U.S. patent application number 11/466560 was filed with the patent office on 2007-08-09 for magnetic sensor.
This patent application is currently assigned to MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Naoki HIRAOKA, Masahiro YOKOTANI.
Application Number | 20070182405 11/466560 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38288943 |
Filed Date | 2007-08-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070182405 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
YOKOTANI; Masahiro ; et
al. |
August 9, 2007 |
MAGNETIC SENSOR
Abstract
The magnetic sensor in the invention includes a detecting
section that detects a change of magnetic flux due to a movement of
the magnetic movable, comparator circuits constituting a converting
section that converts a change of magnetic flux detected by the
detecting section into an electric amount, and a D-FF circuit
device, in a sensor unit having a power-supplying power terminal
VB, a ground terminal GND and an output terminal VOUT. A current
control section is provided to change the amount of current flowing
through at least one of the power terminal and the ground terminal,
correspondingly to a moving direction of the magnetic movable.
Thus, a moving direction of the magnetic movable can be determined
depending upon the amount of current.
Inventors: |
YOKOTANI; Masahiro; (Tokyo,
JP) ; HIRAOKA; Naoki; (Tokyo, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SUGHRUE MION, PLLC
2100 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE, N.W., SUITE 800
WASHINGTON
DC
20037
US
|
Assignee: |
MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC
CORPORATION
Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
38288943 |
Appl. No.: |
11/466560 |
Filed: |
August 23, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
324/207.25 ;
324/207.11; 324/207.21; 324/207.24 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01D 5/145 20130101;
G01R 33/072 20130101; G01D 5/2451 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
324/207.25 ;
324/207.11; 324/207.24; 324/207.21 |
International
Class: |
G01B 7/30 20060101
G01B007/30 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 9, 2006 |
JP |
P2006-032532 |
Claims
1. A magnetic sensor comprising: a magnetic movable that moves
correspondingly to a movement of an object-being-detected; a sensor
section provided opposite to the magnetic movable through a gap and
for detecting a change of magnetic field in the gap based on a
movement of the magnetic movable; a converting section that
converts a change of magnetic field, detected by the sensor
section, into an electric amount change and outputs an electric
amount change converted; in a sensor unit having a power terminal
and a ground terminal for grounding, and an output terminal; a
determining section that determines a moving direction of the
object-being-detected depending upon an output of the converting
section through the output terminal of the sensor unit; a current
control section that controls an amount of current flowing through
at least one of the power terminal and the ground terminal
correspondingly to a moving direction of the magnetic movable; the
determining section detecting a moving direction of the
object-being-detected depending upon the amount of current.
2. A magnetic sensor according to claim 1, wherein the determining
section is configured to detect a moving speed of the
object-being-detected depending upon an output of the converting
section, and to detect a moving direction of the
object-being-detected depending upon the amount of current.
3. A magnetic sensor according to claim 1, wherein the detecting
section has a plurality of detecting elements arranged parallel
along a moving direction of the magnetic movable, the converting
section having a first comparing section that generates a first
signal correspondingly to a detection of the change of magnetic
flux due to a detecting element in a part of the plurality of
detecting elements, a second comparing section that generates a
second signal correspondingly to a detection of the change of
magnetic flux due to another detecting element of the plurality of
detecting elements, and a circuit device that outputs a third
signal changing depending upon the first and second signals, the
determining section having a third comparing circuit that generates
a fourth signal changing depending upon the first signal and a
fourth comparing circuit that generates a fifth signal changing
depending upon the amount of current, thereby detecting a moving
direction of the object-being-detected depending upon the fifth
signal.
4. A magnetic sensor according to claim 3, wherein the current
control section is configured by a switching section to be
controlled depending upon the third signal of from the circuit
device connected between the power terminal and the ground.
5. A magnetic sensor according to claim 3, wherein the circuit
device has a D-flip-flop circuit device that generates the third
signal changing correspondingly to a state of the first and second
signals as inputs.
6. A magnetic sensor according to claim 3, wherein circuit device
has a first rise-edge D-flip-flop circuit to be triggered by a rise
edge of the first signal, a second rise-edge D-flip-flop circuit to
be triggered by a rise edge of the second signal, a first fall-edge
D-flip-flop circuit to be triggered by a fall edge of the first
signal, a second fall-edge D-flip-flop circuit to be triggered by a
fall edge of the second signal.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Technical Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates to a magnetic sensor that has a
magnetic movable to move responsive to a movement of an
object-being-detected so that a movement of an
object-being-detected, particularly a direction of movement
thereof, can be detected by using a change of magnetic field due to
the movement of the magnetic movable.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] Conventionally, there is well-known a magnetic sensor
adapted to detect a moving direction of an object-being-detected by
moving a magnetic movable having convexes in responsive to a
movement of the object-being-detected and thereby detecting a
change of magnetic field caused by the movement of the magnetic
movable through the use of a magneto-resistance element
(hereinafter referred to as an MR element).
[0005] Such existing magnetic sensors include, say, those having a
structure that three MR elements are arranged opposite to a
magnetic movable through a slight gap. The MR elements are arranged
in a direction of movement of the magnetic movable by inserting
those MR elements respectively in two bridge circuits at
predetermined sides thereof. The magnetic movable, when moved,
causes a resistance change in the MR elements, which is taken as
voltage change on two systems from the bridge circuits. From the
state of voltage change, detected is a moving direction of the
magnetic movable and hence of the object-being-detected. (see
JP-A-2002-90181, FIGS. 4-6, description page 6, for example).
[0006] In the existing magnetic sensor shown in JP-A-2002-90181,
the two-system voltage changes taken out of the bridge circuits are
converted by first and second comparator circuits into
rectangular-wave signals. One of the rectangular-wave signals is
inputted to a base terminal of an output transistor and to a
D-terminal of a D-flip-flop circuit. The other rectangular-wave
signal is inputted to a CL terminal of the D-flip-flop circuit. The
D-flip-flop circuit has an output that is inputted to a base
terminal of another transistor. This transistor has a collector
terminal whose voltage is pulled up to the power voltage VCC, and
an emitter terminal connected to an emitter terminal of the output
transistor and grounded through a resistance.
[0007] The output transistor has an output signal that is delivered
to a computer unit and then pulled up to the power voltage VCC. The
output signal of the output transistor is inputted to third and
fourth comparator circuits where compared with comparison levels 1
and 2, to obtain two output signals based on the comparison
results. In the case one output signal is in a low state in level,
a forward movement is to be recognized as to the magnetic movable.
When the output signal is a rectangular wave, a reverse movement is
to be recognized as to the magnetic movable.
