Switch device

Abstract

[Problem] To prevent an impact on the detection of the operation of a switch, even if a problem arises in one detection element. [Solution] A switch device 1 includes: a magnet 10 displaced in the X-axis direction in conjunction with the operation of an operated part 51; and a plurality of magnetic sensors 7 (7A, 7B, 7C) surface-mounted on a printed circuit board 35. In the switch device 1, the displacement of the magnet 10 in the X-axis direction is detected by the plurality of magnetic sensors 7 (7A, 7B, 7C).

Description

Switching device

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

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

[0003] JP 2009-193690 A

[0004] The vehicle switch of Patent Document 1 has an actuator that moves forward and backward in response to brake pedal operation. A magnet is attached to the actuator. The magnet is displaced in the direction of the actuator's forward and backward movement in response to brake pedal operation. The vehicle switch has a detection element disposed opposite the magnet. The detection element detects the on / off state of the vehicle switch based on changes in magnetism as the magnet moves forward and backward.

[0005] In this type of vehicle switch, a malfunction in the detector element affects the detection of the switch's on / off operation. Therefore, there is a need to ensure that malfunctions in the detector element do not affect the switch's detection. To meet this requirement, multiple redundant detector elements can be provided for each magnet, allowing switch operation detection to continue even when one of the detector elements malfunctions, or detecting the occurrence of a malfunction based on the output of each of the multiple detector elements. However, if such redundant detector elements are used, with a rod-shaped terminal having a main body at one end, and the other end of the terminal is inserted into a through-hole on the board to secure the detector to the board, (a) the main body is positioned far from the board, raising the center of gravity of the detector element and making the detector element more likely to tilt. (b) When mounting the detector element on the board, contact with the detector element by an operator's fingers or an installation probe may result in the detector element being mounted at an angle. Furthermore, variations in the height of the detector element may occur due to variations in the mounting locations of the terminals and through-holes. If some of the multiple detection elements are tilted or have varying installation heights, there is a risk that an unexpected output signal will be generated even if there is nothing abnormal with the detection elements themselves, which may ultimately affect the continuation of switch operation or the detection of any problems.

[0006] Therefore, it is required to suppress the adverse effects caused by the positional variations of the multiple redundantly provided detection elements while suppressing the increase in cost. In addition to such a requirement, it can also be positioned as another object of the present invention to achieve the functions and effects derived from the respective configurations disclosed in the "Description of the Invention" described below, which cannot be obtained by conventional techniques.

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a switch device having a magnet that displaces in a first axial direction in conjunction with the operation of an operated part, and a plurality of detection elements surface-mounted on a single substrate or on a plurality of substrates on the same plane, wherein the displacement of the magnet in the first axial direction is detected by the plurality of detection elements.

[0008] According to the present invention, even if a problem occurs in one detection element, it can be prevented from affecting the detection of switch operation.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a switch device. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a switch. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a switch. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a magnet. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of magnets according to the operation of a switch. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of magnetic sensors. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the output of magnetic sensors. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the setting of a magnetic sensor group P in a fault determination process. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of magnetic sensors on a printed circuit board according to a modified example. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of magnetic sensors according to another modified example. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of magnetic sensors according to a comparative example.

[0010] An embodiment of the present invention will be described below using a switch device 1 used to specify a vehicle driving mode as an example. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the switch device 1. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the switch device 1. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a switch 5A portion of the switch device 1, taken along plane A in FIG. 1. For convenience of explanation, the following description will be made regarding the positional relationship of each component based on the vertical direction in FIG. 2. For example, when "upper side" is used, it means the upper side in the vertical direction in FIG. 2. Therefore, depending on the state of use of the switch device 1, even if a description is made of "a component located on the upper side," the component may be located diagonally above or below.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1 , the switch device 1 includes a total of four switches 5 (5A to 5D). The operated portion 51 of each switch 5 (5A to 5D) is exposed at the top of the case 2. A different function is assigned to each of the switches 5 (5A to 5D). As an example, if the switch device 1 is a switch device used to specify a vehicle's driving mode, functions such as parking (P), reverse driving (R), neutral (N), and forward driving (D) are assigned to each of the switches 5A to 5D. In the switch device 1, when one of the switches 5A to 5D is pressed, the function assigned to the pressed switch 5 is designated, and the previously designated function is terminated.

[0012] Switches 5A, 5B, 5C, and 5D all have the same basic configuration. Below, the configuration of switch 5A will be described as a representative of switches 5A, 5B, 5C, and 5D. As shown in FIG. 2 , cover 3, which covers the bottom opening of case 2, has a bottom wall portion 31 and a peripheral wall portion 32. Peripheral wall portion 32 surrounds the entire outer periphery of bottom wall portion 31. Cover 3 is attached to case 2 with screws (not shown) with peripheral wall portion 32 fitted into the bottom opening of case 2.

[0013] A support base 33 for a printed circuit board 35 is provided inside the peripheral wall portion 32. The printed circuit board 35 is placed on the upper end of the support base 33. A rubber member 9 made of an elastic material is placed on the printed circuit board 35. The movable body 6 is placed on a mounting portion 92 of the rubber member 9, which will be described later.

[0014] The switch 5A has an operated portion 51 that is operated by a user. The operated portion 51 has a pressed portion 510, a peripheral wall portion 511, and a connecting portion 512. The peripheral wall portion 511 is a cylindrical portion that surrounds the entire outer periphery of the pressed portion 510. The connecting portion 512 extends inside the peripheral wall portion 511 in the same direction as the peripheral wall portion 511. The tip side of the connecting portion 512 is inserted inside the peripheral wall portion 21 on the case 2 side.

[0015] The peripheral wall 21 is a cylindrical portion surrounding the through hole 20 on the case 2 side. The through hole 20 opens above the area of ​​the case 2 where the switches 5 (5A to 5D) are provided. The peripheral wall 21 extends linearly upward on the side opposite the printed circuit board 35. In the case 2, the peripheral wall 511 of the operated portion 51 is fitted onto the outside of the peripheral wall 21. Furthermore, in the case 2, the cylindrical wall 61 of the movable body 6 penetrates the inside of the peripheral wall 21 in the direction of the axis X. Here, the axis X is a straight line that is perpendicular to the surface 35a of the printed circuit board 35 and passes through the center of the pressed portion 510. Furthermore, the axis X is a straight line that lies along the displacement direction of the movable body 6 when the operated portion 51 is pressed.

