Abstract: A variable electronic component includes an insulating substrate and a metal rotor rotatably attached to the upper surface of the substrate. The rotor includes a cup-shaped member attached to the substrate and having an upper end formed with an outward flange. The rotor also includes a plate member formed integral with the flange via a hinge portion. The plate member is arranged on an upper side or a lower side of the flange. The cup-shaped member or the plate member is formed with a recess, and the other is formed with a protrusion fitted into the recess.

Abstract: A mounting structure is provided to mount, on the same circuit board, two types of electrical parts in each of which an operating member is rotatably supported by a housing including sliders and a conductive pattern, such as a contact pattern, and which are similar in arrangement of terminals to extend terminal-insertion holes of the circuit board. Each of the electrical parts has a positioning protrusion protruding from its bottom face, and the position of the positioning protrusion differs according to the type of the electrical part. In a mounting region of the circuit board for each electrical part, a positioning hole is provided in which only the positioning protrusion of the corresponding electrical part can be inserted. Preferably, the positioning protrusion protrudes from a bottom face of a bottom plate member attached at the bottom of the housing.

Abstract: A resistor card for a fuel level sensor has improved resistance to corrosion and wear. The resistor card has a substrate with a resistive layer and a conductive layer. A nickel layer covers the conductive layer. A nickel-gold alloy layer covers the nickel layer. The nickel-gold alloy layer protects the conductive layer from sulfur corrosion and improves wear resistance.

Abstract: A resistor card for a fuel level sensor has improved resistance to corrosion and wear. The resistor card has a substrate with a resistive layer and a conductive layer. A nickel layer covers the conductive layer. A nickel-gold alloy layer covers the nickel layer. The nickel-gold alloy layer protects the conductive layer from sulfur corrosion and improves wear resistance.

Abstract: An architectural preset rotary and preset slide control device comprising an N-mode latch mechanically coupled to a switch having a pole and a plurality of receiving terminals. The device further comprises a variable control component that is electrically coupled to the switch such that when the latch is activated into one of the N modes, the switch pole is caused to be electrically coupled to one of the receiving terminals allowing electrical energy at the pole to be routed through the switch to one of the receiving terminals. The variable control component controls the amount of electrical energy that is routed through the switch. The device has a modular design in that the switch, latch, variable control component and other parts of the device are single piece parts that facilitate the assembly of the device during its manufacture.

Abstract: A terminal plate is formed with a wide portion and a narrow portion. The wide portion, to be insert-molded by a housing of a synthetic resin, is opened by an elongate blank hole having an inner peripheral surface parallel with a side shape thereof, thereby forming two divisional parts on the both sides thereof. The divisional part is given by a width s1 narrower than a width s2 of the narrow portion, wherein the total width (s1×2) of the two divisional parts is made equal to the width s2 of the narrow portion. Grooves can be formed on the main and back surfaces of the divisional parts.

Abstract: A high-voltage variable resistor includes an insulating-resin front case, and an insulating-resin rear case fitted to the front case. The front case further includes a circuit board having a circuit pattern including a resistive element, and a slider that is slidable on the resistive element. The rear case includes a capacitor housing for accommodating a capacitor, and a terminal guide for accommodating an external connection terminal. The capacitor housing and the terminal guides are integrally molded with the rear case.

Abstract: A variable resistor is configured such that a contact of a contact arm is prevented from contacting a driver plate even when the height of a disk section of a sliding contact is reduced so as to reduce the height of the variable resistor. A sliding contact includes an annular driver plate disposed on the top surface, a disk section folded from the external periphery of the driver plate to the back side, and the semi-circular contact arm provided in the external periphery of the disk section opposite to the folded portion. In the external periphery of the driver plate opposite to the folded portion on the back surface thereof, i.e., in a portion of the disk section folded to the back side of the driver plate opposing the contact of the contact arm, a step is provided such that a gap between the driver plate and the contact arm is increased.

