Patent Description:
Patent Literature <NUM> discloses a switch for vehicles.

<CIT> discloses a switch having a magnet arrangement.

<CIT> discloses a non-contact switch using a magnetic sensor.

The switch for vehicles of Patent Literature <NUM> has an operating body that advances and retreats in conjunction with an operation of the brake pedal. A magnet is attached to the operating body. The magnet is displaced in an advancing and retreating direction of the operating body in conjunction with an operation of the brake pedal. The switch for vehicles has one detection means disposed facing the magnet.

The detection means detects ON/OFF of the switch for vehicles on the basis of changes in magnetism when the magnet advances and retreats.

In this type of the switch for vehicles, when a failure occurs in the detection means, it affects detection of ON/OFF operation of the switch. Therefore, it is required that operation detection of the switch is not affected even when the detection means fails.

The present invention is a switch device as defined in appended independent claim <NUM>. Preferred embodiments of the invention are defined in the appended dependent claims.

According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress influence on operation detection of the switch device even when some of the detection elements fail.

An embodiment of a switch device <NUM> according to the present invention will be described below.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view of the switch device <NUM>. <FIG> is a perspective view of the switch device <NUM>. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the switch device <NUM>. <FIG> is a diagram schematically illustrating a cross-section of a switch 5A of the switch device <NUM> taken along a plane A in <FIG>. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the switch device <NUM>. <FIG> is a diagram schematically illustrating a cross-section of the switch 5A taken along a line A-A in <FIG>. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the switch device <NUM>. <FIG> is a diagram schematically illustrating a cross-section of the switch device <NUM> taken along a line B-B in <FIG>. <FIG> illustrates a range from the switch 5A to a switch 5B.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the switch device <NUM> includes a total of four switches <NUM> (5A to 5D).

An operated portion <NUM> of each switch <NUM> (5A to 5D) is exposed on an upper portion of a case <NUM>.

Different functions are assigned to each of the switches <NUM> (5A to 5D).

As an example, when the switch device <NUM> is a switch device used to specify a running mode of a vehicle, functions such as parking (P), reverse running (R), neutral (N), and forward running (D) are assigned to these switches 5A to 5D one by one.

In the switch device <NUM>, when any one of the switches 5A to 5D is pressed, a function assigned to the pressed switch <NUM> is specified, and a specification of a function specified so far is supposed to end.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the switch 5A includes the operated portion <NUM> that is operated by a user, and a movable body <NUM> that is displaced in conjunction with an operation of the operated portion <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the switch 5A further includes a magnet <NUM> attached to the movable body <NUM> and a magnetic force sensor <NUM> (Hall IC: detection element) that detects changes in magnetic force of the magnet <NUM> due to displacement of the movable body <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, three magnetic force sensors <NUM> are provided for each switch <NUM> (5A to 5D). In the present embodiment, the three magnetic force sensors <NUM> assigned to the same switch are attached to a printed circuit board <NUM> via one support <NUM>. The printed circuit board <NUM> is shared by the four switches <NUM> (5A to 5D). Therefore, a total of four supports <NUM> are provided on the printed circuit board <NUM>.

The printed circuit board <NUM> is housed inside a cover <NUM> closing a lower opening of the case <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the cover <NUM> has a bottom wall portion <NUM> and a peripheral wall portion <NUM> surrounding an outer periphery of the bottom wall portion <NUM> over the entire circumference. The peripheral wall portion <NUM> is provided in a direction substantially orthogonal to the bottom wall portion <NUM>. The peripheral wall portion <NUM> is formed to have the same height over the entire circumference in the circumferential direction.

The cover <NUM> is attached to the case <NUM> with screws (not illustrated) with the peripheral wall portion <NUM> fitted into the lower opening of the case <NUM>.

A support base <NUM> for the printed circuit board <NUM> is provided inside the peripheral wall portion <NUM>. The support base <NUM> protrudes in the same direction as the peripheral wall portion <NUM>. A plurality of support bases <NUM> are provided on the bottom wall portion <NUM>. The printed circuit board <NUM> is placed on upper ends of the support bases <NUM>. A cover member <NUM> including an elastic material is placed on the printed circuit board <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the switches 5A, 5C, and 5D are push type switches and have the same basic configuration. The switch 5B is a swinging switch. A basic configuration of the switch 5B is the same as that of the switch 5A, but a detailed shape of the movable body <NUM>, which will be described below, is different from that of the movable body <NUM> of the switch 5A.

Hereinafter, the basic configuration of the switch 5A will be described as a representative of the switches 5A, 5C, and 5D.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the operated portion <NUM> of the switch 5A includes a pressed portion <NUM>, a peripheral wall portion <NUM> surrounding an outer periphery of the pressed portion <NUM> over the entire circumference, and a connecting portion <NUM> extending in the same direction as the peripheral wall portion <NUM> inside the peripheral wall portion <NUM>.

A through-hole <NUM> is provided in the upper portion of the case <NUM> to allow communication between an inside and an outside of the case <NUM>. A peripheral wall portion <NUM> surrounding the through-hole <NUM> is provided on the upper portion of the case <NUM>. The peripheral wall portion <NUM> extends linearly upwardly away from the printed circuit board <NUM>. In the case <NUM>, the peripheral wall portion <NUM> of the operated portion <NUM> is fitted outside the peripheral wall portion <NUM>. Furthermore, in the case <NUM>, a cylindrical wall portion <NUM> (a second wall portion <NUM>) of the movable body <NUM> passes through an inside of the peripheral wall portion <NUM> in an axis X direction. Here, the axis X is a straight line orthogonal to an upper surface 35a of the printed circuit board <NUM> and a straight line in a displacement direction of the movable body <NUM>.

