JP2001176707A - Variable resistor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a variable resistor where miniaturization (height reduction) is enabled by shortcircuitting a resistance member and durability is satisfactory. SOLUTION: This variable resistor is provided with a first insulating substrate 10 and a second insulating substrate 30, which are arranged in a state of facing each other, with at least one of which has elasticity. A belt-shaped resistance member 12 and a pair of wiring patterns 13 connected with both ends of the resistance member 12 are arranged on the first insulating substrate 10. A belt- shaped conductor 32 which faces the resistance member 12 keeping a prescribed gap and can be brought into contact with and released from the resistance member 12, and a conductor pattern 33, which is connected with the conductor 32 and electrically connected with the resistance member 12 are arranged on the second insulating substrate 30. The resistance member 12 is in free contact with the conductor 32 which faces the resistance member 12, while keeping a prescribed gap.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention is effectively used as a zoom-in / out operation means for a video camera or the like, which enables one-touch input of desired analog information to an electronic control unit. The present invention relates to a variable resistor suitable for use in an input device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a conventional variable resistor, and FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a fitting state of an operation unit. A description will be given based on FIG.

A conventional variable resistor mainly comprises a mechanism 11
0, a case 160 in which the mechanism 110 is housed,
The operation unit 170 includes an operation unit 170 held on an upper part of the case 160. The mechanism unit 110 mainly includes a sliding type object 120,
It is composed of a slider 130 and an insulating base 140.

Referring to FIG. 8, a sliding type object 120 has a semi-circular disk shape with a part cut out, and a rotary shaft 121 is formed in the notch part.
Are attached, and a plurality of projections 122 are formed on the surface thereof.

The slider 130 fixed to the rear surface of the sliding member 120 by appropriate means is made of an elastic metal plate. Further, the insulating substrate 140 provided on the back side of the sliding type object 120 is made of a flexible substrate such as a synthetic resin film, has a shaft hole 141 formed on the upper part, and has an arc-shaped resistance on its surface. Body 1
42 and a current collector 143 are provided. The insulating substrate 140 is held so that the shaft hole 141 is inserted into the rotating shaft 121, and the sliding type object 120 is
21 and the slider 130
Slide on the resistor 142 and the current collector 143.

The coil spring 150 held on the front side of the sliding type object 120 has a ring portion 151 formed by winding an elastic metal wire a plurality of times, and two locking members protruding radially outward from both ends thereof. The engaging portion 152 is provided with a cylindrical tube 153 made of silicone rubber. The coil spring 150 is housed between the protrusions 122 in a state where the ring portion 151 is engaged with and held by the rotating shaft 121 protruding from the slide type object 120, and the tube 153 is in a state of elastic contact with the protrusion 122. (See FIG. 10).
The coil spring 150 has a repulsive force as the sliding type object 120 swings.

The mechanism section 110 is configured as described above, and the case 160 for housing the mechanism section 110 is formed in a half-cup shape made of synthetic resin and has a shaft hole 161 formed near the side edge. I have. The case 160 accommodates the sliding type object 120 in a swingable state by inserting the rotation shaft 121 of the sliding type object 120 into the shaft hole 161. The case cover 162 provided so as to cover the case 160 is made of a plate-like synthetic resin, and has a shaft hole 163 formed near the side edge. Then, the case cover 16
Reference numeral 2 denotes a state in which the rotating shaft 121 is inserted and supported in the shaft hole 163, and the insulating substrate 140 is sandwiched therebetween and attached to the insulating substrate by appropriate means.

In FIG. 9, an operation portion 170 held on an upper surface of a case 160 is formed in a substantially box shape having an open lower surface, and has a notch-formed fitting groove 171 at substantially the center thereof. . Then, the operating portion 170 is fitted with the fitting groove 171 in the fitting protrusion of the rotating shaft 121, and as shown in FIG.
A plurality of protrusions formed to protrude downward are used to
Is held in contact with the upper surface of the. In this state,
When the operation unit 170 is swung, the operation unit 170 is rotated around the rotation shaft 121, and the sliding type object 120 is swung accordingly.

The conventional variable resistor has the above-described configuration. When the operator presses the operation portion 170 to one of the end portions, the sliding type object 120 resists the repulsive force of the coil spring 150. As a result, the slider 130 swings in one direction from the neutral position, and the slider 130 slides on the resistor 142 on the insulating substrate 140 and the like, whereby the output resistance value (voltage value) changes. Then, for example, by detecting a change in the resistance value (voltage value) and controlling the rotation direction and rotation speed of a motor provided in a video camera or the like, zoom-in (tele) is performed in accordance with the pressing direction of the operation unit 170. , A zoom-out (wide) operation can be performed. Further, when the operator releases the pressing operation on the operation unit 170, the sliding type object 120 becomes the coil spring 1
Automatic return to the neutral position by the repulsion force of 50
70 also returns to the initial state in conjunction with it.

