JP2011163782A - Device for detection of operating position - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an operating position detector, capable of determining an operating position with a fewer number of magnetic sensors than a number of operating positions that are objects to be detected, capable of eliminating trouble of detecting each operating position even if one of the magnetic sensor is failed, and capable of giving a good operational feeling to a user. <P>SOLUTION: A shift position detector 1 is roughly composed of a magnet 10 arranged on a shift lever 22, a first to a fourth MR sensors 11-14 as magnetic sensors, and a control section 15 as a determination section. Each position is determined based on the determination results of the output of the first to the fourth MR sensors 11-14 and shift position information 160 to which the position is correlated. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an operation position detection device.

  As a conventional technique, there is known a control device for a shift switching mechanism that detects four positions of a reference position, R, N, and D provided on a T-shaped shift gate with three magnetic field detection sensors (for example, , See Patent Document 1). R, N, and D are arranged in a straight line, and the reference position is arranged with N located at the midpoint between R and D.

  The control device for the shift switching mechanism can determine four positions by arranging three magnetic field detection sensors in the vicinity of R, D and the reference position and combining their output values.

JP 2008-115944 A

  However, the conventional control device for the shift switching mechanism has a problem in that each position cannot be detected if one of the three magnetic field detection sensors fails. Furthermore, in the conventional shift switching mechanism control device, since the switching position between positions is determined by setting a threshold value for the output of the magnetic field detection sensor, it is difficult to set the switching position and the user has a good operational feeling. It was difficult to give.

  The object of the present invention is to determine the operation position with a smaller number of magnetic sensors than the number of operation positions to be detected, and even if one of the magnetic sensors breaks down, there is no problem in detecting each operation position. An object of the present invention is to provide an operation position detecting device that can give a good operational feeling to a user.

  One embodiment of the present invention includes a first straight line connecting the first operation position and the second operation position, a second straight line connecting the second operation position and the third operation position, and the third operation. An operation unit that moves on a route formed by a third straight line connecting the position and the fourth operation position, a magnetic field generation unit that is provided in the operation unit and generates a magnetic field, the first operation position, and the second operation point. The first to fourth operation positions on a fourth straight line connecting the first switching position at which the operation position is switched and the second switching position at which the third operation position and the fourth operation position are switched. A first magnetic sensor that is provided outside a region surrounded by the magnetic field and detects a direction of a magnetic vector of the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generator, and the first to fourth operation positions on the fourth straight line. The magnetic vector of the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generator provided in the region surrounded by An operation position comprising: a second magnetic sensor for detecting the first and second magnetic sensors; and a determination unit for determining the first to fourth operation positions of the operation unit based on a combination of outputs of the first and second magnetic sensors. A detection device is provided.

  According to the present invention, the operation position is discriminated with a smaller number of magnetic sensors than the number of operation positions to be detected, and even if one of the magnetic sensors breaks down, there is no trouble in detecting each operation position. It is possible to give a good operational feeling to the user.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a shift unit using a shift position detection device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the shift position detection apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3A is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of the magnetic sensor and the positional relationship between the positions of the shift position detecting device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. It is a side view which shows a positional relationship. FIG. 4A is a schematic diagram of magnetic vectors generated from a magnet having a cylindrical shape as the magnetic field generating unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. It is the schematic of the magnetic vector which generate | occur | produces, (c) is a side view of a magnet. FIG. 5A is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the direction of the magnetic vector discriminated as H or L and the MR sensor according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5B is a circuit diagram of the MR sensor. It is the schematic which shows a structure, (c) is the schematic which shows the relationship between the angle of the magnetic vector which crosses MR sensor, and the output voltage _Vout . FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram regarding the arrangement of the MR sensor according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of the shift position information according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8A is a schematic diagram relating to + position discrimination of the shift position detection device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8B is a schematic diagram relating to H position discrimination. FIG. 9A is a schematic diagram relating to the determination of the − position of the shift position detection device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9B is a schematic diagram relating to the determination of the N position. FIG. 10A is a schematic diagram regarding the determination of the R position of the shift position detection device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10B is a schematic diagram regarding the determination of the D position. FIG. 11A is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of the magnetic sensors and the positional relationship between the positions of the shift position detection device according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 11B is a schematic diagram of the shift position information. FIG. FIG. 12A is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of the magnetic sensors and the positional relationship between the positions of the shift position detection device according to the third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 12B is an outline of the shift position information. FIG.

[First embodiment]
(Configuration of shift unit)
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a shift unit using a shift position detection device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

  A shift unit 2 using the shift position detection device 1 is mounted on a vehicle, for example, as shown in FIG. 1, and by operating a shift lever 22 as an operation unit along the shift gate 4, a + position, an H position, -Switch to position, R position, N position and D position.

