JP2000353606A - Variable resistor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make the variation curve of the electrical resistance vary with respect to the pressing force approximately linear by providing a low-resistance region in the center and high-resistance regions on both sides, and by making a conductive contact having a curved surface into contact with the low- resistance region and the high-resistance region, in such a way that the contact region varies. SOLUTION: A resistor pattern 5 has high-resistance areas 5a with a pair of conductor patterns 4a and 4b being connected to their respective ends and a low-resistance region 5b in the center which is connected to the high-resistance regions 5a and is formed of resistors exhibiting a resistivity lower than resistors in the high-resistance regions 5a. When the upper part of a support member 6a opposed to the resistor pattern 5 is pressed, a curved surface 7a of a conductive contact 7 comes into contact with the center part of the resistor pattern 5. When the support part continues is kept depressed, the curved surface 7a is deformed, the contact region from the low-resistance region 5b of the low- resistance pattern 5 up to the high-resistance regions 5a is gradually increased, and the resistance between the pair of conductor patterns 4a and 4b are varied.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a variable resistor suitable for use in a video game machine or the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A conventional variable resistor will be described with reference to FIGS. 22 to 25.
Inside, an insulating substrate 32 is housed. As shown in FIG. 23, on one surface of the insulating substrate 32, a pair of rectangular resistor patterns 33 having a substantially uniform specific resistance, that is, a substantially uniform film thickness, are formed. Are formed.

[0003] The elastically deformable conductive contact 34 is attached to the holding member 35 and arranged in the housing 31, and the curved surface 34 a of the conductive contact 34 faces the resistor pattern 33. An operation member 36 formed of a synthetic resin molded product or the like is movably attached to the housing 31, and a pair of pressing portions 36 a face the conductive contact 34.

Next, the operation of the conventional variable resistor constructed as described above will be described. First, when the upper surface of the operating member 36 is pressed, the conductive contact 34 is pressed via the pressing portion 36a, and the resistor pattern is pressed. When the curved surface 34a of the conductive contact 34 comes into contact with the central portion of the contact 33, and the operating member 36 is further pressed, the curved surface 34a is deformed, and the contact area with the resistor pattern 33 gradually increases. The resistance value at both ends of the pattern 33 is varied. FIG. 26 shows a change characteristic of the pressing force at the time of this pressing operation and the contact area of the conductive contact 34 with the insulating substrate 32 (resistor pattern 33). That is, when the conductive contact 34 having the curved surface 34a having an arc shape (arch shape) is pressed toward the insulating substrate 32, the insulating substrate 3
2, the contact area has a steepest increase rate (slope of the change curve K3) immediately after the contact 34 comes into contact with the conductive contact 34, and the increase rate gradually decreases. In a later stage, the pressing force is increased. However, the contact area hardly increases.

When the pressing of the operating member 36 is released,
The conductive contact 34 returns to its original state due to elasticity, and in the meantime, the contact area of the curved surface 34 a with the resistor pattern 33 gradually decreases while varying the resistance value, and the curved surface 3
4a returns to the original state, and as a result, the resistance value is varied by changing the contact area of the conductive contact 34.

As shown in FIG. 25, the change characteristics of the pressing force and the electric resistance of the conventional variable resistor show that the resistance value changes abruptly in the initial stage of the pressing force, and the resistance changes in the next intermediate stage. The value changes in a curved shape, and further, a change curve K2 in a state where the resistance value hardly changes in a later stage. This is because the change characteristic of the contact area of the conductive contact 34 with respect to the pressing force has a curved change curve K3 as shown in FIG. 26, the specific resistance of the resistor pattern 33 is uniform, and a pair of This is because the resistor pattern 33 is separated. However, even when the resistor pattern 33 is not separated, since the specific resistance is uniform at the central portion and on both sides thereof, the resistance value suddenly changes in the initial stage of the pressing force. Does not change.

[0007] Such a variable resistor is used by being incorporated in a game machine or the like. For example, when the variable resistor is used for speed operation of a car of the game machine, in the initial stage of the pressing operation of the operation member 36, Since the change in the resistance value changes abruptly, the speed operation is difficult, and in the later stage of the pressing operation, there is almost no change in the resistance value.
In the case where only the intermediate curve change portion in the change curve K2 is used, the resistance value during the change does not change much, and the change in the curve shape deteriorates the operability.

