Switching device

Abstract

To suppress an impact on operation detection of a switch device even when a failure occurs in a detection element.SOLUTION: A switch device 1 comprises: a movable body 6 which interlocks with the operation of an operated part 51 so as to be displaced in an axis X direction; a magnet 10 provided on the movable body 6; and a plurality of magnetic sensors 7 (detection elements) arranged to face the magnet 10. There are provided at least three magnetic sensors 7. At least one of the plurality of magnetic sensors 7 is disposed in a reversed manner.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a switch device for a vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a switch for a vehicle. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5194860 Summary of the Invention

[0004] The vehicle switch of Patent Document 1 has an actuator that moves forward and backward in response to the operation of the brake pedal. A magnet is attached to the actuator. The magnet is displaced in the direction of the actuator's forward and backward movement in response to the operation of the brake pedal. The vehicle switch has one detection means disposed opposite the magnet. The detection means detects whether the vehicle switch is on or off based on a change in magnetism caused when the magnet moves back and forth. [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In this type of vehicle switch, if a problem occurs in the detection means, it will affect the detection of the on / off operation of the switch. Therefore, it is required to prevent the detection of the switch operation from being affected even if a problem occurs in the detection means. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention relates to a movable body that is displaced in an axial direction in response to an operation of an operated part; A magnet provided on the movable body; a plurality of detection elements disposed opposite the magnet; The plurality of detection elements include a detection element having a detection surface facing the magnet and an inverted detection element having a detection surface facing away from the magnet, The total number of the plurality of detection elements is at least three. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, even if some of the detection elements are damaged, the effect on detection of operation of the switch device can be suppressed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. [Diagram 2] FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. [Figure 6] 4A and 4B are diagrams illustrating the positional relationship between a magnet and a magnetic sensor. [Figure 7] 4 is a schematic diagram showing a cover member as viewed from the case side. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an output signal processing device. [Figure 11] 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating a change in the positional relationship between a magnet and a magnetic sensor accompanying the operation of a switch. [Figure 12] 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating output waveforms of a magnetic sensor in response to switch operations. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the setting of a magnetic sensor group. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the switch device 1 according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the switch device 1. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the switch device 1. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the switch device 1. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a schematic cross section of a switch 5A portion of the switch device 1 cut at plane A in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the switch device 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a schematic cross section of the switch 5A cut along line AA in FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the switch device 1. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a schematic cross section of the switch device 1 cut along line BB in FIG. 3. In FIG. 5, the range from switch 5A to switch 5B is shown.

[0010] As shown in FIG. 2, the switch device 1 includes a total of four switches 5 (5A to 5D). At the top of the case 2, an operated portion 51 of each switch 5 (5A to 5D) is exposed. Each of the switches 5 (5A to 5D) is assigned a different function. As an example, if the switch device 1 is a switch device used to specify the driving mode of a vehicle, functions such as parking (P), reverse driving (R), neutral (N), and forward driving (D) are assigned to each of the switches 5A to 5D. In the switch device 1, when any one of the switches 5A to 5D is pressed, the function assigned to the pressed switch 5 is designated, and the designation of the function that had been designated up to that point is terminated.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 3, the switch 5A has an operated portion 51 that is operated by a user, and a movable body 6 that is displaced in conjunction with the operation of the operated portion 51. As shown in FIG. 4, the switch 5A further includes a magnet 10 attached to the movable body 6, and a magnetic sensor 7 (Hall IC: detection element) that detects a change in the magnetic force of the magnet 10 due to the displacement of the movable body 6.

[0012] As shown in Fig. 1, three magnetic sensors 7 are provided for each switch 5 (5A to 5D). In this embodiment, the three magnetic sensors 7 assigned to the same switch are attached to the printed circuit board 35 via one support 75. The printed circuit board 35 is shared by the four switches 5 (5A to 5D). Therefore, a total of four supports 75 are provided on the printed circuit board 35.

[0013] The printed circuit board 35 is housed inside the cover 3 that closes the lower opening of the case 2. As shown in Fig. 3, the cover 3 has a bottom wall portion 31 and a peripheral wall portion 32 that surrounds the entire outer periphery of the bottom wall portion 31. The peripheral wall portion 32 is provided in a direction that is approximately perpendicular to the bottom wall portion 31. The peripheral wall portion 32 is formed at the same height over the entire circumference in the circumferential direction. The cover 3 is attached to the case 2 with screws (not shown) in a state in which the peripheral wall portion 32 is fitted into the lower opening of the case 2.

[0014] A support base 33 for a printed circuit board 35 is provided inside the peripheral wall portion 32. The support base 33 protrudes in the same direction as the peripheral wall portion 32. A plurality of support bases 33 are provided on the bottom wall portion 31. The printed circuit board 35 is placed on the upper end of the support base 33. A cover member 8 made of an elastic material is placed on the printed circuit board 35.

[0015] As shown in Fig. 1, switches 5A, 5C, and 5D are push-type switches and have the same basic configuration. Switch 5B is a rocking switch. Although switch 5B has the same basic configuration as switch 5A, the detailed shape of movable body 6, which will be described later, differs from that of movable body 6 of switch 5A.

