Abstract:
A magnetic detection apparatus can reduce the cost of production to a substantially extent. The magnetic detection apparatus includes a magnetic movable element ( 1 ) having a first groove ( 1   a ) and a second groove ( 1   b ) that are different in diametral depth from each other, a magnetoresistive segment ( 3   a ) that is arranged apart from the magnetic movable element ( 1 ) so as to come in opposition to the first and second grooves ( 1   a,    1   b ) in accordance with the moving magnetic movable element ( 1 ), a magnet ( 5 ) that is arranged in the vicinity of the magnetoresistive segment ( 3   a ) for applying a magnetic field thereto, and a processing circuit part ( 4 ) that generates different output signals in accordance with a change of the magnetic field applied to the magnetoelectric conversion element ( 3   a ) which is caused in accordance with the first and second grooves ( 1   a,    1   b ) in opposition to said processing circuit part ( 4 ).

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0002]     The present invention relates to a magnetic detection apparatus that detects the movement of a magnetic movable element from a change in the magnetic field applied to a magnetoelectric conversion element.  
         [0003]     2. Description of the Related Art  
         [0004]     In the past, there has been known a magnetic detection apparatus which includes a magnetic movable element that rotates around a rotation shaft and has a plurality of grooves formed on a peripheral portion thereof at predetermined intervals, a magnetoresistive segment that is arranged at a location apart from the magnetic movable element in a diametral direction, a magnet that is arranged in the vicinity of the magnetoresistive segment for applying a magnetic field to the magnetoresistive segment, and a processing circuit part that generates an output signal corresponding to a change in the magnetic field applied to the magnetoresistive segment (see, for example, a first patent document: Japanese patent application laid-open No. 2005-156368).  
         [0005]     In this case, as the rotation shaft rotates, the magnetic movable element also rotates in synchronization with the rotation of the rotation shaft, so that the magnetic field applied to the magnetoresistive segment from the magnet changes between the time when the magnetoresistive segment comes in opposition to a tooth portion formed between adjacent grooves of the magnetic movable element, and the time when the magnetoresistive segment comes in opposition to a groove. The resistance value of the magnetoresistive segment changes in accordance with such a change in the magnetic field, so a signal corresponding to this change in the resistance value is output, whereby the rotational angle of the rotation shaft can be detected.  
         [0006]     In the peripheral portion of the magnetic movable element as constructed in the above manner, there are formed the plurality of grooves each having a constant or fixed circumferential width at equal intervals, and hence, when the crank angle and the cam angle of a vehicular engine are to be detected for example, it is necessary to provide two kinds of magnetic detection apparatuses for exclusive use with these purposes, thus posing a problem that the cost of production becomes high.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0007]     Accordingly, the present invention is intended to obviate the problem as referred to above, and has for its object to obtain a magnetic detection apparatus which is capable of reducing the cost of production to a substantially extent.  
         [0008]     Bearing the above object in mind, a magnetic detection apparatus according to the present invention includes a magnetic movable element that has at least two kinds of odd-shape portions of mutually different shapes; a magnetoelectric conversion element that is arranged at a location apart from the magnetic movable element so as to come in opposition to one of the odd-shape portions differing in accordance with the moving magnetic movable element; a magnet that is arranged in the vicinity of the magnetoelectric conversion element for applying a magnetic field to the magnetoelectric conversion element; and a processing circuit part that generates different output signals in accordance with a change of the magnetic field applied to the magnetoelectric conversion element which is caused in accordance with the different odd-shape portions in opposition to the processing circuit part.  
         [0009]     According to the magnetic detection apparatus of the present invention, it becomes possible to generate two or more signal outputs with the use of a single magnetic detection apparatus, so the production cost can be reduced greatly.  
         [0010]     The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the present invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0011]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view showing a magnetic detection apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0012]      FIG. 2  is a partial plan view of the magnetic detection apparatus of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0013]      FIG. 3  is an electric circuit diagram of the magnetic detection apparatus of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0014]      FIG. 4  is an operational waveform diagram of the magnetic detection apparatus of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0015]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view showing a magnetic detection apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0016]      FIG. 6  is a side elevation of the magnetic detection apparatus of  FIG. 5  when a magnetic movable element is seen from the back side of a processing circuit part.  
