Switching device, push input device and electronic gear selector

Abstract

The present application provides a switch device, a push input device, and an electronic shifter that can reduce misjudgment of failure caused by measurement error or the like. The switch device includes: a plurality of sensor sections each detecting a plurality of measurement values corresponding to an operation position of a switch; a switching determination section that determines a switching state of the switch based on a majority decision of measurement levels of the plurality of measurement values of the plurality of sensor sections; and a failure determination section that determines a failure of each of the plurality of sensor sections, the failure determination section comparing a measurement value of one of the plurality of sensor sections with measurement values of the other sensor sections of the plurality of sensor sections other than the one sensor section, and determining that the one sensor section is in failure when more than half of the measurement values of the other sensor sections are not present within a prescribed range including the measurement value of the one sensor section.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a switching device, a push-type input device, and an electronic shift lever. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there has been a shift lever position determination device for a vehicle. When the majority of output signals from multiple position sensors correspond to the same operation position, a majority decision is made to determine the operation position of the shift lever as the operation position where the majority of the output signals are the same. However, when this majority decision does not hold, based on the magnitude relationship of the output signals from the multiple position sensors, it is determined whether the operation position of the shift lever is on the M operation position side or the N operation position side (for example, refer to Patent Document 1).

[0003] Prior Art Documents

[0004] Patent Documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2016-109292 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] However, the conventional shift lever position determination device for a vehicle has not taken measures against detection of failures and misjudgments. In particular, in a device that requires functional safety, such as a device related to the vehicle's driving system, misjudgment is not allowed.

[0008] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a switching device, a push-type input device, and an electronic shift lever that can reduce misjudgments of failures caused by measurement errors and the like.

[0009] Means for Solving the Problems

[0010] The switching device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a plurality of sensor units of three or more, each detecting three or more measurement values corresponding to the operation position of the switch; a switching determination unit that determines the switching state of the switch based on a majority decision of the measurement levels of the plurality of measurement values of the plurality of sensor units; and a failure determination unit that determines the failure of each of the plurality of sensor units. The failure determination unit compares the measurement value of one sensor unit among the plurality of sensor units with the measurement values of the other sensor units except the one sensor unit among the plurality of sensor units, and determines that the one sensor unit has failed when more than half of the measurement values of the other sensor units do not exist within a specified range including the measurement value of the one sensor unit.

[0011] Advantages of the Invention

[0012] It can provide switching devices, push-button input devices, and electronic shifters that can reduce misjudgments caused by measurement errors, etc. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the external appearance of a push-button shifting device according to one embodiment.

[0014] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of a push-button shifting device.

[0015] Figure 3 This is a perspective cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a push-to-shift device.

[0016] Figure 4 This is a partially enlarged perspective cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a push-to-shift device.

[0017] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the electrical configuration of a push-button shifter according to one embodiment.

[0018] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the slider of a push-to-type input device according to one embodiment.

[0019] Figure 7 This is a side view of the rotating body of a push-to-put input device according to one embodiment.

[0020] Figure 8 This diagram shows the engagement state of the upper and lower sliding portions of the slider with the cam portion of the rotating body in a push-to-put input device according to one embodiment.

[0021] Figure 9 This diagram shows the engagement state of the upper and lower sliding portions of the slider with the cam portion of the rotating body in a push-to-put input device according to one embodiment.

[0022] Figure 10A This is a diagram showing the configuration of the magnetic sensor 107C.

[0023] Figure 10B This is a diagram showing an example of the waveforms of the +SIN signal 1 and -SIN signal 1 output by the magnetic sensor 107C.

[0024] Figure 10C It is a diagram that magnifies the angular range (AR).

[0025] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating the difference between the +SIN signal 1 and the output value.

[0026] Figure 12It is a diagram that represents the disconnection range, hysteresis region, and connection range contained in the angle range AR.

[0027] Figure 13A This diagram illustrates the fault diagnosis method used for comparison.

[0028] Figure 13B This diagram illustrates another problem with the fault diagnosis method used for comparison.

[0029] Figure 14A This diagram illustrates the fault determination performed by the switching device 50 in the embodiment.

[0030] Figure 14B This diagram illustrates the fault determination performed by the switching device 50 in the embodiment.

[0031] Figure 15A This is a flowchart illustrating the fault determination process performed by the fault determination unit 123.

[0032] Figure 15B This is a flowchart illustrating the processes performed by the switching determination unit 122 and the fault determination unit 123.

[0033] Figure 16 This diagram summarizes the determination modes of the switching determination unit 122 and the fault determination unit 123. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The following describes embodiments of the switching device, push-button input device, and electronic shifter to which the present invention is applied.

[0035] <Implementation Method>

[0036] (Overview of push-button shifter 10)

[0037] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a push-button shifter 10 according to one embodiment. The push-button shifter 10 is an example of a push-button input device and an example of an electronic shifter. Furthermore, in the following description, for convenience, the X-axis direction is defined as the forward-backward direction, the Y-axis direction as the left-right direction, and the Z-axis direction as the up-down direction. Specifically, the positive X-axis direction is defined as forward, the positive Y-axis direction as right, and the positive Z-axis direction as upward. These represent the relative positional relationships within the device and do not limit the device's installation direction or operating direction. Devices with equivalent relative positional relationships within the device, even if their installation direction or operating direction differs, are all included within the scope of this invention.

[0038] Figure 1 The push-button gear shifter 10 shown is installed in vehicles such as automobiles and is a device that accepts the operation of selecting the gear of the vehicle. Figure 1 As shown, the push-button shifting device 10 includes four push-button input mechanisms 100 (100-1 to 100-4) and a housing 101. The four push-button input mechanisms 100 are arranged in a row in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) and integrated into one housing 101. Each of the four push-button input mechanisms 100 has an operation button 102 at its uppermost part, which allows the operator to select the gear corresponding to the operation button 102 by pressing it.

[0039] (Composition of the push-button input mechanism 100)

[0040] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of a push-button shifting device 10 according to one embodiment. Figure 3 This is a perspective cross-sectional view of a push-button shifting device 10 according to one embodiment. Figure 4 This is a partially enlarged perspective cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the push-button shifter 10. Additionally, Figure 3 A cross-section of the push-to-feed input mechanism 100-1 of the push-to-feed shifter 10 based on the XZ plane is shown. Figure 1 (The cross-section shown is the AA section line). Furthermore... Figure 4 A cross-section based on the YZ plane is shown of the push-to-feed input mechanism 100-1 (particularly the rotating body 105) of the push-to-feed shifter 10. Figure 2 The BB section line shown is a cross-section.

[0041] like Figure 2 As shown, the four push-button input mechanisms 100-1 to 100-4 each have an operation button 102, a housing 101, a slider 103, a light guide 104, a rotating body 105, a rubber sheet 106, a base plate 107, and a cover 108.

[0042] The operation button 102 is a resin component that accepts pressure from the operator. The operation button 102 is an example of a switch. Figure 2 In the example shown, the operation button 102 has a generally cuboid shape. Furthermore, the operation button 102 forms an operation surface 102A, the upper surface of which is generally horizontal for receiving a pressing operation and slightly curved into a concave shape. Additionally, the portion of the operation button 102 corresponding to its lower surface forms a lower opening 102B. The operation button 102 is inserted from the lower side (negative Z-axis side) into the lower opening 102B via the upper part of the slider 103 and is fixedly mounted to the upper part of the slider 103. Thus, the operation button 102 can move integrally with the slider 103 in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). That is, by pressing the operation surface 102A, the operation button 102 can cause the slider 103 to slide downwards (negative Z-axis direction).

[0043] The housing 101 is a container-shaped, resin-made component with a generally rectangular, hollow structure. Inside the housing 101 are housed a slider 103, a light guide 104, a rotating body 105, a rubber sheet 106, and a substrate 107. A rectangular upper opening 101A is formed on the upper surface of the housing 101 when viewed from above. The slider 103 is slidably disposed in the upper opening 101A in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). Furthermore, the entire portion of the housing 101 corresponding to the lower surface forms a lower opening 101B. The lower opening 101B is sealed by a cover 108. Additionally, as... Figure 3 As shown, a cylindrical shaft support portion 101C is provided inside the housing 101, hanging downwards from the top surface. (As shown...) Figure 3 As shown, the shaft support portion 101C, inserted into the upper opening 105b of the rotating body 105, supports the upper part of the rotating body 105, enabling it to rotate. Furthermore, as... Figure 4 As shown, a pair of support portions 101E are provided inside the housing 101, facing each other across the bearing opening 101D. Furthermore, as... Figure 4 As shown, a flange portion 105E, which expands radially from the outer circumferential surface of the rotating body 105, is provided at the lower end of the rotating body 105. The diameter of the flange portion 105E is larger than the diameter of the bearing opening portion 101D. Figure 4 As shown, the lower end of the rotating body 105 is embedded in the bearing opening 101D. At this time, the flange portion 105E of the rotating body 105 abuts against the upper surface of a pair of support portions 101E. Thus, the lower part of the rotating body 105 is supported so that it can rotate, that is, movement downward of the rotating body 105 is restricted.

[0044] The slider 103 is a resin component that is slidably disposed in the upper opening 101A of the housing 101 in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) (an example of a "prescribed sliding direction"). The slider 103 has a generally square cylindrical portion 103A with the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) as the cylindrical direction.

[0045] The light guide 104 is a resin-made, tetragonal prism-shaped component disposed within the cylindrical portion 103A of the slider 103. The light guide 104 directs light emitted from the LED 107B mounted on the upper surface 107A of the substrate 107 and light incident from the bottom surface of the light guide 104 to exit through the upper surface of the light guide 104. Thus, the light guide 104 guides the light emitted from the LED 107B to the operation button 102.