[0016] The movable body 6 is supported by the peripheral wall portion 21 on the case 2 side so as to be movable in the direction of the axis X. In the movable body 6, the connecting portion 512 of the operated portion 51 is inserted into the inside of the cylindrical wall portion 61. An engagement hole 512a is provided at the tip side of the connecting portion 512. A protrusion 615 is engaged with the engagement hole 512a. The protrusion 615 protrudes inward (toward the axis X) from the inner periphery of the cylindrical wall portion 61. In this embodiment, the protrusion 615 on the movable body 6 engages with the engagement hole 512a, thereby connecting the operated portion 51 and the movable body 6. This allows the movable body 6 to be displaced in the direction of the axis X in conjunction with the pressing operation of the operated portion 51.

[0017] The cylindrical wall portion 61 of the movable body 6 is provided with contact portions 62, 62 at a lower portion on the opposite side of the operated portion 51 in the direction of the axis X. The contact portions 62, 62 bulge outward from the outer periphery of the cylindrical wall portion 61 in directions away from each other. The contact portions 62, 62 are placed on the mounting portion 92 of the rubber member 9.

[0018] The rubber member 9 has a base 91 and a mounting portion 92. The rubber member 9 is an integrated part made of a flexible elastic material such as rubber. The base 91 is a portion that is mounted on the printed circuit board 35. The mounting portion 92 is a portion that supports the movable body 6 so that it can be displaced in the direction of the axis X (the up and down direction in the figure). In the rubber member 9, a pair of mounting portions 92, 92 is assigned to one switch.

[0019] When an operating force directed toward the printed circuit board 35 is input to the movable body 6, the mounting portion 92 is displaced toward the printed circuit board 35 while deforming the support wall portion 922. The mounting portion 92 is displaced toward the printed circuit board 35 until the stopper portion 923 comes into contact with the printed circuit board 35. When the operating force acting on the movable body 6 is released, the restoring force of the support wall portion 922 displaces the mounting portion 92 in a direction away from the printed circuit board 35. The support wall portion 922 applies a biasing force to the movable body 6 in a direction that returns the movable body 6 placed on the mounting portion 92 to its initial position before displacement.

[0020] In this embodiment, the movable body 6, which displaces in the direction of the axis X in conjunction with the operation of the operated part 51, is placed on the mounting parts 92, 92, so that the user can feel the operation sensation (reaction force) when pressing the operated part 51.

[0021] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the switch device 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the magnet 10. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of the magnet 10 in the switch 5A. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of the magnetic sensors 7 (7A to 7C). FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the output of the magnetic sensor 7. Note that FIG. 3 is a diagram that schematically shows a cross section of the switch 5A portion taken along line A-A in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a diagram that schematically shows an enlarged view of the magnet 10 portion in FIG. 3, with magnetic field lines superimposed thereon.

[0022] FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which no operating force is acting on the operated portion 51 and the magnet 10 of the movable body 6 is located at the initial position Pa. FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which an operating force is acting on the operated portion 51 and the magnet 10 of the movable body 6 is located at an intermediate position Pb midway from the initial position Pa toward the operating position Pc. FIG. 5C is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which an operating force is acting on the operated portion 51 and the magnet 10 of the movable body 6 is located at the operating position Pc. FIG. 6A is a cross-section taken along line A-A in FIG. 3 and corresponds to a view of the printed circuit board 35 as seen from above. FIG. 6B is a schematic diagram showing a cross-section taken along line A-A in FIG. 6A. FIG. 7A is a diagram showing the change in output of the magnetic sensor 7 when the operated portion 51 is pressed down, in which the magnetic sensor 7 outputs the amount of downward magnetic force in FIG. 4 as a positive voltage value. (B) of Figure 7 shows the change in output of the magnetic sensor 7 when the operated portion 51 is pressed down, and is a diagram showing the case where the magnetic sensor 7 outputs the amount of upward magnetic force in Figure 4 as a positive voltage value.

[0023] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 6 , in this embodiment, the pressing operation of the operated portion 51 is detected by the magnet 10 provided on the movable body 6 and the magnetic sensors 7 (7A, 7B, 7C) on the printed circuit board 35. As shown in FIG. 3 , the movable body 6 is provided with a holder 612 for the magnet 10. The movable body 6 is provided with a cylindrical holder 612 at the lower part of the cylindrical wall portion 61. The holder 612 is provided across the cylindrical wall portion 61 in the radial direction of the axis X (left-right direction in the figure). The holder 612 is provided with an opening facing in the direction perpendicular to the axis X (the direction along the surface 35 a of the printed circuit board 35). The magnet 10 supported by the yoke 11 is fitted and attached to the holder 612.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 4 , the magnet 10 is a rod-shaped magnet with its north and south poles aligned in series perpendicular to the axis X (first axis). As an example, the magnet 10 is fabricated by unidirectional magnetization using Helmholtz coils. In this embodiment, the magnet 10 is sandwiched between a band-shaped yoke 11 and supported by a holder 612. The yoke 11 is made of a magnetic material such as iron. The yoke 11 has a first yoke portion 111 that covers one side surface 10c of the magnet 10 in the direction of the axis X, and a second yoke portion 112 that covers the other side surface 10d of the magnet 10 in the direction of the axis X. The first yoke portion 111 and the second yoke portion 112 completely cover the sides 10c and 10d of the magnet 10, respectively. The ends of the first yoke portion 111 and the second yoke portion 112 on the south pole side (left side in the figure) are connected by a third yoke portion 113. The side surface 10 b of the magnet 10 on the south pole side is covered by the third yoke portion 113 .

[0025] In this embodiment, the magnet 10 is supported by the yoke 11 in the following procedure: (a) The magnet 10 is placed on the yoke 11 so that the north pole side 10a of the magnet 10 is approximately flush with one end 11a of the band-shaped yoke 11; (b) The yoke 11 is bent so that it encases the magnet 10; (c) One end 11a and the other end 11b of the yoke 11 are flush with the north pole side 10a of the magnet 10. This allows the magnet 10 to be supported by the yoke 11 with the south pole side 10b covered by the yoke 11. As shown in FIG. 3 , when the yoke 11 is attached to the holder 612 on the movable body 6 side, the magnet 10 is oriented with the alignment direction of the north and south poles aligned along the direction perpendicular to the axis X (the left-right direction in the figure). 4, the magnet 10 is arranged with its south pole facing the axis X (left side in the figure) and its north pole facing the opposite side of the axis X (right side in the figure). Note that the magnet 10 may also be arranged with its north pole facing the axis X (left side in the figure) and its south pole facing the opposite side of the axis X (right side in the figure).

