Switch

Abstract

To provide a switch capable of restraining enlargement of an operation body and reduction of detection accuracy.SOLUTION: A switch comprises a body, and an operation body that can be arranged at a detection position adjacent and opposite to the body. The operation body has first to fourth magnets sequentially aligned in a second direction. The body has three or more sensors constituted to detect a magnetic flux generated by at least one of the first to fourth magnets. The second and third magnets are arranged to satisfy a first or second condition. The first condition is such that the second and third magnets are arranged at a position nearer the body than the first and fourth magnets in a first direction. The second condition is such that a distance between the second and third magnets in the second direction is longer than at least one of a distance between the first and second magnets in the second direction and a distance between the third and fourth magnets in the second direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a switch that detects the proximity of a main body and an actuator. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, as this type of switch, for example, the switch described in Patent Document 1 is known. The switch described in Patent Document 1 includes a main body and an actuator that can approach and face the main body.

[0003] The actuator has three magnets, namely a first magnet, a second magnet, and a third magnet. The first magnet, the second magnet, and the third magnet are aligned in order in a horizontal direction (second direction) that intersects with a facing direction (first direction) between the main body and the actuator close to the main body. Each magnet is arranged such that one magnetic pole and the other magnetic pole are aligned along the facing direction, and the arrangement of the magnetic poles in the facing direction is different from that of adjacent magnets.

[0004] The body has three or more sensors, the number of which is different from the number of magnets, and each sensor outputs a detection signal when the body and the actuator are brought into close proximity to each other and detect a magnetic flux generated by at least one of the three magnets.

[0005] When all the sensors output detection signals, the main body outputs a proximity signal corresponding to a state in which the main body and the actuator are close to each other, and when at least one sensor does not output a detection signal, the main body outputs a separation signal corresponding to a state in which the main body and the actuator are separated from each other. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4321611 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The switch of Patent Document 1 still has room for improvement in terms of suppressing both the increase in size of the actuator and the decrease in detection accuracy.

[0008] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to solve the above-mentioned problems and to provide a switch in which both an increase in size of an actuator and a decrease in detection accuracy are suppressed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The switch according to the present disclosure comprises: The main body, an actuator that can be disposed at a detection position adjacent to and facing the main body; Equipped with the actuator includes a first magnet, a second magnet, a third magnet, and a fourth magnet, the first magnet, the second magnet, the third magnet, and the fourth magnet are aligned in order along a second direction intersecting a first direction in which the main body and the actuator face each other when the actuator is at the detection position; Each of the first magnet, the second magnet, the third magnet, and the fourth magnet is arranged such that one magnetic pole and the other magnetic pole are aligned along the first direction, and the arrangement of the magnetic poles in the first direction is different from that of adjacent magnets; the main body has three or more sensors configured to be capable of detecting magnetic flux generated by at least one of the first magnet, the second magnet, the third magnet, and the fourth magnet; the second magnet and the third magnet are arranged so as to satisfy a first condition or a second condition, the first condition is a condition that the second magnet and the third magnet are disposed at positions closer to the main body than the first magnet and the fourth magnet in the first direction when the actuating body is at the detection position, The second condition is a condition that the distance between the second magnet and the third magnet in the second direction is longer than at least one of the distance between the first magnet and the second magnet in the second direction and the distance between the third magnet and the fourth magnet in the second direction. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a switch in which both an increase in size of an actuator and a decrease in detection accuracy are suppressed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a switch according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the switch shown in FIG. 1 taken along line II-II. [Diagram 3] 3 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 2, showing a switch according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 3 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 2, showing a switch according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] 3 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 2, showing a modified example of the switch of FIG. 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] <Knowledge that formed the basis of this disclosure> The inventors are developing a switch in which a fourth magnet is provided in addition to the actuator to further reduce the possibility of the switch being disabled. Here, "disabling" refers to a situation in which an object other than the actuator approaches the main body, causing the main body to erroneously output a proximity signal even though the main body and the actuator are actually separated from each other. The object generates a magnetic field similar to the magnetic field generated around the actuator.

[0013] When four magnets, i.e., the first to fourth magnets, are arranged in order in the second direction in the actuator, it is possible to make each of the first to fourth magnets smaller than conventional ones in order to prevent the actuator from becoming larger. However, when the first to fourth magnets smaller than conventional ones are arranged, the magnetic flux radiated or absorbed by each magnet is weakened, which may reduce the detection accuracy of the switch.