[0010]

However, the conventional variable resistor has a structure in which the resistor (voltage value) is changed by the mechanism 110 in which the slider 130 slides on the resistor 142. In addition, a space for accommodating the mechanical unit 110 which involves a sliding operation is required, and the size of the variable resistor itself becomes large accordingly, which hinders downsizing of a video camera or the like. The mechanism 11
Since the resistor (voltage value) is changed by a mechanical operation in which a sliding operation is caused by 0, there is a problem that a failure is apt to occur inevitably. In addition, in the conventional variable resistor, the motor is controlled based on the resistance value that changes according to the rotation angle of the sliding type object 120, and the zoom ratio of the tele / wide operation is changed. When it is desired to maximize, the pressing operation of the operation unit 170 must be continued until the zoom ratio reaches the maximum, and the operator may feel that time is long.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a method in which a resistor and a conductor are opposed to each other without using a mechanical mechanism.
An object of the present invention is to provide a variable resistor that can be reduced in size (thinned) and has good durability by contacting the two. In addition, when used for zooming of a video camera or the like, the object is to be able to change the zoom ratio at high speed.

[0012]

The present invention comprises a first insulating substrate and a second insulating substrate, which are disposed opposite each other and at least one of which has flexibility, wherein the first insulating substrate has a strip-shaped resistor. And a pair of wiring patterns respectively connected to both ends of the resistor are provided, and the second insulating substrate has a belt-like shape which is opposed to the resistor at a predetermined interval and can be brought into contact with and separated from the resistor. A conductor and a conductive pattern connected to the conductor and connected to the resistor are provided, and the resistor and the conductor facing the resistor at a predetermined interval are in contact with each other. It was designed to be free.

As a second solution, at least one of the first insulating substrate and the second insulating substrate is provided so as to face each other and has flexibility, and the first insulating substrate includes a base and a base. And a protruding lead portion, and on the first insulating substrate, a band-shaped resistor provided on the base, a pair of wiring patterns respectively connected to both ends of the resistor, and the resistor. Having a lead pattern connected thereto, the wiring pattern and the lead pattern leading to a lead part, and the second insulating substrate includes a base part and a lead part projecting from the base part,
On the insulating substrate, a strip-shaped conductor which is provided on the base portion and is opposed to the resistor at a predetermined interval and which can be brought into contact with and separated from the resistor, is connected to the conductor and can be connected to the resistor. And the conductive pattern is led out to a lead portion, and the resistor and the conductor facing the resistor at a predetermined interval can be freely contacted with each other. And

As a third solution, the leading pattern leading to the leading portion of the first insulating substrate and the conducting pattern leading to the leading portion of the second insulating substrate are opposed to each other at least on the leading end side of the leading portion. It was configured to be installed. As a fourth solution, a pair of first contacts is provided on the first insulating substrate, and the pair of first contacts are respectively opposed to the pair of first contacts at a predetermined interval on the second insulating substrate. A pair of second contacts that can be brought into contact with and separated from the first contact is provided, and the pair of first contacts and the pair of second contacts form a pair of switch portions.

[0015] As a fifth solution, a first insulating substrate and a second insulating substrate, which are disposed in opposition to each other and at least one of which is flexible, are provided. The first insulating substrate has a drawer portion formed integrally with a connecting portion that connects the two, and protruding from one of the base portions. The first insulating substrate has a band-shaped resistor formed on the base portion and the resistor. A pair of wiring patterns respectively connected to both ends of the body are provided, and the second insulating substrate is formed on the base, faces the resistor at a predetermined interval, and comes into contact with and separates from the resistor. A possible strip-shaped conductor and a conductive pattern connected from the conductor to the resistor via the connection portion are provided, and the resistor and the resistor face each other at a predetermined interval. A structure that can be freely contacted with the conductor. And the.

As a sixth solution, the first insulating substrate and the second insulating substrate are constituted by one flexible insulating substrate. As a seventh solution, the first insulating substrate is provided with a pair of first contacts on a base, and the second insulating substrate is opposed to the pair of first contacts on the base at a predetermined interval. A pair of second contacts that can be brought into contact with and separated from the first contact are provided, and the pair of first contacts and the pair of second contacts form a pair of switch portions.

As an eighth solution, either the first contact or the second contact is electrically connected to one of the wiring patterns connected to the resistor. As a ninth solution, the second insulating substrate is connected to the second contact pattern on a base and provided with a second contact pattern, and is connected to the one wiring pattern via the connecting portion. Configuration.

[0018] As a tenth solution, the lead portion includes a first contact pattern provided on a base of the first insulating substrate and connected to the pair of first contacts, and the pair of wiring patterns. And a conduction pattern connected to the resistor. As an eleventh solution, the first contacts are provided on both sides of the resistor away from both ends. As a twelfth solution, a spacer is provided between the first insulating substrate and the second insulating substrate to provide a predetermined spacing between the resistor and the conductor and the first and second contacts. Configuration.

As a thirteenth solution, the pair of wiring patterns and the pair of first contacts provided on the first insulating substrate are formed by printing at the same time. As a fourteenth solution, any one of the insulating substrates on the side on which a display sheet having a dome-shaped click projection is pressed at a position corresponding to a switch comprising the first contact and the second contact In a stacked configuration.

