JP2007026688A - Position detector of magnetic body sphere and longitudinal and lateral detecting sensor using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a position detector of a magnetic body sphere that can be miniaturized. <P>SOLUTION: The position detector comprises the magnetic body sphere 1; a housing 2 that has an internal space 3 for storing the magnetic body sphere 1 and an inner wall 2a where the magnetic body sphere 1 can be rolled; a magnet 5 that is provided outside the internal space 3 and applies magnetism in parallel with the inner wall 2a extremely close to the housing 2; and a magnetism detector 4 that is provided at a position at a side opposite to the inner wall 2a while being positioned near the magnet 5, and detects magnetism from the magnet 5, thus detecting the position of the magnetic body sphere 1. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a position detecting device for a magnetic sphere used mainly in various applications for controlling the device by detecting the posture of various electronic devices, and a vertical / horizontal detection sensor using the same.

  Sensors that detect vertical and horizontal postures of electronic devices and the like are called vertical and horizontal detection sensors and posture sensors. In such a sensor, since the magnetic sphere moves by its own weight, and the magnetism by the magnet changes depending on the position of the magnetic sphere, the position of the magnetic body can be determined by detecting this magnetism with a magnetic detector. A method of detecting and detecting the attitude of an electronic device or the like by this is known.

  In such a sensor, as a tilt sensor technique, a technique is known in which a magnetic sphere is arranged on a bowl-shaped rolling surface and magnetism is applied to the rolling surface substantially perpendicularly. Among such techniques, a technique in which four magnetic detectors are provided is also known (see Patent Document 1). In addition, a technique in which a magnet and a magnetic detector are arranged in order from the magnetic body sphere is also known (see Patent Document 2).

  Similarly, the tilt sensor technology has a structure in which a magnetic sphere is suspended by a magnetic force on the lower side of a magnet, a magnet and a magnetic detector are arranged in order from the magnetic sphere, and four magnetic detectors are provided. The provided technology is also known (see Patent Document 3).

Furthermore, as a posture sensor that detects whether the electronic apparatus is placed vertically or horizontally, a technique in which a depression is formed on a rolling surface in one longitudinal direction or one lateral direction to be detected is also known (see Patent Document 4). .
JP 2003-287421 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-23267 JP 2002-277243 A JP 2001-304858 A

  However, in the conventional magnetic sphere position detection device and the vertical / horizontal detection sensor described above, the magnet applies a magnetism in a direction substantially perpendicular to the rolling surface, so that a magnetic field affecting the magnetic sphere is not generated. It is strong and has the advantage of being able to detect the change in the position of a magnetic sphere located sufficiently away from the magnet because the magnetic detector detects the change in magnetism. There was a side face that the magnetic sphere would be pulled to the magnet side by the magnetism from.

  In particular, when the size is further reduced, the magnetic sphere also becomes smaller and lighter. However, since the magnetic sphere moves by its own weight, a strong magnetic field from the magnet adversely affects the movement of the magnetic sphere. For this reason, it has been difficult to reduce the size of the magnetic sphere position detection device, the vertical / horizontal detection sensor, and the like.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention solves the above-described conventional problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a position detecting device for a magnetic sphere that can be reduced in size and a vertical / horizontal detection sensor using the same.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention has the following configuration.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a magnetic sphere, a container having an inner space for accommodating the magnetic sphere and having an inner wall on which the magnetic sphere can roll, and the inner space. A magnet that is provided outside and applies magnetism in a direction parallel to the nearest inner wall of the container, and is provided near the magnet and at a position opposite to the inner wall, and receives magnetism from the magnet. According to this configuration, the magnetism of the magnet is applied in a direction parallel to the nearest inner wall of the container having an inner wall on which the magnetic sphere can roll, and the inner wall of the container is provided. Since the magnets are arranged in this order from the magnet to the magnetic detector, the magnetism of the magnet can be weakened, and this can reduce the effect on the magnetic sphere, allowing the magnetic sphere to be reduced in size and weight When the entire device can be downsized Cormorant is as it has the effect effect.

  The invention according to claim 2 of the present invention is particularly a thin film magnet in which the magnetic detector is constituted by a magnetoresistive element formed on a substrate and the magnet is formed on the magnetoresistive element via an insulating layer. According to this configuration, since the magnetoresistive element and the thin film magnet are integrally formed on the substrate, there is an effect that variation in characteristics of the magnetoresistive element can be reduced. Is.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vertical / horizontal detection sensor including the magnetic ball position detecting device according to the first aspect, wherein the internal space of the container is divided into four directions at intervals of 90 ° in the same plane. Are formed in a shape including four detection spaces extending to the surface, and two side inner walls located in a direction perpendicular to a plane including the four detection spaces and facing each other, and a magnet and a magnetic detector Each of the four detection spaces is provided outside the detection space, and the detection space is detected below the other three detection spaces by detecting the detection space in which the magnetic sphere has entered due to its own weight. Therefore, according to this configuration, the entire apparatus can be downsized.