[0014] It is also possible to make the interval between the magnets smaller than that of a conventional switch. However, if the interval is smaller, the magnetic flux radiated or absorbed by each of the second and third magnets may be interfered with by the magnetic flux radiated or absorbed by each of the adjacent first and fourth magnets in the opposite direction. As a result of this interference, the reach of the magnetic flux radiated or absorbed by each of the second and third magnets may be reduced. In other words, the magnetic flux density may be reduced at the position where the main body is placed when the main body and the actuator are close to each other. As a result, even if the main body and the actuator are close to each other, the sensor of the main body may not be able to fully detect the magnetic flux generated by the four magnets, and the switch may not output an approach signal. In other words, the detection accuracy of the switch may be reduced.

[0015] One possible way to increase the magnetic flux density at the location where the main body is disposed is to increase the magnetic flux emitted or absorbed by the second and third magnets by changing the material of the second and third magnets or increasing their size. However, changing the material of the magnets or increasing their size increases the manufacturing cost of the switch. In addition, increasing the size of the actuator housing, which accompanies increasing the size of the magnets, goes against the demand for a smaller actuator.

[0016] Therefore, the inventors have conducted extensive research to improve the decrease in magnetic flux density at the position where the main body is disposed, and have come up with the idea of ​​disposing the second and third magnets so as to satisfy at least one of the first and second conditions described below. According to the disposition of the second and third magnets that satisfies at least one of the first and second conditions, the interference with the magnetic flux radiated or absorbed by each of the second and third magnets is reduced. This increases the magnetic flux density at the position where the main body is disposed. As a result, the sensor can more reliably detect the magnetic flux radiated or absorbed by the second and third magnets when the main body and the actuator approach each other. Based on this novel finding, the inventors have come up with the present disclosure.

[0017] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, terms indicating specific directions or positions (e.g., terms including "up", "down", "right", and "left") are used as necessary, but the use of these terms is for the purpose of facilitating understanding of the present disclosure with reference to the drawings, and the meanings of these terms do not limit the technical scope of the present disclosure. In addition, the following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, its application, or its uses.

[0018] In this specification, "electrically connected" includes the ability to conduct current between multiple components, multiple components being capacitively coupled, and multiple components being electromagnetically coupled.

[0019] First Embodiment A switch according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a switch according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, the switch is a non-contact door switch that detects whether a door or the like is open or closed.

[0020] For convenience of explanation, in Fig. 1 and Figs. 2 to 5 described later, an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis are shown intersecting with each other. In this embodiment, the X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis are perpendicular to each other. In this specification and claims, "intersecting" is not limited to being perpendicular, but refers to two or more members, virtual axes, etc. crossing each other. In other words, "intersecting" also includes two or more members, virtual axes, etc. being substantially perpendicular to each other.

[0021] As shown in Fig. 1, the switch 1 according to this embodiment includes a main body 2 and an actuator 3 that can be arranged at a detection position close to and facing the main body. Fig. 1 and Figs. 2 and 3 described below show a state in which the actuator 3 is close to the main body 2 and at a detection position facing the main body in the X direction. The X direction is an example of a "first direction" in this disclosure. In the following description of the actuator 3, unless otherwise specified, terms such as X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are used assuming a state in which the actuator 3 is at the detection position.

[0022] In this embodiment, the main body 2 is attached to a fixed body provided around the door whose open / closed state is to be detected, and the actuator 3 is attached to the door itself. More specifically, the actuator 3 is attached to a position close to and facing the main body 2 when the door is closed, and is attached to a position away from and not facing the main body 2 when the door is open.

[0023] Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the switch in Fig. 1 taken along line II-II. As shown in Fig. 2, the actuator 3 includes four magnets 31-34, a magnetic body 35, and a housing 36 that houses the four magnets 31-34 and the magnetic body 35. In this embodiment, the four magnets include a first magnet 31, a second magnet 32, a third magnet 33, and a fourth magnet 34.