[0016] The basic configuration of the switch 5A will be described below as a representative of the switches 5A, 5C, and 5D. As shown in Figure 3, the operated portion 51 of the switch 5A has a pressed portion 510, a peripheral wall portion 511 that surrounds the entire outer periphery of the pressed portion 510, and a connecting portion 512 that extends inside the peripheral wall portion 511 in the same direction as the peripheral wall portion 511. A through hole 20 that connects the inside and outside of the case 2 is provided in the upper part of the case 2. A peripheral wall portion 21 that surrounds the through hole 20 is provided in the upper part of the case 2. The peripheral wall portion 21 extends linearly upward on the opposite side to the printed circuit board 35. In the case 2, a peripheral wall portion 511 of the operated portion 51 is extrapolated onto the outside of the peripheral wall portion 21. Furthermore, in the case 2, a cylindrical wall portion 61 (second wall portion 612) of the movable body 6 penetrates the inside of the peripheral wall portion 21 in the direction of the axis X. Here, the axis X is a straight line that is perpendicular to the upper surface 35a of the printed circuit board 35 and is a straight line that is along the displacement direction of the movable body 6.

[0017] The movable body 6 is supported by the peripheral wall 21 on the case 2 side so as to be movable in the direction of the axis X. In the movable body 6, the connecting portion 512 of the operated portion 51 is inserted inside the cylindrical wall portion 61 (second wall portion 612). A protrusion 615 protruding from the inner circumference of the cylindrical wall portion 61 (second wall portion 612) is engaged with an engagement hole 512a on the tip side of the connecting portion 512. In this embodiment, the protrusion 615 on the movable body 6 side is engaged with the engagement hole 512a, thereby connecting the operated portion 51 and the movable body 6. This allows the movable body 6 to be displaced in the direction of the axis X in conjunction with the pressing operation of the operated portion 51.

[0018] As shown in Fig. 5, the cylindrical wall portion 61 on the left side of the figure is formed into a cylindrical shape by 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 cross-sectional view. The cylindrical wall portion 61 is provided with abutment portions 62, 62 on both sides in the width direction (the vertical direction in the figure). The abutment portions 62, 62 bulge out from the outer peripheries of the first wall portions 611, 611 in directions away from each other. As shown in FIG. 3, the contact portions 62, 62 are placed on the placement portion 82 of the cover member 8. The contact portions 62, 62 have regions that are placed on the placement portions 82, 82 and are formed in a substantially circular shape when viewed from the direction of the axis X (see FIG. 5).

[0019] 5, a notch 612a is provided in one of the second wall portions 612, 612. In the cylindrical wall portion 61, a holder 63 for the magnet 10 is provided to the second wall portion 612 in which the notch 612a is provided. The holding portion 63 has a pair of locking arms 631, 631. The locking arms 631, 631 are provided in a symmetrical positional relationship with the notch 612a therebetween. The second wall portion 612 is provided with protrusions 612b, 612b in an area on the notch 612a side as viewed from the locking arms 631, 631. The protrusions 612b, 612b protrude in the same direction as the locking arms 631, 631.

[0020] The locking arms 631, 631 extend linearly in a direction away from the second wall portion 612. Claw portions 631a, 631a are provided at the tips of the locking arms 631, 631. The claw portions 631a, 631a protrude in directions approaching each other. The claw portions 631a, 631a are locked to a step portion 11 provided on the magnet 10. The magnet 10 is pressed against the protrusions 612b, 612b by the biasing force acting from the claw portions 631a, 631a.

[0021] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the positional relationship between the magnet 10 and the magnetic sensors 7 (7A, 7B, 7C). Fig. 6A shows the positional relationship between the magnet 10 of the switch 5A and the magnetic sensors 7 (7A, 7B, 7C). Fig. 6B shows the positional relationship between the magnet 10 of the switch 5B and the magnetic sensors 7 (7A, 7B, 7C).

[0022] As shown in FIG. 4, magnet 10 is oriented so that its N pole is located on one side in the direction of axis X (upper side in the figure) and its S pole is located on the other side (lower side in the figure). On the side of the magnet 10, magnetic sensors 7 (7A, 7B, 7C) are disposed facing the magnet 10. The magnetic sensor 7 has a detection portion 71 and a leg portion 72 extending from the detection portion 71 . As shown in FIG. 6A, the magnet 10 of the switch 5A has a width W10 in a direction (up-down direction in the figure) perpendicular to the opposing direction of the magnet 10 and the magnetic sensor 7 (left-right direction in the figure).

[0023] In this embodiment, three magnetic sensors 7 (7A, 7B, 7C) are prepared for one magnet 10. The magnetic sensors 7 (7A, 7B, 7C) are supported by a common support 75. The legs 72 of each of the magnetic sensors 7 (7A, 7B, 7C) penetrate the printed circuit board 35 and are soldered to the back surface of the printed circuit board 35 (see FIG. 4). In this state, the detection surface 7a of each of the magnetic sensors 7 (7A, 7B, 7C) is disposed at a position spaced apart from the printed circuit board 35 by a height h7.