  In the invention according to claim 4 of the present invention, in particular, instead of providing a magnet outside each of the four detection spaces, a single magnet that exerts magnetism on the four detection spaces is provided. According to this configuration, since one magnet that exerts magnetism on the four detection spaces is provided, the labor at the time of manufacture becomes simpler than when four magnets are arranged, and In the case where the magnet is formed of a thin film, the mask shape can be simplified, so that the cost and cost can be reduced.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, in particular, the magnetic detector is constituted by a magnetoresistive element formed on a substrate, and the magnet is formed on the magnetoresistive element via an insulating layer. According to this configuration, since the magnetoresistive element and the thin film magnet are integrally formed on the substrate, there is an effect that the characteristic variation of the magnetoresistive element can be reduced. It is.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in particular, the container is constituted by a substrate and a housing having a recess capable of accommodating a magnetic sphere and made of a nonmagnetic material so as to cover the substrate. In addition, a part of the inner wall of the container is configured with a protective film that covers the magnetoresistive element formed on the substrate. According to this configuration, a thin film formed on the magnetoresistive element via an insulating layer Since the magnet can be brought closer to the inner wall of the container, the magnetism of the thin film magnet can be weakened.

  In the invention according to claim 7 of the present invention, in particular, the housing is formed of a resin material containing a conductive material or a metal material having conductivity, and the housing is electrically connected to the ground. According to this configuration, since charging of the housing can be prevented, there is an effect that the malfunction of the vertical / horizontal detection sensor due to this can be prevented.

  In the invention according to claim 8 of the present invention, in particular, the two side inner walls are formed in a shape having a recess in the central portion. According to this configuration, the vertical / horizontal detection sensor is not installed vertically but installed horizontally. However, it is possible to prevent erroneous detection and to perform stable detection even in a state where the user is laid down or in a state in which the laid state is rotated 180 ° and turned over.

  In the invention according to claim 9 of the present invention, in particular, an inner wall located between an arbitrary detection space and a detection space adjacent to the detection space among the four detection spaces has a shape having a convex protrusion. According to this configuration, since the convex protrusion is formed, when the vertical / horizontal detection sensor in the vertical or horizontal state is rotated clockwise or counterclockwise It is possible to give hysteresis to the movement of the magnetic body sphere, thereby having the effect of preventing so-called chattering in the detection result.

  According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, in particular, the magnetic sphere is configured such that the relative initial permeability is 5000 or more and the coercive force is 15 A / m or less. Since the initial permeability is configured to be 5000 or more, detection is possible even with a magnet having weak magnetism, and the holding force is configured to be 15 A / m or less. This has the effect of making it difficult to magnetize, thereby preventing erroneous detection.

  As described above, the position detection device for a magnetic sphere of the present invention has a magnetic sphere, a container having an internal space for accommodating the magnetic sphere, and an inner wall on which the magnetic sphere can roll, A magnet that is provided outside the internal space and that applies magnetism in a direction parallel to the nearest inner wall of the container, and is located near the magnet and at a position opposite to the inner wall, and the magnet And a magnetic detector for detecting the magnetism from the device, it has an excellent effect that the entire device can be miniaturized.

  A vertical / horizontal detection sensor according to the present invention is a vertical / horizontal detection sensor including the magnetic ball position detection device according to claim 1, and the internal space of the container extends in four directions at intervals of 90 ° in the same plane. The four detection spaces are configured to have a shape including two side inner walls facing each other and positioned in a direction perpendicular to a plane including the four detection spaces, and the magnet and the magnetic detector are arranged in the four detection spaces. The detection space is located below the other three detection spaces by detecting the detection space in which the magnetic ball has entered due to its own weight among the four detection spaces by the magnetic detector. Since this is detected, there is an excellent effect that it is possible to provide a vertical / horizontal detection sensor that enables downsizing of the entire apparatus.

(Embodiment 1)
Hereinafter, the first and second aspects of the present invention will be described with reference to the first embodiment.

  FIG. 1 is a front sectional view of a magnetic sphere position detection device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an operation principle diagram of the position detection device, and FIG. 3 is a magnetic sphere position and magnetism in the position detection device. The figure which shows the relationship of the resistance value of a resistive element, FIG. 4 is front sectional drawing of the principal part of the position detection apparatus.

  1 to 4, reference numeral 1 denotes a magnetic sphere, and the magnetic sphere 1 is made of an Fe-based alloy, and is particularly made of permalloy having a high magnetic permeability and a low coercive force. A housing 2 accommodates the magnetic sphere 1 in a rollable manner. The housing 2 is made of a nonmagnetic material. In particular, when the housing 2 is made of a resin material such as a liquid crystal polymer or polyamide containing a conductive material such as carbon, it is possible to obtain a product that has excellent heat resistance and can be reflowed as a surface mount component. An effect can be obtained. In addition, since polyamide is inexpensive, it is excellent in economic efficiency. 2a is an inner wall of the housing 2, and the magnetic ball 1 rolls or slides on the inner wall 2a. Reference numeral 3 denotes an internal space of the housing 2 in which the magnetic sphere 1 is accommodated.