The movable body <NUM> is supported by the peripheral wall portion <NUM> on the case <NUM> side so as to be movable in the axis X direction. In the movable body <NUM>, the connecting portion <NUM> of the operated portion <NUM> is inserted inside the cylindrical wall portion <NUM> (the second wall portion <NUM>). A protrusion <NUM> protruding from an inner periphery of the cylindrical wall portion <NUM> (the second wall portion <NUM>) is engaged with an engaging hole 512a on a tip side of the connecting portion <NUM>. In the present embodiment, the operated portion <NUM> and the movable body <NUM> are connected by engaging the protrusion <NUM> on the movable body <NUM> side with the engaging hole 512a. Thus, the movable body <NUM> can be displaced in the axis X direction in conjunction with a pressing operation for the operated portion <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the cylindrical wall portion <NUM> on a left side of the figure is formed into a cylindrical shape including a pair of first wall portions <NUM> and <NUM> and second wall portions <NUM> and <NUM> connecting ends of the first wall portions <NUM> and <NUM> to each other. The cylindrical wall portion <NUM> has a substantially rectangular shape in a cross-sectional view. The cylindrical wall portion <NUM> is provided with contact portions <NUM> and <NUM> on both sides in a width direction (a vertical direction in the figure) of the cylindrical wall portion <NUM>. The contact portions <NUM> and <NUM> bulge from outer peripheries of the first wall portions <NUM> and <NUM> in directions away from each other.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the contact portions <NUM> and <NUM> are placed on placement portions <NUM> of the cover member <NUM>.

Areas of the contact portions <NUM> and <NUM> to be placed on the placement portions <NUM> and <NUM> are formed in a substantially circular shape as viewed from the axis X direction (see <FIG>).

As illustrated in <FIG>, one of the second wall portions <NUM> and <NUM> is provided with a cutout portion 612a. In the cylindrical wall portion <NUM>, a holding portion <NUM> for the magnet <NUM> is attached to the second wall portion <NUM> provided with the cutout portion 612a.

The holding portion <NUM> has a pair of locking arms <NUM> and <NUM>. The locking arms <NUM> and <NUM> are provided in a symmetrical positional relationship with the cutout portion 612a interposed therebetween. In the second wall portion <NUM>, protrusions 612b and 612b are provided in regions on the cutout portion 612a side as viewed from the locking arms <NUM> and <NUM>. The protrusions 612b and 612b protrude in the same direction as the locking arms <NUM> and <NUM>.

The locking arms <NUM> and <NUM> linearly extend in a direction away from the second wall portion <NUM>. Clip portions 631a and 631a are respectively provided at tips of the locking arms <NUM> and <NUM>. The clip portions 631a and 631a protrude in a direction to approach each other. The clip portions 631a and 631a are locked with a stepped portion <NUM> provided on the magnet <NUM>. The magnet <NUM> is pressed against the protrusions 612b and 612b by a biasing force acting from the clip portions 631a and 631a.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating a positional relationship between the magnet <NUM> and the magnetic force sensors <NUM> (7A, 7B, and 7C).

<FIG> illustrates the positional relationship between the magnet <NUM> of the switch 5A and the magnetic force sensors <NUM> (7A, 7B, and 7C). <FIG> illustrates the positional relationship between the magnet <NUM> of the switch 5B and the magnetic force sensors <NUM> (7A, 7B, and 7C).

As illustrated in <FIG>, the magnet <NUM> is provided and oriented so that an N pole is located on one side (an upper side in the figure) in the axis X direction and an S pole is located on the other side (a lower side in the figure).

The magnetic force sensors <NUM> (7A, 7B, and 7C) are arranged facing the magnet <NUM> laterally of the magnet <NUM>.

The magnetic force sensor <NUM> has a detection portion <NUM> and a leg portion <NUM> extending from the detection portion <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the magnet <NUM> of the switch 5Ahas a width W10 in a direction (a vertical direction in the figure) orthogonal to a facing direction (a horizontal direction in the figure) of the magnet <NUM> and the magnetic force sensor <NUM>.

In the present embodiment, the three magnetic force sensors <NUM> (<NUM> A, 7B, and <NUM> C) are prepared for one magnet <NUM>. The magnetic force sensors <NUM> (<NUM> A, <NUM> B, and <NUM> C) are supported by a common support <NUM>. The leg portion <NUM> of each of the magnetic force sensors <NUM> (7A, 7B, and 7C) penetrates the printed circuit board <NUM> and is soldered to a back surface of the printed circuit board <NUM> (see <FIG>).

In this state, a detection surface 7a of each of the magnetic force sensors <NUM> (7A, 7B, and 7C) is disposed at a position away from the printed circuit board <NUM> by a height h7.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the magnetic force sensors <NUM> (7A, 7B, and 7C) include the magnetic force sensors 7A and 7C provided with the detection surface 7a of the detection portion <NUM> facing the magnet <NUM>, and a reversed magnetic force sensor 7B with the detection surface 7a facing away from the magnet <NUM>. The detection surface 7a of each of the magnetic force sensors <NUM> (7A, 7B, and 7C) is positioned on a straight line Lm parallel to a facing surface <NUM> (a surface) of the magnet <NUM>. The detection surface 7a is disposed at a position away from the facing surface <NUM> (the surface) of the magnet <NUM> by a distance d.