[0024] In this embodiment, the housing 36 has a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape that is long in the Y direction as shown in Fig. 1. The housing 36 has an upper wall 361 and a lower wall 362 that face each other in the Z direction, and a peripheral wall 363. The peripheral wall 363 connects an edge of the upper wall 361 and an edge of the lower wall 362 along the Z direction. A portion of the peripheral wall 363 that faces the main body 2 in the X direction constitutes an opposing wall 364.

[0025] As shown in Fig. 2, the housing 36 contains four magnets 31 to 34 and a magnetic body 35. The first magnet 31, the second magnet 32, the third magnet 33, and the fourth magnet 34 are aligned in order along the Y direction intersecting the first direction (X direction) in which the main body 2 and the actuator 3 face each other. The Y direction is an example of a "second direction" in the present disclosure. In this embodiment, the first magnet 31, the second magnet 32, the third magnet 33, and the fourth magnet 34 are aligned in order along the facing wall 364 in the positive direction of the Y axis (to the right in Fig. 2).

[0026] The second magnet 32 ​​and the third magnet 33 are disposed in a position closer to the main body 2 in the X direction than the first magnet 31 and the fourth magnet 34 when the actuator 3 is in the detection position. This arrangement corresponds to the "first condition" in the present disclosure. In other words, the second magnet 32 ​​and the third magnet 33 are disposed in a position closer to the opposing wall 364 in the X direction than the first magnet 31 and the fourth magnet 34.

[0027] The positions of the second magnet 32 ​​and the third magnet 33 in the X direction may be the same or different. In this embodiment, the positions of the second magnet 32 ​​and the third magnet 33 in the X direction are the same. The second magnet 32 ​​and the third magnet 33 may or may not be at least partially opposed to each other in the Y direction.

[0028] The positions of the first magnet 31 and the fourth magnet 34 in the X direction may be the same or different. In this embodiment, the positions of the first magnet 31 and the fourth magnet 34 in the X direction are the same. The first magnet 31 and the fourth magnet 34 may or may not be at least partially opposed to each other in the Y direction.

[0029] In this embodiment, the intervals in the Y direction between two magnets adjacent to each other in the Y direction among the four magnets 31 to are the same. That is, the four magnets 31 to are evenly disposed in the Y direction.

[0030] The four magnets 31 to 34 may be similar or different in shape, type, and magnetic force. In this embodiment, the four magnets 31 to 34 are the same type of magnets and have the same shape and magnetic force.

[0031] The magnetic body 35 is disposed so as to face the opposing wall 364 in the X direction via the four magnets 31-34 in a plan view seen along the Z axis. The magnetic body 35 suppresses radiation of the magnetic flux generated by the four magnets 31-34 in the positive direction of the X axis, and enhances radiation in the negative direction of the X axis.

[0032] The magnetic body 35 has, for example, a plate shape that is approximately perpendicular to the X-axis. In this embodiment, the magnetic body 35 has one front portion 351 that faces the second magnet 32 ​​and the third magnet 33 in the X direction, and two rear portions 352 that face the first magnet 31 and the fourth magnet 34 in the X direction. The front portion 351 is disposed at a position closer to the main body 2 than the rear portions 352 in the X direction. In other words, the front portion 351 is disposed at a position closer to the opposing wall 364 than the rear portions 352 in the X direction.

[0033] In this embodiment, the front portion 351 and the two rear portions 352 are integrally formed. Therefore, at the boundaries between the front portion 351 and each rear portion 352, a step is formed in the X direction.

[0034] In this embodiment, the magnetic body 35 is in contact with all of the four magnets 31 to 34. Moreover, the steps do not necessarily have to be formed.

[0035] Each of the magnets 31 to 34 has one magnetic pole 31a, 32a, 33a, 34a and the other magnetic pole 31b, 32b, 33b, 34b aligned along the X direction. The one magnetic pole 31a, 32a, 33a, 34a faces the main body 2 in the X direction. That is, the one magnetic pole 31a, 32a, 33a, 34a faces the opposing wall 364 in the X direction. On the other hand, the other magnetic pole 31b, 32b, 33b, 34b faces the magnetic body 35 in the X direction.

