Switch device

Abstract

To suppress variations in the intensity of magnetic force of a magnet.SOLUTION: A switch device 1 includes: a magnet 10 displaced in an axial X-direction in association with operations of an operation knob 7; and a plurality of magnetic sensors 8 (8A, 8B, and 8C) arranged to face the magnet 10 at equal intervals d in an orthogonal direction of the axial X-direction. An opposed region RB of opposed regions RA, RB, and RC of the magnetic sensors 8 (8A, 8B, and 8C) of the magnet 10 is provided with a recessed part 12 recessed in a direction distant from the magnetic sensors 8 (8A, 8B, and 8C), the opposed region RB outputting higher magnetic force than the opposed regions RA and RC, which output reference magnetic force.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a switch device.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a vehicle switch device including a magnet that moves forward and backward in conjunction with an operation of a brake pedal, and a detection element that detects a change in magnetic force accompanying the forward and backward movement of the magnet.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In order to improve the detection accuracy in the switch device of Patent Document 1, it is conceivable to detect the change in magnetic force due to the displacement of the magnet with a plurality of detection elements arranged opposite to the magnet. However, if there is a variation in the intensity of the magnetic force for each region of the magnet facing the detection element, a variation will occur in the output of each detection element, affecting the detection accuracy.

[0005] Therefore, it is required to suppress the variation in the intensity of the magnetic force in the magnet. In addition to such requirements, the operations and effects derived from each configuration disclosed in the "Mode for Carrying Out the Invention" described later, which are operations and effects not obtained by the conventional technology, can also be regarded as other objects of this case.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The present invention provides a magnet that is displaced in conjunction with an operation of an operated portion, A plurality of detection elements arranged to face the magnet in a direction orthogonal to the displacement direction of the magnet. The switch device has a configuration in which a recess that is recessed in a direction away from the detection element is provided in a region of the magnet that faces the detection element and that has a magnetic force higher than that of a reference-facing region that produces a reference magnetic force.

Advantages of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, variations in the intensity of the magnetic force in the magnet can be suppressed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described by taking as an example the case of a switch device 1 provided with an operation knob 7 that strokes (displaces) in the axial direction X. FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a cross section of the switch device 1. FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing a cross section obtained by cutting the switch device 1 along the line A-A in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing a cross section obtained by cutting the switch device 1 along the line B-B in FIG. 1. In the following description, for convenience of explanation, the positional relationship of each component will be described based on the vertical direction in FIG. 1. For example, when described as "upper side", it means the upper side in the vertical direction in FIG. 1. Therefore, depending on the usage state of the switch device 1, even when described as, for example, "a component located on the upper side", it may be located obliquely upper or lower.

[0010] As shown in FIG. 1, the switch device 1 has a lower case 3 that houses a printed circuit board 4. The lower case 3 has a bottom wall portion 31 and a peripheral wall portion 32 that surrounds the outer periphery of the bottom wall portion 31 over the entire circumference. The lower case 3 is assembled to the upper case 2 in a state where the peripheral wall portion 32 is fitted inside the peripheral wall portion 22 provided in the upper case 2. In this state, the lower case 3 is attached to the upper case 2 by screws (not shown).

[0011] Inside the peripheral wall portion 32, a support base 33 for the printed circuit board 4 is provided. The printed circuit board 4 is placed on the upper end of the support base 33. A rubber member 5 made of an elastic material is placed on the printed circuit board 4. The contact portion 62 of the movable body 6 is placed on the placement portion 52 of the rubber member 5.

[0012] The switch device 1 has an operation knob 7 that is operated by a user. The operation knob 7 has a key top 71, a peripheral wall portion 72, and a connecting portion 73. The peripheral wall portion 72 is a cylindrical portion that surrounds the outer periphery of the key top 71 over the entire circumference. The connecting portion 73 extends inside the peripheral wall portion 72 in the same direction as the peripheral wall portion 72. The tip side of the connecting portion 73 is inserted inside the peripheral wall portion 21 on the upper case 2 side.

[0013] The peripheral wall portion 21 is a cylindrical portion surrounding the through hole 20 on the upper case 2 side. The through hole 20 opens at the upper part of the upper case 2. The peripheral wall portion 21 extends linearly upward toward the side opposite to the printed circuit board 4. In the upper case 2, the peripheral wall portion 72 of the operation knob 7 is externally inserted outside the peripheral wall portion 21. Further, in the upper case 2, the cylindrical wall portion 61 of the movable body 6 penetrates the inside of the peripheral wall portion 21 in the axial direction X. Here, the axis X is a straight line orthogonal to the printed circuit board 4 and passing through the center of the key top 71. Further, the axis X is a straight line along the displacement direction of the movable body 6 when the operation knob 7 is pressed.

[0014] The movable body 6 is supported by the peripheral wall portion 21 on the upper case 2 side so as to be movable in the axial direction X. In the movable body 6, the connecting portion 73 of the operation knob 7 is inserted inside the cylindrical wall portion 61. An engaging hole 73a is provided at the tip side of the connecting portion 73. A projection 61a on the movable body 6 side is engaged with the engaging hole 73a. In the present embodiment, the operation knob 7 and the movable body 6 are connected by engaging the projection 61a on the movable body 6 side with the engaging hole 73a. Thereby, the movable body 6 can be displaced in the axial direction X in conjunction with the pressing operation of the operation knob 7.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 2, the cylindrical wall portion 61 of the movable body 6 is formed in a cylindrical shape from a pair of first wall portions 611, 611 and second wall portions 612, 612 connecting the ends of the first wall portions 611, 611. The cylindrical wall portion 61 has a substantially rectangular shape in a sectional view. In the cylindrical wall portion 61, contact portions 62, 62 are provided on both sides in the width direction (left - right direction in the figure). As shown in FIG. 1, in the cylindrical wall portion 61, the contact portions 62, 62 are provided at the lower part on the side opposite to the operation knob 7 in the axial direction X. The contact portions 62, 62 bulge in a direction away from each other from the outer periphery of the cylindrical wall portion 61. The contact portions 62, 62 are placed on the placement portion 52 of the rubber member 5.