[0024] 6A, the magnetic sensors 7 (7A, 7B, 7C) have magnetic sensors 7A and 7C in which the detection surface 7a of the detection unit 71 faces the magnet 10, and the magnetic sensor 7B in the opposite direction, in which the detection surface 7a faces away from the magnet 10. The detection surface 7a of each magnetic sensor 7 (7A, 7B, 7C) is located on a straight line Lm parallel to the facing surface 101 (surface) of the magnet 10. The detection surface 7a is located at a position spaced a distance d from the facing surface 101 (surface) of the magnet 10. The magnetic sensors 7 (7A, 7B, 7C) are lined up at a predetermined interval along a straight line Lm. The straight line Lm is a straight line along the arrangement direction of the magnetic sensors 7 (7A, 7B, 7C). When viewed from the opposing direction of the magnetic sensors 7 and the magnet 10, the magnetic sensors 7 (7A, 7B, 7C) are arranged in a positional relationship such that they overlap the magnet 10. Therefore, the magnetic sensors 7 (7A, 7B, 7C) are arranged so as not to protrude beyond the range of the width W10 of the magnet 10 in the direction of the straight line Lm.

[0025] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the magnetic sensors 7 (7A, 7B, 7C) and the support 75 are accommodated in an accommodating portion 83 of a cover member 8 that covers the upper surface of the printed circuit board . Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the cover member 8 as viewed from the case 2 side. For ease of explanation, Fig. 7 shows a simplified view with small projections and recesses on the surface of the cover member 8 omitted. Furthermore, in Fig. 7, in order to explain the correspondence between the portions (placement portion 82, storage portion 83) protruding from the base portion 81 and the switches 5A to 5D, the corresponding portions (placement portion 82, storage portion 83) for each of the switches 5A to 5D are shown surrounded by dashed lines.

[0026] 7, the cover member 8 has a base portion 81, a mounting portion 82, and a storage portion 83. The cover member 8 is an integrated part made of a flexible elastic material such as rubber. The cover member 8 is formed to have a size capable of covering the entire upper surface of the printed circuit board 35. The base 81 is a portion that is placed on the printed circuit board 35 (see FIG. 3). The placement portion 82 is a portion that supports the movable body 6 so that the movable body 6 can be displaced in the direction of the axis X (the up-down direction in the figure) (see FIG. 3). The accommodation portion 83 is a portion that accommodates the magnetic sensor 7 and the support body 75 (see FIG. 4). 7, in the cover member 8, a pair of mounting portions 82, 82 and one storage portion 83 are assigned to one switch. In the figure, the mounting portions 82, 82 and the storage portion 83 in the area surrounded by a dashed line and labeled with the reference symbol 5A are the portions for the switch 5A. In the figure, the mounting portions 82, 82 and the storage portion 83 in the area surrounded by a dashed line and labeled with the reference symbol 5B are the portions for the switch 5B.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 3, the mounting portion 82 is made up of a cylindrical contact portion 821 , a support wall portion 822 surrounding the entire outer periphery of the contact portion 821 , and a stopper portion 823 connected to the lower end of the contact portion 821 . The contact portion 62 of the movable body 6 is placed on the upper end of the contact portion 821. The stopper portion 823 is a columnar portion disposed concentrically with the contact portion 821. The stopper portion 823 is formed with an outer diameter D823 smaller than that of the contact portion 821. The support wall portion 822 extends from the boundary between the abutment portion 821 and the stopper portion 823 toward the printed circuit board 35. The support wall portion 822 connects the abutment portion 821 and the base portion 81. The support wall portion 822 is inclined such that an inner diameter R822 becomes wider as it moves away from the abutment portion 821 toward the printed circuit board 35. The support wall portion 822 holds the abutment portion 821 at a position spaced apart from the printed circuit board 35.

[0028] When an operating force toward the printed circuit board 35 is input to the movable body 6, the contact portion 821 pressed by the mounting portion 82 is displaced in a direction approaching the printed circuit board 35 while deforming the support wall portion 822. The contact portion 821 is displaced toward the printed circuit board 35 until the stopper portion 823 comes into contact with the printed circuit board 35. When the operating force acting on the movable body 6 is released, the mounting portion 82 is displaced in a direction away from the printed circuit board 35 by the restoring force of the support wall portion 822 . The support wall portion 822 applies a biasing force to the movable body 6 in a direction that returns the movable body 6 placed on the placement portion 82 to its initial position before displacement.

[0029] In this embodiment, the movable body 6, which displaces in the direction of the axis X in response to the operation of the operated part 51, is placed on the mounting parts 82, 82, so that the user can feel the operation sensation (reaction force) when pressing the operated part 51.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 2, switch 5B, located next to switch 5A, is a rocking switch. The basic configuration of the switch 5B is substantially the same as that of the switch 5A, except for the detailed shape of the movable body 6. 5, switch 5B differs from switch 5A in the facing direction between magnet 10 and magnetic sensor 7. While the facing direction between magnet 10 and magnetic sensor 7 in switch 5A is the direction in which switches 5A to 5D are arranged (the left-right direction in the figure), the facing direction between magnet 10 and magnetic sensor 7 in switch 5B is a direction perpendicular to the direction in which switches 5A to 5D are arranged (the up-down direction in the figure). However, the positional relationship between magnet 10 and magnetic sensor 7 shown in FIG. 6 is also maintained in switch 5B.