[0008] However, in the existing magnetic sensor shown in
JP-A-2002-90181, one rise edge of a rectangular-wave signal is used
to recognize a moving direction of the magnetic movable. Thus,
there problematically encounters a delay in the timing of detecting
a moving direction of the magnetic movable.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] It is an object of the present invention to provide a
magnetic sensor capable of correctly detecting, free from erroneous
detection, a moving direction of a magnetic movable without a
significant delay in timing of detecting a moving direction of the
magnetic movable.
[0010] A magnetic sensor in the invention is a magnetic sensor
having a sensor unit, comprising: a magnetic movable that moves in
response to a movement of an object-being-detected; a sensor
section provided opposite to the magnetic movable through a gap and
for detecting a change of magnetic field in the gap due to a
movement of the magnetic movable; a converting section that
converts a change of magnetic field, detected by the sensor
section, into a change of electric amount and outputs a change of
electric amount converted; and a determining section that
determines a moving direction of the object-being-detected
depending upon an output of the converting section; the sensor unit
having a power terminal to supply power to the detecting section
and converting section, a ground terminal for grounding, and an
output terminal that outputs the output to the determining section;
the magnetic sensor further comprising a current control section
that controls an amount of current flowing through at least one of
the power terminal and the ground terminal, correspondingly to a
moving direction of the magnetic movable; the determining section
detecting a moving direction of the object-being-detected depending
upon the amount of current.
[0011] In the magnetic sensor in the invention, the current control
section is structured by a switching section which is connected
between the power terminal and the ground.
[0012] According to the magnetic sensor in the invention, there is
provided a current control section that changes an amount of
current flowing through at least one of the power terminal and the
ground terminal, correspondingly to a moving direction of the
magnetic movable so that a moving direction of the
object-being-detected can be determined depending upon the change
amount of current. Accordingly, even when the magnetic movable is
inverted in rotation in any timing, a moving direction of the
magnetic movable can be detected correctly, without a significant
delay, in a manner free from erroneously recognizing a moving
direction thereof.
[0013] Meanwhile, in the magnetic sensor of the invention, the
current control section is configured by a switching section
connected between the power terminal and the ground. With a simple
structure, even when the magnetic movable is inverted in rotation
in any timing, a moving direction of the magnetic movable can be
detected correctly, without a significant delay, in a manner free
from erroneously recognizing a moving direction thereof.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an arrangement of a
magnetic movable and MR elements, in an art forming the basis of
the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 2 is an explanatory view showing the arrangement of a
magnetic movable and MR elements, in the art forming the basis of
the invention;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram of an art forming the basis of
the invention;
[0017] FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram of a D-flip-flop circuit device
of the art forming the basis of the invention;
[0018] FIGS. 5A-5D are explanatory figures that explain the
operation of the art forming the basis of the invention;
[0019] FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram of a device according to a first
embodiment of the invention;
[0020] FIGS. 7A-7D are explanatory figures that explain the
operation of the device according to the first embodiment of the
invention;
[0021] FIG. 8 is a circuit diagram of a device according to a
second embodiment of the invention; and
[0022] FIGS. 9A-9D are explanatory figures that explain the
operation of the device according to the second embodiment of the
invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Basic Art of the Invention
[0023] First of all, description is now made on a magnetic sensor
forming the basis of the invention. The magnetic sensor, forming
the basis of the invention, uses rise and fall edges of two
rectangular-wave signals in detecting a moving direction of a
magnetic movable. This can detect a moving direction of the
magnetic movable nearly four times faster the existing one in the
foregoing. When the MR element and the magnetic movable are in a
particular opposite position at a time the magnetic movable is
inverted in its moving direction, a reverse rotation of the
magnetic movable is detected by the edge next to the first rise or
fall edge.
[0024] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an arrangement of a
magnetic movable and MR elements, in an art forming the basis of
the invention. FIG. 2 is an explanatory view of the same. FIG. 3 is
a circuit diagram of a magnetic sensor. FIG. 4 is an explanatory
figure of the operation of the same. In FIGS. 1 and 2, on the top
surface of a magnet 1 causing a bias magnetic field, there is
provided an IC chip 2 integrally structured with MR elements 21a,
21b, 22, or three magnetic detecting elements, constituting a
sensor section. The magnet 1 is magnetized in a direction of arrow
3. As for a magnetic movable 4 having a multiplicity of convexes 41
equally spaced in a periphery thereof, its rotation in a direction
of arrow 5 is taken forward while its rotation in a direction
reverse thereto is taken reverse. The magnetic movable 4 is
arranged to rotate correspondingly to a rotation of an
object-being-detected (not shown).
[0025] The magnetic movable 4 is arranged such that its peripheral
surface is opposed to a side surface of the magnet 1 through a
slight gap. Due to the rotation of the magnetic movable 4, the
convex 41 and the concave 42 alternately come close to the magnet
1. This causes a change in the magnetic field applied from the
magnet 1 to the MR elements 21a, 21b, 22. The change in the
magnetic field provides resistance changes in the respective MR
elements 21a, 21b, 22, which are to be detected as voltage changes
as described later. Incidentally, the MR elements 21a, 21b, 22, of
course, may be huge magneto-resistance effect elements (GMR
elements).
[0026] Referring to FIG. 3, a first bridge circuit 23 is configured
by MR elements 21a, 21b and resistances 24, 25. The MR elements
21a, 21b have a connection point 211 connected to an inverted input
terminal 291 of a first comparator circuit 29, as a first
comparator section. The resistances 24, 25 have a connection point
212 connected as a reference voltage to an non-inverted input
terminal 292 of the first comparator circuit 29. It is assumed that
the signal to be inputted to the inverted input terminal 291 of the
first comparator circuit 29 is "c" while the signal on an output
terminal 293 thereof is "e".
[0027] A second bridge circuit 30 is configured by an MR element 22
and resistances 26, 27, 28. The MR element 22 and the resistance 26
have a connection point 213 connected to an inverted input terminal
311 of a second comparator circuit 31 as a second comparator
section. The resistances 27, 28 have a connection point 214
connected as a reference voltage to an non-inverted input terminal
312 of the second comparator circuit 31. Meanwhile, in the first
and second bridge circuits 23, 30, the MR elements 21a, 22 and the
resistances 24, 27 are connected to a power source VCC while the MR
element 21b and the resistances 25, 26, 28 are grounded. It is
assumed that the signal to be inputted to the input terminal of the
second comparator circuit 31 is "d" while the signal at an output
terminal 313 is "f".