  Each of the above positions is for switching the transmission state of the vehicle by operating the shift lever 22, for example. + Position is an operating position that switches the gear ratio of the transmission (the output shaft speed of the transmission with the engine speed of 1; the speed of the output shaft of the transmission: the engine speed) to a higher gear ratio step by step. is there. The H position is a neutral position prepared when switching between the + position and the-position. -Position is the operating position for switching the transmission gear ratio one step at a time to a lower gear ratio. The R position is an operation position for moving the vehicle backward. The N position is an operation position that prevents transmission of engine power to the transmission, that is, a neutral position. The D position is a position for switching the gear ratio of the transmission according to the engine speed and the like. The position is not limited to the above example.

  The shift unit 2 includes, for example, a main body 20 having a substantially rectangular shape, an upper portion 21 of the main body 20 on which the shift gate 4 is formed, and a shift position detection device 1 that is provided in the main body 20 and detects the position of the shift lever 22. And is schematically configured.

  The shift lever 22 moves along the shift gate 4 having a substantially H shape, for example. The shift gate 4 is set such that the movement distances to the R position, the N position, and the D position are longer than the movement distances to the + position, the H position, and the − position, for example. The shape of the shift gate 4 is not limited to the above example.

  For example, a guide groove 4 a is formed in the shift gate 4, and a slide portion 4 b is formed at the end of the shift lever 22. The shift lever 22 is configured such that, for example, the slide portion 4b is inserted into the guide groove 4a and guided to be operated at each position.

(Configuration of shift position detection device)
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the shift position detection apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the shift position detection device 1 includes a magnet 10 disposed on a shift lever 22, first to fourth MR (Magnetic Resistance) sensors 11 to 14 as magnetic sensors, and a determination unit. As a control unit 15, a storage unit 16 for storing shift position information 160, and an output unit 17.

  FIG. 3A is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of the magnetic sensor and the positional relationship between the positions of the shift position detecting device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. It is a side view which shows a positional relationship. FIGS. 3A and 3B show a state in which the shift lever 22 is operated to the H position 42.

  As shown in FIG. 3A, the shift position detection device 1 includes first to fourth MR sensors 11 to 14 according to the shift pattern 40.

  The shift lever 22 includes a first straight line 401 that connects a + position (first operation position) 41, an H position (second operation position) 42, and a − position (fifth operation position) 43; A second straight line 402 connecting the N position (third operation position) 45 and a third straight line connecting the R position (fourth operation position) 44, the N position 45 and the D position (sixth operation position) 46. It moves on a substantially H-shaped route 403 (shift pattern 40).

  For example, as shown in FIG. 3A, the first MR sensor (first magnetic sensor) 11 includes a switching position 47 (first switching position) from a + position 41 to an H position 42, and an N position 45. On the fourth straight line 404 connecting the switching position 50 (second switching position) of the R position 44 to the R position 44, and provided outside the region surrounded by the + position 41, the H position 42, the N position 45 and the R position 44. The direction of the magnetic vector of the magnetic field generated by 10 is detected. Note that the first MR sensor 11 is arranged so that the centers (centers of gravity) of four MR elements constituting a bridge circuit to be described later are positioned on the fourth straight line 404. The center shown below represents the center (center of gravity) of the four MR elements.

  Here, the above-described switching position is a position at which position discrimination is switched. This switching position affects the operational feeling of the user, and is set, for example, at a midpoint between positions.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 3A, the second MR sensor (third magnetic sensor) 12 includes a switching position 48 (fourth switching position) from a negative position 43 to an H position 42, and a D position 46. Is provided on the fifth straight line 405 connecting the switching position 51 (fifth switching position) from the N position 45 to the N position 45 outside the area surrounded by the -position 43, the H position 42, the N position 45, and the D position 46. The direction of the magnetic vector of the magnetic field generated by 10 is detected. Note that the second MR sensor 12 is arranged so that the center (center of gravity) is located on the fifth straight line 405.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 3A, the third MR sensor (second magnetic sensor) 13 includes a + position 41, an H position 42, an N position 45, and an R position 44 on the fourth straight line 404. The direction of the magnetic vector of the magnetic field generated by the magnet 10 is detected. Note that the third MR sensor 13 is arranged so that the center (center of gravity) is located on the fourth straight line 404.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 3A, the fourth MR sensor (fourth magnetic sensor) 14 includes a + position 41, an H position 42, an N position 45, and an R position 44 on the fifth straight line 405. The direction of the magnetic vector of the magnetic field generated by the magnet 10 is detected. The fourth MR sensor 14 is arranged so that the center (center of gravity) is located on the fifth straight line 405.

  The first to fourth MR sensors 11 to 14 are disposed on the substrate 100 as shown in FIG. 3B, for example.

  FIG. 4A is a schematic diagram of magnetic vectors generated from a magnet having a cylindrical shape as the magnetic field generating unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. It is the schematic of the magnetic vector which generate | occur | produces, (c) is a side view of a magnet. 4A and 4B schematically show the relationship between the magnet 10 and the magnetic vector 10A, for example, and FIG. 4C schematically shows the relationship between the magnet 10 and the magnetic flux 10B. It is.