[0046] The rotating body 105 is a generally cylindrical component with its vertical direction as the cylindrical direction. The rotating body 105 is rotatably disposed around the axis of rotation (Z-axis direction) on the side of the slider 103. The outer peripheral surface of the rotating body 105 engages with the slider 103 in a manner that it rotates along with the vertical sliding of the slider 103 (details of the engagement will be described later). Figure 3 As shown, a magnet 105A is embedded in the lower opening 105a of the rotating body 105. Furthermore, as... Figure 3 As shown, a shaft support portion 101C of a housing 101 is inserted into the upper opening 105b of the rotating body 105. Thus, the rotating body 105 is supported by the housing 101 and is able to rotate. Furthermore, an annular torsion spring 105B (an example of a "force-applying mechanism") is provided around the shaft support portion 101C of the housing 101 in the upper opening 105b of the rotating body 105. One end of the torsion spring 105B is fixed to the shaft support portion 101C, and the other end of the torsion spring 105B is fixed to the rotating body 105. Thus, the elastic force generated by the torsion spring 105B applies a force to the rotating body 105 in a counterclockwise (returning rotation direction) direction when viewed from above. The rotating body 105 is capable of the following actions: As the sliding member 103 slides downwards (negative Z-axis direction) due to the pressing operation, after the rotating body 105 rotates clockwise when viewed from above, when the pressing operation is released, the rotating body 105 rotates counterclockwise (returning to the original rotation direction) when viewed from above due to the elastic force generated by the torsion spring 105B. Thus, as the rubber dome 106A of the rubber sheet 106 (described later) pushes the sliding member 103 upwards (positive Z-axis direction) and the sliding member 103 returns to its initial position before the pressing operation, the rotating body 105 can rotate back to its initial position and return to its original position.

[0047] The rubber sheet 106 is a sheet-like component that overlaps with the upper surface 107A of the substrate 107. The rubber sheet 106 is formed using an elastic raw material (such as silicone rubber). By covering the upper surface 107A of the substrate 107 over the entire area, the rubber sheet 106 can prevent water from getting onto the upper surface 107A of the substrate 107, even if water is immersed into the interior of the housing 101.

[0048] Furthermore, two rubber domes 106A are integrally formed on the rubber sheet 106 at positions opposite to the bottom surfaces of each slider 103. Each rubber dome 106A is an example of a "click-feel mechanism." Each rubber dome 106A is formed as a convex shape protruding upward from the upper surface of the rubber sheet 106. When a pressing operation is performed, each rubber dome 106A is pressed by the bottom surface of the slider 103, thereby elastically deforming (reverse bending) the dome, giving the pressing operation a click-feel. Furthermore, as described above, when the pressing operation is released, the elastic force (restoring force to the initial shape) generated by the rubber domes 106A can push the slider 103 upward (positive Z-axis direction), allowing the slider 103 to return to its initial position before the pressing operation.

[0049] The substrate 107 is a flat plate. The substrate 107 has a quadrilateral shape when viewed from above. The substrate 107 is fixedly disposed inside the housing 101 on the upper surface of the cover 108 in a horizontal position relative to the XY plane. For example, a PWB (Printed Wiring Board) can be used as the substrate 107. An LED (Light Emitting Diode) 107B and a magnetic sensor 107C are mounted on the upper surface 107A of the substrate 107.

[0050] LED 107B is positioned directly below the light guide 104. LED 107B is controlled by an externally located control device 120 (see reference 120). Figure 5 The LED107B can emit light by controlling the light source. By emitting light, the LED107B can illuminate the light guide 104.

[0051] The magnetic sensor 107C is positioned directly below the rotating body 105, opposite the magnet 105A located on the lower end face of the rotating body 105. The magnetic sensor 107C detects the rotation angle of the rotating body 105 by detecting changes in the direction of magnetic flux accompanying the rotation of the magnet 105A. Then, the magnetic sensor 107C outputs a rotation angle signal, representing the detected rotation angle, via connector 108A to an external control device 120 (see reference). Figure 5 Additionally, one embodiment of the push-button input mechanism 100, as an example of a "sensor" for detecting rotation angle, uses a magnetic sensor 107C (GMR sensor). However, it is not limited to this; the push-button input mechanism 100, as another example of a "sensor" for detecting rotation angle, may also use sensors of other types (e.g., optical, mechanical, electrostatic, resistive, etc.).

[0052] The magnetic sensor 107C has multiple GMR elements for detecting the rotation angle of the rotating body 105. The multiple GMR elements of the magnetic sensor 107C are an example of multiple sensor units. Subsequently, using... Figure 10A The structure of the magnetic sensor 107C will be described.

[0053] Cover 108 is a resin-made, flat-plate component that seals the lower opening 101B of housing 101. Cover 108 is threadedly fastened to housing 101 by four screws 109 passing through it. A square-tube connector 108A is provided protruding downwards from the bottom surface of cover 108. Multiple connector pins (not shown) are arranged inside connector 108A, hanging downwards from the lower surface of substrate 107. Connector 108A electrically connects the multiple connector pins to an external connector (not shown) by embedding the connector 108A.

[0054] (Electrical configuration of the push-button shifting device 10)

[0055] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating the electrical configuration of a push-button shifter 10 according to one embodiment. Furthermore, in Figure 5 The switching device 50 of the embodiment is shown in the figure. For example... Figure 5 As shown, the push-button shifting device 10 includes four push-button input mechanisms 100-1 to 100-4 and a control device 120. In addition, each push-button input mechanism 100 includes an LED 107B and a magnetic sensor 107C.

[0056] The control device 120 is connected to the connector 108A (see reference) of the push-button shift device 10. Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 It is connected to the LED 107B and magnetic sensor 107C of each push-to-put input mechanism 100. The control device 120 includes a light-emitting control unit 121, a switching determination unit 122, a fault determination unit 123, and a memory 124.

[0057] Here, the switching device 50 in this embodiment includes a magnetic sensor 107C, a switching determination unit 122, a fault determination unit 123, and a memory 124. Figure 5 The switch device 50 is shown in the form of a magnetic sensor 107C including a press-type input mechanism 100-1, but the switch device 50 may also include multiple magnetic sensors 107C, or it may be configured to include four magnetic sensors 107C including press-type input mechanisms 100-1 to 100-4.

[0058] The control device 120 can be implemented using a computer including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), HDD (Hard Disk Drive), input / output interfaces, and an internal bus. The light-emitting control unit 121, the switching determination unit 122, and the fault determination unit 123, as functional modules, represent the functions of the programs executed by the control device 120. Furthermore, the memory 124 functionally represents the memory of the control device 120.

[0059] The light emission control unit 121 controls the light emission of the LED 107B provided in each push-type input mechanism 100.

[0060] The switching determination unit 122 determines the switching state of the operation button 102 (an example of a switch) based on the detection signal supplied from the magnetic sensor 107C provided by each push-type input mechanism 100 (i.e., the detection result of the rotation angle of the magnetic sensor 107C). ​​The magnetic sensor 107C outputs four measurement values ​​based on the operating position of the operation button 102, as an example. The switching determination unit 122 determines the switching state of the operation button 102 based on the majority vote of the measurement levels of the four measurement values, as detailed later.

[0061] The fault determination unit 123 determines the faults of each of the multiple GMR elements in the magnetic sensor 107C. The push-button shifter 10 is a functionally safe product; therefore, even if a fault occurs, it must not be mistakenly identified as a switch being turned on. Afterwards, using... Figure 15A as well as Figure 15B The specific processing performed by the fault determination unit 123 will be described.

[0062] The memory 124 stores the determination results of the fault determination unit 123. This is because the determination results of the fault determination unit 123 for the faults of the multiple GMR elements of the magnetic sensor 107C can be obtained afterward. In addition, the memory 124 is described here as being included in the control device 120, but the memory 124 may also be provided outside the control device 120.

[0063] (The upper sliding part 103B and the lower sliding part 103C of the slider 103)

[0064] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the slider 103 included in one embodiment of a push-button input mechanism 100-1. Figure 6The image shows the rear side (negative X-axis side) of the cylindrical portion 103A of the slider 103 included in the push-button input mechanism 100-1. Figure 6 As shown, the sliding member 103 of the push-type input mechanism 100-1 has an upper sliding part 103B and a lower sliding part 103C protruding from the side of the rear side (negative side of the X-axis) of the cylindrical part 103A.

[0065] The upper sliding portion 103B is positioned slightly above (positive Z-axis) and slightly to the left (negative Y-axis) than the lower sliding portion 103C. A gap 103D is formed between the upper sliding portion 103B and the lower sliding portion 103C. The upper sliding portion 103B has a curved (convex) upper sliding surface 103Ba facing the gap 103D. The lower sliding portion 103C has a curved (convex) lower sliding surface 103Ca facing the gap 103D. The upper sliding portion 103B and the lower sliding portion 103C are positioned opposite each other across the cam portion 105D described later. (Refer to...) Figure 8 , Figure 9 )

[0066] (Cam portion 105D of rotating body 105)

[0067] Figure 7 This is a side view of the rotating body 105 included in one embodiment of the push-button input mechanism 100-1. Figure 7 The image shows the outer peripheral surface 105C of the front side (positive X-axis side) of the rotating body 105 of the push-button input mechanism 100-1. (See image for reference.) Figure 7 As shown, the rotary body 105 of the push-button input mechanism 100-1 has a spiral cam portion 105D protruding from its outer peripheral surface 105C on the front side (positive X-axis side). The cam portion 105D extends counterclockwise along the outer peripheral surface 105C from its upper end to its lower end. Furthermore, the cam portion 105D is spirally shaped so that its height gradually decreases from its upper end to its lower end. The inclined surface on the upper side of the cam portion 105D becomes a surface that can slide with the upper sliding surface 103Ba of the slider 103 (see reference). Figure 6 The upper cam surface 105Da (an example of a "cam surface") slides against the slider 103. The upper cam surface 105Da converts the sliding force of the slider 103 into the rotational force of the rotating body 105. Furthermore, the inclined surface on the inner (lower) side of the upper cam surface 105Da of the cam portion 105D becomes capable of sliding against the lower sliding surface 103Ca of the slider 103 (see reference). Figure 6 The lower cam surface 105Db slides against the contact surface.