[0028] A D-flip-flop circuit device (hereinafter referred to as a
D-FF circuit device) 380 is configured as shown in FIG. 4. Namely,
in FIG. 4, it has a first rise-edge D-flip-flop circuit
(hereinafter referred to as a first rise-edge D-FF circuit) 381, a
first fall-edge D-flip-flop circuit (hereinafter referred to as a
first fall-edge D-FF circuit) 382, a second rise-edge D-flip-flop
circuit (hereinafter referred to as a second rise-edge D-FF
circuit) 383, and a second fall-edge D-flip-flop circuit
(hereinafter referred to as a second fall-edge D-FF circuit)
384.
[0029] The first rise-edge D-FF circuit 381 has a CL terminal
connected to an output terminal 293 of the first comparator circuit
29, and a D terminal connected to an output terminal 313 of the
second comparator circuit 31. The second rise-edge D-FF circuit 383
has a CL terminal connected to an output terminal 313 of the second
comparator circuit 31, and a D terminal connected to an output
terminal 293 of the first comparator circuit 29. The first
fall-edge D-FF circuit 382 has a CL terminal connected to the
output terminal 293 of the first comparator circuit 29 through a
NOT circuit 343, and a D terminal connected to the output terminal
313 of the second comparator circuit 31. The second fall-edge D-FF
circuit 384 has a CL terminal connected to the output terminal 313
of the second comparator circuit 31 through a NOT circuit 344, and
a D terminal connected to the output terminal 293 of the first
comparator circuit 29.
[0030] The first and second rise-edge D-FF circuits 381, 383 are
well-known D-flip-flop circuits. When the input signal to the CL
terminal is low in level, the output terminal Q maintains the
current output state regardless of the level of a signal inputted
to the D terminal. When a high-level signal is inputted to the CL
terminal, triggering is effected by its rise edge. When the signal
to the D terminal is high in level, the output terminal Q has a
high-level signal while, when the signal to the D terminal is low
in level, the output terminal Q has a low-level signal.
[0031] The first and second fall-edge D-FF circuits 382, 384 are
well-known D-flip-flop circuits. When the input signal to the NOT
circuit 343, 344 connected to the CL terminal is high in level,
i.e. when the input signal to the CL terminal is low in level, the
output terminal Q maintains the current output state regardless of
the level of a signal inputted to the D terminal. When a low-level
signal is inputted to an input terminal of the NOT circuit 343, 344
connected to the CL terminal, triggering is effected by its fall
edge, i.e. by the rise edge of a high-level signal inputted to the
CL terminal. When the signal to the D terminal is high in level,
the output terminal Q has a high-level signal while, when the
signal to the D terminal is low in level, the output terminal Q has
a low-level signal.
[0032] The respective Q terminals, of the first and second
rise-edge and fall-edge D-FF circuits 381, 382, 383, 384, are
connected to a 4-input OR circuit 342 through a logic circuit
formed by a 3-input NAND circuit 385, 3-input BAND circuits 386,
387, a 4-input NAND circuits 388, a 4-input BNAND circuit 389 and
4-input AND circuits 340, 341, as shown in the figure. The 4-input
OR circuit 342 has an output terminal 346 connected to a base of a
second transistor (hereinafter referred to as a second Tr) 40 shown
in FIG. 3. It is assumed that the 4-input OR circuit 342 has a
signal "g" at its output terminal 346.
[0033] Referring back to FIG. 3, a first, or output, transistor
(hereinafter referred to as a first Tr) 37 has a base connected to
the output terminal 293 of the first comparator circuit 29, and an
emitter grounded through a resistance 38. The second Tr 40 has a
base connected to an output terminal 346 of the 4-input OR circuit
342 shown in FIG. 4, an emitter connected to a connection point of
the emitter of the first Tr 37 and the resistance 38, and a
collector connected to a power source VCC through a resistance
39.
[0034] A computer unit 420 has third and fourth comparator circuits
44, 45 whose inverted input terminals 441, 451 are both connected
to the power source VCC through a resistance 46. The third
comparator circuit 44 has a non-inverted input terminal 442
connected to a connection point 411 of the resistances 401, 402
while the fourth comparator circuit 45 has a non-inverted input
terminal 452 connected to a connection point 421 of the resistances
42, 43. The resistances 401, 403 are connected to the power source
VCC while the resistances 402, 404 are grounded. It is assumed that
the signal inputted to the inverted input terminal 441, 451 of the
third and fourth comparator circuit 44, 45 is "h", the signal on
the output terminal 443 of the third comparator circuit 44 is "i",
and the signal on the output terminal 453 of the fourth comparator
circuit 45 is "j".
[0035] The operation is now described. FIG. 5A shows the waveforms
of signals e, f, g, h, i, j on the respective terminals of the
circuit shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 in the case rotation is switched
from reverse to forward when the magnetic movable 4 and the MR
element 22 in the center of the magnet 1 (see FIG. 1) are
relatively opposite in a position (a). Likewise, FIGS. 5B, 5C and
5D show the waveforms of the signals e, f, g, h, i, j in the case
rotation is switched from forward to reverse when the magnetic
movable 4 and the center MR element 22 of the magnet 1 are
relatively opposite in a position (b), (c) or (d). The signal h is
given a binary-signal pulse having high and low levels H, L1 at a
forward rotation of the magnetic movable 4, and a binary-signal
pulse having high and low levels H, L2 at a reverse rotation of the
magnetic movable 4.
[0036] Referring to FIG. 5A, when the magnetic movable 4 rotates
forward, the magnetic movable 4 at its convex 41 and concave 42
alternately becomes opposite to the MR element 21a, 22 and 21b
differently in time in the order. This provides a change in the
bias magnetic field to each of the MR elements 21a, 22, 21b and
hence a change in the resistance thereof.
[0037] The resistance change of the MR element 21a, 22, 21b causes
a change in the signal c, d, to be inputted to the inverted input
terminal 29, 31 of the first and second comparator circuit 291,
311, into a sinusoidal waveform. When the magnetic movable 4
rotates forward, the signal c is advanced a predetermined amount of
phase relative to the signal d due to a positional relationship in
arrangement of the MR elements 21a, 22, 21b.
[0038] In FIG. 5A, if it is now assumed that the signal e at time
t1 changes from the high to low level, the first fall-edge D-FF
circuit 382 is triggered. Because the signal f, inputted to its D
terminal from the second comparator circuit 29, is high in level,
its Q terminal has a signal high in level. Thus, the 4-input OR
circuit 342 at its output terminal 346 has a signal g high in
level.
