Potentiometer with positioning function

By introducing positioning springs and limit blocks into the potentiometer, the problems of inaccurate positioning and excessive twisting of existing potentiometers are solved, achieving precise positioning of the shaft and improved stability.

CN224036171UActive Publication Date: 2026-03-24DONGGUAN TIANQIAN ELECTRONICS CO LTD
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-03-27
Publication Date
2026-03-24

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing potentiometers lack positioning function, which makes the shaft prone to misalignment or excessive twisting during rotation, affecting the stability and service life of the equipment.

Method used

A potentiometer with positioning function was designed. By setting positioning springs and limiting blocks on the turntable, the precise positioning of the shaft is achieved by using positioning grooves and pressing parts, and the limiting blocks prevent excessive twisting.

Benefits of technology

It achieves precise positioning of the shaft, avoids misoperation and excessive twisting, and improves the stability and service life of the equipment.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of potentiometers, in particular to a potentiometer with a positioning function, which comprises a base and an upper cover, an upper groove body is formed at the top of the base, a lower groove body is formed at the bottom of the upper cover, and the base is combined with the upper cover to enable the upper groove body and the lower groove body to define a containing cavity; a shaft hole is formed in the upper cover, the shaft handle penetrates through the shaft hole, the shaft hole and the upper groove body are coaxially arranged, and a rotary disc arranged in the containing cavity is arranged at the bottom end of the shaft handle. A limiting block is formed on the edge portion of the rotary disc, and a stop block used for stopping the limiting block to limit the twisting stroke of the shaft handle is formed on the inner side wall of the lower groove body. When the rotating disc rotates in the containing cavity, the limiting block is driven to rotate around the axis of the shaft handle, and after the rotating disc rotates by a specified angle, the limiting block is blocked by the check block, so that the shaft handle cannot continue to twist and only can twist in the reverse direction; and under the matching action of the limiting block and the stop block, the shaft handle is twisted in a specified angle range, so that the condition of excessive twisting is prevented.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of potentiometer technology, and in particular to a potentiometer with a positioning function. Background Technology

[0002] A potentiometer is an electronic component widely used in electronic devices, primarily for adjusting the resistance value in a circuit to control the output of current or voltage. Traditional potentiometers typically consist of a base, resistive element, brushes, and a shaft. Rotating the shaft moves the brushes across the surface of the resistive element, thus changing the resistance value. However, existing potentiometers present some technical challenges in practical use.

[0003] First, existing potentiometers typically lack a positioning function, meaning that when a user rotates the shaft, it is impossible to precisely fix the shaft in a specific position. This design flaw makes the potentiometer prone to misoperation when adjusting circuit parameters, especially in situations requiring precise adjustment, such as volume control in audio equipment or parameter adjustment in precision instruments. Due to the lack of a positioning function, the shaft may shift during rotation due to slight touches or vibrations, causing changes in circuit parameters and affecting the stability and accuracy of the device.

[0004] Secondly, existing potentiometers also have problems with shaft torque control. Due to the lack of an effective limiting structure, the shaft is prone to excessive torque during rotation, especially when the user applies excessive force or rotates the shaft rapidly. This can cause the shaft to exceed its designed rotation range, leading to damage to the internal structure of the potentiometer or poor contact between the brushes and the resistive element. This not only affects the lifespan of the potentiometer but may also cause circuit failures, affecting the normal operation of the equipment. Therefore, a potentiometer with a positioning function is provided to solve the above-mentioned technical problems. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this utility model is to provide a potentiometer with a positioning function to address the shortcomings of the existing technology, thereby solving the technical problems that existing potentiometers do not have a positioning function and that the shaft is prone to excessive twisting.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of this utility model is as follows:

[0007] A potentiometer with positioning function includes a base and a top cover. The top of the base is formed with an upper groove and the bottom of the top cover is formed with a lower groove. The base and the top cover are combined to form a receiving cavity by the upper groove and the lower groove. It also includes a shaft. The top cover is formed with a shaft hole for the shaft to pass through and is coaxial with the upper groove. The bottom end of the shaft is provided with a turntable placed in the receiving cavity.

