Potentiometer

摘要

In the case of a potentiometer, a tube R consisting of non-conductive material, such as glass or plastic, is bent into a circular shape such that at least one turn is formed, as in the case of a coil. Two tracks B1, B2 consisting of resistance material run along the circular circumference inside the tube R, whose ends are hermetically sealed, for example by fusing them together. The two tracks B1, B2 are passed out at at least one end of the tube R and form a connection. A droplet T of a conductive fluid can flow inside the tube R which can rotate about its horizontally lying centre axis M, which droplet T electrically connects the two tracks B1, B2 to one another. Since the droplet T is always at the bottom, that is to say it always remains at the point of lowest potential energy, it flows inside the tube R when the tube R rotates about its centre axis M, and connects the two tracks B1, B2 at different points. The resistance of the potentiometer is thus changed. The tube R can have a plurality of turns, like a helical spring. A plurality of turns one above another are also possible. A trough U which is provided at one or both ends of the tube R can hold the droplet T so that it no longer connects the two tracks B1, B2 to one another. By turning the tube R back, said droplet T flows back into the tube R again. A combination of a switch and potentiometer is effected in this manner.