[0039] This places the second Tr 40 in conduction and the first Tr
37 in non-conduction. As a result, the first Tr 37 has a collector
signal h high in level. The third comparator circuit 44 has a
comparison level CL1 given between the high and low levels H, L1 of
the signal h while the fourth comparator circuit 45 has a
comparison level CL2 given between the low and low levels L1, L2 of
the signal h. Accordingly, at the time t1, the third comparator
circuit 44 has an output signal i low in level while the fourth
comparator circuit 45 has an output signal j staying low in
level.
[0040] At time t2, the signal f, on the output terminal 313 of the
second comparator circuit 31, falls from the high to low level, to
cause a triggering in the second fall-edge D-FF circuit 384. The
signal e, on the output terminal 293 of the first comparator
circuit 29, is low in level at the time t2 so that the Q terminal
has a signal low in level. However, the Q terminal of the first
fall-edge D-FF circuit 382 maintains the high level, and the
4-input OR circuit 342 has an output g high in level. Accordingly,
the third and fourth comparator circuits 44, 45 have output signals
i, j staying low in level.
[0041] At time t3, the signal e of from the first comparator
circuit 29 rises to cause a triggering in the first rise-edge D-FF
circuit 381. However, because the signal f, on the output terminal
313 of the second comparator circuit 31, is low in level, the Q
terminal has a signal low in level. At the time t3, the first
fall-edge D-FF circuit 382 has, at its Q terminal, a signal
maintained high in level, and the 4-input OR circuit 342 has, at
its output terminal 346, a signal g high in level. For this reason,
the second Tr 40 stays conductive. Meanwhile, the first Tr 37
becomes conductive because the signal e becomes high in level.
Through the resistance 38, there is caused an additional flow of a
current supplied from the second Tr 40, which makes the signal h
low level L1.
[0042] By turning the signal h to a low level L1, the third
comparator circuit 44 whose comparison level is set at the first
comparison level CL1 has an output signal i high in level. Because
the fourth comparison circuit 45 has a comparison level given at
the second comparison level CL2, its output signal j stays low in
level.
[0043] At time t4, when the signal f on the output terminal 313 of
the second comparator circuit 31 rises to a high level, the second
rise-edge D-FF circuit 383 is triggered. Because the signal on the
D terminal at that time is high in level, a high-level signal is
outputted from the Q terminal. Due to this, the 4-input OR circuit
342 has an output signal g maintained high in level, and the second
Tr 40 continues conductive. For this reason, the signal h stays low
level L1. Thus, at the time t4, there is no change in the output
signals i, j of the third and fourth comparator circuits 44, 45
from those at the time t3.
[0044] In this manner, when the magnetic movable 4 rotates forward,
the third comparator circuit 44 has an output signal i assuming a
binary-signal pulse having high and low levels whereas the fourth
comparator circuit 45 has an output signal j staying low in level.
Namely, by the fact that the output signal i appears as a binary
pulse having high and low levels while the output signal j
continues low in level, it can be determined that the magnetic
movable 4 is in a forward rotation.
[0045] It is now assumed that, when the magnetic movable 4 and the
MR element 22 provided in the magnet 2 are in a positional
relationship (a), in case the magnetic movable 4 changes from the
forward to reverse rotation, the signal f on the output terminal
313 of the second comparator circuit 31 changes into a low level at
time t5 that the MR element 21b first becomes opposite to the
convex 41 of the magnetic movable 4. Due to this, the signal g on
the output terminal 346 of the 4-input OR circuit 342 changes into
a low level. The second Tr 40 becomes non-conductive and the signal
h turns into a low level L2. This changes, to a high level, the
signal j on the output terminal 453 of the fourth comparator
circuit 45.
[0046] When the magnetic movable 4 rotates reverse, the magnetic
movable 4 at its convex 41 and concave 42 alternately becomes
opposite to the MR element 21b, 22 and 21a differently in time in
the order, conversely to the forward rotation. At time points t6,
t8 and t10 after the time point t5, the signal j on the output
terminal 453 of the fourth comparator circuit 45 becomes changing
alternately between low and high levels synchronously with the
signal i on the output terminal 443 of the third comparator circuit
44. Accordingly, by the fact that the output signal j changes
alternately between low and high levels, it can be determined that
the magnetic movable 4 is in a reverse rotation.
[0047] Namely, where rotation is reversed in the positional
relationship (a) in FIG. 5A, the signal h changes into an L2 level
at time t5 the signal f first changes and the signal j changes from
the low to high level. Accordingly, reverse rotation is to be
immediately detected at time t5 that the signal f first changes.
Likewise, where rotation is reversed in the positional relationship
(b), the signal h becomes L2 at time t61 the signal e first
changes, as shown in FIG. 5B. At the time t61, reverse rotation is
immediately detected. Where rotation is reversed in the positional
relationship (c), the signal h becomes L2 at time t82 that the
signal e first changes, as shown in FIG. 5C. At the time t82, a
reverse rotation can be detected.
[0048] Nevertheless, where the magnetic movable 4 in a positional
relationship (d) rotates reverse, the signal h does not change in
level to L2 at any of time points t83, t93 that the signal e, f
first changes after a reverse rotation, as shown in FIG. 5D. For
this reason, detection is possibly erroneous at time t83 that
reverse rotation can be detected in the normal case, thus making
impossible to detect a reverse rotation. It is impossible to detect
a reverse rotation before the time point t103 the signal h changes
in level to L2.
First Embodiment
[0049] FIG. 6 shows a circuit diagram of a magnetic sensor
according to a first embodiment of the invention. FIGS. 7A-7D are
explanatory figures that explain the operation of the same. In FIG.
6, like or corresponding elements to those in the foregoing art
forming the basis of the invention are attached with the like
numerals. In FIG. 6, a D-FF circuit device 380 has the same
configuration as the showing in FIG. 4, thus having an output
terminal 346 connected to a base of a second Tr 40 through a NOT
circuit 347. The collector of the second Tr 40 is connected through
a resistance 39 to a power terminal VB through which power is
supplied from a computer unit 420 to a sensor unit 50. The sensor
unit 50 has a power source VCC2 free from voltage fluctuations
because of the voltage from the power terminal VB regulated to a
predetermined value.
[0050] The sensor unit 50 is supplied with power from the computer
unit 420 through the power terminal VB so that a consumption
current m flows to the sensor unit 50. The consumption current m
includes a current m1 flowing to the circuit elements of the sensor
unit 50 and a current m2 to be controlled by the second Tr 40.