[0031] 5, in the movable body 6 of the switch 5B, the length of first wall portions 611, 611 is longer than the length of first wall portions 611, 611 of the switch 5A. The contact portions 62, 62 of the second wall portion 612 are arranged side by side with a gap therebetween and are adapted to be placed on the placement portions 82, 82 of the cover member 8.

[0032] 8 is a cross-sectional view of the switch device 1. In FIG 8, a cross section of the switch device 1 at a portion of the switch 5B taken along line AA in FIG 5 is shown typically. Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the switch device 1. Fig. 9 shows a schematic cross section of the switch 5B of the switch device 1 cut along plane B in Fig. 2. Fig. 9 is a diagram for explaining the displacement of the operated part 51 around axis Y and the displacement of the movable body 6 in the direction of axis X linked to the operation of the operated part 51.

[0033] 5, in the switch 5B as well, three magnetic sensors 7 (7A, 7B, 7C) are provided for one magnet 10. The magnetic sensors 7 (7A, 7B, 7C) are supported by a common support 75. As shown in FIG. 8, the legs 72 of each of the magnetic sensors 7 (7A, 7B, 7C) penetrate the printed circuit board 35 and are soldered to the rear surface of the printed circuit board 35. In this state, the detection surface 7a of each of the magnetic sensors 7 (7A, 7B, 7C) is disposed at a position spaced apart from the printed circuit board 35 by a height h7.

[0034] As shown in (B) of Figure 6, the magnetic sensor 7 (7A, 7B, 7C) of the switch 5B also has magnetic sensors 7A and 7C in which the detection surface 7a of the detection portion 71 faces the magnet 10, and an opposite-oriented magnetic sensor 7B in which the detection surface 7a faces the opposite side of the magnet 10. The detection surface 7a of each magnetic sensor 7 (7A, 7B, 7C) is located on a straight line Ln parallel to the facing surface 101 (surface) of the magnet 10. The magnetic sensors 7 are disposed at a position spaced a distance d from the facing surface 101 (surface) of the magnet 10. As shown in FIG. 6B, the magnetic sensors 7 (7A, 7B, 7C) of the switch 5B are lined up at a predetermined interval along a straight line Ln. The straight line Ln is a straight line that follows the arrangement direction of the magnetic sensors 7 (7A, 7B, 7C). When viewed from the opposing direction of the magnetic sensors 7 and the magnet 10, the magnetic sensors 7 (7A, 7B, 7C) are arranged in a positional relationship that overlaps with the magnet 10. Therefore, the magnetic sensors 7 (7A, 7B, 7C) are arranged so as not to protrude beyond the range of the width W10 of the magnet 10 in the direction of the straight line Ln.

[0035] 9, operated portion 51 of switch 5B is rotatably supported by support shaft 25 on the case 2 side. In pressed portion 510, axis Y, which is the rotation axis of operated portion 51, is located above second wall portion 612 that supports magnet 10. The pressed portion 510 has a leg portion 516 on its lower surface facing the printed circuit board 35. The leg portion 516 is located above a second wall portion 612 that supports the abutting portion 62. The leg portion 516 protrudes downward from the pressed portion 510 toward the printed circuit board 35. A tip 516a of the leg portion 516 abuts against an upper end 612d of the second wall portion 612.

[0036] The movable body 6 having the second wall portion 612 is supported by the peripheral wall portion 21 of the case 2 so as to be movable in the direction of the axis X. When an operating force toward the printed circuit board 35 side acts on the pressed portion 510 of the switch 5B, the pressed portion 510 rotates around the axis line Y. Then, the leg portion 516 of the pressed portion 510 moves the movable body 6 downward toward the printed circuit board 35 side. That is, the rotation of the pressed portion 510 about the axis Y is converted into a displacement of the movable body 6 in the direction of the axis X. As a result, the abutting portion 821 pressed by the abutting portion 62 of the movable body 6 is displaced in a direction approaching the printed circuit board 35 while deforming the support wall portion 822. The abutting portion 821 is displaced toward the printed circuit board 35 until the stopper portion 823 comes into contact with the printed circuit board 35.

[0037] When the operating force acting on the pressed portion 510 of the switch 5B is released, the mounting portion 82 of the cover member 8 is displaced in a direction away from the printed circuit board 35 by the restoring force of the support wall portion 822. As a result, the movable body 6 placed on the mounting portion 82 is displaced in a direction away from the printed circuit board 35 and returns to the initial position before the operated portion 51 rotated about the axis Y, and the attitude of the operated portion 51 is maintained in the initial position.

[0038] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of the output signal processing device 15. As shown in FIG. The processing device 15 performs a process (operation determination process) to determine whether or not each switch 5 (5A to 5D) has been operated based on the output signal of the magnetic sensor 7 (7A, 7B, 7C) of each switch 5 (5A to 5D). Furthermore, the processing device 15 performs a process (problem determination process) to determine whether or not there is a problem with the magnetic sensor 7 (7A, 7B, 7C) based on the output signal of the magnetic sensor 7 (7A, 7B, 7C).

