A central locking potentiometer for automobiles with resistor positioning

By combining a base, a cylindrical hollow shaft, and a rotating sleeve, along with a bearing and positioning components, the problem of potentiometers lacking multi-position positioning and having poor tactile feedback is solved. This achieves precise positioning and smooth rotation of the brushes, improving the stability of the central control system and the user experience.

CN224287894UActive Publication Date: 2026-05-26DONGGUAN TIANQIAN ELECTRONICS CO LTD
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
DONGGUAN TIANQIAN ELECTRONICS CO LTD
Filing Date
2025-05-20
Publication Date
2026-05-26

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing potentiometers with resistance segment switching lack multi-position positioning function and have poor rotation feel, resulting in unstable contact between the brush and the resistance segment, which affects the reliability of the central control system and the user experience.

Method used

It adopts a combination structure of base, cylindrical hollow shaft, rotating sleeve and rotating seat, combined with bearing part and positioning component to achieve precise positioning of brush and reduce friction. Through the cooperation of positioning ring and spring, it provides multi-level positioning and smooth rotation feel.

Benefits of technology

It achieves precise positioning of the brush on the resistive element, avoids signal fluctuations caused by vibration, improves the stability of the central control system and user experience, and reduces rotational friction, thus improving the feel of operation.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

This utility model relates to the field of potentiometer technology, and more particularly to a central control potentiometer for automobiles with resistance segment positioning. The resistive element is divided into multiple independent resistance segments circumferentially. A brush, which contacts each resistance segment sequentially upon rotation, is installed at the bottom of the rotating base. A positioning component for multi-position positioning of the rotating base is installed in the mounting cavity. A bearing portion is installed between the inner wall of the rotating sleeve and the outer wall of the hollow shaft, with the center point of the bearing portion coaxial with the rotational axis of the rotating sleeve. The outer ring of the bearing portion is fixedly installed to the inner wall of the rotating sleeve, and a splicing portion is provided between the inner ring of the bearing portion and the hollow shaft for splicing and fixing the two together. Under the action of the positioning component, vibration will not easily cause brush displacement, avoiding output signal fluctuations and improving the performance of this potentiometer in automobiles. By providing a bearing portion between the rotating sleeve and the hollow shaft, the frictional force when rotating the rotating sleeve is reduced, improving the feel during rotation.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of potentiometer technology, and in particular to a central control potentiometer for automobiles with a resistor-splitting positioning function. Background Technology

[0002] Potentiometers, as common electronic components, are widely used in resistance adjustment and signal control in various devices. In automotive central control systems, potentiometers are often used for functions such as volume adjustment and mode switching, and their performance directly affects the user experience and system stability. Traditional potentiometers with segmented resistance switching typically employ a simple brush-resistive contact structure, switching between different resistance segments through rotation. However, this design has the following significant problems in practical applications:

[0003] Lack of multi-gear positioning function: In the existing technology, the position switching of the brush on the resistor body mostly relies on the natural resistance of mechanical contact, which cannot achieve precise gear positioning; especially during the car's operation, vibration can easily cause unstable contact between the brush and the resistor section, resulting in output signal fluctuations, affecting the reliability of the central control system and user experience.

[0004] Poor tactile feedback: Traditional potentiometers often use direct connection or simple bearing design for their rotary mechanism, resulting in high frictional resistance and stiff, unsmooth rotation. After long-term use, mechanical wear may further exacerbate the deterioration of the feel and reduce the product's lifespan.

[0005] Therefore, a central control potentiometer for automobiles with resistor positioning is provided to solve the above-mentioned technical problems. Utility Model Content

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a central control potentiometer for automobiles with resistance segmentation positioning to address the shortcomings of existing technologies, thereby solving the technical problems that existing potentiometers with resistance segmentation switching do not have multi-position positioning function and have poor rotation feel.

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

[0008] A central control potentiometer for automobiles with resistance positioning includes a base and a cylindrical hollow shaft. The base is formed with an installation chamber. The bottom end of the hollow shaft is placed in the installation chamber and integrally formed with the base. A rotating sleeve is sleeved on the outside of the hollow shaft. The bottom of the rotating sleeve is provided with a rotating seat placed in the installation chamber. A cover for covering the installation chamber is installed on the top of the base. A resistor is installed at the bottom of the installation chamber.