  A magnet 10 serving as a magnetic field generating unit is provided at the end of the shift lever 22. The magnet 10 is, for example, a permanent magnet such as an alnico magnet, a ferrite magnet, or a neodymium magnet, or a magnet formed by mixing these permanent magnets with a resin. The magnetic field generator is not limited to the above example, and may be an electromagnet or the like, for example.

  The magnet 10 has a cylindrical shape, for example, as shown in FIGS. 3 (b) and 4 (a). Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 4C, the magnet 10 has an N pole on the substrate 100 side and an S pole on the shift lever 22 side, and the magnetic flux 10B springs out from the N pole on the substrate 100 side and is sucked into the S pole. ing. The magnetizing direction of the magnet 10 is not limited to the above example, and the substrate 100 side may be the S pole and the shift lever 22 side may be the N pole.

  Further, the magnet 10 is not limited to the above example. For example, as shown in FIG. 4B, if the column 10 generates a magnetic vector 10A radially, the shape of the bottom surface on the substrate 100 side is one side. A square may be used.

FIG. 5A is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the direction of the magnetic vector discriminated as H or L and the MR sensor according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5B is a circuit diagram of the MR sensor. It is the schematic which shows a structure, (c) is the schematic which shows the relationship between the angle of the magnetic vector which crosses MR sensor, and the output voltage _Vout . FIG. 5C is a diagram in which, for example, the applied voltage V is 5 v, and the threshold voltage V _th for determining Hi and Lo is 2.5 v. 5A, 5B and 5C, the first MR sensor 11 will be described as an example, but the same applies to other MR sensors.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 5A, the first MR sensor 11 is divided into four regions (L, H, L, H) by diagonal lines, and the magnetic vector 10A passing through the center is The determination result by the control unit described later changes depending on the area.

  In the first MR sensor 11, for example, as shown in FIG. 5B, the first to fourth MR elements form a bridge circuit. This MR element is, for example, a magnetoresistive element having a shape that is folded in a bellows shape, and whose resistance value changes based on an angle formed by the magnetic vector 10A and the folded portion (magnetic sensing portion). Here, the folded portion (magnetic sensing portion) is, for example, a portion orthogonal to the direction of current flow shown in FIG. 5B, and when the magnetic field goes straight to this magnetic sensing portion, the MR element The resistance value is minimum, and when parallel, the resistance value is maximum. In addition, the increase / decrease in the magnetoresistance of the part parallel to the current flow direction shown in FIG. 5B is assumed to be negligible compared with that of the magnetic sensing part. In addition, a magnetic vector 10A passing through the MR sensor detection area other than the magnetic vector 10A passing through the center of each MR sensor described below is assumed to be substantially parallel to the magnetic vector 10A passing through the center of the MR sensor.

In the first MR sensor 11, for example, a voltage V is applied to the first and third MR elements 111 and 113, and a midpoint potential (V ₊ ) between the first MR element 111 and the second MR element 112 is set. The difference (= V ₊ −V ₋ ) between the midpoint potentials (V ₋ ) of the third MR element 113 and the fourth MR element 114 is output to the control unit 15 as V _out . The second MR element 112 and the fourth MR element 114 are grounded. The control unit 15 compares the threshold voltage V _th with V _out , sets 1 (Hi) when V _out is greater than V _th , and 0 (Lo) when V _out is smaller than Hi from the output of the first MR sensor 11. Lo is determined.

Schematic diagram of the first MR sensor 11 shown in FIG. 5A and a schematic diagram of a bridge portion including the first to fourth MR elements 111 to 114 of the first MR sensor 11 shown in FIG. Is compatible. The output voltage V _out of the first MR sensor 11 is based on the reference line 11A shown in FIG. 5B, and assuming that the angle formed by the magnetic vector 10A and the reference line 11A is θ, V _out is as shown in FIG. The Cos curve shown in c) is obtained. For example, the angle θ is positive in the clockwise direction from the diagonal line 11A. In FIG. 5 (a), Hi shown in FIG. 5 (c) is H and Lo is L. The control unit 15 can detect the angle of the magnetic vector 10A from the outputs of the first to fourth MR sensors 11 to 14, but cannot determine the direction.

  FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram regarding the arrangement of the MR sensor according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In the first to fourth MR sensors 11 to 14, for example, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 6, the fourth or fifth straight lines 404 and 405 coincide with the diagonal lines shown in FIG. 5A. To be arranged. As shown in FIG. 5A, the diagonal line is a boundary line for the determination of H and L, so that the position switching position can be set accurately by arranging the diagonal lines so as to coincide with each other.

The control unit 15 detects the magnetic vector 10A having an angle from 0 ° to 90 ° clockwise from the fourth straight line 404, among the magnetic vectors 10A passing through the centers of the first and third MR sensors 11 and 13. Thus, Hi is determined (first determination) based on the output voltage V _out (first output) output from the first and third MR sensors 11 and 13, and the angle is the fourth straight line 404. The Lo is determined (second determination) based on the output voltage V _out (second output) output by detecting the magnetic vector 10A from 90 ° to 180 ° clockwise.