Abstract: An illumination-type rotary variable resistor. A housing includes a round bottom plate, a cylindrical outer wall protruding in a first direction, and a cylinder. This housing houses an annular insulating substrate having a resistor film and LED conductive film on its surface facing in the first direction. An operating knob includes a cylindrical operating member rotatably fitted to the cylinder and a flange having a resistor slider and LED slider on a face in a second direction being opposite to the first direction. The operating member has a through hole along the first direction, and the flange is attached to the operating member in the second direction. A cover covers the housing and flange. A surface-mount LED is disposed in the through hole at an end which is facing in the second direction. A resistor slider slides on the resistor film, and a LED slider slides on the LED conductive film.

Abstract: A variable-resistance element exhibiting high wear resistance and superior microlinearity includes a resistor constituted from a first resistive layer containing a first reinforcing material and a second resistive layer containing conductive carbon black and a second reinforcing material, the second resistive layer being disposed on the first resistive layer. The first reinforcing material is pulverized carbon fibers having an average particle size of 3 ?m. The second reinforcing material is thermal black having an average particle size of 0.35 ?m.

Abstract: On a surface of a transfer sheet, a resistor paste is first patterned, and a binder resin thereof is then heat-cured to form resistor layers. Next, an electrode paste containing a binder resin, which has a thermosetting temperature lower than a thermosetting temperature and a glass transition temperature of the binder resin of the resistor layers, is patterned on surfaces of the resistor layers and is then heat-cured, thereby forming electrode layers. By the steps described above, powdered silver contained in the electrode layers is unlikely to ooze into the resistor layers.

Abstract: A potentiometer, used in particular as a position sensor or position transducer is disclosed, which has at least one wiper path and one wiper that has at least one contact element (19), resting with a contact face (20) on the wiper path and electrically contacting the wiper path; the wiper and the wiper path are movable toward one another. To reduce costs by reducing the amount of noble metal used for the contacting in the potentiometer, the contact element (19) has an electrically conductive core (21) and a noble metal jacket (22), surrounding the core (21), whose annular end face at least partly forms the contact face (20) (FIG. 4).

Abstract: A high-voltage variable resistor includes an insulating-resin front case, and an insulating-resin rear case fitted to the front case. The front case further includes a circuit board having a circuit pattern including a resistive element, and a slider that is slidable on the resistive element. The rear case includes a capacitor housing for accommodating a capacitor, and a terminal guide for accommodating an external connection terminal. The capacitor housing and the terminal guides are integrally molded with the rear case.

Abstract: A rotatable variable resistor with a clicking mechanism includes a rotary unit provided with a rotor and a wiper, and a fixed unit provided with a cover, a resistor substrate, and external terminals. The wiper has an arm segment, a clicking projection and a non-clicking projection. The undersurface of the cover is provided with a clicking depression. The distance from the center of rotation of the rotary unit to the top of the clicking projection is different from the distance from the center of rotation to the top of the non-clicking projection. The non-clicking projection may have a flat top portion with a width extending in one direction that is greater than that of the clicking depression such that a sliding track of the top of the clicking projection is located within a sliding track of the non-clicking projection in the radius direction. The clicking depression may alternatively be an aperture.

Abstract: A resistor card for a fuel level sensor has improved resistance to corrosion and wear. The resistor card has a substrate with a resistive layer and a conductive layer. A nickel layer covers the conductive layer. A nickel-gold alloy layer covers the nickel layer. The nickel-gold alloy layer protects the conductive layer from sulfur corrosion and improves wear resistance.

Abstract: Conductive plastic resistance element having particles of conductive material embedded therein and projecting therefrom for reducing variations in contact resistance in a potentiometric device in which the element is employed. The element is made by processing carbon powder, resin, solvent and conductive phases to form a paste, applying the paste to a substrate, and curing the paste to drive off the solvent and form a film, with the conductive phases rising to the surface of the film and becoming embedded therein.

Abstract: A variable resistor is constructed to prevent a slider from backwardly tilting toward a rotor and to maintain stable contact between the slider and a substrate. In the variable resistor, a rotor and a slider are provided in a case. A substrate having a collector electrode and an arcurate resistor is mounted in the lower end portion of the case. The slider includes an annular arm portion arranged to achieve sliding contact with the arcurate resistor, a substantially I-shaped arm portion arranged to contact the collector electrode, and a case portion coupled with the annular arm portion and the substantially I-shaped arm portion by a folded-back structure. The base portion extends up to the vicinity of the position corresponding to the tip portion of the annular arm portion. The rear surface of the base portion is supported by the rotor such that the slider is prevented from backwardly tilting.

