JP2011163783A - Operating position detector - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an operating position detector, which determines an operating position with a fewer angle detection sensors than the number of operating positions that are objects to be detected, and gives a good operational feeling to a user. <P>SOLUTION: A shift position detector 1 is mainly equipped with: a first and a second magnet 10a, 10b; a first to a sixth MR sensor 11-16; and a control section 17. The control section 17 determines the position in a first route 51, based on the combination of the Hi and Low output from the first to fourth MR sensor 11-14 with Low output of the fifth and sixth MR sensor 15, 16, and the position in a second route 53, based on the combination of the Hi and Low output of the first to fourth MR sensor 11-14, with the output Hi of the fifth and sixth MR sensor 15, 16. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an operation position detection device.

  As a conventional technique, a detected object having magnetism, a guide rail member that guides the detected object to a predetermined position along a fixed path, a magnetoresistive element that detects the direction of magnetic flux incident from the outside, A support member to which the magnetoresistive element is assembled, a bias magnet for applying a bias magnetic field to the magnetoresistive element, a detected object and a bias magnet, and a detected object based on the direction of magnetic flux detected by the magnetoresistive element There is known a position detection device provided with a detecting means for detecting the position of (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  In this position detection device, the bias magnet is fixed to the guide rail member so as to define the positional relationship with the detected object, and the guide rail member is fixed to the support member while being positioned with respect to the magnetoresistive element. Therefore, the assembly tolerance of the magnetic detection object, the magnetoresistive element, and the bias magnet becomes small, and the position detection error of the detection object can be reduced.

JP 2009-204340 A

  However, the conventional position detecting apparatus has a problem that the two magnetoresistive elements and the bias magnet are required for detecting the two positions, and the cost is increased.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an operation position detection device that can determine an operation position with a smaller number of angle detection sensors than the number of operation positions to be detected, and can give a good operational feeling to a user. There is.

  According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an operation unit operable to first to fifth operation positions on a first route, a first magnetic field generated by moving along the first route together with the operation unit, and generating a first magnetic field. Each time the direction of the first magnetic field generator and the direction of the first magnetic field from the first magnetic field generator change by a predetermined angle, the first and second outputs are repeatedly output, and the first operation position is The first straight line that passes through the first switching position that switches to the second operating position is orthogonal to the second straight line that passes through the second switching position where the third operating position switches to the fourth operating position. And a first angle detection sensor arranged so that the first and second straight lines are the boundary positions of the first and second outputs, and the first magnetic field generator Each time the direction of the first magnetic field changes by the predetermined angle, the first and second outputs are repeated. And a third straight line passing through a third switching position where the second operation position is switched to the third operation position, and a fourth line where the fourth operation position is switched to the fifth operation position. A second angle detection sensor arranged so that the fourth straight line passing through the switching position is perpendicular to the intersecting point and the third and fourth straight lines are the boundary positions of the first and second outputs. And a determination unit that determines the first to fifth operation positions of the operation unit based on a combination of the first and second outputs output from the first and second angle detection sensors. Provided is an operation position detecting device.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to determine the operation position with a smaller number of angle detection sensors than the number of operation positions to be detected, and to give a good operational feeling to the user.

FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram of a shift unit using the shift position detection device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram of a shift pattern. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the shift position detection apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of MR sensors and the positional relationship between the positions of the shift position detection device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4A is a schematic diagram of magnetic vectors generated from a magnet having a cylindrical shape according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4B is a diagram of magnetic vectors generated from a magnet having a prism shape. It is a schematic diagram, (c) is a side view of a magnet. FIG. 5A is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the MR sensor according to the first embodiment of the present invention and the direction of the magnetic vector discriminated as Hi or Low, and FIG. 5B is a circuit diagram of the MR sensor. It is the schematic which shows a structure, (c) is a graph which shows the relationship of angle (theta) of the magnetic vector which crosses MR sensor, and output voltage _Vout , (d) is the output S and angle which are output from MR sensor. It is a graph which shows the relationship of (theta). FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of shift position information according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7A is a schematic diagram regarding the determination of the P position of the shift position detection device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7B is a schematic diagram regarding the determination of the R position. FIG. 8A 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. 8B is a schematic diagram related to determination of the D position. FIG. 9A is a schematic diagram regarding the determination of the M position of the shift position detection device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9B is a schematic diagram regarding the determination of the + position. FIG. 10 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. FIG. 11A is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of MR 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 shift position information. FIG.

