Electrical component

Abstract

Provided is an electric component which mitigates stress acting on a terminal. This electric component comprises: an operation part disposed so as to extend in a predetermined direction; an electrical processing part which has a terminal protruding in a direction crossing the extension direction of the operation part and outputs an electrical signal in response to an operation of the operation part; and a plurality of fixation parts which are disposed so as to sandwich the terminal in the extension direction and protrude in the protrusion direction of the terminal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electrical component.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, electrical components such as variable resistors that output electrical signals according to operations of an operation unit have been put into practical use. This electrical component is used, for example, for power supply switching, volume adjustment, and channel change. Here, it is required to improve the durability of the component with respect to the operation of the operation unit.

[0003] Therefore, as a technique for improving the durability of a component with respect to an operation, for example, Patent Document 1 proposes a variable resistor switch device that realizes a structure in which a portion of a spring member that is not supported by other members is less likely to be displaced in a direction approaching a substrate while ensuring the durability of a rotating member. This device can improve the durability of the rotating member by reducing the contact between the rotating member and the spring member according to an operation.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, when the device of Patent Document 1 is attached to a product, it is fixed to a housing of the product or the like by a bearing portion disposed between an operation shaft and a variable resistor. Therefore, for example, when the operation shaft contacts an obstacle, an external force that causes the variable resistor to swing around the bearing portion may be generated, and stress may concentrate on a terminal provided on the variable resistor.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an electrical component that relaxes stress applied to a terminal.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0007] The electrical component according to the present disclosure includes an operation part arranged to extend in a predetermined direction, the aforesaid a terminal protruding in a direction intersecting the extending direction of the operation part , connected to the operation unit and the that outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the operation of the operation part electric circuit, and having a case formed to cover the electric circuit an electrical processing part, a front mounting portion formed to spread over all of it while contacting the front surface of the case in the extending direction thereof, a rear mounting portion formed to spread over all of it while contacting the rear surface of the case in the extending direction thereof, and a fastener for fixing the front mounting portion, the electric processing portion, and the rear mounting portion and is provided with , the front mounting portion has a front fixing portion protruding in the protruding direction of the terminal, and the rear mounting portion has a rear fixing portion protruding in the protruding direction the above.

Advantages of the Invention

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it becomes possible to relieve the stress applied to the terminal.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1A

Figure 1B

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4A

Figure 4B

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described based on the accompanying drawings.

[0011] (Embodiment 1) Figures 1A and 1B show the configuration of an electrical component according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. The electrical component has an operation unit 1, a bearing unit 2, an electrical processing unit 3, two mounting units 4 and 5, and a plurality of fixing units 6. Examples of the electrical component include a variable resistor and a rotary encoder that output an electrical signal according to the rotation of the operation unit 1.

[0012] The operation unit 1 is rotated by an operator, extends in a predetermined direction from the base end portion, and is arranged to be rotatable around its central axis.

[0013] The bearing unit 2 rotatably supports the intermediate portion of the operation unit 1 and is arranged to cover the outer periphery of the operation unit 1.

[0014] The electrical processing unit 3 is connected to the tip end portion of the operation unit 1 and outputs an electrical signal according to the operation of the operation unit 1. It has a case 7, an electrical circuit 8, and terminals 9a and 9b.

[0015] The case 7 has a box shape that covers the electrical circuit 8 and is arranged on the tip end side of the operation unit 1 with respect to the bearing unit 2. The case 7 can be made of a resin material, for example, it is made of polybutylene terephthalate resin and liquid crystal polymer.

[0016] The electrical circuit 8 is arranged in the case 7, connected to the tip end portion of the operation unit 1, and generates an electrical signal according to the operation of the operation unit 1. For example, the electrical circuit 8 can change the voltage according to the rotational position of the operation unit 1 and generate the voltage as an electrical signal. Also, the electrical circuit 8 can convert the rotational position of the operation unit 1 into a digital quantity and generate the digital quantity as an electrical signal.