  Reference numeral 4 denotes a magnetoresistive element (magnetic detector) formed in a pattern formed by folding a plurality of ferromagnetic thin films made of NiCo, NiFe or the like. The magnetoresistive element 4 has a resistance value change rate when a magnetic field is applied vertically. Becomes the maximum and the resistance value decreases. The specific shape of the pattern of the magnetoresistive element 4 formed by folding a plurality of ferromagnetic thin films is the same as that described in FIG. Reference numeral 5 denotes a thin film magnet (magnet) for applying magnetism. The thin film magnet 5 applies magnetism in a direction parallel to the nearest inner wall 2a, and the direction of the magnetic field of the thin film magnet 5 is determined by magnetization. It is made of a material such as CoPt alloy, CoCrPt alloy, and ferrite to be set. Here, the direction in which magnetism is applied from the thin film magnet 5 makes an angle of 90 ° with the longitudinal direction of the pattern of the magnetoresistive element 4. In this case, an angle of 90 ° is preferable because the change in the resistance value of the magnetoresistive element 4 can be increased, but it may be about 45 ° in practice.

Reference numeral 6 denotes a rectangular substrate made of an insulating material such as alumina. The substrate 6 constitutes a container 2b with the housing 2. 6a is a glass glaze layer formed on the surface of the substrate 6. By forming the glass glaze layer 6a, a smooth surface can be obtained, so that an electric circuit can be easily formed on the substrate 6. 7 is an insulating layer formed on the magnetoresistive element 4, the insulating layer 7 is SiO _2, alumina, epoxy resin, and is made of material such as silicon resin. Further, the thin film magnet 5 is formed on the upper surface of the insulating layer 7. When the thin film magnet 5 is formed of a CoPt alloy, using SiO ₂ for the insulating layer 7 is inexpensive and the thin film magnet 5. Therefore, reliability such as humidity resistance is improved. Reference numeral 8 denotes a protective film made of a material such as SiO ₂ , alumina, epoxy resin, or silicon resin formed on the thin film magnet 5. When this protective film 8 is made of a filler-containing epoxy resin, the adhesion is excellent. In addition, the wear resistance and humidity resistance are excellent, and the reliability of the magnetoresistive element 4 and the thin film magnet 5 is improved. The protective film 8 constitutes a part of the inner wall 2a.

  In FIGS. 1 and 2, the glass glaze layer 6 a, the insulating layer 7, and the protective film 8 are omitted for easy viewing of the drawings.

  The operation principle of the magnetic sphere position detection apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention configured as described above will be described below.

  As shown in FIG. 1, when the magnetic sphere 1 is not on the upper part of the magnetoresistive element 4, the magnetic lines of force are turned up and down from the thin film magnet 5 on the upper part of the magnetoresistive element 4. A part of the magnetic force lines penetrates the magnetoresistive element 4 and applies magnetism to the magnetoresistive element 4. Thereby, the resistance value of the magnetoresistive element 4 shows a low value.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2, when the magnetic sphere 1 approaches the top of the magnetoresistive element 4, the magnetic lines of force from the thin film magnet 5 on the top of the magnetoresistive element 4 are attracted to the magnetic sphere 1. Thus, the magnetic lines of force gather on the upper side of the thin film magnet 5, so that the magnetic lines of force around the lower side of the thin film magnet 5 are reduced. Thereby, the lines of magnetic force penetrating the magnetoresistive element 4 are also reduced, and the resistance value of the magnetoresistive element 4 shows a high value.

  Thus, when the magnetic sphere 1 is present at a position near the magnetoresistive element 4, the resistance value of the magnetoresistive element 4 is high, while the magnetic sphere 1 is present at a position near the magnetoresistive element 4. When not, the resistance value of the magnetoresistive element 4 becomes low. Therefore, by detecting the resistance value of the magnetoresistive element 4, it is detected whether or not the magnetic ball 1 is present in the vicinity of the magnetoresistive element 4. Can do.