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

  The shift unit 2 using the shift position detection device 1 is mounted on a vehicle, for example, by operating a shift lever 22 as an operation unit along the shift gate 4 as shown in FIGS. 1 (a) and 1 (b). , P position 41, R position 42, N position 43, D position 44, + position 45, M position 46, and-position 47 can be switched.

  As shown in FIG. 1B, each of the above positions is arranged according to a shift pattern 40. The shift pattern 40 is provided with a P position 41, an R position 42, an N position 43, and a D position 44. 1 route 51, a second route 52 provided to move from the D position 44 to the third route 53, and a third route 53 provided with a + position 45, an M position 46, and a − position 47. It consists of. The first to third routes 51 to 53 are not limited to straight lines, and may be curved lines.

  Each of the above positions is for switching the transmission state of the vehicle by operating the shift lever 22, for example. The P position 41 is a parking position. The R position 42 is a position for moving the vehicle backward. The N position 43 is a position that prevents transmission of engine power to the transmission, that is, a neutral position. The D position 44 is a position for switching the gear ratio of the transmission in accordance with the engine speed or the like. + Position 45 is a position where the gear ratio of the transmission (speed of the output shaft of the transmission with the engine speed set to 1; speed of the output shaft of the transmission: speed of the engine) is switched one step at a high gear ratio. is there. The M position 46 is a neutral position prepared when switching between the + position and the-position. -Position 47 is a position where the gear ratio of the transmission is switched one step at a time to a lower gear ratio. 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, 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. The shift position detection device 1 mainly includes first and second magnets described later, first to sixth MR (Magnetic Resistance) sensors 11 to 16 as angle detection sensors, and a control unit 17 as a determination unit. And comprising. The shift position detection device 1 is schematically configured to include a storage unit 18 that stores shift position information 180 and an output unit 19, for example, as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of MR sensors and the positional relationship between the positions of the shift position detection device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 shows a state where the shift lever 22 is operated to the P position 41.

  When the shift lever 22 is operated along the first route 51 and the third route 53 of the shift pattern 40, the first magnet 10a moves along the first track 54 shown in FIG.

  For example, when the shift lever 22 is operated from the P position 41 to the D position 44 of the first route 51, the first magnet 10 a moves along the first trajectory 54 from the first operation position 54 a to the fourth operation position. Move to the operation position 54d.

  In addition, the first magnet 10 b moves from the third operation position 54 c along the first track 54 when the shift lever 22 is operated from the + position 45 to the −position 47 of the third route 53. 5 to the operation position 54e.

  That is, when the shift lever 22 is positioned at the N position 43 of the first route 51 and when it is positioned at the + position 45 of the third route 53, the first magnet 10a has both as shown in FIG. It is located at the third operation position 54 c of the first track 54.

  Further, when the shift lever 22 is positioned at the D position 44 of the first route 51 and when it is positioned at the M position 46 of the third route 53, the first magnet 10a, as shown in FIG. It is located at the fourth operating position 54d of the first track 54.

  As described above, even if the first magnet 10a is located in the same region, the shift position detection device 1 is configured such that the shift lever 22 is moved to the first route 51 by the combination with the movement of the second magnet 10b described later. Whether the position of the third route 53 is instructed.

  FIG. 4A is a schematic diagram of magnetic vectors generated from a magnet having a cylindrical shape according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4B is a diagram of magnetic vectors generated from a magnet having a prism shape. It is a schematic diagram, (c) is a side view of a magnet. 4A and 4B schematically show, for example, the relationship between the first magnet 10a and the magnetic vector 10A, and FIG. 4C shows the relationship between the first magnet 10a and the magnetic flux 10C. Is schematically shown. Below, although the 1st magnet 10a is demonstrated, the material, shape, etc. are the same also in the 2nd magnet 10b. Hereinafter, the magnetic vector of the second magnet 10b is referred to as a magnetic vector 10B.

