A miniature rocker potentiometer

Abstract

This utility model relates to the field of potentiometer technology, and more particularly to a miniature rocker potentiometer, comprising a top cover and a base assembled with the top cover. The top cover is formed with a first support plate and a second support plate. The thickness direction of the first support plate is arranged along the X-axis and a first groove is formed at its bottom. The thickness direction of the second support plate is arranged along the Y-axis and a second groove is formed at its bottom. The top of the base is formed with a first protrusion embedded in the first groove and a second protrusion embedded in the second groove. The top of the first protrusion and the inner sidewall of the first groove together form a first sliding groove, and the top of the second protrusion and the inner sidewall of the second groove together form a second sliding groove. By setting the first and second sliding grooves, the first and second brush parts are guided and limited, so that when they slide on the surface of the resistive element, they are more stable and will not deviate.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Potentiometers, as common electronic components, are widely used in various electronic devices to adjust resistance or voltage signals in circuits. Joystick potentiometers, due to their ability to achieve multi-directional control via a mechanical joystick, have significant application value in game controllers, industrial equipment, and precision instruments. However, existing joystick potentiometers still have significant shortcomings in structural design and performance.

[0003] Traditional rocker potentiometers typically use a single rocker arm or linkage mechanism to drive the brush to slide. Over long-term use, this structure is prone to mechanical wear, leading to unstable contact between the brush and the resistive element, and consequently, signal fluctuations. Furthermore, existing designs lack effective limiting of the brush's sliding path. When the rocker arm is subjected to lateral force, the brush is prone to deviating from its intended track, causing resistance jumps or poor contact, severely impacting control accuracy.

[0004] On the other hand, traditional rocker potentiometers often use screws, glue, or complex nested structures to assemble the top cover and base. These installation methods not only require additional parts or tools, increasing production costs, but also involve cumbersome, time-consuming, and labor-intensive assembly processes, making it difficult to meet the efficiency demands of modern large-scale industrial production. For example, in some existing technologies, the installation of the brush unit requires pre-cutting complex mounting grooves in the base or top cover, followed by precise positioning for assembly. Any positioning deviation can cause the brush to jam, further reducing production efficiency.

[0005] Therefore, a miniature rocker potentiometer is provided to solve the above-mentioned technical problems. Utility Model Content

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a miniature rocker potentiometer to address the shortcomings of existing technologies, thereby solving the technical problems of instability and inconvenience in installation of existing rocker potentiometers.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of this utility model is as follows:

[0008] A miniature rocker potentiometer includes a top cover and a base assembled with the top cover. The top cover is formed with a first support plate and a second support plate. The thickness direction of the first support plate is arranged along the X-axis and a first groove is formed at its bottom. The thickness direction of the second support plate is arranged along the Y-axis and a second groove is formed at its bottom. The top of the base is formed with a first protrusion embedded in the first groove and a second protrusion embedded in the second groove. The top of the first protrusion and the inner sidewall of the first groove together form a first sliding groove, and the top of the second protrusion and the inner sidewall of the second groove together form a second sliding groove.

[0009] It also includes a resistor mounted on a base, a first brush portion that can slide along the Y-axis on the surface of the resistor, and a second brush portion that can slide along the X-axis on the surface of the resistor. The side of the first brush portion is formed with a first sliding portion that is slidably disposed in a first groove, and the side of the second brush portion is formed with a second sliding portion that is slidably disposed in a second groove. It also includes a rocker arm assembly for controlling the sliding of the first brush portion or the sliding of the second brush portion.

[0010] Furthermore, the rocker arm assembly includes a rocker arm, an upper rocker arm, and a lower rocker arm. Both the upper and lower rocker arms are rotatably mounted on the upper cover. The axis of rotation of the upper rocker arm is arranged along the X-axis, and the axis of rotation of the lower rocker arm is arranged along the Y-axis. A first guide groove with its length direction aligned with the X-axis is formed at the middle position of the upper rocker arm, and a second guide groove with its length direction aligned with the Y-axis is formed at the middle position of the lower rocker arm. The length direction of the rocker arm is arranged along the Z-axis, and the bottom end of the rocker arm passes through the first guide groove and the second guide groove sequentially from top to bottom, and is rotatably connected to the lower rocker arm via a rotating shaft with its axis arranged along the X-axis.