[0008]

The conventional variable resistor is:
Since the conductive contact 34 having the curved surface 34a is pressed onto the pair of resistor patterns 33 having substantially uniform specific resistance, there is a problem that the initial resistance value change (change curve K2) with respect to the pressing force becomes sharp. For this reason, this variable resistor
For example, when used for speed operation of a car of a game machine, in the initial stage of the pressing operation of the operation member 36, the resistance operation changes rapidly, so that the speed operation is difficult.
In addition, in the latter stage of the pressing operation, there is almost no change in the resistance value, so that there is a problem that a great discomfort occurs in the speed of the pressing operation. Further, in the conventional variable resistor, when only the curve-shaped change portion at the intermediate stage in the change curve K2 is used, at the intermediate stage,
Since the resistance value does not change much, there is a problem that operability deteriorates.

[0009]

Means for Solving the Problems As a first means for solving the above problems, an insulating substrate, a resistor pattern formed on the insulating substrate, and a resistor pattern formed on the insulating substrate,
A pair of conductor patterns that are respectively conductive to both ends of the resistor pattern, a deformable conductive contact having a convex curved surface with respect to the insulating substrate, and disposed to face the resistor pattern, A holding member provided with the conductive contact, wherein the pressing operation on the holding member deforms the conductive contact so as to change the contact area with respect to the resistor pattern, thereby forming a gap between the pair of conductive patterns. The resistance pattern is provided in a resistance variable surface direction in which a low resistance region portion and a high resistance region portion vary a contact area of the resistor pattern, and
The low resistance region is disposed at the center in the resistance variable surface direction, and the high resistance region is provided on both sides of the low resistance region.

[0010] As a second solution, the resistor pattern has a predetermined width in a direction orthogonal to the resistance variable surface direction, and the low-resistance region portion is provided with the resistance at a central portion of the width. The length in the variable surface direction is set to be larger than the length in the resistance variable surface direction on the end portion side of the width.

As a third solution, the resistor pattern is formed by laminating a plurality of resistive layers by a plurality of printings, and the low-resistance region has a smaller number of layers of the resistive layer than the high-resistance region. In a larger number. Also,
As a fourth solution, at least one of the resistance layers is formed between the pair of conductor patterns, and is electrically connected to the pair of conductor patterns.

As a fifth solution means, the resistor pattern has a structure in which a conductor is provided at a central portion in the direction of the resistance variable surface so that the low-resistance region is formed at the central portion. As a sixth solution, the conductor is formed by printing with a silver paste, and the conductor is covered with the resistor pattern.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided an insulating substrate, a resistor pattern formed on the insulating substrate, and a pair of conductors formed on the insulating substrate and electrically connected to both ends of the resistor pattern. A pattern, a deformable conductive contact having a curved surface that is convex with respect to the insulating substrate, and disposed to face the resistor pattern, and a holding member provided with the conductive contact; The pressing operation to deform the conductive contact so as to change the contact area with respect to the resistor pattern, so as to change the resistance value between the pair of conductor patterns, the resistance pattern of the resistor pattern The width of the resistor pattern in a direction orthogonal to the resistance variable surface direction in the direction of varying the contact area,
The central part in the direction of the resistance variable surface is a wide part, and both sides of the wide part are narrow parts.

As an eighth solution, the resistor pattern is formed symmetrically with respect to a line passing through the center in the width direction in the direction of the resistance variable surface. The ninth
As a means for solving the problem, a configuration is adopted in which a conductor is provided at a central portion in the resistance variable surface direction.

As a tenth solution, the conductor is formed at the center of the wide portion in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the resistance variable surface. As an eleventh solution, the conductor is formed at an end in the width direction of the wide portion in a state substantially parallel to the resistance variable surface direction. As a twelfth solution, an insulating layer is provided, and the insulating layer is formed so as to cover the end of the wide portion of the resistor pattern.

[0016]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A first embodiment of the variable resistor according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9. FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a main part of the first embodiment of the variable resistor according to the present invention. 2 is a plan view of the insulating substrate, FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the holding member, FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3, FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line 5-5 of FIG. FIG. 6 is an explanatory view of a conductive contact and a resistor pattern according to the first embodiment of the variable resistor of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a distance L from one of the conductive patterns and a resistance value at that point (one conductive pattern). FIG. 8 is a graph showing a change characteristic of a body pattern and an electric resistance at a point separated by a distance L from the conductor pattern, and FIG. 8 also shows a change characteristic of the pressing force and the electric resistance (resistance value) between a pair of conductor patterns. FIG. 9 is a graph schematically showing one of the simulations. The distance L between the resistance value at that point from the body pattern is a graph showing an ideal change characteristic of (electrical resistance at a point at a distance L from the conductive pattern and one of the conductive pattern).

Next, a first embodiment of the variable resistor according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9. A case 1 made of a synthetic resin molded article or the like has a hole 1a and a support 1a. The rectangular substrate 2 serving as a substrate is formed of a hard insulating substrate or the like.
Attached to.