  As the first magnet 10a, 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 resin is used. The first magnetic field generator is not limited to the above example, and may be an electromagnet or the like, for example.

  For example, the first magnet 10a has a cylindrical shape as shown in FIGS. 4 (a) and 4 (c). For example, as shown in FIG. 4C, the first magnet 10a has an N pole on the substrate 100 side and an S pole on the shift lever 22 side, and the magnetic flux 10C springs out from the N pole on the substrate 100 side. Being sucked into. The substrate 100 is provided with first to sixth MR sensors 11 to 16. The direction of magnetization of the first magnet 10a 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 first magnet 10a is not limited to the above example. For example, as shown in FIG. 4B, the shape of the bottom surface on the substrate 100 side is a column that generates a magnetic vector 10A radially. However, it may be a square with a side A.

FIG. 5A is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the MR sensor according to the first embodiment of the present invention and the direction of the magnetic vector discriminated as Hi or Low, and FIG. 5B is a circuit diagram of the MR sensor. It is the schematic which shows a structure, (c) is a graph which shows the relationship of angle (theta) of the magnetic vector which crosses MR sensor, and output voltage _Vout , (d) is the output S and angle which are output from MR sensor. It is a graph which shows the relationship of (theta). 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, 5C, and 5D, 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 (Low, Hi, Low, Hi) by diagonal lines, and the magnetic vector 10A passing through the center is The output S to be output to the control unit 17 is switched between 1 (= Hi) and 0 (= Low) depending on the area.

  In the first MR sensor 11, for example, as shown in FIG. 5B, a bridge circuit is formed by first to fourth MR elements 111 to 114. 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 sensitive portion) is, for example, a portion orthogonal to the direction of current flow shown in FIG. 5B, and when the magnetic vector 10A is orthogonal to the magnetic sensitive portion. When the resistance value of the MR element is minimum and 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, as shown in FIG. 5B, a voltage V is applied to the first and third MR elements 111 and 113. For example, as shown in FIGS. 5B, 5C, and 5D, the first MR sensor 11 has a midpoint potential (V ₊ ) of the first MR element 111 and the second MR element 112. Based on V _out , which is the difference (= V ₊ −V ₋ ) between the midpoint potentials (V ₋ ) of the third MR element 113 and the fourth MR element 114, and the threshold voltage V _th , V _out An output S is output to the control unit 17 when 1 is higher than _Vth and is 1 (Hi) when it is lower than _Vth . The second MR element 112 and the fourth MR element 114 are grounded.

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 _Vout is based on the reference line 11A shown in FIG. 5B, and when the angle formed by the magnetic vector 10A and the reference line 11A is θ, _Vout is the Cos curve shown in FIG. Become. Note that the angle θ is positive, for example, clockwise from the reference line 11A.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 5D, the first MR sensor 11 outputs Hi (= 1) as the output S during 0 ° ≦ θ ≦ 45 °, and 45 ° <θ ≦ 135 °. During this period, Low (= 0) is output as the output S.

  Therefore, in the first MR sensor 11 (first angle detection sensor), for example, the direction of the magnetic field (first magnetic field) from the first magnet 10a as the first magnetic field generating unit is 90 ° (first magnetic sensor). The first output (Hi) and the second output (Low) are repeatedly output every time the angle changes. The direction of the magnetic field is the direction of the magnetic vector passing through the centers of the first to sixth MR sensors 11-16.

  Further, the first MR sensor 11 includes, for example, a straight line 401 (first straight line) passing through a switching position 41a (first switching position) where the first operation position 54a switches to the second operation position 54b, The first straight line 401, 407 is centered on the intersection point of the straight line 407 (second straight line) passing through the switching position 43a (second switching position) at which the third operation position 54c switches to the fourth operational position 54d. The output (Hi) and the second output (Low) are arranged at the boundary position.

  For example, the second MR sensor 12 (fourth angle detection sensor) is disposed at a point-symmetrical position with respect to the first MR sensor 11 with the switching position 42a (third switching position) as a symmetric point. In other words, for example, the second MR sensor 12 is centered on an intersection point where a straight line 405 passing through the switching position 41a and a straight line 403 passing through the switching position 43a are orthogonal to each other, and the straight lines 403 and 405 are the first output (Hi). And the second output (Low).