[0016] The rubber member 5 has a base portion 51, a mounting portion 52, and a support wall portion 53. The rubber member 5 is an integral part formed of an elastic material having flexibility such as rubber. The base portion 51 is a portion placed on the printed circuit board 4. The mounting portion 52 is a portion that supports the movable body 6 so as to be displaceable in the axial direction X (the vertical direction in the figure). The support wall portion 53 is a portion that connects the mounting portion 52 and the base portion 51 and holds the mounting portion 52 at a position away from the base portion 51 upward. In the rubber member 5, the pair of mounting portions 52, 52 support the movable body 6 so as to be able to move forward and backward in the axial direction X.

[0017] When an operating force directed toward the printed circuit board 4 is input to the movable body 6 by the pressing operation of the operation knob 7, the mounting portion 52 of the movable body 6 is displaced in a direction approaching the printed circuit board 4 while deforming the support wall portion 53. The mounting portion 52 is displaced toward the printed circuit board 4 until the stopper portion 54 contacts the printed circuit board 4 (operating position). When the operating force acting on the movable body 6 is eliminated, the mounting portion 52 is displaced in a direction away from the printed circuit board 4 by the restoring force of the support wall portion 53. The support wall portion 53 constantly acts on the movable body 6 with a biasing force in a direction to return the movable body 6 mounted on the mounting portion 52 and the operation knob 7 to which the movable body 6 is connected to the initial position (see FIG. 1) before displacement.

[0018] In the present embodiment, the pressing operation of the operation knob 7 is detected using a magnet 10 attached to the movable body 6 and a magnetic sensor 8 provided on the printed circuit board 4. Specifically, the change in the magnetic force of the magnet 10 due to the pressing operation of the operation knob 7 is detected using the magnetic sensor 8 and used to determine whether the operation knob 7 is operated. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a holding portion 63 for the magnet 10 is attached to the movable body 6.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 3, the holding portion 63 is provided at the lower portion of the second wall portion 612 and has a cylindrical portion 635 that surrounds the outer periphery of the magnet 10. The cylindrical portion 635 is provided with an opening facing in a direction orthogonal to the axis X. As shown in FIG. 2, in the cylindrical wall portion 61 of the movable body 6, a notch 612a is provided in the region of the second wall portion 612 where the holding portion 63 is provided. In the holding portion 63, a pair of locking arms 631, 631 are provided on both sides of the notch 612a. The locking arms 631, 631 are provided in a symmetrical positional relationship with the notch 612a interposed therebetween. The locking arms 631, 631 extend linearly in a direction away from the second wall portion 612 (upward in the figure) on the extensions of the first wall portions 611, 611. Claw portions 631a, 631a are provided at the tips of the locking arms 631, 631. The claw portions 631a, 631a protrude in a direction approaching each other. The claw portions 631a, 631a are locked to the stepped portion 11 provided on the magnet 10. In this state, the magnet 10 is held between the claw portions 631a, 631a and the second wall portion 612, and the positioning in the direction facing the magnet 10 and the magnetic sensors 8 (8A, 8B, 8C) (vertical direction in the figure) is performed.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 3, the magnet 10 is provided in such a direction that the N pole is positioned on one side (upper side in the figure) in the axial direction X and the S pole is positioned on the other side (lower side in the figure). Note that the arrangement of the N pole and the S pole may be reversed.

[0021] FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram of a processing unit for the output signal of the magnetic sensor 8. As shown in FIG. 4, an MCU 41 as a control device is mounted on the printed circuit board 4. Each of the magnetic sensors 8 (8A, 8B, 8C) is connected to each terminal 41a, 41b, 41c of the MCU 41 via wirings 42 (42a, 42b, 42c) on the printed circuit board 4. The output voltages (output signals) of the respective magnetic sensors 8 (8A, 8B, 8C) are input to the MCU 41.

[0022] FIGS. 5 and 6 are diagrams for explaining the recess 12 provided in the magnet 10. (A) of FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing an enlarged view around magnet 10 in FIG. 2 in order to explain the positional relationship between magnet 10 and magnetic sensors 8 (8A, 8B, 8C). (B) of FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing an enlarged view around recess 12 provided in magnet 10. (A) of FIG. 6 is a perspective view of magnet 10. (B) of FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing a cross section obtained by cutting magnet 10 along plane A in (A) of FIG. 6. (C) of FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing a cross section obtained by cutting magnet 10 along plane B in (A) of FIG. 6. In (A) of FIG. 6, in order to make the positions of opposing regions RA, RB, RC in magnet 10 that oppose magnetic sensors 8 distinguishable, hatching intersecting opposing regions RA, RB, RC is provided.

[0023] As shown in (A) of FIG. 5, on the side of magnet 10, magnetic sensors 8 (8A, 8B, 8C) are arranged to oppose magnet 10. Opposing surface 10a of magnet 10 with respect to magnetic sensor 8 has a basic shape that is a flat surface orthogonal to the opposing direction between magnet 10 and magnetic sensor 8 (the horizontal direction in the figure). Opposing surface 10a is a surface from which magnetic force is emitted and has width W10 in the direction orthogonal to the opposing direction between magnet 10 and magnetic sensor 8 (the vertical direction in the figure).