The magnetic force sensors <NUM> (7A, 7B, and 7C) are arranged at predetermined intervals along the straight line Lm. The straight line Lm is a straight line in an alignment direction of the magnetic force sensors <NUM> (7A, 7B, and 7C). As viewed from a facing direction of the magnetic force sensors <NUM> and the magnet <NUM>, the magnetic force sensors <NUM> (7A, 7B, and 7C) are arranged in a positional relationship that overlaps the magnet <NUM>. Therefore, the magnetic force sensors <NUM> (7A, 7B, and 7C) are arranged so as not to protrude in a direction of the straight line Lm beyond a range of the width W10 of the magnet <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the magnetic force sensors <NUM> (7A, 7B, and 7C) and the support <NUM> are housed in a housing portion <NUM> of the cover member <NUM> that covers the upper surface of the printed circuit board <NUM>.

<FIG> is a diagram schematically illustrating a state of the cover member <NUM> viewed from the case <NUM> side. In <FIG>, for convenience of description, illustration of the fine irregularities on the surface of the cover member <NUM> is omitted and simplified. Furthermore, in <FIG>, in order to illustrate a correspondence relationship between sites (placement portion <NUM>, housing portion <NUM>) protruding from a base portion <NUM> and the switches 5A to 5D, corresponding sites (placement portion <NUM>, housing portion <NUM>) are illustrated surrounded by dashed lines for each of the switches 5A to 5D.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the cover member <NUM> has the base portion <NUM>, the placement portion <NUM>, and the housing portion <NUM>. The cover member <NUM> is an integrated component formed of a flexible elastic material such as rubber. The cover member <NUM> is formed in a size capable of covering the upper surface of the printed circuit board <NUM> over the entire surface.

The base portion <NUM> is a portion that is placed on the printed circuit board <NUM> (see <FIG>). The placement portion <NUM> is a portion that supports the movable body <NUM> so as to be displaceable in the axis X direction (the vertical direction in the figure) (see <FIG>). The housing portion <NUM> is a portion that houses the magnetic force sensors <NUM> and the support <NUM> (see <FIG>).

As illustrated in <FIG>, in the cover member <NUM>, a pair of placement portions <NUM> and <NUM> and one housing portion <NUM> are assigned to one switch. In the figure, the placement portions <NUM> and <NUM> and the housing portion <NUM> within an area surrounded by the dashed line labeled with a reference numeral 5A are parts for the switch 5A. In the figure, the placement portions <NUM> and <NUM> and the housing portion <NUM> within an area surrounded by the dashed line labeled with a reference numeral 5B are parts for the switch 5B.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the placement portion <NUM> includes a columnar contact portion <NUM>, a support wall portion <NUM> surrounding an outer circumference of the contact portion <NUM> over the entire circumference, and a stopper portion <NUM> connected to a lower end of the contact portion <NUM>.

The contact portion <NUM> on the movable body <NUM> side is placed on an upper end of the contact portion <NUM>. The stopper portion <NUM> is a columnar portion disposed concentrically with the contact portion <NUM>. The stopper portion <NUM> is formed with an outer diameter D823 smaller than that of the contact portion <NUM>.

The support wall portion <NUM> extends from a boundary portion between the contact portion <NUM> and the stopper portion <NUM> toward the printed circuit board <NUM>. The support wall portion <NUM> connects the contact portion <NUM> and the base portion <NUM>. The support wall portion <NUM> is inclined in such a direction that an inner diameter R822 is increased as it moves away from the contact portion <NUM> and toward the printed circuit board <NUM>. The support wall portion <NUM> holds the contact portion <NUM> at a position away from the printed circuit board <NUM>.

When an operating force directed toward the printed circuit board <NUM> is input to the movable body <NUM>, the contact portion <NUM> pressed by the placement portion <NUM> is displaced in a direction approaching the printed circuit board <NUM> while deforming the support wall portion <NUM>. The contact portion <NUM> is displaced toward the printed circuit board <NUM> up to a position in which the stopper portion <NUM> contacts the printed circuit board <NUM>.

When the operating force acting on the movable body <NUM> is released, the placement portion <NUM> is displaced in a direction away from the printed circuit board <NUM> by a restoring force of the support wall portion <NUM>.

The support wall portion <NUM> applies to the movable body <NUM> a biasing force in a direction to return the movable body <NUM> placed on the placement portion <NUM> to an initial position before displacement.

In the present embodiment, since the movable body <NUM> that is displaced in the axis X direction in conjunction with the operation of the operated portion <NUM> is placed on the placement portions <NUM> and <NUM>, the user can feel an operational feeling (a reaction force) when the operated portion <NUM> is pressed.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the switch 5B located next to the switch 5A is the swinging switch.

The basic configuration of the switch 5B is substantially the same as that of the switch 5A except for the detailed shape of the movable body <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the switch 5B differs from the switch 5A in a direction in which the magnet <NUM> and the magnetic force sensor <NUM> face each other. The facing direction of the magnet <NUM> and the magnetic force sensor <NUM> in the switch 5A is a direction (a horizontal direction in the figure) in which the switches 5A to 5D are arranged, whereas in the switch B, the facing direction of the magnet <NUM> and the magnetic force sensor <NUM> is a direction (the vertical direction in the figure) orthogonal to the direction in which the switches 5A to 5D are arranged.