In addition, the control unit 15 sets the angle of the magnetic vector 10A from 0 ° to 90 ° clockwise from the fifth straight line 405 among the magnetic vectors 10A passing through the centers of the second and fourth MR sensors 12, 14. By detecting the magnetic vector 10A, Hi is determined based on the output voltage V _out (third output) output from the second and fourth MR sensors 12, 14, and the angle of the magnetic vector 10A is the first. By detecting the magnetic vector 10A from 90 ° to 180 ° in the clockwise direction from the straight line 405, the output voltage V _out (fourth output) output from the second and fourth MR sensors 12 and 14 is detected. Based on this, Lo is determined.

For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the first MR sensor 11 includes a switching position 48 (fourth switching position) where the H position 42 and the −position 43 are switched, and a straight line passing through the center of the first MR sensor 11. The counterclockwise angle θ ₁ formed by the fourth straight line 404 is provided at a position where 90 ° ≦ θ ₁ ≦ 180 °. Note that the first MR sensor 11 is more preferably provided at a position where, for example, 90 ° ≦ θ ₁ ≦ 135 °.

For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the second MR sensor 12 includes a switching position 47 (first switching position) where the + position 41 and the H position 42 are switched, and a straight line passing through the center of the second MR sensor 12. The clockwise angle θ ₂ formed by the fifth straight line 405 is provided at a position where 90 ° ≦ θ ₂ ≦ 180 °. It is more preferable that the second MR sensor 12 is provided at a position where, for example, 90 ° ≦ θ ₂ ≦ 135 °.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the third MR sensor 13 includes a straight line passing through the center of the third MR sensor 13 and a switching position 49 (third switching position) where the H position 42 and the N position 45 are switched. The fourth straight line 404 is provided at a position orthogonal.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the fourth MR sensor 14 is provided at a position where the center of the fourth MR sensor 14, the straight line passing through the switching position 49, and the fifth straight line 405 are orthogonal to each other.

  FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of the shift position information according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Based on the combination of the outputs of the first to fourth MR sensors 11 to 14, the control unit 15 performs + position 41, H position 42, -position 43, R position 44, N position 45, and D position 46 of the shift lever 22. Is determined.

  For example, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the control unit 15 determines each position based on shift position information 160 in which the output determination results of the first to fourth MR sensors 11 to 14 correspond to the positions.

  The output unit 17 is connected to, for example, a vehicle LAN (Local Area Network) and outputs information on the determined position. For example, the control unit of the vehicle switches the state of the transmission of the vehicle based on the acquired position information.

(Operation)
FIG. 8A is a schematic diagram relating to + position discrimination of the shift position detection device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8B is a schematic diagram relating to H position discrimination. FIG. 9A is a schematic diagram relating to the determination of the negative position of the shift position detection device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9B is a schematic diagram relating to the determination of the R position. FIG. 10A is a schematic diagram related to determination of the N position of the shift position detection device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10B is a schematic diagram related to determination of the D position. In the following, the result determined by the control unit 15 from the output of each MR sensor will be described as (0, 0, 0, 0) or the like in the first to fourth MR sensors 11 to 14 in order.

  Hereinafter, the determination of the position when the user operates the shift lever 22 to each position along the shift gate 4 will be described.

(+ Position discrimination)
When the user operates the shift lever 22 to the + position 41, the magnet 10 moves to the + position 41 together with the shift lever 22. As shown in FIG. 8A, the magnetic vector 10 </ b> A is based on the direction in which the output of the first MR sensor 11 is determined to be L (0) based on the magnetic field of the moved magnet 10, and the second MR sensor 12. In which the output of the third MR sensor 13 is determined to be H (1), and the output of the fourth MR sensor 14 is determined to be H (1). Cross each MR sensor from the direction.

Based on the output voltage V _out and the threshold voltage V _th output from the first to fourth MR sensors 11 to 14, the control unit 15 sets the output of the first MR sensor 11 to L (0), the second The output of the MR sensor 12 is determined to be L (0), the output of the third MR sensor 13 is determined to be H (1), and the output of the fourth MR sensor 14 is determined to be H (1). The information 160 is compared. Since the determined result is (0, 0, 1, 1), the control unit 15 determines the position of the shift lever 22 as + position 41 based on the shift position information 160.

(H position determination)
When the user operates the shift lever 22 to the H position 42, the magnet 10 moves to the H position 42 together with the shift lever 22. As shown in FIG. 8B, the magnetic vector 10 </ b> A is based on the direction in which the output of the first MR sensor 11 is determined as H (1) based on the magnetic field of the moved magnet 10, and the second MR sensor 12. The direction in which the output of the third MR sensor 13 is determined to be L (0), the direction in which the output of the third MR sensor 13 is determined to be L (0), and the output of the fourth MR sensor 14 are determined to be H (1). Cross each MR sensor from the direction.

Based on the output voltage V _out and the threshold voltage V _th output from the first to fourth MR sensors 11 to 14, the control unit 15 sets the output of the first MR sensor 11 to H (1) and the second The output of the MR sensor 12 is determined to be L (0), the output of the third MR sensor 13 is determined to be L (0), and the output of the fourth MR sensor 14 is determined to be H (1). The information 160 is compared. Since the determined result is (1, 0, 0, 1), the control unit 15 determines the position of the shift lever 22 as the H position 42 based on the shift position information 160.