Abstract: A variable resistor is configured such that a contact of a contact arm is prevented from contacting a driver plate even when the height of a disk section of a sliding contact is reduced so as to reduce the height of the variable resistor. A sliding contact includes an annular driver plate disposed on the top surface, a disk section folded from the external periphery of the driver plate to the back side, and the semi-circular contact arm provided in the external periphery of the disk section opposite to the folded portion. In the external periphery of the driver plate opposite to the folded portion on the back surface thereof, i.e., in a portion of the disk section folded to the back side of the driver plate opposing the contact of the contact arm, a step is provided such that a gap between the driver plate and the contact arm is increased.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electric resistance element, which can be electromechanically regulated. A layer of a predeterminable width and thickness, consisting of an electrically conductive material with a constant specific electric resistance, is located on a substrate. At least one electric contact connection is also provided and an electric contact element can be displaced mechanically along the surface of said layer. The aim of the invention is to provide an appropriate resistance element that can be produced cost-effectively, with reproducible electric characteristics and a high resistance to wear, without a requirement for additional lubrication. To achieve this, according to the invention, a wear-resistant layer of uniform thickness is configured on the electrically condutive layer situated on the substrate. Said layer consists exclusively of a carbon similar to diamond and has a higher specific electric resistance than that of the layer.

Abstract: An angular position sensor determines the angular orientation of a rotatable shaft. The device includes a rotor rotatable with the shaft. A first housing receives the rotor and a second housing at least partially surrounds the first housing. A flexible member between the first housing and the second housing permits vibration of the first housing while the second housing remains stationary.

Abstract: A variable-resistance element exhibiting high wear resistance and superior microlinearity includes a resistor constituted from a first resistive layer containing a first reinforcing material and a second resistive layer containing conductive carbon black and a second reinforcing material, the second resistive layer being disposed on the first resistive layer. The first reinforcing material is pulverized carbon fibers having an average particle size of 3 &mgr;m. The second reinforcing material is thermal black having an average particle size of 0.35 &mgr;m.

Abstract: A variable resistor is constructed to reliably seal the space between a rotor and a substrate without insert-molding the substrate into a case, and to be produced at a very low cost. This variable resistor includes a hollow square-prism shaped case which is open at the top and the bottom, a substrate which is fitted into the lower opening of the case, and on the top surface of which a collector electrode and an arcuate resistor are provided, a rotor rotatably fitted into the upper opening of the case, a slider mounted on the bottom surface of the rotor and making sliding contact with the collector electrode and the resistor, an annular packing member disposed between the rotor and the substrate for sealing the space therebetween, terminals mounted on the substrate and electrically connected to the resistor and the collector electrode, and a metallic cover.

Abstract: A potentiometer, used in particular as a position sensor or position transducer is disclosed, which has at least one wiper path and one wiper that has at least one contact element (19), resting with a contact face (20) on the wiper path and electrically contacting the wiper path; the wiper and the wiper path are movable toward one another. To reduce costs by reducing the amount of noble metal used for the contacting in the potentiometer, the contact element (19) has an electrically conductive core (21) and a noble metal jacket (22), surrounding the core (21), whose annular end face at least partly forms the contact face (20) (FIG. 4).

Abstract: On a surface of a transfer sheet, a resistor paste is first patterned, and a binder resin thereof is then heat-cured to form resistor layers. Next, an electrode paste containing a binder resin, which has a thermosetting temperature lower than a thermosetting temperature and a glass transition temperature of the binder resin of the resistor layers, is patterned on surfaces of the resistor layers and is then heat-cured, thereby forming electrode layers. By the steps described above, powdered silver contained in the electrode layers is unlikely to ooze into the resistor layers.

Abstract: A high-voltage variable resistor includes a high-voltage variable-resistor substrate, which has at least a base, having at least a resistor element and at least one land electrode on the front surface thereof, and a plurality of through-holes formed at the land electrode so as to electrically connect the front and rear surfaces of the base.