As a fifteenth solution, the display sheet is provided with a projection at a position corresponding to a connection between the resistor and the conductive pattern. As a sixteenth solution, the conductive pattern is connected to the longitudinal center of the resistor.

[0021]

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a variable resistor according to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a plan view, and FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view. FIG. 4 is a wiring diagram illustrating a non-operation state, FIG. 5 is a wiring diagram illustrating a use state, and FIG. 4 is a developed plan view of first and second insulating substrates according to the second embodiment. 6, description will be made based on FIG. 7 which is a wiring diagram for explaining a use state.

The variable resistor according to the first embodiment of the present invention mainly includes a first insulating substrate 10 having a resistor 10 provided on a base 10a, and a resistor 30 opposed to the first insulating substrate 10 and having a resistor 30a. Insulating substrate 30 having a conductor 32 which is opposed to the body 12 at a predetermined interval and can be brought into contact with and separated from the body 12.
It is composed of

The first insulating substrate 10 is formed of a flexible and elongated oval shape made of an insulating film such as polyester, and is provided with a drawer 11 from substantially the center of the side edge of the base 10a.
Are formed on the surface (upper surface) of the base 10a, and the resistor 12, the lead pattern 14, and the first contact 15 are mainly provided. The resistor 12 is formed of a strip-shaped carbon pattern, and is formed by printing at the center of the surface of the base 10a. Then, a pair of wiring patterns 13 are connected from both ends of the resistor 12, and are led out to the lead portion 11. Drawer pattern 14
Are connected so as to be orthogonal to the central part in the longitudinal direction of the resistor 12, and are led out to the lead-out part 11 like the wiring pattern 13.

The first contact 15 is made of a circular silver pattern, and is located on both sides of the resistor 12 provided on the base 10a, separated from both ends, on the same surface on which the resistor 12 is formed. Each is formed by printing. A first contact pattern 16 is connected to each of the pair of first contacts 15, and is led to the drawer 11.

The spacer 20 located between the first and second insulating substrates 10 and 30 has an elongated ring shape such as a polyester film and has an opening 21 formed at the center. An adhesive is applied to both surfaces of the spacer 20. The spacer 20 is attached so as to be laminated on the surface of the first insulating substrate 10. At this time, the resistor 12 and the first contact 15 are exposed from the opening 21.

The second insulating substrate 30 located above the spacer 20 is made of an insulating film such as polyester.
The base portion 30a is formed of a flexible and elongated oval shape, and a drawer portion 31 is formed so as to protrude from substantially the center of a side edge portion of the base portion 30a.
3 and a second contact 34 are provided. Note that the first insulating substrate 10 and the second insulating substrate 30 are at least
What is necessary is to have the flexibility located in the upper part of 0. The conductor 32 is formed of a band-shaped silver pattern, and the second insulating substrate 30
Is formed by printing in the central part of. Conduction pattern 3
Reference numeral 3 denotes a silver pattern, which is provided so as to be orthogonal to the vicinity of the center of the conductor 32 in the longitudinal direction, and is led out to the lead portion 31.

The second contact 34 is formed of a circular silver pattern formed on the base 30a on the same plane as the surface on which the conductor 32 is formed. Each is printed and formed at a position facing the contact 15. A second contact pattern 35 is provided from each of the pair of second contacts 34, and is led out to the drawer 31.

Then, the second insulating substrate 30 is
The first insulating substrate 10 is disposed so as to face the first insulating substrate 10 via the first insulating substrate 10, and is attached to the surface of the spacer 20 with an adhesive provided on the spacer 20 so as to be laminated. At this time, the conductor 32 and the second contact 34 are exposed from the opening 21, and the resistor 12 and the conductor 32, and the first contact 15 and the second contact And can be separated from each other at a predetermined interval. As shown in FIG. 2, the leading ends of the drawer 11 and the drawer 31 are alternately arranged.
The wiring pattern 13, the lead pattern 14, the first contact pattern 16, and the conductive pattern 33 and the second contact pattern 35 are led out side by side without facing each other. Although not shown here, the lead pattern 14 and the conductive pattern 33 may be provided so as to face each other in the lead part.

The display sheet 40 located on the upper part of the second insulating substrate 30 has an elongated oval shape made of an insulating film made of polycarbonate or polyester, and has a dome-shaped click projection 41 at both ends and a longitudinal direction. The projection 42 is provided substantially at the center. An adhesive is applied to the lower surface of the display sheet 40, and the display sheet 40 is attached so as to be laminated on the upper surface of the second insulating substrate 30 with the adhesive. At this time, the click protrusion 41 is provided at a position corresponding to the switch portion constituted by the first contact 15 and the second contact 34, and the protrusion 42 is provided on the resistor 12 and the lead pattern 14 on the first insulating substrate 10. , That is, a state where the conductive pattern 33 is provided at a position where the conductive pattern 33 is connected to the resistor 12 via the lead pattern 14.