The rectangular insulating substrate 3 is made of a flexible insulating material. On the upper surface of the insulating substrate 3, as shown in FIG. A body pattern 4a, 4b and a rectangular resistor pattern 5 formed between the pair of conductor patterns 4a, 4b are provided. The resistor pattern 5 is provided at both ends and is provided with a high-resistance region 5a in a state of being connected to the pair of conductor patterns 4a and 4b, and is connected to the high-resistance region 5a at the center. The low-resistance region 5b made of a resistor having a lower specific resistance than the resistor in the high-resistance region 5a is provided.

In the method for forming the conductor patterns 4a and 4b and the resistor pattern 5, first, a pair of conductor patterns 4a and 4b made of silver paste are simultaneously formed on the insulating substrate 3 by printing. At this time, both conductor patterns 4a,
At the same time, a wiring pattern (not shown) electrically connected to the wiring pattern 4b is formed by printing. Next, a carbon resistor paste made of a high-resistance high-resistance material is printed so as to be electrically connected to the conductor patterns 4a and 4b, and a pair of high-resistance region portions forming a part of the resistor pattern 5 is formed. 5a are formed simultaneously. Finally, a carbon resistor paste made of a low-resistance low-resistance material is printed so as to be electrically connected to the pair of high-resistance regions 5 a, thereby forming a low-resistance region constituting a part of the resistor pattern 5. When the portion 5b is formed, the manufacture is completed.

The holding member 6 made of an elastic material such as rubber has a dome shape as shown in FIGS.
A holding portion 6a as a top plate, a cylindrical (mortar-shaped) leg portion 6b extending downward from the holding portion 6a, and a cutout-shaped opening portion 6c provided on the leg portion 6b to face each other. Have. The arched conductive contacts 7 are formed by mixing carbon into a rubber material, and these conductive contacts 7 are attached to the lower portion of the holding portion 6a while being surrounded by the legs 6b of the holding member 6. ing.

The conductive contacts 7 are formed integrally with the holding member 6 by molding at the same time as the forming process of the holding member 6, and the conductive contacts 7 are formed in a downwardly convex arcuate shape. It has a curved surface 7a, and the curved surface 7a is formed with its central portion located at the lowermost position. in this way,
The holding member 6 to which the conductive contact 7 is attached abuts the lower part of the leg part 6b against the insulating substrate 3 while surrounding the resistor pattern 5 with the leg part 6b. At this time, the arched conductive contact 7
Is a state in which the convex curved surface 7 a faces the insulating substrate 3 and faces the resistor pattern 5 in a state of covering the resistor pattern 5.

When the upper portion of the holding portion 6a facing the resistor pattern 5 is pressed in such a state, the leg portion 6c is elastically deformed and the center of the resistor pattern 5, that is, the low resistance region portion 5b is pressed. In the center, first, the curved surface 7 of the conductive contact 7
a, the curved surface 7a is deformed and the low-resistance region 5b of the resistor pattern 5 is deformed.
As a result, the contact area with the high resistance region portion 5a gradually increases, so that the resistance value between the pair of conductor patterns 4a and 4b is changed, so that it has a function as a variable resistor. When the pressing of the holding portion 6a is released, the holding portion 6a returns to its original state due to its own elasticity of the leg portion 6b.
In the meantime, the contact area of the curved surface 7a with the resistor pattern 5 gradually decreases while varying the resistance value, and the curved surface 7a returns to the original state.

That is, by pressing the holding portion 6a, the conductive contact 7 is deformed in the resistance variable surface direction Z in the direction in which the contact area of the resistor pattern 5 is varied, and the contact area is increased or decreased. For example, the resistance value is made variable. In addition, the width H1 of the conductive contact 7 is formed to be larger than the width H2 of the resistor pattern 5 in a direction orthogonal to the resistance variable surface direction Z, and the conductive contact 7 can make contact over the entire width H2 of the resistor pattern 5. Like that.

Further, the opening 6c of the holding member 6 is formed in the direction of the curved surface 7a of the conductive contact 7 and in the direction of the variable resistance surface Z, whereby the resistance variable direction of the conductive contact 7 is changed. Interference by the leg 6b in the plane direction Z, that is, in the longitudinal direction of the rectangular resistor pattern 5, is reduced, and the deformation operation of the conductive contact 7 is improved.

An operating member 8 made of a synthetic resin molded product or the like.
Has a knob portion 8a and a flange-shaped support portion 8b formed integrally with the knob portion 8a. And this operation member 8
The knob 8a projects outward from the hole 1a of the case 1 to accommodate the support 8b in the case 1 and places the support 8b on the holding portion 6a of the holding member 6, and By elastically pressing the support portion 8b against the inner surface of the case 1,
It is attached to the case 1 so as to be able to press.