  For example, the second MR sensor 12 has a first output (Hi) and a second output (Low) each time the direction of the magnetic field from the first magnet 10a changes by 90 ° (third angle). Is repeatedly output.

  The third MR sensor 13 (second angle detection sensor), for example, outputs the first output (Hi) and the first output every time the direction of the magnetic field from the first magnet 10a changes by 90 ° (second angle). 2 is output repeatedly (Low).

  The third MR sensor 13 includes, for example, a straight line 402 (third straight line) passing through a switching position 42a (third switching position) where the second operating position 54b switches to the third operating position 54c, The straight line 402, 408 is centered on the intersection point perpendicular to the straight line 408 (fourth straight line) passing through the switching position 44a (fourth switching position) at which the fourth operational position 54d switches to the fifth operational position 54e. The output (Hi) and the second output (Low) are arranged at the boundary position.

  For example, the fourth MR sensor 14 (fifth angle detection sensor) is arranged at a point-symmetrical position with respect to the third MR sensor 13 with the switching position 43a as a symmetric point, and the direction of the magnetic field from the first magnet 10a. Is configured to repeatedly output the first output (Hi) and the second output (Low) each time the angle changes by 90 ° (fourth angle). In other words, for example, the fourth MR sensor 14 is centered on an intersection point where a straight line 406 passing through the switching position 42a and a straight line 404 passing through the switching position 44a are orthogonal to each other, and the straight lines 404 and 406 are the first output (Hi). And the second output (Low). The first to fourth angles are not limited to 90 °, and may be 45 ° or the like according to the number and arrangement of MR elements constituting each MR sensor.

  Here, for example, when the second magnet 10b generates a magnetic field outside the detection region of the first to fourth MR sensors 11 to 14, and the shift lever 22 moves along the first route 51, 3 is located in the first region 55a on the left side of FIG. 3 surrounded by the straight lines 409, 410, and 411, and when the shift lever 22 moves along the route 53 of 3, the right side of FIG. It is configured to be located in the second region 55b. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the second magnet 10 b moves in the first and second regions 55 a and 55 b along the second track 55.

  For example, when the second magnet 10b is positioned in the first region 55a, the fifth MR sensor 15 (third angle detection sensor) performs the third output (Low) and the second region 55b. The fourth output (Hi) is configured to be performed when the position is in the position.

  For example, when the second magnet 10b is located in the first region 55a, the sixth MR sensor 16 (sixth angle detection sensor) performs the third output (Low) and the second region 55b. The fourth output (Hi) is configured to be performed when the position is in the position.

  As described above, the first and second MR sensors 11 and 12, the third and fourth MR sensors 13 and 14, and the fifth and sixth MR sensors 15 and 16 are paired with the first MR sensor. Or it is comprised so that the same output S may be performed by the position of 2nd magnet 10a, 10b. Note that the outputs S of the first and second MR sensors 11 and 12 and the third and fourth MR sensors 13 and 14 may be such that the first output is Low and the second output is Hi. The output S of the fifth and sixth MR sensors 15 and 16 may be such that the third output is Hi and the fourth output is Low.

  FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of shift position information according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 17 determines each position based on the combination of outputs of the first to sixth MR sensors 11 to 16 and the shift position information 180.

  The output unit 19 is connected to, for example, a vehicle ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 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. 7A is a schematic diagram regarding the determination of the P position of the shift position detection device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7B is a schematic diagram regarding the determination of the R position. FIG. 8A 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. 8B is a schematic diagram related to determination of the D position. FIG. 9A is a schematic diagram regarding the determination of the M position of the shift position detection device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9B is a schematic diagram regarding the determination of the + position. FIG. 10 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. In the following, a pair of outputs S of the first and second MR sensors 11, 12, the third and fourth MR sensors 13, 14, and the fifth and sixth MR sensors 15, 16 are represented as (Hi, Hi). , Hi) and the like.

  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. First, a case where the user operates the shift lever 22 from the N position 43 to the P position 41 will be described.