The connector 50 connected to the first and second insulating substrates 10 and 30 has a box-shaped base 51 made of insulating resin.
And a metal terminal 52 that protrudes from the base 51 and is integrated with a press-contact portion (not shown) that presses each pattern of the drawer portion within the base 51, and the base 51 has the drawer portion 11,
31 is in the state of being inserted. At this time, the terminals 52 to which the lead-out pattern 14 and the conduction pattern 33 are connected to each other are connected to lead wires (conductive wires) 60 (FIGS. 1, 4 and 5).
(See FIG. 2), the lead pattern 14 and the conductive pattern 33 are in a conductive state. Therefore, in a state where the connector is attached, the conduction pattern 33 is conducted substantially at the center of the resistor 12 in the longitudinal direction. Although not shown here, the extraction pattern 14 and the conduction pattern 3 which are in a state of facing each other are illustrated.
3 is brought into pressure contact with the connector 50 to form a pull-out pattern 1
4 and the conduction pattern 33 may be conducted. In this case, the lead wire 60 is unnecessary.

The variable resistor according to the first embodiment of the present invention has the above configuration. Next, the process of forming each pattern and the method of processing the display sheet 40 will be described. Is a resistor 12 on the surface of the base 10a.
Is screen-printed using a carbon paste, and then at least the wiring pattern 13 and the first contact 15 are simultaneously screen-printed using a silver paste. In addition,
The wiring pattern 13, the lead pattern 14, the first contact 15, and the first contact pattern 16 may be simultaneously formed by screen printing using silver paste. In the second insulating substrate 30, the conductor 32, the second contact 34, and the second contact pattern 35 are simultaneously formed on the lower surface of the base 30a by screen printing using silver paste. The display sheet 40 has click projections 41 and projections 42 formed on its surface by embossing by pressing. Then, the first insulating substrate 10 on which each pattern is provided and the second insulating substrate 30 are bonded to each other with the spacer 20 interposed therebetween, and processing and display (W and T) are performed on the surface of the second insulating substrate 30. The variable resistor according to the first embodiment of the present invention is completed by attaching the displayed display sheet 40.

Next, a use state of the variable resistor according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. FIG. 4 shows a state where the operator does not perform a pressing operation. A predetermined input voltage Vs is applied to the resistor 12 from the wiring pattern 13 via the connector 50 by the voltage source 61. At this time, the conductor 32 is electrically connected to the center contact point P of the resistor 12 via the conductive pattern 33, the terminal 52, the lead wire 60, and the lead pattern 14. If the total resistance of the resistor 12 is R and the resistance up to the center contact point P is R1 (R / 2), the output voltage Vo from the conductor 32 is given by the following equation.

Vo = Vs × (R1 / R) The output voltage Vo is derived by multiplying the input voltage Vs by a factor of the ratio of R1 to the total resistance value R. Therefore, when the operator does not perform the pressing operation, R1 / R = 1.
/ 2, the variable resistor according to the first embodiment of the present invention always outputs 1/2 Vs. This output voltage Vo is converted into a digital value through an A / D converter (not shown) and input to a microcomputer (not shown).
At this time, if the microcomputer sets the motor of the lens to stop at an output voltage of 1/2 Vs, the zoom stops when no pressing operation is performed.

FIG. 5 shows a state in which the operator moves the resistor 1 from the state shown in FIG.
2 shows a state in which the display sheet 40 is pressed from above at a part (a quarter of the left side of the resistor 12 in FIG. 5). And at the contact point P1 directly,
As in the state of FIG. 4, conduction is provided at the center contact point P of the resistor 12 by the lead pattern 14, the conduction pattern 33, and the like. Then, assuming that the resistor 12 is divided into four equal parts and the resistance values of the respective regions are r1, r2, r3, and r4, the contact point P1
Since the two contact points are short-circuited by the lead-out pattern 14, the conduction pattern 33, and the like, r2 = 0. Therefore, in the circuit configuration in this state, the total resistance value is represented by r1 + r3 + r4. The output voltage V'o from the conductor 32 in this operation state is given by the following equation.

V'o = Vs ｛r1 / (r1 + r3 + r
4)｝ The output voltage is V′o input voltage Vs, total resistance value r1 + r
It is derived by multiplying the ratio of r1 to 3 + r4 as a factor. Therefore, the operator presses a point that has advanced r1 (４) from the end of the resistor 12 and presses r1 (（).
= R3 = r4, then r1 / (r1 + r3 + r4) =
Since it is 1/3, the variable resistor according to the first embodiment of the present invention outputs 1/3 Vs, and the microcomputer of the lens is controlled by a preset microcomputer to zoom out to the wide side. Thereafter, when the operator releases the pressing operation, the contact between the resistor 12 and the conductor 33 at the contact point P1 is released, the state returns to the state shown in FIG. 4, 1/2 Vs is output again, and the zoom operation stops. Thus, the output voltage changes from 0 to Vs according to the position where the operator performs the pressing operation.