Next, the operation of the variable resistor according to the present invention will be described. First, when the upper surface of the operating member 8 is pressed against the elasticity of the leg 6b, the supporting portion 8b
The holding portion 6a of the holding member 6 is pressed by the
When the leg portion 6b is elastically deformed, the curved surface 7a of the conductive contact 7 comes into contact with the center of the low resistance region 5b of the resistor pattern 5, and when the holding portion 6a is continuously pressed, the curved surface 7a becomes a resistance variable surface. In the direction Z, the contact area with the low resistance region 5b and the high resistance region 5a of the resistor pattern 5 gradually increases, and both ends of the resistor pattern 5 (a pair of conductor patterns 4a, 4b) is varied. The pressing force at the time of this pressing operation and the contact area of the conductive contact 7 (curved surface 7a) with the resistor pattern 5 show almost the same change characteristics as the change curve K3 shown in FIG.

When the pressing operation of the operating member 8 is released, the holding portion 6a returns to its original state due to its own elasticity of the leg 6b, and the operating member 8 returns to its original state due to the elasticity of the leg 6b. In the meantime, the curved surface 7a with respect to the high resistance region 5a and the low resistance region 5b of the resistor pattern 5
The contact area gradually decreases while varying the resistance value, and the curved surface 7a returns to the original state. As a result, the conductive contact 7 changes the contact area to vary the resistance value. I have.

The change characteristics of the pressing force and the electric resistance (resistance between the pair of conductive patterns 4a and 4b) of the resistor pattern 5 when the operating member 8 is pressed are shown in FIG. It has a change curve K1 in which the resistance value changes substantially linearly and linearly from the maximum to the minimum. In such a change curve K1, the resistor pattern 5 forms the high resistance region 5a and the low resistance region 5b.
This is obtained by forming the curved surface 7a of the conductive contact 7 so as to contact the substantially central portion of the low resistance region 5b.

Such a variable resistor is used by being incorporated in a game machine or the like. For example, when the variable resistor is used for speed operation of a car of the game machine, the operation from the initial stage of the pressing operation of the operation member 8 to the intermediate stage is performed. Over the stages, and late stages,
Since the change curve K1 changes linearly and linearly, the spade operation can be easily performed without causing a sense of incongruity, and can be used over the entire change curve K1, the pressing operation range is large, and the operability is good. Is obtained.

Further, in a variable resistor in which the conductive contact has an arched (arc-shaped) curved surface and the contact area changes with the resistor pattern as shown by a change curve K3 in FIG. FIG. 9 shows an ideal change characteristic of the resistance value of the resistor pattern 5 obtained by simulation in order to obtain a change curve K1 in which the change characteristic of the pressure and the electric resistance changes linearly and linearly. That is, the rate of change of the electrical resistance at that point with respect to the distance L from one conductive pattern 4a (the electrical resistance between one conductive pattern 4a and a point at a distance L from this conductive pattern 4a) is: The larger the closer to the conductor pattern 4a, the smaller the closer to the central portion between the conductor patterns 4a and 4b, the greater the rate of change gradually beyond the central portion, the greater the change rate near the other conductor pattern 4b. Then, the rate of change of the electrical resistance increases again. This is because, by using a resistor pattern having a resistance value change characteristic as shown in FIG. 9, the curved characteristic of the change curve K3 can be canceled out, and a change curve K1 as shown in FIG. 8 can be obtained. Things.

From such a viewpoint, when the resistance value on the resistor pattern 5 with respect to the distance L from the end A0 of the one conductor pattern 4a in the first embodiment of the present invention is measured, as shown in FIG. It has change characteristics. And
The change characteristics in FIG. 7 are almost the same as the change characteristics shown in FIG. 9, and as a result, a change curve K1 as shown in FIG. 8 is obtained. Note that L in FIGS. 2 and 7
1 and L2 indicate the distance from the end A0 of one conductor pattern 4a where the low-resistance region 5b is formed, and A1 indicates the distance from the end A0 to the other conductor pattern 4b.

FIGS. 10 and 11 show a second embodiment of the present invention. In the second embodiment, the resistor pattern 5 in the first embodiment is modified. Since this is the same as the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted here. Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11. As in the first embodiment, a resistor pattern 5 is formed on a pair of conductor patterns 4a and 5b on an insulating substrate 3. A high resistance region 5a made of high resistance and a low resistance region 5b made of low resistance are formed.