         [0017]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view showing a magnetic detection apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0018]      FIG. 8  is a side elevation of the magnetic detection apparatus of  FIG. 7  when a magnetic movable element is seen from the back side of a processing circuit part.  
         [0019]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view showing a magnetic detection apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0020]      FIG. 10  is a side elevation of the magnetic detection apparatus of  FIG. 9  when a magnetic movable element is seen from the back side of a processing circuit part.  
         [0021]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view showing a magnetic detection apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0022]      FIG. 12  is a side elevation of the magnetic detection apparatus of  FIG. 11  when a magnetic movable element is seen from the back side of a processing circuit part.  
         [0023]      FIG. 13  is an MR loop characteristic view of a GMR element in a magnetic detection apparatus according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0024]     Now, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail while referring to the accompanying drawings.  
       Embodiment 1  
       [0025]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view that shows a magnetic detection apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and  FIG. 2  is a partial plan view of the magnetic detection apparatus of  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 3  is an electric circuit diagram of the magnetic detection apparatus of  FIG. 1 , and  FIG. 4  is an operational waveform diagram of the magnetic detection apparatus of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0026]     The magnetic detection apparatus illustrated in the above figures includes a disk-shaped magnetic movable element  1  that rotates around a rotation shaft  2 , a magnetoresistive segment  3   a  in the form of a magnetoelectric conversion element that is arranged at a location apart from the magnetic movable element  1  in a diametral direction, a processing circuit part  4  with the magnetoresistive segment  3   a  being arranged on an upper surface thereof, and a magnet  5  that is arranged at a location under the processing circuit part  4 .  
         [0027]     The processing circuit part  4  includes therein fixed resistors  3   b  through  3   d  that cooperate with the magnetoresistive segment  3   a  to constitute a bridge circuit, a differential amplifier circuit  6  that amplifies an output whose voltage is changed in accordance with a change in resistance of the magnetoresistive segment  3   a,  a first comparison circuit  7  that shapes the waveform of an output from the differential amplifier circuit  6  by comparing it with a first comparison level, and a first output circuit  9  that outputs an output from the first comparison circuit  7  as an output signal A.  
         [0028]     In addition, the processing circuit part  4  also includes therein a second comparison circuit  8  that shapes the waveform of the output from the differential amplifier circuit  6  by comparing it with a second comparison level, and a second output circuit  9  that outputs an output from the second comparison circuit  8  as an output signal B.  
         [0029]     First grooves  1   a  and second grooves  1   b,  which constitute odd-shape portions, are formed on the peripheral portion of the magnetic movable element  1 . The first grooves  1   a  and the second grooves  1   b  are arranged at equal intervals. The second grooves  1   b  are larger in their diametral depth than the first grooves  1   a.    
         [0030]     In the magnetic detection apparatus as constructed above, with the rotation of the rotation shaft  2 , the magnetic movable element  1  also rotates in synchronization therewith, whereby the first grooves  1   a  and the second grooves  1   b  of the magnetic movable element  1 , being arranged in opposition to the magnetoresistive segment  3   a,  are continuously changing in their positions in accordance with the rotation of the magnetic movable element  1 , so the strength of the magnetic field applied from the magnet  5  to the magnetoresistive segment  3   a  accordingly changes, too.  
         [0031]     As a result, the resistance value of the magnetoresistive segment  3   a  also continuously changes in accordance with the changing positions of the first grooves  1   a  and the second grooves  1   b  of the magnetic movable element  1 , as shown in  FIG. 4 .  
         [0032]     In accordance with the change in the resistance value of the magnetoresistive segment  3   a,  a midpoint voltage between a midpoint between the magnetoresistive segment  3   a  and the fixed resistor  3   b  and a midpoint between the fixed resistor  3   c  and the fixed resistor  3   d  changes in the bridge circuit to which a constant voltage is applied, and the midpoint voltage is amplified by the differential amplifier circuit  6 .  
