Switching device, push-button input device, and electronic shifter

Abstract

To provide a switch device, push-type input device and electronic shifter that can reduce a wrong determination caused by a measurement error and the like.SOLUTION: A switch device includes: a plurality of three or more sensor units that detects a plurality of three or more measurement values respectively in accordance with an operation position of a switch; a change-over determination unit that determines a change-over state of the switch in accordance with a majority based on respective measurement values of the plurality of sensor units; and failure determination unit that determines respective failures of the plurality of sensor units. The failure determination unit is configured to compare the measurement value of one sensor unit of the plurality of sensor units with the measurement values of other sensor units other than the one sensor unit of the plurality of sensor units, and, when the measurements values more than a half of the measurement values of the other sensor units do not exist within a prescribed range including the measurement value of the one sensor unit, determine that the one sensor unit does not work properly.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 14B

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a switch device, a push-type input device, and an electronic shifter.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, when the majority of output signals from a plurality of position sensors correspond to the same operation position, a majority decision is made that the operation position where the majority of output signals are the same is the operation position of the shift lever. However, when the majority decision does not hold, based on the magnitude relationship of the output signals from the plurality of position sensors, there is a vehicle shift lever position determination device that determines whether the operation position of the shift lever is on the M operation position side or the N operation position side (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, conventional vehicle shift lever position determination devices do not take measures against failure detection and misjudgment. In particular, in devices that require functional safety, such as devices related to the vehicle's running system, misjudgment is not allowed.

[0005] Therefore, an object is to provide a switch device, a push-type input device, and an electronic shifter capable of reducing misjudgment of failures caused by measurement errors and the like.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The switch device of the embodiment of the present disclosure includes three or more sensor units that each detect three or more multiple measurement values ​​corresponding to the operating position of the switch, a switching determination unit that determines the switching state of the switch according to a majority vote based on the measurement levels of each of the multiple measurement values ​​of the multiple sensor units, and a fault determination unit that determines whether each of the multiple sensor units is faulty. The fault determination unit compares the measurement value of one of the multiple sensor units with the measurement values ​​of the other sensor units among the multiple sensor units, and determines that the one sensor unit is faulty if more than half of the measurement values ​​of the other sensor units are not within a predetermined range including the measurement value of the one sensor unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] This invention provides a switch device, a push-button input device, and an electronic shifter that can reduce misdiagnosis of faults caused by measurement errors and the like. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of the external appearance of a push-type shifter device according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] This is an exploded perspective view of a push-type shifter device according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a perspective cross-sectional view of a push-type shifter device according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a partially enlarged perspective cross-sectional view of a push-type shifter device according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] This figure shows the electrical configuration of a push-type shifter device according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] This is an external perspective view of a slider included in a push-type input device according to one embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a side view of a rotating body included in a push-type input device according to one embodiment. [Figure 8] This figure shows the engagement state between the upper and lower sliding parts of the slider and the cam part of the rotating body in a push-type input device according to one embodiment. [Figure 9] It is a diagram showing the engagement state between the upper sliding part and the lower sliding part of a slider and the cam part of a rotating body in a push-type input device according to an embodiment. [Figure 10A] It is a diagram showing the configuration of the magnetic sensor 107C. [Figure 10B] It is a diagram showing an example of the waveforms of the +SIN signal 1 and the -SIN signal 1 output by the magnetic sensor 107C. [Figure 10C] It is a diagram showing an enlarged view of the angle range AR. [Figure 11] It is a diagram for explaining the output value and the difference value of the +SIN signal 1. .. [Figure 12] It is a diagram showing the off range, the hysteresis region, and the on range included in the angle range AR. [Figure 13A] It is a diagram for explaining a failure determination method for comparison. [Figure 13B] It is a diagram for explaining another problem of the failure determination method for comparison. [Figure 14A] It is a diagram for explaining the failure determination performed by the switch device 50 of the embodiment. [Figure 14B] It is a diagram for explaining the failure determination performed by the switch device 50 of the embodiment. [Figure 15A] It is a flowchart showing the failure determination process executed by the failure determination unit 123. [Figure 15B] It is a flowchart showing the processes executed by the switching determination unit 122 and the failure determination unit 123. [Figure 16] It is a diagram summarizing the determination patterns of the switching determination unit 122 and the failure determination unit 123.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments to which the switch device, the push-type input device, and the electronic shifter of the present disclosure are applied will be described.

[0010] <Embodiment> (Outline of the Push-Type Shifter Device 10) FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a push-type shifter device 10 according to an embodiment. The push-type shifter device 10 is an example of a push-type input device and also an example of an electronic shifter. In the following description, for convenience, the X-axis direction is the front-rear direction, the Y-axis direction is the left-right direction, and the Z-axis direction is the up-down direction. However, the positive X-axis direction is the front direction, the positive Y-axis direction is the right direction, and the positive Z-axis direction is the up direction. These indicate the relative positional relationship within the device and do not limit the installation direction or operation direction of the device. All devices with the same relative positional relationship within the device, regardless of different installation directions or operation directions, are included in the scope of rights of the present disclosure.

[0011] The push-type shifter device 10 shown in FIG. 1 is installed in a vehicle such as an automobile and is a device that receives an operation for selecting a shift position of the vehicle. As shown in FIG. 1, the push-type shifter device 10 includes four push-type input mechanisms 100 (100-1 to 100-4) and a case 101. The four push-type input mechanisms 100 are integrated by a single case 101 in a state of being arranged in a row in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction). Each of the four push-type input mechanisms 100 includes an operation knob 102 at the uppermost part, and the operator can perform an operation of selecting a shift position to the shift position corresponding to the operation knob 102 by pushing the operation knob 102.

[0012] (Configuration of the push-type input mechanism 100) FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the push-type shifter device 10 according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the push-type shifter device 10 according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged perspective cross-sectional view of the push-type shifter device 10 according to an embodiment. Note that FIG. 3 represents a cross-section of the push-type input mechanism 100-1 included in the push-type shifter device 10 by the XZ plane (a cross-section along the A-A cross-section line shown in FIG. 1). Also, FIG. 4 represents a cross-section of the push-type input mechanism 100-1 (particularly, the rotating body 105) included in the push-type shifter device 10 by the YZ plane (a cross-section along the B-B cross-section line shown in FIG. 2).

[0013] As shown in Figure 2, each of the four push-type input mechanisms 100-1 to 100-4 comprises an operating knob 102, a case 101, a slider 103, a light guide 104, a rotating body 105, a rubber sheet 106, a circuit board 107, and a cover 108.

[0014] The operating knob 102 is a resin component that receives a push operation from the operator. The operating knob 102 is an example of a switch. In the example shown in Figure 2, the operating knob 102 has a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape. The upper surface of the operating knob 102 is a roughly horizontal and slightly concave operating surface 102A for receiving push operations. The entire lower part of the operating knob 102 is a lower opening 102B. The operating knob 102 is fixedly attached to the upper part of the slider 103 by fitting the upper part of the slider 103 into the lower opening 102B from the lower side (negative Z-axis side). As a result, the operating knob 102 can move vertically (in the Z-axis direction) integrally with the slider 103. That is, by pushing the operating surface 102A of the operating knob 102, the slider 103 can be slid downward (in the negative Z-axis direction).

[0015] Case 101 is a container-shaped, resin component that is generally rectangular in shape and has a hollow structure. Inside case 101 are a slider 103, a light guide 104, a rotating body 105, a rubber sheet 106, and a substrate 107. An upper opening 101A, which is rectangular in shape when viewed from above, is formed on the top surface of case 101. The slider 103 is positioned in the upper opening 101A so as to be slidable in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). The entire bottom surface of case 101 is a lower opening 101B. The lower opening 101B is closed by a cover 108. As shown in Figure 3, a cylindrical pivot support 101C is provided inside case 101, hanging down from the ceiling surface. As shown in Figure 3, the pivot support 101C is inserted into the upper opening 105b of the rotating body 105, thereby rotatably supporting the upper part of the rotating body 105. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, the case 101 is provided with a pair of support parts 101E facing each other with a bearing opening 101D in between. Also, as shown in Figure 4, the lower end of the rotating body 105 is provided with a flange portion 105E that expands radially from the outer circumferential surface of the rotating body 105. The diameter of the flange portion 105E is larger than the diameter of the bearing opening 101D. As shown in Figure 4, the lower end of the rotating body 105 is fitted into the bearing opening 101D. At this time, the flange portion 105E of the rotating body 105 abuts against the upper surfaces of the pair of support parts 101E. As a result, the lower part of the rotating body 105 is rotatably supported, that is, downward movement of the rotating body 105 is restricted.

[0016] The slider 103 is a resin component positioned in the upper opening 101A of the case 101 so as to be slidable in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) (an example of a "predetermined sliding direction"). The slider 103 has a cylindrical portion 103A that is roughly rectangular in shape, with the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) being the cylindrical direction.

[0017] The light guide 104 is a resin component with a rectangular prism shape, positioned inside the cylindrical portion 103A of the slider 103. The light guide 104 emits light from the LED 107B mounted on the upper surface 107A of the circuit board 107, and the light incident on the bottom surface of the light guide 104 is emitted from the top surface of the light guide 104. In this way, the light guide 104 guides the light emitted from the LED 107B to the operation knob 102.