[0068] In addition, such as Figure 7As shown, the upper cam surface 105Da has a rotation start portion P1, a rotation middle portion P2, and a rotation end portion P3.

[0069] The rotation start portion P1 is the portion of the upper sliding portion 103B of the slider 103 that slides until the travel amount of the operation button 102 reaches the travel amount S1 position (equivalent to "when the rotation of the rotating body begins").

[0070] The rotating intermediate part P2 is the part of the upper sliding part 103B of the slider 103 that slides when the stroke of the operating button 102 reaches the stroke S2 ​​from the stroke S1 (equivalent to "the middle of the rotation of the rotating body").

[0071] The rotation end part P3 is the part where the upper sliding part 103B of the slider 103 slides after the stroke of the operation button 102 reaches the stroke amount S2 (equivalent to "when the rotation of the rotating body ends").

[0072] (The engagement state of the slider 103 and the rotating body 105)

[0073] Figure 8 as well as Figure 9 This diagram shows the engagement state of the upper sliding portion 103B and the lower sliding portion 103C of the slider 103 in one embodiment of the push-button input mechanism 100-1 with the cam portion 105D of the rotating body 105. Additionally, Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the slider 103 and the rotating body 105, viewed from above (positive Z-axis) and to the right (positive Y-axis). Furthermore, Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of the slider 103 and the rotating body 105 in the YZ plane, viewed from the front (positive X-axis direction), showing only the cross-section of the slider 103.

[0074] like Figure 8 as well as Figure 9 As shown, the cam portion 105D of the rotating body 105 is disposed within the gap 103D between the upper sliding portion 103B and the lower sliding portion 103C of the slider 103. Thus, as... Figure 9 As shown, the upper cam surface 105Da of the cam portion 105D can slide against the upper sliding surface 103Ba of the upper sliding portion 103B. Furthermore, as... Figure 9 As shown, the lower cam surface 105Db of the cam portion 105D can slide by abutting against the lower sliding surface 103Ca of the lower sliding portion 103C.

[0075] Thus, in one embodiment of the push-button input mechanism 100-1, when the operation button 102 is pressed, the slider 103 moves downward (negative Z-axis direction) with the pressing operation. The upper sliding surface 103Ba of the upper sliding portion 103B of the slider 103 causes the upper cam surface 105Da of the cam portion 105D of the rotating body 105 to slide towards its lower end, while simultaneously driving the rotating body 105 to rotate clockwise when viewed from above. Therefore, in one embodiment of the push-button input mechanism 100-1, when the operation button 102 is pressed, the rotating body 105 can be driven to rotate clockwise when viewed from above. Furthermore, the elastic force generated by the torsion spring 105B applies a force to the rotating body 105 in a counter-clockwise (returning rotation direction) direction when viewed from above. Therefore, the upper cam surface 105Da of the cam portion 105D always abuts against the upper sliding surface 103Ba of the upper sliding portion 103B. Therefore, even if there is vibration or impact, the rotating body 105 of the push-type input mechanism 100-1 in one embodiment will not separate from the slider 103 and rotate, and the rotation angle of the rotating body 105 accompanying the pressing operation can reliably correspond to the amount of movement downward (negative Z-axis direction) of the slider 103.

[0076] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the push-button input mechanism 100-1, when the operation button 102 is released, the torsion spring 105B provided in the upper opening 105b of the rotating body 105 generates a spring force that allows the rotating body 105 to rotate counterclockwise when viewed from above. Thus, in one embodiment of the push-button input mechanism 100-1, the upper cam surface 105Da of the cam portion 105D provided in the rotating body 105 always slides against the upper sliding surface 103Ba of the upper sliding portion 103B provided in the slider 103, while simultaneously, the rotating body 105 rotates following the upward movement (positive Z-axis direction) of the slider 103 caused by the spring force of the rubber dome 106A. As a result, in one embodiment, the push-to-press input mechanism 100-1 can push the slider 103 upward (positive Z-axis direction) via the rubber dome 106A, so that the slider 103 returns to its initial position before the pressing operation, and the rotating body 105 returns to its initial position.

[0077] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the push-button input mechanism 100-1, the slider 103 has a lower sliding portion 103C. Consequently, in one embodiment of the push-button input mechanism 100-1, when the operation button 102 is released, regardless of the upward movement of the slider 103 due to the force applied from the rubber dome 106A, a problem arises in the rotation of the rotating body 105 in the return rotation direction (counterclockwise when viewed from above) caused by jamming due to foreign objects or the like. The rotation of the rotating body 105 cannot follow the upward movement of the slider 103. In its normal recovery state, when the lower sliding portion 103C of the slider 103, which is separated from the lower cam surface 105Db of the cam portion 105D by a gap, moves upward by the pushing force of the rubber dome 106A, it can simultaneously abut against the lower cam surface 105Db of the cam portion 105D of the rotating body 105, which is stopped here, causing the lower cam surface 105Db to slide towards its upper end, while driving the rotating body 105 to rotate in the recovery rotation direction (counterclockwise when viewed from above). Thus, even if the push-type input mechanism 100-1 of one embodiment is stuck due to foreign objects or the spring force generated by the torsion spring 105B is insufficient to drive the rotating body 105 to rotate, it can still force the rotating body 105 to rotate in the recovery rotation direction (counterclockwise when viewed from above), and reliably restore the rotating body 105 to the initial rotation angle before the press operation.

[0078] Furthermore, even if the cam portion 105D, or the upper sliding portion 103B and the lower sliding portion 103C of the slider 103 are damaged and lost, the push-type input mechanism 100-1 of one embodiment can restore the rotating body 105 to its initial rotation angle by applying force from the torsion spring 105B toward the direction of restoration rotation.

[0079] Furthermore, a small gap is provided in the gap 103D between the upper sliding portion 103B and the lower sliding portion 103C, such that the cam portion 105D can slide smoothly within the gap 103D. This gap may cause the cam portion 105D to wobble within the gap 103D.

[0080] However, as described above, in one embodiment, the push-button input mechanism 100-1 applies force to the cam portion 105D in a counterclockwise rotation manner when viewed from above, through the force generated by the torsion spring 105B provided on the rotating body 105. Therefore, in one embodiment, the push-button input mechanism 100-1 can always apply force to the cam portion 105D in the direction pressing against the upper sliding portion 103B, that is, it can cause the cam portion 105D to move closer in one direction within the gap 103D, thereby suppressing wobbling. Thus, when subjected to impact or vibration, it can suppress the instability of the rotation angle of the rotating body 105 caused by the wobbling of the cam portion 105D.

[0081] Furthermore, as described above, the push-type input mechanism 100-1 of one embodiment can suppress the prior rotation (over-rotation) of the rotating body 105 relative to the rapid operation of the slider 103 by always applying force to the cam portion 105D in the direction of contact with the upper sliding portion 103B, thereby reliably enabling the rotational action of the rotating body 105 to follow the sliding of the slider 103 in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction).

[0082] Furthermore, the rotating body 105 and the components that support the rotating body 105 to enable rotation (the shaft support portion 101C of the housing 101 and a pair of support portions 101E (see reference)) Figure 4A small gap is provided between the upper sliding surface 103Ba and the upper cam surface 105Da to allow the rotating body 105 to rotate smoothly. This gap raises concerns about horizontal and vertical wobbling relative to the rotating body 105. Therefore, in one embodiment, the push-button input mechanism 100-1 is tilted such that the upper sliding surface 103Ba and the upper cam surface 105Da are tilted at a predetermined angle, with their heights gradually decreasing towards the outer side of the rotating body 105 in the radial direction. This tilting causes the plate thickness of the cam portion 105D along the rotation center axis (vertical direction) to be set to be thinner towards the outer side in the radial direction. This tilting, through the force applied from the torsion spring 105B, generates a reaction force on the rotating body 105 in a direction perpendicular to the tilted surface of the upper cam surface 105Da when the upper cam surface 105Da is pressed against the upper sliding surface 103Ba. The reaction force is composed of downward (towards the support portion 101E) and horizontal (towards the rotation center axis) reaction forces. In one embodiment, the push-button input mechanism 100-1, through this reaction force, can apply downward (towards the support portion 101E) and horizontal (towards the rotation center axis) force to the rotating body 105 and bias it within the gap between the push-button input mechanism 100-1 and the component supporting the rotating body 105 for rotation. Therefore, in one embodiment, the push-button input mechanism 100-1 can suppress the swaying of the rotating body 105 in the horizontal and vertical directions, allowing the rotating body 105 to rotate stably. Thus, the rotational movement of the rotating body 105 can reliably follow the sliding of the slider 103 in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction).

[0083] In addition, in this embodiment, a rubber dome 106A is used as an example of a "dome-shaped elastomer", but it is not limited to this. As another example of a "dome-shaped elastomer", a metal dome component that can perform a reversing action can also be used.

[0084] In addition, the "cam surface" is set on the rotating body 105 as described above, but it is not limited to this. The "cam surface" can also be set on the sliding member 103.

