Patent ID: 12249446

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG.1is a plan view showing the variable resistor according to one or more embodiments of the present invention,FIG.2is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II-II line ofFIG.1,FIG.3is a cross-sectional view taken along the line III-III line ofFIG.1,FIG.4is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IV-IV ofFIG.1, andFIG.5is a cross-sectional view taken along the line V-V in FIG. Further,FIG.6is a plan view showing the lower membrane board according to one or more embodiments of the present invention, andFIG.7is a bottom view showing the spacer and the upper membrane board according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

As shownFIGS.1to5, the variable resistor1A of one or more embodiments includes a lower membrane board10, an upper membrane board60, a spacer90, and a slider100. The variable resistor1A in one or more embodiments corresponds to an example of the “variable resistor” in the present invention, the spacer90in one or more embodiments corresponds to an example of the “spacer” in the present invention, and the slider100in one or more embodiments corresponds to an example of the “pusher” in the present invention.

The lower membrane board10includes a resistor40and a wiring pattern50. On the other hand, the upper membrane board60includes a connecting body80that electrically connects the resistor40and the wiring pattern50. These membrane board10,60are laminated via a spacer90, and the spacer90ensures a space between the membrane board10,60. The slider100is configured to slide while pushing on the upper membrane board60. The resistor40and the wiring pattern50are electrically connected via the connecting body80by pushing of the slider100.

Further, in the variable resistor1A, the slider100slides while pushing the upper membrane board60to change the connection position between the connecting body80and the resistor40, and it is possible to change the resistance length (the resistance value) of the resistor40. Such applications of the variable resistor1A, for example, variable resistor elements, position sensors, switches, encoders or the like can be exemplified. The application of the variable resistor1of one or more embodiments is not particularly limited to the above.

Hereinafter, the configuration of the variable resistor1A of one or more embodiments will be described in detail.

As shown inFIG.6, the lower membrane board10is a wiring board including a substrate20, wiring patterns31and35, a resistor40, and a wiring pattern50.

The substrate20in the present embodiment corresponds to an example of the “first substrate” in one or more embodiments of the present invention, and the resistor40in r corresponds to an example of the “resistor” in one or more embodiments of the present invention, and the wiring pattern50in the above corresponds to an example of the “second wiring pattern” in one or more embodiments of the present invention. Further, the wiring pattern31in the present embodiment corresponds to an example of the “first wiring pattern” in one or more embodiments of the present invention, and the wiring pattern35in the present embodiment corresponds to an example of the “third wiring pattern” in one or more embodiments of the present invention.

The substrate20is a film-like member made of a material having flexibility and electrical insulation. As the material constituting the substrate20, for example, a resin material or the like can be exemplified, and more specifically, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) can be exemplified. The substrate20may not have flexibility.

The wiring patterns31and35are formed by printing a conductive paste on the upper surface21of the substrate20and solidifying (curing) the conductive paste. The conductive paste is constituted by mixing conductive particles and a binder resin with water or a solvent and various additives. The conductive paste constituting the wiring patterns31and35is a low resistance conductive paste having a relatively small electric resistance value. The method of forming the wiring patterns31and35is not particularly limited to the above. For example, instead of the conductive paste, the wiring patterns31and35may be formed by etching the metal foil.

As specific examples of the conductive material, silver, copper, nickel, tin, bismuth, zinc, indium, palladium and alloys thereof can be exemplified. As specific examples of the binder resin, acrylic resin, polyester resin, epoxy resin, vinyl resin, urethane resin, phenol resin, polyimide resin, silicone resin, fluororesin, or the like can be exemplified. As the solvent contained in the conductive paste, α-terpineol, butyl carbitol acetate, butyl carbitol, 1-decanol, butyl cell solve, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether acetate, and tetradecane, or the like can be exemplified.

Although not particularly limited, in one or more embodiments, as the low-resistance conductive paste, a silver paste containing silver as the main component of the conductive particles, or a copper paste containing copper as the main component of the conductive particles is used. As a conductive material, a metal salt may be used. As the metal salt, salts of the above-mentioned metals can be exemplified. The binder resin may be omitted from the above-mentioned conductive paste. Instead of the above-mentioned conductive paste, conductive ink may be used.

Although not particularly limited, either a contact coating method or a non-contact coating method may be used as the method for applying the conductive paste. As specific examples of the contact coating method, screen printing, gravure printing, offset printing, gravure offset printing, flexographic printing, or the like can be exemplified. On the other hand, as specific examples of the non-contact coating method, ink jet printing, spray coating, dispensing coating, jet dispensing, or the like can be exemplified. Although not particularly limited, as the heat source for curing the conductive paste, an electrothermal oven, an infrared oven, a far infrared oven (IR), a near infrared oven (NIR), a laser irradiation apparatus, or the like can be exemplified, and the heat source may be a heat treatment that combines these.