The low-resistance region 5b is such that the length N1 of the resistance change surface direction Z at the center of the width H2 is larger than the length N2 of the resistance change surface direction Z at the end portion of the width H2. is there. In such a configuration, a change characteristic (change characteristic of the resistance value of the resistor pattern 5 with respect to the distance from the one conductor pattern 4a) as shown in FIG. As a result, the change characteristics of the pressing force and the electric resistance become a substantially linear linear change as shown in FIG.

FIGS. 12 and 13 show a third embodiment of the present invention. In the third embodiment, the resistor pattern 5 in the first embodiment is changed. Since this is the same as the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted here. Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13. As in the first embodiment, the resistor pattern 5 is formed on the insulating substrate 3 between the pair of conductor patterns 4a and 4b. Have been. The resistor pattern 5 is formed by printing the same resistor paste a plurality of times or by printing a different resistor paste a plurality of times, and by stacking resistor layers. It is formed so that the specific resistance is reduced by increasing the number of stacked resistance layers as compared with the resistance region portion 5a. Further, the resistance layer has at least one layer, for example, a first layer formed over a pair of conductor patterns 4.

In the third embodiment, as in the second embodiment, the length N1 of the resistance change surface direction Z at the center of the width H2 is set to the low resistance region 5b. This is larger than the length N2 of the resistance change surface direction Z.
In such a configuration, a change characteristic as shown in FIG. 13 which is similar to the change characteristic in FIG. 9 is obtained. As a result, the change characteristics of the pressing force and the electric resistance are substantially linear as shown in FIG. The shape changes linearly.

FIGS. 14 and 15 show a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In the fourth embodiment, the resistor pattern 5 in the first embodiment is changed. Since this is the same as the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted here. Next, a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15. As in the first embodiment, the resistor pattern 5 is formed on the insulating substrate 3 between the pair of conductor patterns 4a and 4b. Have been.

In the fourth embodiment, in the central portion in the resistance variable surface direction Z, a plurality of dot-shaped conductors 9 made of a silver pattern in the direction perpendicular to the resistance variable surface direction Z The resistor pattern 5 is formed so as to cover the plurality of dot-shaped conductors 9. The resistance value (rate of change in the resistance value in the Z direction) of the portion where the conductor 9 is disposed is low, and this portion is referred to as a low resistance region 5b.
The portion where no is present is the high resistance region 5a.

In such a configuration, although there are some irregularities in the position where the conductor 9 is formed, a change characteristic as shown in FIG. 15 similar to the change characteristic in FIG. 9 is obtained.
The change characteristic of the pressing force and the electric resistance is a substantially linear linear change as shown in FIG.

FIGS. 16 and 17 show a fifth embodiment of the present invention. In the fifth embodiment, the resistor pattern 5 in the first embodiment is changed. Since this is the same as the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted here. Next, a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17. As in the first embodiment, the resistor pattern 5 is formed on the insulating substrate 3 between the pair of conductor patterns 4a and 4b. Have been.

In the fifth embodiment, a plurality of band-shaped conductors 9 made of a silver pattern are provided in a central portion in the resistance variable surface direction Z in a direction orthogonal to the resistance variable surface direction Z. The resistor pattern 5 is formed so as to cover the individual strip-shaped conductors 9. The portion where the conductor 9 is provided has a low resistance value. This portion is defined as a low-resistance region portion 5b, and the portion on both sides where the conductor 9 is not present is defined as a high-resistance region portion 5a. is there.

In such a configuration, although a stepwise change occurs at the position where the conductor 9 is formed, a change characteristic as shown in FIG. 17 which approximates the change characteristic of FIG. As a result, the change characteristics of the pressing force and the electric resistance become a substantially linear linear change as shown in FIG.

FIGS. 18 and 19 show a sixth embodiment of the present invention. The sixth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the resistor pattern 5 is modified. Since this is the same as the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted here. Next, a sixth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 18 and 19. As in the first embodiment, the same carbon paste is printed on the insulating substrate 3 between the pair of conductor patterns 4a and 4b. Thus, a resistor pattern 10 is formed.

In the sixth embodiment, the width of the resistor pattern 10 in the direction orthogonal to the variable resistance surface direction Z is such that the side conducting to the pair of conductor patterns 4a and 4b is the narrow portion 10a, The central portion in the resistance variable surface direction Z is a wide portion 10b, and the resistor pattern 10 is formed symmetrically with respect to the line Y in the resistance variable surface direction Z passing through the center in the width direction. . Further, a conductor 11 made of a silver pattern is placed below the central portion of the resistor pattern 10 in the resistance variable surface direction Z so as to cross the central portion of the wide portion 10b in a direction orthogonal to the resistor variable surface direction Z. Is formed.