  As described above, the magnetic sphere position detecting device according to the first embodiment of the present invention applies the magnetism from the thin film magnet 5 in the direction parallel to the nearest inner wall 2a. It is possible to prevent the movement from being adversely affected. To explain this, when magnetism is applied vertically, first, it is necessary to arrange a magnetic detector between the magnet and the inner wall. This is because if a magnet is arranged between the inner wall and the magnetic detector, in other words, if one magnetic pole of the magnet is arranged on the inner wall side and the other magnetic pole is arranged on the magnetic detector side, the position of the magnetic sphere This is because the magnetism detected by the magnetic detector is hardly changed because the magnetism from the magnetic pole on the side opposite to the inner wall is hardly affected even if the magnetic field changes. When magnetism is applied vertically, secondly, it is necessary to separate the magnet from the inner wall. This is because if the magnetic detector is arranged between the magnet and the inner wall and the interval between the magnet and the inner wall is reduced, the interval between the magnet and the magnetic detector is also reduced. In this case, since the magnetic detector is located near the magnetic pole from which the magnetic lines of force are generated, even if the magnetic sphere is approaching or is away from the magnetic sphere, Many end up penetrating the magnetic detector, and as a result, the magnetic change received by the magnetic detector due to the change in the position of the magnetic sphere is reduced. For this reason, it is necessary to arrange the magnetic detector at a certain distance from the magnet, and eventually it is necessary to increase the distance between the magnet and the inner wall. As described above, if the distance between the magnet and the inner wall is increased, it is naturally necessary to increase the magnetism of the magnet. In this case, even when the magnetic sphere is closest to the magnet, the distance between the two becomes a certain distance, so even if the magnetic sphere is a little away, the force that the magnet attracts the magnetic sphere is reduced. Few. Therefore, the magnetic sphere is affected by the movement by the magnetic force from the magnet.

  Thus, the position detection device for the magnetic sphere according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention does not hinder the movement of the magnetic sphere 1 due to its own weight even if the magnetic sphere 1 is reduced in weight. Can be realized.

  Further, since the thin film magnet 5 and the magnetoresistive element 4 are arranged in this order from the side closer to the inner wall 2a with which the magnetic sphere 1 contacts, the magnetic sphere 1 and the thin film magnet 5 can be close to each other. Even if the magnetism of the thin-film magnet 5 is weakened, the detection can be performed when the magnetic sphere 1 comes close. Since the force attracting the magnetic material by the magnet is inversely proportional to the square of the distance, the magnetism at the position away from the thin film magnet 5 can be made sufficiently small by weakening the magnetism of the thin film magnet 5. Can prevent the movement of the magnetic sphere 1 from being adversely affected.

  In addition, since the magnetoresistive element 4 and the thin film magnet 5 are formed of a thin film, the entire apparatus can be reduced in size and thickness.

  Furthermore, since the magnetoresistive element 4 and the thin film magnet 5 are integrally formed on the substrate 6, the positional relationship between the magnetoresistive element 4 and the thin film magnet 5 due to individual differences can be reduced and kept accurately. As a result, the variation in magnetism applied from the thin film magnet 5 to the magnetoresistive element 4 can be reduced, so that the variation in MR characteristics, which is the relationship between the applied magnetism and the resistance value change rate, can also be reduced. It can be done.

  Furthermore, since a part of the protective film 8 also serves as the inner wall 2a, the thin film magnet 5 can be brought closer to the inner wall 2a than when the inner wall 2a is separately provided. The effect of bringing the thin film magnet 5 closer to the inner wall 2a is as described above.

  Further, since the magnetic sphere 1 is made of permalloy, the relative initial permeability of the magnetic sphere 1 can be 5000 or more and the holding force can be 15 A / m or less. Since the magnetic sphere 1 which can weaken the magnetism of the thin film magnet 5 and hardly magnetize can be obtained, it is possible to prevent malfunction.

  If the magnetic sphere 1 is lubricated with polytetrafluoroethylene or the like, the friction coefficient is lowered, the rolling of the magnetic sphere 1 is smooth, and the wear resistance is improved. Since it is high and has excellent corrosion resistance, the magnetic ball 1 is not rusted and the reliability can be improved.

  Further, when the housing 2 is formed of a resin material containing a conductive material such as carbon or a metal material having conductivity, and the housing 2 is electrically connected to the ground, charging of the housing 2 is prevented. Accordingly, malfunction of the position detecting device of the magnetic sphere 1 can be prevented.

  In the first embodiment of the present invention, an MR element made of a ferromagnetic film is used as the magnetoresistive element 4. However, even when a GMR element made of an artificial lattice multilayer film is used, The same effects as those of the first embodiment of the invention can be obtained.

  As is clear from the above description, the magnetic sphere position detection device according to the first embodiment of the present invention can be introduced into various technologies. For example, in addition to the vertical and horizontal detection sensors described later, a posture sensor, It can also be applied to an inclination sensor or the like. In addition, the vertical / horizontal detection sensor described later detects four postures, but the magnetic ball in the first embodiment of the present invention is also used for posture sensors that detect two postures, three postures, and even five postures. The position detection device of can be applied.