One wiring pattern31includes an extending portion32extending along the −X direction of the figure, and a wide portion33disposed at the end of the extending portion32. The extending portion32and the wide portion33are integrally formed by printing the above-mentioned conductive paste on the upper surface21of the substrate20and curing the conductive paste. The wide portion33has a width wider than the width of the extending portion32. As will be described later, the wide portion33is covered with the resistor40.

Similarly, the other wiring pattern35also includes an extending portion36extending along the +X direction of the figure, and a wide portion37disposed at the end of the extending portion36. The extending portion36and the wide portion37are integrally formed by printing the above-mentioned conductive paste on the upper surface21of the substrate20and curing the conductive paste. The wide portion37has a width wider than the width of the extending portion36. As will be described later, the wide portion37is covered with the resistor40. As long as the planar shape of the extending portions32and36of the wiring patterns31and35is linear, the planar shape is not limited to the straight linear shape as described above.

The wide portion33of one wiring pattern31and the wide portion37of the other wiring pattern35are arranged apart from each other along the X direction of the figure. The resistor40is disposed between the wide portions33and37and extends along the X direction of the figure. Similarly to the above-mentioned wiring patterns31and35, the resistor40is also formed by printing a conductive paste on the upper surface21of the substrate20and curing the conductive paste.

The conductive paste constituting the resistor40is a high-resistance conductive paste having a high electrical resistance value as compared with the above-mentioned low-resistance conductive paste. The conductive paste constituting the resistor40contains conductive particles having an electrical resistivity higher than the electrical resistivity of the conductive particles of the conductive paste constituting the above-mentioned wiring patterns31and35. That is, the resistor40is made of a material having the higher electrical resistivity than the electrical resistivity of the material constituting the wiring patterns31and35, and the resistance value of the resistor40is sufficiently higher than the resistance value of the wiring patterns31and35to the extent that the resistance value of the wiring patterns31and35can be ignored. Specifically, the resistance value of the resistor40is 10 times or more with respect to the resistance value of the wiring patterns31and35, and may be 100 times or more with respect to the resistance value of the wiring patterns31and35. The electrical resistivity of the material constituting the resistor40is 10 times or more, and may be 100 times or more, with respect to the electrical resistivity of the material constituting the wiring patterns31and35.

As a specific example of such a high-resistance conductive paste, a carbon paste can be exemplified. As specific examples of the conductive particles contained in the conductive paste constituting the resistor40, carbon-based materials such as graphite, carbon black (furnace black, acetylene black, Ketjenblack® (high conductive carbon black)), carbon nanotubes, carbon nanofibers, or the likes can be exemplified.

As described above, the resistor40covers the wide portion33of one wiring pattern31and covers the wide portion37of the other wiring pattern35. The wiring patterns31and35are connected to each other by the resistor40. Although not particularly shown, one wiring pattern31is connected to the power supply, while the other wiring pattern35is connected to the ground.

The wiring pattern50includes a first main body51and a first protective layer52.

The first main body51is disposed on the upper surface21of the substrate20. Similarly to the above-mentioned wiring patterns31and35, the first main body51is formed by printing and curing the low-resistance conductive paste. That is, the first main body51is made of a material having the lower electrical resistivity than the electrical resistivity of the material constituting the resistor40, and the resistance value of the resistor40is sufficiently higher than the resistance value of the first main body51to the extent that the resistance value of the first main body51can be ignored. Specifically, the resistance value of the resistor40is 10 times or more with respect to the resistance value of the first main body51, and may be 100 times or more with respect to the resistance value of the first main body51. The electrical resistivity of the material constituting the resistor40is 10 times or more, and may be 100 times or more, with respect to the electrical resistivity of the material constituting the first main body51. The method of forming the first main body51is not particularly limited to the above. For example, instead of the conductive paste, the first main body51may be formed by etching the metal foil.

The first main body51extends along the X direction of the figure. The first main body51has a parallel portion511extending substantially parallel to the resistor40at its end. The planar shape of the first main body51is not particularly limited to the above.

The first protective layer52of the wiring pattern50is disposed on the upper surface21of the substrate20so that the first protective layer52covers the parallel portion511of the first main body51. The first protective layer52is a layer that protects the parallel portion511of the first main body51, and the first protective layer52is formed by printing and curing the high-resistance conductive paste has a high electric resistance value as compared with the above-mentioned low-resistance conductive paste. Although not particularly limited, as a specific example of such a high-resistance conductive paste, carbon paste can be exemplified. The first protective layer52has a length similar to the length of the resistor40along the X direction of the figure and is arranged at a predetermined distance D (seeFIG.6) from the resistor40. That is, the first protective layer52of the wiring pattern50is arranged substantially parallel to the resistor40. The wiring pattern50may not include the first protective layer52.

As shown inFIG.7, the second membrane board60is a wiring board including a substrate70and a connecting body80. The substrate70in the present embodiment corresponds to an example of the “second substrate” in one or more embodiments of the present invention, and the connecting body80in the present embodiment corresponds to an example of the “connecting body” in one or more embodiments of the present invention.