[0026] 4, in this state, magnetic field lines L directed from the north pole to the right side in the figure (opposite the south pole) split into field lines L directed toward the first yoke portion 111 on one side and field lines L directed toward the second yoke portion 112 on the other side, and then pass through the yoke 11 to reach the south pole. Because the yokes (first yoke portion 111, second yoke portion 112) are located on both sides of the north pole in the direction of axis X, the magnetic field lines L take different directions on either side of the north pole, with the approximate center of magnet 10 in the direction of axis X as the boundary. For example, if we define a center line C that passes through the midpoint of magnet 10 in the direction of axis X, the magnetic field lines L will be upward above center line C and downward below center line C.

[0027] In switch 5A, when operated portion 51 is operated, magnet 10 is displaced from initial position Pa shown in Fig. 5A, through intermediate position Pb shown in Fig. 5B, to operating position Pc shown in Fig. 5C. Accordingly, the amount of magnetic force detected by magnetic sensors 7 (7A to 7C) on printed circuit board 35 changes depending on the positional relationship between magnetic sensors 7 (7A to 7C) and magnet 10. In this embodiment, a sensor that outputs a voltage value corresponding to the detected amount of magnetic force is used as magnetic sensor 7, and operation of operated portion 51 can be detected from a change in the output voltage of magnetic sensor 7.

[0028] The magnetic sensor 7 used in this embodiment is an element that detects changes in the magnetic force of the magnet 10 due to displacement of the movable body 6. As an example, the magnetic sensors 7 (7A to 7C) are Hall ICs (detection elements). The magnetic sensors 7 and the printed circuit board 35 on which the magnetic sensors 7 are surface-mounted are positioned so as to overlap the displacement range of the magnet 10 when viewed radially from the axis X. The multiple magnetic sensors 7 (7A, 7B, 7C) are aligned in the axis X direction. As shown in FIG. 6 , three magnetic sensors 7 (7A to 7C) are provided for each magnet 10. In this embodiment, each of the four switches 5 (5A to 5D) has one magnet 10. Therefore, three magnetic sensors 7 (7A to 7C) are provided for each switch 5 (5A to 5D). Each of the magnetic sensors 7 (7A to 7C) has its detection surface 7a positioned on a straight line L35 that is parallel to one surface 35a and the other surface 35b in the thickness direction of the printed circuit board 35 (see FIG. 3). Here, the surfaces (surfaces 35a and 35B) of the printed circuit board 35 are also surfaces that are perpendicular to the axis X that runs along the displacement direction of the magnet 10.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 6A , the printed circuit board 35 has a recess 36. The recess 36 is formed by cutting out a portion of the printed circuit board 35. When viewed from above, the recess 36 has a generally rectangular shape including a first side edge 361, a second side edge 362, and a third side edge 363. The first side edge 361 and the second side edge 362 are parallel to each other. The first side edge 361 and the second side edge 362 are perpendicular to the side edge 351 of the printed circuit board 35. The ends of the first side edge 361 and the second side edge 362 are connected to each other at the third side edge 363. The third side edge 363 is parallel to the side edge 351 of the printed circuit board 35. The recess 36 is formed to a size that allows the holder 612 on the movable body 6 to pass through.

[0030] As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B , magnetic sensors 7 (7A, 7B, and 7C) are disposed on the printed circuit board 35, to the sides of the north pole of the magnet 10. Magnetic sensor 7A faces the north pole of the magnet 10 near the first side edge 361, with a distance W7 between them. Magnetic sensor 7B faces the north pole of the magnet 10 near the second side edge 362, with a distance W7 between them. Magnetic sensors 7A and 7B are positioned symmetrically across the center line C36 of the recess 36 in the width direction. Magnetic sensors 7A and 7B each face the north pole of the magnet 10 in a direction perpendicular to the center line C36 (the up-down direction in the figure). Magnetic sensor 7C faces the north pole of the magnet 10 near the third side edge 363, with a distance W7 between them. The magnetic sensor 7C is provided in a range that crosses the center line C36 in the width direction (vertical direction in the figure) of the recess 36. The magnetic sensor 7C faces the north pole of the magnet 10 in the direction of the center line C36 (horizontal direction in the figure).

[0031] In this embodiment, the magnetic sensors 7A and 7B are sensors that output the amount of the upward magnetic force as a positive voltage value (positive value), and the magnetic sensor 7C is a sensor that outputs the amount of the downward magnetic force as a positive voltage value (positive value).

[0032] As shown in Fig. 6A, an MCU 39 serving as a control device is mounted on a printed circuit board 35. Each of the magnetic sensors 7 (7A, 7B, 7C) is connected to terminals 39a, 39b, 39c of the MCU 39 via wiring 37 (37a, 37b, 37c) on the printed circuit board 35. Although not shown in Fig. 6A, wiring extending from the magnetic sensors 7 (7A, 7B, 7C) of the other switches 5B, 5C, 5D is connected to other terminals of the MCU 39. The output voltages (output signals) of the magnetic sensors 7 (7A, 7B, 7C) of the switches 5 (5A to 5D) are input to the MCU 39.

[0033] The MCU 39 performs a process (operation determination process) to determine whether or not each switch 5 (5A to 5D) has been operated based on the output voltage of the magnetic sensor 7 (7A, 7B, 7C) of each switch 5 (5A to 5D). Furthermore, the MCU 39 performs a process (obstacle determination process) to determine whether or not there is a problem with the magnetic sensor 7 (7A, 7B, 7C) based on the output signal of the magnetic sensor 7 (7A, 7B, 7C).

[0034] As described above, in the switch device 1 of this embodiment, when the operated portion 51 is pressed, the magnet 10 attached to the movable body 6 is displaced downward toward the printed circuit board 35 along the X-axis. In the switch device 1, the magnetic force component in the direction perpendicular to the printed circuit board 35 (the X-axis) changes in response to a change in the relative positional relationship between the magnet 10 and the magnetic sensors 7 (7A-7C) as the magnet 10 is displaced. The magnetic sensors 7 (7A-7C) detect the magnetic force component in the direction perpendicular to the printed circuit board 35 (the X-axis) and output, for example, a voltage value determined according to the magnitude of the detected magnetic force. The magnetic sensors 7 (7A-7C) may be latching Hall sensor ICs that output a digital signal according to the magnitude of the detected magnetic force. The switch device 1 determines whether the switch is operated based on a change in the output voltage of the magnetic sensors 7 (7A-7C). Specifically, the output voltage of the magnetic sensors 7 (7A to 7C) is input to the MCU 39, and the MCU 39 processes the output voltage to determine whether or not the switch has been operated.