(Determination of P position)
When the user operates the shift lever 22 to the P position 41, the first magnet 10 a moves to the P position 41 together with the shift lever 22. Since the operation of the shift lever 22 is an operation along the first track 54, the second magnet 10b is located in the first region 55a.

  As shown in FIG. 7A, the magnetic vector 10A has a third direction in which the outputs S of the first and second MR sensors 11, 12 are low based on the magnetic field of the moved first magnet 10a. And it crosses from the direction where the output S of the 4th MR sensors 13 and 14 becomes Low. The fifth and sixth MR sensors 15 and 16 both output Low because the second magnet 10b is located in the first region 55a.

  The controller 17 compares the input outputs S of the first to sixth MR sensors 11 to 16 with the shift position information 180. Since the input is (Low, Low, Low), the control unit 17 determines the position of the shift lever 22 as the N position 41 based on the shift position information 180.

(R position discrimination)
When the user operates the shift lever 22 to the R position 42, the first magnet 10 a moves to the R position 42 together with the shift lever 22. Since the operation of the shift lever 22 is an operation along the first track 54, the second magnet 10b is located in the first region 55a.

  As shown in FIG. 7B, the magnetic vector 10A is based on the magnetic field of the moved first magnet 10a, the direction in which the outputs S of the first and second MR sensors 11, 12 are Hi, And it crosses from the direction where the output S of the 4th MR sensors 13 and 14 becomes Low. The fifth and sixth MR sensors 15 and 16 both output Low because the second magnet 10b is located in the first region 55a.

  The controller 17 compares the input outputs S of the first to sixth MR sensors 11 to 16 with the shift position information 180. Since the input is (Hi, Low, Low), the control unit 17 determines the position of the shift lever 22 as the R position 42 based on the shift position information 180.

(N position discrimination)
When the user operates the shift lever 22 to the N position 43, the first magnet 10 a moves to the N position 43 together with the shift lever 22. Since the operation of the shift lever 22 is an operation along the first track 54, the second magnet 10b is located in the first region 55a.

  As shown in FIG. 8A, the magnetic vector 10A is based on the magnetic field of the moved first magnet 10a, the direction in which the outputs S of the first and second MR sensors 11, 12 are Hi, And it crosses from the direction where the output S of the 4th MR sensors 13 and 14 becomes Hi. The fifth and sixth MR sensors 15 and 16 both output Low because the second magnet 10b is located in the first region 55a.

  The controller 17 compares the input outputs S of the first to sixth MR sensors 11 to 16 with the shift position information 180. Since the input is (Hi, Hi, Low), the control unit 17 determines the position of the shift lever 22 as the N position 43 based on the shift position information 180.

(D position discrimination)
When the user operates the shift lever 22 to the D position 44, the first magnet 10 a moves to the D position 44 together with the shift lever 22. Since the operation of the shift lever 22 is an operation along the first track 54, the second magnet 10b is located in the first region 55a.

  As shown in FIG. 8B, the magnetic vector 10A has a third direction in which the outputs S of the first and second MR sensors 11, 12 are low based on the magnetic field of the moved first magnet 10a. And it crosses from the direction where the output S of the 4th MR sensors 13 and 14 becomes Hi. The fifth and sixth MR sensors 15 and 16 both output Low because the second magnet 10b is located in the first region 55a.

  The controller 17 compares the input outputs S of the first to sixth MR sensors 11 to 16 with the shift position information 180. Since the input is (Low, Hi, Low), the control unit 17 determines the position of the shift lever 22 as the N position 43 based on the shift position information 180.

(Determination of M position)
When the user operates the shift lever 22 from the D position 44 to the M position 46 of the third route 53 via the second route 52, the first magnet 10a does not move together with the shift lever 22, It remains at the operation position 54d. Since the operation of the shift lever 22 is an operation along the third route 53, the second magnet 10b moves from the first region 55a to the second region 55b.

  As shown in FIG. 9A, the magnetic vector 10A is based on the magnetic field of the first magnet 10a, the direction in which the outputs S of the first and second MR sensors 11, 12 are low, the third and the third Crosses from the direction in which the output S of the four MR sensors 13, 14 becomes Hi. The fifth and sixth MR sensors 15 and 16 both output Hi because the second magnet 10b moves from the first region 55a to the second region 55b.

