Patent ID: 6275138
Filing Date: 2001-08-14
Classification: H01C,H01H

Abstract:
A variable resistor comprising:an insulated substrate;first and second resistor patterns formed on said insulated substrate;a first conductor pattern electrically connecting ends on one side of said first and second resistor patterns;a deformable conductive contact, having a convex curved surface toward said insulated substrate, and arranged opposite to said first resistor pattern; anda holding member having said conductive contact provided thereon;wherein said conductive contact deforms to change a contact area on said first resistor pattern such that a resistance value of said first resistor pattern is variable;second and third conductor patterns are formed in electric communication with other ends of said first and second resistor patterns;said first resistor pattern is positioned between said first and second conductor patterns, said second resistor pattern is positioned between said first and third conductor patterns, and the resistance value of said first resistor pattern is larger than a resistance value of second resistor pattern;said first resistor pattern is a variable resistor pattern, said second resistor pattern is a fixed resistor pattern, and both of said first and second resistor patterns are simultaneously formed printed patterns; andsaid holding member comprises:a holding portion serving as a ceiling plate, said conductive contact being disposed on an inner bottom surface of said holding portion; andelastically deformable flared legs extending downward from a periphery of said holding portion, a lower end of said legs contacting said insulated substrate,wherein, by performing a pressing operation on said holding member, said flared legs of said holding member are elastically deformed to gradually change the contact area of said conductive contact in relation to said first resistor pattern, thereby gradually varying the resistance of said first resistor pattern.