When the operator moves the finger in the longitudinal direction and presses the click projection 41 on the wide side of the display sheet 40, the click projection 41 is inverted and the first contact 15 and the second contact 34 are connected. Contact. When the first and second contact patterns 16 and 35 conduct, the ON signal can be obtained from the first and second contact patterns 16 and 35. When the pressing operation is released, the contact between the first contact 15 and the second contact 34 is separated, and the conduction between the first and second contact patterns 16 and 35 is cut off. At this time,
Even if the pressing operation is released by detecting the N signal, the lens motor rotates at the maximum speed under the control of the microcomputer, and the zoom magnification can be quickly set to the maximum zoom-out.
On the other hand, when the click protrusion 41 on the tele side is pressed, the maximum zoom-in can be quickly performed by the same operation as that on the wide side.

The variable resistor according to the first embodiment of the present invention operates and operates as described above.
0, that is, the conductor 32 is formed on the lower insulating substrate, and the resistor 12 is formed on the second insulating substrate 30, that is, the upper insulating substrate.
May be formed. Further, as in the second embodiment described below, the first insulating substrate and the second insulating substrate may be formed by bending a single flexible substrate.

Next, the second embodiment of the variable resistor according to the present invention will be described by using the same components and the same names and the same components as those of the first embodiment.
Using numbers, description will be given based on FIG. 6 which is a plan view showing a developed state of the first and second insulating substrates and FIG. 7 which is a wiring diagram for explaining a use state. In the variable resistor according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the first insulating substrate 10 and the second insulating substrate 30 are connected by the connecting portion 70, and these are configured by one flexible substrate. The structure is such that the insulating substrate 10 and the second insulating substrate 30 are folded so as to sandwich the spacer 20 therebetween. The display sheets 40 are stacked in the same state as in the first embodiment.

As in the first embodiment, the first insulating substrate 10 has a drawer 11 protruding from the base 10a.
A resistor 12 is provided on the surface of the first insulating substrate 10 (base 10a).
, A wiring pattern 13, a conductive pattern 17 serving as a lead pattern, a first contact 15, and a first contact pattern 16 are provided, and each of the patterns 11, 16, and 17 is led to the lead portion 11.

The second insulating substrate 30 has the same shape as that of the first embodiment, and has a connecting portion 7 protruding from substantially the center.
0 connects to and is integrated with the first insulating substrate 10. On its surface, a conductor 32 and a second contact 34 are mainly provided. The conductor 32 is printed and formed substantially at the center of the base 30a as in the first embodiment, and the conductive pattern 33 is connected so as to be orthogonal to the vicinity of the center. The conductive pattern 33 is connected to the central portion of the resistor 12 provided on the first insulating substrate 10 via the connecting portion 70, and is connected to the conductive pattern 17 which is a lead pattern leading to the lead portion 11. .

As in the first embodiment, the second contacts 34 are provided on both sides of the conductor 32 apart from both ends, and the second contact pattern 35 is connected therefrom. The second contact pattern 35 connected from the second contact 34 on the tele side (the right side in FIG. 6) is also connected to the second contact 34 on the wide side (the left side in FIG. 6). I have. In addition, the second contact pattern 35 connected from the second contact 34 on the wide side is connected to one of the wiring patterns 13 leading to the lead-out portion 11 via the connecting portion 70.

Although not shown here, the display sheet 40 is laminated on the upper part of the second insulating substrate 30, and the projection 42 is provided at a position facing the connection between the resistor 12 and the conductive pattern 17 which is a drawing pattern. Is in a state of being

The variable resistor according to the second embodiment of the present invention is configured as described above, and includes the first and second insulating substrates 1.
First, the manufacturing process of the conductors 32 and 30 will be described.
5, 34 and the respective patterns 13, 16, 17, 33, 35 are formed by screen printing. Thereafter, the resistor 12 is formed by screen printing using a carbon paste. After that, the first insulating substrate 10, the connecting portion 70, and the second insulating substrate 30 are integrally punched out by pressing. The stamped first and second insulating substrates 10 and 30 are bonded together with the adhesive of the spacer 20 (not shown) by folding the connecting portion 70 with the spacer 20 sandwiched therebetween. Then, the variable resistor according to the second embodiment of the present invention is completed by pasting the display sheet 40 on the second insulating substrate 30.

Next, the use state of the variable resistor according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 7 shows a state where the operator does not perform a pressing operation. A predetermined input voltage Vs is applied from the voltage source 61 to the wiring pattern 13 via the connector 50. The conductive pattern 17 serving as the lead pattern
Are always connected to the conductive pattern 33 and the conductor 32. A second contact pattern 35 is connected to one of the wiring patterns 13, and the first and second contact patterns 1 are also connected.
It is also connected to the first contact pattern 16 via a switch section (SW) composed of 5, 34. This first contact pattern 16 is output via the connector 50 (SWo).
It is also connected to one end of a pull-up resistor 62. A voltage source 61 is connected to the other end of the pull-up resistor 62.
, A switch input voltage V (same as Vs) is applied.