[0008] The top of the turntable is equipped with a ring-shaped positioning spring, and the top of the lower groove is formed with a ring-shaped pressing part for contacting the positioning spring. The bottom surface of the pressing part is formed with a positioning groove for cooperating with the positioning spring to position the shaft. The edge of the turntable is formed with a limit block, and the inner side wall of the lower groove is formed with a stop block for blocking the limit block to limit the twisting stroke of the shaft.

[0009] Furthermore, the top of the turntable is formed with several second mounting posts, and the positioning spring includes a mounting part that inserts into the second mounting posts, as well as a first elastic part and a second elastic part that are arc-shaped. The middle positions of the first elastic part and the second elastic part are both formed with snap-fit ​​protrusions for snapping into the positioning groove.

[0010] Furthermore, the top of the turntable is formed with a relief groove for providing deformation space for the first elastic part and the second elastic part.

[0011] Furthermore, a resistor is provided at the bottom of the upper tank, and several conductive terminals electrically connected to the resistor are provided on the side of the base. The resistor and conductive terminals are injection molded onto the base by inserts. A brush is installed at the bottom of the turntable for contacting the surface of the resistor.

[0012] Furthermore, a central column is formed at the bottom of the upper tank, and a central groove for inserting the central column is formed at the bottom of the turntable. The central groove, the central column, and the shaft are coaxially arranged.

[0013] Furthermore, the top of the base is formed with an annular upper extension and a splicing groove, the splicing groove is located on the outside of the upper extension and is coaxially arranged, the bottom of the top cover is formed with an annular lower extension that is sleeved on the outside of the upper extension, the bottom end of the lower extension is embedded in the splicing groove, and the inner sidewall of the lower extension is formed with a boss for abutting against the top end of the upper extension.

[0014] Furthermore, the top of the base is formed with several mounting protrusions, and the bottom of the top cover is formed with several mounting grooves for the mounting protrusions to be inserted; the bottom of the top cover is also formed with several inserts, and the top of the base is also formed with several slots for the inserts to be inserted.

[0015] Furthermore, the base and the top cover are connected by ultrasonic welding.

[0016] Furthermore, the top surface of the cover is formed with a long strip-shaped positioning strip, and the top surface of the base is formed with a strip-shaped groove for the positioning strip to be inserted.

[0017] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: When the shaft handle drives the turntable to rotate clockwise within the receiving cavity, it also rotates clockwise along with the positioning spring. The positioning spring slides clockwise on the bottom surface of the pressing part. After rotating clockwise by a specified angle, the positioning spring slides until it engages with the positioning groove, thus positioning the turntable and the shaft handle. Similarly, when the shaft handle and turntable are rotated counterclockwise by a specified angle, the positioning spring still slides until it engages with the positioning groove, again positioning the turntable and the shaft handle. With the cooperation of the positioning spring and the positioning groove, the shaft handle achieves positioning whether it is rotated clockwise or counterclockwise. Furthermore, through the positioning cooperation of the positioning spring and the positioning groove, on the one hand, the positioning spring can axially press the shaft handle to prevent axial loosening and affecting stability; on the other hand, after rotating the shaft handle to the positioning position, the feel is clear and it is less likely to cause accidental damage.

[0018] In addition, when the turntable rotates in the receiving chamber, it carries the limiting block to rotate around the axis of the shaft. When the turntable rotates to a specified angle, the stop block blocks the limiting block, so that the shaft can not continue to twist and can only be turned in the opposite direction. Under the cooperation of the limiting block and the stop block, the shaft can be twisted within the specified angle range to prevent excessive twisting. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the present invention from another perspective.

[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the positioning spring and the clearance groove of this utility model.

[0023] The reference numerals in the figures include:

[0024] 1. Base; 11. Upper groove; 12. Upper extension; 13. Resistor; 14. Conductive terminal; 15. Splicing groove; 16. Mounting protrusion; 17. Strip groove; 18. Center post; 19. Insert groove; 2. Top cover; 21. Lower groove; 22. Lower extension; 23. Boss; 24. Mounting groove; 25. Positioning strip; 26. Pressing part; 27. Positioning groove; 28. Stop; 29. ​​Insert; 2 10. Through hole; 211. Welding hole; 212. Shaft hole; 3. Shaft handle; 31. Turntable; 32. Limiting block; 33. First mounting post; 34. Brush; 35. Relief groove; 36. Second mounting post; 37. Positioning spring; 371. Mounting part; 372. First elastic part; 373. Second elastic part; 374. Snap-fit ​​protrusion; 38. Center groove; 4. Mounting plate; 5. Pin; 6. Support foot. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The following is a detailed description of a potentiometer with a positioning function according to the present invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0026] like Figure 1-4 As shown, an embodiment of the potentiometer with positioning function of this utility model includes a base 1 and an upper cover 2 for assembling the base 1. The top of the base 1 is formed with an upper groove 11, and the bottom of the upper cover 2 is formed with a lower groove 21. The base 1 and the upper cover 2 are combined so that the upper groove 11 and the lower groove 21 enclose a receiving cavity. Both the upper groove 11 and the lower groove 21 are circular grooves. A resistor 13 is provided at the bottom of the upper groove 11, and several conductive terminals 14 electrically connected to the resistor 13 are provided on the side of the base 1. The resistor 13 and the conductive terminals 14 are injection molded onto the base 1 by insert molding. The production method of insert molding not only improves the production efficiency, but also reduces the gaps between components, achieves the effect of waterproofing and dustproofing, and improves the quality of this potentiometer.

[0027] This potentiometer also includes a shaft 3. The upper cover 2 has a shaft hole 212 for the shaft 3 to pass through and is coaxially arranged with the upper groove 11. The bottom end of the shaft 3 is provided with a turntable 31, which is placed in the receiving cavity. By twisting the shaft 3, the turntable 31 can be driven to rotate in the receiving cavity. In addition, a central post 18 is formed at the bottom of the upper groove 11, and a central groove 38 for the central post 18 to be inserted is formed at the bottom of the turntable 31. The central groove 38, the central post 18, and the shaft 3 are coaxially arranged. Under the action of the central groove 38 and the central post 18, the turntable 31 placed in the receiving cavity is positioned. When the shaft 3 drives the turntable 31 to rotate, it is more stable and will not deviate.

[0028] Furthermore, the bottom of the turntable 31 is equipped with a brush 34 for abutting contact with the surface of the resistor 13. When this potentiometer is needed, the shaft 3 is turned, causing the turntable 31 to drive the brush 34 to rotate around the axis of the shaft 3, moving the brush 34 on the surface of the resistor 13 and changing the position of the contact point. The change in the position of the brush 34 causes a change in the effective length of the resistor 13, thereby adjusting the resistance value. The change in the resistance value affects the output voltage or current, realizing circuit adjustment and thus controlling the circuit parameters. In addition, several first mounting posts 33 are formed at the bottom of the turntable 31 to insert into the brush 34. By setting several first mounting posts 33, it is not only convenient to install the brush 34 at the bottom of the turntable 31, but the rotation of the turntable 31 can also drive the brush 34 to rotate together.

[0029] After the shaft 3 is turned to the designated position, in order to prevent the shaft 3 from being accidentally touched and causing changes in circuit parameters, a number of second mounting posts 36 are formed on the top of the turntable 31. The second mounting posts 36 are equipped with ring-shaped positioning springs 37, and the positioning springs 37 are sleeved on the shaft 3. The top of the lower groove 21 is formed with a ring-shaped pressing part 26 for abutting against the positioning springs 37. The bottom surface of the pressing part 26 is formed with a positioning groove 27 for cooperating with the positioning springs 37 to position the shaft 3. Specifically, the positioning springs 37 include a mounting part 371 that is inserted into the second mounting posts 36, and also include a first elastic part 372 and a second elastic part 373 that are arc-shaped and symmetrically arranged. The middle positions of the first elastic part 372 and the second elastic part 373 are both formed with a snap-fit ​​protrusion 374 for snapping into the positioning groove 27. The pressing part 26 simultaneously presses the first elastic part 372 and the second elastic part 373. When the shaft 3 drives the turntable 31 to rotate clockwise, it can also rotate clockwise along with the positioning spring 37. The locking protrusion 374 on the positioning spring 37 slides clockwise on the bottom surface of the pressing part 26. After the positioning spring 37 rotates clockwise by a specified angle, the locking protrusion 374 on the first elastic part 372 slides into the positioning groove 27, thereby positioning the turntable 31 and the shaft 3. In addition, when the shaft 3 and the turntable 31 are rotated counterclockwise by a specified angle, the locking protrusion 374 on the second elastic part 373 slides into the positioning groove 27, similarly positioning the turntable 31 and the shaft 3. With the cooperation of the positioning spring 37 and the positioning groove 27, the shaft 3 can achieve the positioning effect whether it is rotated clockwise or counterclockwise. By engaging the snap-fit ​​protrusion 374 with the positioning groove 27 on the pressing part 26, on the one hand, the first elastic part 372 and the second elastic part 373 can axially press the shaft 3 to prevent axial loosening and affect stability. On the other hand, after rotating the shaft 3 to the positioning position, the feel is clear and it is not easy to cause a slip due to accidental touch.