(Embodiment 2)
Hereinafter, the invention described in the third to tenth aspects of the present invention will be described using the second embodiment. The vertical / horizontal detection sensor according to the second embodiment of the present invention uses the magnetic ball position detection device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  5 is a front cross-sectional view of the vertical / horizontal detection sensor according to the second embodiment of the present invention when placed on its back, FIG. 6 is a top cross-sectional view of the vertical / horizontal detection sensor when placed vertically, and FIG. 7 is a main portion of the vertical / horizontal detection sensor. FIG. 8 is a plan view of the main part of the vertical / horizontal detection sensor, FIGS. 9 and 10 are operational principle diagrams of the vertical / horizontal detection sensor, and FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the relationship between the posture and output of the vertical / horizontal detection sensor, FIG. 12 is an electric processing circuit diagram of the vertical / horizontal detection sensor, and FIG. 13 is a determination logic diagram of the vertical / horizontal detection sensor.

  Here, the posture of the vertical / horizontal detection sensor when the upper side of the paper surface shown in FIG. 5 is the actual vertical upper side is referred to as “place on the back”, and the vertical / horizontal detection sensor when the upper side of the paper surface shown in FIG. Is called “vertical placement”.

  5 to 10 and 12, reference numeral 11 denotes a magnetic sphere, and the magnetic sphere 11 has the same configuration as the magnetic sphere 1 in the first embodiment of the present invention described above. Reference numeral 12 denotes a housing made of a non-magnetic material. The housing 12 is installed so as to cover an upper surface of a substrate 16 to be described later. A body ball 11 is accommodated. Further, when the housing 12 is made of a liquid crystal polymer containing a conductive material such as carbon, or a resin material such as polyamide, it is excellent in heat resistance and can be reflow compatible as a surface mount component. An effect can be obtained. In addition, since polyamide is inexpensive, it is excellent in economic efficiency. Reference numeral 12a denotes a side inner wall corresponding to the ceiling surface in FIG. Reference numeral 12 b denotes a recess formed in the central portion of the side inner wall 12 a in the housing 12. Reference numeral 13 denotes an internal space formed by the housing 12 and a substrate 16 which will be described later, in which the magnetic ball 11 rolls. Reference numerals 13a to 13d denote a part of the internal space 13, which is a detection space that spreads in four directions at 90 ° intervals in the same plane. Reference numerals 14a to 14d denote first to fourth magnetoresistive elements (magnetic detectors) formed outside the detection spaces 13a to 13d, respectively. These magnetoresistive elements 14a to 14d are the above-described first embodiment of the present invention. The magnetoresistive element 4 in FIG. Reference numerals 15a to 15d denote thin film magnets formed outside the detection spaces 13a to 13d, respectively, and these thin film magnets 15a to 15d have the same configuration as the thin film magnet 5 in the first embodiment of the present invention described above. It is.

  Reference numeral 16 denotes a substrate, and this substrate 16 has the same basic configuration as that of the substrate 6 in the first embodiment of the present invention, and a glass glaze layer (not shown) is formed on the surface of the substrate 16. Has been. The first to fourth magnetoresistive elements 14a to 14d are formed on the upper surface of the substrate 16, and an insulating film (not shown) is formed on the upper surfaces of the first to fourth magnetoresistive elements 14a to 14d. ) To form thin film magnets 15a to 15d. Further, a protective film (not shown) for protecting the first to fourth magnetoresistive elements 14a to 14d, the thin film magnets 15a to 15d and the substrate 16 is further formed thereon.

  The configuration of the substrate 16, the first to fourth magnetoresistive elements 14a to 14d, the insulating film (not shown), the thin film magnets 15a to 15d and the protective film (not shown) is the same as that of the first to fourth magnetism. Although there are differences in the numbers of the resistance elements 14a to 14d and the thin film magnets 15a to 15d, the basic configuration is the same as that of the magnetic ball position detecting device in the first embodiment of the present invention described above.

  Reference numeral 16a denotes a side inner wall which is a part of the surface of a protective film (not shown) formed on the substrate 16, and this side inner wall 16a is in contact with the inner space 13, and in this case, the housing 12 The side inner wall 12a and the side inner wall 16a face each other, and both of them are positioned in a direction perpendicular to the plane including the four detection spaces 13a to 13d. Reference numeral 16 b denotes a recess formed at the center of the side wall 16 a on the substrate 16, and this recess 16 b faces the recess 12 b on the housing 12 side through the internal space 13. Reference numerals 17a to 17d denote convex protrusions formed on the inner wall of the housing 12 between the adjacent detection spaces 13a to 13d. 18 is an input electrode formed on the substrate 16, 19 is a ground electrode formed on the substrate 16, 20a is a first output electrode formed on the substrate 16, and 20b is a second output electrode formed on the substrate 16. is there.