Abstract: A sliding-type electric component includes a contact element. The contact element including a bundle of carbon fibers, and a sliding portion formed on the side portion thereof. The sliding portion being capable of linear contact or surface contact with a track of a conductive pattern.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sliding contact member including a contact element, wherein the contact element includes a bundle of carbon fibers formed by bundling a plurality of carbon fibers and lubricant contained among the plurality of carbon fibers of the bundle of carbon fibers, and at least part of the bundle of carbon fibers is capable of a sliding movement with respect to tracks of a conductive pattern.

Abstract: A rotary sensor with a prolonged service life ensures stable electrical conduction between an intermediate terminal and an electrode even if the components making up the rotary sensor repeatedly expand and contract due to high and low temperatures. In the rotary sensor, an output detection member is constructed of an insulating board having an electrode on its surface, a retaining portion being formed on the insulating board. The intermediate terminal is made of a metal material, and has a pair of mounting portions provided on both ends thereof and a first contact portion and a second contact portion provided between the pair of mounting portions. The intermediate terminal is secured to the retaining portion of the insulating board by the pair of mounting portions such that it sandwiches the insulating board lengthwise. The first contact portion is in resilient contact with the internal pin and the second contact portion is in resilient contact with the electrode.

Abstract: A terminal plate is formed with a wide portion and a narrow portion. The wide portion, to be insert-molded by a housing of a synthetic resin, is opened by an elongate blank hole having an inner peripheral surface parallel with a side shape thereof, thereby forming two divisional parts on the both sides thereof. The divisional part is given by a width s1 narrower than a width s2 of the narrow portion, wherein the total width (s1×2) of the two divisional parts is made equal to the width s2 of the narrow portion. Grooves can be formed on the main and back surfaces of the divisional parts.

Abstract: An electrical switch device includes a thick film switch element having a low temperature co-fired dielectric substrate, electrical conductor tracks embedded in the substrate and having a surface substantially flush with the substrate surface, and wiper contacts in sliding engagement with the conductor tracks. The switch is useful for position sensors, throttle controls, and digital encoders. A method of manufacturing a thick film switch element includes providing a low temperature co-fired dielectric substrate in a green state, depositing an electrically conductive material onto a face of the substrate, pressing the conductive material into the substrate until the material is substantially flush with the substrate face, and then firing the substrate and conductive material.

Abstract: A thin-thickness variable resistor is provided, which is capable of stabilizing electrical connection between metallic terminals and a resistor by increasing the holding strength for a second terminal by a substrate while preventing the bending strain during the bending work from spreading to a conductive portion conductive to the resistor. A variable resistor comprises a substrate, metallic terminals formed in the substrate by insert-molding, and a slider sliding on a resistor formed on the substrate, wherein the slider is rotatably attached by crimping an eyelet formed in a first metallic terminal. External-connecting portions of the metallic terminals are extended from the bottom portion of the substrate to be bent upwardly along sides of the substrate.

Abstract: A manual control apparatus, such as a control pedal, is configured for drive-by-wire control systems, and similar applications. In one aspect, the manual control apparatus comprises a hysteresis mechanism that provides more precise and ma controllable hysteresis than previous mechanisms. In a further aspect, the manual control apparatus comprises an angular position sensor, and the angular position sensor housing may comprise abutments that reduce variation in the sensor. In a still further aspect, the manual control apparatus comprises a stop pin that regulates the position of a rotatable member relative to the position sensor with less variation. The stop pin may also be used as a single fastener that holds the manual control apparatus together.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a high-precision electronic component of the rotary manipulation type that has a small height including a knob and small runout of a rotating shaft. For the rotary manipulation type electronic component, a space formed by case 12 and base 11 houses rotating body 13 holding resilient contact 4 as a movable element, and comb-like contact 3 formed as a fixed element. First bushing 15A in case 12 and second bushing 11A in base 11 rotatably support rotating shaft 14 that rotates together with rotating body 13. Inner bottom face 16A of cap-shaped knob 16 is secured onto end 16A of rotating shaft 14 so that the knob receives barrel portion 15, which supports the rotating shaft as a portion of case 12.

Abstract: The invention relates to a manual control apparatus, such as a control pedal for a drive-by-wire control systems, and similar applications. According to an aspect of the invention, the manual control apparatus comprises a hysteresis mechanism that provides more precise and controllable hysteresis than previous mechanism. According to a further aspect of the invention, the manual control apparatus comprises an angular position sensor, and the angular position sensor may comprise abutments that reduce variation in the sensor. According to a still further aspect of the invention, the manual control apparatus comprises a stop pin that regulates the position of a rotatable member relative to the position sensor with less variation. The stop pin may also be used as a single fastener the holds the manual control apparatus together.