However, the positional relationship between the magnet <NUM> and the magnetic force sensors <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> is maintained in the switch 5B as well.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the first wall portions <NUM> and <NUM> of the movable body <NUM> of the switch 5B are longer than the first wall portions <NUM> and <NUM> of the switch 5A. Then, the contact portions <NUM> and <NUM> are provided on the second wall portion <NUM>.

In the second wall portion <NUM>, the contact portions <NUM> and <NUM> are arranged with an interval therebetween and are placed on the placement portions <NUM> and <NUM> of the cover member <NUM>.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the switch device <NUM>. <FIG> schematically illustrates a cross-section of the switch 5B of the switch device <NUM> taken along a line A-A in <FIG>.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the switch device <NUM>. <FIG> schematically illustrates a cross-section of the switch 5B of the switch device <NUM> taken along a plane B in <FIG>. <FIG> is a diagram for explaining a displacement of the operated portion <NUM> around an axis Y and a displacement of the movable body <NUM> in the axis X direction in conjunction with the operation of the operated portion <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the three magnetic force sensors <NUM> (7A, 7B, and 7C) are prepared for one magnet <NUM> in the switch 5B as well. The magnetic force sensors <NUM> (7A, 7B, and 7C) are supported by the common support <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the leg portion <NUM> of each of the magnetic force sensors <NUM> (7A, 7B, and 7C) penetrates the printed circuit board <NUM> and is soldered to the back surface of the printed circuit board <NUM>.

In this state, the detection surface 7a of each of the magnetic force sensors <NUM> (7A, 7B, and 7C) is disposed at the position away from the printed circuit board <NUM> by the height h7.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the magnetic force sensors <NUM> (7A, 7B, and 7C) of the switch 5B also include the magnetic force sensors 7A and 7C provided with the detection surface 7a of the detection portion <NUM> facing the magnet <NUM>, and the reversed magnetic force sensor 7B with the detection surface 7a facing away from the magnet <NUM>.

The detection surface 7a of each of the magnetic force sensors <NUM> (7A, 7B, and 7C) is positioned on a straight line Ln parallel to the facing surface <NUM> (the surface) of the magnet <NUM>. The detection surface 7a is disposed at the position away from the facing surface <NUM> (the surface) of the magnet <NUM> by the distance d.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the magnetic force sensors <NUM> (7A, 7B, and 7C) of the switch 5B are arranged at predetermined intervals along the straight line Ln. The straight line Ln is a straight line in the alignment direction of the magnetic force sensors <NUM> (7A, 7B, and 7C). As viewed from the facing direction of the magnetic force sensors <NUM> and the magnet <NUM>, the magnetic force sensors <NUM> (7A, 7B, and 7C) are arranged in the positional relationship that overlaps the magnet <NUM>. Therefore, the magnetic force sensors <NUM> (7A, 7B, and 7C) are arranged so as not to protrude in the direction of the straight line Ln beyond the range of the width W10 of the magnet <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the operated portion <NUM> of the switch 5B is rotatably supported by a support shaft <NUM> on the case <NUM> side. In the pressed portion <NUM>, the axis Y, which is a rotation axis of the operated portion <NUM>, is located above the second wall portion <NUM> that supports the magnet <NUM>.

The pressed portion <NUM> has a leg portion <NUM> on a lower surface thereof on the printed circuit board <NUM> side. The leg portion <NUM> is located above the second wall portion <NUM> that supports the contact portion <NUM>. The leg portion <NUM> protrudes downward on the printed circuit board <NUM> side from the pressed portion <NUM>. A tip 516a of the leg portion <NUM> contacts an upper end 612d of the second wall portion <NUM>.

The movable body <NUM> having the second wall portion <NUM> is supported by the peripheral wall portion <NUM> of the case <NUM> so as to be movable in the axis X direction.

When the operating force toward the printed circuit board <NUM> acts on the pressed portion <NUM> of the switch 5B, the pressed portion <NUM> rotates about the axis Y. Then, the leg portion <NUM> of the pressed portion <NUM> moves the movable body <NUM> downward toward the printed circuit board <NUM>.

That is, rotation of the pressed portion <NUM> about the axis Y is converted into displacement of the movable body <NUM> in the axis X direction. Thus, the contact portion <NUM> pressed by the contact portion <NUM> of the movable body <NUM> is displaced in the direction approaching the printed circuit board <NUM> while deforming the support wall portion <NUM>. The contact portion <NUM> is displaced toward the printed circuit board <NUM> up to the position in which the stopper portion <NUM> contacts the printed circuit board <NUM>.

When the operating force acting on the pressed portion <NUM> of the switch 5B is released, the placement portion <NUM> of the cover member <NUM> is displaced in the direction away from the printed circuit board <NUM> by the restoring force of the support wall portion <NUM>. Thus, the movable body <NUM> placed on the placement portion <NUM> is displaced in the direction away from the printed circuit board <NUM>, and returns to an initial position before the operated portion <NUM> rotates about the axis Y, and a posture of the operated portion <NUM> is held at the initial position.

<FIG> is a schematic configuration diagram of an output signal processing device <NUM>.