In such a configuration, the change characteristic (the resistance value on the resistor pattern 10 along the line Y with respect to the distance from the one conductor pattern 4a) as shown in FIG. Change characteristics). And
When the contact area of the conductive contact 7 is sequentially increased from the center of the wide portion 10b of the resistor pattern 10 and the contact area is gradually reduced from the narrow portion 10a in accordance with the pressing operation on the holding member 6, As shown in FIG. 8, the change characteristics of the pressure and the electric resistance are substantially linear and linear.

FIGS. 20 and 21 show a seventh embodiment of the present invention. The seventh embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the resistor pattern 5 is modified. Since this is the same as the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted here. Next, a seventh embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 20 and 21. As in the sixth embodiment, the same carbon paste is applied to the insulating substrate 3 between the pair of conductor patterns 4a and 4b. The resistor pattern 10 is formed by printing.

In the seventh embodiment, similarly to the sixth embodiment, the width of the resistor pattern 10 in the direction orthogonal to the resistance variable surface direction Z is equal to the pair of conductor patterns 4a,
4b is connected to the narrow portion 10a, the center in the resistance variable surface direction Z is set to the wide portion 10b, and the resistor pattern 10 is formed by a line Y in the resistance variable surface direction Z passing through the center in the width direction. Are formed symmetrically with respect to the top and bottom.
The difference from the sixth embodiment is that the resistor pattern 10
A conductor 11 made of a silver pattern is formed at an end in the width direction of the wide portion 10b in a state parallel to the resistor variable surface direction Z in a lower portion of a central portion in the resistance variable surface direction Z;
Conductor 11 and resistor pattern 10 at end of wide portion 10b
This is the point that the insulating layer 12 is formed so as to cover the layered portion of FIG. As described above, by providing the insulating layer 12, even if the curved surface 7a of the conductive contact 7 comes into contact with the laminated portion of the conductor 11 and the resistor pattern 10, it does not come into contact with the conductive portion having the same potential. In addition, good change characteristics of the pressing force and the electric resistance can be maintained.

In such a configuration, a change characteristic similar to the change characteristic of FIG. 9 as shown in FIG. 21 (the resistance value on the resistor pattern 10 along the line Y with respect to the distance from the one conductor pattern 4a) is obtained. Change characteristics). And
When the contact area of the conductive contact 7 is sequentially increased from the center of the wide portion 10b of the resistor pattern 10 and the contact area is gradually reduced from the narrow portion 10a in accordance with the pressing operation on the holding member 6, As shown in FIG. 8, the change characteristics of the pressure and the electric resistance are substantially linear and linear. The conductors 9 and 11 in the fourth to seventh embodiments are printed and formed simultaneously with the pair of conductor patterns 4a and 4b. Thereby, the conductors 9 and 11 and both conductor patterns 4
Since the positional accuracy of a and b is determined by the accuracy of the mask to be screen-printed, the accuracy can be extremely high, so that a region where the resistance value change is small is reliably provided in the center of the pair of conductor patterns 4a and 4b. Thus, it is possible to suppress the variation in the change characteristic of the electric resistance due to the pressing force.

[0048]

In the variable resistor according to the present invention, the resistor pattern 5 is provided with a low resistance region 5b at the center and a high resistance region 5a on both sides thereof. Is in contact with the low-resistance region 5b and the high-resistance region 5a to change the contact area. Therefore, it is possible to provide a variable resistor capable of making the change curve K1 of the electric resistance with respect to the pressing force substantially linear. When such a variable resistor is used in a game machine, the change in the electric resistance with respect to the pressing force can be made linear as compared with the prior art, and the operation without a sense of incongruity can be performed. A variable resistor that can be used and has a large operation range can be provided.

The resistor pattern 5 has a predetermined width H2 in a direction orthogonal to the resistance variable surface direction Z, and the low resistance region 5b has a length corresponding to the length of the resistance variable surface direction Z at the center of the width H2. N1 is the resistance variable surface direction Z on the end side of the width H2.
Since the length is longer than the length N2, the change in electric resistance can be made more linear, and a variable resistor having better operability can be provided when used in a game machine.

Further, since the resistor pattern 5 is formed by laminating a plurality of resistive layers by a plurality of printings, and the low-resistance region 5b is formed by laminating the resistive layer more than the high-resistance region 5a, it is simple. Means can provide a difference in resistance value, and a variable resistor with good productivity can be provided. Further, since resistor pastes having the same specific resistance can be used, it is possible to reduce the types of resistor pastes to be prepared.