(-Position discrimination)
When the user operates the shift lever 22 to the -position 43, the magnet 10 moves to the -position 43 together with the shift lever 22. As shown in FIG. 9A, the magnetic vector 10 </ b> A is based on the direction in which the output of the first MR sensor 11 is determined as H (1) based on the magnetic field of the moved magnet 10, and the second MR sensor 12. The direction in which the output of the third MR sensor 13 is determined to be H (1), the direction in which the output of the third MR sensor 13 is determined to be L (0), and the output of the fourth MR sensor 14 are determined to be L (0). Cross each MR sensor from the direction.

Based on the output voltage V _out and the threshold voltage V _th output from the first to fourth MR sensors 11 to 14, the control unit 15 sets the output of the first MR sensor 11 to H (1) and the second The output of the MR sensor 12 is determined as H (1), the output of the third MR sensor 13 is determined as L (0), and the output of the fourth MR sensor 14 is determined as L (0). The information 160 is compared. Since the determined result is (1, 1, 0, 0), the control unit 15 determines that the position of the shift lever 22 is −position 43 based on the shift position information 160.

(R position discrimination)
When the user operates the shift lever 22 to the R position 44, the magnet 10 moves to the R position 44 together with the shift lever 22. As shown in FIG. 9B, the magnetic vector 10 </ b> A is based on the direction in which the output of the first MR sensor 11 is determined to be L (0) based on the magnetic field of the moved magnet 10, and the second MR sensor 12. The direction in which the output of the third MR sensor 13 is determined to be L (0), the direction in which the output of the third MR sensor 13 is determined to be L (0), and the output of the fourth MR sensor 14 are determined to be L (0). Cross each MR sensor from the direction.

Based on the output voltage V _out and the threshold voltage V _th output from the first to fourth MR sensors 11 to 14, the control unit 15 sets the output of the first MR sensor 11 to L (0), the second The output of the MR sensor 12 is determined to be L (0), the output of the third MR sensor 13 is determined to be L (0), and the output of the fourth MR sensor 14 is determined to be L (0). The information 160 is compared. Since the determined result is (0, 0, 0, 0), the control unit 15 determines the position of the shift lever 22 as the R position 44 based on the shift position information 160.

(N position discrimination)
When the user operates the shift lever 22 to the N position 45, the magnet 10 moves to the N position 45 together with the shift lever 22. As shown in FIG. 10A, the magnetic vector 10 </ b> A is based on the direction in which the output of the first MR sensor 11 is determined as H (1) based on the magnetic field of the moved magnet 10, and the second MR sensor 12. The direction in which the output of the third MR sensor 13 is determined to be L (0), the direction in which the output of the third MR sensor 13 is determined to be H (1), and the output of the fourth MR sensor 14 are determined to be L (0). Cross each MR sensor from the direction.

Based on the output voltage V _out and the threshold voltage V _th output from the first to fourth MR sensors 11 to 14, the control unit 15 sets the output of the first MR sensor 11 to H (1) and the second The output of the MR sensor 12 is determined to be L (0), the output of the third MR sensor 13 is determined to be H (1), and the output of the fourth MR sensor 14 is determined to be L (0). The information 160 is compared. Since the determined result is (1, 0, 1, 0), the control unit 15 determines the position of the shift lever 22 as the N position 45 based on the shift position information 160.

(D position discrimination)
When the user operates the shift lever 22 to the D position 46, the magnet 10 moves to the D position 46 together with the shift lever 22. As shown in FIG. 10B, the magnetic vector 10 </ b> A is based on the direction in which the output of the first MR sensor 11 is determined as H (1) based on the magnetic field of the moved magnet 10, and the second MR sensor 12. The direction in which the output of the third MR sensor 13 is determined to be H (1), the direction in which the output of the third MR sensor 13 is determined to be H (1), and the output of the fourth MR sensor 14 are determined to be H (1). Cross each MR sensor from the direction.

Based on the output voltage V _out and the threshold voltage V _th output from the first to fourth MR sensors 11 to 14, the control unit 15 sets the output of the first MR sensor 11 to H (1) and the second The output of the MR sensor 12 is determined as H (1), the output of the third MR sensor 13 is determined as H (1), and the output of the fourth MR sensor 14 is determined as H (1). The information 160 is compared. Since the determined result is (1, 1, 1, 1), the control unit 15 determines the position of the shift lever 22 as the R position 44 based on the shift position information 160.

(Effects of the first embodiment)
According to the shift position detection device 1 according to the first embodiment described above, the position can be determined by a combination of outputs of the first to fourth MR sensors 11 to 14 which is smaller than the number of positions (six). it can. The shift position detection device 1 can determine six positions even if one of the first to fourth MR sensors 11 to 14 breaks down. Furthermore, the shift position detection device 1 can reduce manufacturing costs because the number of MR sensors to be used is smaller (four) than the number of positions to be detected (six).