[0039] A "problem" with magnetic sensor 7 (7A, 7B, 7C) refers not only to a simple malfunction of magnetic sensor 7, but also to a problem where the output signal from magnetic sensor 7 is not the expected output signal, for example, when magnetic sensor 7 is tilted from its intended position. Since the magnetic sensor 7 has the detection unit 71 provided at the upper end of the leg 72, the center of gravity is high and the magnetic sensor 7 tends to tilt easily. Therefore, the support 75 is used to prevent the magnetic sensor 7 from tilting, but the magnetic sensor 7 may tilt even when supported by the support 75. When the magnetic sensor 7 tilts, the magnetic sensor 7 outputs an output signal that is different from the expected output signal. In this embodiment, the interference determination process is capable of detecting not only a failure of the magnetic sensor 7 itself, but also an inclination of the magnetic sensor 7 that may affect detection as a "failure."

[0040] 11(A) and 11(B) are diagrams illustrating a change in the positional relationship between the magnetic sensor 7 and the magnet 10 when the switch 5 is pushed. Fig. 12 is a diagram illustrating a change in the output signal of the magnetic sensor 7 when the switch 5 is pushed.

[0041] In the switch device 1 of this embodiment, when the operated portion 51 is pushed, the magnet 10 attached to the movable body 6 is displaced downward toward the printed circuit board 35 along the axis X. In the switch device 1, the magnetic force sensor 7 (7A to 7C) detects the change in magnetic force when the magnet 10 is displaced along the axis X, and determines whether the switch is operated based on the detection result. As described above, one magnet 10 and three magnetic sensors 7 (7A, 7B, 7C) are provided for each switch 5 (5A to 5D). The magnetic sensors 7 (7A to 7C) detect magnetic force components in the opposing direction between the magnetic sensors 7 (7A to 7C) and the magnet 10 (the left-right direction in FIG. 11(A)), and output signals according to the magnitude of the detected magnetic force. Specifically, the magnetic sensor 7 (7A to 7C) outputs a voltage value determined according to the magnitude of the magnetic force as an output signal to the processing unit 15 (MPU).

[0042] When any of the switches 5 (5A to 5D) (see FIG. 2) is operated, the processing device 15 receives output signals from the three magnetic sensors 7 (7A to 7C) assigned to the operated switch.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 11A, when the movable body 6 is displaced in the direction of the axis X in response to a push operation of the operated portion 51, the magnet 10 attached to the movable body 6 is also displaced in the direction of the axis X. Specifically, the magnet 10 is displaced from the initial position shown in FIG. 11(A) to the operation position shown in FIG. 11(B). As a result, the magnetic force detected by the detection unit 71 of the magnetic sensor 7 changes in accordance with the displacement of the magnet 10.

[0044] 12, when the magnet 10 is stationary in the initial position, the magnetic sensor 7 is disposed to face the S pole. In this state, the output signal (output voltage value) of the magnetic sensor 7 is at the center. When the magnet 10 is displaced from this position toward the operation position, the output signal of the magnetic sensor 7 changes, and the output signal of the magnetic sensor 7 changes from one side of the median to the other side at the timing when the boundary between the S pole and the N pole crosses the front of the detection unit 71. This is because the direction of the magnetic force is reversed when the S pole is located in front of the detection surface 7a of the magnetic sensor 7 and when the N pole is located in front of it. That is, around timing C when the boundary between the south pole and the north pole is crossed, the output waveform is inverted up and down with respect to the median value (see the bold line in the figure).

[0045] 12 are output waveforms of magnetic sensors 7A and 7C provided with detection surface 7a of detection unit 71 facing magnet 10. The waveform shown by a dashed dotted line in Fig. 12 is output waveform of magnetic sensor 7B with detection surface 7a facing away from magnet 10. The magnetic sensor 7B has a detection surface 7a facing away from the magnet 10. In other words, the magnetic sensor 7B is disposed facing in the opposite direction to the magnetic sensors 7A and 7C. In this case, although the magnitude of the magnetic force detected in accordance with the displacement of the magnet 10 remains the same, the phase of the obtained output waveform is inverted. That is, as shown in Fig. 12, the output waveform is inverted up and down with respect to the median value (see the dashed line in the figure).

[0046] The processing device 15 receives output signals forming the three output waveforms shown in Fig. 13 from the magnetic sensors 7 (7A, 7B, 7C). Here, the top of Fig. 13 is the output waveform of the magnetic sensor 7A, the middle of Fig. 13 is the output waveform of the magnetic sensor 7B, and the bottom of Fig. 13 is the output waveform of the magnetic sensor 7C.

[0047] When performing the interference determination process, the processing device 15 sets a magnetic sensor group P (detection element group) consisting of a pair of magnetic sensors in the three magnetic sensors 7A, 7B, and 7C. In the case of FIG. 13, as an example, two sensor groups are set: a first sensor group P1 (detection element group) composed of magnetic sensors 7A and 7B, and a second sensor group P2 (detection element group) composed of magnetic sensors 7B and 7C. The processing device 15 compares the output signal of the magnetic sensor 7A included in the first sensor group P1 (waveform shown at the top of Figure 13) with the output signal of the magnetic sensor 7B (waveform shown in the middle of Figure 13), and also compares the output signal of the magnetic sensor 7B included in the second sensor group P2 (waveform shown in the middle of Figure 13) with the output signal of the magnetic sensor 7C (waveform shown at the bottom of Figure 13).