[0035] Here, the change in output voltage of the magnetic sensors 7 (7A to 7C) that occurs when the operated portion 51 is pressed will be described using the magnetic sensor 7C as an example.

[0036] As shown in Fig. 3, when operated portion 51 is pressed downward toward printed circuit board 35, magnet 10 is displaced downward toward printed circuit board 35 from initial position Pa shown in Fig. 5A, via intermediate position Pb shown in Fig. 5B, and finally reaches operating position Pc shown in Fig. 5B. Then, as magnet 10 displaces from initial position Pa to operating position Pc, the relative positional relationship between magnet 10 and magnetic sensor 7 changes, and the amount of magnetic force detected by magnetic sensor 7 changes.

[0037] When the magnet 10 is in the initial position Pa, the magnetic sensor 7C detects a downward magnetic force. When the magnet 10 is displaced from the initial position Pa toward the operating position Pc, the amount of magnetic force detected by the magnetic sensor 7C decreases in proportion to the amount of displacement. Then, at the timing when the magnet 10 crosses the center line C (intermediate position Pb in FIG. 5B), the direction of the detected magnetic force reverses from downward to upward. Thereafter, the amount of detected upward magnetic force increases in proportion to the amount of operation.

[0038] Here, the magnetic sensor 7C outputs the amount of downward magnetic force as, for example, a positive voltage value (positive value). Therefore, as shown in Fig. 7A, the output voltage of the magnetic sensor 7C decreases as the amount of operation in the direction of pressing down the operated unit 51 increases. In other words, the output voltage of the magnetic sensor 7C decreases as the magnet 10 moves from the initial position Pa (see Fig. 5A) to the operated position Pc (see Fig. 5C).

[0039] Then, at the timing when the center line C and the magnetic sensor 7C intersect (middle position Pb in FIG. 5B), the output voltage becomes zero (=V0) and continues to decrease thereafter. As an example, in the case of the magnetic sensor 7C of this embodiment, when the output voltage of the magnetic sensor 7C becomes zero (=V0), the MCU 39, which is a control device provided in the switch device 1, determines that the switch 5A has been turned on.

[0040] On the other hand, magnetic sensors 7A and 7B output the amount of upward magnetic force as a positive voltage value. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 5B, the output voltage of magnetic sensor 7 increases as the amount of operation in the direction of pressing down on operated unit 51 increases. In other words, as magnet 10 moves from initial position Pa (see Fig. 5A) to operating position Pc (see Fig. 5B), the output voltage of magnetic sensors 7A and 7B decreases.

[0041] Then, at the timing when it intersects with the center line C (middle position Pb in FIG. 5B), the output voltage becomes zero (=V0), and the output voltage continues to increase thereafter. As an example, in the case of the magnetic sensors 7A and 7B of this embodiment, when the output voltages of the magnetic sensors 7A and 7B become zero (=V0), the MCU 39, which is a control device provided in the switch device 1, determines that the switch 5A has been turned on.

[0042] The output voltages of the three magnetic sensors 7 (7A, 7B, 7C) are input to the MCU 39. In this embodiment, prior to the operation determination process, the MCU 39 performs a trouble determination process based on the output voltages of the magnetic sensors 7 (7A, 7B, 7C). Here, a "trouble" in the magnetic sensors 7 (7A, 7B, 7C) includes not only a simple malfunction of the magnetic sensors 7 but also a trouble in which the output signal (output voltage) of the magnetic sensors 7 input to the MCU 39 is not an expected output signal, such as a short circuit in the wiring 37 (37a, 37b, 37c) connecting the magnetic sensors 7 (7A, 7B, 7C) to the MCU 39 (described later).

[0043] 8 is a diagram illustrating the setting of the magnetic sensor group P in the interference determination process. In the interference determination process, the MCU 39 sets a magnetic sensor group P (detection element group) consisting of a pair of magnetic sensors in the three magnetic sensors 7A, 7B, and 7C. In the case of FIG. 8, as an example, two sensor groups are set: a first sensor group P1 (detection element group) consisting of the magnetic sensor 7A and the magnetic sensor 7C, and a second sensor group P2 (detection element group) consisting of the magnetic sensor 7B and the magnetic sensor 7C.

[0044] The MCU 39 compares the output voltage of the magnetic sensor 7A included in the first sensor group P1 with the output voltage of the magnetic sensor 7C, and also compares the output voltage of the magnetic sensor 7B included in the second sensor group P2 with the output voltage of the magnetic sensor 7C. Here, the magnetic sensors 7A and 7C detect magnetic forces in opposite directions, and the magnetic sensors 7B and 7C detect magnetic forces in opposite directions. Therefore, when the magnetic sensors 7A and 7C are not malfunctioning, the calculated difference ΔV between the output voltage of the magnetic sensor 7A and the output voltage of the magnetic sensor 7C is calculated, and the calculated difference ΔV is close to zero (= 0).

[0045] As an example, in this embodiment, if the calculated difference ΔV exceeds the threshold value Th (ΔV > Th), it is determined that a problem exists in one of the magnetic sensors 7A and 7C. If the calculated difference ΔV is equal to or less than the threshold value Th (ΔV ≦ Th), it is determined that neither the magnetic sensor 7A nor the magnetic sensor 7C exists. As described above, the magnetic forces detected by the magnetic sensors 7A and 7C are in opposite directions. Therefore, if neither the magnetic sensor 7A nor the magnetic sensor 7C exists, the waveforms of the output voltages of the magnetic sensors 7A and 7C will be symmetrical across zero (= V0) (see FIGS. 7A and 7B). Therefore, the presence or absence of a problem can be determined by comparing the calculated difference ΔV with the threshold value Th.

[0046] Similarly, for the magnetic sensors 7B and 7C, the calculated difference ΔV is compared with the threshold value Th to check whether or not there is a problem.