[0009] The resistor is divided into multiple independent resistor segments along the circumference. The bottom of the rotating seat is equipped with brushes that come into contact with each resistor segment in sequence after rotation. The mounting cavity is equipped with a positioning component for multi-position positioning of the rotating seat.

[0010] A bearing portion is installed between the inner wall of the rotating sleeve and the outer wall of the hollow shaft. The center point of the bearing portion is coaxial with the axis of rotation of the rotating sleeve. The outer ring of the bearing portion is fixedly installed with the inner wall of the rotating sleeve, and a splicing portion is provided between the inner ring of the bearing portion and the hollow shaft for splicing and fixing the two.

[0011] Furthermore, the splicing part includes several inserts disposed on the inner sidewall of the inner ring of the bearing part, and the outer sidewall of the hollow shaft body is formed with several vertically arranged grooves for inserts to be inserted.

[0012] Furthermore, several inserts are arranged in an equidistant array around the center point of the bearing portion, and the number of slots is the same as the number of inserts, with several slots arranged in an equidistant array around the central axis of the hollow shaft.

[0013] Furthermore, the inner wall of the mounting chamber is provided with an annular boss, and the rotating seat placed in the mounting chamber rests on the boss. The top surface of the boss is provided with several balls, and the bottom of the rotating seat is formed with a flange for contacting the balls.

[0014] Furthermore, the positioning component includes a positioning ring disposed on the top of the rotating seat and whose center point is coaxial with the axis of rotation of the rotating sleeve. The top of the positioning ring is formed with a plurality of positioning grooves arranged in an array around its center point. A spring piece is installed in the mounting cavity above the positioning ring. The spring piece is equipped with a positioning block for cooperating with the plurality of positioning grooves to achieve multi-position positioning.

[0015] Furthermore, the top edge of the base is formed with several mounting grooves, and the edge of the spring is formed with several mounting pieces for being inserted into different mounting grooves.

[0016] Furthermore, each mounting slot is equipped with a vertically upward extending positioning post, and each mounting piece is formed with mounting holes for the positioning post to pass through.

[0017] Furthermore, the edge of the shell cover is provided with a snap-fit ​​part, the outer wall of the base is formed with a snap-fit ​​block, and the snap-fit ​​part is formed with a snap-fit ​​groove for the snap-fit ​​block to be snapped into.

[0018] Furthermore, the outer wall of the base is formed with a limiting groove, and the shell cover is provided with limiting feet that are embedded in the limiting groove to limit its movement.

[0019] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: When in use, rotating the rotating sleeve on the hollow shaft will cause the rotating seat to rotate in the mounting cavity of the base. The rotating seat carries the brush to slide on the surface of the resistor and contact each resistor segment in turn. When the position of the brush changes continuously between the resistor segments, the resistance change is output to the central control system through the pin, realizing the segmented switching of resistance value.

[0020] When the brush contacts the designated resistance segment, the positioning component positions the rotating seat, thereby achieving precise gear positioning. When this potentiometer is used in automobiles, the positioning component prevents the brush from easily shifting due to vibration, avoiding output signal fluctuations and improving the performance of this potentiometer in automobiles.

[0021] In addition, while the rotating sleeve is fitted onto the outside of the hollow shaft from top to bottom, the outer ring of the bearing part is spliced ​​and fixed to the rotating sleeve through the splicing part. After rotating the rotating sleeve, the outer ring of the bearing part rotates with the rotating sleeve, while the inner ring of the bearing part remains fixed. By setting the bearing part between the rotating sleeve and the hollow shaft, the friction force when rotating the rotating sleeve is reduced, and the feel when rotating is improved. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the present invention from another perspective.

[0025] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the base of this utility model.

[0026] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the bearing part of this utility model.