[0048] Since the magnetic sensors 7A and 7B have the detection surfaces 7a of the detection units 71 facing in opposite directions, the output waveforms are symmetrical with respect to the median value. Therefore, if there is no problem with the magnetic sensors 7A and 7B, when the output waveform of one of the magnetic sensors is inverted with respect to the median value, the output waveform after inversion and the output waveform of the other magnetic sensor will overlap. If the inverted output waveform does not match the non-inverted output waveform, this indicates that a problem has occurred in one of the magnetic sensors 7A and 7B. If the inverted output waveform matches the non-inverted output waveform, this means that neither magnetic sensor 7A nor magnetic sensor 7B is impaired.

[0049] If there is no problem with any of the magnetic sensors included in the first sensor group P1 (magnetic sensors 7A, 7B) and the magnetic sensors included in the second sensor group P2 (magnetic sensors 7B, 7C), the processing device 15 determines that there is no problem with the magnetic sensors 7 (7A to 7C). As a result, the processor 15 performs an operation determination process and determines whether or not a switch has been operated based on the output signals of the magnetic sensors 7 (7A to 7C). As an example, when the output signal of the magnetic sensor 7 (7A to 7C) changes and crosses the center, the processing device 15 determines that a switch has been operated.

[0050] When a malfunction occurs in at least one of the magnetic sensors included in the first sensor group P1 (magnetic sensors 7A, 7B) and the magnetic sensors included in the second sensor group P2 (magnetic sensors 7B, 7C), the processing device 15 performs an operation determination process based on the output signals of the other magnetic sensors excluding the magnetic sensor with the malfunction, and determines whether or not the switch has been operated.

[0051] Here, if the comparison result of the magnetic sensors included in the first sensor group P1 (magnetic sensors 7A, 7B) indicates a "problem," but the comparison result of the magnetic sensors included in the second sensor group P2 (magnetic sensors 7B, 7C) indicates no "problem," it is determined that a problem has occurred in the magnetic sensor 7A included in the first sensor group P1. This is because the magnetic sensor 7B is included in common in the first sensor group P1 and the second sensor group P2, and therefore it is possible to confirm from the determination result of the second sensor group P2 that no problem is occurring with the magnetic sensor 7B.

[0052] Furthermore, if the comparison result of the magnetic sensors included in the first sensor group P1 (magnetic sensors 7A, 7B) indicates a "problem," and the comparison result of the magnetic sensors included in the second sensor group P2 (magnetic sensors 7B, 7C) indicates a "problem," it is determined that a problem has occurred in magnetic sensor 7B. This is because the magnetic sensor 7B is included in common in the first sensor group P1 and the second sensor group P2.

[0053] In this case, a third sensor group P3 including magnetic sensors 7A and 7C may be newly set up, and after confirming that the comparison results of the magnetic sensors (magnetic sensors 7B, 7C) included in the set third sensor group P3 show no "problem," it may be determined that there is a "problem" with magnetic sensor 7B.

[0054] If the comparison result of the magnetic sensors included in the first sensor group P1 (magnetic sensors 7A, 7B) does not indicate a "problem," but the comparison result of the magnetic sensors included in the second sensor group P2 (magnetic sensors 7B, 7C) indicates a "problem," it is determined that a problem has occurred in the magnetic sensor 7C included in the second sensor group P2.

[0055] In this way, when no problem is detected by any of the magnetic sensors 7 (7A to 7C), the processing device 15 determines whether or not a switch has been operated based on the output signal of the magnetic sensor 7 (7A to 7C). If a problem is found in any of the magnetic sensors 7 (7A to 7C), the magnetic sensor in question can be identified by making a judgment using a combination of the magnetic sensors 7 (7A to 7C), and the presence or absence of switch operation is judged based on the output signals of the remaining magnetic sensors 7 that are not causing problems. This allows appropriate judgment of whether the switch is operated or not.

[0056] In the above embodiment, three magnetic sensors 7 are assigned to one switch. Four or more magnetic sensors 7 may be assigned to one switch. In this case, at least one magnetic sensor 7 is installed with the detection surface 7a facing the opposite side to the magnet 10. Then, a magnetic sensor group may be set to include a magnetic sensor 7 facing the opposite side, and the presence or absence of a problem may be determined for each magnetic sensor group. This also makes it possible to more appropriately determine the presence or absence of a problem with the magnetic sensor 7.

[0057] In the embodiment described above, when performing the interference determination process, the processing device 15 sets a plurality of sensor groups P (detection element groups) each consisting of a pair of magnetic sensors in the three magnetic sensors 7A, 7B, and 7C. For example, when there are multiple magnetic sensors, a sensor set Pa consisting of a pair of magnetic sensors may be set first, and if it is determined that there is a problem with a magnetic sensor included in the set sensor set, a new sensor set Pb may be set that includes one magnetic sensor included in the sensor set Pa and another magnetic sensor, and the presence or absence of a problem may be determined for the magnetic sensors included in the new sensor set Pb. In this manner as well, the defective magnetic sensor can be identified, and it is possible to determine whether or not the sensor is being operated based on the output waveform of the non-defective magnetic sensor.