[0024] In the present embodiment, as an example, three magnetic sensors 8 (8A, 8B, 8C) are provided for one magnet 10. Magnetic sensors 8 (8A, 8B, 8C) are arranged at predetermined intervals in the direction along opposing surface 10a of magnet 10 (the vertical direction in the figure). When viewed from the opposing direction between magnetic sensor 8 and magnet 10, magnetic sensors 8 (8A, 8B, 8C) are arranged in a positional relationship that overlaps magnet 10.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 3, magnetic sensors 8 (8A, 8B, 8C) have a detection unit 81 and a leg portion 82 extending from detection unit 81. Magnetic sensors 8 (8A, 8B, 8C) are supported by a common support 45. Leg portions 82 of each magnetic sensor 8 (8A, 8B, 8C) penetrate printed circuit board 4. The region of leg portion 82 that penetrates printed circuit board 4 is soldered to the back surface of printed circuit board 4. In this state, the detection surface 8a of each magnetic sensor 8 (8A, 8B, 8C) is disposed at a position separated from the printed circuit board 4 by a height h8. The support 45 is used to align the height positions of the magnetic sensors 8 (8A, 8B, 8C) from the printed circuit board 4 while preventing the inclination of each magnetic sensor 8 (8A, 8B, 8C). Note that the magnetic sensors 8 (8A, 8B, 8C) and the support 45 are accommodated in an accommodation portion 55 of a rubber member 5 that covers the upper surface of the printed circuit board 4.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 5(A), the magnetic sensors 8 (8A, 8B, 8C) can include magnetic sensors 8A and 8C provided with the detection surface 8a facing the magnet 10, and a reverse magnetic sensor 8B with the detection surface 8a facing the side opposite to the magnet 10. The detection surfaces 8a of these magnetic sensors 8 (8A, 8B, 8C) are located on a common straight line Lm. The straight line Lm is a straight line along the arrangement direction of the magnetic sensors 8 (8A, 8B, 8C). The straight line Lm is parallel to the facing surface 10a which is the magnetic force emission surface of the magnet 10. Therefore, the distance from the facing surface 10a of the magnet 10 to each detection surface 8a of the magnetic sensors 8 (8A, 8B, 8C) is set to be the same distance d. Here, it can also be said that the detection surfaces 8a of the magnetic sensors 8 (8A, 8B, 8C) are located on the same plane parallel to the facing surface 10a of the magnet 10 along the straight line Lm.

[0027] The magnetic sensors 8 (8A, 8B, 8C) are sensors that detect the magnetic force in the direction along the facing direction (the left - right direction in the figure) between the magnet 10 and the magnetic sensors 8 (8A, 8B, 8C), and output a voltage value corresponding to the magnitude of the detected magnetic force.

[0028] Here, in the switch device 1 of the present embodiment, with the pressing operation of the operation knob 7, the magnet 10 attached to the movable body 6 reciprocates in the axial direction X. Specifically, the magnet 10 is displaced from the initial position (see (A) in FIG. 7) where the S pole is disposed to face the detection surface 8a of the magnetic sensor 8 to the operation position (see (B) in FIG. 7) where the N pole is disposed to face the detection surface 8a of the magnetic sensor 8, and then returns to the initial position (see (A) in FIG. 7). Then, the direction and intensity of the magnetic force detected by the detection surface 8a of the magnetic sensor 8 change with the displacement of the magnet 10.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 7, when the magnet 10 is stationary at the initial position, the magnetic sensor 8 is disposed to face the S pole. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, when the magnetic sensor 8 with the detection surface 8a facing the magnet outputs a voltage value on the lower side than the median value (=V), the output signal (output voltage value) of the magnetic sensor 8 outputs a voltage value Va corresponding to the intersection of the thick line in the figure and the initial position. From here, when the magnet 10 is displaced toward the operation position, the output signal of the magnetic sensor 8 changes, and at the timing when the boundary between the S pole and the N pole crosses the front of the detection unit 81, the output signal of the magnetic sensor 8 changes from one side (the side with a lower voltage value) of the median value (=V) to the other side (the side with a higher voltage value). This is because the direction of the magnetic force is reversed when the S pole is located in front of the detection surface 8a of the magnetic sensor 8 and when the N pole is located there. That is, before and after the timing C when the boundary between the S pole and the N pole crosses, the output waveform is inverted up and down with the median value (=V) as a reference (see the thick line in the figure).

[0030] Here, the waveforms shown by solid lines in FIG. 8 are the output waveforms of the magnetic sensors 8A and 8C provided with the detection surface 8a facing the magnet 10. The waveform shown by a one-dot chain line in FIG. 8 is the output waveform of the magnetic sensor 8B with the detection surface 8a facing the side opposite to the magnet 10. The magnetic sensor 8B has the detection surface 8a facing the side opposite to the magnet 10. That is, the magnetic sensor 8B is disposed in the reverse direction to the magnetic sensors 8A and 8C. Then, although the magnitude of the magnetic force detected with the displacement of the magnet 10 is the same, the resulting output waveform has an inverted phase. That is, as shown in FIG. 8, the output waveform is inverted up and down with respect to the median value (=V) (see the dashed line in the figure).

[0031] Here, the magnetic sensors 8 (8A, 8B, 8C) detect the magnetic force emitted from the opposing regions of the opposed magnets 10. For example, in the case of FIG. 5(A), the magnetic sensors 8A, 8B, 8C detect the magnetic force emitted from the opposing regions RA, RB, RC of the magnet 10, respectively.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 5(A), in a cross-sectional view seen from the axial direction X, the opposing surface 10a of the magnet 10 has a width W10 in the width direction orthogonal to the axial direction X. Here, when viewed from the axial direction X, the intensity of the magnetic force (amount of magnetic flux) emitted from the opposing surface 10a is strongest (largest) at the central portion in the width direction, and tends to become weaker (smaller) as it goes from the central portion to both sides 10c, 10d in the width direction. Therefore, the intensity of the magnetic force when viewed from the axial direction X has an intensity distribution as indicated by the arrows whose tips follow the virtual circle Im in FIG. 5(A). Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 6(B), in a cross-sectional view along the axial direction X, the intensity of the magnetic force (amount of magnetic flux) emitted from the opposing surface 10a tends to be weakest (smallest) at the boundary between the N pole and the S pole, and to become stronger (larger) as it moves away from the boundary. Also in this case, as shown in FIG. 6(C), the intensity of the magnetic force (amount of magnetic flux) emitted from the opposing region RB is stronger (larger) than the intensity of the magnetic force (amount of magnetic flux) emitted from the other opposing regions RA, RC.

[0033] Here, when determining the presence or absence of the operation of the operation knob 7 using the output voltages (output signals) of all three magnetic sensors 8A, 8B, 8C, (a) it is preferable that the timing at which the output voltages of the magnetic sensors 8A, 8C cross the median value (=V) is the same as the timing at which the output voltage of the magnetic sensor 8B crosses the median value (=V). Furthermore, (b) it is preferable that the values of the output voltages of the magnetic sensors 8A, 8B, 8C are aligned at substantially the same level. However, if there is a difference between the intensity of the magnetic force from the opposing region RB and the intensity of the magnetic force from the opposing regions RA and RC, a deviation will occur between the output waveform of the magnetic sensor 8B and the output waveforms of the magnetic sensors 8A and 8C.