[0027] The reference numerals in the figures include:

[0028] 1. Base; 101. Mounting chamber; 102. Locking block; 103. Limiting groove; 104. Mounting groove; 105. Positioning post; 2. Shell cover; 201. Snap-fit ​​part; 202. Locking groove; 203. Limiting support foot; 3. Resistor; 4. Rotating sleeve; 5. Rotating seat; 501. Flange part; 6. Brush; 61. LED light; 7. Positioning ring; 8. Positioning groove; 9. Spring piece; 901. Mounting piece; 902. Mounting hole; 10. Positioning block; 11. Bearing part; 12. Insert; 13. Hollow shaft; 14. Insert groove; 15. Boss; 16. Ball bearing. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The following is a detailed description of a central control potentiometer for automobiles with resistor positioning based on the present invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0030] like Figure 1-5As shown, an embodiment of the automotive central control potentiometer with resistor positioning according to this utility model includes a base 1 and a cylindrical hollow shaft 13. The base 1 is formed with a mounting chamber 101. The bottom end of the hollow shaft 13 is placed inside the mounting chamber 101 and is integrally formed with the base 1. A rotating sleeve 4 is sleeved on the outside of the hollow shaft 13. The rotating sleeve 4 can rotate relative to the hollow shaft 13, and a rotating seat 5 is provided at the bottom of the rotating sleeve 4. The rotating seat 5 is placed inside the mounting chamber 101 of the base 1. When the rotating sleeve 4 on the hollow shaft 13 is rotated, the rotating seat 5 will rotate within the mounting chamber 101 of the base 1. To prevent the rotating seat 5 from detaching from the mounting chamber 101, a cover 2 is installed on the top of the base 1 to cover the mounting chamber 101. Specifically, the edge of the cover 2 is provided with a snap-fit ​​part 201, and the outer wall of the base 1 is formed with a snap-fit ​​block 102. The snap-fit ​​part 201 is formed with a slot 202 for the snap-fit ​​block 102 to be snapped into. When the cover 2 is installed on the top of the base 1, the cover 2 is first put on the outside of the rotating sleeve 4 from top to bottom, and then the snap-fit ​​block 102 is snapped into the slot 202 on the snap-fit ​​part 201, so that the cover 2 is snapped into the base 1 and installed. After installation, the installation chamber 101 is covered.

[0031] In addition, a limiting groove 103 is formed on the outer wall of the base 1, and the cover 2 is also provided with a limiting foot 203 that is embedded in the limiting groove 103 to limit its position. When the cover 2 is snapped onto the top of the base 1, the limiting foot 203 is embedded in the limiting groove 103, and the limiting groove 103 limits the limiting foot 203, thereby making the cover 2 more stable when it is installed on the top of the base 1.

[0032] Furthermore, a resistor 3 is installed at the bottom of the mounting chamber 101, and a brush 6 for contacting the surface of the resistor 3 is installed at the bottom of the rotating seat 5. By rotating the rotating sleeve 4, the user can drive the rotating seat 5 to rotate within the mounting chamber 101, and slide the brush 6 along the surface of the resistor 3 to change the position of the brush 6 on the surface of the resistor 3, thereby changing the effective connection length of the resistor 3. The continuous adjustment of the electrical signal (resistance value or voltage) is achieved by utilizing the principle of resistor voltage division.

[0033] Specifically, the resistor 3 is divided into multiple independent resistance segments (R1, R2, R3...) along the circumference. Each resistance segment is physically separated by an insulating isolation strip (made of plastic or ceramic) to form an independent resistance value area. The brush 6 is an arc-shaped metal sheet whose curvature covers the boundary area of ​​at least two resistance segments. When the rotating sleeve 4 is rotated, the brush 6 can contact each resistance segment in turn to realize the segmented switching of resistance value.

[0034] When the brush 6 processes a designated position, a positioning ring 7 is provided on the top of the rotating seat 5, with its center point coaxial with the axis of rotation of the rotating sleeve 4. The top of the positioning ring 7 has several positioning grooves 8 arranged in an array around its center point. A spring piece 9 is installed above the positioning ring 7 within the mounting chamber 101. The spring piece 9 is equipped with positioning blocks 10 that engage with the positioning grooves 8 to achieve multi-position positioning. The number and position of the positions correspond to the number and position of the resistor segments on the resistor body 3. When the brush 6 contacts different resistor segments, the positioning block 10 embeds into the corresponding positioning groove 8. When the rotating sleeve 4 is rotated, the brush 6 switches the contact resistance segment on the resistor body 3 (e.g., from R1 to R2), and the resistance change is output to the central control system through the pin. While the rotating sleeve 4 rotates and the positioning ring 7 rotates together, the positioning block 10 slides on the top of the positioning ring 7, and the spring 9 is in a deformed state. When the positioning ring 7 rotates to the point where the positioning block 10 is aligned with the positioning groove 8, the positioning block 10 is embedded in the positioning groove 8, and at the same time, a "click" tactile feedback is generated. At this time, the brush 6 is in contact with the specified resistance segment on the resistor body 3 (corresponding to the positioning groove 8), which not only achieves precise gear positioning but also provides tactile feedback.