The method of deriving the output voltage (Vo) from the conduction pattern 17 in a state where the operator does not perform the pressing operation or in a state in which the pressing operation is performed is the same as that of the first embodiment, so that the description is omitted here. Next, a state when the operator presses the click protrusion 41 of the display sheet 40 will be described. First, as shown in FIG. 7, when the click protrusion 41 is not pressed and the switch unit (SW) is open, the voltage is changed. The switch input voltage V from the source 61 is output (SWo) as it is. When the click projection 41 is pressed to close the switch (SW), one end of the pull-up resistor 62 is connected to the first contact pattern 16 and the second contact pattern 35.
Then, the switch output voltage (SWo) becomes zero because it is grounded to the ground via one of the wiring patterns 13. Then, a microcomputer mounted on a video camera or the like detects a change in the switch output voltage and controls the motor to minimize or maximize the zoom. In the first embodiment, the ON / OFF detection operation of the switch unit is not described in detail, but the second contact pattern 35 and one wiring pattern 13 are connected. Except for this point, it is basically the same as the second embodiment.

The variable resistor according to the second embodiment of the present invention operates and operates as described above.
On the other hand, the second contact pattern 35 is connected to one of the wiring patterns 13 on, for example, a common pattern such as a ground pattern in the present embodiment. 13 and the second contact 3
4, the output of the switch unit may be taken out.
Further, the contact pattern and the wiring pattern may be completely independent as in the first embodiment. Further, instead of providing the lead portion 11 from the first insulating substrate 10, a lead portion may be provided so as to protrude from the second insulating substrate 30, and the conductive pattern 17 or the like as a lead pattern may be derived.

The first and second insulating substrates 10 and 30 of the variable resistor according to the present invention are composed of the resistor 12, the conductor 32, the first and second contacts 15, 34, and the terminal 52 of the connector 50.
It is preferable that a resist layer made of an insulating layer is printed except for a connection portion with the substrate (not shown). On the other hand, silver which is a material of each pattern in a portion where the resist layer is provided may be mixed with carbon to such an extent that conductivity is not impaired. In place of the spacer 20, an adhesive is applied in a ring shape to the upper surface of the first insulating substrate 10 and the lower surface of the second insulating substrate 30, and these are adhered to each other to form a predetermined adhesive on the first and second insulating substrates 10, 30. May be provided. In addition, the drawer pattern 14
(The conductive pattern 17 serving as a lead pattern) does not need to be connected from the center of the resistor 12, and
2 may be connected as long as it is connected, but when it is used for zooming a video camera, a central portion which is a neutral position is preferable. In addition, the contact patterns 16, 35 are connected to the first and second contacts 15, 34, respectively, but one of the contacts is formed into a pair of comb-like patterns to be insulated without providing the contact pattern. Alternatively, a contact pattern may be provided on the other contact, and a pair of comb-like patterns may conduct when they come into contact with each other. Further, the substrate on the non-pressed side may be a rigid substrate.

[0048]

According to the present invention, there are provided a first insulating substrate and a second insulating substrate,
The first insulating substrate is provided with a strip-shaped resistor and a pair of wiring patterns connected to both ends of the resistor, and the second insulating substrate is connected to the strip-shaped conductor that can be brought into contact with and separated from the resistor. And a conduction pattern to be conducted to the resistor is provided,
Since the configuration is such that the resistor and the conductor can freely contact each other, a mechanism section is not required unlike a conventional variable resistor, and a thin variable resistor having a self-return function can be provided. . In addition, since a predetermined voltage value can be obtained with a single touch, operability can be extremely improved. In addition, even when the opposing resistor and conductor are not in contact with each other, a constant output voltage can be obtained from the conduction pattern. For example, when the variable resistor of the present invention is used for zooming a lens of a video camera or the like, the motor of the lens can be constantly controlled by the output voltage. That is, it can be suitably used for an electronic device that must always output some kind of output.

The first insulating substrate includes a first insulating substrate and a second insulating substrate. The first insulating substrate includes a base and a lead portion protruding from the base. The first insulating substrate has a strip-shaped resistor, a pair of wiring patterns, and a lead. A wiring pattern and a lead-out pattern are led out to a lead-out part, and the second insulating substrate is provided with a base part and a lead-out part formed so as to protrude from the base part. It has a conductive pattern that can conduct to the body and the resistor, and the conductive pattern is led out to the drawer, and the resistor and the conductor are configured to be freely contactable. The present invention can provide a variable resistor that outputs a voltage between the lead-out pattern and the conductive pattern by a connector or the like, and can easily connect the lead-out pattern to the conductive pattern. It can be connected to the body. Also,
Since the drawer can be mechanically and electrically fixed by a connector or the like, the variable resistor can be easily connected to an electric device (such as a video camera) in which the variable resistor is used.

Further, since the lead pattern leading to the lead portion of the first insulating substrate and the conductive pattern leading to the lead portion of the second insulating substrate are arranged so as to face each other at least at the leading end side of the lead portion, both patterns are provided. By pressing the pattern with a connector or the like, the conductive pattern can be easily connected to the resistor.

Further, the first insulating substrate is provided with a pair of first contacts, and the second insulating substrate is provided with a pair of second contacts that can be brought into contact with and separated from the pair of first contacts. Since the switch unit is constituted by the contact and the second contact, an independent switch device can be provided.