The processing device <NUM> performs processing (operation determination processing) of determining whether each of the switches <NUM> (5A to 5D) is operated on the basis of output signals of the magnetic force sensors <NUM> (7A, 7B, and 7C) of the switches <NUM> (5A to 5D). Furthermore, the processing device <NUM> performs processing (failure determination processing) of determining whether there is a failure in the magnetic force sensors <NUM> (7A, 7B, and 7C) on the basis of the output signals of the magnetic force sensors <NUM> (7A, 7B, and 7C).

The "failure" in the magnetic force sensors <NUM> (7A, 7B, and 7C) is not limited to a case where the magnetic force sensor <NUM> is simply out of order. A failure when the output signal of the magnetic force sensor <NUM> is not an expected output signal, such as a case where the magnetic force sensor <NUM> is tilted from its original position is included in "failure".

Since the magnetic force sensor <NUM> is provided with the detection portion <NUM> at an upper end of the leg portion <NUM>, a center of gravity is high and tends to tilt. Therefore, although the support <NUM> is used to suppress tilting of the magnetic force sensor <NUM>, the magnetic force sensor <NUM> may be tilted even when supported by the support <NUM>. When the magnetic force sensor <NUM> is tilted, the magnetic force sensor <NUM> outputs an output signal different from the expected output signal.

In the present embodiment, not only a failure of the magnetic force sensor <NUM> itself, but also the tilting of the magnetic force sensor <NUM>, which may affect detection, can be detected as "there is a failure" by the failure determination processing.

<FIG> are diagrams illustrating changes in the positional relationship between the magnetic force sensor <NUM> and the magnet <NUM> when the switch <NUM> is pushed. <FIG> is a diagram for explaining a change in the output signal of the magnetic force sensor <NUM> when the switch <NUM> is pushed.

In the switch device <NUM> of the present embodiment, the magnet <NUM> attached to the movable body <NUM> is displaced downward toward the printed circuit board <NUM> in the axis X direction as the operated portion <NUM> is pushed. In the switch device <NUM>, the magnetic force sensors <NUM> (7A to 7C) detects a change in magnetic force when the magnet <NUM> is displaced in the axis X direction, and based on the detection result, it is determined whether the switch is operated.

As described above, one magnet <NUM> and three magnetic force sensors <NUM> (7A, 7B, and 7C) are prepared for each of the switches <NUM> (5A to 5D).

The magnetic force sensors <NUM> (7A to 7C) detect a magnetic force component in the facing direction (a horizontal direction in <FIG>) of the magnetic force sensors <NUM> (7A to 7C) and the magnet <NUM>, and output the output signals corresponding to a magnitude of the detected magnetic force.

Specifically, the magnetic force sensors <NUM> (7A to 7C) output voltage values determined according to the magnitude of the magnetic force to the processing device <NUM> (MPU) as the output signals.

When one of the switches <NUM> (5A to 5D) (see <FIG>) is operated, the output signals are input to the processing device <NUM> from the three magnetic force sensors <NUM> (7A to 7C) assigned to the operated switch.

As illustrated in <FIG>, when the movable body <NUM> is displaced in the axis X direction as the operated portion <NUM> is pushed, the magnet <NUM> attached to the movable body <NUM> is also displaced in the axis X direction.

Specifically, the magnet <NUM> is displaced from an initial position illustrated in <FIG> to an operating position illustrated in <FIG>.

Then, the magnetic force detected by the detection portion <NUM> of the magnetic force sensor <NUM> changes as the magnet <NUM> is displaced.

As illustrated in <FIG>, when the magnet <NUM> is stationary at the initial position, the magnetic force sensor <NUM> is disposed to face the S pole. In this state, the output signal (an output voltage value) of the magnetic force sensor <NUM> is a median value (Center).

From here, when the magnet <NUM> is displaced toward the operating position, the output signal of the magnetic force sensor <NUM> changes, and at a timing when a boundary between the S pole and the N pole crosses a front face of the detection portion <NUM>, the output signal of the magnetic force sensor <NUM> changes from one side to the other side of the median value. This is because a direction of the magnetic force is reversed between when the S pole is located in front of the detection surface 7a of the magnetic force sensor <NUM> and when the N pole is located in front of the detection surface 7a of the magnetic force sensor <NUM>.

That is, before and after a timing C at which the boundary between the S pole and the N pole crosses the front face of the detection portion <NUM>, an output waveform is vertically inverted with respect to the median value (see a thick line in the figure).

Here, a waveform indicated by a solid line in <FIG> is an output waveform of the magnetic force sensors 7A and 7C provided with the detection surface 7a of the detection portion <NUM> facing the magnet <NUM>. A waveform indicated by a one-dot chain line in <FIG> is an output waveform of the magnetic force sensor 7B with the detection surface 7a facing away from the magnet <NUM>.

The magnetic force sensor 7B has the detection surface 7a facing away from the magnet <NUM>. That is, the magnetic force sensor 7B is disposed in an orientation opposite to that of the magnetic force sensors 7A and 7C.

Then, although the magnitude of the magnetic force detected along with the displacement of the magnet <NUM> is the same as that of the magnetic force sensors 7A and 7C, a phase of the output waveform obtained is inverted. That is, as illustrated in <FIG>, the output waveform is vertically inverted with respect to the median value (see the one-dot chain line in the figure).

The output signals forming three output waveforms illustrated in <FIG> are input to the processing device <NUM> from the magnetic force sensors <NUM> (7A, 7B, and 7C). Here, a top of <FIG> is the output waveform of the magnetic force sensor 7A, a middle of <FIG> is the output waveform of the magnetic force sensor 7B, and a bottom of <FIG> is the output waveform of the magnetic force sensor 7C.