  The controller 17 compares the input outputs S of the first to sixth MR sensors 11 to 16 with the shift position information 180. Since the input is (Low, Hi, Hi), the control unit 17 determines the position of the shift lever 22 as the M position 46 based on the shift position information 180.

(+ Position discrimination)
When the user operates the shift lever 22 to the + position 45, the first magnet 10a moves to the + position 45 together with the shift lever 22. Since the operation of the shift lever 22 is an operation along the third route 53, the second magnet 10b is located in the second region 55b.

  As shown in FIG. 9B, the magnetic vector 10A is based on the magnetic field of the moved first magnet 10a, the direction in which the outputs S of the first and second MR sensors 11, 12 are Hi, And it crosses from the direction where the output S of the 4th MR sensors 13 and 14 becomes Hi. The fifth and sixth MR sensors 15 and 16 both output Hi because the second magnet 10b is located in the second region 55b.

  The controller 17 compares the input outputs S of the first to sixth MR sensors 11 to 16 with the shift position information 180. Since the input is (Hi, Hi, Hi), the control unit 17 determines the position of the shift lever 22 as + position 45 based on the shift position information 180.

(-Position discrimination)
When the user operates the shift lever 22 to the -position 47, the first magnet 10a moves to the -position 47 together with the shift lever 22. Since the operation of the shift lever 22 is an operation along the third route 53, the second magnet 10b is located in the second region 55b.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the magnetic vector 10A is based on the magnetic field of the moved first magnet 10a, and the third and fourth directions in which the outputs S of the first and second MR sensors 11 and 12 are low. Crossing from the direction in which the outputs S of the MR sensors 13 and 14 become Low. The fifth and sixth MR sensors 15 and 16 both output Hi because the second magnet 10b is located in the second region 55b.

  The controller 17 compares the input outputs S of the first to sixth MR sensors 11 to 16 with the shift position information 180. Since the input is (Low, Low, Hi), the control unit 17 determines that the position of the shift lever 22 is −position 47 based on the shift position information 180.

(Effects of the first embodiment)
According to the shift position detection device 1 according to the first embodiment described above, each position is determined by a combination of outputs of the first to sixth MR sensors 11 to 16 which is smaller than the number of positions (maximum 8 positions). be able to. Further, since the shift position detection device 1 has a double output, it can detect a failure of the MR sensor. Furthermore, since the shift position detection device 1 uses few MR sensors, the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

  The first to fourth MR sensors 11 to 14 of the shift position detection device 1 are arranged on a straight line passing through the switching position of each position and the center of each MR sensor, and further, a boundary between Hi and Low switching. Since the straight lines are arranged so as to coincide with each other, the output is switched at the boundary as compared with the case where the straight lines are not arranged on the straight line, and an accurate output corresponding to the switching position can be performed. , Can accurately determine the position. Since the shift position detection device 1 is arranged on a straight line passing through the switching position of each position and the center of each MR sensor, the assembly accuracy of the MR sensor with respect to the substrate 100 is improved and the position can be accurately determined. Further, the shift position detection device 1 can prevent erroneous determination because there is no intermediate output regarding the position switching.

  Furthermore, since the first to sixth MR sensors 11 to 16 perform digital output of Hi (= 1) or Low (= 0) instead of analog output, the influence of electromagnetic noise generated in the vehicle is affected. Since it is difficult to receive, the shift position detection device 1 can accurately determine the position.

  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 the track 6 are detected by two magnetic sensors.

  FIG. 11A is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of MR 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 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.

  The first MR sensor 60a according to the present embodiment includes, for example, a straight line 600 passing through a switching position 6a where the first position 61 switches to the second position 62, as shown in FIG. Centered at the intersection point where the straight line 602 passing through the switching position 6c at which the position 63 is switched to the fourth position 64 is orthogonal, the straight lines 600 and 602 are the boundary positions of the first output (Hi) and the second output (Low). It arrange | positions so that it may become.