         [0033]     The output from the differential amplifier circuit  6  is input to the first comparison circuit  7  where it is waveform shaped by being compared with a first threshold VrefA, and in this manner, a first output signal A corresponding to the first grooves  1   a  and the second grooves  1   b  is output from the first output circuit  9 .  
         [0034]     Also, the output from the differential amplifier circuit  6  is input to the second comparison circuit  8  where it is waveform shaped by being compared with a second threshold VrefB, and a second output signal B is output from the second output circuit  10 .  
         [0035]     In this embodiment, the first output signal A is output when one of the first grooves  1   a  and the second grooves  1   b  comes in opposition to the magnetoresistive segment  3   a,  whereas the second output signal B is output only when one of the second grooves  1   b  comes in opposition to the magnetoresistive segment  3   a.    
         [0036]     Thus, in the magnetic detection apparatus of this first embodiment, for example, two kinds of angles such as a cam angle and a crank angle can be detected by means of the single magnetic detection apparatus, and hence the position of a piston in each cylinder of an engine can be determined by the output signals A, B, whereby optimal ignition timing can be controlled.  
       Embodiment 2  
       [0037]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view that shows a magnetic detection apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and  FIG. 6  is a side elevation of the magnetic detection apparatus of  FIG. 5  when a magnetic movable element  11  is seen from the back side of a processing circuit part  4 .  
         [0038]     The magnetic movable element  11  is of a disk shape, and is formed with first grooves  11   a  and second grooves  11   b,  which constitute odd-shape portions. The second grooves  11   b  are larger in their circumferential length than the first grooves  11   a.    
         [0039]     The construction of this second embodiment other than the above is similar to that of the first embodiment.  
         [0040]     In this second embodiment, too, the resistance value of the magnetoresistive segment  3   a  also continuously changes in accordance with the changing positions of the first grooves  11   a  and the second grooves  11   b  of the magnetic movable element  11 , so two different output signals are output from the first output circuit  9  and the second output circuit  10 , respectably.  
       Embodiment 3  
       [0041]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view that shows a magnetic detection apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and  FIG. 8  is a side elevation of the magnetic detection apparatus of  FIG. 7  when a magnetic movable element  41  is seen from the back side of a processing circuit part  4 .  
         [0042]     The magnetic movable element  41  is of a disk shape, and is formed with a pair of first grooves  41   a  and a pair of second grooves  41   b,  which constitute odd-shape portions.  
         [0043]     The pair of first grooves  41   a,  being arranged in diametrally opposed relation to each other, are larger in their diametral depth than the pair of second grooves  41   b  which are also arranged in diametrally opposed relation to each other.  
         [0044]     The construction of this third embodiment other than the above is similar to that of the first embodiment.  
         [0045]     In this third embodiment, too, the resistance value of the magnetoresistive segment  3   a  also continuously changes in accordance with the changing positions of the first grooves  41   a  and the second grooves  41   b  of the magnetic movable element  41 , so two different output signals are output from the first output circuit  9  and the second output circuit  10 , respectably.  
       Embodiment 4  
       [0046]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view that shows a magnetic detection apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, and  FIG. 10  is a side elevation of the magnetic detection apparatus of  FIG. 9  when a magnetic movable element  21  is seen from the back side of a processing circuit part  4 .  
         [0047]     The magnetic movable element  21  is of a cylindrical shape, and has first holes  21   a  and second holes  21   b,  which constitute odd-shape portions, formed in its peripheral wall at equal intervals.  
         [0048]     The second holes  21   b  are larger in their axial length than the first holes  21   a.    
         [0049]     The construction of this fourth embodiment other than the above is similar to that of the first embodiment.  