When performing the failure determination processing, the processing device <NUM> sets a magnetic force sensor group P (detection element group) including a pair of magnetic force sensors in the three magnetic force sensors 7A, 7B, and 7C.

In the case of <FIG>, as an example, two sensor groups of a first sensor group P1 (detection element group) including the magnetic force sensor 7A and the magnetic force sensor 7B, and a second sensor group P2 (detection element group) including the magnetic force sensor 7B and the magnetic force sensor 7C are set.

The processing device <NUM> compares the output signal of the magnetic force sensor 7A (the waveform illustrated at the top of <FIG>) and the output signal of the magnetic force sensor 7B (the waveform illustrated in the middle of <FIG>) included in the first sensor group P1, and compares the output signal of the magnetic force sensor 7B (the waveform illustrated in the middle of <FIG>) and the output signal of the magnetic force sensor 7C (the waveform illustrated at the bottom of <FIG>) included in the second sensor group P2.

Since the magnetic force sensor 7A and the magnetic force sensor 7B have the detection surfaces 7a of the detection portions <NUM> facing in opposite directions, the output waveforms are symmetrical about the median value. Therefore, in the case where there is no failure in the magnetic force sensor 7A and the magnetic force sensor 7B, when the output waveform of one of the magnetic force sensors is inverted with respect to the median value, the output waveform after inversion and the output waveform of the other magnetic force sensor overlap each other.

When the output waveform after inversion does not match the non-inverted output waveform of the other magnetic force sensor, it means that one of the magnetic force sensors 7A and 7B has a failure.

When the output waveform after inversion matches the non-inverted output waveform of the other magnetic force sensor, it means that both the magnetic force sensor 7A and the magnetic force sensor 7B do not have a failure.

When both the magnetic force sensors (magnetic force sensors 7A and 7B) included in the first sensor group P1 and the magnetic force sensors (magnetic force sensors 7B and 7C) included in the second sensor group P2 do not have a failure, the processing device <NUM> determines that there is no failure in the magnetic force sensors <NUM> (7A to 7C).

Thus, the processing device <NUM> performs the operation determination processing to determine whether the switch is operated on the basis of the output signals of the magnetic force sensors <NUM> (7A to 7C).

As an example, the processing device <NUM> determines that the switch is operated when the output signals of the magnetic force sensors <NUM> (7A to 7C) changes across the median value (Center).

When at least one of the magnetic force sensors (the magnetic force sensors 7A and 7B) included in the first sensor group P1 and the magnetic force sensors (the magnetic force sensors 7B and 7C) included in the second sensor group P2 has a failure, the processing device <NUM> performs the operation determination processing on the basis of the output signals of the magnetic force sensors other than the magnetic force sensor having the failure to determine whether the switch is operated.

Here, when a "failure" is recognized in a comparison result of the magnetic force sensors (magnetic force sensors 7A and 7B) included in the first sensor group P1, and no "failure" is recognized in a comparison result of the magnetic force sensors (magnetic force sensors 7B and 7C) included in the second sensor group P2, it is determined that the magnetic force sensor 7A included in the first sensor group P1 has a failure.

This is because it can be recognized from a determination result of the second sensor group P2 that the magnetic force sensor 7B does not have a failure since the magnetic force sensor 7B is commonly included in the first sensor group P1 and the second sensor group P2.

Further, when a "failure" is recognized in the comparison result of the magnetic force sensors (magnetic force sensors 7A and 7B) included in the first sensor group P1, and a "failure" is recognized in the comparison result of the magnetic force sensors (magnetic force sensors 7B and 7C) included in the second sensor group P2, it is determined that the magnetic force sensor 7B has a failure.

This is because the magnetic force sensor 7B is commonly included in the first sensor group P1 and the second sensor group P2.

In this case, a third sensor group P3 including the magnetic force sensor 7A and the magnetic force sensor 7C may be newly set, and after recognizing that there is no "failure" in a comparison result of the magnetic force sensors (magnetic force sensors 7A and 7C) included in the set third sensor group P3, it may be determined that the magnetic force sensor 7B has a "failure".

When no "failure" is recognized in the comparison result of the magnetic force sensors (magnetic force sensors 7A and 7B) included in the first sensor group P1, and a "failure" is recognized in the comparison result of the magnetic force sensors (magnetic force sensors 7B and 7C) included in the second sensor group P2, it is determined that the magnetic force sensor 7C included in the second sensor group P2 has a failure.

In this way, when no failure is recognized in any of the magnetic force sensors <NUM> (7A to 7C), the processing device <NUM> determines whether the switch is operated on the basis of the output signals of the magnetic force sensors <NUM> (7A to 7C).

When a failure is found in any of the magnetic force sensors <NUM> (7A to 7C), since a magnetic force sensor having a failure can be identified by determination using combinations of the magnetic force sensors <NUM> (7A to 7C), it is determined whether the switch is operated on the basis of the output signals of the remaining magnetic force sensors <NUM> having no failure. This makes it possible to appropriately determine whether or not the switch is operated.