[0085] <Switching and fault determination performed by switching device 50>

[0086] In the switching device 50 (reference) Figure 5 In this process, the switching determination unit 122 determines the switching state of the operation button 102 based on a majority vote of the four outputs of the magnetic sensor 107C, and the fault determination unit 123 determines the faults of each of the multiple GMR elements of the magnetic sensor 107C. Here, the four outputs of the magnetic sensor 107C will be explained.

[0087] <Composition of the 107C Magnetic Sensor>

[0088] Figure 10A This diagram illustrates the configuration of the magnetic sensor 107C. The magnetic sensor 107C has four GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4. GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4 are an example of multiple sensor units; here, the configuration of the magnetic sensor 107C having four GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4 will be described. However, the magnetic sensor 107C may have three or more GMR sensor units.

[0089] like Figure 10A As shown, GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4 each have two GMR elements connected in series between the power supply Vdd and the ground line (GND), GMR sensor units 107C1 and 107C2 are connected in parallel, and GMR sensor units 107C3 and 107C4 are connected in parallel.

[0090] If the direction of the magnetic flux of each GMR element in GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4 changes due to the rotation of magnet 105A accompanied by pressing operation button 102, the resistance value changes, and a sine wave is output from the connection point of the two GMR elements connected in series. GMR sensor units 107C1 and 107C2 set the polarity of the four GMR elements contained in GMR sensor units 107C1 and 107C2 to output +SIN signal 1 and -SIN signal 1 with a phase difference of 180 degrees. Similarly, GMR sensor units 107C3 and 107C4 set the polarity of the four GMR elements contained in GMR sensor units 107C3 and 107C4 to output +SIN signal 2 and -SIN signal 2 with a phase difference of 180 degrees.

[0091] The push-button shifting device 10 can detect the rotation angle of the rotating body 105 based on the +SIN signal 1, -SIN signal 1, +SIN signal 2, and -SIN signal 2. The rotation angle of the rotating body 105 is equivalent to the amount of pressing operation based on the pressing operation of the operation button 102. The amount of pressing operation is the amount by which the operation button 102 is pressed downward.

[0092] Figure 10B This is a diagram showing an example of the waveforms of the +SIN signal 1 and -SIN signal 1 output by the magnetic sensor 107C. Figure 10BIn the diagram, the horizontal axis represents the rotation angle of magnet 105A, and the vertical axis represents the voltage values ​​of +SIN signal 1 and -SIN signal 1. A rotation angle of -30 degrees for magnet 105A (left end) corresponds to a state where the operation button 102 is not pressed, resulting in a zero-degree press. A rotation angle of +30 degrees for magnet 105A (right end) corresponds to a state where the operation button 102 is fully pressed down to its lowest position. The press amount in this state is the maximum value.

[0093] With the change in the rotation angle of the magnet 105A based on the pressing operation, such as Figure 10B As shown, +SIN signal 1 and -SIN signal 1 vary within a range of ±30 degrees. At this time, within the angle range AR before and after the rotation angle of magnet 105A reaches 0 degrees, +SIN signal 1 and -SIN signal 1 change linearly. As an example, the angle range AR is ±30 degrees. Furthermore, the waveforms of +SIN signal 1 and -SIN signal 1 are explained here; the same applies to +SIN signal 2 and -SIN signal 2.

[0094] Furthermore, the variation of +SIN signal 1 and -SIN signal 1 within a range of ±30 degrees in response to the change in the rotation angle of magnet 105A based on the pressing operation is a specific example, but is not limited to ±30 degrees. The range of variation of +SIN signal 1 and -SIN signal 1 in response to the change in the rotation angle of magnet 105A based on the pressing operation can be any range of angles as long as it falls within the range of linear variation of +SIN signal 1 and -SIN signal 1.

[0095] Figure 10C This is a diagram representing an AR (Aperture Reduction) angle range magnified. In Figure 10C In the diagram, the horizontal axis represents the rotation angle of magnet 105A, and the vertical axis represents the voltage values ​​of +SIN signal 1 and -SIN signal 1. Figure 10C The waveforms of +SIN signal 1 and -SIN signal 1 are shown in the figure. The waveforms of +SIN signal 2 and -SIN signal 2 are also the same.

[0096] The push-button shifting device 10 uses the linear change of the rotation angle range AR of the +SIN signal 1, -SIN1 signal, +SIN signal 2 and -SIN signal 2 output by the magnetic sensor 107C relative to the magnet 105A to perform switch on / off determination (on / off determination) based on the push-button operation.

[0097] <Correction of output values ​​for +SIN signal 1, -SIN1 signal, +SIN signal 2, and -SIN signal 2>

[0098] Figure 11This diagram illustrates the correction of the output value of the +SIN signal 1. In Figure 11 In the diagram, the horizontal axis represents the rotation angle of magnet 105A, and the vertical axis represents the voltage value of +SIN signal 1. The solid line represents GMR sensor section 107C1 (see reference). Figure 10A The actual output of the +SIN signal 1 (output value).

[0099] Due to individual differences in the built-in GMR elements, the output value of GMR sensor unit 107C1 may have deviations. The same applies to GMR sensor units 107C2 to 107C4. If the switching determination unit 122 determines the switching state of operation button 102 based on a majority vote of the four outputs of GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4 (based on magnetic sensor 107C), and there are deviations among the four output values ​​of GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4, the accurate pressing amount of operation button 102 cannot be determined. Therefore, by calibrating the four actual output values ​​of GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4 to a unified reference, the calibrated output values ​​are processed as the measured values ​​of GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4. The measured value represents the angle (rotation angle of magnet 105A). The rotation angle of the rotating body 105 is equivalent to the amount of pressing operation based on the pressing operation of the operation button 102. Therefore, the measured value represents the angle (rotation angle of magnet 105A) and also represents the amount of pressing operation of the operation button 102.

[0100] As an example, after assembling the push-button input mechanism 100, the operation button 102 is pressed. While in a common pressed position, the four output values ​​of the GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4 are measured, thereby correcting the output values ​​of the GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4 within the common pressed position. The four output values ​​of the GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4 measured while in the common pressed position are actual measured values.

[0101] For example, the common pressing operation amount (operating position) corresponds to 0 degrees, and the theoretical output value of the GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4 at an angle of 0 degrees is 0 (V). Furthermore, as... Figure 11 As shown by the solid line, the output of the +SIN signal 1 from the GMR sensor unit 107C1 is offset from 0 (V) to -V1 (V) at a position with an angle of 0 degrees. -V1 (V) is the difference between the output value of the GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4 and the theoretical output value, and is the error of the output value of the GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4.

[0102] In this case, the value obtained by subtracting the error (-V1) from the output value of the GMR sensor unit 107C1 represents the characteristic that becomes 0 (V) at the 0-degree angle position, as shown by the dashed line. The characteristic shown by the dashed line is the characteristic of the measured value after correcting the characteristic of the output value. Thus, if the output values ​​(+SIN signal 1, -SIN1 signal, +SIN signal 2, and -SIN signal 2) of the GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4 are corrected for the error of the common pressing operation amount (operating position), the characteristics of +SIN signal 1, -SIN1 signal, +SIN signal 2, and -SIN signal 2 can be made consistent with the pressing operation amount. The error between the output values ​​of the GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4 and the theoretical output value is the correction value.

[0103] The +SIN signal 1, -SIN1 signal, +SIN signal 2, and -SIN signal 2 output by the GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4 are converted into digital values ​​and then input to the control device 120. Therefore, the value obtained by subtracting the error (correction value) between the measured value and the theoretical output value from the digital value obtained by digitally converting the output values ​​of +SIN signal 1, -SIN1 signal, +SIN signal 2, and -SIN signal 2 can be used as the measured value of the GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4 and input to the control device 120. The angular characteristics relative to the measured value obtained by such correction approximately accurately represent the actual amount of pressure applied to the operation button 102. Therefore, the switching determination unit 122 can accurately determine the switching state of the operation button 102 based on the actual amount of pressure applied to the operation button 102. Furthermore, the fault determination unit 123 can accurately determine faults based on the actual amount of pressure applied to the operation button 102.

[0104] <Disconnection range, hysteresis area, and connection range>

[0105] Figure 12 It is a diagram that represents the disconnection range, hysteresis region, and connection range contained in the angle range AR. Figure 12 This diagram illustrates the disconnection range, hysteresis region, and connection range, and is not an illustration of the fault determination method of the switching device 50 in the embodiment.

[0106] exist Figure 12 In the diagram, the horizontal axis represents the angle within the angular range AR. Vertically, the angles (measured values) represented by +SIN signal 1, -SIN signal 1, +SIN signal 2, and -SIN signal 2 are shown in four rows side-by-side.

[0107] The disconnect range is an example of a first level range. As an example of a first level range, the disconnect range is the range of angles (measured values) corresponding to the first level of disconnection when the operation button 102 is switched on. The on range is an example of a second level range. As an example of a second level range, the on range is the range of angles (measured values) corresponding to the second level of onion when the operation button 102 is switched on. The area between the disconnect range and the on range is a hysteresis region. Furthermore, the hysteresis region is an example of a third level range. An angle range AR, as an example, is -30 degrees to +30 degrees. Therefore, the disconnect range is the range of angles (measured values) from -30 degrees to angles (measured values) less than the lower limit angle A1 of the hysteresis region, and the on range is the range of angles (measured values) from angles (measured values) greater than the upper limit angle A2 of the hysteresis region to +30 degrees. The hysteresis region is the range (area) including angles (measured values) of 0 degrees. Hereinafter, the disconnect range and the on range may be referred to as level ranges. A level range is the range of levels representing angles (measured values).