[0047] If there is no problem with either the magnetic sensors (7A and 7C) included in the first sensor group P1 or the magnetic sensors (7B and 7C) included in the second sensor group P2, the MCU 39 determines that there is no problem with the magnetic sensors 7 (7A to 7C). The MCU 39 then performs an operation determination process to determine whether or not the switch 5A (operated unit 51) has been pressed based on the output signals of the magnetic sensors 7 (7A to 7C). For example, the MCU 39 determines that the switch 5A (operated unit 51) has been pressed if the output voltage of the magnetic sensors 7 (7A to 7C) crosses zero (=V0).

[0048] When a malfunction occurs in at least one of the magnetic sensors (magnetic sensors 7A, 7C) included in the first sensor group P1 and the magnetic sensors (magnetic sensors 7B, 7C) included in the second sensor group P2, the MCU 39 performs an operation determination process based on the output voltages of the other magnetic sensors excluding the magnetic sensor with the malfunction, and determines whether or not the switch 5A (operated part 51) has been pressed.

[0049] Here, if the comparison result of the magnetic sensors included in the first sensor group P1 (magnetic sensors 7A and 7B) indicates a "problem," but the comparison result of the magnetic sensors included in the second sensor group P2 (magnetic sensors 7B and 7C) does not indicate a "problem," it is determined that a problem has occurred in the magnetic sensor 7A included in the first sensor group P1. This is because the magnetic sensor 7C is included in both the first sensor group P1 and the second sensor group P2, and therefore it can be confirmed from the determination result of the second sensor group P2 that no problem has occurred in the magnetic sensor 7B.

[0050] Furthermore, if the comparison result of the magnetic sensors included in the first sensor set P1 (magnetic sensors 7A and 7C) indicates a "problem," and the comparison result of the magnetic sensors included in the second sensor set P2 (magnetic sensors 7B and 7C) indicates a "problem," it is determined that a problem has occurred in magnetic sensor 7C, because magnetic sensor 7C is included in both the first sensor set P1 and the second sensor set P2.

[0051] In this case, a third sensor group P3 including magnetic sensor 7A and magnetic sensor 7B may be newly set up, and after confirming that no "problem" is found in the comparison results of the magnetic sensors (magnetic sensors 7A, 7B) included in the set third sensor group P3, it may be determined that there is a "problem" with magnetic sensor 7C.

[0052] Incidentally, if the comparison results of the magnetic sensors included in the first sensor group P1 (magnetic sensors 7A, 7C) do not indicate a "problem," but the comparison results of the magnetic sensors included in the second sensor group P2 (magnetic sensors 7B, 7C) indicate a "problem," it is determined that a problem has occurred in the magnetic sensor 7B included in the second sensor group P2.

[0053] In this way, if no problem is detected in any of the magnetic sensors 7 (7A to 7C), the MCU 39 determines whether or not the switch 5A (operated portion 51) has been pressed based on the output voltages of the magnetic sensors 7 (7A to 7C). If a problem is detected in any of the magnetic sensors 7 (7A to 7C), the magnetic sensor in question can be identified by making a judgment using the combination of the output signals of the magnetic sensors 7 (7A to 7C), and the MCU 39 then determines whether or not the switch has been operated based on the output signals of the remaining magnetic sensors 7 that are not experiencing any problems. This allows the MCU 39 to appropriately determine whether or not the switch has been operated.

[0054] FIG. 11 illustrates the arrangement of a magnetic sensor 7' according to a comparative example. In this embodiment, the magnetic sensor 7 is surface-mounted on a printed circuit board 35. It is also possible to detect changes in the magnetic force of the magnet 10 using a magnetic sensor 7' with terminals 72, as shown in FIG. 11 . In this case, the main body 71 of the magnetic sensor 7', which serves as the detection unit, may be positioned above the printed circuit board 35, spaced a height h7 from the printed circuit board 35. In this case, unless the height h7 from the printed circuit board 35 and the distance between the detection surface 7a and the magnet 10' are strictly controlled, an unexpected deviation may occur in the output signal of the magnetic sensor 7'. Therefore, if three magnetic sensors 7' are provided for one magnet 10', it may be possible to provide a support 75 for supporting the three magnetic sensors 7', for example, to strictly control the height h7 and the distance between the main body 71 and the magnet 10'.

[0055] In this embodiment, the magnetic sensors 7 are surface-mounted on the printed circuit board 35, and therefore the multiple magnetic sensors 7 are positioned in the axial X direction with reference to the printed circuit board 35. This eliminates the need for a separate common support 75, as is the case with the magnetic sensor 7'. Therefore, compared to the magnetic sensor 7', the number of components is reduced, and thus manufacturing costs can be expected to be reduced. Furthermore, because the magnetic sensors 7 are surface-mounted on the printed circuit board 35, positioning the multiple magnetic sensors 7 in the axial X direction is easier than in the case of the magnetic sensor 7'. Here, it is preferable to use a rigid board with a non-flexible insulating material as the printed circuit board 35. This is because using a flexible board with a flexible insulating material as the base makes it difficult to position the multiple magnetic sensors 7 in the axial X direction.

[0056] [Modification] Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of magnetic sensors 8 (8A, 8B, 8C) on a printed circuit board 35A according to a modification. Figure 9(A) is a diagram of the printed circuit board 35A viewed from above on the operated portion 51 side, and corresponds to a cross-sectional view of the magnet 10. Figure 9(B) is a schematic cross-sectional view of the printed circuit board 35A taken along line ABCD in Figure 9(A).

[0057] In the above-described embodiment, a magnetic sensor (positive characteristic magnetic sensor) that detects upward magnetic force and outputs the amount of upward magnetic force as a positive voltage value, and a magnetic sensor (negative characteristic magnetic sensor) that detects downward magnetic force and outputs the amount of downward magnetic force as a positive voltage value are used. Instead of these two types of magnetic sensors with different output characteristics, one type of magnetic sensor 8 (8A, 8B, 8C) with the same output characteristic may be used to determine whether or not the switch 5A (operated portion 51) has been pressed.

[0058] In this modified example, the three magnetic sensors 8 (8A, 8B, 8C) are arranged by utilizing the thickness of the printed circuit board 35A, which differs from the configuration of the above-described embodiment in which the three magnetic sensors 7 (7A, 7B, 7C) are mounted on the surface of the printed circuit board 35.