Further, since at least one of the resistance layers of the resistor pattern 5 is formed between the pair of conductor patterns 4a and 4b and is electrically connected to the pair of conductor patterns 4a and 4b, even if printing misalignment occurs. In addition, a gap without a resistance layer does not occur between the center and the end (the low resistance region and the high resistance region).

The resistor pattern 5 has a conductor 9 at the center in the resistance variable surface direction Z to form a low-resistance region 5b at the center and a high-resistance region 5a on both sides thereof. Since it is formed, the formation of the low-resistance region 5b is simple, the number of types of the resistor paste is small, and a variable resistor with good productivity can be provided.

Further, since the conductor 9 is formed by printing with silver paste and the conductor 9 is covered with the resistor pattern 5, corrosion and migration of the conductor 9 hardly occur, and the conductor 9 is formed by the conductor pattern. 4 and can be formed at the same time,
A highly productive variable resistor can be provided.

The width of the resistor pattern 10 in the direction perpendicular to the resistance variable surface direction Z in the direction in which the contact area of the resistor pattern 10 is varied is such that the central portion in the resistance variable surface direction Z is equal to the wide portion 10b. At the same time, since both sides of the wide portion 10b are narrow portions 10a, it is possible to provide a variable resistor in which the change curve K1 of the electric resistance with respect to the pressing force can be made substantially linear. When such a variable resistor is used in a game machine, the change of the electric resistance can be made linear, the operation without a sense of incongruity can be performed, and the entire change curve K1 can be used, as compared with the related art. Thus, a variable resistor having a large operation range can be provided.

Further, since the resistor pattern 10 is formed symmetrically with respect to the line Y in the resistance variable surface direction Z passing through the center in the width direction, the change of the electric resistance can be made more linear, and the game machine can be used. When used, a variable resistor with better operability can be provided.

Further, since the conductor 11 is provided at the center portion in the resistance variable surface direction Z, the rate of change of the resistance value in the direction along the resistance variable surface direction Z can be reliably reduced at the center portion. When the electric resistance can be changed more linearly and used in a game machine, a variable resistor with better operability can be provided.

Since the conductor 11 is formed at the center of the wide portion 10b in a direction perpendicular to the resistance variable surface direction Z, the change in electric resistance can be made more linear.
When used in a game machine, a variable resistor with better operability can be provided.

Further, since the conductor 11 is formed at the widthwise end of the wide portion 10b in a state parallel to the resistance variable surface direction Z, by adjusting the length of the conductor 11, the electric resistance can be further improved. The resistance can be changed more linearly, and when used in a game machine, a variable resistor with better operability can be provided.

The insulating layer 12 forms the resistor pattern 10
The end of the wide portion 10b is covered, so that the width of the contact of the conductive contact 7 with the resistor pattern 10 can be adjusted, and the variable resistance of the variable resistance can be adjusted as necessary. Can be provided. Also, the insulating layer 12 covers a laminated portion of the conductor 11 and the resistor pattern 10 formed substantially along the resistance variable surface direction Z at the widthwise end of the wide portion 10b of the resistor pattern 10. If this is the case, undesired contact between the conductive contact 7 and the laminated portion can be prevented, and the change characteristic of the electric resistance will not be adversely affected.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a main part of a variable resistor according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of an insulating substrate according to a first example of the variable resistor of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the holding member according to the first embodiment of the variable resistor of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line 4-4 in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line 5-5 in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship between a conductive contact and a resistor pattern according to the first embodiment of the variable resistor of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a graph showing a distance from one conductor pattern and a change characteristic of a resistance value at that point according to the first embodiment of the variable resistor of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a graph showing a change characteristic of a pressing force and an electric resistance between a pair of conductor patterns according to the first embodiment of the variable resistor of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a graph showing an ideal change characteristic of a resistance value at a distance from one of the conductor patterns in the simulation.

FIG. 10 is a plan view of an insulating substrate according to a second embodiment of the variable resistor of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a graph showing a distance from one conductor pattern and a change characteristic of a resistance value at that point according to a second embodiment of the variable resistor of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a plan view of an insulating substrate according to a third embodiment of the variable resistor of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a graph showing a distance from one conductive pattern and a change characteristic of a resistance value at that point according to a third embodiment of the variable resistor of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a plan view of an insulating substrate according to a fourth embodiment of the variable resistor of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a graph showing a distance from one conductor pattern and a change characteristic of a resistance value at that point according to a fourth embodiment of the variable resistor of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a plan view of an insulating substrate according to a fifth embodiment of the variable resistor of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a graph showing a distance from one conductive pattern and a change characteristic of a resistance value at that point according to a fifth embodiment of the variable resistor of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a plan view of an insulating substrate according to a sixth embodiment of the variable resistor of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a graph showing a distance from one conductive pattern and a change characteristic of a resistance value at that point according to a sixth embodiment of the variable resistor of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a plan view of an insulating substrate according to a seventh embodiment of the variable resistor of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a graph showing a distance from a conductor pattern of a variable resistor according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention and a change characteristic of a resistance value at that point.

