JP2868014B2 - Potentiometer - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a potentiometer used for controlling the position and angle of various electronic devices.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A conventional potentiometer will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 3 is a side sectional view of a conventional potentiometer. In FIG. 3, reference numeral 1 denotes a case formed of an insulating material. A connector 1a is provided on a side surface of the case 1 so as to protrude outward. A connector terminal 10 is provided inside the connector 1a. I have. Reference numeral 2 denotes a resistance element. The resistance element 2 is housed inside the case 1 and has a resistor (not shown) for obtaining a desired resistance value on the surface. Reference numeral 3 denotes a resistor terminal. The resistor terminal 3 is connected to the resistor element 2 and has one end electrically connected to a resistor (not shown).
The other end is electrically connected to the connector terminal 10 of the case 1. Reference numeral 4 denotes a rotor. The rotor 4 is housed in the case 1 and holds a sliding contact 5 on the upper surface.
(Not shown). The rotor 4 is connected to a shaft 6 projecting downward from the case 1 by caulking or the like. Reference numeral 7 denotes a seal rubber, which is provided between the case 1 and the shaft 6 to provide waterproofing. Reference numeral 8 denotes a cover. The cover 8 closes a top opening of the case 1 and fixes the resistance element 2. Reference numeral 9 denotes a sealant, which is provided on the upper surface of the cover 8;
The case 1 and the cover 8 are fixed and waterproof.

Next, the operation of the conventional potentiometer configured as described above will be described.

The rotation of the shaft 6 causes the rotor 4 connected to the shaft 6 by caulking or the like.
Is rotated, the sliding contact 5 held on the upper surface of the rotor 4 rotates, and the sliding contact 5 slides on the resistance element 2 so that the resistance element 2
Can be obtained at the resistor terminal 3 connected to the resistor element 2. The resistor terminal 3 is connected to the connector 1 provided on the case 1.
Since the connector 6 is connected to the connector terminal 10a, the resistance value and the voltage change due to the rotational movement of the shaft 6 are finally obtained from the connector terminal 10.

[0006]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional configuration, since the adhesive strength between the case 1 and the sealant 9 is weak, a minute gap B is formed between them, and water or the like is sucked into the potentiometer by respiration. However, there is a problem that the potentiometer function is adversely affected. That is, when the ambient temperature of the potentiometer changes, the air in the space portions 12a and 12b inside the potentiometer expands and contracts, and a pressure difference is generated between the air and the air outside the potentiometer. It is the respiratory action that occurs when this pressure difference tries to equilibrate. Normally, this breathing action is performed by the gap A between the fitting portion of the shaft 6 and the case 1. In general, a seal rubber 7 is provided to protect the waterproofness of this fitting portion. To be unable to breathe completely. As a result, a minute gap B is generated between the sealant 9 and the case 1, and the breathing action is generated by the gap B, thereby impairing waterproofness.

An object of the present invention is to solve such a conventional problem and to provide a potentiometer capable of largely improving deterioration of waterproofness caused by respiratory action based on a change in ambient temperature. It is.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, a potentiometer according to the present invention comprises a resistance element having a resistor on its surface, a sliding contact sliding on the resistance element, and holding the sliding contact. Rotor, a shaft rotatably holding the rotor, and a case having a space for accommodating them, and a case provided with a connector that engages with a mating connector. A through-hole communicating the space portion and the connector portion is provided, and the mating connector is provided with a terminal electrically connected to a connector terminal protruding into the connector portion, and a waterproof between the connector portion. And a locking portion for locking to the connector portion. According to this configuration, breathing based on a change in ambient temperature is provided. Waterproof deterioration caused by use and is capable of greatly improved.