  The second MR sensor 60b according to the present embodiment includes, for example, a straight line 601 passing through the switching position 6b where the second position 62 switches to the third position 63, as shown in FIG. The straight line 601 and 603 are the boundary positions between the first output (Hi) and the second output (Low), centering on the intersection point where the straight line 603 passing through the switching position 6d at which the position 64 switches to the fifth position 65 is orthogonal. It arrange | positions so that it may become.

  The magnet 10c is made of, for example, the same material and shape as the first and second magnets 10a and 10b in the first embodiment. The magnet 10 c is moved along the track 6 by the operation of the shift lever 22. The track 6 is not limited to a straight line.

(Distinction of the first position)
When the user operates the shift lever 22 to the first position 61, the magnet 10c moves to the first position 61 together with the shift lever 22.

  As shown in FIG. 11A, the magnetic vector 10A crosses from the direction in which the outputs S of the first and second MR sensors 60a and 60b are low based on the magnetic field of the moved magnet 10c.

  The control unit 17 compares the input output S of the first and second MR sensors 60a and 60b with the shift position information 181 shown in FIG. Since the input is (Low, Low), the control unit 17 determines the position of the shift lever 22 as the first position 61 based on the shift position information 181.

(Determination of the second position)
When the user operates the shift lever 22 to the second position 62, the magnet 10c moves to the second position 62 together with the shift lever 22.

  In the magnetic vector 10A, as shown in FIG. 11A, the output S of the first MR sensor 60a is Hi and the output S of the second MR sensor 60b is Low based on the magnetic field of the moved magnet 10c. Cross from the direction.

  The control unit 17 compares the input outputs S of the first and second MR sensors 60a and 60b with the shift position information 181. Since the input is (Hi, Low), the control unit 17 determines the position of the shift lever 22 as the second position 62 based on the shift position information 181.

(Determination of the third position)
When the user operates the shift lever 22 to the third position 63, the magnet 10c moves to the third position 63 together with the shift lever 22.

  In the magnetic vector 10A, as shown in FIG. 11A, the output S of the first MR sensor 60a is Hi and the output S of the second MR sensor 60b is Hi based on the magnetic field of the moved magnet 10c. Cross from the direction.

  The control unit 17 compares the input outputs S of the first and second MR sensors 60a and 60b with the shift position information 181. Since the input is (Hi, Hi), the control unit 17 determines the position of the shift lever 22 as the third position 63 based on the shift position information 181.

(Determination of the fourth position)
When the user operates the shift lever 22 to the fourth position 64, the magnet 10c moves to the fourth position 64 together with the shift lever 22.

  In the magnetic vector 10A, as shown in FIG. 11A, the output S of the first MR sensor 60a is Low and the output S of the second MR sensor 60b is Hi based on the magnetic field of the moved magnet 10c. Cross from the direction.

  The control unit 17 compares the input outputs S of the first and second MR sensors 60a and 60b with the shift position information 181. Since the input is (Low, Hi), the control unit 17 determines the position of the shift lever 22 as the fourth position 64 based on the shift position information 181.

(Determination of the fifth position)
When the user operates the shift lever 22 to the fifth position 65, the magnet 10c moves to the fifth position 65 together with the shift lever 22.

  In the magnetic vector 10A, as shown in FIG. 11A, the output S of the first MR sensor 60a is Low and the output S of the second MR sensor 60b is Low based on the magnetic field of the moved magnet 10c. Cross from the direction. That is, since the fifth position 65 is the same combination of outputs S as the first position 61, the first and fifth positions 61 and 65 cannot be determined. However, as shown in the first embodiment, it is effective in terms of the degree of freedom in the layout of the shift pattern.

(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 the combination of the outputs S of the first and second MR sensors 60a and 60b, 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.

  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.

  Although the shift position detection apparatus 1 described above uses two MR sensors in pairs, each position may be determined by one MR sensor, that is, three MR sensors.

  Hi and Low of the MR sensor described above may be different for each MR sensor, for example.

  Further, each MR sensor may be configured to perform analog output and determine whether the control unit 17 determines Hi or Low.