[0034] In this embodiment, the output voltage of the magnetic sensor 8B is higher than the output voltages of the magnetic sensors 8A and 8C. Therefore, the waveform of the output voltage of the magnetic sensor 8B (without the recess in FIG. 9) swings to the positive side (upper side in the figure) and the negative side (lower side in the figure) before and after the timing of crossing the median value (=V).

[0035] Here, when a magnetic sensor with high sensitivity is adopted, due to the narrow detection range, a phenomenon occurs where the magnetic force detected by the magnetic sensor 8B exceeds the detectable range, so-called saturation occurs, and the output voltage does not become an accurate voltage value corresponding to the strength of the magnetic force. For example, as shown by the broken line in FIG. 9, when the value of the output voltage of the magnetic sensor 8B becomes higher than the values of the output voltages of the magnetic sensors 8A and 8C, in the regions indicated by the hatching on the left side of the figure from point a and the regions indicated by the hatching on the right side of the figure from point b, regions where the output voltage is fixed at the upper limit and the lower limit are generated respectively. In such a case, it becomes impossible to compare the waveform of the output voltage of the magnetic sensor 8B with the waveforms of the output voltages of the magnetic sensors 8A and 8C, and there is a possibility that it becomes impossible to determine the presence or absence of the operation of the operation knob 7.

[0036] In order to absorb the influence of the difference between the intensity of the magnetic force from the opposing region RB and the intensity of the magnetic force from the opposing regions RA and RC, it is necessary to (a) reduce the sensitivity of the magnetic sensor 8B or (b) increase the distance between the magnetic sensor 8B and the magnet 10 compared to the distance between the magnetic sensors 8A and 8C and the magnet 10. In the case of (a), although the detection range is wide, the waveform of the output voltage becomes low (the amplitude / intensity becomes weak) (refer to the case without a recess (low sensitivity) in FIG. 9). Therefore, the variation in the waveform of the output voltage with respect to each stroke within the stroke range of the operation knob 7 (the stroke amount from the initial position to the operation position) becomes small, making it difficult to detect the presence or absence of the operation. In the case of (b), the switch device 1 becomes larger in size by the amount corresponding to the increase in the distance between the magnetic sensor 8B and the magnet 10.

[0037] In the present embodiment, in order to make the intensity of the magnetic force emitted from the opposing region RB approach the intensities of the magnetic forces from the other opposing regions RA and RC, a recess 12 that is recessed in a direction away from the magnetic sensor 8B is provided. Then, since the intensity (amount of magnetic flux) of the magnetic force detected by the magnetic sensor 8B becomes low (small), even if a highly sensitive magnetic sensor is employed, it is possible to suitably prevent the occurrence of a situation where only the output of the magnetic sensor 8B exceeds the detection range. In the present embodiment, among the plurality of opposing regions RA, RB, and RC, the region with a low amount of magnetic force is used as the reference opposing region. For the other opposing regions, recesses 12 are provided on the opposing surface 10a so that the magnetic force is reduced, and the difference between the magnetic force of this reference opposing region and the magnetic forces of the other opposing regions is made small.

[0038] Furthermore, since the recess 12 is provided to make the intensity of the magnetic force emitted from the opposing region RB approach the intensities of the magnetic forces from the other opposing regions RA and RC, even when a magnetic sensor with high sensitivity and a narrow detection range is employed, it is possible to suppress the magnetic force detected by the magnetic sensor 8B from exceeding the detectable range. Therefore, there is no need to employ a magnetic sensor with a wide detection range but low sensitivity. As a result, problems that occur when a magnetic sensor with low sensitivity is employed, such as the waveform of the output voltage becoming low (the amplitude / intensity becoming weak) during the operation of the operation knob 7 and making it difficult to detect the operation position, do not occur. Consequently, while maintaining the sensitivity of the magnetic sensor, it becomes easier to compare the outputs of the plurality of magnetic sensors.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 5, in the present embodiment, a recess 12 that is recessed in a direction away from the magnetic sensor 8B is provided in the opposing region RB that emits a higher magnetic force than the opposing regions RA and RC that emit the reference magnetic force. As shown in FIG. 6, the recess 12 is provided over the entire length in the thickness direction (axis X direction) of the magnet 10.

[0040] As shown in (B) of FIG. 5, the concave portion 12 has an arcuate inner peripheral surface 121 with its apex Pc facing away from the magnetic sensor 8B in a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the axis X. The inner peripheral surface 121 forms an arc along a virtual circle Im1 with a radius (radius of curvature r) centered on a straight line Cx passing through the center in the width direction of the magnet 10. The concave portion 12 is formed with a predetermined depth D12 in the facing direction (left - right direction in the figure) perpendicular to the facing surface 10a.

[0041] Here, the radius of curvature r of the inner peripheral surface 121 and the depth D12 can be set according to the magnetic forces of the opposing regions RA and RC that produce the reference magnetic force, and the difference in magnetic force (in (A) of FIG. 5: symbol ΔT) of the opposing region RB that produces a higher magnetic force than these opposing regions RA and RB. Specifically, the radius of curvature r and the depth D12 can be set so that the magnetic force of the opposing region RB approaches, more preferably becomes substantially the same as, the magnetic forces of the opposing regions RA and RC. As an example, it is set such that at least the depth D12 becomes deeper as the difference in magnetic force ΔT becomes larger. As a result, as shown by the cross - hatched area in (A) of FIG. 5, the intensity of the magnetic force in the opposing region RB is locally reduced due to the provision of the concave portion 12 and approaches the intensity of the magnetic force in the other opposing regions RA and RB. As shown by the cross - hatched area in (C) of FIG. 6, the intensity distribution of the magnetic force in the direction of the axis X is also adjusted (no concave portion → with concave portion).

[0042] In the MCU 41 (see FIG. 4) of the present embodiment, a process (operation determination process) for determining the presence or absence of an operation of the operation knob 7 is performed based on the output voltage (output signal) of the magnetic sensors 8 (8A, 8B, 8C). Further, the MCU 41 performs a process (fault determination process) for determining the presence or absence of a fault in the magnetic sensors 8 (8A, 8B, 8C) based on the output voltage (output signal) of the magnetic sensors 8 (8A, 8B, 8C).