[0059] The magnetic sensors 8 (8A, 8B, 8C) used in the modified example are identical components each having a detection surface 8a for detecting magnetic force. The magnetic sensors 8 have the detection surface 8a on the front surface 81 side when viewed from a line C8 passing through the center of the thickness direction of the magnetic sensor 8 (the vertical direction in FIG. 9B ). Therefore, the distance L81 from the detection surface 8a to the front surface is longer than the distance L82 from the detection surface 8a to the back surface 82. The detection surface 8a of the magnetic sensors 8 (8A, 8B, 8C) detects magnetic force in the thickness direction of the magnetic sensor 8 (the vertical direction in the figure). The magnetic sensors 8 (8A, 8B, 8C) output different voltage values ​​depending on the direction and magnitude of the magnetic force detected by the detection surface 8a. In this modified example, in order to perform the above-mentioned fault detection process based on the output voltage of the magnetic sensors 8 (8A, 8B, 8C), the printed circuit board 35 is provided with magnetic sensors 8A and 8B with their detection surfaces 8a (front surface 81 side) facing upward, and a magnetic sensor 8 with its detection surface 8a (front surface 81 side) facing downward.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 9A , magnetic sensors 8 (8A, 8B, 8C) are arranged on the printed circuit board 35A to the side of the north pole of the magnet 10. The magnetic sensor 8A faces the north pole of the magnet 10 at a distance W8 near the first side edge 361. The magnetic sensor 8B faces the north pole of the magnet 10 at a distance W8 near the second side edge 362. The magnetic sensor 8C faces the north pole of the magnet 10 at a distance W8 near the third side edge 363. The arrangement of the magnetic sensors 8 (8A, 8B, 8C) in a plan view is the same as the arrangement of the magnetic sensors 7 (7A, 7B, 7C) described above (see FIG. 6 ).

[0061] Here, if the magnetic sensors 8 (8A, 8B, 8C) are simply surface-mounted on the surface of the printed circuit board 35A, the detection surfaces 8a of the magnetic sensors 8A and 8B and the detection surface 8a of the magnetic sensor 8C will be located at different height positions in the thickness direction of the printed circuit board 35A (the up-down direction in FIG. 9B ). This causes variations in the output voltages of the magnetic sensors 8 (8A, 8B, 8C) due to the different height positions.

[0062] In the printed circuit board 35A according to the modified example, accommodation holes 38 (38A, 38B, 38C) are provided in the printed circuit board 35A to align the heights of the detection surfaces 8a of the magnetic sensors 8 (8A, 8B, 8C). The accommodation holes 38A and 38B are blind holes that open to one surface 35a in the thickness direction of the printed circuit board 35. The accommodation hole 38C is a blind hole that opens to the other surface 35b in the thickness direction of the printed circuit board 35. The magnetic sensors 8A and 8B are accommodated in the accommodation holes 38A and 38B with their detection surfaces 8a facing the other surface 35b of the printed circuit board 35 (upper side in the figure). The magnetic sensor 8C is accommodated in the accommodation hole 38C with their detection surface 8a facing the one surface 35a of the printed circuit board 35 (lower side in the figure).

[0063] In this modification, the depth D38 of the accommodation holes 38 (38A, 38B, 38C) is set to satisfy the following conditions: (a) The detection surfaces 8a of the magnetic sensors 8 (8A, 8B, 8C) accommodated in the accommodation holes 38 (38A, 38B, 38C) are aligned at the same height in a cross-sectional view. In the case of FIG. 9B, the detection surfaces 8a of the magnetic sensors 8 (8A, 8B, 8C) are located on a line L35 parallel to the surfaces 35a and 35b of the printed circuit board 35A. The line L35 is a line perpendicular to the axis X along the displacement direction of the magnet 10. As a result, for example, the output voltages of the magnetic sensors 8A and 8B have the waveform shown in FIG. 7B, and the output voltage of the magnetic sensor 8C has the waveform shown in FIG. 7A. The waveforms shown in FIG. 7A and FIG. 7C are symmetrical with respect to zero (=V0). Therefore, the trouble determination process can be performed by simply comparing the output voltages. Note that the trouble determination process and the operation determination process in the modified example are the same as those in the embodiment described above, and therefore will not be described here.

[0064] In the above-described embodiment, two magnetic sensors 7A and 7B detect an upward magnetic force and one magnetic sensor 7C detects a downward magnetic force. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. As long as a pair of magnetic sensors that detect magnetic forces in opposite directions is included, the number and combination of magnetic sensors that detect upward and downward magnetic forces can be set as desired. Also, in FIG. 6 , the magnetic sensors that detect upward magnetic forces are designated as magnetic sensors 7A and 7B, and the magnetic sensor that detects downward magnetic forces is designated as magnetic sensor 7C. However, the positional relationship of these sensors is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 6 . For example, the magnetic sensor that detects downward magnetic forces can be designated as the magnetic sensor indicated by reference numeral 7A, and the magnetic sensors that detect upward magnetic forces can be designated as the magnetic sensors indicated by reference numerals 7B and 7C. Such changes can be made as appropriate within the scope of the interference determination process.

[0065] In the above-described embodiment, an example was given in which three magnetic sensors 7 are assigned to one switch. However, two, four, or more magnetic sensors 7 may be assigned to one switch. In the case of two, one magnetic sensor is provided to detect upward magnetic force and one magnetic sensor is provided to detect downward magnetic force. In the case of four or more, the direction in which at least one magnetic sensor detects magnetic force may be opposite to the direction in which the other magnetic sensors detect magnetic force.

[0066] In the above-described embodiment, when performing the fault determination process, the MCU 39 sets multiple magnetic sensor groups P (detection element groups) each consisting of a pair of magnetic sensors for the three magnetic sensors 7A, 7B, and 7C. For example, if there are multiple magnetic sensors, a single sensor group Px consisting of a pair of magnetic sensors may be set first. If it is determined that a magnetic sensor included in the set sensor group is faulty, a new sensor group Py may be set including one magnetic sensor included in the sensor group Px and another magnetic sensor, and the presence or absence of a fault may be determined for the magnetic sensors included in the new sensor group Py. This also makes it possible to identify the faulty magnetic sensor, and therefore, the presence or absence of sensor operation can be determined based on the output voltage of the non-faulty magnetic sensor.