[0017] The terminals 9a and 9b are electrically connected to an external substrate (not shown) to output the electrical signals generated by the electric circuit 8. They are electrically connected to the electric circuit 8 and are formed to extend from the electric circuit 8 in a protruding direction D2 orthogonal to the extending direction D1 of the operation unit 1. That is, the terminals 9a and 9b are formed to extend toward the bottom surface of the case 7. Then, the terminals 9a and 9b penetrate the bottom surface of the case 7 and are formed to protrude in the protruding direction D2 to the outside of the case 7.

[0018] The terminals 9a and 9b are respectively arranged such that three terminals are aligned in the width direction D3 orthogonal to the extending direction D1 and the protruding direction D2. That is, the terminals 9a and 9b are composed of a total of six terminals.

[0019] Note that the terminals 9a and 9b can be connected to the electric circuit 8 so as to output different electrical signals. For example, an electrical signal corresponding to the rotational operation amount on one direction side of the operation unit 1 can be output from the terminal 9a, and an electrical signal corresponding to the rotational operation amount on the other direction side of the operation unit 1 can be output from the terminal 9b.

[0020] The mounting portion 4 is arranged between the bearing portion 2 and the electric processing portion 3 and is formed to spread out in a planar shape outside the electric processing portion 3. Specifically, the mounting portion 4 has a plate shape with a relatively large thickness and is formed to spread over the entire front surface of the case 7 while being in contact with it. That is, the mounting portion 4 is formed to have substantially the same length as the case 7 in the protruding direction D2 and the width direction D3. Further, the mounting portion 4 is composed of a metal material and is integrally joined to the bearing portion 2.

[0021] The mounting portion 5 is arranged to sandwich the electric processing portion 3 between it and the mounting portion 4 and is formed to spread out in a planar shape outside the electric processing portion 3. Specifically, the mounting portion 5 has a plate shape and is formed to spread over the entire rear surface of the case 7 while being in contact with it. That is, the mounting portion 5 is formed to have substantially the same length as the case 7 in the protruding direction D2 and the width direction D3. Further, the mounting portion 5 is composed of a metal material.

[0022] Here, four fasteners 10 extending in the extending direction D1 are arranged so as to penetrate the mounting portion 4, the electric processing portion 3, and the mounting portion 5, and the mounting portion 4, the electric processing portion 3, and the mounting portion 5 are fixed to each other by the fasteners 10. The fastener 10 is made of a metal material such as aluminum.

[0023] The plurality of fixing portions 6 are fixed to an external substrate (not shown) to which the terminals 9a and 9b are electrically connected, are arranged so as to sandwich the terminals 9a and 9b in the extending direction D1, and are formed so as to protrude from the bottom edge portions of the mounting portions 4 and 5 in the protruding direction D2 of the terminals 9a and 9b. At this time, since the bottom edge portions of the mounting portions 4 and 5 are arranged at substantially the same position as the bottom surface of the case 7 in the protruding direction D2, the fixing portion 6 protrudes from substantially the same position as the terminals 9a and 9b in the protruding direction D2.

[0024] Specifically, the fixing portion 6 has a pair of front fixing portions 11a and 11b and a pair of rear fixing portions 12a and 12b.

[0025] The front fixing portions 11a and 11b are arranged so as to protrude in the protruding direction D2 from the bottom edge portion of the mounting portion 4. The front fixing portions 11a and 11b are arranged on the base end side of the operation portion 1 with respect to the terminals 9a and 9b, and are formed so as to sandwich the terminals 9a and 9b in the width direction D3. Further, the front fixing portions 11a and 11b are formed in a columnar shape, specifically, formed from a so-called round pin having a cylindrical shape.

[0026] Here, the front fixing portions 11a and 11b are made of a metal material and are integrally joined to the mounting portion 4. That is, the bearing portion 2, the mounting portion 4, the front fixing portions 11a and 11b are integrally joined. The bearing portion 2, the mounting portion 4, the front fixing portions 11a and 11b can be integrally formed by methods such as metal injection molding and die casting.