In the above-described embodiment, a case where the three magnetic force sensors <NUM> are assigned to one switch is exemplified. Four or more magnetic force sensors <NUM> may be assigned to the one switch. In this case, at least one magnetic force sensor <NUM> is placed with the detection surface 7a facing away from the magnet <NUM>. Then, the magnetic force sensor groups may be set to include the reversed magnetic force sensor <NUM>, and it may be determined whether there is a failure for each magnetic force sensor group. Thus, it is also possible to more appropriately determine whether there is a failure in the magnetic force sensor <NUM>.

In the above-described embodiment, a case is exemplified where the processing device <NUM> sets a plurality of sensor groups P (detection element groups) including a pair of magnetic force sensors in the three magnetic force sensors 7A, 7B, and 7C when performing the failure determination processing.

For example, when there are a plurality of magnetic force sensors, a sensor group Pa including a pair of magnetic force sensors is set first, and when it is determined that there is a failure in the magnetic force sensor included in the set sensor group, a new sensor group Pb including one magnetic force sensor included in the sensor group Pa and another magnetic force sensor may be set, and it may be determined whether there is a failure in a magnetic force sensor included in the new sensor set Pb.

Thus, it is also possible to identify the magnetic force sensor having a failure, thereby determining whether the switch is operated on the basis of the output waveform of the magnetic force sensor having no failure.

In the above-described embodiment, a case where it is determined whether or not there is a failure by comparing the output waveforms of the pair of magnetic force sensors is exemplified, but it may be determined whether there is a failure by calculating a difference ΔV between the output voltage of the magnetic force sensor <NUM> and the median value (Center) of the output voltage and by comparing a difference ΔV of one magnetic force sensor and a difference ΔV of the other magnetic force sensor included in a pair of magnetic force sensor groups.

As described above, the switch device <NUM> according to the present embodiment has the following configuration.

The plurality of magnetic force sensors <NUM> include a detection element with the detection surface 7a facing the magnet <NUM> and a reversed detection element with the detection surface 7a facing away from the magnet <NUM>.

The total number of the plurality of magnetic force sensors <NUM> is at least three.

With this configuration, at least one magnetic force sensor 7B is disposed with the detection surface 7a facing away from the magnet <NUM>. The magnetic force sensors 7A and 7C arranged with the detection surface 7a facing the magnet <NUM> and the magnetic force sensor 7B arranged with the detection surface 7a facing away from the magnet <NUM> have inverted phases of the output signals (<FIG> and <FIG>).

Therefore, the magnetic force sensors 7A and 7C arranged with the detection surface 7a facing the magnet <NUM> and the magnetic force sensor 7B arranged with the detection surface 7a facing away from the magnet <NUM> have different output signal phases.

Then, by comparing the output signals having different phases, it can be recognized that one of the magnetic force sensors 7A and 7C arranged with the detection surface 7a facing the magnet <NUM> and the magnetic force sensor 7B arranged with the detection surface 7a facing away from the magnet <NUM> has a failure. Since at least three magnetic force sensors <NUM> are provided, it is possible to identify which magnetic force sensor has a failure by changing the combination for comparing the output signals. It can be determined whether the operated portion <NUM> is operated can be determined from the output signals of the magnetic force sensors other than the identified magnetic force sensor.

Therefore, even when any of the magnetic force sensors <NUM> has a failure, detection of whether the operated portion <NUM> is operated, that is, detection of operation of the switch <NUM> is not affected.

Thus, robustness against failure of the magnetic force sensor <NUM> can be improved.

(<NUM>) The movable body <NUM> has the magnet <NUM> attached to a portion facing the magnetic force sensor <NUM>.

As viewed from the axis X direction, the magnet <NUM> has a width W10 in a first direction (the alignment direction in <FIG>) orthogonal to the axis X direction.

The plurality of magnetic force sensors <NUM> are provided to be aligned in the axis X direction, and arranged in the first direction with the same distance d from a surface (the facing surface <NUM>) of the magnet <NUM>.

With this configuration, intensities of the output signals of the magnetic force sensors <NUM> (7A to 7C) are uniform, so that the output signals of the magnetic force sensors <NUM> can be easily compared.

In particular, when the magnet <NUM> and the magnetic force sensor <NUM> (7A to 7C) are provided in a positional relationship in which the magnet <NUM> and the magnetic force sensor <NUM> (7A to 7C) overlap each other as viewed from the facing direction of the magnet <NUM> and the magnetic force sensors <NUM> (7A to 7C), by arranging the magnetic force sensors <NUM> (7A to 7C) side by side in the first direction, the distance d between the magnetic force sensors <NUM> (7A to 7C) and the surface (facing surface <NUM>) of the magnet <NUM> can be made uniform. This facilitates arrangement of the magnetic force sensors <NUM> (7A to 7C), so that the intensities of the output signals of the magnetic force sensors <NUM> (7A to 7C) can be more easily uniformed.

(<NUM>) The magnet <NUM> is provided in a magnetic pole orientation in which one side in the axis X direction is the N pole and the other side is the S pole.

Positions of the plurality of magnetic force sensors <NUM> in the axis X direction are such that the plurality of magnetic force sensors <NUM> are provided to face one S pole of magnetic poles of the magnet <NUM> when the operated portion <NUM> is not operated, and the plurality of magnetic force sensors <NUM> are provided to face the other N pole of the magnetic poles of the magnet <NUM> when the operated portion <NUM> is operated.

With this configuration, since change tendency and intensity of the output signals of the magnetic force sensors <NUM> when the operated portion <NUM> is operated are uniform, the output signals of the magnetic force sensors <NUM> can be easily compared. Note that the magnet <NUM> may be configured to be provided in a magnetic pole orientation such that one side in the axis X direction is the S pole and the other side is the N pole.