Similarly to the above-mentioned substrate20, the substrate70is a film-like member made of a material having flexibility and electrical insulation. As the material constituting the substrate70, for example, a resin material or the like can be exemplified, and more specifically, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) can be exemplified. The material constituting the substrate70is not particularly limited to the above. The substrate70may be formed of a plate material made of a conductive material such as a metal material. In this case, the substrate70may also function as the connecting body80. Further, when the wiring pattern50is formed on the substrate70as in one or more embodiments described later, the substrate70may also function as the wiring pattern50. Even when the substrate70is formed of a plate material having conductivity, the connecting body80and the wiring pattern50may be formed on the substrate70separately from the substrate70.

Similarly to the above-mentioned wiring pattern50, the connecting body80includes a second main body81and a second protective layer82. The connection body80may not include the second protective layer82.

The second main body81is disposed on the lower surface71of the substrate70. Similarly to the above-mentioned first main body51of the wiring pattern50, the second main body81is formed by printing and curing the low-resistance conductive paste. That is, the second main body81is made of a material having the lower electrical resistivity than the electrical resistivity of the material constituting the resistor40, and the resistance value of the resistor40is sufficiently higher than the resistance value of the second main body81to the extent that the resistance value of the second main body81can be ignored. Specifically, the resistance value of the resistor40is 10 times or more with respect to the resistance value of the second main body81, and may be 100 times or more with respect to the resistance value of the second main body81. The electrical resistivity of the material constituting the resistor40is 10 times or more, and may be 100 times or more, with respect to the electrical resistivity of the material constituting the second main body81.

On the other hand, the second protective layer82is a layer that protects the second main body81. Similarly to the above-mentioned first protective layer52of the wiring pattern50, the second protective layer82is formed by printing and curing the high-resistance conductive paste. The second protective layer82is disposed on the lower surface71of the substrate70so that the protective layer82covers the entire of the second main body81.

As shown inFIG.1, the connecting body80is disposed on the lower surface71of the substrate70so that the connecting body80partially overlaps with the resistor40of the lower membrane board10and partially overlaps with the wiring pattern50of the lower membrane board10in plan view. More specifically, in one or more embodiments, the connecting body80has a rectangular planar shape having a width wider than the interval D. Then, the connecting body80is disposed on the lower surface71of the substrate70so that one edge (−Y side edge along the X direction of theFIG.80aof the connecting body80overlaps with the resistor40and the other edge (+Y side edge along the X direction of theFIG.80bof the connecting body80overlaps with the wiring pattern50in plan view.

Similarly to the above-mentioned substrate20and70, the spacer90is a film-like member made of a material having flexibility and electrical insulation. As the material constituting the spacer90, for example, a resin material or the like can be exemplified, and more specifically, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) can be exemplified.

As shown inFIGS.1to5and7, the spacer90has an opening91having a rectangular planar shape. The opening91has a size that is larger than the connecting body80and can accommodate the connecting body80. In one or more embodiments, the opening91has a size that can accommodate not only the connecting body80but also the resistor40and the wiring pattern50. The opening91is formed in the spacer90so that the opening91accommodates the connecting body80, the resistor40, and the wiring pattern50when the membrane board10and60are laminated on each other via the spacer90. As long as at least a part of the connecting body80is inside the opening91of the spacer90, a part of the connecting body80may extend to the outside of the opening91and may be interposed between the spacer90and the substrate70.

As described above, the membrane substrates10and60are laminated on each other via the spacer90. As shown inFIGS.2to5, the membrane substrates10and60are laminated so that the lower surface71of the substrate70of the upper membrane board60faces the upper surface21of the substrate20of the lower membrane board10. Further, the substrate20of the lower membrane board10and the spacer90are bonded to each other via an adhesive layer (not shown), and the spacer90and the substrate70of the upper membrane board60are also bonded to each other via an adhesive layer (not shown).

As shown inFIG.1, the connecting body80, the resistor40, and the wiring pattern50are included in the opening91in a plan view. Further, as shown inFIG.1, in a plan view, one edge portion80aof the connecting body80overlaps with the resistor40over the entire area of the connecting body80along the X direction of the figure, and, as shown inFIG.5, the connecting body80and the resistor40partially face each other in the cross-sectional view. Similarly, as shown inFIG.1, in a plan view, the other edge portion80bof the connecting body80overlaps with the wiring pattern50over the entire area of the connecting body80along the X direction of the figure, and, as shown inFIG.5, the connecting body80and the wiring pattern50partially face each other in the cross-sectional view. In one or more embodiments, as described above, a predetermined distance D is secured between the resistor40and the wiring pattern50. Therefore, as shown inFIG.1, the connecting body80has a non-overlap region NA that does not overlap with the resistor40and the wiring pattern50in a plan view.

As shown inFIGS.2to5, the distance is ensured between the connection body80and the resistor40by the spacer90, the distance is also ensured between the connecting body80and the wiring pattern50by the spacer90. As will be described later, the substrate20of the upper membrane board10is deformed by pushing of the slider100. By this deformation, the connecting body80and the resistor40contact each other and are electrically connected to each other, and the connecting body80and the wiring pattern50contact each other and are electrically connected to each other.