[0018] The rotating body 105 is a generally cylindrical member with its vertical direction being cylindrical. The rotating body 105 is positioned to the side of the slider 103 so as to be rotatable around the axis of the rotation axis, with the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) being the axis direction of the rotation axis. The outer circumferential surface of the rotating body 105 engages with the slider 103 so as to rotate as the slider 103 slides in the vertical direction (details of the engagement will be described later). As shown in Figure 3, a magnet 105A is embedded in the lower opening 105a of the rotating body 105. Also as shown in Figure 3, the pivot portion 101C of the case 101 is inserted into the upper opening 105b of the rotating body 105. As a result, the rotating body 105 is rotatably supported by the case 101. Furthermore, an annular torsion spring 105B (an example of a "biasing means") is provided around the pivot portion 101C of the case 101 in the upper opening 105b of the rotating body 105. One end of the torsion spring 105B is fixed to the pivot support 101C, and the other end of the torsion spring 105B is fixed to the rotating body 105. As a result, the rotating body 105 is always biased counterclockwise (return rotation direction) when viewed from above by the elastic force generated by the torsion spring 105B. The rotating body 105 rotates clockwise when viewed from above as the slider 103 slides downward (negative Z-axis direction) due to the push operation. When the push operation is released, the rotating body 105 can rotate counterclockwise (return rotation direction) when viewed from above by the elastic force generated by the torsion spring 105B. As a result, the rotating body 105 can rotate back to its initial position as the rubber dome 106A of the rubber sheet 106 (described later) pushes the slider 103 upward (positive Z-axis direction), causing the slider 103 to return to its initial position before the push operation.

[0019] The rubber sheet 106 is a sheet-like component that is placed on top of the upper surface 107A of the substrate 107. The rubber sheet 106 is formed using an elastic material (for example, silicone rubber). By covering the entire upper surface 107A of the substrate 107 with the rubber sheet 106, it is possible to prevent the upper surface 107A of the substrate 107 from being exposed to water even if water penetrates into the inside of the case 101.

[0020] Furthermore, two rubber domes 106A are integrally formed on the rubber sheet 106 at positions opposite the bottom surface of each slider 103. Each rubber dome 106A is an example of a "click-feel mechanism." Each rubber dome 106A is formed in a convex shape that protrudes upward from the top surface of the rubber sheet 106. When a push operation is performed, each rubber dome 106A is pressed by the bottom surface of the slider 103, causing the dome to elastically deform (reverse bend), providing a click-feel to the push operation. Also, as described above, when the push operation is released, the elastic force (return force to the initial shape) generated by the rubber dome 106A pushes the slider 103 upward (in the positive Z-axis direction), returning the slider 103 to its initial position before the push operation.

[0021] The circuit board 107 is a flat component. In plan view, the circuit board 107 has a rectangular shape. Inside the case 101, the circuit board 107 is fixedly mounted on the upper surface of the cover 108 in a horizontal position with respect to the XY plane. For example, a Printed Wiring Board (PWB) is used as the circuit board 107. An LED (Light Emitting Diode) 107B and a magnetic sensor 107C are mounted on the upper surface 107A of the circuit board 107.

[0022] LED107B is positioned directly below the light guide 104. LED107B can emit light under control from an externally located control device 120 (see Figure 5). By emitting light, LED107B can illuminate the inside of the light guide 104.

[0023] The magnetic sensor 107C is positioned directly below the rotating body 105 and faces the magnet 105A located on the lower end surface of the rotating body 105. The magnetic sensor 107C can detect the rotation angle of the rotating body 105 by detecting the change in the direction of the magnetic flux accompanying the rotation of the magnet 105A. The magnetic sensor 107C can then output a rotation angle signal indicating the detected rotation angle to an externally provided control device 120 (see Figure 5) via the connector 108A. In this embodiment, the push-type input mechanism 100 uses the magnetic sensor 107C (GMR sensor) as an example of a "sensor" for detecting the rotation angle. However, the push-type input mechanism 100 is not limited to this, and other types of sensors (e.g., optical, mechanical, electrostatic, resistive, etc.) may be used as other examples of "sensors" for detecting the rotation angle.

[0024] The magnetic sensor 107C has multiple GMR elements that detect the rotation angle of the rotating body 105. The multiple GMR elements in the magnetic sensor 107C are an example of multiple sensor units. The configuration of the magnetic sensor 107C will be described later with reference to Figure 10A.

[0025] The cover 108 is a flat, plate-shaped component made of resin that closes the lower opening 101B of the case 101. The cover 108 is screwed to the case 101 by four screws 109 that pass through the cover 108. A rectangular cylindrical connector 108A is provided protruding downward from the bottom surface of the cover 108. Inside the connector 108A are multiple connector pins (not shown) that hang downward from the lower surface of the circuit board 107. The connector 108A electrically connects the multiple connector pins to the external connector (not shown) when an external connector (not shown) is fitted into it.

[0026] (Electrical configuration of the push-type shifter device 10) Figure 5 shows the electrical configuration of a push-type shifter device 10 according to one embodiment. Figure 5 also shows a switch device 50 of the embodiment. As shown in Figure 5, the push-type shifter device 10 comprises four push-type input mechanisms 100-1 to 100-4 and a control device 120. Each push-type input mechanism 100 is equipped with an LED 107B and a magnetic sensor 107C.

[0027] The control device 120 is connected to the LED 107B and magnetic sensor 107C of each push-type input mechanism 100 via the connector 108A (see Figures 2 and 3) provided on the push-type shifter device 10. The control device 120 includes a light emission control unit 121, a switching determination unit 122, a fault determination unit 123, and a memory 124.

[0028] Here, the switch device 50 of the embodiment includes a magnetic sensor 107C, a switching determination unit 122, a fault determination unit 123, and a memory 124. Figure 5 shows the switch device 50 including the magnetic sensor 107C of the push-type input mechanism 100-1, but the switch device 50 may include a plurality of magnetic sensors 107C, or it may be configured to include four magnetic sensors 107C of push-type input mechanisms 100-1 to 100-4.

[0029] The control device 120 is implemented by a computer including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), HDD (Hard Disk Drive), input / output interface, and internal bus. The light emission control unit 121, the switching determination unit 122, and the fault determination unit 123 represent the functions of the program executed by the control device 120 as functional blocks. The memory 124 functionally represents the memory of the control device 120.

[0030] The light emission control unit 121 controls the light emission of the LEDs 107B provided in each push-type input mechanism 100.

[0031] The switching determination unit 122 determines the switching state of the operation knob 102 (an example of a switch) by pushing operation for each push-type input mechanism 100 based on the detection signal supplied from the magnetic sensor 107C provided by each push-type input mechanism 100 (i.e., the result of rotation angle detection by the magnetic sensor 107C). ​​As will be described in detail later, the magnetic sensor 107C outputs, for example, four measured values ​​depending on the operating position of the operation knob 102, and the switching determination unit 122 determines the switching state of the operation knob 102 according to a majority vote based on the measurement levels of the four measured values.

[0032] The fault detection unit 123 determines the fault of each of the multiple GMR elements in the magnetic sensor 107C. Since the push-type shifter device 10 is a functionally safe product, it is not permissible to mistakenly determine that the device is switched on even if it is faulty. The specific processing performed by the fault detection unit 123 will be described later with reference to Figures 15A and 15B.

[0033] The memory 124 holds the determination results of the fault determination unit 123. This is to allow the determination results of the fault determination unit 123 for each of the multiple GMR elements of the magnetic sensor 107C to be acquired retrospectively. Here, we describe a configuration in which the memory 124 is included in the control device 120, but the memory 124 may be provided outside the control device 120.

[0034] (Upper sliding portion 103B and lower sliding portion 103C of slider 103) Figure 6 is an external perspective view of the slider 103 of a push-type input mechanism 100-1 according to one embodiment. Figure 6 shows the rear side (negative X-axis side) of the cylindrical portion 103A of the slider 103 of the push-type input mechanism 100-1. As shown in Figure 6, the slider 103 of the push-type input mechanism 100-1 has an upper sliding portion 103B and a lower sliding portion 103C protruding from the rear side (negative X-axis side) of the cylindrical portion 103A.

[0035] The upper sliding portion 103B is positioned slightly above (in the positive Z-axis direction) and slightly to the left (in the negative Y-axis direction) of the lower sliding portion 103C. A gap 103D is formed between the upper sliding portion 103B and the lower sliding portion 103C. The upper sliding portion 103B has a curved upper sliding surface 103Ba facing the gap 103D (convex towards the gap 103D). The lower sliding portion 103C has a curved lower sliding surface 103Ca facing the gap 103D (convex towards the gap 103D). The upper sliding portion 103B and the lower sliding portion 103C are positioned opposite each other with a cam portion 105D, which will be described later, in between. (See Figures 8 and 9)

[0036] (Cam portion 105D of rotating body 105) Figure 7 is a side view of a rotating body 105 included in a push-type input mechanism 100-1 according to one embodiment. Figure 7 shows the front (positive X-axis) outer peripheral surface 105C of the rotating body 105 included in the push-type input mechanism 100-1. As shown in Figure 7, the rotating body 105 included in the push-type input mechanism 100-1 has a helical cam portion 105D protruding from the front (positive X-axis) outer peripheral surface 105C. The cam portion 105D extends counterclockwise when viewed from above along the outer peripheral surface 105C from the upper end to the lower end. The cam portion 105D is also formed in a helical shape such that its height gradually decreases from the upper end to the lower end. The upper inclined surface of the cam portion 105D is an upper cam surface 105Da (an example of a "cam surface") on which the upper sliding surface 103Ba (see Figure 6) of the slider 103 can contact and slide. The upper cam surface 105Da converts the sliding force of the slider 103 into the rotational force of the rotating body 105. Furthermore, the inclined surface on the back (lower) side of the upper cam surface 105Da of the cam portion 105D is the lower cam surface 105Db, which the lower sliding surface 103Ca (see Figure 6) of the slider 103 contacts and slides against.

[0037] As shown in Figure 7, the upper cam surface 105Da has a rotation start portion P1, a rotation intermediate portion P2, and a rotation end portion P3.