Meanwhile, the consumption current m flows from the sensor unit 50
to the computer unit 420 through a GND terminal.
[0051] A first Tr 37 has an emitter grounded and a collector
connected to an inverted input terminal 441 of a third comparator
circuit 44 of the computer unit 42 through an output terminal VOUT
of the sensor unit 50. The first Tr 37 has an output signal h that
is conveyed to the computer unit 420 and then pulled up to the
power voltage VCC.
[0052] A fourth comparator circuit 45 has an inverted input
terminal 451 connected to a collector of the second Tr 40 of the
sensor unit 50 through the power terminal VB and resistance 39. The
inverted input terminal 451 is connected to the power source VCC
through a resistance 48. The resistance 48 is assumed having a
resistance value R1. The ground terminal GND is directly grounded
without intervening a resistance. When the second Tr 40 is placed
in conduction and the consumption current m is in an increased
level, signal k is high in level. When the second Tr 40 is placed
in non-conduction and the consumption current m is in a decreased
level, signal k is low in level. Namely, the following is held:
signal-k high level H=VCC-(R1.times.m1)
signal-k low level L=VCC-{R1.times.(m1+m2)}.
[0053] In the first embodiment of the invention, the magnetic
detecting elements 21a, 21b, 22 constitute a detecting section in
the invention. The first and second bridge circuits 23, 31, the
first and second comparator circuits 29, 31 and the D-flip-flop
circuit device 380 constitute a converting section in the
invention. The third and fourth comparator circuits 44, 45
constitute a determining section in the invention. The second Tr 40
constitutes a current control section in the invention.
[0054] FIGS. 7A-7D are operation explanatory figures of the
magnetic sensor according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7A shows
the waveforms of signals e, f, g0, h, i, j, k on the respective
terminals of the circuit shown in FIGS. 6 and 4 and of a
consumption current m currents m1, m2 in the case rotation is
switched from forward to reverse when the magnetic movable 4 and
the center MR element 22 of the magnet 1 (see FIG. 1) are
relatively opposed in a position (a). Likewise, FIGS. 7B, 7C and 7D
show the waveforms of signals e, f, g0, h, i, j, k and of a
consumption current m, currents m1, m2 in the case rotation is
switched from forward to reverse when the magnetic movable 4 and
the center MR element 22 of the magnet 1 are relatively opposed in
each of positions (b), (c) and (d). The signal h assumes a binary
signal pulse having high and low levels H, L1 during forward
rotation of the magnetic movable 4. It also assumes a binary signal
pulse having high and low levels H, L2 during reverse rotation of
the magnetic movable 4. Here, ground level GND<L is held as
shown in FIG. 7.
[0055] The operation is now described. Referring to FIG. 7A, when
the magnetic movable 4 is in a forward rotation, the MR elements
21a, 22, 21b alternately become opposite, in the order, to the
convex 41 and concave 42 of the magnetic movable 4 differently in
time. This provides a change of bias magnetic field to the MR
elements 21a, 22, 21b, thus changing the resistance values
thereof.
[0056] The resistance change of the MR element 21a, 22, 21b causes
a change in the signal c, d, to be inputted to the inverted input
terminal 291, 311 of the first and second comparator circuit 29,
31, into a sinusoidal waveform. When the magnetic movable 4 rotates
forward, the signal c is advanced a predetermined amount of phase
relative to the signal d due to a positional relationship in
arrangement of the MR elements 21a, 22, 21b.
[0057] In FIG. 7A, if it is now assumed that the signal e at time
t1 changes from the high to low level, the first fall-edge D-FF
circuit 382 is triggered. Because the signal f, inputted to its D
terminal from the second comparator circuit 31, is high in level,
its Q terminal has a signal high in level. Thus, the 4-input OR
circuit 342 at its output terminal 346 has a signal g high in
level. Thus, the NOT circuit 347 has, at its output terminal, a
signal g0 low in level.
[0058] This places the second Tr 40 in conduction, thus rendering
the current m2 zero. The consumption current m is equal in value to
the current m1. Because the signal e at time t1 becomes low in
level, the first Tr 37 becomes non-conductive with a result that
the first Tr 37 has a collector signal h high in level. The third
comparator circuit 44 has a comparison level CL1 set at between the
high and low levels H, L of the signal h. Accordingly, at the time
t1, the third comparator circuit 44 has an output signal i low in
level.
[0059] The signal k at the time ti lies in high level H. However,
the fourth comparator circuit 45 has a comparison level CL2 set at
between the high and low levels H, L of the signal k. Thus, the
fourth comparator circuit 45 has an output signal j staying low in
level.
[0060] At time t2, the signal f, on the output terminal 313 of the
second comparator circuit 31, falls from the high to low level, to
cause a triggering in the second fall-edge D-FF circuit 384. The
signal e, on the output terminal 293 of the first comparator
circuit 29, is low in level at the time t2 so that the Q terminal
has a signal low in level. However, the Q terminal of the first
fall-edge D-FF circuit 382 maintains the high level, and the
4-input OR circuit 342 has an output g high in level. Accordingly,
the NOT circuit 347 has, at its output terminal, a signal g0
staying low in level and the fourth comparator circuit 45 has an
output signal j staying low in level.
[0061] At time t3, the signal e from the first comparator circuit
29 rises to cause a triggering in the first rise-edge D-FF circuit
381. However, because the signal f, on the output terminal 313 of
the second comparator circuit 31, is low in level, the Q terminal
has a signal low in level. At the time t3, the first fall-edge D-FF
circuit 382 has, at its Q terminal, a signal maintained high in
level, and the 4-input OR circuit 342 has, at its output terminal
346, a signal g high in level and the NOT circuit 347 has, at its
output terminal, a signal g0 low in level. For this reason, the
second Tr 40 stays non-conductive. Meanwhile, the first Tr 37
becomes conductive because the signal e becomes high in level and
the signal h becomes a low level L.
[0062] By turning the signal h to a low level L, the third
comparator circuit 44 set at a comparison level CL1 has an output
signal i high in level. At the time t3, the second Tr 40 stays
non-conductive and the fourth comparator circuit 45 has an output
signal j saying low in level.
[0063] At time t4, when the signal f on the output terminal 313 of
the second comparator circuit 31 rises to a high level, the second
rise-edge D-FF circuit 383 is triggered. Because the signal on the
D terminal at that time is high in level, a high-level signal is
outputted from the Q terminal. Due to this, the 4-input OR circuit
342 has an output signal g continuing high in level. The NOT
circuit 347 has, at its output terminal, a signal g0 maintained low
in level and the second Tr 40 continues non-conductive. The signal
h stays low in level L. At the time t4, there is no change in the
output signals i, j of the third and fourth comparator circuits 44,
45 from those at the time t3. Namely, the signal j stays low in
level.