Abstract: A push-pull rotary switch includes a board having two circuits on opposite sides. Conductors are respectively positioned above the circuits for contacting ground and contact pads of the circuits. A shaft extends through the conductors and the board and is rotatable and moveable between inward and outward positions. The conductors are connected to the shaft to rotate and move with the shaft. A first conductor contacts the ground pad and a contact pad of a first circuit when the shaft is in the inward position. A second conductor contacts the ground pad and a contact pad of a second circuit when the shaft is in the outward position. A first trace is connected to the first circuit ground pad and a second trace is connected to the second circuit ground pad. A contactor connects a ground trace to at least one of the first and second traces at all times.

Abstract: The electrical part is provided with an electrical part casing whose inside is blocked; electrical part terminals of which one end is exposed on an outer surface of the electrical part casing and insert-molded into the electrical part casing; a drive shaft of which one end protrudes outwards and an other end is positioned in the electrical part casing; a detecting unit housed in the electrical part casing and issuing a signal according to a quantity of action of the drive shaft; a connector housing formed separately from the electrical part casing; and connector terminals which are insert-molded into the connector housing and one end of which is exposed outside the connector housing, wherein the one end of the electrical part terminals and the one end of the connector terminals are connected to each other.

Abstract: The invention relates to a throttle valve comprising a potentiometer with a supporting plate (1) the supporting plate (1) to be mounted on a substrate wherein the supporting plate (1) has an upper side (18) on which the resistance tracks (3, 4), wiper tracks (5, 6) and the conductor tracks (7) are applied on an underside (19) with spacers.

Abstract: A variable resistive element for use in a sensing unit for measuring liquid level in a container, through interaction with a sliding electrical contact operating in conjunction with a float, includes a conductor pattern deposited on a substrate. A region of resistive material is also deposited on the substrate and makes electrical contact with the conductive pattern. A region of the conductor pattern functions as a contact area for the sliding electrical contact. This region is coated with a plating material, for example nickel or a nickel alloy. The use of the plating reduces the requirements for expensive metals in the conductor pattern. The variable resistive element is particularly suited for use in a fuel level sensor.

Abstract: There is provided a compact rotary sensor which can be assembled easily by improving the shape and mounting of a spring member. There is provided a housing, a rotary body rotatably supported in the housing, a detection unit operated by rotating the rotary body, and a driving shaft inserted in a recess formed on the rotary body for rotating the rotary body. A spring member made of metal having at least a pair of arm sections and a connecting section for connecting the arm sections is disposed in the recess of the rotary body, and the driving shaft is elastically pressed and sandwiched by the pair of arm sections.

Abstract: A switch device reduces a switching sound (an impinging sound) at the time of manipulation with a constitution of a click mechanism which uses a spring member having a projection which is brought into slide contact with a cam surface formed of plateaus and valleys. The switch device includes a manipulating member having a cam surface which is formed of plateaus and valleys arranged contiguously and alternately and a spring member having the projection and generating a click feeling when the projection is brought into slide contact with the plateaus and the valleys of the cam surface. The spring member is provided with an auxiliary spring which is brought into slide contact with the manipulating member corresponding to the slide contact of the projection with the plateaus and the valleys of the cam surface. An auxiliary spring receiving portion with which the auxiliary spring is brought into slide contact is formed in the vicinity of the cam surface.

Abstract: A rotary angle encoder in which the adjustment of the sensor signal desired in the starting position can be changed by simple manipulation. In the rotary angle encoder set forth herein, upon assembly, the coupling is slid only partially onto a cylindrical shaft connected to the sensor part in a first position. In this first position, the coupling can be rotated in relation to the sensor part. Then the sensor signal desired in the starting position is set and after that, the coupling is slid still further onto the cylindrical shaft so that an unintentional rotation of both parts in relation to each other is not possible after the adjustment is complete. The rotary angle encoder is provided for controlling the power of a vehicle drive unit.