[0067] In the above-described embodiment and Modification 1, the case where the multiple magnetic sensors 7 (7A, 7B, 7C) and 8 (8A, 8B, 8C) are provided on a common printed circuit board 35 has been exemplified. The arrangement of the magnetic sensors 7 (7A, 7B, 7C) and 8 (8A, 8B, 8C) is not limited to this example. For example, the magnetic sensors 7 (7A, 7B, 7C) and 8 (8A, 8B, 8C) may be surface-mounted on multiple printed circuit boards on the same plane. In this case, when viewed radially from the axis X, the magnetic sensors 7 (7A, 7B, 7C) and 8 (8A, 8B, 8C) may be arranged in positions that overlap the displacement range of the magnet 10 and are aligned in the direction of the axis X.

[0068] [Modification 2] Fig. 10 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of magnetic sensors 7 (7A, 7B, 7C) according to Modification 2. In the embodiment described above, a recess 36 through which the magnet 10 can pass is provided in the printed circuit board 35, and multiple magnetic sensors 7 (7A, 7B, 7C) are provided around the recess 36 (see Fig. 6). The arrangement of the magnetic sensors 7 (7A, 7B, 7C) is not limited to this example. For example, as shown in Fig. 10, if the printed circuit board 35 does not have a recess 36, the magnetic sensors 7 (7A, 7B, 7C) may be arranged along a linear side edge 351 of the printed circuit board 35. In this case, in order to enable all of the magnetic sensors 7 (7A, 7B, 7C) to detect magnetic force, the length L10 in the longitudinal direction (vertical direction in the drawing) of the side edge 351 of the magnet 10 is longer than in the case of the printed circuit board 35 shown in Fig. 6, but it is still possible to appropriately determine whether or not the switch 5A (operated portion 51) has been pressed. Note that in the case of Fig. 10, the magnetic sensors 8 (8A, 8B, C) shown in the above-mentioned modified example 1 may also be used.

[0069] In the above-described embodiment and modified example, three magnetic sensors 7 and three magnetic sensors 8 are surface-mounted on the printed circuit board 35. The total number of magnetic sensors 7 and 8 surface-mounted on the printed circuit board 35 may be two. In this case, if a problem occurs with one of the magnetic sensors 7 and 8, it is not possible to identify which magnetic sensor is affected, but the total number of magnetic sensors surface-mounted on the printed circuit board 35 can be the minimum number necessary to detect operation. In such a case, an increase in the number of components can be suppressed, which is expected to contribute to a reduction in the manufacturing cost of the switch device 1.

[0070] As described above, the switch device 1 according to the embodiment has the following configuration: (1) The switch device 1 has a magnet 10 that is displaced in the direction of the axis X (first axis) in response to the operation of the operated portion 51, and a plurality of magnetic sensors 7 (7A, 7B, 7C) (detection elements) surface-mounted on one printed circuit board 35 or on a plurality of printed circuit boards on the same plane. In the switch device 1, the displacement of the magnet 10 in the direction of the axis X is detected by the plurality of magnetic sensors 7 (7A, 7B, 7C).

[0071] With this configuration, even if a problem occurs with one of the magnetic sensors 7 (7A, 7B, 7C) that serve as the detection means, it is possible to continue detecting whether or not the operated portion 51 is being pressed. Furthermore, since the magnetic sensors 7 are surface-mounted on the printed circuit board 35, the positioning of the multiple magnetic sensors 7 in the direction of the axis X is determined based on the printed circuit board 35. This eliminates the need to separately prepare a common support 75, as in the case of the leg-mounted magnetic sensor 7' shown in FIG. 11. Therefore, compared to the magnetic sensor 7', the number of parts is reduced, and thus manufacturing costs can be expected to be reduced. Furthermore, compared to the magnetic sensor 7', it is easier to position the multiple magnetic sensors 7 in the direction of the axis X.

[0072] (2) In (1) above, each of the multiple magnetic sensors 7 (7A, 7B, 7C) (detection elements) surface-mounted on the printed circuit board 35 is oriented so that the detection surface 7a of the magnetic sensor 7 is aligned with the surface (surfaces 35a, 35b) of the printed circuit board 35.

[0073] This configuration effectively prevents the following problems that can occur when using a legged magnetic sensor 7' (see FIG. 11 ) with terminals 72 extending from the main body 71: (a) the magnetic sensor 7' is mounted at an angle relative to the surface (surface 35a) of the printed circuit board 35; and (b) variations in the height of the magnetic sensor 7' (detection element) due to variations in the fixing locations of the terminals 72 and the insertion holes 350 (through holes) provided in the printed circuit board 35. This reduces the possibility of generating unexpected output signals due to variations in tilt or height, even when the magnetic sensor is normal. This reduces the possibility of affecting the continuation of switch operation or the detection of a malfunction. Furthermore, compared to when the legged magnetic sensor 7' is surface-mounted on the printed circuit board 35, careful attention must be paid to variations in tilt and height when installing the sensor. Therefore, the manufacturing process for the switch device 1 requires more work than when the sensor is surface-mounted on the printed circuit board 35. Therefore, when the device is surface mounted on the printed circuit board 35, a reduction in manufacturing costs can be expected.

[0074] (3) In the above (1), when viewed from the radial direction of the axis X, the printed circuit board 35 is provided at a position overlapping the displacement range of the magnet 10. The multiple magnetic sensors 7 (7A, 7B, 7C) are arranged with their positions aligned in the direction of the axis X.

[0075] With this configuration, multiple magnetic sensors 7, which are detection elements, are surface-mounted on a single substrate or multiple substrates on the same plane, ensuring the positional stability of each detection element. For example, in the case of a detection element with legs, a holder for positioning the detection element is required to ensure the positional stability of the detection element. By surface-mounting the detection element on the substrate, the positional stability of the detection element can be ensured without the need for a separate component such as a holder.

[0076] (4) In any one of (1) to (3) above, the printed circuit board 35 has a recess 36 through which the magnet 10 can pass, and the multiple magnetic sensors 7 (7A, 7B, 7C) are arranged around the recess 36.

[0077] When detecting the displacement of magnet 10 using multiple magnetic sensors 7 (7A, 7B, 7C), the size of magnet 10 needs to be increased so that the magnetic sensor located farthest from magnet 10 can detect the magnetic force of magnet 10. With the above configuration, magnetic sensors 7 (7A, 7B, 7C) can be arranged to surround magnet 10 when viewed from the direction of axis X, thereby shortening the distance from magnet 10 to each magnetic sensor 7 (7A, 7B, 7C). This makes it possible to suppress the increase in size of magnet 10 when detecting the displacement of one magnet 10 using multiple magnetic sensors 7 (7A, 7B, 7C).