[0058] In the above embodiment, an example was given of determining whether or not there is a problem by comparing the output waveforms of a pair of magnetic sensors. However, it is also possible to calculate the difference ΔV between the output voltage of magnetic sensor 7 and the center of the output voltage, and determine whether or not there is a problem by comparing the difference ΔV of one magnetic sensor included in the pair of magnetic sensors with the difference ΔV of the other magnetic sensor.

[0059] As described above, the switch device 1 according to the present embodiment has the following configuration. (1) The switch device 1 is A movable body 6 that is displaced in the direction of the axis X in response to the operation of an operated portion 51; A magnet 10 provided on the movable body 6; and a plurality of magnetic sensors 7 (detection elements) arranged to face the magnet 10. The magnetic sensors 7 include detection elements with their detection surfaces 7a facing the magnet 10 and detection elements facing in the opposite direction with their detection surfaces 7a facing away from the magnet 10. The total number of the magnetic sensors 7 is at least three.

[0060] With this configuration, at least one magnetic sensor 7B is arranged with its detection surface 7a facing away from the magnet 10. The phase of the output signal is reversed between the magnetic sensors 7A and 7C arranged with their detection surface 7a facing the magnet 10 and the magnetic sensor 7B arranged with its detection surface 7a facing away from the magnet 10 (see FIGS. 12 and 13). Therefore, the magnetic sensors 7A and 7C, which are arranged with the detection surface 7a facing the magnet 10, and the magnetic sensor 7B, which is arranged with the detection surface 7a facing away from the magnet 10, output signals with different phases. Then, by comparing output signals with different phases, it can be confirmed that a problem has occurred in one of the magnetic sensors 7A and 7C arranged with the detection surface 7a facing the magnet 10, and the magnetic sensor 7B arranged with the detection surface 7a facing away from the magnet 10. By providing at least three magnetic sensors 7, it is possible to identify which magnetic sensor has a problem by changing the combination of output signals to be compared. It is possible to determine whether or not the operated portion 51 has been operated from the output signals of the magnetic sensors other than the identified magnetic sensor. Therefore, even if any of the magnetic sensors 7 is damaged, the detection of whether or not the operated portion 51 is operated, that is, the detection of the operation of the switch 5, is not affected. This improves the robustness of the magnetic sensor 7 against interference.

[0061] (2) The movable body 6 has a magnet 10 attached to a portion facing the magnetic sensor 7. When viewed from the direction of axis X, magnet 10 has a width W10 in a first direction (the direction of arrangement in FIG. 6) perpendicular to the direction of axis X. The magnetic sensors 7 are arranged at the same position in the direction of the axis X, and are lined up in the first direction with the same distance d from the surface (opposing surface 101) of the magnet 10.

[0062] With this configuration, the strength of the output signals from the magnetic sensors 7 (7A to 7C) is uniform, making it easy to compare the output signals from the magnetic sensors 7. In particular, when the magnet 10 and the magnetic sensors 7 (7A to 7C) are provided in an overlapping positional relationship as viewed from the opposing direction of the magnet 10 and the magnetic sensors 7 (7A to 7C), the magnetic sensors 7 (7A to 7C) can be arranged side by side in the first direction to align the distances d between the magnetic sensors 7 (7A to 7C) and the surface (facing surface 101) of the magnet 10. This makes it easier to arrange the magnetic sensors 7 (7A to 7C), and therefore makes it possible to more easily align the strength of the output signals from the magnetic sensors 7 (7A to 7C).

[0063] (3) The magnet 10 is oriented such that one side in the direction of the axis X is a north pole and the other side is a south pole. The positions of the multiple magnetic sensors 7 in the direction of axis X are such that when the operated part 51 is not operated, the multiple detection elements face one of the magnetic poles of the magnet 10, the S pole, and when the operated part 51 is pressed, the multiple magnetic sensors 7 face the other magnetic pole of the magnet 10, the N pole.

[0064] With this configuration, the change tendency and strength of the output signal of each magnetic sensor 7 when the operated portion 51 is operated are consistent, making it easy to compare the output signals of each magnetic sensor 7. Note that the magnet 10 may be configured so that one side in the direction of the axis X is an S pole and the other side is an N pole.

[0065] (4) A processing device 15 (processing unit) for processing the output signal from the magnetic sensor 7 is provided. The processing device 15 sets magnetic sensor pairs P1 and P2 (detection element pairs) each consisting of a pair of magnetic sensors 7 among the plurality of magnetic sensors 7, By comparing the output signals of the pair of magnetic sensors included in the magnetic sensor pairs P1 and P2, it is determined whether or not there is a problem with the detection elements included in the set magnetic sensor pair.

[0066] With this configuration, the presence of a faulty magnetic sensor 7 can be quickly detected.

[0067] (5) A pair of magnetic sensors 7 includes a magnetic sensor set, The magnetic sensor 7A has a detection surface 7a facing the magnet 10, and the magnetic sensor 7B has a detection surface 7a facing away from the magnet 10.

[0068] With this configuration, the output waveform of magnetic sensor 7A and the output waveform of magnetic sensor 7B have opposite phases, making it possible to quickly detect the presence of a faulty magnetic sensor 7 by comparing the output waveforms with different phases.