[0027] The rear fixing portions 12a and 12b project from the bottom edge portion of the mounting portion 5 in the protruding direction D2 and are formed so as to sandwich the terminals 9a and 9b in the extending direction D1 between the front fixing portions 11a and 11b. Also, the rear fixing portions 12a and 12b are arranged so as to sandwich the terminals 9a and 9b in the width direction D3. The rear fixing portions 12a and 12b are formed in a plate shape, specifically, formed from so-called bent terminals obtained by bending a plate-like member. Note that the rear fixing portions 12a and 12b have substantially the same width as the front fixing portions 11a and 11b and are arranged at substantially the same position as the front fixing portions 11a and 11b in the width direction D3. Here, the rear fixing portions 12a and 12b are made of a metal material and are integrally joined to the mounting portion 5.

[0028] In this way, the fixing portion 6 is integrally joined to the mounting portions 4 and 5. For this reason, the number of parts of the electrical component can be suppressed, and the electrical component can be easily assembled. In particular, by integrally joining the front fixing portions 11a and 11b to the mounting portions 4 and the bearing portion 2, the number of parts of the electrical component can be greatly suppressed, and the electrical component can be assembled more easily.

[0029] Next, a method of attaching the electrical component to an external substrate will be described.

[0030] First, as shown in FIG. 2, the front fixing portions 11a and 11b, the rear fixing portions 12a and 12b, and the terminals 9a and 9b are inserted into through-holes formed in the external substrate S and fixed to the external substrate S with a fixing agent F such as solder.

[0031] Here, since the front fixing portions 11a and 11b and the rear fixing portions 12a and 12b are formed so as to project in the same protruding direction D2 as the terminals 9a and 9b, they can be inserted into the through-holes of the external substrate S simultaneously with the terminals 9a and 9b and can be easily fixed with the fixing agent F.

[0032] At this time, terminals 9a and 9b are electrically connected to a non-ground point formed on the external substrate S. On the other hand, the front fixing parts 11a and 11b, and the rear fixing parts 12a and 12b are electrically connected to a ground point formed on the external substrate S. Since the front fixing parts 11a and 11b, and the rear fixing parts 12a and 12b are electrically connected to the mounting parts 4 and 5, and the fastener 10, the mounting parts 4 and 5, and the fastener 10 are electrically connected to the ground point of the external substrate S via the front fixing parts 11a and 11b, and the rear fixing parts 12a and 12b.

[0033] Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.

[0034] First, as shown in FIG. 2, the operation unit 1 is rotationally operated. Depending on the operation of this operation unit 1, stress may be generated in the stress direction D4 away from the external substrate S on the terminals 9a and 9b. Also, when the operation unit 1 contacts an obstacle or the like, the same stress is generated on the terminals 9a and 9b. At this time, as shown in FIG. 3, when the fixing part 6 is not fixed to the external substrate S, the terminals 9a and 9b may be disconnected due to the stress in the stress direction D4.

[0035] Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, a plurality of fixing parts 6 protruding in the protruding direction D2 of the terminals 9a and 9b are arranged so as to sandwich the terminals 9a and 9b in the extending direction D1. Thereby, since the fixing part 6 supports the electric processing part 3 outside the terminals 9a and 9b in the stress direction D4, the stress applied to the terminals 9a and 9b can be relaxed, and disconnection of the terminals 9a and 9b can be suppressed.

[0036] Also, since the fixing part 6 supports the electric processing part 3, the stress applied to the terminals 9a and 9b can be relaxed without fixing the bearing part 2 to the housing of the product or the like. Therefore, the labor of fixing the bearing part 2 with a fixing tool such as a nut can be suppressed, and the electrical components can be easily assembled.

[0037] Further, the fixing portion 6 is arranged to protrude from substantially the same position as the terminals 9a and 9b in the protruding direction D2. Thereby, since the fixing portion 6 is fixed to the external substrate S in substantially the same plane as the terminals 9a and 9b, the stress applied to the terminals 9a and 9b can be reliably relaxed.