[0035] In this embodiment, the brush 6 includes a first brush and a second brush, one of which has an LED light 61 embedded in it. The LED light 61 is embedded in the rotating base 5. The brush with the LED light 61 contacts the surface of the resistor 3, which has terminals (directly visible in the figure). The brush with the LED light 61 is electrically connected to the terminals through the resistor 3. When the external circuit is connected to the terminals, the current flows sequentially through the terminals, the resistor 3, and the brush with the LED light 61, finally flowing into the LED light 61, causing it to emit light. When the rotating sleeve 4 is rotated, the rotating base 5 rotates synchronously. The brush 6, located at the bottom of the rotating base 5, slides on the surface of the resistor 3. The change in the position of the brush 6 changes the resistance value of the circuit it is connected to, causing changes in the brightness and color of the LED light 61, thus providing the user with an intuitive indication of the working status and enhancing the ease of use and operability of the potentiometer.

[0036] In addition, this potentiometer is mainly used in automobiles to adjust various parameters (such as volume, mode, etc.). During the driving process, the positioning block 10 is embedded in the positioning groove 8 for positioning, so that the brush 6 will not easily be displaced when vibrating, thus avoiding output signal fluctuations and improving the performance of this potentiometer in automobiles.

[0037] To improve the feel of the potentiometer during use, a bearing portion 11 is installed between the inner wall of the rotating sleeve 4 and the outer wall of the hollow shaft 13. The center point of the bearing portion 11 is coaxial with the axis of rotation of the rotating sleeve 4. The bearing portion 11 is a conventional component, namely a ball bearing. The outer ring of the bearing portion 11 is fixedly installed to the inner wall of the rotating sleeve 4. Several inserts 12 are arranged in an equidistant array around the center point on the inner wall of the inner ring of the bearing portion 11. Several vertically arranged slots 14 are formed on the outer wall of the hollow shaft 13 for inserts 12 to be inserted. The number of slots 14 is the same as the number of inserts 12, and the slots 14 are arranged in an equidistant array around the central axis of the hollow shaft 13.

[0038] During the process of mounting the rotating sleeve 4 on the outside of the hollow shaft 13 from top to bottom, each insert 12 is embedded in a different groove 14. When the rotating sleeve 4 is rotated, the outer ring of the bearing part 11 rotates with the rotating sleeve 4, while the inner ring of the bearing part 11 remains stationary. By setting the bearing part 11 between the rotating sleeve 4 and the hollow shaft 13, the friction force when rotating the rotating sleeve 4 is reduced, and the feel when rotating is improved.

[0039] In this embodiment, the inner wall of the mounting chamber 101 is provided with an annular boss 15. The rotating seat 5, placed inside the mounting chamber 101, rests on the boss 15. A plurality of balls 16 are provided on the top surface of the boss 15, and the bottom of the rotating seat 5 is formed with a flange portion 501 for contacting the plurality of balls 16. When the rotating seat 5 is installed in the mounting chamber 101, it is supported by the boss 15, and the flange portion 501 at the bottom of the rotating seat 5 contacts the plurality of balls 16 on the top surface of the boss 15. When the rotating seat 5 is rotated, the flange portion 501 rolls on the plurality of balls 16, further improving the feel during rotation and enhancing the user experience.

[0040] In order to install the spring piece 9 in the mounting chamber 101, a number of mounting grooves 104 are formed at the top edge of the base 1. Each mounting groove 104 is provided with a vertically upward extending positioning post 105. The edge of the spring piece 9 is formed with a number of mounting pieces 901 for being inserted into different mounting grooves 104 respectively, and each mounting piece 901 is formed with a mounting hole 902 for the positioning post 105 to pass through. When installing this potentiometer, first, the rotating sleeve 4 is fitted onto the outside of the hollow shaft 13. At this time, the rotating seat 5 is installed in the mounting chamber 101 and supported by the boss 15. Then, each mounting piece 901 on the spring 9 is installed into a different mounting slot 104, and the positioning post 105 passes through the positioning post 105 to achieve precise installation of the spring 9. Finally, the cover 2 is installed on the top of the base 1. The cover 2 restricts the rotating seat 5 and also restricts the mounting pieces 901 in the mounting slot 104, so that the mounting pieces 901 can be stably placed in the mounting slot 104, improving the convenience and stability of the spring 9 installation.