[0036] Each magnet 31 to 34 is arranged such that the arrangement of the magnetic poles in the X direction is different from that of adjacent magnets. In this embodiment, one magnetic pole 31a, 33a of the first magnet 31 and the third magnet 33 and the other magnetic pole 32b, 34b of the second magnet 32 ​​and the fourth magnet 34 are N poles. The other magnetic pole 31b, 33b of the first magnet 31 and the third magnet 33 and one magnetic pole 32a, 34a of the second magnet 32 ​​and the fourth magnet 34 are S poles.

[0037] 2, a first magnetic flux MF1, a second magnetic flux MF2, and a third magnetic flux MF3 that are generated by the four magnets 31 to 34 and are directed toward the main body 2 are shown by dashed lines. The first magnetic flux MF1 is emitted from one magnetic pole 31a (N pole) of the first magnet 31 and converges to one magnetic pole 32a (S pole) of the second magnet 32. The second magnetic flux MF2 is emitted from one magnetic pole 33a (N pole) of the third magnet 33 and converges to one magnetic pole 32a (S pole) of the second magnet 32. The third magnetic flux MF3 is emitted from one magnetic pole 33a (N pole) of the third magnet 33 and converges to one magnetic pole 34a (S pole) of the fourth magnet 34.

[0038] The main body 2 has three or more sensors 21-24 and a housing 25 that houses the sensors 21-24. In this embodiment, the housing 25 of the main body 2 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape that is long in the Y direction. The housing 25 has an upper wall 251 and a lower wall 252 that face each other in the Z direction, and a peripheral wall 253. The peripheral wall 253 connects an edge of the upper wall 251 and an edge of the lower wall 252 in the Z direction. The peripheral wall 253 has an opposing wall 254 that faces the actuator 3 in the X direction.

[0039] The main body 2 is provided with a cord 26 extending from the housing 25 to the outside. One end of the cord 26 is electrically connected to an internal circuit having the sensors 21 to 24. The other end of the cord 26 is connected to, for example, a controller to which the approach signal and the separation signal of the switch 1 are output.

[0040] In this embodiment, the main body 2 has three or more sensors, that is, four sensors: a first sensor 21, a second sensor 22, a third sensor 23, and a fourth sensor 24. The four sensors 21 to 24 are lined up in order along the Y direction. In this embodiment, the first sensor 21, the second sensor 22, the third sensor 23, and the fourth sensor 24 are lined up in order along an opposing wall 254 provided on the main body 2 in the positive direction of the Y axis (to the right in FIG. 2).

[0041] The first sensor 21 and the fourth sensor 24 are disposed on both ends of the four sensors 21 to 24 in the Y direction. The second sensor 22 and the third sensor 23 are disposed between the first sensor 21 and the fourth sensor 24 in the Y direction.

[0042] Of the four sensors 21 to 24, two sensors adjacent in the Y direction (the first sensor 21 and the second sensor 22, the second sensor 22 and the third sensor 23, and the third sensor 23 and the fourth sensor 24) at least partially face each other in the Y direction. In this embodiment, the centers in the X direction of the sensors 21 to 24 are at the same position in the X direction.

[0043] Each of the sensors 21-24 is configured to be able to detect a magnetic flux generated by at least one of the four magnets 31-34. In this embodiment, the four sensors 21-24 are Hall ICs having Hall elements. The Hall IC outputs a signal according to the magnetic flux density of the magnetic flux received by the Hall element. For example, the Hall IC outputs a detection signal when it detects a magnetic flux having a predetermined magnetic flux density or more, and does not output a detection signal when it detects a magnetic flux having a magnetic flux density less than the predetermined magnetic flux density. For example, when all the sensors 21-24 output detection signals, the main body 2 outputs a proximity signal corresponding to a state in which the main body 2 and the actuator 3 are close to each other, and when at least one of the four sensors 21-24 does not output a detection signal, it outputs a separation signal corresponding to a state in which the main body 2 and the actuator 3 are separated from each other.

[0044] Each of the sensors 21-24 may face at least one of the four magnets 31-34 in the X direction. In this embodiment, in the X direction, the first sensor 21 faces the first magnet 31, the second sensor 22 faces the second magnet 32, the third sensor 23 faces the third magnet 33, and the fourth sensor 24 faces the fourth magnet 34. Also, of the surfaces of the sensors 21-24, the entire surface of an area facing the actuator 3 in the X direction faces the surface of each of the magnets 31-34.