[0011] Furthermore, the upper rocker arm is shaped like an "n".

[0012] Furthermore, a first actuating block is provided at the bottom of the upper rocker arm. The first actuating block is located on the side of the first brush part away from the first sliding groove and a first actuating groove is formed at its bottom end. A first sliding part is also provided on the side of the first brush part close to the first actuating block, and the first sliding part is slidably disposed in the first actuating groove.

[0013] Furthermore, a second actuating block is provided at the bottom of the lower rocker arm. The second actuating block is located on the side of the second brush part away from the second sliding groove and a second actuating groove is formed at its bottom end. A second sliding part is also provided on the side of the second brush part close to the second actuating block, and the second sliding part is slidably disposed in the second actuating groove.

[0014] Furthermore, a pad is provided directly below the upper and lower rocker arms, an insulating pad is provided on the top surface of the resistor, and a spring is provided between the pad and the insulating pad to apply an upward pushing force to the pad; both sides of the upper rocker arm are formed with a first protrusion that pushes the pad downward after rotation, and the first protrusions on both sides are symmetrically arranged based on the axis of rotation of the upper rocker arm; both sides of the lower rocker arm are formed with a second protrusion that pushes the pad downward after rotation, and the second protrusions on both sides are symmetrically arranged based on the axis of rotation of the lower rocker arm.

[0015] Furthermore, the upper rocker arm has a first rotating part formed at its end, and the first support plate has a first connecting hole for the first rotating part to be inserted so that the first rotating part is rotatably connected to the first support plate. The axis of rotation of the first rotating part is arranged along the X-axis.

[0016] Furthermore, the lower rocker arm has a second rotating part formed at its end, and the second support plate has a second connecting hole for the second rotating part to be inserted so that the second rotating part is rotatably connected to the second support plate. The axis of rotation of the second connecting hole is arranged along the Y-axis.

[0017] Furthermore, the top cover is formed with several buckles, each buckle having a slot, and the base is formed with several vertically upward extending portions, with a locking block formed on the outer side of each extension for engaging with the slot.

[0018] Furthermore, the first brush unit includes a sliding seat and a brush. The bottom of the sliding seat is formed with a mounting groove, the brush is installed in the mounting groove, and the sliding seat is provided with a fixing member for fixing the brush. The brush includes a plurality of brush feet for contacting the surface of the resistive element.

[0019] The beneficial effects of this utility model are: by operating the rocker arm assembly, the user can control the first brush part or the second brush part to slide on the surface of the resistor body, so as to change the position of the two on the surface of the resistor body, thereby changing the effective connection length of the resistor body, and realizing the continuous adjustment of the electrical signal (resistance value or voltage) by utilizing the principle of resistor voltage division.

[0020] Furthermore, by setting the first and second sliding grooves, the first and second brush sections are guided and limited, making their sliding on the surface of the resistive element more stable and preventing deviation. Moreover, after the top cover is assembled with the other cover, the first and second sliding grooves are formed, facilitating the installation of the first and second brush sections and improving production efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the present invention from another perspective.

[0024] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of this utility model.

[0025] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first brush section of this utility model.

[0026] The reference numerals in the figures include:

[0027] 1. Top cover; 101. Buckle; 102. Slot; 2. Base; 201. Extension; 202. Block; 3. Rocker arm; 301. Rotating shaft; 4. Upper rocker arm; 401. First rotating part; 402. First support plate; 403. First connecting hole; 404. First guide groove; 5. Lower rocker arm; 501. Second rotating part; 502. Second support plate; 503. Second connecting hole; 504. Second guide groove; 6. Resistor; 7. First groove; 8. First protrusion; 9. First sliding groove; 10. First brush part; 001, First sliding part; 1002, Mounting groove; 1003, Fixing member; 1004, Brush; 1005, Brush foot; 1006, Sliding seat; 11, Second groove; 12, Second protrusion; 13, Second sliding groove; 14, Second brush part; 1401, Second sliding part; 15, First actuating block; 1501, First actuating groove; 16, Second actuating block; 1601, Second actuating groove; 17, Insulating pad; 18, Spring; 19, Pad; 20, First protrusion; 21, Second protrusion; 22, Pin. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The following is a detailed description of a miniature rocker potentiometer according to the present invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0029] like Figure 1-4 As shown, an embodiment of the miniature rocker potentiometer of this utility model includes a top cover 1 and a base 2 for snap-fitting the top cover 1. The top cover 1 is formed with a first support plate 402 and a second support plate 502 arranged vertically. The thickness direction of the first support plate 402 is arranged along the X-axis and a first groove 7 is formed at its bottom. The thickness direction of the second support plate 502 is arranged along the Y-axis and a second groove 11 is formed at its bottom. The top of the base 2 is formed with a first protrusion 8 that can be embedded in the first groove 7 and a second protrusion 12 that can be embedded in the second groove 11. After the top cover 1 and the base 2 are snap-fitted together, the first protrusion 8 is embedded in the first groove 7 and the second protrusion 12 is embedded in the second groove 11. At this time, the top of the first protrusion 8 and the inner sidewall of the first groove 7 together form a first sliding groove 9, and the top of the second protrusion 12 and the inner sidewall of the second groove 11 together form a second sliding groove 13.

[0030] This potentiometer also includes a resistor 6 mounted on a base 2, a first brush portion 10 that can slide along the Y-axis on the surface of the resistor 6, and a second brush portion 14 that can slide along the X-axis on the surface of the resistor 6. The first brush portion 10 has a first sliding portion 1001 slidably disposed within a first groove 9 on its side, and the second brush portion 14 has a second sliding portion 1401 slidably disposed within a second groove 13 on its side. It also includes a rocker arm assembly for controlling the sliding of the first brush portion 10 or the second brush portion 14. By operating the rocker arm assembly, the user can control the sliding of either the first brush portion 10 or the second brush portion 14 (one of them) on the surface of the resistor 6, thereby changing their positions on the surface of the resistor 6 and thus changing the effective connection length of the resistor 6. This utilizes the principle of voltage division to achieve continuous adjustment of the electrical signal (resistance value or voltage).

[0031] Furthermore, by setting the first sliding groove 9 and the second sliding groove 13, the first brush section 10 and the second brush section 14 are guided and limited, making their sliding on the surface of the resistor 6 more stable and preventing deviation. Moreover, after the upper cover 1 is assembled with the other cover, the first sliding groove 9 and the second sliding groove 13 are formed, facilitating the installation of the first brush section 10 and the second brush section 14 and improving production efficiency.

[0032] Furthermore, the rocker arm assembly includes a rocker arm 3, an upper rocker arm 4, and a lower rocker arm 5. The upper rocker arm 4 is in an "n" shape. The upper rocker arm 4 and the lower rocker arm 5 are arranged vertically and are rotatably mounted on the upper cover 1. The axis of rotation of the upper rocker arm 4 is arranged along the X-axis, and the axis of rotation of the lower rocker arm 5 is arranged along the Y-axis. A first guide groove 404 with the length direction aligned with the X-axis is formed at the middle position of the upper rocker arm 4. A second guide groove 504 with the length direction aligned with the Y-axis is formed at the middle position of the lower rocker arm 5. The length direction of the rocker arm 3 is arranged along the Z-axis. The bottom end of the rocker arm 3 passes through the first guide groove 404 and the second guide groove 504 from top to bottom, and is rotatably connected to the lower rocker arm 5 through a rotating shaft 301. The axis of the rotating shaft 301 is arranged along the X-axis. When a force is applied to the top of the rocker arm 3 in the X-axis direction, the rocker arm 3 will rotate with the lower rocker arm 5 around an axis arranged along the Y-axis. Simultaneously, the rocker arm 3 will slide along the length of the first guide groove 404, so that when the lower rocker arm 5 rotates, the upper rocker arm 4 remains stationary. Similarly, when a force is applied to the top of the rocker arm 3 in the Y-axis direction, the rocker arm 3 will rotate with the upper rocker arm 4 around an axis arranged along the X-axis. Simultaneously, the rocker arm 3 will slide along the length of the second guide groove 504, so that when the upper rocker arm 4 rotates, the lower rocker arm 5 remains stationary. By setting the upper rocker arm 4 and the lower rocker arm 5, the swing trajectory of the rocker arm 3 is arranged in a cross shape.