[0043] As shown in FIG. 3, the "failure" in the magnetic sensors 8 (8A, 8B, 8C) includes not only the case where the magnetic sensor 8 simply malfunctions, but also the case where the output signal of the magnetic sensor 8 is not the expected output signal, such as when the magnetic sensor 8 is tilted from its original position. Since the detection unit 81 is provided at the upper end of the leg portion 82 of the magnetic sensor 8, the center of gravity is high and there is a tendency to be easily tilted. Therefore, although the inclination of the magnetic sensor 8 is suppressed by using the support 45, there may be a case where it tilts even when supported by the support 45. When the magnetic sensor 8 tilts, the output signal of the magnetic sensor 8 will output an output signal different from the expected output signal. In the present embodiment, by the failure determination process, not only the failure of the magnetic sensor 8 itself but also the inclination of the magnetic sensor 8 that can affect the detection can be detected as "there is a failure".

[0044] As shown in FIG. 3, in the switch device 1, when the operation knob 7 is pressed downward on the side of the printed circuit board 4, the magnet 10 attached to the movable body 6 is displaced downward toward the side of the printed circuit board 4 in conjunction with the operation of the operation knob 7. Then, the magnet 10 reaches the operation position shown in FIG. 7(B) from the initial position shown in FIG. 7(A). Due to the displacement of the magnet 10 from the initial position to the operation position, the relative positional relationship between the magnet 10 and the magnetic sensor 8 changes, and the magnetic force detected by the magnetic sensor 8 changes.

[0045] In the switch device 1, the change in magnetic force when the magnet 10 is displaced in the axial direction X is detected by three magnetic sensors 8 (8A, 8B, 8C), and based on the detection results, it is determined whether the switch is operated. Output signals forming three output waveforms shown in FIG. 10 are input to the MCU 41 from the magnetic sensors 8 (8A, 8B, 8C). Here, the top one in FIG. 10 is the output waveform of the magnetic sensor 8A, the middle one in FIG. 10 is the output waveform of the magnetic sensor 8B, and the bottom one in FIG. 10 is the output waveform of the magnetic sensor 8C.

[0046] When performing the failure determination process, the MCU 41 sets a magnetic sensor pair P (detection element pair) consisting of a pair of magnetic sensors among the three magnetic sensors 8A, 8B, and 8C. In the case of Fig. 10, as an example, two sensor pairs are set: a first sensor pair P1 (detection element pair) composed of the magnetic sensor 8A and the magnetic sensor 8B, and a second sensor pair P2 (detection element pair) composed of the magnetic sensor 8B and the magnetic sensor 8C. The MCU 41 compares the output signal of the magnetic sensor 8A included in the first sensor pair P1 (the waveform shown at the top of Fig. 10) with the output signal of the magnetic sensor 8B (the waveform shown in the middle of Fig. 10), and compares the output signal of the magnetic sensor 8B included in the second sensor pair P2 (the waveform shown in the middle of Fig. 10) with the output signal of the magnetic sensor 8C (the waveform shown at the bottom of Fig. 10).

[0047] Since the magnetic sensors 8A and 8B face the detection surface 8a of the detection unit 81 in opposite directions, the output waveforms are symmetric waveforms centered on the median value (=V). Therefore, when there is no failure in the magnetic sensors 8A and 8B, if the output waveform of one magnetic sensor is inverted based on the median value, the inverted output waveform and the output waveform of the other magnetic sensor will overlap. If the inverted output waveform and the non-inverted output waveform do not match, it means that there is a failure in one of the magnetic sensors 8A and 8B. If the inverted output waveform and the non-inverted output waveform match, it means that there is no failure in either of the magnetic sensors 8A and 8B. As an example, the MCU 41 calculates the difference value between each voltage value of the non-inverted output waveform and each voltage value of the inverted output waveform, and determines that the inverted output waveform and the non-inverted output waveform match when the calculated difference value is less than the threshold value. Here, since the output waveform of the magnetic sensor 8B is the corrected output waveform after providing the concave portion 12 in the opposing region RB of the magnet 10, when there is no failure in either of the magnetic sensors 8A and 8B, the deviation between the inverted output waveform and the non-inverted output waveform is suppressed.

[0048] When there is no problem in either the magnetic sensors (magnetic sensors 8A and 8B) included in the first sensor set P1 or the magnetic sensors (magnetic sensors 8B and 8C) included in the second sensor set P2, the MCU 41 determines that there is no problem with the magnetic sensor 8 (8A, 8B, 8C). Accordingly, the MCU 41 performs operation determination processing and determines the presence or absence of a switch operation based on the output signals of the magnetic sensors 8 (8A, 8B, 8C). As an example, when the output signal of the magnetic sensor 8 (8A, 8B, 8C) changes across the median value (=V), the MCU 41 determines that the switch has been operated.

[0049] When there is a problem in at least one of the magnetic sensors (magnetic sensors 8A and 8B) included in the first sensor set P1 and the magnetic sensors (magnetic sensors 8B and 8C) included in the second sensor set P2, the MCU 41 performs operation determination processing and determines the presence or absence of a switch operation based on the output signals of the other magnetic sensors excluding the magnetic sensor in which the problem has occurred.

[0050] Here, when "problem" is recognized in the comparison result of the magnetic sensors (magnetic sensors 8A and 8B) included in the first sensor set P1 and "problem" is not recognized in the comparison result of the magnetic sensors (magnetic sensors 8B and 8C) included in the second sensor set P2, it is determined that there is a problem with the magnetic sensor 8A included in the first sensor set P1. Since the magnetic sensor 8B is commonly included in the first sensor set P1 and the second sensor set P2, it can be confirmed from the determination result of the second sensor set P2 that there is no problem with the magnetic sensor 8B.

[0051] Also, when "problem" is recognized in the comparison result of the magnetic sensors (magnetic sensors 8A and 8B) included in the first sensor set P1 and "problem" is recognized in the comparison result of the magnetic sensors (magnetic sensors 8B and 8C) included in the second sensor set P2, it is determined that there is a problem with the magnetic sensor 8B. This is because the magnetic sensor 8B is commonly included in the first sensor set P1 and the second sensor set P2.

[0052] In this case, a new third sensor set P3 including the magnetic sensors 8A and 8C may be set. After confirming that no "failure" is recognized in the comparison results of the magnetic sensors (magnetic sensors 8A and 8C) included in the set third sensor set P3, it may be determined that there is a "failure" in the magnetic sensor 8B.