[0045] In this embodiment, the first sensor 21 detects the first magnetic flux MF1 radiated from the first magnet 31. The second sensor 22 detects the first magnetic flux MF1 and the second magnetic flux MF2 converging to the second magnet 32. The third sensor 23 detects the second magnetic flux MF2 and the third magnetic flux MF3 radiated from the third magnet 33. The fourth sensor 24 detects the third magnetic flux MF3 converging to the fourth magnet 34.

[0046] Of the four sensors 21-24, the intervals in the Y direction between two magnets adjacent to each other in the Y direction may be the same or different. In this embodiment, the intervals in the Y direction between the first magnet 31 and the second magnet 32, the intervals between the second magnet 32 ​​and the third magnet 33, and the intervals between the third magnet 33 and the fourth magnet 34 are the same.

[0047] The center in the Y direction of each of the sensors 21-24 may be at the same position in the Y direction as the center in the Y direction of at least one of the four magnets 31-34, or may be at a different position. In this embodiment, the center in the Y direction of each of the sensors 21-24 is at the same position in the Y direction as the center in the Y direction of the magnets 31-34 that they face.

[0048] According to the switch 1 of the first embodiment, the second magnet 32 ​​and the third magnet 33 are arranged so as to satisfy the first condition, and therefore, magnetic interference can be suppressed compared to a configuration that does not satisfy the first condition. Here, a configuration that does not satisfy the first condition is a configuration in which the second magnet 32 ​​and the third magnet 33 are arranged in the same position as the first magnet 31 and the fourth magnet 34 in the first direction or in a position farther from the main body 2 than the first magnet 31 and the fourth magnet 34 when the actuator 3 is in the detection position. Moreover, magnetic interference refers to the magnetic flux radiated or absorbed by the first magnet 31 and the fourth magnet 34 interfering with the magnetic flux radiated or absorbed by the second magnet 32 ​​and the third magnet 33.

[0049] According to the configuration that satisfies the first condition, it is possible to further increase the reach of the magnetic flux generated between the second magnet 32 ​​and the third magnet 33. In other words, it is possible to further increase the magnetic flux density at the position of the main body 2 when the main body 2 and the actuator 3 approach each other. Therefore, it is possible to provide a switch 1 in which both an increase in size of the actuator 3 and a decrease in detection accuracy are suppressed.

[0050] Furthermore, according to the switch 1 of the first embodiment, three or more sensors 21-24 are aligned along the second direction, so that it is possible to prevent the main body 2 from becoming large in the first direction. Furthermore, by arranging the second magnet 32 ​​and the third magnet 33 in the actuation body 3 so as to satisfy at least one of the first condition and the second condition, it is possible to more reliably detect the approach of the main body 2 and the actuation body 3 even in a configuration in which three or more sensors 21-24 are aligned along the second direction.

[0051] <Second embodiment> A switch 1A according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the switch according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure, corresponding to Fig. 2.

[0052] The switch 1A according to the second embodiment differs from the switch 1 according to the first embodiment in the arrangement of the second magnet 32A and the third magnet 33A and the shape of the magnetic body 35A. In the following description of the second embodiment, the description of the same configuration as the first embodiment will be omitted. In the drawings, the same reference numerals may be used to denote members that are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 3, in a switch 1A according to the second embodiment, an actuator 3 has a first magnet 31, a second magnet 32A, a third magnet 33A, a fourth magnet 34, and a magnetic body 35A.

[0054] The positions of the magnets 31, 32A, 33A, and 34 in the X direction may be the same or different. In this embodiment, the positions of the magnets 31, 32A, 33A, and 34 in the X direction are the same.

[0055] The second magnet 32A and the third magnet 33A are arranged such that the distance L1 in the Y direction between the second magnet 32A and the third magnet 33A is longer than at least one of the distance L2 in the Y direction between the first magnet 31 and the second magnet 32A and the distance L3 in the Y direction between the third magnet 33A and the fourth magnet 34. The magnitude relationship between the distances L1, L2, and L3 corresponds to the "second condition" in this disclosure.

[0056] In this embodiment, the second magnet 32A and the third magnet 33A are disposed such that the distance L1 is longer than both the distance L2 and the distance L3.