[0108] The angles represented by +SIN signal 1, -SIN signal 1, +SIN signal 2, and -SIN signal 2 are indicated by black circles (●). Figure 12 In the example, the angles represented by +SIN signal 1, -SIN signal 1, +SIN signal 2, and -SIN signal 2 all fall within the coverage range.

[0109] Figure 13A This diagram illustrates the fault determination method used for comparison. The angles (measured values) represented by +SIN signal 1, -SIN signal 1, +SIN signal 2, and -SIN signal 2 are represented by black circles (●). In reality, when the GMR sensor unit 107C1 that outputs +SIN signal 1 malfunctions, the angle represented by +SIN signal 1 is fixed to a value within the disconnection range.

[0110] In this situation, the fault determination method used for comparison is based on the outputs of +SIN signal 1, -SIN signal 1, +SIN signal 2, and -SIN signal 2, and simply determines the fault through majority vote. In the off range, there is only one signal, +SIN signal 1, while in the on range, there are three signals: -SIN signal 1, +SIN signal 2, and -SIN signal 2, thus forming a one-to-three relationship. As a result, the fault determination method used for comparison determines that the GMR sensor unit 107C1 outputting +SIN signal 1 is faulty.

[0111] Figure 13B This diagram illustrates a problem with the fault diagnosis method used for comparison. For example, if the operation button 102 is pressed very slowly, there will be a deviation in the way the angles (measured values) of the GMR sensor sections 107C1 to 107C4 change. In this case, if... Figure 13B As shown, there may be a situation where the angle represented by +SIN signal 1 is in the off range, while the angles represented by -SIN signal 1, +SIN signal 2, and -SIN signal 2 are in the on range. When the operation button 102 is pressed to the middle range, there may be a situation where even if the angles represented by -SIN signal 1, +SIN signal 2, and -SIN signal 2 are in the on range, the angle represented by +SIN signal 1 is still in the off range. In such cases, it is impossible to determine whether the fault lies with the GMR sensor unit 107C1 that outputs +SIN signal 1, or with the deviation in the way the angles (measured values) of GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4 change. Furthermore, it is necessary to determine the fault as early as possible after the safety requirements are met, but... Figure 13B In situations like those shown, the possibility of misjudgment increases.

[0112] Therefore, the switching device 50 in the embodiment, through Figure 14A as well as Figure 14B The method described in the text is used to determine the fault.

[0113] <Fault determination performed by the switching device 50 in the embodiment>

[0114] Figure 14A as well as Figure 14B This diagram illustrates the fault determination performed by the switching device 50 in the embodiment. Figure 14A as well as Figure 14B In the diagram, at the left end of the four columns showing the angles represented by +SIN signal 1, -SIN signal 1, +SIN signal 2, and -SIN signal 2, there is a column indicating the judgment result of the fault judgment unit 123 on the GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4, which output +SIN signal 1, -SIN signal 1, +SIN signal 2, and -SIN signal 2. Here, the judgment result is represented by ○ (normal) and × (fault).

[0115] In the fault determination of the implementation method, a predetermined range E is set for each measured value of +SIN signal 1, -SIN signal 1, +SIN signal 2, and -SIN signal 2, with the measured value as the center value. That is, the predetermined range E is the range from a lower limit value that is E / 2 (V) lower than the measured value of each of +SIN signal 1, -SIN signal 1, +SIN signal 2, and -SIN signal 2 to an upper limit value that is E / 2 (V) higher than the measured value of each of +SIN signal 1, -SIN signal 1, +SIN signal 2, and -SIN signal 2.

[0116] The specified range E corresponds to the range of errors that may occur in the measured values ​​of the GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4 under normal conditions without malfunction. Furthermore, as an example, this specified range E is wider in the direction of the measured value's high and low levels than the range from the lower limit angle A1 to the upper limit angle A2 of the hysteresis region. Therefore, taking into account the measurement error of the GMR sensor units, the switching device 50 can reduce misjudgments in fault detection.

[0117] As an example where the output values ​​of +SIN signal 1, -SIN signal 1, +SIN signal 2, and -SIN signal 2 are all at a common pressing operation amount (operating position), the switch device 50 is calibrated at an angle of 0 degrees, and the measured value obtained by calibrating the output value is used to determine the fault. The specified range E of the measured value can be used as the error range that may occur due to individual differences in GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4. The specified range E can be used when determining the fault by majority vote based on the measured values ​​of +SIN signal 1, -SIN signal 1, +SIN signal 2, and -SIN signal 2.

[0118] For example, when the fault determination unit 123 performs fault determination on the GMR sensor unit 107C1 that outputs +SIN signal 1, if more than half of the measured values ​​of -SIN signal 1, +SIN signal 2, and -SIN signal 2 (excluding +SIN signal 1) exist within the specified range E of the measured value of +SIN signal 1, the fault determination unit 123 determines that the GMR sensor unit 107C1 is normal. On the other hand, if more than half of the measured values ​​of -SIN signal 1, +SIN signal 2, and -SIN signal 2 (excluding +SIN signal 1) do not exist within the specified range E of the measured value of +SIN signal 1, the fault determination unit 123 determines that the GMR sensor unit 107C1 is faulty.

[0119] When the switching device 50 determines a fault in the GMR sensor unit 107C1, the measured values ​​of -SIN signal 1, +SIN signal 2, and -SIN signal 2 (excluding +SIN signal 1) output by the GMR sensor unit 107C1 are the measured values ​​of other sensor units (GMR sensor units 107C2 to 107C4). When the fault determination unit 123 determines whether there are more than half of the measured values ​​of -SIN signal 1, +SIN signal 2, and -SIN signal 2 (excluding +SIN signal 1), it determines whether there are more than half of the measured values ​​of other sensor units (GMR sensor units 107C2 to 107C4) within the specified range E of the measured value of +SIN signal 1.

[0120] The switching device 50 can perform fault determination on GMR sensor units 107C2 to 107C4 by determining whether there are more than half of the measured values ​​of other sensor units within a specified range E, similar to the fault determination of the GMR sensor unit 107C1 described above.

[0121] exist Figure 14A In this case, the measured values ​​of +SIN signal 1, -SIN signal 1, +SIN signal 2, and -SIN signal 2 are all within the on range. Within the defined range E of the measured values ​​of +SIN signal 1, -SIN signal 1, +SIN signal 2, and -SIN signal 2, the measured values ​​of other GMR sensor units are also within this range. Therefore, the fault determination unit 123 determines that all GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4 are normal. Furthermore, the switching determination unit 122 determines by majority vote that the switching state of the operation button 102 is on.

[0122] In addition, Figure 14B In the above, the measured value of +SIN signal 1 is within the disconnection range, the measured value of -SIN signal 1 is within the hysteresis region, and the measured values ​​of +SIN signal 2 and -SIN signal 2 are within the connection range.

[0123] In this case, the fault determination unit 123 performs a fault determination on the GMR sensor unit 107C1 that outputs the +SIN signal 1, and determines whether there are more than half of the measured values ​​of other sensor units within the specified range E of the measured value of the +SIN signal 1. Since there are no measured values ​​of -SIN signal 1, +SIN signal 2, or -SIN signal 2 other than +SIN signal 1 within the specified range E of the measured value of the +SIN signal 1, the fault determination unit 123 determines that the GMR sensor unit 107C1 is faulty. For the +SIN signal 1, this state corresponds to the state where there are no more than half of the measured values ​​of other sensor units within the specified range E. Therefore, the result of the fault determination is × (fault).

[0124] Furthermore, the fault determination unit 123 performs fault determination on the GMR sensor unit 107C2 that outputs -SIN signal 1, and determines whether there are more than half of the measured values ​​of other sensor units within the specified range E of the measured value of -SIN signal 1. Since both +SIN signal 2 and -SIN signal 2 are present within the specified range E of the measured value of -SIN signal 1, the fault determination unit 123 determines that the GMR sensor unit 107C2 is normal. For -SIN signal 1, this state corresponds to the state where more than half of the measured values ​​of other sensor units are present within the specified range E. Therefore, the fault determination result is ○ (normal).

[0125] Furthermore, the fault determination unit 123 performs fault determination on the GMR sensor unit 107C3 that outputs the +SIN signal 2, and determines whether there are more than half of the measured values ​​of other sensor units within the specified range E of the measured value of the +SIN signal 2. Since both the -SIN signal 1 and -SIN signal 2 are present within the specified range E of the measured value of the +SIN signal 2, the fault determination unit 123 determines that the GMR sensor unit 107C3 is normal. For the +SIN signal 2, this state corresponds to the state where more than half of the measured values ​​of other sensor units are present within the specified range E. Therefore, the fault determination result is ○ (normal).

[0126] Furthermore, the fault determination unit 123 performs fault determination on the GMR sensor unit 107C4 that outputs the -SIN signal 2, and determines whether there are more than half of the measured values ​​of other sensor units within the specified range E of the measured value of the -SIN signal 2. Since both the -SIN signal 1 and the +SIN signal 2 are present within the specified range E of the measured value of the -SIN signal 2, the fault determination unit 123 determines that the GMR sensor unit 107C4 is normal. For the -SIN signal 2, this state corresponds to the state where more than half of the measured values ​​of other sensor units are present within the specified range E. Therefore, the fault determination result is ○ (normal).

[0127] like Figure 14B As shown, when GMR sensor unit 107C1 is determined to be faulty, and GMR sensor units 107C2 to 107C4 are determined to be normal, the measured value of GMR sensor unit 107C2 in the output of the three normal GMR sensor units 107C2 to 107C4 is in the hysteresis region, while the measured values ​​of GMR sensor units 107C3 and 107C4 are in the on range. In this case, since more than half of the measured values ​​of the three normal GMR sensor units 107C2 to 107C4 are in the on range, the switching determination unit 122 determines that the operation button 102 is turned on.