In one or more embodiments, although the thickness of the spacer90is set so that the connecting body80does not contact the resistor40and the wiring pattern50at the time of non-pushing, the thickness of the spacer90is not particularly limited to this. The thickness of the spacer90may be set so that the connecting body80contact with the resistor40and the wiring pattern50at all times.

In one or more embodiments, “electrically connecting” the connecting body and the resistor means a state where the resistance value between the connecting body and the resistor is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value, and does not include a state where the connecting body and the resistor only contact each other at the time of non-pushing as described above. Similarly, in one or more embodiments, “electrically connecting” the connecting body and the wiring pattern means a state where the resistance value between the connecting body and the wiring pattern is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value, and does not include a state where the connecting body and the wiring pattern only contact each other at the time of non-pushing as described above.

The slider100is a member having a half-cylindrical pushing portion110at its tip, and is made of, for example, a metal material. As long as the slider100can slide while pushing the upper surface72of the substrate70of the upper membrane board60, the configuration of the slider100is not particularly limited to the above. Further, in one or more embodiments, since the object to be pushed by the slider100is not the resistor40but the upper surface72of the substate70of the upper membrane board60, the slider100may be made of a material having electrical insulating properties such as a resin material. As will be described later, the operator's finger may be used instead of the slider100.

The slider100is movably held by the housing (not shown) or the like in which the variable resistor1A is housed. The slider100can reciprocate along the X direction (extending direction (longitudinal direction) of the connecting body80) while maintaining the pushing force constant in a state where the pushing portion110is pushed against the upper surface72of the substrate70of the upper membrane board60with a predetermined pushing force. In one or more embodiments, as shown inFIG.1, in a plan view, the sliding region SA in which the slider100can slide is set between the resistor40and the wiring pattern50, is included in the non-overlap region NA of the connecting body80described above, and does not overlap with the resistor40and the wiring pattern50. The slider100is allowed to reciprocate along the X direction of the figure in the sliding region SA. The sliding region SA in the present embodiment corresponds to an example of the “pushing region” in one or more embodiments of the present invention.

As shown inFIG.5, pushing of the slider100causes the substrate70of the upper membrane board60to bend downward, the connecting body80comes into contact with the resistor40and the wiring pattern50respectively, and the resistor40and the wiring pattern50are electrically connected via the connecting body80. Then, when the slider100slides while pushing the upper membrane substrate60, the connection position between the connecting body80and the resistor40is changed, and the resistance length (resistance value) of the resistor40is changed.

Specifically, as described above, the power supply voltage (for example, 5 [V]) is applied to one of the wiring patterns31connected to the resistor40, whereas the other wiring pattern35connected to the resistor40is grounded. Further, the wiring pattern50is always electrically connected to the resistor40via the connecting body80by pushing of the slider100, and the wiring pattern50is electrically connected with the resistor40at an arbitrary position in the X direction of the figure. Therefore, the wiring pattern50detects a voltage (detection voltage) corresponding to the pushing position of the slider100. That is, in one or more embodiments, the resistance value between the wiring patterns31and50is changed in accordance with the pushing position of the slider100. A multimeter (not shown) or the like is connected to the wiring patterns31and50of the variable resistor1A, and the multimeter or the like outputs the electric potential difference between the power supply voltage and the detection voltage of the wiring pattern50.

For example, when the slider100is located at the left end ofFIG.2in the sliding region SA, since the connection position of the connecting body80in the resistor40is also located at the left end, the wiring pattern50detects a voltage of substantially the same potential as the power supply voltage, and the electric potential difference (for example, 0 [V]) between the power supply voltage and the detected voltage of the wiring pattern50is output by a multimeter or the like.

On the other hand, as shown inFIG.2, when the slider100is located substantially at the center in the sliding region SA, since the connection position of the connecting body80in the resistor40is also located substantially at the center, the wiring pattern50detects the voltage having a potential of substantially half of the power supply voltage, and the electric potential difference (for example, 2.5 [V]) between the power supply voltage and the detected voltage of the wiring pattern50is output by a multimeter or the like.

Further, when the slider100is located at the right end ofFIG.2in the sliding region SA, since the connection position of the connecting body80in the resistor40is also located at the right end, the wiring pattern50detects a voltage of substantially the same potential as ground, and the electric potential difference (for example, 5 [V]) between the power supply voltage and the detected voltage of the wiring pattern50is output by a multimeter or the like.

As described above, in one or more embodiments, the connecting body80is disposed on the lower surface71of the substrate70of the upper membrane board60, the slider100pushes the upper surface72of the substrate70, and the resistor40and the wiring pattern50disposed on the upper surface21of the substrate20of the lower membrane board10are electrically connected via the connecting body80by pushing of the slider100. That is, the substrate70of the upper membrane board60is interposed between the slider100and the resistor40, and the slider100is not in direct contact with the resistor40.