[0038] The rotation start portion P1 is the portion where the upper sliding portion 103B of the slider 103 slides until the stroke amount of the operating knob 102 reaches the stroke amount S1 (corresponding to "the start of rotation of the rotating body").

[0039] The intermediate rotation portion P2 is the part where the upper sliding portion 103B of the slider 103 slides from the stroke amount S1 to the stroke amount S2 of the operating knob 102 (corresponding to the "intermediate rotation of the rotating body").

[0040] The rotation termination portion P3 is the part where the upper sliding portion 103B of the slider 103 slides when the stroke amount of the operating knob 102 is greater than or equal to stroke amount S2 (corresponding to "the end of rotation of the rotating body").

[0041] (Engagement state between slider 103 and rotating body 105) Figures 8 and 9 show the engagement state between the upper sliding portion 103B and the lower sliding portion 103C of the slider 103 and the cam portion 105D of the rotating body 105 in a push-type input mechanism 100-1 according to one embodiment. Figure 8 is an external perspective view of the slider 103 and rotating body 105 as seen from above (positive Z-axis direction) and to the right (positive Y-axis direction). Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the slider 103 and rotating body 105 in the YZ plane as seen from the front (positive X-axis direction), with only the slider 103 shown in cross-section.

[0042] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the cam portion 105D of the rotating body 105 is positioned within the gap 103D between the upper sliding portion 103B and the lower sliding portion 103C of the slider 103. As a result, as shown in Figure 9, the upper cam surface 105Da of the cam portion 105D can slide in contact with the upper sliding surface 103Ba of the upper sliding portion 103B. Also, as shown in Figure 9, the lower cam surface 105Db of the cam portion 105D can slide in contact with the lower sliding surface 103Ca of the lower sliding portion 103C.

[0043] As a result, in the push-type input mechanism 100-1 according to one embodiment, when the operation knob 102 is pushed, the upper sliding surface 103Ba of the upper sliding portion 103B provided on the slider 103 slides against the upper cam surface 105Da of the cam portion 105D provided on the rotating body 105 toward its lower end, thereby driving the rotating body 105 to rotate clockwise when viewed from above. As a result, the push-type input mechanism 100-1 according to one embodiment can drive the rotating body 105 to rotate clockwise when the operation knob 102 is pushed. Furthermore, due to the elastic force generated by the torsion spring 105B, the rotating body 105 is always biased counterclockwise (in the direction of return rotation) when viewed from above. Therefore, the upper cam surface 105Da of the cam portion 105D is always in contact with the upper sliding surface 103Ba of the upper sliding portion 103B. For this reason, in one embodiment of the push-type input mechanism 100-1, even in the event of vibration or shock, the rotating body 105 will not separate from the slider 103 and rotate, and the rotation angle of the rotating body 105 associated with the push operation can be reliably made to correspond to the amount of downward movement (negative Z-axis direction) of the slider 103.

[0044] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the push-type input mechanism 100-1, when the push operation of the operating knob 102 is released, the elastic force generated by the torsion spring 105B provided in the upper opening 105b of the rotating body 105 causes the rotating body 105 to rotate counterclockwise when viewed from above. As a result, in one embodiment of the push-type input mechanism 100-1, the upper cam surface 105Da of the cam portion 105D provided on the rotating body 105 is always in contact with the upper sliding surface 103Ba of the upper sliding portion 103B provided on the slider 103 and slides, while the rotating body 105 rotates in accordance with the upward movement (positive Z-axis direction) of the slider 103 due to the elastic force of the rubber dome 106A. As a result, the push-type input mechanism 100-1 according to one embodiment can push the slider 103 upward (in the positive Z-axis direction) with the rubber dome 106A, returning the slider 103 to its initial position before the push operation, and also returning the rotating body 105 to its initial position.

[0045] Furthermore, in the push-type input mechanism 100-1 according to one embodiment, the slider 103 has a lower sliding portion 103C. As a result, in the push-type input mechanism 100-1 according to one embodiment, when the push operation of the operating knob 102 is released, even though the slider 103 moves upward due to the biasing force from the rubber dome 106A, the rotation of the rotating body 105 in the return rotation direction (counterclockwise when viewed from above) due to the elastic force generated by the torsion spring 105B becomes faulty due to the foreign matter or the like getting caught on the rotating body 105, and the rotation of the rotating body 105 cannot follow the upward movement of the slider 103. In the event of this, the lower sliding portion 103C of the slider 103, which in the normal return state is separated from the lower cam surface 105Db of the cam portion 105D by a gap, is moved upward by the pushing force of the rubber dome 106A. When this portion moves upward, it comes into contact with the lower cam surface 105Db of the cam portion 105D provided on the stationary rotating body 105. This causes the lower cam surface 105Db to slide toward its upper end, thereby driving the rotating body 105 to rotate in the return rotation direction (counterclockwise direction when viewed from above). As a result, the push-type input mechanism 100-1 according to one embodiment can forcibly rotate the rotating body 105 in the return rotation direction (counterclockwise direction when viewed from above) even when the elastic force generated by the torsion spring 105B alone is insufficient to drive the rotating body 105 due to snagging by foreign matter or the like, and can reliably return the rotating body 105 to its initial rotation angle before the push operation.

[0046] Furthermore, in the push-type input mechanism 100-1 according to one embodiment, even if the cam portion 105D, or both the upper sliding portion 103B and the lower sliding portion 103C of the slider 103 are damaged and lost, the biasing force in the return rotation direction from the torsion spring 105B can return the rotating body 105 to its initial rotation angle.

[0047] Furthermore, a small clearance is provided in the gap 103D between the upper sliding portion 103B and the lower sliding portion 103C so that the cam portion 105D can slide smoothly within the gap 103D. However, this clearance may cause the cam portion 105D to rattle within the gap 103D.

[0048] However, as described above, in one embodiment of the push-type input mechanism 100-1, the biasing force generated by the torsion spring 105B provided on the rotating body 105 biases the cam portion 105D to rotate counterclockwise when viewed from above. As a result, in one embodiment of the push-type input mechanism 100-1, the cam portion 105D can always be biased in a direction that presses against the upper sliding portion 103B, that is, rattling can be suppressed by shifting the cam portion 105D in one direction within the gap 103D. Therefore, even when subjected to shock or vibration, it is possible to suppress the instability of the rotation angle of the rotating body 105 caused by rattling of the cam portion 105D.

[0049] Furthermore, as described above, the push-type input mechanism 100-1 according to one embodiment can suppress the premature rotation (over-rotation) of the rotating body 105 in response to sudden operation of the slider 103 by biasing the cam portion 105D in a direction that always contacts the upper sliding portion 103B. Therefore, the rotational movement of the rotating body 105 can be reliably followed by the vertical sliding (Z-axis direction) of the slider 103.

[0050] Furthermore, a small clearance is provided between the rotating body 105 and the parts that rotatably support the rotating body 105 (the pivot point 101C of the case 101 and the pair of support parts 101E (see Figure 4)) to allow the rotating body 105 to rotate smoothly. This clearance may cause horizontal and vertical play with respect to the rotating body 105. Therefore, in one embodiment of the push-type input mechanism 100-1, the upper sliding surface 103Ba and the upper cam surface 105Da are each inclined with a predetermined inclination angle such that their height gradually decreases toward the outer side in the radial direction of the rotating body 105. Due to this inclination, the plate thickness of the cam part 105D in the axis direction of the rotation center (vertical direction) is set to be thinner from the inner part toward the outer part in the radial direction. This inclination generates a reaction force on the rotating body 105 perpendicular to the inclined surface of the upper cam surface 105Da when the upper cam surface 105Da is pressed against the upper sliding surface 103Ba by the biasing force from the torsion spring 105B. The components of this reaction force become downward (towards the support part 101E) and horizontal (towards the rotation center axis) reaction forces. In one embodiment, the push-type input mechanism 100-1 can bias the rotating body 105 downward (towards the support part 101E) and horizontal (towards the rotation center axis) within the clearance between it and the component that rotatably supports the rotating body 105, thereby shifting it to one side. Therefore, in one embodiment, the push-type input mechanism 100-1 can suppress horizontal and vertical rattle of the rotating body 105 and allow the rotating body 105 to rotate stably. Therefore, the rotational movement of the rotating body 105 can be reliably made to follow the vertical sliding (Z-axis direction) of the slider 103.

[0051] In this embodiment, a rubber dome 106A is used as an example of a "dome-shaped elastic body," but it is not limited to this; other examples of "dome-shaped elastic bodies" such as a reversible metal dome member may also be used.

[0052] In the above description, the "cam surface" is provided on the rotating body 105, but it is not limited to this; the "cam surface" may also be provided on the slider 103.

[0053] <Switching and fault detection performed by the switch device 50> In the switch device 50 (see Figure 5), the switching determination unit 122 determines the switching state of the operating knob 102 according to a majority vote based on the four outputs of the magnetic sensor 107C, and the fault determination unit 123 determines the fault of each of the multiple GMR elements of the magnetic sensor 107C. Here, the four outputs of the magnetic sensor 107C will be explained.

[0054] <Configuration of magnetic sensor 107C> Figure 10A shows the configuration of the magnetic sensor 107C. The magnetic sensor 107C has four GMR sensor sections 107C1 to 107C4. The GMR sensor sections 107C1 to 107C4 are just one example of multiple sensor sections, and here we will describe a configuration in which the magnetic sensor 107C has four GMR sensor sections 107C1 to 107C4. Note that the number of GMR sensor sections that the magnetic sensor 107C has can be three or more.

[0055] Each of the GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4 has two GMR elements connected in series between the power supply Vdd and ground (GND), as shown in Figure 10A. GMR sensor units 107C1 and 107C2 are connected in parallel, and GMR sensor units 107C3 and 107C4 are connected in parallel.