[0128] Figure 15A This is a flowchart illustrating the fault determination process performed by the fault determination unit 123. When the fault determination unit 123 begins the fault determination process, it performs the following steps.

[0129] The fault determination unit 123 calibrates the output values ​​of the GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4 (step S1). If using... Figure 11As explained for +SIN signal 1, as an example, the theoretical output values ​​(0 (V)) of the outputs of GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4 at an angle of 0 degrees are used to correct the output values ​​of +SIN signal 1, -SIN signal 1, +SIN signal 2, and -SIN signal 2. The fault determination unit 123 uses the measured values ​​obtained by correcting the output values ​​of GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4 to determine a fault.

[0130] The fault determination unit 123 performs fault determination on the GMR sensor unit 107C1 and determines whether there are more than half of the measured values ​​of other GMR sensor units within the specified range E of the measured value of +SIN signal 1 (step S2).

[0131] When the fault determination unit 123 determines that the measured values ​​of other GMR sensor units are more than half of the measured values ​​of the +SIN signal 1 within the specified range E (S2: Yes), the GMR sensor unit 107C1 is deemed to be normal (step S3A). The fault determination unit 123 stores the data indicating that the GMR sensor unit 107C1 is normal in the memory 124. When the processing of step S3A ends, the fault determination unit 123 advances the process to step S4.

[0132] On the other hand, if the fault determination unit 123 determines in step S2 that there are no other GMR sensor unit measurements within the specified range E of the +SIN signal 1 measurement value (S2: No), then the GMR sensor unit 107C1 is determined to be faulty (step S3B). The fault determination unit 123 stores the data indicating a fault in the GMR sensor unit 107C1 in the memory 124. When the processing of step S3B ends, the fault determination unit 123 advances the process to step S4.

[0133] The fault determination unit 123 performs fault determination on the GMR sensor unit 107C2 and determines whether there are more than half of the measured values ​​of other GMR sensor units within the specified range E of the measured value of the -SIN signal 1 (step S4).

[0134] When the fault determination unit 123 determines that more than half of the measured values ​​of other GMR sensor units are within the specified range E of the measured value of the -SIN signal 1 (S4: Yes), the GMR sensor unit 107C2 is deemed to be normal (step S5A). The fault determination unit 123 stores the data indicating that the GMR sensor unit 107C2 is normal in the memory 124. When the processing of step S5A ends, the fault determination unit 123 advances the process to step S6.

[0135] On the other hand, if the fault determination unit 123 determines in step S4 that there are no other GMR sensor unit measurements within the specified range E of the measured value of the -SIN signal 1 (S4: No), then the GMR sensor unit 107C2 is determined to be faulty (step S5B). The fault determination unit 123 stores the data indicating a fault in the GMR sensor unit 107C2 in the memory 124. When the processing of step S5B ends, the fault determination unit 123 advances the process to step S6.

[0136] The fault determination unit 123 performs fault determination on the GMR sensor unit 107C3 and determines whether there are more than half of the measured values ​​of other GMR sensor units within the specified range E of the measured value of +SIN signal 2 (step S6).

[0137] When the fault determination unit 123 determines that the measured values ​​of other GMR sensor units are within the specified range E of the measured value of the +SIN signal 2 (S6: Yes), the GMR sensor unit 107C3 is deemed to be normal (step S7A). The fault determination unit 123 stores the data indicating that the GMR sensor unit 107C3 is normal in the memory 124. When the processing of step S7A ends, the fault determination unit 123 advances the process to step S8.

[0138] On the other hand, if the fault determination unit 123 determines in step S6 that there are no other GMR sensor unit measurements within the specified range E of the +SIN signal 2 measurement value (S6: No), then the GMR sensor unit 107C3 is determined to be faulty (step S7B). The fault determination unit 123 stores the data indicating a fault in the GMR sensor unit 107C3 in the memory 124. When the processing of step S7B ends, the fault determination unit 123 advances the process to step S8.

[0139] The fault determination unit 123 performs fault determination on the GMR sensor unit 107C4 and determines whether there are more than half of the measured values ​​of other GMR sensor units within the specified range E of the measured value of the -SIN signal 2 (step S8).

[0140] When the fault determination unit 123 determines that the measured values ​​of other GMR sensor units are more than half of the measured values ​​of the -SIN signal 2 within the specified range E (S8: Yes), the GMR sensor unit 107C4 is deemed to be normal (step S9A). The fault determination unit 123 stores the data indicating that the GMR sensor unit 107C4 is normal in the memory 124. When the processing of step S9A ends, the fault determination unit 123 advances the process to... Figure 15B Step S10 is shown.

[0141] On the other hand, if the fault determination unit 123 determines in step S8 that there are no other GMR sensor unit measurements within the specified range E of the measured value of the -SIN signal 2 (S8: No), then the GMR sensor unit 107C4 is determined to be faulty (step S9B). The fault determination unit 123 stores the data indicating the fault of the GMR sensor unit 107C4 in the memory 124.

[0142] The fault determination unit 123 has completed its fault determination process for the GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4. Upon completion of step S9B, the fault determination unit 123 advances the process to... Figure 15B Step S10 is shown.

[0143] Figure 15B This is a flowchart illustrating the processes performed by the switching determination unit 122 and the fault determination unit 123.

[0144] The fault determination unit 123 compiles the determination results of the processing in steps S2 to S9A or S9B (step S10).

[0145] Based on statistical results, the fault determination unit 123 determines whether there are multiple GMR sensor units that are not determined to be faulty (step S11).

[0146] As a result of the fault determination unit 123 determining faults in the multiple GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4, if the number of GMR sensor units not determined to be faulty is multiple (S11: Yes), the switching determination unit 122 determines the switching state of the operation button 102 based on the majority vote of the measured levels of the measured values ​​of the GMR sensor units not determined to be faulty (step S12A). When the switching device 50 includes four GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4, if the number of GMR sensor units not determined to be faulty is multiple, the number of GMR sensor units determined to be faulty is zero to two. If the number of GMR sensor units determined to be faulty is zero, the switching determination unit 122 determines the switching state of the operation button 102 based on the majority vote of the measured levels of the measured values ​​of the four GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4. Furthermore, when only one GMR sensor unit is determined to be faulty, the switching determination unit 122 determines the switching state of the operation button 102 based on a majority vote of the measurement levels of the three normal GMR sensor units. An example of this is using... Figure 14BAs explained above. Furthermore, when two GMR sensor units are determined to be faulty, the switching determination unit 122 determines the switching state of the operation button 102 based on a majority vote of the measured levels of the two normal GMR sensor units. When there are two normal GMR sensor units, the majority vote is determined if the measured voltages of both values ​​are within the off or on range. Therefore, when there are two normal GMR sensor units, if the measured voltages of both values ​​are within the off range, the switching determination unit 122 can determine that the switching state is off. Conversely, if the measured voltages of both values ​​are within the on range, the switching determination unit 122 can determine that the switching state is on.

[0147] Furthermore, as a result of the fault determination unit 123 determining faults in the multiple GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4, if the number of GMR sensor units determined to be faulty is less than half of the multiple GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4, the switching device 50 continues to operate using the measurement values ​​of the GMR sensor units that were not determined to be faulty. For example, even if one of the GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4 fails, since there are multiple remaining GMR sensor units operating normally, the switching state of the operation button 102 continues to be determined based on the majority vote of the measurement values ​​of the remaining three operating GMR sensor units. Thus, even after a fault occurs, the operator can use the switching device 50 in the same way as before the fault occurred.

[0148] Furthermore, if the switching determination unit 122 has multiple measured values ​​in the disconnect range and multiple measured values ​​in the on range, and the number of measured values ​​in the disconnect range is equal to the number of measured values ​​in the on range, then it does not determine the switching state of the operation button 102. In other words, if the switching determination unit 122 has multiple levels (on or off ranges) that the most frequently measured value enters, then it does not determine the switching state of the operation button 102. This is because the switching determination unit 122 cannot determine the switching state of the operation button 102 by majority vote. For example, if the switching determination unit 122 has two of the four measured values ​​in the disconnect range and the remaining two in the on range, it cannot determine the on / off state by majority vote, and therefore does not determine the switching state of the operation button 102. In this case, the switching determination unit 122 can output the determination result from the previous processing. Furthermore, the switching determination unit 122 may retain its determination until the state where there are multiple measurements in the disconnect range and multiple measurements in the on range, and the number of measurements in the disconnect range is equal to the number of measurements in the on range, is eliminated, and remains in standby until a majority decision can be made. Furthermore, even if one of the measurement levels of the three normally operating GMR sensor units is in the disconnect range, another is in the hysteresis region, and the remaining one is in the on range, the switching determination unit 122 cannot determine the on / off state by majority decision, and therefore does not determine the switching state of the operation button 102. In this case, the switching determination unit 122 may also output the determination result from the previous processing. Alternatively, it may remain in standby until a majority decision can be made.

[0149] Furthermore, in step S11, if the result of determining that the number of GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4 that were not determined to be faulty is not multiple (S11: No), the fault determination unit 123 determines that it is a complete fault that cannot be used in the future (after the fault occurs) and outputs the determination result (step S12B). This is because if there are not multiple remaining GMR sensor units that are operating normally, it is difficult for the switching determination unit 122 to properly determine the switching state of the operation button 102. A complete fault refers to a state in which the faulty GMR sensor unit needs to be replaced or replaced with the new push-button shift device 10. In the case of three or more faults among the GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4, the fault determination unit 123 determines that it is a complete fault that cannot be used in the future and outputs the determination result. In addition, when the switch device 50 is installed in a vehicle, the vehicle user (the operator of the switch device 50) can also be notified of a complete fault of the switch device 50 through the vehicle network or the like. It can prevent the user (operator of switch device 50) from continuing to use switch device 50 and push-button shift device 10, thereby improving safety.