  The first to fourth MR sensors 11 to 14 of the shift position detection device 1 are arranged on the fourth or fifth straight lines 404 and 405 based on the switching position of each position, and further, H and L Since the switching boundary and the fourth or fifth straight line 404, 405 are arranged to coincide with each other, the output is switched at the boundary as compared with the case where the switching boundary is not arranged on the fourth or fifth straight line 404, 405, Accurate output corresponding to the switching position can be performed, and the shift position detection device 1 can accurately determine the position.

Further, in the shift position detection device 1, the first MR sensor 11 is formed by a switching position 48 where the H position 42 and the -position 43 are switched and a straight line passing through the center of the first MR sensor 11 and a fourth straight line 404. The counter-clockwise angle θ ₁ is provided at a position where the angle is changed from 90 ° to 180 °, and the second MR sensor 12 passes through the switching position 47 where the + position 41 and the H position 42 are switched and the center of the second MR sensor 12. and the straight line, since the clockwise angle theta ₂ which the fifth straight 405 forms is provided at a position to be 180 ° from 90 °, it is possible to determine the exact position of the output corresponding to the switching position.

  Still further, the shift position detection device 1 includes a third MR sensor 13 that includes a straight line passing through the center of the third MR sensor 13 and a switching position 49 where the H position 42 and the N position 45 are switched, and a fourth straight line 404. Is provided at a position where the center of the fourth MR sensor 14 and the straight line passing through the switching position 49 and the fifth straight line 405 are orthogonal to each other. The exact position can be determined from the corresponding output.

  Since the shift position detection device 1 can accurately set the switching position, it is possible to give a good operational feeling to the user.

[Second Embodiment]
The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that four positions on a substantially U-shaped route are detected by two magnetic sensors.

  FIG. 11A is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of the magnetic sensors and the positional relationship between the positions of the shift position detection device according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 11B is a schematic diagram of the shift position information. FIG. In the following, parts having the same functions and configurations as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment, and description thereof is omitted.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 11A, the shift position detection apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment replaces the first MR sensor 11 according to the first embodiment with the first MR sensor 11a and the third MR sensor 11a. The MR sensor 13 is the second MR sensor 12a. The arrangement of the first and second MR sensors 11a and 12a is the same as that in the first embodiment.

(+ Position discrimination)
When the user operates the shift lever 22 to the + position 41, the magnet 10 moves to the + position 41 together with the shift lever 22. The magnetic vector 10A is determined based on the magnetic field of the moved magnet 10 in the direction in which the output of the first MR sensor 11a is determined to be L (0) and the output of the second MR sensor 12a is determined to be H (1). Cross each MR sensor from the direction of

Based on the output voltage V _out and the threshold voltage V _th output from the first and second MR sensors 11a, 12a, the control unit 15 sets the output of the first MR sensor 11a to L (0), the second The output of the MR sensor 12a is determined as H (1), and the determined result is compared with the shift position information 160. Since the determined result is (0, 1), the control unit 15 determines the position of the shift lever 22 as the + position 41 based on the shift position information 160.

(H position determination)
When the user operates the shift lever 22 to the H position 42, the magnet 10 moves to the H position 42 together with the shift lever 22. The magnetic vector 10A is determined based on the magnetic field of the moved magnet 10 in the direction in which the output of the first MR sensor 11a is determined to be H (1), and the output of the second MR sensor 12a is determined to be L (0). Cross each MR sensor from the direction of

Based on the output voltage V _out and the threshold voltage V _th output from the first and second MR sensors 11a and 12a, the control unit 15 sets the output of the first MR sensor 11a to H (1), the second The output of the MR sensor 12a is determined to be L (0), and the determined result is compared with the shift position information 160. Since the determination result is (1, 0), the control unit 15 determines the position of the shift lever 22 as the H position 42 based on the shift position information 160.

(N position discrimination)
When the user operates the shift lever 22 to the N position 45, the magnet 10 moves to the N position 45 together with the shift lever 22. The magnetic vector 10A is determined based on the magnetic field of the moved magnet 10 in the direction in which the output of the first MR sensor 11a is determined to be H (1), and the output of the second MR sensor 12a is determined to be H (1). Cross each MR sensor from the direction of

Based on the output voltage V _out and the threshold voltage V _th output from the first and second MR sensors 11a and 12a, the control unit 15 sets the output of the first MR sensor 11a to H (1), the second The output of the MR sensor 12a is determined as H (1), and the determined result is compared with the shift position information 160. Since the determined result is (1, 1), the control unit 15 determines the position of the shift lever 22 as the N position 45 based on the shift position information 160.

(R position discrimination)
When the user operates the shift lever 22 to the R position 44, the magnet 10 moves to the R position 44 together with the shift lever 22. The magnetic vector 10A is determined based on the magnetic field of the moved magnet 10 in the direction in which the output of the first MR sensor 11a is determined to be L (0), and the output of the second MR sensor 12a is determined to be L (0). Cross each MR sensor from the direction of

Based on the output voltage V _out and the threshold voltage V _th output from the first and second MR sensors 11a, 12a, the control unit 15 sets the output of the first MR sensor 11a to L (0), the second The output of the MR sensor 12a is determined to be L (0), and the determined result is compared with the shift position information 160. Since the determination result is (0, 0), the control unit 15 determines the position of the shift lever 22 as the R position 44 based on the shift position information 160.