[0009]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a resistance element having a resistor on its surface, a sliding contact sliding on the resistance element, and a rotor holding the sliding contact. A shaft that rotatably holds the rotor, a case having a space for accommodating them therein and a case provided with a connector that engages with a mating connector, and a space inside the case. To provide a through hole communicating with the connector portion, and to provide a mating connector with a terminal that is electrically connected to a connector terminal protruding into the connector portion, and to perform waterproof between the connector portion. According to this configuration, a through hole that communicates the space inside the case with the connector is provided. A mating connector provided and engaged with the connector portion is provided with a terminal electrically connected to a connector terminal protruding into the connector portion, and a seal for waterproofing the connector portion. Due to the provision of the member, even if the air in the space inside the potentiometer expands and contracts due to the change in the ambient temperature of the potentiometer, the air remains in the through hole, further inside the mating connector, and the mating connector. Flow through the inside of the counterpart device through the inside of the lead wire provided in the above, so that there is no pressure difference between the outside of the potentiometer and the air outside the potentiometer, it is possible to improve the waterproofness Things. Also, even if vibration is applied to the potentiometer, the mating connector is provided with a locking portion that is locked to the connector portion, so that the connector portion of the case and the mating connector are disengaged by vibration. This does not mean that water or the like does not enter the potentiometer through the through-hole, so that it has an effect that the adverse effect on the potentiometer function can be reliably prevented with a simple configuration. Things.

Hereinafter, a potentiometer according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a side sectional view of a potentiometer according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a side sectional view showing a state where a mating connector is engaged with the potentiometer.

1 and 2, reference numeral 21 denotes a case made of an insulating material. A connector 21a is provided on a side surface of the case 21 so as to protrude outward, and is provided inside the connector 21a. A connector terminal 21b is provided, and a protrusion 21c is formed on an outer surface of the connector portion 21a.
Is provided. Reference numeral 22 denotes a resistance element. The resistance element 22 is housed inside the case 21 and has a surface for obtaining a desired resistance value (not shown).
have. Reference numeral 23 denotes a resistor terminal.
Numeral 3 is connected to the resistance element 22 and has one end electrically connected to a resistor (not shown) and the other end electrically connected to the connector terminal 21b of the case 21. Reference numeral 24 denotes a rotor, which is housed inside the case 21 and has sliding contacts 25 on its upper surface.
, And the sliding contact 25 is brought into sliding contact with a resistor (not shown) of the resistance element 22. Also,
The rotor 24 is connected to a shaft 26 projecting downward from the case 21 by caulking or the like.
Reference numeral 27 denotes a seal rubber, which is provided between the case 21 and the shaft 26 to provide waterproofing. Reference numeral 28 denotes a cover.
And the resistance element 22 is fixed. Reference numeral 29 denotes a sealant.
Is provided on the upper surface of the cover 28 to fix the case 21 and the cover 28 and to waterproof them. Reference numeral 30 denotes a space, which is provided inside the case 21. 31 is a through hole, and the through hole 31
The through hole 31 connects the space 30 of the case 21 with the inside of the connector 21a. Reference numeral 32 denotes a mating connector. The mating connector 32 engages with the connector portion 21a of the case 21 via a sealing member 33 made of sealing rubber, thereby waterproofing the connector portion 21a.
The mating connector 32 is provided with a terminal 34 inside, and one end of the terminal 34 is pressed against a connector terminal 21b projecting into the connector portion 21a when the mating connector 32 is engaged with the connector portion 21a. And are electrically connected. Further, a locking portion 35 is provided outside the mating connector 32. When the mating connector 32 is engaged with the connector portion 21a, a locking portion 35 is formed as shown in FIG. 35a is the connector 21
a, which is locked to the protrusion 21c.

A lead wire 36 has one end connected to a device control unit 37 for controlling the input / output of the potentiometer. The other end of the lead wire 36 is connected to the terminal 3 of the mating connector 32.
4 is electrically connected to the other end. In addition, lead wire 36
The waterproof property between the connector 32 and the mating connector 32 is ensured by the seal rubber 38. A terminal insertion hole 39 for inserting and fixing the terminal 34 is provided in the mating connector 32.

Next, the operation of the potentiometer configured as described above according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

When the shaft 26 rotates, the rotor 24 connected to the shaft 26 by caulking rotates, and at the same time, the sliding contact 25 held on the upper surface of the rotor 24 rotates. Contact 2
5 slides on the resistance element 22 so that a desired resistance value or voltage obtained from the resistance element 22 is applied to the resistor terminal 23 connected to the resistance element 22, the connector terminal 21b of the connector 21a, and the mating connector 32. The rotation angle of the shaft 26 is detected by outputting the rotation to the device control unit 37 on the other side via the terminal 34 and the lead wire 36.