[0064] In this manner, when the magnetic movable 4 rotates forward,
the third comparator circuit 44 has an output signal i assuming a
binary-signal pulse having high and low levels whereas the fourth
comparator circuit 45 has an output signal j staying low in level.
Namely, by the fact that the output signal i appears as a binary
pulse having high and low levels while the output signal j
continues low in level, it can be determined that the magnetic
movable 4 is in a forward rotation.
[0065] It is now assumed that, when the magnetic movable 4 and the
MR element 22 provided in the magnet 2 are in a positional
relationship (a) shown in FIG. 7A, in case the magnetic movable 4
changes from the forward to reverse rotation, the signal f on the
output terminal 313 of the second comparator circuit 31 changes
into a low level at time t5 that the MR element 21b first becomes
opposite to the convex 41 of the magnetic movable 4. Due to this,
the signal g on the output terminal 346 of the 4-input OR circuit
342 changes into a low level. Thus, the signal g0 on the output
terminal of the NOT circuit 347 becomes high in level.
[0066] Due to this, the second Tr 40 becomes conductive to flow a
current m2, thus increasing the consumption current m. This changes
the signal k, to be inputted to the inverted input terminal 451 of
the fourth comparator circuit 45, from the level H to L equal to or
smaller than the comparison level CL2, to change to a high level
the signal j on the output terminal 453 of the fourth comparator
circuit 45. Meanwhile, the signal e at time t5 is high in level so
that the first Tr 37 stays conductive. Because the signal h is low
in level L and equal to or smaller than the first comparison level
CL1, the third comparator circuit 44 has an output signal i staying
high in level.
[0067] At time t6, the signal e becomes low in level L and hence
the first Tr 37 becomes non-conductive. As a result, the signal h
becomes high in level H, and the output signal i of the third
comparator circuit 44 turns into a low level. At the time t6,
although the first fall-edge D-FF circuit 382 is triggered, the
signal f at this time is low in level so that the 4-input OR
circuit 342 has, at its output terminal 346, a signal g staying low
in level. Hence, the NOT circuit 347 has an output signal g0
staying high in level. Accordingly, the fourth comparator circuit
45 has an output signal j staying high in level.
[0068] When the magnetic movable 4 rotates reverse, the magnetic
movable 4 at its convex 41 and concave 42 alternately becomes
opposite to the MR element 21b, 22 and 21a differently in time in
the order, conversely to the forward rotation. At time points t8
and t10 after the time point t6, the signal i on the output
terminal 443 of the third comparator circuit 44 changes alternately
between low and high levels. However, the signal g on the output
terminal 346 of the D-FF circuit device 380 stays low in level so
that the output signal g0 of the NOT circuit 347 is maintained high
in level. The second Tr 40 continues conductive and hence the
consumption current m stays in an increased state.
[0069] Due to this, the signal j on the output terminal 453 of the
fourth comparator circuit 45 is maintained high in level conversely
to the case in forward rotation. Accordingly, in the case the
magnetic movable 4 inverts in rotation in the timing of (a), the
signal j changes from the low to high level at the time t5 the
signal f first changes in level. From then on, the high level is
continued. This makes it possible to determine a reverse rotation
of the magnetic movable 4.
[0070] Likewise, in the case rotation is inverted in a positional
relationship (b), the signal k becomes a low level L at the time
t61 the signal e first changes, as shown in FIG. 7B. At the time
t61, a reverse rotation is detected immediately. In the case
rotation is inverted in a positional relationship (c), the signal k
becomes a low level L at time t72 the signal f first changes, as
shown in FIG. 7C. At the time t72, a reverse rotation can be
detected.
[0071] In the case the magnetic movable 4 inverts in rotation in a
positional relationship (d), the signal g0 changes from the low to
high level at t83 the signal e first changes after the inversion,
as shown in FIG. 7D. Thus, the second Tr 40 becomes conductive.
This increases the consumption current m so that the signal k to
the inverted input terminal 451 of the fourth comparator circuit 45
becomes equal to or lower than a second comparison level CL2,
providing an output signal j thereof high in level. Thus, it is
possible to detect a reverse rotation, without encountering an
erroneous detection, at time point t83 the signal e first changes
in level after an inversion.
[0072] As described above, the magnetic sensor in the first
embodiment can detect a reverse rotation free from erroneous
detections without encountering a significant delay in timing even
where the magnetic movable 4 is inverted in rotation in any of
opposite positions to the MR element. Meanwhile, it is possible to
detect a moving speed of the magnetic movable 4 and of the
object-being-detected depending upon the change period of the
output signal i of the third comparator circuit 4.
Second Embodiment
[0073] FIG. 8 shows a circuit diagram of a magnetic sensor
according to a second embodiment of the invention. FIGS. 9A-9D are
explanatory figures that explain the operation of the same. A
second Tr 40 has an emitter grounded and a collector connected
through a resistance 39 to a power terminal VB through which power
voltage VCC is supplied to a sensor unit 50. The sensor unit 50 has
a ground terminal GND connected to the GND of a computer unit 420
through a resistance 47. The resistance 47 is assumed to have a
resistance value R2. The power voltage VCC2 on the sensor unit 50
side is a voltage that is obtained by regulating the voltage from
the power terminal VB to a predetermined value and hence is free
from voltage fluctuations.
[0074] The sensor unit 50 is supplied with power from the computer
unit 420 through the power terminal VB so that a consumption
current m flows to the sensor unit 50. The consumption current m
includes a current m1 flowing to the circuit elements of the sensor
unit 50 and a current m2 to be controlled by the second Tr 40.
Meanwhile, the consumption current m flows from the sensor unit 50
to the computer unit 49 through the GND terminal.
[0075] The other is similar in structure to the first
embodiment.
[0076] In the above arrangement, the magnetic detecting elements
21a, 21b, 22 constitute a detecting section in the invention. The
first and second bridge circuits 23, 31, the first and second
comparator circuits 29, 31 and the D-flip-flop circuit device 380
constitute a converting section that converts a magnetic-field
change detected by the detecting section into an electric amount
change and outputs it. Those are provided in the sensor unit 50.
The third and fourth comparator circuits 44, 45 constitute a
determining section that determines a moving direction of an
object-being-detected depending upon an output of the converting
section, which are provided in the computer unit 420. The second Tr
40 constitutes a current-control section that changes the current
flowing to the power terminal VB and ground terminal GND
correspondingly to a moving direction of the magnetic movable
4.