[0030] Additionally, a clearance groove 35 is formed on the top of the turntable 31. When the first elastic part 372 and the second elastic part 373 are pressed down by the pressing part 26 at the same time, the clearance groove 35 makes way for the first elastic part 372 and the second elastic part 373, providing space for the first elastic part 372 and the second elastic part 373 to deform.

[0031] When the user twists the shaft handle 3, a limiting block 32 is formed on the edge of the turntable 31 to limit the movement of the shaft handle 3. A stop block 28 is formed on the inner sidewall of the lower groove 21 to stop the limiting block 32 at a designated position. When the turntable 31 rotates within the receiving cavity, it carries the limiting block 32 around the axis of the shaft handle 3. After the turntable 31 rotates to a designated angle, the stop block 28 stops the limiting block 32, preventing the shaft handle 3 from continuing to twist and forcing it to be turned in the opposite direction. The combined action of the limiting block 32 and the stop block 28 ensures that the shaft handle twists within a designated angle range, preventing excessive twisting. For example, when this potentiometer is used for adjusting a refrigerator knob, its rotation angle range is typically 90 degrees to 180 degrees, with the specific range varying depending on the brand and model.

[0032] To improve the structural stability of the base 1 and the top cover 2 after assembly, an annular upper extension 12 and a splicing groove 15 are formed on the top of the base 1. The splicing groove 15 is located on the outside of the upper extension 12 and is coaxially arranged. An annular lower extension 22 is formed on the bottom of the top cover 2 and fits around the outside of the upper extension 12. The bottom end of the lower extension 22 is embedded in the splicing groove 15, and the inner sidewall of the lower extension 22 is formed with a boss 23 for abutting against the top end of the upper extension 12. When the base 1 and the top cover 2 are assembled, the lower extension 22 fits around the outside of the upper extension 12, and the bottom end of the lower extension 22 is embedded in the splicing groove 15. The top end of the upper extension 12 abuts against the boss 23, thereby improving the stability and structural strength of the base 1 and the top cover 2 after assembly, and further improving the waterproof and dustproof effect.

[0033] The base 1 has several mounting protrusions 16 formed on its top, and the top cover 2 has several mounting grooves 24 formed on its bottom for the mounting protrusions 16 to be inserted into. In addition, the bottom of the top cover 2 also has several inserts 29 formed, and the top of the base 1 also has several recesses 19 formed for the inserts 29 to be inserted into. After the base 1 and the top cover 2 are assembled, the mounting protrusions 16 are respectively inserted into different mounting grooves 24, and the inserts 29 are respectively inserted into different recesses 19, further improving the stability of the potentiometer after assembly.

[0034] The base 1 and the top cover 2 are assembled using ultrasonic welding. Ultrasonic welding utilizes high-frequency vibration waves transmitted to the surfaces of the two objects to be welded (the top surface of the base 1 and the bottom surface of the top cover 2). Under pressure, the surfaces of the two objects rub against each other, forming a fusion between molecular layers. However, to improve the accuracy of ultrasonic welding, a long strip-shaped positioning strip 25 is formed on the top surface of the top cover 2, and a strip-shaped groove 17 is formed on the top surface of the base 1 for the positioning strip 25 to be embedded. Before ultrasonic welding, several mounting protrusions 16 are embedded into different mounting grooves 24, and several inserts 29 are embedded into different inserts 19. The positioning strip 25 is embedded into the strip-shaped groove 17, so that the top surface of the base 1 contacts the bottom surface of the top cover 2. Then, high-frequency vibration waves are transmitted to the surfaces of the two objects to achieve the welding process.