[0033] A first rotating part 401 is formed at the end of the upper rocker arm 4, and a first connecting hole 403 is formed on the first support plate 402 for the first rotating part 401 to be inserted so that the first rotating part 401 is rotatably connected to the first support plate 402. The axis of rotation of the first rotating part 401 is arranged along the X-axis. A second rotating part 501 is formed at the end of the lower rocker arm 5, and a second connecting hole 503 is formed on the second support plate 502 for the second rotating part 501 to be inserted so that the second rotating part 501 is rotatably connected to the second support plate 502. The axis of rotation of the second connecting hole 503 is arranged along the Y-axis. By providing the first rotating part 401 and the first connecting hole 403, the upper rocker arm 4 can rotate on the first support plate 402 about the X-axis. By providing the second rotating part 501 and the second connecting hole 503, the lower rocker arm 5 can rotate on the second support plate 502 about the Y-axis.

[0034] A first actuating block 15 is provided at the bottom of the upper rocker arm 4. The first actuating block 15 is located on the side of the first brush part 10 away from the first sliding groove 9 and has a first actuating groove 1501 formed at its bottom end. A first sliding part 1001 is also provided on the side of the first brush part 10 close to the first actuating block 15, and the first sliding part 1001 is slidably disposed in the first actuating groove 1501. When the rocker arm 3 rotates the upper rocker arm 4 around the X-axis, the bottom end of the first actuating block 15 swings around the X-axis, thereby applying a pushing force to the first sliding part 1001 and the first brush part 10. Under the limiting and guiding effect of the first sliding groove 9 on the first sliding part 1001, the first brush part 10 is pushed to slide on the surface of the resistor 6, and the first sliding part 1001 also slides in the first actuating groove 1501. In addition, the first brush section 10 has two sides of the first sliding section 1001 that are in contact with the first support plate 402 and the first actuating block 15 respectively; the first support plate 402 and the first actuating block 15 can also limit the first brush section 10, so that the first brush section 10 slides in a horizontal straight line.

[0035] A second actuating block 16 is provided at the bottom of the lower rocker arm 5. The second actuating block 16 is located on the side of the second brush part 14 away from the second sliding groove 13 and has a second actuating groove 1601 formed at its bottom end. A second sliding part 1401 is also provided on the side of the second brush part 14 near the second actuating block 16, and the second sliding part 1401 is slidably disposed in the second actuating groove 1601. The method of controlling the sliding of the second brush part 14 on the surface of the resistor 6 is the same as the method of controlling the sliding of the first brush part 10 on the surface of the resistor 6, which can be achieved by rotating the lower rocker arm 5 around the Y-axis by the rocker arm 3. This will not be described in detail here.

[0036] In this embodiment, a pad 19 is provided directly below the upper rocker arm 4 and the lower rocker arm 5, and an insulating pad 17 is provided on the top surface of the resistor 6. A spring 18 is provided between the pad 19 and the insulating pad 17 to apply an upward pushing force to the pad 19, and the upper and lower ends of the spring 18 are in contact with the bottom surface of the pad 19 and the top surface of the insulating pad 17, respectively. A first protrusion 20 is formed on both sides of the upper rocker arm 4, which pushes the pad 19 downward after rotation, and the first protrusions 20 on both sides are symmetrically arranged based on the axis of rotation of the upper rocker arm 4. A second protrusion 21 is formed on both sides of the lower rocker arm 5, which pushes the pad 19 downward after rotation, and the second protrusions 21 on both sides are symmetrically arranged based on the axis of rotation of the lower rocker arm 5.