Further, the first insulating substrate and the second insulating substrate are provided, and the first insulating substrate and the second insulating substrate are integrated by a connecting portion and have a protruding lead portion, The substrate is provided with a resistor and a pair of wiring patterns connected to both ends of the resistor. The second insulating substrate is a conductive pattern that can be connected to and separated from the resistor and a conductive pattern that is connected to the resistor via a connecting portion. Is provided so that the resistor and the conductor can freely contact each other, so that a variable resistor that is thin, has good operability, always outputs a constant voltage, and has good mass productivity and a smaller size is provided. In addition, the variable resistor of the present invention can be easily and mechanically and electrically connected to an electric device or the like by using the drawer. Further, since the first insulating substrate and the second insulating substrate are one flexible substrate, the number of times of pattern printing can be reduced, and mass productivity can be improved.

Further, the first insulating substrate is provided with a pair of first contacts, and the second insulating substrate is provided with a pair of second contacts which can be separated from and separated from the pair of first contacts. And the second contact make up a switch section, so that a switch output independent of the resistance value can be obtained. Further, since either the first contact or the second contact is configured to be electrically connected to one wiring pattern connected to the resistor, the connection pattern can be used as a common pattern such as a ground pattern. Since there is no need to separately provide a switch pattern, the number of patterns can be reduced, and the size can be further reduced.

The second insulating substrate is connected to the base from the second contact and provided with a second contact pattern.
Since the structure is connected to the wiring pattern via the connecting portion, the wiring is simplified because the second contact pattern and the wiring pattern are connected inside the variable resistor.

The lead portion includes a first contact pattern provided on the base of the first insulating substrate and connected to the pair of first contacts, a pair of wiring patterns, and a conductive pattern connected to the resistor. , It is not necessary to lead both contact patterns independently to the drawer, so that the number of patterns is reduced and the drawer is also reduced in size, thereby providing a small variable resistor. it can. In addition, since all the patterns are led out to the drawer portion, it can be easily mechanically and electrically connected to an external electric device (such as a video camera).

Further, the first contact is provided on each side of the resistor away from both ends, and the second contact is provided on each side of the conductor away from both ends.
When the contacts at both ends are provided with the functions of the extremes (opposite), independent signals having the functions of the extremes can be intuitively output by the movement of the operator by the continuous movement of the finger in the longitudinal direction. When the variable resistor is used for zooming a video camera, the maximum and minimum zoom can be intuitively performed, and the operability can be improved.

Also, since a resistor and a conductor are provided between the first insulating substrate and the second insulating substrate, and a spacer for providing a predetermined interval between the first contact and the second contact is provided, the structure is variable. A spacer can be shared by the resistor section and the switch section, and an inexpensive variable resistor can be provided.

Further, since the pair of wiring patterns and the pair of first contacts provided on the first insulating substrate are formed by printing at the same time, at least the positional accuracy of the wiring patterns and the first contacts is adjusted. Can be improved to the accuracy of the print mask, and variations in characteristics can be reduced. Further, the number of production steps can be reduced, and mass productivity can be improved.

Further, a display sheet having a dome-shaped click projection at a position corresponding to the switch section comprising the first contact and the second contact is stacked and arranged on one of the insulating substrates on the side to be pressed. With this configuration, the positions of the first and second contact points can be understood only by touch, and the operability is improved.
In addition, since a click feeling is obtained at the time of the pressing operation, it is possible to easily inform the operator that the switch has been turned on.

Further, since the display sheet has a configuration in which a projection is provided at a position corresponding to a connection portion between the resistor and the conductive pattern, a neutral position (the variable resistor of the present invention is used for controlling a lens of a video camera or the like). If used, the position where the zoom stops) can be reliably known to the operator, and malfunctions can be reduced. In addition, since the conduction pattern is configured to be connected to the central portion in the longitudinal direction of the resistor, when the variable resistor of the present invention is used for a zoom for a video camera,
Since the resistors can be arranged evenly on the tele side, a variable resistor with good operability can be provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a variable resistor according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the variable resistor according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of the variable resistor according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a wiring diagram illustrating a non-operating state of the variable resistor according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a wiring diagram illustrating a use state of the variable resistor according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a developed plan view of first and second insulating substrates according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a wiring diagram illustrating a use state of a variable resistor according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a conventional variable resistor.

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a fitting state of an operation unit according to a conventional variable resistor.