[0035] Additionally, a mounting plate 4 for mounting the potentiometer on a circuit board is installed at the bottom of the base 1. The mounting plate 4 is formed with an upwardly extending pin 5 and a downwardly extending support pin 6. The pin 5 extends upward and is placed in a recess 19, and a through hole 210 for inserting the pin 5 is formed inside the insert 29. A welding hole 211 communicating with the through hole 210 is formed on the side of the top cover 2. When molten solder is dripped onto the welding hole 211, the pin 5 is welded and fixed to the top cover 2, thus stably mounting the mounting plate 4 on the potentiometer. After the potentiometer is placed in the designated position on the circuit board, the support pin 6 is welded to the circuit board, thus mounting the potentiometer on the circuit board.

[0036] In summary, this utility model possesses the aforementioned excellent characteristics, enabling it to achieve unprecedented efficiency in use and thus become a highly practical product.

[0037] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, there will be changes in the specific implementation method and application scope based on the idea of ​​this utility model. The content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.

Claims

1. A potentiometer with a positioning function, characterized in that: It includes a base (1) and a top cover (2). The top of the base (1) is formed with an upper groove (11), and the bottom of the top cover (2) is formed with a lower groove (21). The base (1) and the top cover (2) are combined to form an accommodating chamber by the upper groove (11) and the lower groove (21). It also includes a shaft handle (3). The top cover (2) is formed with a shaft hole (212) through which the shaft handle (3) passes and is coaxial with the upper groove (11). The bottom end of the shaft handle (3) is provided with a turntable (31) placed in the accommodating chamber. The top of the turntable (31) is equipped with a ring-shaped positioning spring (37), and the top of the lower groove (21) is formed with a ring-shaped pressing part (26) for abutting against the positioning spring (37). The bottom surface of the pressing part (26) is formed with a positioning groove (27) for cooperating with the positioning spring (37) to position the shaft (3). The edge of the turntable (31) is formed with a limiting block (32), and the inner side wall of the lower groove (21) is formed with a stop block (28) for blocking the limiting block (32) to limit the twisting stroke of the shaft (3).

2. A potentiometer with positioning function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The top of the turntable (31) is formed with a plurality of second mounting posts (36). The positioning spring (37) includes a mounting part (371) that is inserted into the second mounting posts (36), and also includes a first elastic part (372) and a second elastic part (373) in the shape of an arc. The middle part of the first elastic part (372) and the second elastic part (373) are both formed with a snap-fit ​​protrusion (374) for snapping into the positioning groove (27).

3. A potentiometer with positioning function according to claim 2, characterized in that: The top of the turntable (31) is formed with a relief groove (35) for providing deformation space for the first elastic part (372) and the second elastic part (373).

4. A potentiometer with positioning function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom of the upper tank (11) is provided with a resistor (13), and the side of the base (1) is provided with a number of conductive terminals (14) that are electrically connected to the resistor (13). The resistor (13) and the conductive terminals (14) are injection molded onto the base (1) by inserts. The bottom of the turntable (31) is provided with a brush (34) for abutting contact with the surface of the resistor (13).

5. A potentiometer with positioning function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom of the upper groove (11) is formed with a central column (18), and the bottom of the turntable (31) is formed with a central groove (38) for the central column (18) to be inserted. The central groove (38), the central column (18) and the shaft (3) are coaxially arranged.

6. A potentiometer with positioning function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The base (1) has an annular upper extension (12) and a splicing groove (15) formed on its top. The splicing groove (15) is located on the outside of the upper extension (12) and is coaxially arranged. The top cover (2) has an annular lower extension (22) formed on its bottom and sleeved on the outside of the upper extension (12). The bottom end of the lower extension (22) is embedded in the splicing groove (15). The inner sidewall of the lower extension (22) has a boss (23) for abutting against the top end of the upper extension (12).

7. A potentiometer with positioning function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The base (1) has several mounting protrusions (16) formed on the top, and the top cover (2) has several mounting grooves (24) formed on the bottom for the mounting protrusions (16) to be inserted; the bottom of the top cover (2) also has several inserts (29), and the top of the base (1) also has several slots (19) for the inserts (29) to be inserted.

8. A potentiometer with positioning function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The base (1) and the top cover (2) are connected by ultrasonic welding.

9. A potentiometer with positioning function according to claim 8, characterized in that: The top surface of the cover (2) is formed with a long strip-shaped positioning strip (25), and the top surface of the base (1) is formed with a strip-shaped groove (17) for the positioning strip (25) to be inserted.