the forward/reverse mechanism to avoid a user becoming confused as to the source of tactile feedback. By limiting air input to the motor, rather than bleeding out motor output, the mechanisms prevent wasted power output. Also, the power regulation mechanism can be located near the motor to more effectively restrict airflow.
Claims18
A mechanism for controlling pressurized fluid or air to operate a rotor of a motor having an output adapted to selectively rotate in either of first and second rotational directions, comprising:
- a plate having first and second openings, each of the first and second openings allows passage of the pressurized fluid or air to the rotor, wherein when the pressurized fluid or air passes through the first opening, the output rotates in the first rotational direction, and when the pressurized fluid or air passes through the second opening, the output rotates in the second rotational direction;
- a valve disposed in the plate and rotatable to cause the pressurized fluid or air to be directed through one of the first and second openings, thus causing the selection of either of the first and second rotational directions of the output;
- and
- a plunger disposed within the plate downstream of the valve, wherein the plunger is movable, relative to the first opening, between a restricted position, wherein the plunger partially restricts the first opening, and an unrestricted position, wherein the first opening is unrestricted.
A tool having a motor with a rotor disposed in a housing that is adapted to be operated with air or fluid, and an output that selectively rotates in first and second rotational directions, the tool comprising:
- a mechanism for controlling a direction of at least a portion of the air or fluid, the mechanism includes:
- a plate having first and second openings, each of the openings is adapted to direct the portion of the air or fluid into the housing and to the rotor, wherein when the portion of the air or fluid is directed through the first opening, the output rotates in the first rotational direction, and when the portion of the air or fluid is directed through the second opening, the output rotates in the second rotational direction;
- a valve disposed in the plate and rotatable to cause the portion of the air or fluid to be directed through one of the first and second openings, thus selecting either of the first and second rotational directions of the output;
- and
- a plunger disposed within the plate downstream of the valve, wherein the plunger is movable relative to the first opening, and wherein the plunger is movable between a restricted position, wherein the plunger partially restricts the first opening, and an unrestricted position, wherein the first opening is unrestricted.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.