[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 central control potentiometer for automobiles with resistance positioning, comprising a base (1) and a cylindrical hollow shaft (13), wherein the base (1) is formed with an installation chamber (101), the bottom end of the hollow shaft (13) is placed in the installation chamber (101) and integrally formed with the base (1); a rotating sleeve (4) is sleeved on the outside of the hollow shaft (13), and a rotating seat (5) is provided at the bottom of the rotating sleeve (4) and placed in the installation chamber (101); a cover (2) is installed on the top of the base (1) to cover the installation chamber (101), and a resistor (3) is installed at the bottom of the installation chamber (101); Its features are: The resistor (3) is divided into multiple independent resistor segments along the circumference. The bottom of the rotating seat (5) is equipped with brushes (6) that will contact each resistor segment in sequence after rotation. The mounting chamber (101) is equipped with a positioning component for multi-position positioning of the rotating seat (5). A bearing part (11) is installed between the inner wall of the rotating sleeve (4) and the outer wall of the hollow shaft (13). The center point of the bearing part (11) is coaxial with the axis of rotation of the rotating sleeve (4). The outer ring of the bearing part (11) is fixedly installed with the inner wall of the rotating sleeve (4). A splicing part for splicing and fixing the two is provided between the inner ring of the bearing part (11) and the hollow shaft (13).

2. The automotive central control potentiometer with resistor-splitting positioning according to claim 1, characterized in that: The splicing part includes several inserts (12) disposed on the inner sidewall of the inner ring of the bearing part (11), and the outer sidewall of the hollow shaft (13) is formed with several vertically arranged grooves (14) for inserts (12) to be inserted.

3. A central control potentiometer for automobiles with resistor-based positioning according to claim 2, characterized in that: Several inserts (12) are arranged in an equidistant array around the center point of the bearing part (11), and the number of slots (14) is the same as the number of inserts (12), and several slots (14) are arranged in an equidistant array around the central axis of the hollow shaft (13).

4. The automotive central control potentiometer with resistor-splitting positioning according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner wall of the mounting chamber (101) is provided with an annular boss (15). The rotating seat (5) placed in the mounting chamber (101) rests on the boss (15). The top surface of the boss (15) is provided with a number of balls (16). The bottom of the rotating seat (5) is formed with a flange (501) for contacting the balls (16).

5. A central control potentiometer for automobiles with resistor-based positioning according to claim 1, characterized in that: The positioning assembly includes a positioning ring (7) located on the top of the rotating seat (5) and whose center point is coaxial with the axis of rotation of the rotating sleeve (4). The top of the positioning ring (7) is formed with a plurality of positioning grooves (8) arranged in an array around its center point. The mounting chamber (101) is equipped with a spring piece (9) placed above the positioning ring (7). The spring piece (9) is equipped with a positioning block (10) for cooperating with the plurality of positioning grooves (8) to achieve multi-position positioning.

6. A central control potentiometer for automobiles with resistor-based positioning according to claim 5, characterized in that: The base (1) has several mounting grooves (104) formed at its top edge, and the edge of the spring (9) has several mounting pieces (901) for being inserted into different mounting grooves (104) respectively.

7. A central control potentiometer for automobiles with resistor-splitting positioning according to claim 6, characterized in that: Each mounting slot (104) is provided with a vertically upward extending positioning post (105), and each mounting piece (901) is formed with a mounting hole (902) for the positioning post (105) to pass through.

8. A central control potentiometer for automobiles with resistor-splitting positioning according to claim 1, characterized in that: The edge of the cover (2) is provided with a snap-fit ​​part (201), and the outer wall of the base (1) is formed with a snap-fit ​​block (102). The snap-fit ​​part (201) is formed with a snap-fit ​​groove (202) for the snap-fit ​​block (102) to be snapped into.

9. A central control potentiometer for automobiles with resistor-based positioning according to claim 8, characterized in that: The outer wall of the base (1) is formed with a limiting groove (103), and the shell cover (2) is provided with a limiting foot (203) that is embedded in the limiting groove (103) to limit it.