Next, a description will be given of a case where the ambient temperature of the potentiometer changes, vibration is applied, and air in the space inside the potentiometer expands and contracts according to the embodiment of the present invention.

In the potentiometer according to one embodiment of the present invention, a space 30 inside the case 21 is provided.
And a through-hole 31 communicating the connector portion 21a with the
In addition, the mating connector 32 engaged with the connector portion 21a is provided with a terminal 34 electrically connected to the connector terminal 21b protruding into the connector portion 21a, and is provided with a waterproof between the connector portion 21a. Is provided, even if the air in the space 30 inside the potentiometer expands and contracts due to a change in the ambient temperature of the potentiometer, the air will not pass through the through hole 31 and the other end. Of the connector 32, the terminal insertion hole 39, the space 40, and the mating connector 32
Flow through the inside of the device control unit 37 through the inside of the lead wire 36 (the gap between the core wires) provided in the device, and there is no pressure difference between the lead wire 36 and the air outside the potentiometer. It can improve the waterproofness. Also, even if vibration is applied to the potentiometer, the mating connector 32 is provided with the locking portion 35 which is locked to the connector portion 21a.
The connector 21a of the case 21 and the mating connector 32 are not disengaged by the vibration,
This prevents water or the like from entering the inside of the potentiometer through the through hole 31, so that it is possible to reliably prevent adverse effects on the potentiometer function with a simple configuration.

[0018]

As described above, the potentiometer of the present invention comprises a resistance element having a resistor on its surface, a sliding contact sliding on the resistance element, a rotor holding the sliding contact, and a rotor comprising: A shaft having a rotatable shaft and a case having a space for accommodating the shaft and a connector for engaging with a mating connector, and a space inside the case and the connector. A through-hole is provided for communication, and the mating connector is provided with a terminal electrically connected to a connector terminal protruding into the connector portion, and a sealing member for waterproofing with the connector portion is provided. According to this configuration, the through-hole that communicates the space inside the case with the connector is provided. And a mating connector engaged with the connector portion is provided with a terminal electrically connected to a connector terminal protruding into the connector portion, and for waterproofing between the connector portion. Because the sealing member is provided, even if the air in the space inside the potentiometer expands and contracts due to a change in the ambient temperature of the potentiometer, the air is still in the through hole, and further inside the mating connector, mating side. It will flow through the inside of the counterpart device through the inside of the lead wire provided in the connector, so that there will be no pressure difference between the outside of the potentiometer and the air, so that the waterproofness can be improved. You can do it. Also, even if vibration is applied to the potentiometer, the mating connector is provided with a locking portion that is locked to the connector portion, so that the connector portion of the case and the mating connector are disengaged by vibration. This does not mean that water or the like does not enter the potentiometer through the through-hole. Therefore, an adverse effect on the potentiometer function can be reliably prevented with a simple configuration. Things.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a side sectional view of a potentiometer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side sectional view showing a state where a mating connector is engaged with the potentiometer.

FIG. 3 is a side sectional view of a conventional potentiometer.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 21 Case 21a Connector part 21b Connector terminal 22 Resistance element 24 Rotor 25 Sliding contact 26 Shaft 30 Space part 31 Through-hole 32 Mating connector 33 Seal member 34 Terminal 35 Locking part

Claims (1)

(57) [Claims] 1. A resistance element having a resistor on its surface, a sliding contact sliding on the resistance element, a rotor holding the sliding contact, a shaft rotatably holding the rotor, and A case having a space part housed therein and having a connector part engaged with a mating connector, a through-hole communicating the space part inside the case with the connector part, and The side connector is provided with a terminal electrically connected to a connector terminal protruding into the connector portion, a seal member for waterproofing with the connector portion is provided, and further, the terminal is locked to the connector portion. Potentiometer with a locking part.