[0053] When no "failure" is recognized in the comparison results of the magnetic sensors (magnetic sensors 8A and 8B) included in the first sensor set P1, and "failure" is recognized in the comparison results of the magnetic sensors (magnetic sensors 8B and 8C) included in the second sensor set P2, it is determined that a failure has occurred in the magnetic sensor 8C included in the second sensor set P2.

[0054] In this way, when no failure is recognized in any of the magnetic sensors 8 (8A, 8B, 8C), the MCU 41 determines the presence or absence of an operation of the operation knob 7 based on the output signals of the magnetic sensors 8 (8A, 8B, 8C). When a failure is recognized in any of the magnetic sensors 8 (8A, 8B, 8C), the magnetic sensor in which the failure has occurred can be identified by making a determination using the combination of the output signals of each magnetic sensor 8 (8A, 8B, 8C). Therefore, the presence or absence of an operation of the operation knob 7 is determined based on the output signals of the remaining magnetic sensors 8 in which no failure has occurred. Thereby, the presence or absence of an operation of the operation knob 7 can be appropriately determined.

[0055] Here, in the present embodiment, when determining the presence or absence of a failure in the magnetic sensors 8 (8A, 8B, 8C), an example is given in which the waveform of the output voltage (output signal) of the magnetic sensor 8B with the detection surface 8a facing away from the magnet 10 is inverted and compared with the waveforms of the output signals (output voltages) of the magnetic sensors 8A and 8C with the detection surface 8a facing the magnet 10. The method for determining the presence or absence of a failure is not limited to this mode. For example, the following method may be used. (A) When the total number of magnetic sensors 8 is two, based on whether the difference between the timing Cp at which the output voltage (output signal) of one magnetic sensor 8 crosses the median value (=V) and the timing Cp at which the output voltage (output signal) of the other magnetic sensor 8 crosses the median value is within the reference value, it may be determined whether there is a failure. (B) When the total number of magnetic sensors 8 is three and the detection surfaces 8a of all the magnetic sensors 8 face the same direction, based on whether the differences in the timing Cp at which the output voltages (output signals) of the respective magnetic sensors 8 cross the median value are within the reference value, it may be determined whether there is a failure. (C) When the total number of magnetic sensors 8 is three and the detection surfaces 8a of all the magnetic sensors 8 face the same direction, calculate the average of the timing Cp at which the output voltages (output signals) of the respective magnetic sensors 8 cross the median value, exclude the one with the largest difference from the average, and based on the output voltages (output signals) of the remaining two magnetic sensors 8, it may be determined whether there is a failure. (D) In the case of (C), when the difference between the timing Cp at which the output voltage of the excluded magnetic sensor 8 crosses the median value and the above average is greater than the threshold value, it may be determined that there is a failure (outlier failure) in the excluded magnetic sensor 8. Here, as an example, when the magnetic sensor 8 is disposed obliquely, the distance d between the magnetic sensor 8 and the magnet 10 and the height h8 from the printed circuit board 4 change. The timing Cp at which the output voltage (output signal) of the magnetic sensor 8 crosses the median value (=V) becomes different timings according to the distance d and the height h8. As described above, by checking the fluctuation of the timing Cp at which the output voltage (output signal) of the magnetic sensor 8 crosses the median value (=V), it is possible to check whether the magnetic sensor 8 is properly installed, that is, whether there is a failure.

[0056] FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 are diagrams for explaining a modified example of the recess provided in the magnet 10. In the above-described embodiment, the case where the recess provided in the magnet 10 is a depression having an arcuate inner circumference is illustrated (see FIG. 5). The shape of the recess is not limited only to that shown in FIG. 5. For example, it may be a rectangular recess 12A having a bottom surface 122 parallel to the opposing surface 10a of the magnet 10 and side surfaces 123, 123 provided on both sides of the bottom surface in a direction perpendicular to the opposing surface 10a (see (A) of FIG. 11).

[0057] It may also be a trapezoidal recess 12B having a bottom surface 122 parallel to the opposing surface 10a of the magnet 10 and inclined surfaces 124, 124 provided on both sides of the bottom surface 122 in a direction intersecting the opposing surface 10a (see (B) of FIG. 11). This recess 12B has inclined surfaces 124, 124 as it approaches the opposing surface 10a. Furthermore, it may be a triangular recess 12C having a pair of inclined surfaces 124, 124 inclined with respect to the opposing surface 10a of the magnet 10 (see (C) of FIG. 11).

[0058] In the above-described embodiment, the case where the magnet 10 has one recess 12 is illustrated (see FIG. 5). Depending on the position and number of the regions facing the magnetic sensor 8, a magnet 10D having a plurality of recesses may also be used (see (D) of FIG. 11). In (D) of FIG. 11, the opposing region RA' is located closer to the opposing region RB where the magnetic force is the highest than the original opposing region RA. Therefore, the magnetic force increases in the order of the magnetic force of the opposing region RC, the magnetic force of the opposing region RA', and the magnetic force of the opposing region RB. Therefore, a recess 13 shallower than the recess 12 of the opposing region RB is provided in the portion of the opposing region RA'.

[0059] In the above-described embodiment, the case where the recess 12 is provided over the entire length in the thickness direction (axis X direction) of the magnet 10 is illustrated (see FIG. 6). As described above, the magnet 10 and the magnetic sensor 8 are relatively displaced in the axis X direction. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 12, in consideration of the range (stroke range) in which the detection surface 8a of the magnetic sensor 8 is displaced in the axis X direction when the operation knob 7 is operated in the magnet 10, a configuration may be adopted in which a recess 12E is provided in a part of the thickness direction of the opposing surface 10a.

[0060] In the above-described embodiment, the case where two or three magnetic sensors 8 are assigned to one magnet 10 has been exemplified. The number of magnetic sensors 8 assigned to one magnet 10 may be four or more. In this case, at least one magnetic sensor 8 is installed with the detection surface 8a facing away from the magnet 10. Then, a magnetic sensor set may be set so as to include the magnetic sensor 8 facing the opposite side, and the presence or absence of a failure may be determined for each magnetic sensor set. By doing so, the presence or absence of a failure of the magnetic sensor 8 can be more appropriately determined.