  Here, the first magnetoresistive element 14a and the second magnetoresistive element 14b are electrically connected in series as shown in FIG. 7, and the third magnetoresistive element 14c and the fourth magnetoresistive element are connected. 14d is also electrically connected in series. The series circuit of the first magnetoresistive element 14a and the second magnetoresistive element 14b and the series circuit of the third magnetoresistive element 14c and the fourth magnetoresistive element 14d are electrically connected in parallel. ing. Furthermore, the connection part of the 1st magnetoresistive element 14a and the 2nd magnetoresistive element 14b is connected with the 1st output electrode 20a, and the 3rd magnetoresistive element 14c and the 4th magnetoresistive element 14d are connected. Is connected to the second output electrode 20b. Further, the longitudinal directions of the patterns of the first magnetoresistive element 14a, the second magnetoresistive element 14b, the third magnetoresistive element 14c, and the fourth magnetoresistive element 14d are parallel to each other as shown in FIG. Yes. The first magnetoresistive element 14a and the third magnetoresistive element 14c are connected to the input electrode 18, while the second magnetoresistive element 14b and the fourth magnetoresistive element 14d are connected to the ground electrode 19. Yes. Thus, the first to fourth magnetoresistive elements 14a to 14d form a full bridge circuit as shown in FIG. The input electrode 18, the ground electrode 19, the first output electrode 20a, and the second output electrode 20b are each made of a material such as silver or silver palladium.

  The operation of the vertical / horizontal detection sensor according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention configured as described above will be described below.

  The operation principle of the vertical / horizontal detection sensor according to the second embodiment of the present invention incorporates the operation principle of the magnetic sphere position detection device according to the first embodiment of the present invention described above.

  Here, FIG. 9 is a diagram in which the upper side of the paper is the actual vertical upper side, and is a front view when the vertical / horizontal detection sensor is placed vertically as in FIG. Further, FIG. 10 is a diagram in which the front side of the paper is actually vertically above, and is a plan view when the vertical / horizontal detection sensor is placed on its back.

  As shown in FIG. 6 or FIG. 9, when the vertical / horizontal detection sensor is placed vertically, the magnetic ball 11 rolls vertically downward in its internal space 13 and moves to the lowest position. That is, in FIG. 6 or FIG. 9, the magnetic sphere 11 has moved to the detection space 13d. At this time, since the magnetic lines of force from the thin film magnet 15d provided outside the detection space 13d are pulled to the magnetic sphere 11, the lines of magnetic force penetrating the fourth magnetoresistive element 14d are reduced, and the fourth magnetic resistance The resistance value of the element 14d increases. Thereby, it can be detected that the detection space 13d is vertically lower than the other detection spaces 13a to 13c.

  At this time, since the resistance values of the first magnetoresistive element 14a, the second magnetoresistive element 14b, and the third magnetoresistive element 14c are not affected by the magnetic sphere 11, they remain low. On the other hand, since only the resistance value of the fourth magnetoresistive element 14d increases, the potential of the first output electrode 20a becomes the center value of the potential between the input electrode 18 and the ground electrode 19, but the second output electrode The potential of 20b is higher than this central value.

  The above-described operation is similarly performed when the magnetic ball 11 enters the other detection spaces 13a to 13c.

  Hereinafter, the central value of the potential between the input electrode 18 and the ground electrode 19 is referred to as “reference potential”. In FIG. 11 described later, such terms are used.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5 or FIG. 10, when the magnetic sphere 11 fits into the dent 12b or the dent 16b, the distance between the magnetic sphere 11 and the thin film magnets 15a to 15d is sufficiently large. The first to fourth magnetoresistive elements 14a to 14d all have low resistance values, and therefore the potential of the first output electrode 20a and the potential of the second output electrode 20b are both reference potentials. It is.

  FIG. 11 summarizes the relationship between the orientation of the vertical / horizontal detection sensor and the first output electrode 20a and the second output electrode 20b according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, “H” indicates that the potential is higher than the reference potential, and “L” indicates that the potential is lower than the reference potential.

  An example of the processing circuit of the vertical / horizontal detection sensor according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention having the above-described configuration and operation will be described with reference to the drawings.

  In FIG. 12, the outputs of the first output electrode 20a and the second output electrode 20b are amplified by operational amplifiers 21a and 21b, and the respective outputs are passed through comparators 22a to 22d having appropriate positive and negative thresholds. Thus, the results of HH, HL, and LL are obtained for one output. From these results, it is possible to know where the position of the magnetic sphere 11 is, and considering the movement of the magnetic sphere 11 vertically downward by its own weight, the posture of the vertical / horizontal detection sensor can be understood. In other words, this also indicates the vertical and horizontal orientations of the device incorporating the vertical and horizontal detection sensor. These results are summarized in FIG. Although it is possible to detect whether the vertical / horizontal detection sensor is placed on its back as shown in FIG. 5, the vertical / horizontal detection sensor according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention is obtained by rotating the vertical / horizontal detection sensor placed on its back on its side by 180 °. A distinction cannot be made between the state and the supine position.

  As described above, the vertical / horizontal detection sensor according to the second embodiment of the present invention has a configuration incorporating the above-described magnetic sphere position detection device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and further includes the first embodiment of the present invention. The effect of the position detecting device for the magnetic sphere is incorporated.