[0057] The distance L2 and the distance L3 may be the same or different. In this embodiment, the distance L2 and the distance L3 are the same.

[0058] 3, the centers in the Y direction of the second sensor 22, the third sensor 23, the second magnet 32A, and the third magnet 33A are indicated by two-dot chain lines extending in the X direction. In this embodiment, the center C32A in the Y direction of the second magnet 32A is located in a position offset in the Y direction from the center C22 in the Y direction of the second sensor 22 toward the first magnet 31, i.e., in the negative direction of the Y axis. The center C33A in the Y direction of the third magnet 33A is located in a position offset in the Y direction from the center C23 in the Y direction of the third sensor 23 toward the fourth magnet 34, i.e., in the positive direction of the Y axis.

[0059] In this embodiment, the magnetic body 35A has a flat plate shape substantially perpendicular to the X-axis, and is in contact with the four magnets 31 to 34. That is, unlike the magnetic body 35 in the first embodiment, the magnetic body 35A has no steps formed in the X-direction.

[0060] According to the switch 1A of the second embodiment, the second magnet 32A and the third magnet 33A are arranged to satisfy the second condition, and therefore magnetic interference can be suppressed compared to a configuration that does not satisfy the second condition. Here, the configuration that does not satisfy the second condition is a configuration in which the distance L1 in the Y direction between the second magnet 32A and the third magnet 33A is equal to or less than the distance L2 in the Y direction between the first magnet 31 and the second magnet 32A and equal to or less than the distance L3 in the Y direction between the third magnet 33A and the fourth magnet 34.

[0061] According to the configuration that satisfies the second condition, the reach of the magnetic flux generated between the second magnet 32A and the third magnet 33A can be further increased. In other words, the magnetic flux density at the position of the main body 2 when the main body 2 and the actuator 3 approach each other can be further increased. Therefore, it is possible to provide a switch 1A in which both an increase in size of the actuator 3 and a decrease in detection accuracy are suppressed.

[0062] Furthermore, in the switch 1A according to the second embodiment, the four magnets 31, 32A, 33A, 34 are located at the same position in the X direction. This makes it possible to further suppress an increase in size of the actuator 3 in the X direction, compared to a configuration in which the four magnets 31, 32A, 33A, 34 are located at different positions in the X direction.

[0063] Moreover, according to the switch 1A of the second embodiment, the magnetic interference can be suppressed compared to a configuration in which the distance L1 in the Y direction between the second magnet 32A and the third magnet 33A is longer than only one of the distance L2 in the Y direction between the first magnet 31 and the second magnet 32A and the distance L3 in the Y direction between the third magnet 33A and the fourth magnet 34. This makes it possible to increase the reach of the magnetic flux generated between the second magnet 32A and the third magnet 33A compared to the configuration described above. In other words, it is possible to increase the magnetic flux density at the position of the main body 2 when the main body 2 and the actuator 3 approach each other compared to the configuration described above. Therefore, it is possible to further suppress both the increase in size of the actuator 3 and the decrease in detection accuracy.

[0064] <Third embodiment> A switch 1B according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a switch according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure, corresponding to Fig. 2. In the following description of the third embodiment, description of configurations similar to those of the first embodiment will be omitted. In the drawings, members substantially identical to those of the first and second embodiments may be denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0065] In the switch 1B according to the third embodiment, the second magnet 32B and the third magnet 33B are arranged so as to satisfy both the first and second conditions described above.

[0066] The second magnet 32B and the third magnet 33B are disposed in a position closer to the main body 2 in the X direction than the first magnet 31 and the fourth magnet 34 when the actuator 3 is in the detection position. The magnetic body 35B has a front portion 351 and two rear portions 352. The front portion 351 is disposed in a position closer to the main body 2 in the X direction than each of the rear portions 352.

[0067] The second magnet 32B and the third magnet 33B are arranged so that the distance L1 in the Y direction between the second magnet 32B and the third magnet 33B is longer than at least one of the distance L2 in the Y direction between the first magnet 31 and the second magnet 32B and the distance L3 in the Y direction between the third magnet 33B and the fourth magnet 34.

[0068] In this embodiment, the second magnet 32B and the third magnet 33B are disposed such that the distance L1 is longer than both the distance L2 and the distance L3.