(<NUM>) The switch device <NUM> includes the processing device <NUM> (processing unit) for the output signal of the magnetic force sensor <NUM>.

The processing device <NUM> sets magnetic force sensor groups P1 and P2 (detection element groups) including a pair of magnetic force sensors <NUM> in the plurality of magnetic force sensors <NUM>, and
by comparing the output signals of the pair of magnetic force sensors included in the magnetic force sensor pairs P1 and P2, it is determined whether there is a failure in the detection elements included in the set magnetic force sensor group.

With this configuration, it is possible to quickly detect the presence of the magnetic force sensor <NUM> having a failure.

(<NUM>) The magnetic force sensor group including the pair of magnetic force sensors <NUM> includes the magnetic force sensor 7A with the detection surface 7a facing the magnet <NUM> and the reversed magnetic force sensor 7B with the detection surface 7a facing away from the magnet <NUM>.

With this configuration, the output waveform of the magnetic force sensor 7A and the output waveform of the magnetic force sensor 7B are waveforms having opposite phases. Thus, the presence of the magnetic force sensor <NUM> having a failure can be quickly detected by comparing the output waveforms having different phases.

(<NUM>) The processing device <NUM> identify a detection element having a failure as follows.

When there is a failure in the pair of magnetic force sensors included in the set magnetic force sensor group P1,
in another magnetic force sensor group P2 including a magnetic force sensor included in the magnetic force sensor group P1 that is determined to have a failure and another detection element, the processing device <NUM> determines whether there is a failure in the magnetic force sensor included in the other magnetic force sensor group P2 to identify the magnetic force sensor having a failure.

With this configuration, it is possible to quickly identify the magnetic force sensor having a failure.

(<NUM>) The movable body <NUM> is placed on the cover member <NUM> (elastic member).

The cover member <NUM> applies a biasing force to the movable body <NUM> so that the operated portion <NUM> to which the movable body <NUM> is connected is disposed in an initial position.

With this configuration, it is possible to give an operational feeling to the operation of the operated portion <NUM>.

(<NUM>) The movable body <NUM> is supported by the case <NUM> so as to be movable in the X-axis direction.

The operated portion <NUM> is connected to the movable body <NUM>.

With this configuration, it is possible to directly displace the movable body <NUM> by pressing the operated portion <NUM>.

(<NUM>) The movable body <NUM> is supported by the case <NUM> so as to be movable in the axis X direction.

The operated portion <NUM> is provided to be rotatable about the axis Y in the case <NUM>.

The operated portion <NUM> has the leg portion <NUM> radially outward of the axis Y as viewed from the axis Y direction.

The leg portion <NUM> is placed on the upper end 612d of the movable body <NUM>.

When the operated portion <NUM> rotates about the axis Y due to the operating force acting on the operated portion <NUM>, the leg portion <NUM> displaces the movable body <NUM> in the axis X direction.

With this configuration, even in the case of the switch 5B in which the operated portion <NUM> swings, the magnet <NUM> attached to the movable body <NUM> is displaced in the axial direction in conjunction with the operation of the operated portion <NUM> of the switch 5B.

Thus, even in the case of the switch 5B having the swinging type operated portion <NUM>, the operation of the switch 5B can be appropriately detected.

Claim 1:
A switch device comprising:
a movable body (<NUM>) that is configured to be displaced in an axial direction (X) in conjunction with an operation of an operated portion (<NUM>);
a magnet (<NUM>) provided on the movable body (<NUM>); and
a plurality of magnetic force sensors (<NUM>; 7A, 7B, 7C) arranged facing the magnet (<NUM>), wherein each magnetic force sensor of the plurality of magnetic force sensors (<NUM>; 7A, 7B, 7C) includes a predetermined detection surface (7a) for detecting a magnetic force, wherein one of the plurality of magnetic force sensors (7A, 7C) is disposed with the predetermined detection surface (7a) facing the magnet (<NUM>) and one of the plurality of magnetic force sensors (7B) is disposed with the predetermined detection surface facing away from the magnet (<NUM>), and the total number of the plurality of magnetic force sensors (<NUM>; 7A, 7B, 7C) is at least three,
the movable body (<NUM>) having the magnet (<NUM>) attached to a portion facing the magnetic force sensors (<NUM>; 7A, 7B, 7C),
the magnet (<NUM>) having a width (W10) in a first direction orthogonal to the axial direction (X) as viewed from the axial direction (X), and
the plurality of magnetic force sensors (<NUM>; 7A, 7B, 7C) being provided to be aligned in the axial direction (X), and arranged in the first direction with the same distance (d) from a surface of the magnet (<NUM>), characterized in that,
the magnet (<NUM>) is provided in a magnetic pole orientation in which one side in the axial direction (X) is an N pole and the other side is an S pole, and
positions of the plurality of magnetic force sensors (<NUM>; 7A, 7B, 7C) in the axial direction (X) are such that the plurality of magnetic force sensors (<NUM>; 7A, 7B, 7C) are provided to face one of magnetic poles of the magnet (<NUM>) when the operated portion (<NUM>) is not operated, and the plurality of magnetic force sensors (<NUM>; 7A, 7B, 7C) are provided to face the other of the magnetic poles of the magnet (<NUM>) when the operated portion (<NUM>) is operated.