[0061] In the above-described embodiment, the case where the magnetic sensors 8 (8A, 8B, 8C) are sensors that output a voltage value corresponding to the magnitude of the detected magnetic force has been exemplified. The magnetic sensors 8 (8A to 8C) may be latching Hall sensor ICs that output a digital signal corresponding to the magnitude of the detected magnetic force.

[0062] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the detection unit 81 is located away from the printed circuit board 4 in the axial direction X of the magnetic sensor 8 has been exemplified. Instead of this magnetic sensor 8, a plurality of magnetic sensors surface-mounted on one substrate or a plurality of substrates on the same plane may be employed to detect a change in magnetic force due to displacement of the magnet 10 in the axial direction X.

[0063] As described above, the switch device 1 according to the embodiment has the following configuration. (1) The switch device 1 includes a magnet 10 that is displaced in the axial direction X (displacement direction) in conjunction with the operation of the operation knob 7 (operated portion), and a plurality of magnetic sensors 8 (8A, 8B, 8C) (detection elements) that are arranged opposite to the magnet 10 at the same interval d in a direction orthogonal to the axis X. Among the opposing regions RA, RB, and RC between the magnet 10 and the magnetic sensors 8 (8A, 8B, 8C), a concave portion 12 that is recessed in a direction away from the magnetic sensors 8 (8A, 8B, 8C) is provided in the opposing region RB that exhibits a higher magnetic force than the reference opposing regions RA and RC that produce a reference magnetic force.

[0064] With such a configuration, when the magnetic force in the opposing region RB where the recess 12 is not provided is higher than the magnetic forces in the other opposing regions RA and RC, the output voltage of the magnetic sensor 8B tends to be higher than the output voltages of the other magnetic sensors 8A and 8C. The opposing region RB provided with the recess 12 has a weaker magnetic force than the opposing region RB when the recess 12 is not provided. Thus, based on the magnetic forces detected by the magnetic sensors 8A and 8C for the opposing regions RA and RC with lower magnetic forces, the output voltage of the magnetic sensor 8B can be made closer to the reference output voltages of the magnetic sensors 8A and 8C. Thereby, variations in the magnetic forces detected by each magnetic sensor 8 (8A, 8B, 8C) can be suppressed.

[0065] (I) The opposing regions RA and RC that exhibit the weakest magnetic forces are the reference opposing regions. In the opposing region RB that exhibits a higher magnetic force than the reference opposing region, the recess 12 is formed with a size (depth) corresponding to the difference ΔT from the reference magnetic force.

[0066] With such a configuration, the magnetic forces from each opposing region can be made closer to, and more preferably, matched to the reference magnetic force, so that variations in the magnetic forces detected by each magnetic sensor 8 (8A, 8B, 8C) can be suppressed.

[0067] When there are variations in the intensities of the magnetic forces detected by each magnetic sensor 8 (8A, 8B, 8C), in order to absorb the influence of the differences in the intensities of the magnetic forces, (b1) while adopting a magnetic sensor with high sensitivity but a narrow detection range, the distance between the magnet 10 and the magnetic sensor 8 is increased, (b2) although the waveform variation of the output voltage is small and it becomes difficult to detect the presence or absence of the operation of the operation knob 7, it was necessary to adopt a magnetic sensor with low sensitivity but a wide detection range, etc. However, while preventing the enlargement of the switch device, it has become possible to absorb the influence of the differences in the intensities of the magnetic forces.

[0068] (2) In the magnet 10, for the recess 12E, the height range h12e in the axial direction X is narrower than the height range h10 of the magnet 10 in the axial direction X (see Fig. 12).

[0069] The positional relationship between the magnet 10 and the detection surface 8a of the magnetic sensors 8 (8A, 8B, 8C) changes in the axial direction of the axis X by the operation of the operation knob 7. By setting the concave portion 12E in the magnet 10 in consideration of the stroke range of the detection surface 8a of the magnet 10 when the magnet 10 and the magnetic sensors 8 (8A, 8B, 8C) are relatively displaced in the axial direction of the axis X, the change in magnetic force due to the operation of the operation knob 7 can be appropriately detected. In particular, the concave portion 12E can be provided in the minimum range that covers the stroke range. In such a case, since the range for cutting the magnet 10 can be minimized, ensuring the durability of the entire magnet 10 can be expected. In addition, the output voltage of the magnetic sensor 8B disposed opposite to the opposing region RB can be made close to the output voltages output by the other magnetic sensors 8A and 8C at the same timing.

[0070] (II) In any one of the above (1), (2), (I), In the magnet 10, the concave portion 12 is provided over the entire length in the axial direction of the axis X (see FIG. 6).

[0071] With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the mold used for forming the magnet 10 having the concave portion 12 from becoming complicated.

[0072] (III) In any one of the above (1), (2), (I), (II), In a cross-sectional view orthogonal to the axis X, the concave portion 12 has an arcuate inner peripheral surface 121 with the apex Pc facing away from the magnetic sensor 8 (see (B) of FIG. 5).

[0073] With this configuration, the magnet 10 has a smooth inner peripheral surface 121, so an improvement in the durability of the magnet 10 can be expected. In addition, by adjusting the radius of curvature r of the arcuate inner peripheral surface 121 and the depth from the opposing surface 10a, the magnetic force from the opposing region RB can be easily adjusted to a desired magnetic force.

[0074] (IV) In any one of the above (1), (2), (I) to (III), In a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the axis X, the magnet 10A has a rectangular concave portion 12A that is recessed in a direction away from the magnetic sensor 8 (see (A) of FIG. 11).

[0075] Even with such a configuration, the magnetic forces from the respective opposing regions can be made closer to, and more preferably, aligned with the reference magnetic force. Thus, variations in the magnetic forces detected by the respective magnetic sensors 8 (8A, 8B, 8C) can be suppressed.

[0076] (3) In any one of the above (1), (2), (I) to (IV), The opposing surface 10a, which is the magnetic force emission surface of the magnet 10, has a predetermined width W10 in a direction orthogonal to the opposing direction between the magnet 10 and the magnetic sensors 8 (8A, 8B, 8C). On the opposing surface 10a, the opposing regions RA, RB, and RC with the magnetic sensors 8 (8A, 8B, 8C) are arranged in a plurality with intervals in a direction orthogonal to the opposing direction. The magnetic sensors 8 (8A, 8B, 8C) are arranged at intervals in the orthogonal direction and are provided one-to-one with respect to the opposing regions.