[0150] Figure 16 This diagram summarizes the decision modes of the switching decision unit 122 and the fault decision unit 123. Figure 16 The determination mode based on the measured values ​​of the four GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4 is shown.

[0151] When the number of GMR sensor units determined to be faulty by the fault determination unit 123 is zero (zero faults), the switching determination unit 122 determines the switching state (on or off) if, by majority vote based on the measured levels of the GMR sensor units, three or more such units appear in either the on or off range. Furthermore, when the number of GMR sensor units determined to be faulty by the fault determination unit 123 is one (one fault), the switching determination unit 122 determines the switching state (on or off) if, by majority vote based on the measured levels of the GMR sensor units, two or more such units appear in either the on or off range.

[0152] Furthermore, when the number of GMR sensor units determined to be faulty by the fault determination unit 123 is two (two faults), the switching determination unit 122 determines the switching state (on or off) if, by majority vote based on the measured levels of the GMR sensor units, two of them are in either the on or off range. That is, in the case of two faults, the switching determination unit 122 determines the switching state (on or off) when the measured levels of the two normal GMR sensor units are consistent in either the on or off range.

[0153] The switching determination unit 122 does not determine the switching state (on or off) in cases of zero faults, one fault, or two faults, or in any other cases. In such cases, the switching determination unit 122 can output the determination result from the previous processing.

[0154] Furthermore, if the number of GMR sensor units that are determined to be faulty by the fault determination unit 123 is three (three faults) or four (four faults), the switching determination unit 122 will stop the operation without performing a determination action.

[0155] When the number of GMR sensor units that have been determined to be faulty is zero (zero faults), and the fault determination unit 123 performs fault determination on the four GMR sensor units based on the measured values, if the measured values ​​of the other GMR sensors within the specified range E are less than two, the GMR sensor is determined to be faulty.

[0156] When the number of GMR sensor units that have been determined to be faulty is one (one fault), and the fault determination unit 123 performs fault determination on the remaining three GMR sensor units based on the measured values, if the measured values ​​of other GMR sensors within the specified range E are zero, the fault determination unit 123 determines that the GMR sensor is faulty.

[0157] When the number of GMR sensor units already determined to be faulty is two (two faults), and the fault determination unit 123 performs fault determination on the remaining two GMR sensor units based on the measured values, if the measured values ​​of the other GMR sensors within the specified range E are zero, then the fault determination unit 123 determines that the GMR sensor is faulty. That is, in the case of two faults, if the relationship between the measured values ​​of one and the other within the specified range E of the other does not hold for the two measured values, then the fault determination unit 123 determines that the GMR sensor is faulty. In other words, if there are no measured values ​​within the specified range E of each other's measured values, then the fault determination unit 123 determines that the GMR sensor is faulty.

[0158] If the number of GMR sensor units that have already been determined to be faulty is three (three faults) or four (four faults), the fault determination unit 123 will not perform a fault determination. This is because there is no comparison object.

[0159] <Effect>

[0160] As described above, the fault determination unit 123 compares the measured value of one of the multiple GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4 with the measured values ​​of the other GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4 excluding that one GMR sensor unit. If there are no more than half of the measured values ​​of the other GMR sensor units within a specified range including the measured value of one GMR sensor unit, the fault determination unit 123 determines that the one GMR sensor unit is faulty.

[0161] By determining whether more than half of the measured values ​​of other GMR sensor units exist within a specified range including the measured value of one GMR sensor unit, it is possible to suppress misjudgments of faults caused by measurement errors of one GMR sensor unit.

[0162] Therefore, a switching device 50 and a push-button shifting device 10 can be provided to reduce misjudgments caused by measurement errors, etc.

[0163] Furthermore, if the fault determination unit 123 determines that a plurality of GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4 are faulty, and the number of GMR sensor units not determined to be faulty is a plurality, the switching determination unit 122 determines the switching state of the operation button 102 based on the majority vote of the measured levels of the measured values ​​of the GMR sensor units not determined to be faulty. If a plurality of the plurality of GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4 operate normally, the switching determination unit 122 can determine the switching state of the operation button 102 based on the majority vote. Furthermore, the determination by the switching determination unit 122 in such a state does not pose a problem for a functionally safe product. Therefore, when a plurality of GMR sensor units are not faulty, a switching device 50 can be provided, which can reduce false fault determinations caused by measurement errors, etc., and the switching determination unit 122 can determine the switching state of the operation button 102 based on the majority vote of the outputs of the GMR sensor units. Furthermore, if there are multiple GMR sensor units that have not failed, even if a GMR sensor unit fails, the switching determination unit 122 can still determine the switching state of the operation button 102, thus improving the tolerance of the switching device 50 to GMR sensor unit failures.

[0164] Furthermore, if the fault determination unit 123 determines that multiple GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4 are faulty and the number of GMR sensor units not determined to be faulty is multiple, then (after a fault occurs) the switching device 50 continues to operate using the measurement values ​​of the GMR sensor units not determined to be faulty. The switching state determination of the operating button 102 continues based on the majority vote of the measurement values ​​of the remaining normally operating GMR sensor units, thus allowing the operator to use the switching device 50 in the same way as before a fault occurred, even after a fault. Furthermore, if the number of GMR sensor units not determined to be faulty is multiple, the operator can continue to use the switching device 50 even if a GMR sensor unit fails, increasing the switching device 50's tolerance to GMR sensor unit failures. For example, if the fault determination unit 123 determines that three GMR sensor units are normal and one GMR sensor unit is faulty, the switching determination unit 122 uses the three normal GMR sensor units to determine the subsequent switching state.

[0165] Furthermore, if the fault determination unit 123 determines that the number of GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4 that were not determined to be faulty is not large, then it is determined to be a complete fault that cannot be used in the future, and the determination result is output. If the number of remaining GMR sensor units that are operating normally is not large, in a switch device 50 that is a functionally safe product, it is difficult for the switching determination unit 122 to determine the switching state of the operation button 102 while ensuring safety. Therefore, by setting it to an unusable state, continued use of the switch device 50 can be prevented, thereby improving safety.

[0166] Furthermore, the GMR sensor has a hysteresis region between the off range and the on range of the measured value, which reduces the influence of noise when the switching determination unit 122 makes a connection / disconnection determination, and the switching determination unit 122 can reliably make a connection / disconnection determination.

[0167] The specified range E is wider than the hysteresis region in both the high and low directions of the measured value. The specified range E corresponds to the error range that may occur in the output of the GMR sensor unit under normal conditions. Therefore, considering the measurement error of the GMR sensor unit, the switching device 50 can reduce misjudgments in fault determination. Furthermore, if the specified range E is wider than the hysteresis region, for example, it is possible that two of the measured values ​​of the four GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4 are in the off range, and the remaining two are in the on range. In such a case, for example, by outputting the determination result from the previous processing by the switching determination unit 122, the stability of the operation can be ensured. Furthermore, the switching determination unit 122 can also retain the determination and remain in standby until a majority decision can be made. Thus, the switching device 50's tolerance to GMR sensor unit faults is improved.

[0168] When the switching determination unit 122 has multiple measured values ​​within the disconnect range and multiple measured values ​​within the on range, and the number of measured values ​​within the disconnect range is equal to the number of measured values ​​within the on range, it does not determine the switching state of the operation button 102. In other words, when the switching determination unit 122 has multiple levels (on or off ranges) that the most frequently measured value enters, it does not determine the switching state of the operation button 102. Since the switching determination unit 122 cannot determine the switching state of the operation button 102 by majority vote, by making the switching determination unit 122 not determine the switching state of the operation button 102, the switching device 50's tolerance to GMR sensor unit failures is improved. As described above, when two of the measured values ​​of the four GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4 are in the disconnect range and the remaining two are in the on range, by making the switching determination unit 122 not determine the switching state of the operation button 102, the switching device 50's tolerance to GMR sensor unit failures is improved. Furthermore, even if one of the measured values ​​of the three normally operating GMR sensor units is in the off range, another is in the hysteresis region, and the remaining one is in the on range, the switching determination unit 122 cannot determine whether to turn on or off by majority vote. Therefore, by not determining the switching state of the operation button 102, the switching device 50's tolerance to GMR sensor unit failures is improved.

[0169] Furthermore, the first level range is the level range corresponding to the off state of the switching state, and the second level range is the level range corresponding to the on state of the switching state. Therefore, the noise immunity of the switching device 50, which obtains both on and off values, is improved.

[0170] Furthermore, the multiple measured values ​​of the multiple GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4 are obtained by subtracting the difference (error) between the actual measured values ​​of the multiple GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4 when the operation button 102 is in the same operating position and the theoretical output values ​​of the multiple GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4 when the operation button 102 is in the same operating position. Therefore, even if the measured value of the pressing operation amount of the operation button 102 is different due to the error of the GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4, the switching device 50 can reduce the misjudgment in the fault determination of the GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4 caused by the error of the GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4.

[0171] Furthermore, by making the memory 124 that holds the determination result of the fault determination unit 123 a non-volatile memory, the switch device 50 can identify the fault state of the GMR sensor unit even if the power supply to the switch device 50 is disconnected due to the loss of power from the battery or the like, and then restored. In addition, the switch device 50 can operate without using the faulty GMR sensor unit.