  Each of the MR sensors described above is a magnetic sensor using a magnetoresistive element. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any sensor that can detect a change in the direction of the magnetic vectors 10A and 10B may be used.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Shift position detection apparatus, 2 ... Shift unit, 4 ... Shift gate, 4a ... Guide groove, 4b ... Slide part, 6 ... Track, 6a-6d ... Switching position, 10A, 10B ... Magnetic vector, 10C ... Magnetic flux, 10a ... 1st magnet, 10b ... 2nd magnet, 10c ... Magnet, 11-16 ... 1st-6th MR sensor, 11A ... Baseline, 17 ... Control part, 18 ... Memory | storage part, 19 ... Output part, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 20 ... Main body, 21 ... Upper part, 22 ... Shift lever, 40 ... Shift pattern, 41 ... P position, 41a ... Switching position, 42 ... R position, 42a ... Switching position, 43 ... N position, 43a ... Switching position, 44 ... D position, 44a ... switching position, 45 ... + position, 46 ... M position, 47 ...- position, 51-53 ... first to third routes, 54, 55 ... first and second trajectories, 4a to 54e ... operation position, 55a, 55b ... first and second regions, 60a, 60b ... first and second MR sensors, 61-65 ... first to fifth positions, 100 ... substrate, 111- 114: first to fourth MR elements, 180, 181: shift position information, 401-409: straight line, 600-603: straight line

Claims (4)

An operation unit operable at first to fifth operation positions on the first route;
A first magnetic field generating section that moves along the first route together with the operation section and generates a first magnetic field;
Each time the direction of the first magnetic field from the first magnetic field generator changes by a first angle, the first and second outputs are repeatedly output, and the first operation position is the second operation position. Centered on the intersection of the first straight line passing through the first switching position that switches to the second straight line passing through the second switching position where the third operation position switches to the fourth operation position, A first angle detection sensor arranged so that the first and second straight lines are boundary positions of the first and second outputs;
Each time the direction of the first magnetic field from the first magnetic field generator changes by a second angle, the first and second outputs are repeatedly output, and the second operation position is the third operation. Centering on the intersection of the third straight line passing through the third switching position that switches to the position and the fourth straight line passing through the fourth switching position that switches the fourth operation position to the fifth operation position. A second angle detection sensor arranged so that the third and fourth straight lines are boundary positions of the first and second outputs;
A determination unit that determines the first to fifth operation positions of the operation unit based on a combination of the first and second outputs output from the first and second angle detection sensors;
An operation position detection device comprising: The operation unit has a second route that can be moved from the first route, and a third route that can be moved from the second route,
When the second magnetic field is generated outside the detection region of the first and second angle detection sensors and the operation unit moves along the first route, the operation unit is located in the first region, and the operation unit is When moving along the route 3, the second magnetic field generating unit located in the second region,
A third angle detection sensor that performs a third output when the second magnetic field generation unit is located in the first region, and a fourth output when the second magnetic field generation unit is located in the second region; ,
The determination unit determines an operation position in the first route based on a combination of the first to third outputs, and determines the third position based on a combination of the first, second, and fourth outputs. The operation position detection device according to claim 1, wherein the operation position of the route is determined. Each time the third switching position is a point of symmetry with respect to the first angle detection sensor, the first magnetic field generation unit changes the angle of the first magnetic field by a third angle. A fourth angle detection sensor that repeatedly outputs the first and second outputs;
Each time the second switching position is a symmetric point, the second switching position is point-symmetric with the second angle detection sensor, and the direction of the first magnetic field from the first magnetic field generator changes by a fourth angle. A fifth angle detection sensor that repeatedly outputs the first and second outputs;
With
The determination unit determines an operation position of the first route based on a combination of the first and second outputs output from the first, second, fourth, and fifth angle detection sensors. Item 3. The operation position detection device according to Item 2. When the second magnetic field generation unit is located in the first region, the third output is performed. When the second magnetic field generation unit is located in the second region, a sixth angle detection is performed that performs the fourth output. With sensors,
The determination unit determines an operation position in the first route based on a combination of the first to third outputs, and determines the third position based on a combination of the first, second, and fourth outputs. The operation position detection device according to claim 3, wherein the operation position of the route is determined.

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