[0038] Also, the front fixing portions 11a and 11b are arranged so as to sandwich the terminals 9a and 9b in the width direction D3. Thereby, the electric processing portion 3 can be supported in the width direction D3, and the stress applied to the terminals 9a and 9b can be reliably relaxed. At this time, since the front fixing portions 11a and 11b are arranged outside the terminals 9a and 9b in the width direction D3, the stress applied to the terminals 9a and 9b can be more reliably relaxed.

[0039] Similarly, the rear fixing portions 12a and 12b are arranged so as to sandwich the terminals 9a and 9b in the width direction D3. Thereby, the electric processing portion 3 can be supported in the width direction D3, and the stress applied to the terminals 9a and 9b can be reliably relaxed. Also, since the rear fixing portions 12a and 12b are arranged outside the terminals 9a and 9b in the width direction D3, the stress applied to the terminals 9a and 9b can be more reliably relaxed.

[0040] Also, the rear fixing portions 12a and 12b are arranged at substantially the same position as the front fixing portions 11a and 11b in the width direction D3. Thereby, the entire electric processing portion 3 can be stably supported, and the stress applied to the terminals 9a and 9b can be reliably relaxed.

[0041] Also, the front fixing portions 11a and 11b are formed in a columnar shape, and can support the electric processing portion 3 more firmly than those formed in a plate shape. For this reason, the stress applied to the terminals 9a and 9b can be reliably relaxed. Further, by forming the front fixing portions 11a and 11b, to which a large stress is applied from the base end portion of the operation portion 1, in a columnar shape as compared with the rear fixing portions 12a and 12b, the stress applied to the terminals 9a and 9b can be reliably relaxed.

[0042] In this way, when the operation unit 1 is operated while relaxing the stress applied to the terminals 9a and 9b, an electric signal corresponding to the operation amount of the operation unit 1 is generated in the electric circuit 8. Then, the electric signal generated in the electric circuit 8 is output to a non-ground point formed on the external substrate S via the terminals 9a and 9b. At this time, since disconnection of the terminals 9a and 9b is suppressed by the fixing portion 6, the electric signal generated in the electric circuit 8 can be surely output to the non-ground point of the external substrate S.

[0043] Here, the fixing portion 6 is made of a metal material and is electrically connected to the ground point of the external substrate S. Thereby, the electric circuit 8 can be electrically shielded by the attachment portions 4 and 5 made of a metal material and the fastener 10, and generation of noise in the electric signal output from the terminals 9a and 9b can be suppressed. At this time, the attachment portions 4 and 5 and the fastener 10 are arranged so as to surround the electric circuit 8. Therefore, generation of noise in the electric signal can be surely suppressed.

[0044] In this way, the electric signal output from the terminals 9a and 9b is transmitted to an electronic component or the like connected to the non-ground point of the external substrate S. For example, when the non-ground point of the external substrate S is connected to an electronic component that adjusts the volume of a radio or the like, the volume is adjusted based on the electric signal corresponding to the operation amount of the operation unit 1.

[0045] According to the present embodiment, a plurality of fixing portions 6 protruding in the protruding direction D2 of the terminals 9a and 9b are arranged so as to sandwich the terminals 9a and 9b in the extending direction D1. Thereby, when the fixing portion 6 is fixed to the external substrate S, since the fixing portion 6 supports the electric processing unit 3 outside the terminals 9a and 9b in the stress direction D4, the stress applied to the terminals 9a and 9b can be relaxed.

[0046] (Embodiment 2) Next, Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure will be described. Here, the description will focus on the differences from the above-described Embodiment 1, and for the common points with the above-described Embodiment 1, the same reference numerals will be used and the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0047] In the above-described Embodiment 1, the fixing portion 6 is formed to have the front fixing portions 11a and 11b formed in a columnar shape and the rear fixing portions 12a and 12b formed in a plate shape, but it is sufficient that the fixing portion 6 protrudes in the protruding direction D2 of the terminals 9a and 9b, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0048] For example, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, a pair of rear fixing portions 21a and 21b can be arranged in place of the pair of rear fixing portions 12a and 12b of Embodiment 1, and a pair of attachment portions 22a and 22b can be arranged in place of the attachment portion 5.