[0077] With such a configuration, even if a part of the magnetic sensors 8 (8A, 8B, 8C) malfunctions, it is possible to determine the presence or absence of the operation of the operation knob 7 from the output voltages of the remaining magnetic sensors that have not malfunctioned. Therefore, even if any one of the magnetic sensors 8 malfunctions, it will not affect the detection of the presence or absence of the operation of the operation knob 7. Thereby, the robustness against malfunctions of the magnetic sensors 8 can be improved.

[0078] (4) In any one of the above (1) to (3), (I) to (IV), The magnetic sensors 8 include magnetic sensors 8A and 8C (detection elements) with their detection surfaces 8a facing the magnet 10, and a reverse magnetic sensor 8B (detection element) with its detection surface 8a facing the side opposite to the magnet 10. The total number of the plurality of magnetic sensors 8 is at least three.

[0079] With such a configuration, at least one magnetic sensor 8B is arranged with its detection surface 8a facing the side opposite to the magnet 10. The magnetic sensors 8A, 8C and the magnetic sensor 8B have opposite detection directions (directions of the detection surfaces) of magnetic force in the facing direction between the magnet 10 and the magnetic sensor 8. Therefore, in the magnetic sensors 8A, 8C with their detection surfaces 8a facing the magnet 10 and the magnetic sensor 8B with its detection surface 8a facing the side opposite to the magnet 10, the phases of the output signals are reversed (see Fig. 10). Therefore, in the magnetic sensors 8A, 8C with their detection surfaces 8a facing the magnet 10 and the magnetic sensor 8B with its detection surface 8a facing the side opposite to the magnet 10, the phases of the output signals are different. Then, by comparing the output signals with different phases, it can be confirmed that a problem has occurred in one of the magnetic sensors 8A, 8C with their detection surfaces 8a facing the magnet 10 and the magnetic sensor 8B with its detection surface 8a facing the side opposite to the magnet 10. Since at least three magnetic sensors 8 are provided, by changing the combination of output signals to be compared, it is possible to identify which magnetic sensor has a problem. The presence or absence of the operation of the operation knob 7 can be determined from the output signals of the other magnetic sensors excluding the identified magnetic sensor.

[0080] (V) In the above (4), The magnetic sensors 8 (8A, 8B, 8C) are provided with their positions in the axial direction X aligned and are arranged side by side with the distance d from the surface (opposing surface 10a) of the magnet 10 being the same.

[0081] With such a configuration, the output voltages (output signals) of the respective magnetic sensors 8 (8A, 8B, 8C) are generally aligned, so that the comparison of the output signals of the respective magnetic sensors 8 becomes easy. Particularly, when the magnet 10 and the magnetic sensors 8 (8A, 8B, 8C) are provided in a positional relationship where they overlap when viewed from the facing direction, by arranging the magnetic sensors 8 (8A, 8B, 8C) side by side in a direction orthogonal to the facing direction, the distance d between the magnetic sensors 8 (8A, 8B, 8C) and the surface (facing surface 10a) of the magnet 10 can be made uniform. As a result, the arrangement of the magnetic sensors 8 (8A, 8B, 8C) becomes easier, and the intensities of the output signals of the magnetic sensors 8 (8A, 8B, 8C) can be made more easily uniform. Particularly, in the facing region RB where the recess 12 is provided, the magnetic force is weaker than in the facing region RB when the recess 12 is not provided. Thereby, the magnetic force of the facing region RB, which tends to have a higher magnetic force than the facing regions RA and RC, can be made closer to the magnetic forces of the facing regions RA and RC. Therefore, variations in the magnetic force detected by each of the magnetic sensors 8 (8A, 8B, 8C) can be suppressed.

[0082] (VI) In the above (V), (3) The magnet 10 is provided with a magnetic pole orientation such that one side in the axial direction X is the N pole and the other side is the S pole. The positions of the plurality of magnetic sensors 8 in the axial direction X are such that when the operation knob 7 is not being operated, the plurality of magnetic sensors 8 face one of the S poles of the magnetic poles of the magnet 10, and when the operation knob 7 is pressed, the plurality of magnetic sensors 8 are provided at positions facing the other magnetic pole N of the magnetic poles of the magnet 10.

[0083] With this configuration, the change tendencies and intensities of the output signals (output voltages) of each of the magnetic sensors 8 when the operation knob 7 is operated become uniform, so that comparison of the output signals of each of the magnetic sensors 8 becomes easier.

[0084] As described above, the embodiments and modified examples of the present invention have been explained, but the present invention is not limited to these and can be appropriately changed within the scope of the technical idea of the invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0085] 1: Switch device 2: Upper case 3: Lower case 4: Printed circuit board 5: Rubber member 6: Movable body 7: Operation knob 8(8A, 8B, 8C): Magnetic sensor 8a: Detection surface 81: Detection unit 82: Leg portion 10, 10A~10E: Magnet 10a: Opposing surface 12, 12A~12E: Concave portion Pc: Vertex RA, RA', RB, RC: Opposing region X: Axis

Claims

1. A magnet that is displaced in conjunction with the operation of the operated part, and a plurality of detection elements arranged to face the magnet in a direction orthogonal to the displacement direction of the magnet. A switch device provided with a recess that is recessed in a direction away from the detection element in a facing region of the magnet that exhibits a magnetic force higher than that of a reference facing region that exhibits a reference magnetic force among the facing regions with the detection element.

2. In claim 1, the recess in the magnet is provided with a predetermined range in the displacement direction, the switch device.

3. In claim 1 or claim 2, the magnetic force emission surface of the magnet has a predetermined width in a direction orthogonal to the facing direction between the magnet and the detection element, a plurality of facing regions with the detection element are arranged side by side with an interval in the orthogonal direction on the emission surface, the detection elements are arranged side by side with an interval in the orthogonal direction and are provided one-to-one with respect to the facing regions, the switch device.

4. In claim 3, the detection elements include a detection element that directs the detection direction of the magnetic field lines of the magnet to one side in the facing direction and a detection element that directs it to the other side, the switch device.

Images