[0069] According to the switch 1B of the third embodiment, the above-mentioned magnetic interference can be suppressed compared to a configuration in which the second magnet 32B and the third magnet 33B are arranged so as to satisfy only one of the first condition and the second condition. This makes it possible to increase the reach of the magnetic flux generated between the second magnet 32B and the third magnet 33B compared to the above-mentioned configuration. In other words, it is possible to increase the magnetic flux density at the position of the main body 2 when the main body 2 and the actuator 3 approach each other compared to the above-mentioned configuration. Therefore, it is possible to further suppress both the increase in size of the actuator 3 and the decrease in detection accuracy.

[0070] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be implemented in various other modes. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the switch 1 is a non-contact door switch, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The switch 1 may detect the approach of the main body and the actuator by detecting the magnetic flux generated by a magnet provided in the actuator with a sensor in the main body. For example, the switch 1 may be incorporated in a system having a moving body, and detect the approach of the moving body provided with the actuator to the location where the main body is located.

[0071] In the above embodiment, the actuator 3 has four magnets 31-34, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the actuator 3 may have an additional magnet that generates a magnetic flux detected by the sensors 21-24 provided in the main body 2, in addition to the four magnets 31-34. That is, the actuator 3 may have a total of five or more magnets that generate a magnetic flux detected by the sensors 21-24. The additional magnet may be aligned along the Y direction together with the four magnets 31-34. In this case, the additional magnet may be disposed between the four magnets 31-34, or may be disposed outside the four magnets 31-34 in the Y direction.

[0072] Also, in the above embodiment, the main body 2 has four sensors 21-24, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. The sensors provided in the main body 2 need only be able to detect all three magnetic fluxes MF1-MF3 generated by the four magnets 31-34. In other words, the main body 2 may have three sensors corresponding to the magnetic fluxes MF1-MF3. Also, five or more sensors may be provided. The number of sensors provided in the main body 2 and the number of magnets provided in the actuation body 3 may be the same or different.

[0073] In the second embodiment, the center C32A in the Y direction of the second magnet 32A is located at a position offset in the Y direction from the center C22 in the Y direction of the second sensor 22. In the second embodiment, the center C33A in the Y direction of the third magnet 33A is located at a position offset in the Y direction from the center C23 in the Y direction of the third sensor 23. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this.

[0074] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 2, showing a modified example of the switch of FIG. 3. In the modified example shown in FIG. 5, the second magnet 32A and the third magnet 33C are arranged so that the distance L1 is longer than both the distance L2 and the distance L3. Here, the distance L1 is the distance in the Y direction between the second magnet 32A and the third magnet 33C. The distance L2 is the distance in the Y direction between the first magnet 31 and the second magnet 32A. The distance L3 is the distance in the Y direction between the third magnet 33C and the fourth magnet 34. The center C33C of the third magnet 33C in the Y direction is at the same position as the center C23C of the third sensor 23C in the Y direction.

[0075] In the above embodiment, among the four sensors 21 to 24, two sensors adjacent in the Y direction are at least partially opposed in the Y direction, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the third sensor 23C shown in Fig. 5 is disposed at a position shifted in the negative direction of the X axis from the first sensor 21, the second sensor 22, and the fourth sensor 24. The third sensor 23C does not face the second sensor 22 and the fourth sensor 24 adjacent in the Y direction in the Y direction.

[0076] Any of the various embodiments or modifications described above can be appropriately combined to achieve the effects of each of them. In addition, combinations of embodiments, combinations of examples, or combinations of embodiments and examples are possible, and combinations of features of different embodiments or examples are also possible.

[0077] Although the present disclosure has been fully described in connection with the preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, various changes and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and such changes and modifications should be understood to be included within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims unless they depart therefrom.

[0078] Various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above in detail with reference to the drawings. Finally, various aspects of the present disclosure will be described. In the following description, reference symbols will be used as examples.