[0056] Each GMR element in the GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4 changes its resistance when the direction of the magnetic flux changes due to the rotation of the magnet 105A caused by the pushing operation of the operation knob 102, and outputs a sine wave from the connection point of two GMR elements connected in series. The polarity of the four GMR elements included in the GMR sensor units 107C1 and 107C2 is set so that they output +SIN signal 1 and -SIN signal 1 with a phase difference of 180 degrees. Similarly, the polarity of the four GMR elements included in the GMR sensor units 107C3 and 107C4 is set so that they output +SIN signal 2 and -SIN signal 2 with a phase difference of 180 degrees.

[0057] The push-type shifter device 10 can detect the rotation angle of the rotating body 105 based on +SIN signal 1, -SIN signal 1, +SIN signal 2, and -SIN signal 2. The rotation angle of the rotating body 105 corresponds to the amount of push operation performed by the push operation of the operating knob 102. The amount of push operation is the amount by which the operating knob 102 is pushed downwards.

[0058] Figure 10B shows an example of the waveforms of the +SIN signal 1 and -SIN signal 1 output by the magnetic sensor 107C. In Figure 10B, the horizontal axis represents the rotation angle of the magnet 105A, and the vertical axis represents the voltage values ​​of the +SIN signal 1 and -SIN signal 1. The position where the rotation angle of the magnet 105A is -30 degrees (left end) corresponds to a state where no push operation has been performed on the operation knob 102, and the amount of push operation is zero. The position where the rotation angle of the magnet 105A is +30 degrees (right end) corresponds to a state where a push operation has been performed on the operation knob 102, and the operation knob 102 has been pushed all the way down. The amount of push operation in this state is the maximum value.

[0059] As the rotation angle of magnet 105A changes due to the push operation, the +SIN signal 1 and -SIN signal 1 change within a range of ±30 degrees, as shown in Figure 10B. In this case, within the angle range AR around 0 degrees of the rotation angle of magnet 105A, the +SIN signal 1 and -SIN signal 1 change linearly. The angle range AR is, for example, within a range of ±30 degrees. Note that while the waveforms of +SIN signal 1 and -SIN signal 1 are described here, the same applies to +SIN signal 2 and -SIN signal 2.

[0060] Note that the change in +SIN signal 1 and -SIN signal 1 within a range of ±30 degrees in response to the change in the rotation angle of magnet 105A due to a push operation is just one example, and is not limited to ±30 degrees. Any range of angles is acceptable as long as the range of change in +SIN signal 1 and -SIN signal 1 in response to the change in the rotation angle of magnet 105A due to a push operation is within the range in which +SIN signal 1 and -SIN signal 1 change linearly.

[0061] Figure 10C is a magnified view of the angular range AR. In Figure 10C, the horizontal axis represents the rotation angle of magnet 105A, and the vertical axis represents the voltage values ​​of +SIN signal 1 and -SIN signal 1. Figure 10C shows the waveforms of +SIN signal 1 and -SIN signal 1, and the waveforms of +SIN signal 2 and -SIN signal 2 are similar.

[0062] The push-type shifter device 10 uses the angular range AR, in which the +SIN signal 1, -SIN1 signal, +SIN signal 2, and -SIN signal 2 output by the magnetic sensor 107C change linearly with respect to the rotation angle of the magnet 105A, to perform a push operation to determine whether the switch is on or off (on / off determination).

[0063] <Calibration of the output values ​​of +SIN signal 1, -SIN1 signal, +SIN signal 2, and -SIN signal 2> Figure 11 illustrates the calibration of the output value of the +SIN signal 1. In Figure 11, the horizontal axis represents the rotation angle of the magnet 105A, and the vertical axis represents the voltage value of the +SIN signal 1. The solid line represents the +SIN signal 1 (output value) actually output by the GMR sensor unit 107C1 (see Figure 10A).

[0064] The GMR sensor unit 107C1 exhibits variations in output values ​​due to individual differences in the built-in GMR elements. The same applies to the GMR sensor units 107C2 to 107C4. When the switching determination unit 122 determines the switching state of the operation knob 102 based on a majority vote of the four outputs of the magnetic sensor 107C's GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4, variations in the four output values ​​of the GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4 make it impossible to determine the exact amount of push operation of the operation knob 102. For this reason, the four actual output values ​​of the GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4 are calibrated against a unified standard, and the calibrated output values ​​are treated as the measured values ​​of the GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4. The measured value represents the angle (the rotation angle of the magnet 105A), and since the rotation angle of the rotating body 105 corresponds to the amount of push operation performed by the operation knob 102, the measured value represents both the angle (the rotation angle of the magnet 105A) and the amount of push operation performed by the operation knob 102.

[0065] As an example, after assembling the push-type input mechanism 100, the operation knob 102 is pushed, and the output values ​​of the four GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4 are measured while the common push operation amount (operation position) is reached. This allows the output values ​​of the GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4 at the common push operation amount (operation position) to be calibrated. The four output values ​​of the GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4 measured while the common push operation amount (operation position) is reached are actual measured values.

[0066] For example, assume that a common push operation amount (operating position) corresponds to 0 degrees, and that the theoretical output value of the GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4 when the angle is 0 degrees is 0 (V). Also, as shown by the solid line in Figure 11, assume that the output of the +SIN signal 1 output by the GMR sensor unit 107C1 is shifted from 0 (V) by -V1 (V) at the position of 0 degrees. -V1 (V) is the difference between the output value of the GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4 and the theoretical output value, and is the error in the output value of the GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4.

[0067] In such cases, the value obtained by subtracting the error (-V1) from the output value of the GMR sensor unit 107C1 exhibits the characteristic of becoming 0(V) at an angle of 0 degrees, as shown by the dashed line. The characteristic shown by the dashed line is the characteristic of the measured value after calibrating the characteristics of the output value. In this way, by performing the calibration of the error at a common push operation amount (operating position) on the output values ​​(+SIN signal 1, -SIN1 signal, +SIN signal 2, and -SIN signal 2) of the GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4, the characteristics of +SIN signal 1, -SIN1 signal, +SIN signal 2, and -SIN signal 2 with respect to the push operation amount can be made consistent. The error between the output value of the GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4 and the theoretical output value is the calibration value.

[0068] The +SIN signal 1, -SIN1 signal, +SIN signal 2, and -SIN signal 2 output by the GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4 are converted to digital values ​​before being input to the control device 120. Therefore, the value obtained by subtracting the error (calibration value) between the measured value and the theoretical output value from the digital values ​​obtained by digitally converting the output values ​​of +SIN signal 1, -SIN1 signal, +SIN signal 2, and -SIN signal 2 should be input to the control device 120 as the measured value of the GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4. The angle characteristics of the measured value obtained by this calibration represent the actual push amount of the operation knob 102 with approximate accuracy. For this reason, the switching determination unit 122 can determine the switching state of the operation knob 102 with high accuracy according to the actual push amount of the operation knob 102. In addition, the fault determination unit 123 can determine faults with high accuracy according to the actual push amount of the operation knob 102.

[0069] <Off range, hysteresis range, and on range> Figure 12 shows the off range, hysteresis range, and on range included in the angular range AR. Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating the off range, hysteresis range, and on range, and is not a diagram illustrating the fault determination method in the switch device 50 of the embodiment.

[0070] In Figure 12, the horizontal axis represents the angle within the angle range AR. The vertical axis shows the angles (measured values) represented by +SIN signal 1, -SIN signal 1, +SIN signal 2, and -SIN signal 2 arranged in four rows.

[0071] The off range is an example of the first level range. The off range, as an example of the first level range, is the range of angles (measured values) corresponding to the first level, the off state of the operating knob 102. The on range is an example of the second level range. The on range, as an example of the second level range, is the range of angles (measured values) corresponding to the second level, the on state of the operating knob 102. The area between the off range and the on range is the hysteresis region. The hysteresis region is also an example of the third level range. The angle range AR is, for example, from -30 degrees to +30 degrees. Therefore, the off range is the range of angles (measured values) from -30 degrees to less than the lower limit angle A1 of the hysteresis region, and the on range is the range of angles (measured values) greater than the upper limit angle A2 of the hysteresis region up to +30 degrees. The hysteresis region is the range (region) of angles (measured values) that includes 0 degrees. Hereafter, the off range and on range may be referred to as the level range. The level range is the range that represents the level of the angle (measured value).

[0072] The angles represented by +SIN1, -SIN1, +SIN2, and -SIN2 are indicated by black circle (●) markers. In Figure 12, as an example, the angles represented by +SIN1, -SIN1, +SIN2, and -SIN2 are all within the ON range.

[0073] Figure 13A is a diagram illustrating a comparative fault detection method. The angles (measured values) represented by +SIN signal 1, -SIN signal 1, +SIN signal 2, and -SIN signal 2 are represented by black circles (●). In this case, the GMR sensor unit 107C1 that outputs +SIN signal 1 is faulty, and the angle represented by +SIN signal 1 is fixed to a value within the off range.

[0074] In such cases, the comparative fault detection method simply determines the fault by majority vote based on the outputs of +SIN signal 1, -SIN signal 1, +SIN signal 2, and -SIN signal 2. Since there is only one +SIN signal 1 in the off range and three -SIN signal 1, +SIN signal 2, and -SIN signal 2 in the on range, the ratio is 1 to 3. As a result, the comparative fault detection method will determine that the GMR sensor unit 107C1 that outputs +SIN signal 1 is faulty.