FIG. 10 is an operation explanatory diagram illustrating the operation of a coil spring according to a conventional variable resistor.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 First insulating substrate 10a Base 11 Leader 12 Resistor 13 Wiring pattern 14 Leader pattern 15 First contact 16 First contact pattern 17 Conductive pattern 20 Spacer 30 Second insulating substrate 30a Base 31 Leader 32 Conductor 33 Conduction pattern 34 Second contact 35 Second contact pattern 40 Display sheet 41 Click projection 42 Projection 50 Connector 70 Connecting part

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F term (reference) 5E028 BB02 CA11 EA07 FA07 5E030 CC01 CC06 CC09 CD08 GA06 HA04 HA07 5E032 BB02 CA11 CC10 CC18 DA15 5G019 AA01 AF62 AM62 CX92 SK10 SK17 SY05 SY15

Claims (16)

[Claims] 1. A first insulating substrate and a second insulating substrate having at least one of which are arranged opposite to each other and have flexibility, wherein the first insulating substrate has a band-shaped resistor and the resistor. A pair of wiring patterns respectively connected to both ends of the second insulating substrate are provided, and the second insulating substrate includes a strip-shaped conductor that is opposed to the resistor at a predetermined interval and can be separated from and connected to the resistor. A conductive pattern that is connected to a conductor and is electrically connected to the resistor; provided so that the resistor and the conductor facing the resistor at a predetermined interval can be in contact with each other; A variable resistor, characterized in that: 2. A semiconductor device, comprising: a first insulating substrate and a second insulating substrate, which are disposed so as to face each other and at least one of which is flexible, wherein the first insulating substrate has a base and a drawer protruding from the base. And a portion, and on the first insulating substrate,
It has a strip-shaped resistor provided on the base, a pair of wiring patterns respectively connected to both ends of the resistor, and a lead pattern connected to the resistor, and the wiring pattern and the lead pattern are provided in a lead portion. The second insulating substrate includes a base portion and a lead portion protruding from the base portion, and on the insulating substrate, the second insulating substrate faces the resistor provided at the base portion at a predetermined interval. A strip-shaped conductor that can be brought into contact with and separated from the resistor, and a conduction pattern that is connected to the conductor and can conduct to the resistor, and the conduction pattern is led out to a lead portion; A variable resistor, which is capable of contacting the conductor and the conductor facing the resistor at a predetermined interval. 3. The lead pattern leading to the lead portion of the first insulating substrate and the conducting pattern leading to the lead portion of the second insulating substrate are disposed so as to face each other at least at the tip end of the lead portion. 3. The variable resistor according to claim 2, wherein: 4. A pair of first contacts is provided on the first insulating substrate, and the pair of first contacts are respectively opposed to the pair of first contacts at a predetermined interval on the second insulating substrate. A pair of second contacts that can be brought into contact with and separated from one contact are provided, and a pair of switch portions are formed by the pair of first contacts and the pair of second contacts. 3. The variable resistor according to any one of 3. 5. A first insulating substrate and a second insulating substrate, which are disposed opposite to each other and at least one of which has flexibility, wherein the first insulating substrate and the second insulating substrate are connected to connect bases to each other. The first insulating substrate has a strip-shaped resistor formed on the base and both ends of the resistor, each of which is integrated by the portion and has a drawer portion formed so as to protrude from one of the bases. A pair of wiring patterns connected to each other; a band-shaped conductive member formed on the base portion of the second insulating substrate and opposed to the resistor at a predetermined interval and capable of coming into contact with and separating from the resistor; A conductor and a conductive pattern connected from the conductor to the resistor via the connection portion, wherein the resistor and the conductor facing the resistor at a predetermined interval are provided. Variable resistor characterized by being freely contactable Armor. 6. The variable resistor according to claim 5, wherein said first insulating substrate and said second insulating substrate are constituted by one flexible insulating substrate. 7. The first insulating substrate is provided with a pair of first contacts on a base, and the second insulating substrate is opposed to the pair of first contacts on the base at a predetermined interval. 6. A pair of second contacts that can be brought into contact with and separated from the first contact, and a pair of switch portions are formed by the pair of first contacts and the pair of second contacts. Or the variable resistor according to 6. 8. The variable resistor according to claim 7, wherein either the first contact or the second contact is electrically connected to one of the wiring patterns connected to the resistor. 9. The second insulating substrate is connected to the base from the second contact and provided with a second contact pattern,
9. The variable resistor according to claim 8, wherein the variable resistor is connected to the one wiring pattern via the connection portion. 10. The lead portion includes a first contact pattern provided on a base of the first insulating substrate and connected to the pair of first contacts, the pair of wiring patterns, and the resistor. 10. The variable resistor according to claim 9, wherein the conductive pattern to be connected is derived. 11. The variable resistor according to claim 4, wherein the first contacts are provided on both sides of the resistor away from both ends. 12. A method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of interposing a spacer between the first insulating substrate and the second insulating substrate to provide a predetermined distance between the resistor and the conductor and the first contact and the second contact. The variable resistor according to claim 11, wherein: 13. The method according to claim 11, wherein the pair of wiring patterns and the pair of first contacts provided on the first insulating substrate are formed by printing at the same time.
Or the variable resistor according to 12. 14. An upper side of any one of the insulating substrates on a side on which a display sheet having a dome-shaped click projection is pressed at a position corresponding to a switch section including the first contact and the second contact. 14. The variable resistor according to claim 4, wherein the variable resistor is arranged in a stack. 15. The variable resistor according to claim 16, wherein a protrusion is provided on the display sheet at a position corresponding to a connection portion between the resistor and the conductive pattern. 16. The device according to claim 1, wherein the conductive pattern is connected to a central portion of the resistor in a longitudinal direction.
16. The variable resistor according to any one of 15).