(Effect of the second embodiment)
According to the shift position detection device 1 according to the second embodiment described above, the position is determined by a combination of outputs of the first and second MR sensors 11a and 12a, which is smaller (two) than the number of positions (four). Can be determined. The shift position detection device 1 can reduce the manufacturing cost because the number of MR sensors to be used is small.

[Third Embodiment]
In the third embodiment, the first MR sensor is arranged on the R position and N position side where the shift lever 22 is moved from the + position and −position side where the shift lever 22 is moved short and the position where the shift lever 22 is moved. This is different from the above embodiments.

  FIG. 12A is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of the magnetic sensors and the positional relationship between the positions of the shift position detection device according to the third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 12B is an outline of the shift position information. FIG.

  In the shift position detection device 1 according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12A, the first MR sensor 11a is arranged on the R position 44 and N position 45 side and on the fourth straight line 404. Has been.

(+ Position discrimination)
When the user operates the shift lever 22 to the + position 41, the magnet 10 moves to the + position 41 together with the shift lever 22. The magnetic vector 10A is determined based on the magnetic field of the moved magnet 10 in the direction in which the output of the first MR sensor 11a is determined to be H (1), and the output of the second MR sensor 12a is determined to be H (1). Cross each MR sensor from the direction of

Based on the output voltage V _out and the threshold voltage V _th output from the first and second MR sensors 11a and 12a, the control unit 15 sets the output of the first MR sensor 11a to H (1), the second The output of the MR sensor 12a is determined as H (1), and the determined result is compared with the shift position information 160. Since the determined result is (1, 1), the control unit 15 determines that the position of the shift lever 22 is + position 41 based on the shift position information 160.

(H position determination)
When the user operates the shift lever 22 to the H position 42, the magnet 10 moves to the H position 42 together with the shift lever 22. The magnetic vector 10A is determined based on the magnetic field of the moved magnet 10 in the direction in which the output of the first MR sensor 11a is determined to be L (0), and the output of the second MR sensor 12a is determined to be L (0). Cross each MR sensor from the direction of

Based on the output voltage V _out and the threshold voltage V _th output from the first and second MR sensors 11a, 12a, the control unit 15 sets the output of the first MR sensor 11a to L (0), the second The output of the MR sensor 12a is determined to be L (0), and the determined result is compared with the shift position information 160. Since the determination result is (0, 0), the control unit 15 determines the position of the shift lever 22 as the H position 42 based on the shift position information 160.

(N position discrimination)
When the user operates the shift lever 22 to the N position 45, the magnet 10 moves to the N position 45 together with the shift lever 22. The magnetic vector 10A is determined based on the magnetic field of the moved magnet 10 in the direction in which the output of the first MR sensor 11a is determined to be L (0) and the output of the second MR sensor 12a is determined to be H (1). Cross each MR sensor from the direction of

Based on the output voltage V _out and the threshold voltage V _th output from the first and second MR sensors 11a, 12a, the control unit 15 sets the output of the first MR sensor 11a to L (0), the second The output of the MR sensor 12a is determined as H (1), and the determined result is compared with the shift position information 160. Since the determination result is (0, 1), the control unit 15 determines the position of the shift lever 22 as the N position 45 based on the shift position information 160.

(R position discrimination)
When the user operates the shift lever 22 to the R position 44, the magnet 10 moves to the R position 44 together with the shift lever 22. The magnetic vector 10A is determined based on the magnetic field of the moved magnet 10 in the direction in which the output of the first MR sensor 11a is determined to be H (1), and the output of the second MR sensor 12a is determined to be L (0). Cross each MR sensor from the direction of

Based on the output voltage V _out and the threshold voltage V _th output from the first and second MR sensors 11a and 12a, the control unit 15 sets the output of the first MR sensor 11a to H (1), the second The output of the MR sensor 12a is determined to be L (0), and the determined result is compared with the shift position information 160. Since the determination result is (1, 0), the control unit 15 determines the position of the shift lever 22 as the R position 44 based on the shift position information 160.

(Effect of the third embodiment)
According to the shift position detection device 1 according to the third embodiment, the position is determined by a combination of outputs of the first and second MR sensors 11a and 12a, which is smaller (two) than the number of positions (four). Can be determined. Further, the shift position detection device 1 can reduce the manufacturing cost because the number of MR sensors to be used is small.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and combinations can be made without departing from or changing the technical idea of the present invention.

  For example, in the first embodiment, as in the third embodiment, at least one of the first and second MR sensors 11, 12 is placed on the fourth or fifth straight line 404, 405, and These may be arranged on the R position 44 and D position 46 side.