[0049] The attachment portions 22a and 22b are arranged so as to sandwich the electric processing portion 3 in the width direction D3, and are formed to spread in a planar shape on the outside of the electric processing portion 3. Specifically, the attachment portions 22a and 22b have a plate shape and are formed to spread over substantially all of the attachment portions while being in contact with the side surface of the case 7. Further, the attachment portions 22a and 22b are made of a metal material and are integrally joined to the attachment portion 4.

[0050] The rear fixing portions 21a and 21b are arranged at the bottom edge portions of the attachment portions 22a and 22b at positions where the terminals 9a and 9b are sandwiched in the extending direction D1 between the front fixing portions 11a and 11b, and are formed to protrude in the protruding direction D2 from that position. Further, the rear fixing portions 21a and 21b are arranged so as to sandwich the terminals 9a and 9b in the width direction D3. At this time, the rear fixing portions 21a and 21b are arranged outside the front fixing portions 11a and 11b in the width direction D3. Further, the rear fixing portions 21a and 21b are formed in a columnar shape, specifically, in the shape of so-called round pins having a cylindrical shape.

[0051] Further, the rear fixing portions 21a and 21b are made of a metal material and are integrally joined to the mounting portions 22a and 22b, respectively. That is, the bearing portion 2, the mounting portion 4, the front fixing portions 11a and 11b, the mounting portions 22a and 22b, and the rear fixing portions 21a and 21b are integrally joined. Thereby, the number of parts of the electrical components can be greatly suppressed, and the electrical components can be assembled more easily.

[0052] Note that an opening through which the tip of the operation portion 1 is exposed is formed in the rear surface of the case 7. Thereby, a plurality of electrical processing portions can be connected behind the electrical processing portion 3, and an electrical signal corresponding to the operation of the operation portion 1 can be output from the plurality of electrical processing portions.

[0053] With such a configuration, by fixing the front fixing portions 11a and 11b and the rear fixing portions 21a and 21b to the external substrate S, the stress applied to the terminals 9a and 9b can be relaxed, and disconnection of the terminals 9a and 9b can be suppressed.

[0054] At this time, since the front fixing portions 11a and 11b and the rear fixing portions 21a and 21b are formed in a columnar shape, the electrical processing portion 3 can be supported more firmly, and the stress applied to the terminals 9a and 9b can be reliably relaxed.

[0055] Further, since the rear fixing portions 21a and 21b are arranged outside the front fixing portions 11a and 11b in the width direction D3, the electrical processing portion 3 can be supported more stably, and the stress applied to the terminals 9a and 9b can be reliably relaxed. At this time, since the rear fixing portions 21a and 21b are provided on the mounting portions 22a and 22b arranged on the side of the case 7, they are arranged largely offset outside the front fixing portions 11a and 11b in the width direction D3. Therefore, the stress applied to the terminals 9a and 9b can be more reliably relaxed.

[0056] In addition, the mounting portions 22a and 22b are formed so as to extend over substantially the entire area while being in contact with the side surface of the case 7. Thereby, the electric circuit 8 can be electrically shielded, and generation of noise in the electric signals output from the terminals 9a and 9b can be suppressed.

[0057] According to the present embodiment, since the rear fixing portions 21a and 21b are formed in a columnar shape, the electric processing portion 3 can be firmly supported, and the stress applied to the terminals 9a and 9b can be reliably relaxed.

[0058] In the above-described first and second embodiments, the plurality of fixing portions 6 are fixed to the external substrate S with a fixing agent. However, it is sufficient that the fixing portions 6 can be fixed to the external substrate S, and the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0059] In the above-described first and second embodiments, the fixing portion 6 is integrally joined to the mounting portion. However, it is sufficient that the fixing portion 6 protrudes in the protruding direction D2 of the terminal, and the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0060] In the above-described first and second embodiments, the fixing portion 6 is composed of a pair of front fixing portions 11a and 11b and a pair of rear fixing portions. However, it is sufficient that the fixing portion 6 is arranged so as to sandwich the terminal in the extending direction D1, and the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the fixing portion 6 can also be composed of a pair of front fixing portions and one rear fixing portion.