[0075] Figure 13B illustrates one problem with the comparative fault detection method. For example, if the push operation on the operating knob 102 is performed very slowly, and there is variation in how the angles (measured values) of the GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4 change, then, as shown in Figure 13B, the angle represented by +SIN signal 1 may be in the off range, while the angles represented by -SIN signal 1, +SIN signal 2, and -SIN signal 2 may be in the on range. When the operating knob 102 is pressed halfway with a push operation, even if the angles represented by -SIN signal 1, +SIN signal 2, and -SIN signal 2 are in the on range, the angle represented by +SIN signal 1 may be in the off range. In such cases, it is impossible to determine whether the GMR sensor unit 107C1 that outputs +SIN signal 1 is faulty, or whether the problem is due to variation in how the angles (measured values) of the GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4 change. Furthermore, while it is necessary to determine a malfunction as quickly as possible to meet safety requirements, the possibility of misdiagnosis increases in situations like those shown in Figure 13B.

[0076] Therefore, the switch device 50 of the embodiment determines a fault by the method described in Figures 14A and 14B.

[0077] <Fault determination performed by the switch device 50 of the embodiment> Figures 14A and 14B illustrate the fault determination performed by the switch device 50 of the embodiment. In Figures 14A and 14B, at the left end of a four-row column showing the angles represented by +SIN signal 1, -SIN signal 1, +SIN signal 2, and -SIN signal 2, there is a column showing the determination result of the fault determination unit 123 for the GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4 that output +SIN signal 1, -SIN signal 1, +SIN signal 2, and -SIN signal 2. Here, the determination result is represented by ○ (normal) and × (fault).

[0078] In the fault determination of the embodiment, a predetermined range E is set for each of the measured values ​​of +SIN signal 1, -SIN signal 1, +SIN signal 2, and -SIN signal 2, with the measured value as the median. That is, the predetermined range E is from a lower limit value that is E / 2(V) lower than each of the measured values ​​of +SIN signal 1, -SIN signal 1, +SIN signal 2, and -SIN signal 2, to an upper limit value that is E / 2(V) higher than each of the measured values ​​of +SIN signal 1, -SIN signal 1, +SIN signal 2, and -SIN signal 2.

[0079] The predetermined range E corresponds to the error range that may occur in the measured values ​​of the GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4 when they are in a normal state without any malfunctions. Furthermore, this predetermined range E is, for example, wider than the range from the lower limit angle A1 to the upper limit angle A2 of the hysteresis region in the high and low direction of the measured value. Therefore, by taking into account the measurement error of the GMR sensor units, the switch device 50 can reduce erroneous judgments in fault detection.

[0080] The switch device 50 calibrates the output values ​​of +SIN signal 1, -SIN signal 1, +SIN signal 2, and -SIN signal 2 at an angle of 0 degrees as an example of a state where they are at a common push operation amount (operating position), and performs fault determination using the measured values ​​obtained by calibrating the output values. The predetermined range E of the measured values ​​is used as the error range that may occur due to individual differences in the GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4. The predetermined range E is used when performing fault determination by majority vote based on the measured values ​​of each of the +SIN signal 1, -SIN signal 1, +SIN signal 2, and -SIN signal 2.

[0081] For example, when the fault detection unit 123 performs a fault determination on the GMR sensor unit 107C1 that outputs a +SIN signal 1, if more than half of the measured values ​​of -SIN signal 1, +SIN signal 2, and -SIN signal 2 other than +SIN signal 1 are present within a predetermined range E of the measured value of +SIN signal 1, the fault detection unit 123 determines that the GMR sensor unit 107C1 is functioning normally. On the other hand, if more than half of the measured values ​​of -SIN signal 1, +SIN signal 2, and -SIN signal 2 other than +SIN signal 1 are not present within the predetermined range E of the measured value of +SIN signal 1, the fault detection unit 123 determines that the GMR sensor unit 107C1 is faulty.

[0082] When the switch device 50 performs fault detection on the GMR sensor unit 107C1, the measured values ​​of -SIN signal 1, +SIN signal 2, and -SIN signal 2, other than the +SIN signal 1 output by the GMR sensor unit 107C1, are the measured values ​​of the other sensor units (GMR sensor units 107C2 to 107C4). The fault detection unit 123 determines whether more than half of the measured values ​​of -SIN signal 1, +SIN signal 2, and -SIN signal 2, other than +SIN signal 1, exist, which is equivalent to determining whether more than half of the measured values ​​of the other sensor units (GMR sensor units 107C2 to 107C4) are within a predetermined range E of the measured value of +SIN signal 1.

[0083] The switch device 50 can perform a fault determination for the GMR sensor units 107C2 to 107C4 in the same way as the fault determination for the GMR sensor unit 107C1 described above, by checking whether more than half of the measured values ​​of the other sensor units are within a predetermined range E.

[0084] In Figure 14A, the measured values ​​of +SIN signal 1, -SIN signal 1, +SIN signal 2, and -SIN signal 2 are all within the ON range, and the measured values ​​of the other GMR sensor units are within the predetermined range E of each of the measured values ​​of +SIN signal 1, -SIN signal 1, +SIN signal 2, and -SIN signal 2. Therefore, the fault determination unit 123 determines that all of the GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4 are normal. The switching determination unit 122 also determines by majority vote that the switching state of the operation knob 102 is ON.

[0085] Furthermore, in Figure 14B, the measured value of +SIN signal 1 is within the off range, the measured value of -SIN signal 1 is within the hysteresis region, and the measured values ​​of +SIN signal 2 and -SIN signal 2 are within the on range.

[0086] In this case, the fault determination unit 123 performs a fault determination on the GMR sensor unit 107C1 that outputs the +SIN signal 1, and determines whether more than half of the measured values ​​of the other sensor units are within a predetermined range E of the measured value of the +SIN signal 1. Since there are no measured values ​​for -SIN signal 1, +SIN signal 2, and -SIN signal 2 other than +SIN signal 1 within the predetermined range E of the measured value of the +SIN signal 1, the fault determination unit 123 determines that the GMR sensor unit 107C1 is faulty. This state corresponds to a state in which more than half of the measured values ​​of the other sensor units for the +SIN signal 1 are not within the predetermined range E. Therefore, the result of the fault determination is × (fault).

[0087] Furthermore, the fault detection unit 123 performs a fault detection on the GMR sensor unit 107C2 that outputs the -SIN signal 1, and determines whether more than half of the measured values ​​of the other sensor units are within a predetermined range E of the measured value of the -SIN signal 1. Since there are two measured values, +SIN signal 2 and -SIN signal 2, within the predetermined range E of the measured value of the -SIN signal 1, the fault detection unit 123 determines that the GMR sensor unit 107C2 is normal. This state corresponds to a state in which more than half of the measured values ​​of the other sensor units are within the predetermined range E for the -SIN signal 1. Therefore, the fault detection result is ○ (normal).

[0088] Furthermore, the fault detection unit 123 performs a fault detection on the GMR sensor unit 107C3 that outputs the +SIN signal 2, and determines whether more than half of the measured values ​​of the other sensor units are within a predetermined range E of the measured value of the +SIN signal 2. Since two measured values, -SIN signal 1 and -SIN signal 2, are within the predetermined range E of the measured value of the +SIN signal 2, the fault detection unit 123 determines that the GMR sensor unit 107C3 is normal. This state corresponds to a state in which more than half of the measured values ​​of the other sensor units are within the predetermined range E for the +SIN signal 2. Therefore, the fault detection result is ○ (normal).

[0089] Furthermore, the fault detection unit 123 performs a fault detection on the GMR sensor unit 107C4 that outputs the -SIN signal 2, and determines whether more than half of the measured values ​​of the other sensor units are within a predetermined range E of the measured value of the -SIN signal 2. Since two measured values, -SIN signal 1 and +SIN signal 2, are within the predetermined range E of the measured value of the -SIN signal 2, the fault detection unit 123 determines that the GMR sensor unit 107C4 is normal. This state corresponds to a state in which more than half of the measured values ​​of the other sensor units are within the predetermined range E for the -SIN signal 2. Therefore, the fault detection result is ○ (normal).

[0090] As shown in Figure 14B, when the GMR sensor unit 107C1 is determined to be faulty and the GMR sensor units 107C2 to 107C4 are determined to be normal, the measured value of the GMR sensor unit 107C2 is within the hysteresis region, and the measured values ​​of the GMR sensor units 107C3 and 107C4 are within the ON range. In this case, the switching determination unit 122 determines that the operation knob 102 is ON because the majority of the measured values ​​of the three normal GMR sensor units 107C2 to 107C4 are within the ON range.

[0091] Figure 15A is a flowchart showing the fault detection process performed by the fault detection unit 123. When the fault detection unit 123 starts the fault detection process, it performs the following steps.

[0092] The fault detection unit 123 calibrates the output values ​​of the GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4 (step S1). The output values ​​of +SIN signal 1, -SIN signal 1, +SIN signal 2, and -SIN signal 2 are calibrated using the theoretical output value (0(V)) of the GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4 when the angle is 0 degrees, as explained with reference to +SIN signal 1 in Figure 11. The fault detection unit 123 performs fault detection using the measured values ​​obtained by calibrating the output values ​​of the GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4.

[0093] The fault determination unit 123 performs a fault determination on the GMR sensor unit 107C1 and determines whether more than half of the measured values ​​of the other GMR sensor units are within a predetermined range E of the measured value of the +SIN signal 1 (step S2).

[0094] If the fault determination unit 123 determines that more than half of the measured values ​​of the other GMR sensor units are within a predetermined range E of the measured value of the +SIN signal 1 (S2: YES), it determines that the GMR sensor unit 107C1 is normal (step S3A). The fault determination unit 123 stores data indicating that the GMR sensor unit 107C1 is normal in the memory 124. After completing the processing in step S3A, the fault determination unit 123 proceeds to step S4.