Abstract: A system for determining the absolute position of a multi-turn shaft is disclosed. The shaft is mounted in an elliptically shaped wave generator. The wave generator is coupled to a flex spline which is deformed to match the wave generator. The exterior surface of the flex spline has a number of gear teeth. The flex spline is installed within a cylindrical, circular spline. The circular spline has an interior diameter which is slightly larger than the largest diameter of the flex spline. The interior surface of the circular spline has a number of teeth which interlock with the teeth of the flex spline. In such a manner, the rotation of the shaft will cause an angular displacement of the circular spline. A position sensor is located on the circular spline and serves to track the position of the circular spline which is proportional to the absolute position of the shaft.

Abstract: A carrier substrate has a resistor track for a slider of a level sensor. The resistor track comprises numerous metal strips which are aligned transversely with respect to the main direction in which said resistor track extends and run at a distance from one another. Regions of metal strips have extensions toward one side of the resistor track which are bridged by an adjusting resistor. The adjusting resistor is designed for isolating resistor regions by cuts running transversely with respect to the extensions.

Abstract: The rotor 2 has an engaging portion 2b and a shaft portion 2c provided at the rotation-central portion of the rotor, a casing 7 has a supporting portion 8 provided at a position opposite to a shaft portion, the shaft portion is formed with a recess 2d, the supporting portion is formed with a conical portion 8c, a conical portion is disposed within the recess, the shaft portion is supported by a conical portion fitted in the recess, and the conical portion is used as a fulcrum, whereby it is made difficult to generate large shavings.

Abstract: A variable resistor is constructed to reliably seal the space between a rotor and a substrate without insert-molding the substrate into a case, and to be produced at a very low cost. This variable resistor includes a hollow square-prism shaped case which is open at the top and the bottom, a substrate which is fitted into the lower opening of the case, and on the top surface of which a collector electrode and an arcuate resistor are provided, a rotor rotatably fitted into the upper opening of the case, a slider mounted on the bottom surface of the rotor and making sliding contact with the collector electrode and the resistor, an annular packing member disposed between the rotor and the substrate for sealing the space therebetween, terminals mounted on the substrate and electrically connected to the resistor and the collector electrode, and a metallic cover.

Abstract: By using a two-part assembly of a rotary member (10) bearing one or more wipers (14) clipped on to a substrate member (1) bearing one or more tracks (3), subassemblies may be supplied which can be used by manufacturers of articles (20,21,22) in which it is desired to sense the angular position of one member (20) relative to another (22), but which are easy to install and reliable in use. The assembly provides substantial savings in terms of the number of individual components used, thus reducing manufacturing and assembly costs. Manufacturing costs may also be reduced by using track material as a bearing material, as both track and bearing may be applied simultaneously, e.g. by screen printing.

Abstract: A resistive element includes a resistive film disposed on an insulating film, a current collector disposed apart from the resistive film at a given space, and an electrode conductive to the resistive film and the collector respectively. The insulating board is punched to form slits which split the electrode. The slits allow the resistive element to maintain creepage distances between the electrode. The resistive element accommodates downsizing requirement while restraining silver migration for eliminating shorts between the electrodes. As a result, a highly reliable resistive element is obtainable.

Abstract: A high voltage variable resistor includes a variable resistance board, a substantially rectangular flat fixed-resistance board, and a high-voltage capacitor housed in a case such that one surface thereof is open. The fixed-resistance board is arranged such that a longer side extends from the bottom surface to the opening surface of the case.

Abstract: In a rotary sensor of this invention, an angle detection member is composed of sliding pieces having contact portions on a rotation body side and a conductive pattern formed on a substrate arranged on a side opposite to the sliding pieces, the operation shaft has a flat projection portion which extends in a perpendicular direction from the center of rotation at the end, an groove portion extends in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the operation shaft, the projection portion is mated with the groove portion, and the contact portions of the sliding pieces are located at positions in a direction substantially perpendicular to the groove direction of the groove portion.

Abstract: A variable resistance device is provided. Instead of a conventional planar-type structure or a three-dimensional structure using an elastic strip, a variable resistance device with a three-dimensional structure using easy-assembling parts, such as a mount and a spring, is adapted. The easy-assembling parts would not be deformed permanently so that the reliability of the variable resistance device is enhanced.