Further, in one or more embodiments, the sliding region SA in which the slider100slides is set between the resistor40and the wiring pattern50in a plan view. That is, there is not the resistor40immediately below the sliding region SA of the slider100.

Therefore, in one or more embodiments, since it is possible to suppress wear of the resistor40due to sliding of the slider100, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of conduction failure of the variable resistor1A.

Further, in one or more embodiments, since all of the wiring patterns31,35, and50to be connected to the outside are disposed on the upper surface21of the same substrate20, it is sufficient to implement a connector only on the upper surface21, and it is possible to simplify the configuration of the variable resistor1A.

FIG.8is a plan view showing the variable resistor in one or more embodiments of the present invention,FIG.9is a cross-sectional view showing the line IX-IX ofFIG.8, andFIG.10is a cross-sectional view taken along the line X-X ofFIG.8.FIG.11is a plan view showing the lower membrane board in one or more embodiments of the present invention, andFIG.12is a bottom view showing the spacer and the upper membrane board in one or more embodiments of the present invention.

As shown inFIGS.8to12, although the variable resistor1B of one or more embodiments is different from the variable resistor1A of one or more embodiments described above in the points where (1) the spacer90covers the resistor40and the wiring pattern50, (2) the connecting body80does not overlap the resistor40and the wiring pattern50, and (3) the variable resistor1B includes comb tooth patterns45and55, other configurations of the variable resistor1B are the same as one or more embodiments described above. Hereinafter, the variable resistor1B in one or more embodiments will be described only with respect to the differences from the embodiments described above, and the same components as those in the embodiments described above will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

In one or more embodiments, the width of the resistor40is narrower as compared with in one or more embodiments described above. Further, the width of the connecting body80is also narrower, the entire connecting body80is located between the resistor40and the wiring pattern50, and the entire area of the connecting body80is the non-overlap region NA. The width of the opening91of the spacer90is narrower than the distance D between the resistor40and the wiring pattern50(refer toFIG.11). Therefore, the entire resistor40is covered with the spacer90, and the entire first protective layer52of the wiring pattern50is also covered with the spacer90. Further, in plan view, the connecting body80does not overlap with the resistor40and does not overlap with the wiring pattern50. Similarly to the embodiments described above, in one or more embodiments, the sliding region SA of the slider100is also set between the resistor40and the wiring pattern50in a plan view, is included in the non-overlap region NA of the connecting body80, and does not overlap with the resistor40and the wiring pattern50.

Therefore, in one or more embodiments, as shown inFIG.11, a plurality of (10 in this example) comb tooth patterns45ato45jand a plurality of (9 in this example) comb tooth patterns55ato55iare disposed on the upper surface21of the substrate20of the lower membrane board10in addition to the wiring patterns31and35, the resistor40, and the wiring pattern50. In one or more embodiments, the comb tooth patterns45ato45jare collectively referred to as “comb tooth pattern45”, and the comb tooth patterns55ato55iare collectively referred to as “comb tooth pattern55”.

Similarly to the wiring patterns31and35, each of the comb tooth patterns45ato45jand55ato55iis formed by printing and curing the low-resistance conductive paste. That is, each of the comb tooth patterns45ato45jand55ato55iis made of a material having the lower electrical resistivity than the electrical resistivity of the material constituting the resistor40, and the resistance value of the resistor40is sufficiently higher than the resistance value of each of the comb tooth patterns45ato45jand55ato55ito the extent that the resistance value of each of the comb tooth patterns45ato45jand55ato55ican be ignored. Specifically, the resistance value of the resistor40is 10 times or more with respect to the resistance value of each of the comb tooth patterns45ato45jand55ato55i, and may be 100 times or more with respect to the resistance value of each of the comb tooth patterns45ato45jand55ato55i. The electrical resistivity of the material constituting the resistor40is 10 times or more, and may be 100 times or more, with respect to the electrical resistivity of the material constituting each of the comb tooth patterns45ato45jand55ato55i.

The comb tooth patterns45bto45iin the present embodiment corresponds to an example of the “first comb tooth patterns” in one or more embodiments of the present invention, the comb tooth patterns55ato55iin the present embodiment corresponds to an example of the “second comb tooth patterns” in one or more embodiments of the present invention, the comb tooth patterns45ain the present embodiment corresponds to an example of the “third comb tooth pattern” in one or more embodiments of the present invention, and the comb tooth patterns45jin the present embodiment corresponds to an example of the “fourth comb tooth pattern” in one or more embodiments of the present invention.

As shown inFIG.11, the comb tooth pattern45aat the left end of the figure is branched from the wiring pattern31and protrudes along the Y direction of the figure. That is, the comb tooth pattern45ais connected to the wiring pattern31and extends below the sliding region SA. Similarly, the comb tooth pattern45jat the right end of the figure is branched from the wiring pattern35and protrudes along the Y direction of the figure. That is, the comb tooth pattern45jis connected to the wiring pattern35and extends below the sliding region SA.