[0079] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, A main body (2), an actuator (3) that can be disposed at a detection position close to and facing the main body (2); Equipped with The actuator (3) has a first magnet (31), a second magnet (32, 32A), a third magnet (33, 33A), and a fourth magnet (34), the first magnet (31), the second magnet (32, 32A), the third magnet (33, 33A), and the fourth magnet (34) are aligned in order along a second direction intersecting a first direction in which the main body (2) and the actuator (3) face each other when the actuator (3) is in the detection position; each of the first magnet (31), the second magnet (32, 32A), the third magnet (33, 33A), and the fourth magnet (34) is arranged such that one magnetic pole (31a, 32a, 33a, 34a) and the other magnetic pole (31b, 32b, 33b, 34b) are aligned along the first direction and the arrangement of the magnetic poles in the first direction is different from that of adjacent magnets; the main body (2) has three or more sensors (21-24) configured to be capable of detecting magnetic flux generated by at least one of the first magnet (31), the second magnet (32, 32A), the third magnet (33, 33A), and the fourth magnet (34); the second magnet (32, 32A) and the third magnet (33, 33A) are arranged so as to satisfy a first condition or a second condition, the first condition is a condition that the second magnet (32) and the third magnet (33) are disposed at positions closer to the main body (2) than the first magnet (31) and the fourth magnet (34) in the first direction when the actuating body (3) is in the detection position, the second condition is a condition that a distance (L1) between the second magnet (32A) and the third magnet (33A) in the second direction is longer than at least one of a distance (L2) between the first magnet (31) and the second magnet (32A) in the second direction and a distance (L2) between the third magnet (33A) and the fourth magnet (34) in the second direction. Provide a switch (1,1A).

[0080] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, In the second condition, a distance (L1) between the second magnet (32A) and the third magnet (33A) in the second direction is longer than both a distance (L2) between the first magnet (31) and the second magnet (32A) in the second direction and a distance (L3) between the third magnet (33A) and the fourth magnet (34) in the second direction. A switch (1A) according to a first embodiment is provided.

[0081] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, the second magnet (32B) and the third magnet (33B) are arranged so as to satisfy both the first condition and the second condition. The switch (1B) according to the first or second aspect is provided.

[0082] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, The three or more sensors (21 to 24) are aligned along the second direction. The present invention provides a switch (1) according to any one of the first to third aspects. [Industrial Applicability]

[0083] The switch according to the present disclosure is useful as a variety of switches that detect the approach of an actuator provided with a magnet to a main body, including switches incorporated into a system, since both the increase in size of the actuator and the decrease in detection accuracy are suppressed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] 1,1A,1B Switch 2 Main unit 21 First Sensor 22 Second Sensor 23,23C 3rd sensor 24 4th Sensor 3. Actuator 31 First Magnet 32,32A,32B 2nd magnet 33,33A~33C 3rd magnet 34 Fourth Magnet 31a, 32a, 33a, 34a One magnetic pole 31b, 32b, 33b, 34b Other magnetic pole

Claims

1. The main body, an actuator that can be disposed at a detection position adjacent to and facing the main body; Equipped with the actuator includes a first magnet, a second magnet, a third magnet, and a fourth magnet, the first magnet, the second magnet, the third magnet, and the fourth magnet are aligned in order along a second direction intersecting a first direction in which the main body and the actuator face each other when the actuator is at the detection position; Each of the first magnet, the second magnet, the third magnet, and the fourth magnet is arranged such that one magnetic pole and the other magnetic pole are aligned along the first direction, and the arrangement of the magnetic poles in the first direction is different from that of adjacent magnets, the main body has three or more sensors configured to be capable of detecting magnetic flux generated by at least one of the first magnet, the second magnet, the third magnet, and the fourth magnet; the second magnet and the third magnet are arranged so as to satisfy a first condition or a second condition, the first condition is a condition that the second magnet and the third magnet are disposed at positions closer to the main body than the first magnet and the fourth magnet in the first direction when the actuator is at the detection position, The second condition is a condition that a distance between the second magnet and the third magnet in the second direction is longer than at least one of a distance between the first magnet and the second magnet in the second direction and a distance between the third magnet and the fourth magnet in the second direction. switch.

2. 2. The switch of claim 1, wherein in the second condition, a distance in the second direction between the second magnet and the third magnet is longer than both a distance in the second direction between the first magnet and the second magnet and a distance in the second direction between the third magnet and the fourth magnet.

3. The switch according to claim 1 , wherein the second magnet and the third magnet are arranged so as to satisfy both the first condition and the second condition.

4. The switch according to claim 1 , wherein three or more of the sensors are aligned along the second direction.

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