[0069] (6) The processing device 15 includes: If there is a problem with a pair of magnetic sensors included in the set magnetic sensor group P1, In the magnetic sensor included in the magnetic sensor set P1 determined to have a problem and in another magnetic sensor set P2 including other magnetic sensors, the presence or absence of an abnormality in the magnetic sensor included in the other magnetic sensor set P2 is determined, and the magnetic sensor that is causing the problem is identified.

[0070] With this configuration, the faulty magnetic sensor can be quickly identified.

[0071] (7) The movable body 6 is placed on a cover member 8 (elastic member). The cover member 8 applies a biasing force to the movable body 6 for placing the operated portion 51, to which the movable body 6 is connected, in the initial position.

[0072] With this configuration, a feeling of operation can be imparted to the operation of the operated portion 51.

[0073] (8) The movable body 6 is supported by the case 2 so as to be movable in the direction of the axis X. The operated portion 51 is connected to the movable body 6 .

[0074] With this configuration, the movable body 6 can be directly displaced by pressing the operated portion 51.

[0075] (9) The movable body 6 is supported by the case 2 so as to be movable in the direction of the axis X. In the case 2, the operated portion 51 is provided rotatably around the Y axis. When viewed from the direction of the axis Y, the operated portion 51 has a leg portion 516 on the outer side in the radial direction of the axis Y. The leg 516 is placed on the upper end 612d of the movable body 6. When the operated portion 51 rotates about the axis Y due to an operating force acting on the operated portion 51, the leg portion 516 displaces the movable body 6 in the direction of the axis X.

[0076] With this configuration, even in the case of switch 5B in which operated part 51 swings, magnet 10 attached to movable body 6 is displaced in the axial direction in conjunction with the operation of operated part 51 of switch 5B. As a result, even in the case of the switch 5B having a swingable operated portion 51, the operation of the switch 5B can be appropriately detected.

[0077] Although the embodiment and modifications of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these and can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the technical concept of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0078] 1: Switch device 10: Magnet 101: Opposing surface (magnet surface) 15: Processing device (processing section) 2: Case 25: Support shaft (axis perpendicular to the axial direction) 3: Cover 35: Printed circuit board 5(5A~5D): Switch 51: Operated part 510: Pressed part 516: Legs 6: Movable body 61:Cylinder wall part 611: 1st wall part 612: 2nd wall part 612a: Notch 612b: Protrusion 612d: Upper end 62: Contact part 63: Holding part 631:Latching arm 631a: Claw part 7 (7A, 7B, 7C): Magnetic sensor (detection element) 7a: Sensing surface 71: Detection unit 72: Legs 75:Support 8: Cover material 81: Base 82: Placement section 821: Contact part 822: Support wall part 823: Stopper part 83: Storage unit X: Axis line Y: Axis line d: distance h7 : Height

Claims

1. a movable body that is displaced in an axial direction in response to an operation of an operated part; A magnet provided on the movable body; a plurality of detection elements disposed opposite the magnet; The plurality of detection elements include a detection element having a detection surface facing the magnet and an inverted detection element having a detection surface facing away from the magnet, A switching device, wherein a total number of the plurality of sensing elements is at least three.

2. In claim 1, the magnet is attached to the movable body at a portion facing the detection element, When viewed from the axial direction, the magnet has a width in a first direction perpendicular to the axial direction, A switch device, wherein the multiple detection elements are aligned in the axial direction and are lined up in the first direction with their distances from the surface of the magnet aligned.

3. In claim 2, The magnet is provided with a magnetic pole orientation in which one side in the axial direction is a north pole and the other side is a south pole, A switch device wherein the positions of the multiple detection elements in the axial direction are such that when the operated part is not operated, the multiple detection elements face one of the magnetic poles of the magnet, and when the operated part is operated, the multiple detection elements face the other of the magnetic poles of the magnet.

4. In any one of claims 1 to 3, A processing unit for processing an output signal of the detection element is provided, The processing unit sets a detection element group consisting of a pair of detection elements among the plurality of detection elements, A switch device that determines whether or not there is a problem with a detection element included in the set detection element pair by comparing output signals of a pair of detection elements included in the detection element pair.

5. In claim 4, The pair of detection elements includes: The switch device includes a detection element with the detection surface facing the magnet, and an inverted detection element with the detection surface facing away from the magnet.

6. In claim 5, If a pair of detection elements included in the set detection element group has a problem, A switch device that, in another detection element group including a detection element included in the detection element group determined to be defective and another detection element, determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the detection element included in the other detection element group, and identifies the defective detection element.

7. In any one of claims 1 to 3, The movable body is placed on an elastic member, A switch device, wherein the elastic member applies a biasing force to the movable body such that the operated part to which the movable body is connected is placed in an initial position.

8. In claim 7, The movable body is supported by a case so as to be movable in the axial direction, A switch device, wherein the operated part is connected to the movable body.

9. In claim 7 The movable body is supported by a case so as to be movable in the axial direction, The operated portion is provided rotatably about an axis perpendicular to the axis line, A switch device, wherein the operated portion has a leg portion placed on the movable body radially outward of the shaft.

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