On the other hand, the eight comb tooth patterns45bto45ithat are between the comb tooth patterns45aand45jat the both ends are electrically connected to the resistor40by embedding the ends of the comb tooth patterns45bto45iin the resistor40. Then, these comb tooth patterns45bto45iprotrude from the resistor40toward the wiring pattern50. That is, the comb tooth patterns45bto45iare connected to the resistor40and extend below the sliding region SA. The comb tooth patterns45aand45jat the both ends may not be branched from the wiring patterns31and35, but may be embedded in the resistor40in the same manner as the comb tooth patterns45bto45i.

Each of the comb tooth patterns45ato45jextends along the Y direction of the figure. The plurality of comb tooth patterns45ato45jare arranged substantially in parallel. Further, the plurality of comb tooth patterns45ato45jare arranged at substantially equal intervals.

Further, each of the comb tooth patterns55ato55iis branched from the first main body51of the wiring pattern50, extends along the Y direction of the figure, and protrudes from the wiring pattern50toward the resistor40. That is, each of the comb tooth patterns55ato55iis connected to the wiring pattern50and extends below the sliding region SA. The plurality of comb tooth patterns55ato55iare arranged at substantially equal intervals.

As shown inFIG.8, all of the comb tooth patterns45ato45jand55ato55iface the connection body80through the opening91of the spacer90and overlap with the sliding area SA of the slider100in a plan view. Further, as shown inFIGS.8to10, in a plan view, the comb tooth patterns45ato45jand the comb tooth patterns55ato55iare arranged alternately along the X direction of the figure and substantially at equal intervals.

The number of comb tooth patterns45is not particularly limited to the above. Similarly, the number of comb tooth patterns55is not particularly limited to the above. Further, the arrangement of the comb tooth patterns45and55is not particularly limited to the above. As will be described later, as the number of comb tooth patterns45and55increases, the output resolution of the variable resistor1B can be increased.

In one or more embodiments, since the width of the resistor40is narrow as described above, as shown inFIG.8, the resistor40has a narrower width W1than the width W2of the pushing portion110of the slider100(W1<W2). Here, when the slider slides directly above the resistor as in the conventional technique described above, since it is necessary to wider the resistor than the pushing portion of the slider in consideration of the displacement or the like of the trajectory of the slider, it is difficult to increase the resistance. On the other hand, in one or more embodiments, since the width of the resistor40can be narrowed, it is possible to easily increase the resistance of the resistor40. In one or more embodiments described above, the width of the resistor40may be narrower than the width of the pushing portion110of the slider100.

In one or more embodiments, as shown inFIG.9, the pushing portion110of the slider100has a dimension S1larger than the pitch P1of the first comb tooth patterns45adjacent to each other via the second comb tooth pattern55in the direction (X direction of the figure) in which the first and second comb tooth patterns45and55are arranged (S1>P1). Although not particularly limited, the dimension S1of the pushing portion110may be 50 times or less the pitch P1of the first comb tooth pattern45(S1≤10×P1).

As shown inFIGS.9and10, the substrate70of the upper membrane board60is bent downward due to pushing of the slider100, and the connecting body80contact the comb tooth patterns45and55adjacent to each other. Therefore, the resistor40and the wiring pattern50are electrically connected via the connecting body80. Specifically, in the state shown inFIG.9, the comb tooth patterns45fof the comb tooth patterns45ato45jand the comb tooth patterns55eof the comb tooth patterns55ato55iare electrically connected to each other via the connecting body80.

The number of comb tooth patterns45ato45jsimultaneously connected to the connecting body80by pushing of the slider100may be plural. Similarly, the number of comb tooth patterns55ato55isimultaneously connected to the connecting body80by pushing of the slider100may be plural.

In one or more embodiments, as the slider100slides while pushing the upper membrane board60, the combination of the comb tooth patterns45and55connected via the connecting body80is changed sequentially, and the resistance length (resistance value) of the resistor40is changed.

For example, in the state shown inFIG.9, as described above, the comb tooth patterns55eand45fare connected via the connecting body80. As the slider100slides in the +X direction of the figure from this state, the combinations of comb tooth patterns connected via the connecting body80is changed to the comb tooth patterns55eand45fthe comb tooth patterns45fand55fthe comb tooth patterns55fand45gthe comb tooth patterns45gand55gthe comb tooth patterns55gand45hthe comb tooth patterns45iand55ithe comb tooth patterns55iand45j.

Along with this, the wiring pattern50connected to the comb tooth patterns55ato55idetects a voltage (detection voltage) corresponding to the combination of the comb tooth patterns45and55connected via the connecting body80. That is, also in one or more embodiments, the resistance value between the wiring patterns31and50is changed in accordance with the pushing position of the slider100. When the slider100slides in the +X direction of the figure, the resistance value between the wiring patterns31and50gradually increases as the slider100slides. A multimeter or the like is connected to the wiring patterns31and50of the variable resistor1B, and the multimeter or the like outputs the electric potential difference between the power supply voltage and the detection voltage of the wiring pattern50.