[0077] Furthermore, the signal e, on the output terminal 293 of the
first comparator circuit 29, constitutes a first signal. The signal
f, on the output terminal 313 of the second comparator circuit 31,
constitutes a second signal. The signal g, on the output terminal
346 of the D-FF circuit device 380, constitutes a third signal. The
signal i, on the output terminal 441 of the third comparator
circuit 44, constitutes a fourth signal. The signal j, on the
output terminal 453 of the fourth comparator circuit 45,
constitutes a fifth signal. In the ensuing description, those
signals are referred merely to as signals e, f, g, i and j.
[0078] In the magnetic detector in the second embodiment thus
configured, by rotating the magnetic movable 4 shown in FIGS. 1 and
2, resistance change takes place in the MR elements 21a, 21b, 22.
By the first and second bridge circuits 23, 30, voltage changes on
two systems are obtained as signals c, d. The signals c, d are
changed by the first and second comparator circuits 29, 31 into
rectangular waves thus obtaining signals e, f.
[0079] The signal e, of from the output terminal 293 of the first
comparator circuit 29, is inputted to a base of the first Tr 37, to
a CL terminal of a first rise-edge D-FF circuit 381 shown in FIG. 4
and to a CL terminal of a first fall-edge D-FF circuit 382 through
a NOT circuit 343. Also, the signal e is inputted to a D terminal
of a second rise-edge D-FF circuit 383 and to a D terminal of a
second fall-edge D-FF circuit 384.
[0080] Meanwhile, the signal f, of from the output terminal 313 of
the second comparator circuit 31, is inputted to the respective D
terminals of the first rise-edge and fall-edge D-FF circuits 381,
382, to a CL terminal of the second rise-edge D-FF circuit 383 and
to a CL terminal of the second fall-edge D-FF circuit 384 through a
NOT circuit 344.
[0081] Depending upon the signals of from the Q terminals of the
respective D-FF circuits 381, 382, 383, 384, a 4-input OR circuit
342 outputs, at its output terminal 346, a signal g to be inputted
to an input terminal of a NOT circuit 347. The NOT circuit 347 has
an output terminal to output a signal g0. The signal h, outputted
from the first Tr 37, is compared with a comparison level CL1 by
the third comparator circuit 44, thus obtaining a signal i. The
comparison level CL1 in the third comparator circuit 44 is set at
between high and low levels H, L2 of the signal h, as shown in FIG.
9. The signal k, to be inputted to an inverted input terminal 451
of the fourth comparator circuit 45, relies upon a voltage across
the resistance 47.
Namely, signal-k high level H=R2.times.(m1+m2)
signal-k low level L=R2.times.m1.
The signal k is not related to the power voltage VCC. Even in case
the power voltage VCC varies, there occur no fluctuations in the
signal-k high and low levels H, L. The signal k is compared with a
comparison level CL2 thus obtaining a signal j as shown in FIG.
9.
[0082] FIG. 9A shows the waveforms of signals e, f, g0, h, i, j, k
on the respective terminals of the circuit shown in FIGS. 8 and 4
and of consumption current m and currents m1, m2 in the case
rotation is switched from forward to reverse when the magnetic
movable 4 and the center MR element 22 of the magnet 1 (see FIG. 1)
are relatively opposed in a position (a). Likewise, FIGS. 9B, 9C
and 9D show the waveforms of signals e, f, g0, h, i, j, k and of
consumption current m and currents m1, m2 in the case rotation is
switched from forward to reverse when the magnetic movable 4 and
the center MR element 22 of the magnet 1 are relatively opposed in
each of positions (b), (c) and (d). The signal h assumes a binary
signal pulse having high and low levels H, L1 during forward
rotation of the magnetic movable 4. It also assumes a binary signal
pulse having high and low levels H, L2 during reverse rotation of
the magnetic movable 4. Here, ground level GND <L1<L2 is held
as shown in FIG. 9.
[0083] The operation is now described. Referring to FIG. 9A, when
the magnetic movable 4 is in a forward rotation, the MR elements
21a, 22, 21b alternately become opposite, in the order, to the
convex 41 and concave 42 of the magnetic movable 4 differently in
time. This provides a change of bias magnetic field to the MR
elements 21a, 22, 21b, thus changing resistance values thereof.
[0084] The resistance change of the MR element 21a, 22, 21b causes
a change in the signal c, d, to be inputted to the inverted input
terminal 291, 311 of the first and second comparator circuit 29,
31, into a sinusoidal waveform. When the magnetic movable 4 rotates
forward, the signal c is advanced a predetermined amount of phase
relative to the signal d due to a positional relationship in
arrangement of the MR elements 21a, 22, 21b.
[0085] In FIG. 9A, if it is now assumed that the signal e at time
t1 changes from the high to low level, the first fall-edge D-FF
circuit 382 is triggered. Because the signal f, inputted to its D
terminal from the second comparator circuit 31, is high in level,
its Q terminal has a signal high in level. Thus, the 4-input OR
circuit 342 at its output terminal 346 has a signal g high in
level. Thus, the NOT circuit 347 has, at its output terminal, a
signal g0 low in level.
[0086] This places the second Tr 40 in non-conduction, thus
rendering the current m2 zero. The consumption current m is equal
in value to the current m1. Because the signal e at time t1 becomes
low in level, the first Tr 37 becomes non-conductive with a result
that the first Tr 37 has a collector signal h high in level. The
third comparator circuit 44 has a first comparison level CL1 set at
between the high and low levels H, L2 of the signal h. Accordingly,
at the time t1, the third comparator circuit 44 has an output
signal i low in level.
[0087] The signal k at the time t1 lies in low level L. However,
the fourth comparator circuit 45 has a comparison level CL2 set at
between the high and low levels H, L of the signal k. Thus, the
fourth comparator circuit 45 has an output signal j staying high in
level.
[0088] At time t2, the signal f, on the output terminal 313 of the
second comparator circuit 31, falls from the high to low level, to
cause a triggering in the second fall-edge D-FF circuit 384. The
signal e, on the output terminal 293 of the first comparator
circuit 29, is low in level at the time t2 so that the Q terminal
has a signal low in level. However, the Q terminal of the first
fall-edge D-FF circuit 382 maintains the high level, and the
4-input OR circuit 342 has an output g high in level. Accordingly,
the NOT circuit 347 has, at its output terminal, a signal g0
staying low in level and the fourth comparator circuit 45 has an
output signal j staying high in level.
