Slide switch for a power tool

摘要

A power tool includes a variable speed motor coupled to a drive member. A power circuit electrically connects the variable speed motor to a power source. A variable speed signal generator generates a variable speed control signal indicating an operating speed for the motor. The operating speed is dependent upon a value of a variable speed selection signal generated by a slide switch. The slide switch includes a linear slide potentiometer for generating the variable speed selection signal. An actuator slides along the potentiometer to control the value of the selection signal. The slide switch includes an ON/OFF contact and a lever arm that is movable into and out of contact with the ON/OFF contact. The actuator is configured to prevent the lever arm from contacting the ON/OFF contact when the actuator is in an OFF position in relation to the slide potentiometer thereby opening the power circuit.

主权项

1. A power tool comprising:
a housing that has a substantially cylindrical shape defining a longitudinal axis; a variable speed motor supported by the housing; a drive member coupled to the motor and defining an axis of rotation that is aligned with the longitudinal axis, the drive member including a tool holder located exterior to the housing; a variable speed signal generator that generates a variable speed control signal indicating an operating speed for the motor, the operating speed being dependent upon a value of a variable speed selection signal; a power circuit that electrically connects the variable speed motor to a power source; a slide switch attached to the housing, the slide switch including i) a slide potentiometer that outputs the variable speed selection signal, and ii) an actuator configured to slide between a first position and a second position in relation to the slide potentiometer, the variable speed selection signal having a value that varies corresponding to a position of the actuator in relation to the slide potentiometer; wherein the slide switch includes an ON/OFF contact and an ON/OFF lever arm that is movable into and out of contact with the ON/OFF contact, the ON/OFF contact and the ON/OFF lever arm being electrically connected to the power circuit such that the power circuit is closed when the ON/OFF lever arm is positioned in contact with the ON/OFF contact and the power circuit is opened when the ON/OFF lever arm is spaced apart from the ON/OFF contact, wherein, when the actuator is located at the first position, the actuator prevents the ON/OFF lever arm from contacting the ON/OFF contact, wherein, when the actuator is away from the first position, the ON/OFF lever arm is positioned in contact with the ON/OFF contact, wherein the slide potentiometer is supported by a switch body, the actuator being slidably supported by the switch body, and wherein the switch body defines a linear path of movement for the actuator, the slide switch being attached to a longitudinal side the housing with the linear path of movement aligned with the longitudinal axis of the housing.