On the other hand, as the slider100slides in the −X direction of the figure from the state shown inFIG.9, the combinations of comb tooth patterns connected via the connecting body80is changed to the comb tooth patterns45fand55ethe comb tooth patterns55eand45ethe comb tooth patterns45eand55dthe comb tooth patterns55dand45dthe comb tooth patterns45dand55cthe comb tooth patterns45band55athe comb tooth patterns55aand45a. In this case, the resistance value between the wiring patterns31and50gradually decreases as the slider100slides.

For example, when the comb tooth patterns45aand55athat are the leftmost combination ofFIG.9are connected via the connecting body80, the wiring pattern50detects a voltage of substantially the same potential as the power supply voltage, and the multimeter or the like outputs the electric potential difference (for example, 0 [V]) between the power supply voltage and the detected voltage of the wiring pattern50.

On the other hand, as shown inFIG.9, when the comb tooth patterns55eand45fthat are substantially central combinations are connected via the connecting body80, the wiring pattern50detects the voltage having a potential of substantially half of the power supply voltage, and the multimeter or the like outputs the electric potential difference (for example, 2.5 [V]) between the power supply voltage and the detected voltage of the wiring pattern50.

Further, when the comb tooth patterns55iand45jthat are the rightmost combination ofFIG.9are connected via the connecting body80, the wiring pattern50detects a voltage of substantially the same potential as ground, and the multimeter or the like outputs the electric potential difference (for example, 5 [V]) between the power supply voltage and the detected voltage of the wiring pattern50.

Thus, in one or more embodiments, since the resistance value between the wiring patterns31and50is changed in accordance with the combination of the comb tooth patterns45and55connected via the connecting body80, the output of the variable resistor1B has a stepped shape. Therefore, as the number of comb patterns45and55is increased and the pitch of the comb pattern45and55is narrower, the resolution of the output of the variable resistor1B can be heightened.

As described above, in one or more embodiments, the connecting body80is disposed on the lower surface71of the substrate70of the upper membrane board60, the slider100pushes the upper surface72of the substrate70, and the resistor40and the wiring pattern50respectively connected to the comb tooth patterns45and55are electrically connected by connecting the comb tooth patterns45and55via the connecting body80. That is, the substrate70of the upper membrane board60is interposed between the slider100and the resistor40, and the slider100does not directly contact the resistor40.

Further, in one or more embodiments, the sliding region SA in which the slider100slides is set between the resistor40and the wiring pattern50in a plan view. That is, there is no resistor40immediately below the sliding region SA of the slider100.

Therefore, in one or more embodiments, since it is possible to suppress wear of the resistor40due to sliding of the slider100, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of conduction failure of the variable resistor1B.

Further, in one or more embodiments, the comb tooth patterns45bto45iprotruding from the resistor40contact the connecting body80, and the resistor40itself does not directly contact the connecting body80. Further, in one or more embodiments, the entire area of the resistor40is covered with the spacer90and is protected by the spacer90. Therefore, in one or more embodiments, wear of the resistor40does not occur in the first place.

Further, in one or more embodiments, the sliding region SA of the slider100overlaps with the comb tooth patterns45bto45iprotruding from the resistor40, and the sliding region SA does not overlap with the resistor40itself. Therefore, since the sliding region SA of the slider100is not limited by the thick end portion of the resistor40due to the overlap with the wiring patterns31and35, it is possible to use the entire area of the resistor40as a detectable range of the variable resistor1B.

Further, in one or more embodiments, the leftmost comb tooth pattern45aofFIG.9is connected to one wiring pattern31, and the rightmost comb tooth pattern45jofFIG.9is connected to the other wiring pattern35. Therefore, the maximum value of the output of the variable resistor1B can be made equal to the power supply voltage, and the minimum value of the output of the variable resistor1B can be made equal to the ground.

Further, similarly to embodiments described above, in one or more embodiments, since all of the wiring patterns31,35, and50to be connected to the outside are disposed on the upper surface21of the same substrate20, it is sufficient to implement a connector only on the upper surface21, and it is possible to simplify the configuration of the variable resistor1B.

Embodiments heretofore explained are described to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not described to limit the present invention.

For example, the configuration of one or more embodiments described above may be combined.

Specifically, as in the variable resistor1C shown inFIG.13, similarly to embodiments described above, the comb tooth patterns45may be projected from the resistor40to overlap the connection body80with the comb tooth patterns45, and the other edge80bof the connecting body80may overlap with the wiring pattern50, similarly to one or more embodiments described above.FIG.13is a plan view showing the variable resistor in one or more embodiments of the present invention.

Also in this case, similarly to one or more embodiments described above, the resistor40itself does not contact the connection80, and the entire area of the resistor40is protected by the spacer90. Therefore, since wear of the resistor40due to sliding of the slider100does not occur in the first place, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of conduction failure of the variable resistor1C.