[0095] On the other hand, in step S2, if the fault determination unit 123 determines that more than half of the measured values ​​of other GMR sensor units are not within a predetermined range E of the measured value of the +SIN signal 1 (S2: NO), it determines that the GMR sensor unit 107C1 is faulty (step S3B). The fault determination unit 123 stores data indicating that the GMR sensor unit 107C1 is faulty in the memory 124. After completing the processing in step S3B, the fault determination unit 123 proceeds to step S4.

[0096] The fault determination unit 123 performs a fault determination on the GMR sensor unit 107C2 and determines whether more than half of the measured values ​​of the other GMR sensor units are within a predetermined range E of the measured value of the -SIN signal 1 (step S4).

[0097] If the fault determination unit 123 determines that more than half of the measured values ​​of the other GMR sensor units are within a predetermined range E of the measured value of the -SIN signal 1 (S4: YES), it determines that the GMR sensor unit 107C2 is normal (step S5A). The fault determination unit 123 stores data indicating that the GMR sensor unit 107C2 is normal in the memory 124. After completing the processing in step S5A, the fault determination unit 123 proceeds to step S6.

[0098] On the other hand, in step S4, if the fault determination unit 123 determines that more than half of the measured values ​​of other GMR sensor units are not within a predetermined range E of the measured value of the -SIN signal 1 (S4: NO), it determines that the GMR sensor unit 107C2 is faulty (step S5B). The fault determination unit 123 stores data indicating that the GMR sensor unit 107C2 is faulty in the memory 124. After completing the processing in step S5B, the fault determination unit 123 proceeds to step S6.

[0099] The fault determination unit 123 performs a fault determination on the GMR sensor unit 107C3 and determines whether more than half of the measured values ​​of the other GMR sensor units are within a predetermined range E of the measured value of the +SIN signal 2 (step S6).

[0100] If the fault determination unit 123 determines that more than half of the measured values ​​of the other GMR sensor units are within a predetermined range E of the measured value of the +SIN signal 2 (S6: YES), it determines that the GMR sensor unit 107C3 is normal (step S7A). The fault determination unit 123 stores data indicating that the GMR sensor unit 107C3 is normal in the memory 124. After completing the processing in step S7A, the fault determination unit 123 proceeds to step S8.

[0101] On the other hand, in step S6, if the fault determination unit 123 determines that more than half of the measured values ​​of the other GMR sensor units are not within a predetermined range E of the measured value of the +SIN signal 2 (S6: NO), it determines that the GMR sensor unit 107C3 is faulty (step S7B). The fault determination unit 123 stores data indicating that the GMR sensor unit 107C3 is faulty in the memory 124. After completing the processing in step S7B, the fault determination unit 123 proceeds to step S8.

[0102] The fault determination unit 123 performs a fault determination on the GMR sensor unit 107C4 and determines whether more than half of the measured values ​​of the other GMR sensor units are within a predetermined range E of the measured value of the -SIN signal 2 (step S8).

[0103] If the fault determination unit 123 determines that more than half of the measured values ​​of the other GMR sensor units are within a predetermined range E of the measured value of the -SIN signal 2 (S8: YES), it determines that the GMR sensor unit 107C4 is normal (step S9A). The fault determination unit 123 stores data indicating that the GMR sensor unit 107C4 is normal in the memory 124. After completing the processing in step S9A, the fault determination unit 123 proceeds to step S10, as shown in Figure 15B.

[0104] On the other hand, in step S8, if the fault determination unit 123 determines that more than half of the measured values ​​of the other GMR sensor units are not within a predetermined range E of the measured values ​​of the -SIN signal 2 (S8: NO), it determines that the GMR sensor unit 107C4 is faulty (step S9B). The fault determination unit 123 stores data indicating that the GMR sensor unit 107C4 is faulty in the memory 124.

[0105] This completes the fault determination process performed by the fault determination unit 123 for the GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4. After completing the process in step S9B, the fault determination unit 123 proceeds to step S10, as shown in Figure 15B.

[0106] Figure 15B is a flowchart showing the processes executed by the switching determination unit 122 and the fault determination unit 123.

[0107] The fault determination unit 123 aggregates the determination results of the processes in steps S2 to S9A or S9B (step S10).

[0108] The fault determination unit 123 determines, based on the aggregated results, whether there are multiple GMR sensor units that have not been determined to be faulty (step S11).

[0109] If the fault determination unit 123 determines that there are multiple GMR sensor units that have not been determined to be faulty (S11:YES), the switching determination unit 122 determines the switching state of the operating knob 102 according to a majority vote based on the measurement levels of each of the GMR sensor units that have not been determined to be faulty (step S12A). When the switch device 50 includes four GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4, there are multiple GMR sensor units that have not been determined to be faulty when the number of GMR sensor units that have been determined to be faulty is between 0 and 2. If the number of GMR sensor units that have been determined to be faulty is 0, the switching determination unit 122 only needs to determine the switching state of the operating knob 102 according to a majority vote based on the measurement levels of each of the four GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4. Furthermore, if only one GMR sensor unit is determined to be faulty, the switching determination unit 122 can determine the switching state of the operation knob 102 according to a majority vote based on the measurement levels of the three normal GMR sensor units. An example of this case is explained using Figure 14B. Also, if two GMR sensor units are determined to be faulty, the switching determination unit 122 can determine the switching state of the operation knob 102 according to a majority vote based on the measurement levels of the two normal GMR sensor units. The majority vote when there are two normal GMR sensor units is determined when the measurement levels of the two measurements both belong to the off range or the on range. Therefore, when there are two normal GMR sensor units, if the measurement levels of the two measurements are both in the off range, the switching determination unit 122 can determine that the switching state is off. Also, if the measurement levels of the two measurements are both in the on range, the switching determination unit 122 can determine that the switching state is on.

[0110] Furthermore, if the fault detection unit 123 determines that each of the multiple GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4 is faulty, and the number of GMR sensor units determined to be faulty is less than half of the multiple GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4, then the switch device 50 will continue to operate using the measurement values ​​of the GMR sensor units that are not determined to be faulty. For example, even if one of the GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4 fails, since there are multiple other GMR sensor units that are functioning normally, the operator can continue to use the switch device 50 even after a fault occurs, as they could before the fault occurred, by continuing to determine the switching state of the operation knob 102 according to a majority vote of the measurement values ​​of the remaining three GMR sensor units that are functioning normally.

[0111] Furthermore, the switching determination unit 122 does not determine the switching state of the operation knob 102 if, among the multiple measured values, there are multiple measured values ​​in the off range and multiple measured values ​​in the on range, and the number of measured values ​​in the off range is equal to the number of measured values ​​in the on range. In other words, the switching determination unit 122 does not determine the switching state of the operation knob 102 if, among the multiple measured values, there are multiple level ranges (on range or off range) that contain the most measured values. This is because the switching determination unit 122 cannot determine the switching state of the operation knob 102 by majority vote. For example, if two of the four measured values ​​are in the off range and the remaining two are in the on range, the switching determination unit 122 cannot determine on / off by majority vote, and therefore does not determine the switching state of the operation knob 102. In this case, the switching determination unit 122 may output the determination result from the previous processing. Furthermore, if among multiple measurement values ​​there are multiple measurements in the off range and multiple measurements in the on range, the switching determination unit 122 may suspend its determination until the number of measurements in the off range equals the number of measurements in the on range, and wait until a majority vote determination can be made. Also, if one of the measurement levels of the three GMR sensor units that are operating normally is in the off range, another is in the hysteresis region, and the remaining one is in the on range, the switching determination unit 122 will not determine the switching state of the operation knob 102 because it cannot determine on / off by majority vote. In this case as well, the switching determination unit 122 may output the determination result from the previous process. It may also wait until a majority vote determination can be made.

[0112] Furthermore, in step S11, if the fault determination unit 123 determines that, as a result of determining faults for each of the multiple GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4, there are not multiple GMR sensor units that have not been determined to be faulty (S11: NO), it determines that the device is completely faulty and unusable thereafter (after the fault occurs) and outputs the determination result (step S12B). This is because if there are not multiple remaining GMR sensor units that are functioning normally, it is difficult for the switching determination unit 122 to properly determine the switching state of the operation knob 102. Complete fault means that it is necessary to replace the faulty GMR sensor unit or replace it with a new push-type shifter device 10. If three or more of the GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4 have failed, the fault determination unit 123 determines that the device is completely faulty and unusable thereafter and outputs the determination result. Furthermore, if the switch device 50 is installed in the vehicle, the switch device 50 may notify the vehicle user (operator of the switch device 50) of a complete malfunction via an in-vehicle network or the like. This can prevent the user (operator of the switch device 50) from continuously using the switch device 50 and the push-type shifter device 10, thereby enhancing safety.

[0113] Figure 16 is a diagram summarizing the determination patterns of the switching determination unit 122 and the fault determination unit 123. Figure 16 shows the determination patterns based on the measured values ​​of the four GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4.

[0114] If the number of GMR sensor units determined to be faulty by the fault determination unit 123 is 0 (0 faults), the switching determination unit 122 determines the switching state (on or off) by majority vote based on the measurement levels of the GMR sensor units, if there are 3 or more in either the on range or the off range. Also, if the number of GMR sensor units determined to be faulty by the fault determination unit 123 is 1 (1 fault), the switching determination unit 122 determines the switching state (on or off) by majority vote based on the measurement levels of the GMR sensor units, if there are 2 or more in either the on range or the off range.

[0115] Furthermore, if the number of GMR sensor units determined to be faulty by the fault determination unit 123 is two (two faults), the switching determination unit 122 determines the switching state (on or off) by majority vote based on the measurement levels of the GMR sensor units, if both are in either the on range or the off range. In other words, in the case of two faults, the switching determination unit 122 determines the switching state (on or off) if the measurement levels of the two normal GMR sensor units coincide in either the on range or the off range.