FIG. 22 is a sectional view of a main part of a conventional variable resistor.

FIG. 23 is a plan view of an insulating substrate according to a conventional variable resistor.

FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram showing the operation of a conventional variable resistor.

FIG. 25 is a graph showing a change characteristic of a pressing force and an electric resistance of a conventional variable resistor.

FIG. 26 is a graph showing a change characteristic of a pressing force and a contact area of a conductive contact with an insulating substrate.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Case 1a Hole 2 Substrate 3 Insulating substrate 4a Conductor pattern 4b Conductor pattern 5 Resistor pattern 5a High resistance region 5b Low resistance region 6 Holding member 6a Holding portion 6b Leg 6c Opening 7 Conductive contact 7a Curved surface 8 Operation Member 8a Knob portion 8b Support portion 9 Conductor 10 Resistor pattern 10a Narrow width portion 10b Wide width portion 11 Conductor 12 Insulating layer Z Resistance variable surface direction H1 width H2 width K1 Change curve N1 length N2 length Y line

Claims (12)

[Claims] An insulating substrate, a resistor pattern formed on the insulating substrate, a pair of conductor patterns formed on the insulating substrate and electrically connected to both ends of the resistor pattern; It has a curved surface that is convex and curved to the opposite side, and includes a deformable conductive contact arranged opposite to the resistor pattern, and a holding member provided with the conductive contact, and a pressing operation on the holding member, The conductive contact is deformed so as to change the contact area with respect to the resistor pattern, so as to vary the resistance value between the pair of conductor patterns, the resistor pattern has a low-resistance region portion, A high resistance region portion provided in a resistance variable surface direction in a direction in which a contact area of the resistor pattern is varied, and wherein the low resistance region is disposed at a central portion in the resistance variable surface direction; In front of both sides A variable resistor comprising the high-resistance region. 2. The resistance pattern has a predetermined width in a direction orthogonal to the resistance variable surface direction, and the low resistance region has a length in the resistance variable surface direction at a central portion of the width. 2. The variable resistor according to claim 1, wherein the length of the variable resistor is larger than the length in the resistance variable surface direction on the end side of the width. 3. The resistor pattern is formed by laminating a plurality of resistive layers by printing, and the low-resistance region is formed by increasing the number of the resistive layers laminated than the high-resistance region. The variable resistor according to claim 1, wherein: 4. The variable resistor according to claim 3, wherein at least one of the resistance layers is formed between the pair of conductor patterns, and is electrically connected to the pair of conductor patterns. 5. The variable resistor according to claim 1, wherein the resistor pattern is provided with a conductor at a central portion in the resistance variable surface direction, thereby forming the low-resistance region at the central portion. vessel. 6. The variable resistor according to claim 5, wherein said conductor is formed by printing with silver paste, and said conductor is covered with said resistor pattern. 7. An insulating substrate, a resistor pattern formed on the insulating substrate, a pair of conductor patterns formed on the insulating substrate and electrically connected to both ends of the resistor pattern, respectively, It has a curved surface that is convex and curved to the opposite side, and includes a deformable conductive contact arranged opposite to the resistor pattern, and a holding member provided with the conductive contact, and a pressing operation on the holding member, The conductive contact is deformed so as to change the contact area with respect to the resistor pattern, so that the resistance value between the pair of conductor patterns is varied, and the contact area of the resistor pattern is varied. The width of the resistor pattern in a direction perpendicular to the resistance variable surface direction is such that a central portion in the resistance variable surface direction is a wide portion and both sides of the wide portion are narrow portions. Yes Transformer. 8. The variable resistor according to claim 7, wherein the resistor pattern is formed symmetrically with respect to a line in the direction of the resistance variable surface passing through the center in the width direction. 9. In a central portion in the resistance variable surface direction,
9. The variable resistor according to claim 7, further comprising a conductor. 10. The variable resistor according to claim 9, wherein the conductor is formed at a central portion of the wide portion in a direction orthogonal to the direction of the resistance variable surface. 11. The device according to claim 7, wherein the conductor is formed at an end of the wide portion in a width direction in a state substantially parallel to a direction of the resistance variable surface. Variable resistor. 12. The variable resistor according to claim 7, further comprising an insulating layer, wherein the insulating layer is formed so as to cover an end of the wide portion of the resistor pattern. vessel.