  In addition to the above, since four thin film magnets 15a to 15d are used as means for applying magnetism, the magnetic fields from the respective thin film magnets 15a to 15d are detected in the nearest detection spaces of the respective thin film magnets 15a to 15d. Since the magnetism is sufficient to reach 13a to 13d, the magnetism can be weakened. The effect of being able to weaken the magnetism of the thin film magnets 15a to 15d is the same as in the case of the position detecting device for the magnetic sphere in the first embodiment of the present invention described above.

  Further, in the vertical / horizontal detection sensor according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, the shape of the detection space 13d is a curved surface having a concave surface that is slightly larger than the outer shape of the magnetic sphere 11, so that the magnetic sphere 11 is impossible for the detection space 13d. Since the magnetic ball 11 moves into the detection space 13d, the magnetic ball 11 never goes back and forth in the detection space 13d for a while. The resistance value of the magnetoresistive element 14d of No. 4 is stabilized. This is not limited to the detection space 13d, and the same applies to the other detection spaces 13a to 13c.

  Further, in FIG. 6, considering that the vertical / horizontal detection sensor is gradually rotated clockwise, in this case, since the projection 17c is present, the vertical / horizontal detection sensor is inclined by 45 °. The magnetic sphere 11 does not jump out of the detection space 13d and enter the detection space 13b. When the vertical / horizontal detection sensor is further rotated beyond 45 °, the magnetic sphere 11 eventually leaves the detection space 13d and enters the adjacent detection space 13b. On the contrary, when the vertical / horizontal detection sensor of FIG. 6 is rotated 90 ° clockwise, in this state, the detection space 13b is vertically downward, and the magnetic ball 11 enters the detection space 13b. If the vertical / horizontal detection sensor is rotated counterclockwise little by little from this state, the magnetic ball 11 jumps out of the detection space 13b even if the vertical / horizontal detection sensor is inclined by 45 ° because of the protrusion 17c. It does not enter the detection space 13d. When the vertical and horizontal detection sensors are further rotated counterclockwise from this state, the magnetic ball 11 exits the detection space 13b and enters the adjacent detection space 13d. As is apparent from this phenomenon, by forming the protrusion 17c, the angle at which the magnetic sphere 11 starts to move is different between the clockwise direction and the opposite direction, and has hysteresis. Thereby, when tilted by about 45 °, it is possible to prevent so-called chattering that can prevent the detection of vertical and horizontal detections from being inadvertently changed. The same effect can be obtained not only for the above-described protrusion 17c but also for the other protrusions 17a, 17b, and 17d.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 6, the shape of the internal space 13 as a whole is roughly “10” -shaped, and a curved surface in which the internal space 13 is concave at the intersection of the center of the “10” character, A curved surface in which the internal space 13 is convex is formed at the tip portion of the "-" shape, and the curved surface is smoothly and continuously connected, so that the movement of the magnetic sphere 11 is smooth and arbitrary. It is possible to prevent the magnetic sphere 11 from standing still between the detection space and the detection space adjacent thereto.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5, when the vertical / horizontal detection sensor is placed on its back, the substrate 16 is positioned vertically below, so the magnetic ball 11 is positioned on the substrate 16. In this case, since the dent 16b is formed in the side inner wall 16a, the magnetic sphere 11 is steadily put in the dent 16b and is stably stopped. If this recess 16b is not present, the magnetic sphere 11 will move in the internal space 13 even if the side wall 16a is slightly inclined, and as a result, the first to fourth magnetoresistive elements 14a to 14d. It is conceivable that the resistance value of the magnetic ball 11 becomes unstable or the magnetic sphere 11 enters the detection spaces 13a to 13d with a slight inclination. In such a case, erroneous detection is performed. On the other hand, in Embodiment 2 of the present invention, since the recess 16b is formed, such a problem can be solved. On the other hand, the same effect can be obtained in the recess 12b formed in the side inner wall 12a. In FIG. 5, the side inner wall 16 a is shown horizontally, but it is preferable that the side inner wall 16 a be inclined so as to become lower toward the center where the recess 16 b is located. On the other hand, the same applies to the side inner wall 12a.

  In the vertical / horizontal detection sensor according to the second embodiment of the present invention, four magnets of the thin film magnets 15a to 15d are used as means for applying magnetism, but instead of this, one magnet may be used. . In this case, since the magnetism must be applied to all of the detection spaces 13a to 13d, there is a disadvantage that the magnetism becomes stronger by that amount. However, the orientation is still perpendicular to the side inner wall 16a. The magnetic force applied to the magnetic sphere 11 is small as compared with the case where it is applied to.

  In addition, although the electric circuit is composed of one full bridge circuit, if another power supply is applied reversely so that an opposite phase can be obtained by adding another full bridge circuit, a differential output can be obtained. Therefore, twice the output can be obtained. In this case, two electric circuits may be stacked and disposed via an insulating layer.