[0116] The switching determination unit 122 does not determine the switching state (on or off) in cases of 0 failures, 1 failure, or 2 failures, or in any other case. In this case, the switching determination unit 122 may output the determination result from the previous process.

[0117] Furthermore, if the number of GMR sensor units determined to be faulty by the fault determination unit 123 is 3 (3 faults) or 4 (4 faults), the switching determination unit 122 stops operating without performing any determination operations.

[0118] The fault determination unit 123 determines that a GMR sensor is faulty if the number of GMR sensor units that have already been determined to be faulty is 0 (0 faults), and it performs fault determination on each of the 4 GMR sensor units based on the measured values. If the measured values ​​of the other GMR sensors within the predetermined range E are less than 2, the GMR sensor is determined to be faulty.

[0119] The fault determination unit 123 determines that a GMR sensor is faulty if, when it determines that one GMR sensor has already been determined to be faulty (one fault), and it performs fault determination on each of the remaining three GMR sensors based on the measured values, it determines that a GMR sensor is faulty if there are zero measured values ​​for the other GMR sensors within the predetermined range E.

[0120] The fault determination unit 123 determines that a GMR sensor is faulty if, when two GMR sensor units have already been determined to be faulty (two faults), and when it performs fault determination on each of the remaining two GMR sensor units based on the measured values, the fault determination unit 123 determines that a GMR sensor is faulty if there are zero measured values ​​for other GMR sensors that exist within the predetermined range E. In other words, in the case of two faults, the fault determination unit 123 determines that a GMR sensor is faulty if the relationship that one measurement value exists within the predetermined range E of the other does not hold true for the two measured values. To put it another way, the fault determination unit 123 determines that a GMR sensor is faulty if there are no measured values ​​within the predetermined range E of each other's measured values.

[0121] The fault detection unit 123 does not perform a fault detection if the number of GMR sensor units that have already been determined to be faulty is 3 (3 faults) or 4 (4 faults). This is because there is no comparison target.

[0122] <Effects> As described above, the fault determination unit 123 compares the measurement value of one of the multiple GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4 with the measurement values ​​of the other GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4. If more than half of the measurement values ​​of the other GMR sensor units are not within a predetermined range that includes the measurement value of the one GMR sensor unit, the unit determines that the one GMR sensor unit is faulty.

[0123] By determining whether more than half of the measurement values ​​from other GMR sensors fall within a predetermined range that includes the measurement value of one GMR sensor, it is possible to suppress misdiagnosis of a malfunction due to measurement errors in one GMR sensor.

[0124] Therefore, it is possible to provide a switch device 50 and a push-type shifter device 10 that can reduce misjudgment of faults caused by measurement errors, etc.

[0125] Furthermore, if, as a result of the fault detection unit 123 determining a fault for each of the multiple GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4, there are multiple GMR sensor units that have not been determined to be faulty, the switching determination unit 122 determines the switching state of the operation knob 102 according to a majority vote based on the measurement levels of each of the GMR sensor units that have not been determined to be faulty. If multiple of the multiple GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4 are operating normally, the switching determination unit 122 can determine the switching state of the operation knob 102 according to a majority vote. Moreover, the determination made by the switching determination unit 122 in such a state is not problematic as a functionally safe product.Therefore, when there are multiple GMR sensor units that are not faulty, it is possible to reduce the misdetermination of faults caused by measurement errors, etc., and to provide a switch device 50 in which the switching determination unit 122 can determine the switching state of the operation knob 102 according to a majority vote based on the output of the GMR sensor units. Furthermore, if there are multiple GMR sensor units that are not malfunctioning, the switching determination unit 122 can determine the switching state of the operation knob 102 even if a GMR sensor unit malfunctions, thereby improving the resistance of the switch device 50 to GMR sensor unit malfunctions.

[0126] Furthermore, if the fault detection unit 123 determines that there are multiple GMR sensor units that are not found to be faulty, the switch device 50 will continue to operate using the measurement values ​​of the GMR sensor units that are not found to be faulty. By continuing to determine the switching state of the operating knob 102 according to the majority vote of the measurement values ​​of the remaining GMR sensor units that are functioning normally, the operator can continue to use the switch device 50 even after a fault has occurred, just as before the fault occurred. Also, if there are multiple GMR sensor units that are not faulty, the operator can continue to use the switch device 50 even if a GMR sensor unit fails, improving the switch device 50's resistance to GMR sensor unit failures. For example, if the fault detection unit 123 determines that three GMR sensor units are normal and one GMR sensor unit is faulty, the switching determination unit 122 will use the three normal GMR sensor units to determine the next switching state.

[0127] Furthermore, the fault determination unit 123 determines that if, after determining a fault for each of the multiple GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4, there are more than a few GMR sensor units that have not been determined to be faulty, it determines that there is a complete failure and that the unit is unusable, and outputs the determination result. If there are not more than a few GMR sensor units that are functioning normally, it is difficult for the switching determination unit 122 to determine the switching state of the operating knob 102 in a safe state in the switch device 50, which is a functionally safe product. By rendering the unit unusable, it is possible to prevent the continuous use of the switch device 50 and enhance safety.

[0128] Furthermore, since the GMR sensor unit has a hysteresis region between the off-range and on-range of the measured value, the influence of noise and other factors when the switching determination unit 122 determines on / off can be reduced, and the switching determination unit 122 can stably determine on / off.

[0129] The predetermined range E is wider than the hysteresis region in the high and low directions of the measurement level of the measured value. The predetermined range E corresponds to the error range that may occur in the output of the GMR sensor unit under normal conditions. Therefore, by taking into account the measurement error of the GMR sensor unit, the switch device 50 can reduce false judgments in fault detection. Also, if the predetermined range E is wider than the hysteresis region, for example, a state may occur where two of the measured values ​​of the four GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4 are in the off range and the remaining two are in the on range. In such a case, for example, the switching determination unit 122 can ensure operational stability by outputting the determination result from the previous processing. Alternatively, the switching determination unit 122 may suspend the determination and wait until a majority vote determination can be made. This improves the switch device 50's resistance to GMR sensor unit failures.

[0130] The switching determination unit 122 does not determine the switching state of the operation knob 102 if, among the multiple measured values, there are multiple measured values ​​in the off range and multiple measured values ​​in the on range, and the number of measured values ​​in the off range is equal to the number of measured values ​​in the on range. In other words, the switching determination unit 122 does not determine the switching state of the operation knob 102 if, among the multiple measured values, there are multiple level ranges (on range or off range) that contain the most measured values. Since the switching determination unit 122 cannot determine the switching state of the operation knob 102 by majority vote, the resistance of the switch device 50 to failure of the GMR sensor is improved by preventing the switching determination unit 122 from determining the switching state of the operation knob 102. As described above, when two of the four GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4 have measurements within the off range and the remaining two have measurements within the on range, the switching determination unit 122 does not determine the switching state of the operation knob 102, thereby improving the switch device 50's resistance to GMR sensor unit failures. Furthermore, even when one of the measurement levels of the three normally operating GMR sensor units has measurements within the off range, another is in the hysteresis region, and the remaining one is within the on range, the switching determination unit 122 cannot determine on / off by majority vote, so by not determining the switching state of the operation knob 102, the switch device 50's resistance to GMR sensor unit failures is improved.

[0131] Furthermore, since the first level range corresponds to the off state and the second level range corresponds to the on state, the noise immunity of the switch device 50, which takes two values, on / off, is improved.

[0132] Furthermore, each of the multiple measurement values ​​from the multiple GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4 is the value obtained by subtracting the difference (error) between the actual measurement value measured by each of the multiple GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4 when the operation knob 102 is in a common operating position and the theoretical output value of the multiple GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4 when the operation knob 102 is in a common operating position from the output value of the multiple GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4. Therefore, even if the measurement values ​​for the push operation amount of the operation knob 102 differ due to errors in the GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4, the switch device 50 can reduce the erroneous judgment in fault detection of the GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4 caused by errors in the GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4.

[0133] Furthermore, by making the memory 124 that holds the determination result of the fault determination unit 123 a non-volatile memory, the switch device 50 can identify the fault status of the GMR sensor even if the power supplied by the battery or the like is lost and the switch device 50 is turned off, and then restored. In addition, the switch device 50 can operate without using the faulty GMR sensor.

[0134] Furthermore, since the multiple GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4 are four GMR sensor units, it is possible to reduce misjudgments in fault detection caused by measurement errors in each GMR sensor unit.

[0135] Furthermore, the push-type shifter device 10 includes an operating knob 102 that is pushed by the operator, a rubber dome 106A that provides a click sensation to the push operation, a slider 103 that slides in a predetermined sliding direction in conjunction with the push operation, a rotating body 105 that rotates in conjunction with the sliding of the slider, three or more GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4 that each detect three or more multiple measurement values ​​corresponding to the rotation angle of the rotating body 105, and the operation of the operating knob 102 according to a majority vote based on the measurement level of each of the multiple measurement values ​​of the multiple GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4. The device includes a switching determination unit 122 that determines the switching state and a fault determination unit 123 that determines the failure of each of the multiple GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4. The fault determination unit 123 compares the measured value of one of the multiple GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4 with the measured values ​​of the other GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4. If more than half of the measured values ​​of the other GMR sensor units do not fall within a predetermined range that includes the measured value of the one GMR sensor unit, it determines that the one GMR sensor unit is faulty. Therefore, a switch device 50 can be provided that can reduce misdetermining of faults caused by measurement errors, etc.

[0136] In the above description, we have explained a push-type shifter device 10, which is an example of an electronic shifter, that includes an operating knob 102, a rubber dome 106A, a slider 103, and a rotating body 105, and in which the GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4 detect the change in magnetic flux direction due to the rotation of the rotating body 105. However, the mechanical configuration of the push-type shifter device 10, which is an example of an electronic shifter, is not limited to this configuration; any configuration in which the magnetic flux direction changes in response to the operation of a switch is acceptable.