[0037] When the rocker arm 3 swings to rotate the upper rocker arm 4 around the X-axis, it rotates the first protrusion 20 along with it, pushing the pad 19 downwards and compressing the spring 18. When the force applied to the rocker arm 3 stops, the compressed spring 18 pushes the pad 19 upwards, and the pad 19 then pushes the first protrusion 20 to automatically return to its original position, and the rocker arm 3 also automatically returns to its original position. Similarly, when the upper rocker arm 4 rotates around the Y-axis, it rotates the second protrusion 21 along with it, pushing the pad 19 downwards. When the force applied to the rocker arm 3 stops, the pad 19 pushes the second protrusion 21 to automatically return to its original position, and the rocker arm 3 also automatically returns to its original position. By setting the spring 18 and the pad 19, the rocker arm 3 can automatically return to its original position after swinging, improving the accuracy and convenience of using this potentiometer.

[0038] To achieve the snap-fit ​​installation of the upper cover 1 and the base 2, the upper cover 1 is formed with several buckles 101, each buckle 101 having a slot 102. The base 2 is formed with several vertically upward extending portions 201, and each extension 201 has a locking block 202 on its outer side for engaging with the slot 102. When assembling the upper cover 1 and the base 2, the buckles 101 on the upper cover 1 fasten the base 2, and at the same time, the locking blocks 202 engage with the corresponding slots 102, thereby achieving the snap-fit ​​installation of the upper cover 1 and the base 2 and improving the stability after installation.

[0039] The base 2 is equipped with several pins 22 that are electrically connected to the resistor 6. The pins 22 are existing technology and will not be described in detail here.

[0040] The first brush section 10 and the second brush section 14 have the same structure, such as Figure 4As shown, the first brush unit 10 includes a sliding base 1006 and a brush 1004. A first sliding part 1001 is disposed on both sides of the sliding base 1006. A mounting groove 1002 is formed at the bottom of the sliding base 1006, and the brush 1004 is installed in the mounting groove 1002. The sliding base 1006 is provided with a fixing member 1003 for fixing the brush 1004. The brush 1004 includes a plurality of brush feet 1005 for contacting the surface of the resistor 6. After the sliding base 1006 is moved to slide, the brush feet 1005 on the brush 1004 slide on the surface of the resistor 6, achieving continuous adjustment of the electrical signal (resistance value or voltage).

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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 miniature rocker potentiometer, characterized in that: The device includes a top cover (1) and a base (2) assembled with the top cover (1). The top cover (1) is formed with a first support plate (402) and a second support plate (502). The thickness direction of the first support plate (402) is arranged along the X-axis and a first groove (7) is formed at its bottom. The thickness direction of the second support plate (502) is arranged along the Y-axis and a second groove (11) is formed at its bottom. The top of the base (2) is formed with a first protrusion (8) embedded in the first groove (7) and a second protrusion (12) embedded in the second groove (11). The top of the first protrusion (8) and the inner sidewall of the first groove (7) together form a first sliding groove (9). The top of the second protrusion (12) and the inner sidewall of the second groove (11) together form a second sliding groove (13). It also includes a resistor (6) mounted on the base (2), a first brush part (10) that can slide along the Y-axis on the surface of the resistor (6), and a second brush part (14) that can slide along the X-axis on the surface of the resistor (6). The side of the first brush part (10) is formed with a first sliding part (1001) that is slidably disposed in the first sliding groove (9), and the side of the second brush part (14) is formed with a second sliding part (1401) that is slidably disposed in the second sliding groove (13). It also includes a rocker arm assembly for controlling the sliding of the first brush part (10) or the second brush part (14).