Alternatively, as in the variable resistor1D shown inFIGS.14to16, the wiring pattern50may be disposed on the upper substrate70and may be directly connected to the connecting body80.FIG.14is a plan view showing the variable resistor in one or more embodiments of the present invention,FIG.15is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XV-XV ofFIG.14, andFIG.16is a bottom view illustrating the spacer and the upper membrane board in one or more embodiments of the present invention.

Specifically, the variable resistor1D shown inFIGS.14to16is different from the above-mentioned variable resistor1C shown inFIG.13in the points where, instead of forming the wiring pattern50on the upper surface21of the lower substrate20, the wiring pattern50is formed on the lower surface72of the upper substrate70and the wiring pattern50is directly connected to the connecting body80. In this case, as shown inFIG.16, the wiring pattern50includes the first main body51only, and the first main body51is connected to the second main body81of the connecting body80.

In one or more embodiments, as shown inFIG.14, the pushing portion110of the slider100has a dimension51larger than the pitch P1of the first comb tooth patterns45adjacent to each other in the direction (X direction of the figure) in which the first comb tooth patterns45are arranged (S1>P1). Although not particularly limited, the dimension51of the pushing portion110may be 50 times or less the pitch P1of the first comb tooth pattern45(S1≤10×P1).

Alternatively, as in the variable resistor1E shown inFIG.17, the resistor40may be covered with a resin layer95different from the spacer90.FIG.17is a plan view showing the variable resistor in one or more embodiments of the present invention.

Specifically, the variable resistor1E shown inFIG.17is different from the above-mentioned variable resistor1C shown inFIG.13in the points where, instead of covering the resistor40with the spacer90, the opening91of the spacer90has a size that does not include the resistor40and the resistor40is covered with a resin layer95such as a resist in order to protect the resistor40. The spacer90may partially cover the resistor40and the resin layer93may partially cover the resistor40, thereby the spacer90and the resin layer95may cover the entire resistor40.

In one or more embodiments described above, although the comb tooth patterns45and55are disposed between the resistor40and the wiring pattern50, the arrangement of the comb tooth patterns45and55is not particularly limited thereto. For example, the connection body80may be disposed at a position away from the resistor40and the wiring pattern50without disposing the connection body80between the resistor40and the wiring pattern50, and the comb teeth patterns45and55may be led out to below the connecting body80.

Further, in one or more embodiments described above, although, regarding the operation of the slider100, it is described that the slider100that contacts and pushes the upper surface72of the upper membrane board60slides (reciprocates) along the X direction of the figure, the operation of the slider100is not particularly limited thereto.

For example, the slider100may repeat the operation of pushing rising horizontal moving pushing rising horizontal moving. Specifically, it may be repeated the operation where the slider100contacts and pushes one point on the upper surface72of the upper membrane board60, then rises without sliding on the upper surface72, then horizontally moves in the X direction (extending direction (longitudinal direction) of the connecting body80) of the figure, and then contacts and pushes the other point on the upper surface72of the upper membrane board60. Also in this case, the resistance length of the resistor40(resistance value) is changed in accordance with pushing of the slider100at different points, and different voltages is output from the wiring pattern50.

In one or more embodiments described above, although the operation of the variable resistor1A′ was performed by the slider110included in the variable resistor1A˜1E itself, the operation of the variable resistor is not particularly limited thereto. For example, instead of the slider100, an operator may operate the variable resistor by a finger.

In one or more embodiments, although the resistance value of the variable resistor1A˜1E is detected by connecting the wiring pattern31to the power supply, connecting the wiring pattern35to ground, and acquiring the detected voltage of the wiring pattern50, the circuit configuration for detecting the resistance value of the variable resistor is not particularly limited thereto.

For example, the power supply may be connected to the wiring patterns31and50without providing the wiring pattern35. Also in this case, the resistance value between the wiring patterns31and50is changed in accordance with the pushing position of the slider100.

Although the disclosure has been described with respect to only a limited number of embodiments, those skilled in the art, having benefit of this disclosure, will appreciate that various other embodiments may be devised without departing from the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be limited only by the attached claims.

EXPLANATIONS OF LETTERS OR NUMERALS

1A to1E . . . Variable resistor10. . . Lower membrane board20. . . Substrate21. . . Upper surface31. . . Wiring pattern32. . . Extending portion33. . . Wide portion35. . . Wiring pattern36. . . Extending portion37. . . Wide portion40. . . Resistor45,45ato45j. . . Comb tooth pattern50. . . Wiring pattern51. . . First main body511. . . Parallel portion52. . . First protective layer55,55ato55i. . . Comb tooth pattern60. . . Upper membrane board70. . . Substrate71. . . Lower surface72. . . Upper surface80. . . Connecting body80a,80b. . . Edge81. . . Second main body82. . . Second protective layer90. . . Spacer91. . . Opening95. . . Resin layer100. . . Slider110. . . Pushing portionNA . . . Non-overlap regionSA . . . Sliding region