[0137] Furthermore, although the above description has focused on a configuration in which the switch device 50 includes four GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4, the switch device 50 only needs to include two or more GMR sensor units, and fault detection can be performed in the same manner.

[0138] For example, if the switch device 50 includes six GMR sensor units, the fault determination unit 123 can perform fault determination as follows, and the switching determination unit 122 can determine the switching state of the operation knob 102 as follows.

[0139] When the switch device 50 includes six GMR sensor units, the fault determination unit 123 determines that one GMR sensor unit is normal if the measured values ​​of three or more other GMR sensors are in the same range (any one of the off range, hysteresis range, and on range) as the measured value of one GMR sensor unit. On the other hand, when the switch device 50 includes six GMR sensor units, the fault determination unit 123 determines that one GMR sensor unit is faulty if there are fewer than three GMR sensors with measured values ​​in the same range (any one of the off range, hysteresis range, and on range) as the measured value of one GMR sensor unit.

[0140] If the fault detection unit 123 determines that each of the six GMR sensor units is faulty and there are two or more GMR sensor units that are not determined to be faulty, the switching determination unit 122 determines the switching state of the operation knob 102 according to a majority vote based on the measurement levels of each of the two or more GMR sensor units that are not determined to be faulty.

[0141] Furthermore, the fault detection unit 123 determines that, as a result of its fault detection for each of the six GMR sensor units, if the number of GMR sensor units that have not been determined to be faulty is one or less, it determines that the unit is completely faulty and unusable thereafter (after the fault occurred) and outputs the determination result.

[0142] Furthermore, if the fault detection unit 123 determines that among the six measured values ​​there are multiple measurements within the off range and multiple measurements within the on range, and the number of measurements within the off range is equal to the number of measurements within the on range, the switching determination unit 122 will not determine the switching state of the operation knob 102. In other words, if among the six measured values ​​there are multiple level ranges (on range or off range) that contain the most measured values, the switching determination unit 122 will not determine the switching state of the operation knob 102.

[0143] Thus, when the switch device 50 includes six GMR sensor units, the fault determination unit 123 can perform fault determination in the same way as when it includes the four GMR sensor units 107C1 to 107C4 described above.

[0144] Although exemplary embodiments of the switch device, push-button input device, and electronic shifter of this disclosure have been described above, this disclosure is not limited to the specifically disclosed embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible without departing from the scope of the claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0145] 10. Push-type shifter device (an example of a push-type input device, an example of an electronic shifter) 50 Switching device 100, 100-1~100-4 Push-button input mechanism 107C1~107C4 GMR sensor section (an example of a sensor section) 120 Control device 121 Light emission control unit 122 Switching judgment section 123 Failure determination section 124 memory

Claims

1. Three or more sensor units that detect three or more measurements corresponding to the operation position of the switch, A switching determination unit that determines the switching state of the switch according to a majority vote based on the measurement levels of each of the multiple measurement values ​​of the multiple sensor units, A fault determination unit that determines a failure in each of the aforementioned multiple sensor units. Includes, The fault determination unit compares the measurement value of one of the plurality of sensor units with the measurement values ​​of the other sensor units among the plurality of sensor units, and if more than half of the measurement values ​​of the other sensor units do not fall within a predetermined range including the measurement value of the one sensor unit, it determines that the one sensor unit is faulty. A switch device in which, if the fault determination unit determines a fault for each of the plurality of sensor units and there are multiple sensor units that have not been determined to be faulty, the switching determination unit determines the switching state of the switch according to a majority vote based on the measurement levels of each of the measurement values ​​of the sensor units that have not been determined to be faulty.

2. Three or more sensor units that detect three or more measurements corresponding to the operation position of the switch, A switching determination unit that determines the switching state of the switch according to a majority vote based on the measurement levels of each of the multiple measurement values ​​of the multiple sensor units, A fault determination unit that determines a failure in each of the aforementioned multiple sensor units. Includes, The fault determination unit compares the measurement value of one of the plurality of sensor units with the measurement values ​​of the other sensor units among the plurality of sensor units, and if more than half of the measurement values ​​of the other sensor units do not fall within a predetermined range including the measurement value of the one sensor unit, it determines that the one sensor unit is faulty. A switch device in which, if the fault detection unit determines that each of the plurality of sensor units is faulty and there are multiple sensor units that are not determined to be faulty, the device continues to operate using the sensor units that are not determined to be faulty.

3. Three or more sensor units that detect three or more measurements corresponding to the operation position of the switch, A switching determination unit that determines the switching state of the switch according to a majority vote based on the measurement levels of each of the multiple measurement values ​​of the multiple sensor units, A fault determination unit that determines a failure in each of the aforementioned multiple sensor units. Includes, The fault determination unit compares the measurement value of one of the plurality of sensor units with the measurement values ​​of the other sensor units among the plurality of sensor units, and if more than half of the measurement values ​​of the other sensor units do not fall within a predetermined range including the measurement value of the one sensor unit, it determines that the one sensor unit is faulty. The fault determination unit determines that if, as a result of determining a fault for each of the plurality of sensor units, the number of sensor units that have not been determined to be faulty is not multiple, then it determines that the unit is completely faulty and unusable thereafter, and outputs the determination result.

4. Three or more sensor units that detect three or more measurements corresponding to the operation position of the switch, A switching determination unit that determines the switching state of the switch according to a majority vote based on the measurement levels of each of the multiple measurement values ​​of the multiple sensor units, A fault determination unit that determines a failure in each of the aforementioned multiple sensor units. Includes, The fault determination unit compares the measurement value of one of the plurality of sensor units with the measurement values ​​of the other sensor units among the plurality of sensor units, and if more than half of the measurement values ​​of the other sensor units do not fall within a predetermined range including the measurement value of the one sensor unit, it determines that the one sensor unit is faulty. The sensor unit is a switch device having a hysteresis region as a third level range between the first level range and the second level range of the measured value.

5. The switch device according to claim 4, wherein the predetermined range is wider than the hysteresis region in the high and low direction of the measurement level of the measured value.

6. The switching determination unit does not determine the switching state of the switch if there are multiple level ranges that contain the most measured values ​​among the multiple measured values, according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The switch device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the first level range is a level range corresponding to the off state of the switching state, and the second level range is a level range corresponding to the on state of the switching state.

8. Three or more sensor units that detect three or more measurements corresponding to the operation position of the switch, A switching determination unit that determines the switching state of the switch according to a majority vote based on the measurement levels of each of the multiple measurement values ​​of the multiple sensor units, A fault determination unit that determines a failure in each of the aforementioned multiple sensor units. Includes, The fault determination unit compares the measurement value of one of the plurality of sensor units with the measurement values ​​of the other sensor units among the plurality of sensor units, and if more than half of the measurement values ​​of the other sensor units do not fall within a predetermined range including the measurement value of the one sensor unit, it determines that the one sensor unit is faulty. A switch device in which each of the plurality of measurement values ​​of the plurality of sensor units is a value obtained by subtracting from the output value of each of the plurality of sensor units the difference between the measured value measured by each of the plurality of sensor units when the switch is in the common operating position and the theoretical output value of the plurality of sensor units when the switch is in the common operating position.

9. The switch device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a non-volatile memory for holding the determination result of the fault determination unit.

10. The switch device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the plurality of sensor units are four sensor units.

11. A switch that is pushed by the operator, A click-feeling mechanism that provides a click sensation to the aforementioned push operation, A slider that slides in a predetermined sliding direction in response to the aforementioned push operation, A rotating body that rotates in conjunction with the sliding of the slider, Three or more sensor units, each detecting three or more measurement values ​​corresponding to the rotation angle of the rotating body, A switching determination unit that determines the switching state of the switch according to a majority vote based on the measurement levels of each of the multiple measurement values ​​of the multiple sensor units, A fault determination unit that determines a failure in each of the aforementioned multiple sensor units. Includes, The fault determination unit compares the measured value of one of the plurality of sensor units with the measured values ​​of the other sensor units among the plurality of sensor units, and determines that the one sensor unit is faulty if more than half of the measured values ​​of the other sensor units are not within a predetermined range including the measured value of the one sensor unit.

12. A biasing means for biasing the rotating body in the return rotation direction, The magnet held by the rotating body and It further includes, The rotating body has an upper cam surface on a spiral cam portion provided on its outer circumferential surface. The slider has an upper sliding part that rotates the rotating body by sliding against the upper cam surface as the slider slides downward. The upper cam surface of the rotating body is The biasing force of the biasing means is always biased in a direction that presses against the upper sliding portion of the slider. The push-type input device according to claim 11, wherein the sensor unit is a magnetic sensor mounted on a substrate and detecting the rotation angle of the magnet held by the rotating body.

13. An electronic shifter including a switch for selecting the vehicle's shift position, Three or more sensor units that detect three or more measurement values ​​corresponding to the operating position of the switch, A switching determination unit that determines the switching state of the switch according to a majority vote based on the measurement levels of each of the multiple measurement values ​​of the multiple sensor units, A fault determination unit that determines a failure in each of the aforementioned multiple sensor units. Includes, The fault determination unit compares the measurement value of one of the plurality of sensor units with the measurement values ​​of the other sensor units among the plurality of sensor units, and if more than half of the measurement values ​​of the other sensor units do not fall within a predetermined range including the measurement value of the one sensor unit, it determines that the one sensor unit is faulty. If, as a result of the fault determination unit determining a fault for each of the plurality of sensor units, there are multiple sensor units that have not been determined to be faulty, the switching determination unit determines the switching state of the switch according to a majority vote based on the measurement levels of each of the measurement values ​​of the sensor units that have not been determined to be faulty, an electronic shifter.

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