  In addition, as an example of the magnetic sphere detection device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, a posture sensor that detects two postures, a posture sensor that detects three postures, and a posture sensor that detects five postures are considered. However, these can be implemented by referring to the vertical / horizontal detection sensor according to the second embodiment of the present invention. For example, if two detection spaces are provided, a posture sensor that detects two postures can be obtained. If three detection spaces are used, three posture sensors can be obtained. The same can be said for a posture detection sensor that detects five or more postures.

  The magnetic sphere position detection device according to the present invention is useful as a magnetic sphere position detection device or a vertical / horizontal detection sensor used to detect the posture of various electronic devices and the like.

Front sectional view of a magnetic sphere position detecting device in Embodiment 1 of the present invention Operation principle diagram of the same position detector The figure which shows the relationship between the position of the magnetic body sphere in the same position detection apparatus, and the resistance value of a magnetoresistive element Front sectional view of the main part of the same position detector Front sectional view at the time of placing the vertical / horizontal detection sensor on its back in Embodiment 2 of the present invention Cross-sectional top view of the same vertical / horizontal detection sensor Electrical circuit diagram of the main part of the vertical / horizontal detection sensor Plan view of the main part of the vertical / horizontal detection sensor Operational principle diagram of the vertical / horizontal detection sensor Operational principle diagram of the vertical / horizontal detection sensor The figure which shows the relation between the posture and output of the vertical / horizontal detection sensor Electrical processing circuit diagram of the vertical / horizontal detection sensor Judgment logic diagram of the vertical / horizontal detection sensor

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Magnetic sphere 2 Housing 2a Inner wall 3 Internal space 4 Magnetoresistive element (magnetic detector)
5 Thin film magnet (magnet)
6 Substrate 6a Glass glaze layer 7 Insulating layer 8 Protective film 11 Magnetic ball 12 Housing 12a Side wall 12b Recess 13 Internal space 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d Detection space 14a First magnetoresistive element 14b Second magnetoresistive element 14c Third magnetoresistive element 14d Fourth magnetoresistive element 15a, 15b, 15c, 15d Thin film magnet 16 Substrate 16a Side wall 16b Recess 17a, 17b, 17c, 17d Protrusion 18 Input electrode 19 Ground electrode 20a First output electrode 20b Second output electrode 21a, 21b Operational amplifier 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d Comparator

Claims (10)

A magnetic sphere, a container having an internal space for accommodating the magnetic sphere and having an inner wall on which the magnetic sphere can roll, and an inner wall closest to the container provided outside the internal space A magnetic sphere comprising a magnet for applying magnetism in a direction parallel to the magnet, and a magnetic detector located in the vicinity of the magnet and at a position opposite to the inner wall and detecting magnetism from the magnet Position detector. 2. The position of the magnetic sphere according to claim 1, wherein the magnetic detector is constituted by a magnetoresistive element formed on a substrate, and the magnet is constituted by a thin film magnet formed on the magnetoresistive element via an insulating layer. Detection device. A vertical / horizontal detection sensor including the magnetic ball position detecting device according to claim 1, wherein the four internal spaces of the container are spread in four directions at intervals of 90 ° in the same plane, and the four detections. The magnetic sensor is configured to have a shape including two side inner walls facing each other and positioned in a direction perpendicular to a plane including the space, and a magnet and a magnetic detector are provided outside the four detection spaces, respectively, and the magnetic detection A vertical / horizontal detection sensor that detects a detection space below the other three detection spaces by detecting a detection space in which a magnetic sphere enters due to its own weight among the four detection spaces. The vertical / horizontal detection sensor according to claim 3, wherein instead of providing the magnets outside the four detection spaces, one magnet is provided to exert magnetism on the four detection spaces. 5. The vertical / horizontal detection sensor according to claim 3, wherein the magnetic detector is composed of a magnetoresistive element formed on a substrate, and the magnet is composed of a thin film magnet formed on the magnetoresistive element via an insulating layer. The container includes a substrate and a housing having a recess capable of accommodating a magnetic sphere and made of a nonmagnetic material so as to cover the substrate, and a part of the inner wall of the container is placed on the substrate. The vertical / horizontal detection sensor according to claim 5, comprising a protective film that covers the formed magnetoresistive element. The vertical / horizontal detection sensor according to claim 6, wherein the housing is formed of a resin material containing a conductive material or a metal material having conductivity, and the housing is electrically connected to a ground. The vertical / horizontal detection sensor according to any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein the two side wall surfaces are formed in a shape having a depression in the center. The inner wall located between any detection space and the detection space adjacent to this detection space among four detection spaces is comprised in the shape which has a convex protrusion in any one of Claims 3-8. Vertical / horizontal detection sensor. The vertical and horizontal detection sensor according to any one of claims 3 to 9, wherein the magnetic sphere is configured so that a relative initial permeability is 5000 or more and a coercive force is 15 A / m or less.

Images