Non-contact direction selector mechanism
AssigneeSnap-on Incorporated
InventorCollin Kohls
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A direction selector mechanism adapted to cause a motor to selectively rotate in either one of first and second rotational directions. The direction selector mechanism includes a selector switch slidably or rotatably coupled to the tool and adapted to be selectively positioned between one of first and second positions, a non-contact actuator disposed in the selector switch, and a non-contact sensor adapted to detect the proximity of the non-contact actuator.
Claims21
A tool having a tool housing, a motor disposed in the tool housing and adapted to selectively rotate in either one of first and second rotational directions, a trigger switch, a detent structure, a motor controller, and a trigger operably coupled to the trigger switch to cause operation of the motor, the tool comprising:
- a direction selector mechanism adapted to selectively cause the motor to rotate in one of the first and second rotational directions, the direction selector mechanism including:
- a selector switch coupled to the tool and adapted to be selectively detained in either one of first and second positions by the detent structure;
- a non-contact actuator encased within the selector switch;
- and
- a non-contact sensor disposed in the tool housing and adapted to detect the proximity of the non-contact actuator.
A direction selector mechanism adapted to cause a motor of a tool to selectively rotate in either one of first and second rotational directions, the direction selector mechanism comprising:
- a selector switch slidably coupled to the tool and adapted to be selectively disposed in one of first and second positions, wherein the selector switch includes opposing first and second end portions, recesses formed in the selector switch between the first and second end portions, and ribs respectively separating the recesses;
- a non-contact actuator disposed in one of the recesses of the selector switch;
- and
- a non-contact sensor adapted to detect the proximity of the non-contact actuator.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.