[0172] Furthermore, since the multiple GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4 are four GMR sensor units, it is possible to reduce misjudgments in fault diagnosis caused by measurement errors of each GMR sensor unit.

[0173] Furthermore, the push-button shifting device 10 includes: an operation button 102 for operation by the operator; a rubber dome 106A for providing a tactile feedback during the pressing operation; a slider 103 that slides in a predetermined sliding direction during the pressing operation; a rotating body 105 that rotates along with the sliding of the slider; three or more GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4 that detect three or more measurement values ​​corresponding to the rotation angle of the rotating body 105; and a switching determination unit 122 that determines whether the operation button 102 is switched based on a majority vote of the measurement levels of the multiple measurement values ​​from the multiple GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4. The system performs state switching determination; and the fault determination unit 123 determines the fault of each of the multiple GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4. The fault determination unit 123 compares the measured value of one of the multiple GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4 with the measured values ​​of the other GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4. If more than half of the measured values ​​of the other GMR sensor units are not found within a specified range including the measured value of one GMR sensor unit, then one GMR sensor unit is determined to be faulty. Therefore, a switching device 50 can be provided that can reduce false judgments of faults caused by measurement errors, etc.

[0174] Furthermore, the following has been explained above: As an example of an electronic gear shifter, the push-button shifter 10 includes an operation button 102, a rubber dome 106A, a slider 103, and a rotating body 105. The GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4 detect the change in the direction of magnetic flux accompanying the rotation of the rotating body 105. However, the mechanical configuration included in the push-button shifter 10, as an example of an electronic gear shifter, is not limited to such a configuration, as long as the magnetic flux direction changes according to the operation of the switch.

[0175] Furthermore, the above description describes the switching device 50 as including four GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4, but the switching device 50 can include two or more GMR sensor units, and the fault determination can be performed in the same way.

[0176] For example, when the switching device 50 includes six GMR sensor units, the fault determination unit 123 performs fault determination as follows, and the switching determination unit 122 can determine the switching state of the operation button 102 as follows.

[0177] When the fault determination unit 123 determines a fault in the case where the switching device 50 includes six GMR sensor units, if there are three or more other GMR sensor readings within the same range as the reading of a particular GMR sensor unit (any one of the open range, hysteresis region, and on range), then that GMR sensor unit is determined to be normal. On the other hand, when the fault determination unit 123 determines a fault in the case where the switching device 50 includes six GMR sensor units, if there are fewer than three GMR sensor readings within the same range as the reading of a particular GMR sensor unit (any one of the open range, hysteresis region, and on range), then that GMR sensor unit is determined to be faulty.

[0178] If the result of the fault determination unit 123 determining faults in each of the six GMR sensor units is that there are more than two GMR sensor units that are not determined to be faulty, the switching determination unit 122 determines the switching state of the operation button 102 based on the majority vote of the measurement levels of the two or more GMR sensor units that are not determined to be faulty.

[0179] Furthermore, if the result of the fault determination unit 123 after determining the fault of each of the six GMR sensor parts is that the number of GMR sensor parts not determined to be faulty is not multiple but one or less, it determines that it is a complete fault that cannot be used in the future (after the fault occurs) and outputs the determination result.

[0180] Furthermore, if the fault determination unit 123 determines that among the six measured values, there are multiple measured values ​​within the disconnect range and multiple measured values ​​within the on range, and the number of measured values ​​within the disconnect range is equal to the number of measured values ​​within the on range, then the switching determination unit 122 will not determine the switching state of the operation button 102. In other words, if the switching determination unit 122 determines that among the six measured values, the number of levels (on range or disconnect range) entered by the most numerous measured value is multiple, then the switching determination unit 122 will not determine the switching state of the operation button 102.

[0181] Thus, when the switching device 50 includes six GMR sensor units, the fault determination unit 123 can perform fault determination in the same way as when it includes the four GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4 described above.

[0182] The switching device, push-button input device, and electronic shifter of the present invention have been described above according to exemplary embodiments. However, this disclosure is not limited to the specific disclosed embodiments, and various modifications and alterations can be made without departing from the patent claims.

[0183] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0184] 10. Push-button shifting device (an example of a push-button input device, an example of an electronic shifter)

[0185] 50 Switching device

[0186] 100, 100-1 to 100-4 Press-type input mechanism

[0187] 107C1~107C4 GMR sensor section (an example of a sensor section)

[0188] 120 control device

[0189] 121 Lighting Control Unit

[0190] 122 Switching Decision Unit

[0191] 123 Fault Determination Department

[0192] 124 memory

Claims

1. A switching device, wherein, include: Three or more sensor units respectively detect three or more measured values ​​corresponding to the operating position of the switch; The switching determination unit determines the switching state of the switch based on a majority vote of the measurement levels of the plurality of measurement values ​​from the plurality of sensor units. as well as The fault determination unit determines the faults of each of the plurality of sensor units. The three or more measured values ​​are the rotation angles of the rotating body, which are determined by the operation of the switch. The fault determination unit compares the measured value of one of the plurality of sensor units with the measured values ​​of the other sensor units among the plurality of sensor units. If more than half of the measured values ​​of the other sensor units are not present within a specified range including the measured value of the one sensor unit and the rotation angle detected by the one sensor unit, the one sensor unit is determined to be faulty.

2. The switching device according to claim 1, wherein, If, after the fault determination unit determines that the plurality of sensor units are faulty, the number of sensor units not determined to be faulty is a plurality, the switching determination unit determines the switching state of the switch based on the majority vote of the measured levels of the measured values ​​of the sensor units not determined to be faulty.

3. The switching device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, If, after the fault determination unit determines that the plurality of sensor units are faulty, the number of sensor units that are not determined to be faulty is a plurality of the result, the operation can continue through the sensor units that are not determined to be faulty.

4. The switching device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, If the number of sensor units that are not determined to be faulty is not greater than a certain number after the fault determination unit has determined the fault to be a complete fault that makes the unit unusable in the future, the fault determination unit will output the determination result.

5. The switching device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The sensor unit has a hysteresis region between the first level range and the second level range of the measured value, which serves as a third level range. The specified range is different from the first level range of the three or more measured values, and also different from the second level range of the three or more measured values.

6. The switching device according to claim 5, wherein, The specified range is wider than the hysteresis region in the high and low directions of the measured value.

7. The switching device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, If the switching determination unit enters multiple levels of the most frequent measured value among the multiple measured values, it does not determine the switching state of the switch.

8. The switching device according to claim 5, wherein, The first level range is the level range corresponding to the disconnection of the switching state, and the second level range is the level range corresponding to the connection of the switching state.

9. The switching device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The multiple measured values ​​of the multiple sensor units are obtained by subtracting the difference between the actual measured values ​​obtained by the multiple sensor units when the switch is in the common operating position and the theoretical output values ​​of the multiple sensor units when the switch is in the common operating position from the output values ​​of the multiple sensor units.

10. The switching device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, It also includes a non-volatile memory for storing the determination results of the fault determination unit.

11. The switching device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The plurality of sensor units are four sensor units.

12. The switching device according to claim 9, wherein, The specified range of the measured value of the one sensor unit is a specified rotation angle range that includes the rotation angle detected by the one sensor unit, and is dynamically set based on the measured value of the one sensor unit.

13. The switching device according to claim 5, wherein, The specified range is smaller than the first level range of the three or more measured values, and smaller than the second level range of the three or more measured values.

14. A push-button input device, wherein, include: The switch is operated by the operator by pressing it; The tactile feedback mechanism imparts a tactile feedback to the pressing operation; The slider slides in a predetermined sliding direction during the pressing operation; The rotating body rotates as the slider slides. Three or more sensor units respectively detect three or more measured values ​​corresponding to the rotation angle of the rotating body; The switching determination unit determines the switching state of the switch based on a majority vote of the measurement levels of the plurality of measurement values ​​from the plurality of sensor units. as well as The fault determination unit determines the faults of each of the plurality of sensor units. The fault determination unit compares the measured value of one of the plurality of sensor units with the measured values ​​of the other sensor units among the plurality of sensor units. If more than half of the measured values ​​of the other sensor units are not found within a specified range including the measured value of one sensor unit, the unit is determined to be faulty.

15. The push-to-type input device according to claim 14, wherein, Also includes: The force-applying mechanism applies a force to the rotating body in the direction of restoration of rotation; as well as The magnet is held in place by the rotating body. The rotating body has an upper cam surface in the helical cam portion located on its outer peripheral surface. The slider has an upper sliding portion that slides on the upper cam surface as the slider slides downwards, thereby causing the rotating body to rotate. Through the force applied by the force-applying mechanism, the upper cam surface of the rotating body is constantly subjected to force in the direction of pressing against the upper sliding portion of the sliding member. The sensor unit is mounted on the substrate and is a magnetic sensor that detects the rotation angle of the magnet held by the rotating body.

16. An electronic gear shifter, comprising a switch for selecting a gear in a vehicle, wherein, The electronic shifter includes: Three or more sensor units respectively detect three or more measurement values ​​corresponding to the operating position of the switch; The switching determination unit determines the switching state of the switch based on a majority vote of the measurement levels of the plurality of measurement values ​​from the plurality of sensor units; and The fault determination unit determines the faults of each of the plurality of sensor units. The three or more measured values ​​are the rotation angles of the rotating body, which are determined by the operation of the switch. The fault determination unit compares the measured value of one of the plurality of sensor units with the measured values ​​of the other sensor units among the plurality of sensor units. If more than half of the measured values ​​of the other sensor units are not present within a specified range including the measured value of the one sensor unit and the rotation angle detected by the one sensor unit, the one sensor unit is determined to be faulty.

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