[0078] (5) In any one of the above (1) to (3), there are at least three magnetic sensors 7 (7A, 7B, 7C). The three magnetic sensors 7 (7A, 7B, 7C) include a magnetic sensor 7C that outputs an output voltage that is inverted relative to the output voltages of the other magnetic sensors 7A and 7B.

[0079] With this configuration, it is possible to avoid the need to surface mount the magnetic sensor on the printed circuit board 35 while checking its orientation in order to change the direction of detection of the magnetic lines of force.

[0080] (6) In any one of the above (1) to (3), the total number of magnetic sensors is three (magnetic sensors 8A, 8B, 8C). The magnetic sensors 8A, 8B, 8C include magnetic sensors 7A and 7B that detect the magnetic field lines of the magnet 10 in one axial direction, and magnetic sensor 7C that detects the magnetic field lines in the other axial direction.

[0081] With this configuration, the magnetic sensor includes a magnetic sensor with its detection surface 8 a facing one side and a magnetic sensor with its detection surface 8 a facing the other side. For example, if the magnetic sensor 8 is designed to output a voltage according to the direction and amount of the detected magnetic force, a comparison of the outputs of the magnetic sensors 7 can detect a short circuit between the outputs of the two detection elements or a voltage offset failure due to the same cause.

[0082] (7) In the above (6), each of the magnetic sensors 8 (8A, 8B, 8C) is provided by utilizing the thickness of the printed circuit board 35. The magnetic sensors 8 (8A, 8B, 8C) are provided with the detection surfaces 8a aligned in the direction of the axis X.

[0083] If the positions of the detection surfaces 8 a of the magnetic sensors 8 (8A, 8B, 8C) are different, differences in the output voltages of the magnetic sensors 8 (8A, 8B, 8C) will occur even if the distances between the magnet 10 and the magnetic sensors 8 (8A, 8B, 8C) are the same as viewed from the axis X direction. Therefore, the MCU 39 to which the outputs of the magnetic sensors 8 (8A, 8B, 8C) are input must adjust the output voltages of the magnetic sensors 8 (8A, 8B, 8C) so that they are comparable. With the above configuration, adjustment of the output voltages of the magnetic sensors 8 (8A, 8B, 8C) can be omitted or simplified, which is expected to reduce the processing load on the MCU 39 as a control device.

[0084] (8) In any one of (1) to (7) above, the magnet 10 is a rod-shaped magnet with its north and south poles aligned in series in a direction perpendicular to the axis X. The yoke 11 supporting the magnet 10 has: a first yoke portion 111 covering one side surface 10c (face) of the magnet 10 in the direction of the axis X; a second yoke portion 112 covering the other side surface 10d (face) of the magnet 10 in the direction of the axis X; and a third yoke portion 113 covering the side surface on one end side of the magnet 10 in the direction perpendicular to the axis X. The yoke 11 is a single component in which the first yoke portion 111, the second yoke portion 112, and the third yoke portion 113 are connected together.

[0085] With this configuration, a band-shaped yoke 11 is prepared and bent so as to sandwich the magnet 10, thereby making it possible to hold the magnet 10 in the yoke 11. This makes it easier to set the combination of the magnet 10 and the yoke 11 on the movable body 6 on the operated portion 51 side than when the magnet 10 and the yoke 11 are separate parts.

[0086] (I) In (8) above, the magnet 10 is produced by unidirectional magnetization using Helmholtz coils.

[0087] With this configuration, the magnet 10 can be manufactured inexpensively, and therefore the manufacturing cost of the switch device 1 can be expected to be reduced.

[0088] (II) In any one of the above (1) to (8) and (I), the switch device 1 includes a plurality of switches 5 (5A to 5D) to which different functions are assigned. The switch device 1 is a switch device used to specify a driving mode of a vehicle.

[0089] With this configuration, it is possible to provide a highly reliable switch device that is less susceptible to the influence of the output voltage of a faulty magnetic sensor.

[0090] Although the embodiments and modifications of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these and can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the technical concept of the invention.

[0091] 1: Switch device 5 (5A to 5D): Switch 6: Movable body 7 (7A to 7C), 7': Magnetic sensor 8 (8A to 8C): Magnetic sensor 7a, 8a: Detection surface 10: Magnet 11: Yoke 111: First yoke portion 112: Second yoke portion 113: Third yoke portion 35, 35A: Printed circuit board 36: Recess 37: Wiring 38 (38A to 38C): Accommodation hole 39: MCU 51: Operated portion L: Magnetic field lines Pa: Initial position Pb: Initial position X: Axis

Claims

1. A switch device comprising: a magnet that displaces in a first axial direction in response to the operation of an operated part; and a plurality of detection elements surface-mounted on a single board or on multiple boards on the same plane, wherein the displacement of the magnet in the first axial direction is detected by the plurality of detection elements.

2. A switch device according to claim 1, wherein each of the detection elements mounted on the surface of the substrate is oriented so that the sensing surface of the detection element is aligned along the surface of the substrate.

3. A switch device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, when viewed radially from the first axis, the substrate is provided at a position overlapping the displacement range of the magnet, and the multiple detection elements are arranged with their positions aligned in the first axial direction.

4. A switch device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the substrate has a recess through which the magnet can pass, and the plurality of detection elements are provided around the recess.

5. A switch device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the number of said detection elements is at least three, and the three detection elements include a detection element that outputs an inverted output relative to the outputs of the other detection elements.

6. A switch device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the number of the detection elements is at least three, and the detection elements include a detection element that detects the magnetic field lines of the magnet in a direction toward one side in the first axial direction and a detection element that detects the magnetic field lines of the magnet in a direction toward the other side.

7. A switch device according to claim 6, wherein each of the detection elements is provided by utilizing the thickness of the substrate, and the detection surfaces are aligned in the first axial direction.

8. A switch device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the magnet is a rod-shaped magnet with its north and south poles arranged in series in a direction perpendicular to the first axis, and the yoke supporting the magnet has a first yoke portion covering one face of the magnet in the first axial direction, a second yoke portion covering the other face of the magnet in the first axial direction, and a third yoke portion covering a side surface of one end of the magnet in the direction perpendicular to the first axis, and the yoke is a single part in which the first yoke portion, the second yoke portion, and the third yoke portion are connected together.

Images