[0061] In the above-described first and second embodiments, the mounting portion is arranged so as to contact the outer surface of the case 7. However, it is sufficient that the mounting portion is arranged so as to extend in a planar shape outside the electric processing portion, and the mounting portion may be arranged at a distance from the case 7.

[0062] In the above-described first and second embodiments, the bearing portion 2 can also be fixed to the housing of the product or the like with a fixture such as a nut. Thereby, the stress applied to the terminals 9a and 9b can be more reliably relaxed.

[0063] Also, in the above-described Embodiments 1 and 2, the operation unit 1 is arranged to be rotatable around its central axis, but it is not limited thereto as long as it is arranged to extend in the extending direction D1. For example, the operation unit 1 can also be arranged to swing. Thereby, an electric signal corresponding to the swinging operation of the operation unit 1 is output from the electric processing unit.

[0064] In addition, each of the above-described embodiments is merely an example of implementation in carrying out the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention should not be construed in a limited manner by these. That is, the present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from the gist or main features thereof. For example, the disclosure regarding the shape, number, etc. of each part described in the above-described embodiments is merely illustrative, and can be appropriately changed and implemented.

[0065] This application is based on a Japanese patent application (Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-190921) filed on November 17, 2020, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Industrial Applicability

[0066] The electrical component according to the present disclosure can be used for an electrical component having terminals protruding in a direction intersecting the extending direction of the operation unit.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0067] 1 Operation unit 2 Bearing part 3 Electric processing unit 4, 5, 22a, 22b Mounting part 6 Fixing part 7 Case 8 Electric circuit 9a, 9b Terminal 10 Fastener 11a, 11b Front fixing part 12a, 12b, 21a, 21b Rear fixing part D1 Extending direction D2 Protruding direction D3 Width direction D4 Stress Direction F Fixing Agent S External Substrate

Claims

1. An operation unit arranged to extend in a predetermined direction, a terminal protruding in a direction intersecting the extending direction of the operation unit, an electric circuit connected to the operation unit and outputting an electric signal according to the operation of the operation unit, and an electric processing unit having a case formed to cover the electric circuit, a front mounting portion formed to spread over all of it while contacting the front surface of the case in the extending direction, a rear mounting portion formed to spread over all of it while contacting the rear surface of the case in the extending direction, a fastener for fixing the front mounting portion, the electric processing unit, and the rear mounting portion, the front mounting portion has a front fixing portion protruding in the protruding direction of the terminal, the rear mounting portion has a rear fixing portion protruding in the protruding direction, an electrical component.

2. The front mounting portion, the rear mounting portion, the fastener, the front fixing portion, and the rear fixing portion are made of a metal material, the front mounting portion, the rear mounting portion, and the fastener are arranged to surround the electric circuit, the front fixing portion and the rear fixing portion are inserted into through holes formed in an external substrate to which the terminal is electrically connected, and are electrically connected to the ground point of the external substrate, the electrical component according to Claim 1.

3. The front fixing portion is a pair of the front fixing portions arranged to sandwich the terminals with each other in a width direction intersecting the extending direction and the protruding direction, the rear fixing portion is a pair of the rear fixing portions arranged to sandwich the terminals with each other in the width direction, the electrical component according to Claim 1.

4. The pair of the front fixing portions are formed in a column shape, and the pair of the rear fixing portions are formed in a plate shape is formed, the electrical component according to Claim 3.

5. The pair of the front fixing portions and the pair of the rear fixing portions are formed in a column shape, the electrical component according to Claim 3.

6. The pair of the rear fixing portions are arranged outside the pair of the front fixing portions in the width direction, the electrical component according to Claim 3.

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