         [0050]     In this fourth embodiment, too, the resistance value of the magnetoresistive segment  3   a  also continuously changes in accordance with the changing positions of the first holes  21   a  and the second holes  21   b  of the magnetic movable element  21 , so two different output signals are output from the first output circuit  9  and the second output circuit  10 , respectably.  
       Embodiment 5  
       [0051]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view that shows a magnetic detection apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, and  FIG. 12  is a side elevation of the magnetic detection apparatus of  FIG. 11  when a magnetic movable element  31  is seen from the back side of a processing circuit part  4 .  
         [0052]     The magnetic movable element  21  is of a cylindrical shape, and has first grooves  31   a  and second grooves  31   b,  which constitute odd-shape portions, formed in its peripheral wall at equal intervals.  
         [0053]     The first and second grooves  31   a,    31   b  are formed by notching or cutting away the peripheral wall of the magnetic movable element  31  in an axial direction from one end face thereof, and the second grooves  31   b  are larger in their axial length than the first grooves  31   a.    
         [0054]     The construction of this fifth embodiment other than the above is similar to that of the first embodiment.  
         [0055]     In this fifth embodiment, too, the resistance value of the magnetoresistive segment  3   a  also continuously changes in accordance with the changing positions of the first grooves  31   a  and the second grooves  31   b  of the magnetic movable element  31 , so two different output signals are output from the first output circuit  9  and the second output circuit  10 , respectably.  
       Embodiment 6  
       [0056]     A sixth embodiment of the present invention shows an example in which a giant magnetoresistive element (hereinafter simply referred to as a “GMR element”) is used as a magnetoelectric conversion element.  
         [0057]     The GMR element is a layered or stacked product in the form of a so-called artificial lattice film, which is formed by alternately stacking a plurality of magnetic layers and a plurality of non-magnetic layers each of a thickness of a few angstroms to a few tens of angstroms, and (Fe/Cr)n, (permalloy/Cu/Co/Cu)n, and (Co/Cu)n (“n” is the number of stacked layers) are known as GMR elements. The GMR element has an MR effect (MR change rate) far greater than that of a conventional magnetoresistive element (hereinafter referred to as “MR element”), and the MR effect of the GMR element depends solely on a relative angle included by the directions of magnetization of the adjacent magnetic layers, so the GMR element is an in-plane magnetosensitive element that can obtain the same change in resistance with respect to the current flowing therethrough irrespective of the direction of an external magnetic field applied thereto relative to the direction of flow of the current. However, the GMR element can have magnetic anisotropy by narrowing the width of a magnetoresistive pattern.  
         [0058]     In addition, the GMR element has hysteresis that exists in the change of the resistance value due to the change of the applied magnetic field, and also has a temperature characteristic particularly with a large temperature coefficient, as shown in the MR loop characteristic of the GMR element in FIG.  13 .  
         [0059]     In this manner, by using the GMR element as a magnetoresistive element, the signal-to-noise ratio (S/N ratio) can be improved, so noise immunity can be increased, thus making it possible to improve the detection accuracy.  
         [0060]     Although in the above-mentioned respective embodiments, reference has been made to the examples in which each magnetic movable element is formed with two kinds of odd-shape portions having mutually different shapes, a magnetic movable element may have three or more kinds of odd-shape portions. In this case, comparison circuits and output circuits, which correspond in number to the odd-shape portions, are built into the processing circuit part.  
         [0061]     In addition, although in the above-mentioned respective embodiments, reference has been made to the examples in which the magnetic movable element  1 ,  11 ,  21 ,  31 , or  41  rotates around the rotation shaft  2 , the present invention can of course be applied even to a magnetic movable element that is able to perform linear reciprocating motion.  
         [0062]     Moreover, although in the above-mentioned respective embodiments, reference has been made to the case in which the magnetoresistive segment  3   a  is provided on the upper surface of the processing circuit part  4 , the magnetoresistive segment  3   a,  though must be arranged in the vicinity of the magnet  5 , need not necessarily be formed integral with the processing circuit part  4 , but may of course be formed separately therefrom.  
         [0063]     While the invention has been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be practiced with modifications within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.