  For example, the determination of H and L in each embodiment described above may be reversed. Moreover, the H and L directions of the MR sensor described above may be different for each MR sensor, for example.

  In addition, each MR sensor described above performs analog output and is determined as H or L by the control unit 15. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the MR sensor is provided with a control unit to output H or L digital output. It may be configured to do.

  Each MR sensor described above is a magnetic sensor using a magnetoresistive element. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any sensor can be used as long as it can detect a change in the direction of the magnetic vector 10A.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Shift position detection apparatus, 2 ... Shift unit, 4 ... Shift gate, 4a ... Guide groove, 4b ... Slide part, 10 ... Magnet, 10A ... Magnetic vector, 10B ... Magnetic field, 11-14 ... 1st-4th MR sensor, 11A ... reference line, 11A ... diagonal line, 11a, 12a ... first and second MR sensors, 15 ... control unit, 16 ... storage unit, 17 ... output unit, 20 ... main body, 21 ... upper part, 22 ... Shift lever, 40 ... shift pattern, 41 ... + position, 42 ... H position, 43 ...- position, 44 ... R position, 45 ... N position, 46 ... D position, 47-51 ... first to fifth switching positions , 100 ... substrate, 111 to 114 ... first to fourth MR elements, 160 ... shift position information, 401 to 405 ... first to fifth straight lines

Claims (8)

A first straight line connecting the first operating position and the second operating position, a second straight line connecting the second operating position and the third operating position, and the third operating position and the fourth operating position. An operation unit that moves on a route composed of a third straight line connecting
A magnetic field generating unit that is provided in the operation unit and generates a magnetic field;
On a fourth straight line connecting a first switching position where the first operation position and the second operation position are switched, and a second switching position where the third operation position and the fourth operation position are switched. A first magnetic sensor that is provided outside an area surrounded by the first to fourth operation positions and detects a magnetic vector direction of the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generation unit;
A second magnetic sensor that is provided in a region surrounded by the first to fourth operation positions on the fourth straight line and detects a magnetic vector direction of the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generation unit;
A determination unit for determining the first to fourth operation positions of the operation unit based on a combination of outputs of the first and second magnetic sensors;
An operation position detection device comprising:   The discriminating unit detects the magnetic vector having an angle of 0 ° to 90 ° clockwise from the fourth straight line among the magnetic vectors passing through the centers of the first and second magnetic sensors, and A first determination is made based on the first outputs output from the first and second magnetic sensors, and the magnetic vector having an angle of 90 ° to 180 ° clockwise from the fourth straight line is detected. The operation position detection device according to claim 1, wherein the second determination is performed based on the second output that is output.   In the second magnetic sensor, the center of the second magnetic sensor and a straight line passing through the third switching position where the second operating position and the third operating position are switched are orthogonal to the fourth straight line. The operation position detection device according to claim 2, wherein the operation position detection device is provided at a position to be operated.   The operation position detection device according to claim 3, wherein a distance between the first operation position and the second operation position is different from a distance between the third operation position and the fourth operation position. A fifth operation position provided at a position symmetrical to the first operation position with the second operation position as a symmetry point;
A sixth operation position provided at a point symmetrical with the fourth operation position with the third operation position as a symmetry point;
On a fifth straight line connecting a fourth switching position where the second operation position and the fifth operation position are switched, and a fifth switching position where the third operation position and the sixth operation position are switched. A third magnetic sensor that is provided outside an area surrounded by the second, third, sixth, and fifth operation positions and detects a magnetic vector direction of the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generation unit;
A fourth line that is provided in a region surrounded by the second, third, sixth, and fifth operation positions on the fifth straight line and detects a magnetic vector direction of the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generation unit. Magnetic sensor of
A determination unit for determining the first to sixth operation positions of the operation unit based on a combination of outputs of the first to fourth magnetic sensors;
The operation position detection device according to claim 4, comprising:   The discriminating unit calculates the magnetic vector having an angle of the magnetic vector from 0 ° to 90 ° clockwise from the fifth straight line among the magnetic vectors passing through the centers of the third and fourth magnetic sensors. The first determination is performed based on the third output detected and output from the third and fourth magnetic sensors, and the angle of the magnetic vector is 90 ° to 180 ° clockwise from the fifth straight line. The operation position detection device according to claim 5, wherein the second determination is made based on a fourth output output from the third and fourth magnetic sensors by detecting the magnetic vector up to °.   The operation position detection device according to claim 6, wherein the fourth magnetic sensor is provided at a position where a center of the fourth magnetic sensor, a straight line passing through the third switching position, and the fifth straight line are orthogonal to each other. . In the first magnetic sensor, the counterclockwise angle θ ₁ from the fourth straight line to the straight line passing through the fourth switching position and the center of the first magnetic sensor is 90 ° ≦ θ ₁ ≦ 180 °. Provided at the position
In the third magnetic sensor, the clockwise angle θ ₂ from the fifth straight line to the straight line passing through the first switching position and the center of the third magnetic sensor is 90 ° ≦ θ ₂ ≦ 180 °. The operation position detecting device according to claim 7, which is provided at a position.

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