2. A miniature rocker potentiometer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rocker arm assembly includes a rocker arm (3), an upper rocker arm (4), and a lower rocker arm (5). The upper rocker arm (4) and the lower rocker arm (5) are rotatably mounted on the upper cover (1). The axis of rotation of the upper rocker arm (4) is arranged along the X-axis, and the axis of rotation of the lower rocker arm (5) is arranged along the Y-axis. A first guide groove (404) with the groove length direction aligned with the X-axis is formed at the middle position of the upper rocker arm (4), and a second guide groove (504) with the groove length direction aligned with the Y-axis is formed at the middle position of the lower rocker arm (5). The length direction of the rocker arm (3) is arranged along the Z-axis. The bottom end of the rocker arm (3) passes through the first guide groove (404) and the second guide groove (504) from top to bottom, and is rotatably connected to the lower rocker arm (5) through a rotating shaft (301). The axis of the rotating shaft (301) is arranged along the X-axis.

3. A miniature rocker potentiometer according to claim 2, characterized in that: The upper rocker arm (4) is in the shape of an "n".

4. A miniature rocker potentiometer according to claim 2, characterized in that: The bottom of the upper rocker arm (4) is provided with a first actuating block (15). The first actuating block (15) is located on the side of the first brush part (10) away from the first sliding groove (9) and the bottom end is formed with a first actuating groove (1501). The side of the first brush part (10) close to the first actuating block (15) is also provided with a first sliding part (1001), and the first sliding part (1001) is slidably disposed in the first actuating groove (1501).

5. A miniature rocker potentiometer according to claim 4, characterized in that: The bottom of the lower rocker arm (5) is provided with a second actuating block (16). The second actuating block (16) is located on the side of the second brush part (14) away from the second slide groove (13) and the bottom end is formed with a second actuating groove (1601). The side of the second brush part (14) close to the second actuating block (16) is also provided with a second sliding part (1401), and the second sliding part (1401) is slidably disposed in the second actuating groove (1601).

6. A miniature rocker potentiometer according to claim 5, characterized in that: A pad (19) is provided directly below the upper rocker arm (4) and the lower rocker arm (5). An insulating pad (17) is provided on the top surface of the resistor (6). A spring (18) for applying an upward pushing force to the pad (19) is provided between the pad (19) and the insulating pad (17). Both sides of the upper rocker arm (4) are formed with a first protrusion (20) that pushes the pad (19) downward after rotation. The first protrusions (20) on both sides are symmetrically arranged based on the axis of rotation of the upper rocker arm (4). Both sides of the lower rocker arm (5) are formed with a second protrusion (21) that pushes the pad (19) downward after rotation. The second protrusions (21) on both sides are symmetrically arranged based on the axis of rotation of the lower rocker arm (5).

7. A miniature rocker potentiometer according to claim 2, characterized in that: The upper rocker arm (4) has a first rotating part (401) formed at its end, and the first support plate (402) has a first connecting hole (403) for the first rotating part (401) to be inserted so that the first rotating part (401) and the first support plate (402) can be rotatably connected. The axis of rotation of the first rotating part (401) is arranged along the X-axis.

8. A miniature rocker potentiometer according to claim 7, characterized in that: The lower rocker arm (5) has a second rotating part (501) formed at its end. The second support plate (502) has a second connecting hole (503) for the second rotating part (501) to be inserted so that the second rotating part (501) and the second support plate (502) can be rotatably connected. The axis of rotation of the second connecting hole (503) is arranged along the Y-axis.

9. A miniature rocker potentiometer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The top cover (1) is formed with several buckles (101), each buckle (101) is formed with a slot (102), and the base (2) is formed with several vertically upward extending portions (201), and each extension portion (201) is formed with a locking block (202) for locking into the slot (102) on the outside.

10. A miniature rocker potentiometer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first brush section (10) includes a sliding seat (1006) and a brush (1004). The bottom of the sliding seat (1006) is formed with a mounting groove (1002). The brush (1004) is installed in the mounting groove (1002). The sliding seat (1006) is provided with a fixing member (1003) for fixing the brush (1004). The brush (1004) includes a plurality of brush feet (1005) for contacting the surface of the resistor (6).

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