[0089] At time t3, the signal e of from the first comparator
circuit 29 rises to cause a triggering in the first rise-edge D-FF
circuit 381. However, because the signal f, on the output terminal
313 of the second comparator circuit 31, is low in level, the Q
terminal has a signal low in level. At the time t3, the first
fall-edge D-FF circuit 382 has, at its Q terminal, a signal
maintained high in level, and the 4-input OR circuit 342 has, at
its output terminal 346, a signal g high in level and hence the NOT
circuit 347 has an output signal g0 low in level. Accordingly, the
second Tr 40 stays non-conductive. Meanwhile, the first Tr 37
becomes conductive because the signal e becomes high in level, thus
making the signal h low in level L1.
[0090] By turning the signal h to the low level L1, the third
comparator circuit 44 set at the comparison level CL1 has an output
signal i high in level. At the time t3, the second Tr 40 stays
non-conductive and the fourth comparator circuit 45 has an output
signal j staying high in level.
[0091] At time t4, when the signal f on the output terminal 313 of
the second comparator circuit 31 rises to a high level, the second
rise-edge D-FF circuit 383 is triggered. Because the signal on the
D terminal at that time is high in level, a high-level signal is
outputted from the Q terminal. Due to this, the 4-input OR circuit
342 has an output signal g maintained high in level. The NOT
circuit 347 has, at its output terminal, signal g0 continued low in
level and the second Tr 40 continues non-conductive. At the time
t4, the signal h stays low in level L1 and there is no change in
the output signals i, j of the third and fourth comparator circuits
44, 45 from those at the time t3. Namely, the signal j stays high
in level.
[0092] In this manner, when the magnetic movable 4 rotates forward,
the third comparator circuit 44 has an output signal i assuming a
binary-signal pulse having high and low levels whereas the fourth
comparator circuit 45 has an output signal j staying high in level.
Namely, by the fact that the output signal i appears as a binary
pulse having high and low levels while the output signal j
continues high in level, it can be determined that the magnetic
movable 4 is in a forward rotation.
[0093] It is now assumed that, when the magnetic movable 4 and the
MR element 22 provided in the magnet 2 are in a positional
relationship (a) shown in FIG. 7A, in case the magnetic movable 4
changes from the forward to reverse rotation, the signal f on the
output terminal 313 of the second comparator circuit 31 changes
into a low level at time t5 that the MR element 21b first becomes
opposite to the convex 41 of the magnetic movable 4. Due to this,
the signal g on the output terminal 346 of the 4-input OR circuit
342 changes into a low level. Thus, the signal g0 on the output
terminal of the NOT circuit 347 becomes high in level.
[0094] Due to this, the second Tr 40 becomes conductive to flow a
current m2, thus increasing the consumption current m. This changes
the signal k, to be inputted to the inverted input terminal 451 of
the fourth comparator circuit 45, from the low level L to high
level H equal to or greater than the comparison level CL2, to
change to a low level the signal j on the output terminal 453 of
the fourth comparator circuit 45. Meanwhile, the signal e at time
t5 is high in level so that the first Tr 37 stays conductive.
Because of the increase in the consumption current m, the signal h
becomes L2 that is equal to or smaller than the first comparison
level CL1. Thus, the third comparator circuit 44 has an output
signal i staying high in level.
[0095] At time t6, the signal e becomes low in level and hence the
first Tr 37 becomes non-conductive. As a result, the signal h
becomes high in level H, to change low in level the output signal i
of the third comparator circuit 44. At the time t6, although the
first fall-edge D-FF circuit 382 is triggered, the signal f at this
time is low in level L and the 4-input OR circuit 342 has, at its
output terminal 346, the signal g maintained low in level so that
the NOT circuit 347 has, at its output terminal, a signal g0
maintained high in level. Accordingly, the fourth comparator
circuit 45 has an output signal j staying low in level.
[0096] When the magnetic movable 4 rotates reverse, the magnetic
movable 4 at its convex 41 and concave 42 alternately becomes
opposite to the MR element 21b, 22 and 21a differently in time in
the order, conversely to the forward rotation. At time points t8
and t10 after the time t6, the signal i on the output terminal 443
of the third comparator circuit 44 changes alternately between low
and high levels. However, the signal g on the output terminal 346
of the D-FF circuit device 380 stays low in level so that the
signal g0 on the output terminal of the NOT circuit 347 is
maintained high in level. The second Tr 40 continues conductive and
the consumption current m stays in an increased state.
[0097] Due to this, the signal j on the output terminal 453 of the
fourth comparator circuit 45 is maintained low in level, conversely
to the case in forward rotation. Accordingly, in the case the
magnetic movable 4 inverts in rotation in the timing of (a), the
signal j changes from the high to low level at the time t5 the
signal f first changes in level. From then on, the low level is
continued. This makes it possible to determine a reverse rotation
of the magnetic movable 4.
[0098] Likewise, in the case rotation is inverted in a positional
relationship (b), the signal k becomes a high level H at the time
t61 the signal e first changes, as shown in FIG. 9B. At the time
t61, a reverse rotation is detected immediately. In the case
rotation is inverted in a positional relationship (c), the signal k
becomes a high level H at time t72 the signal f first changes, as
shown in FIG. 9C. At the time t72, a reverse rotation can be
detected.
[0099] In the case the magnetic movable 4 inverts in rotation in a
positional relationship (d), the signal g0 changes from the low to
high level at t83 the signal e first changes after the inversion,
as shown in FIG. 9D. Thus, the second Tr 40 becomes conductive.
This increases the consumption current m so that the signal k to
the inverted input terminal 451 of the fourth comparator circuit 45
becomes a high level H equal to or greater than a second comparison
level CL2, providing an output signal j thereof low in level. Thus,
it is possible to detect a reverse rotation, without encountering
an erroneous detection, at time point t83 the signal e first
changes in level after the inversion.
[0100] As described above, the magnetic sensor in the second
embodiment can detect a reverse rotation free from erroneous
detections without encountering a significant delay in timing even
where the magnetic movable 4 is inverted in rotation in any of
opposite positions to the MR element. Meanwhile, it is possible to
detect a moving speed of the magnetic movable 4 and of the
object-being-detected depending upon the change period of the
output signal i of the third comparator circuit 4. If considering
the fluctuations of a power voltage to be supplied from the
computer unit 420 to the sensor unit 50, fluctuations occur at high
and low levels H, L in the signal k in the first embodiment, which
comparatively makes it difficult to establish the comparison level
CL2. In the second embodiment, the signal k is not related to the
voltage of power source VCC. Where the voltage of power source VCC
should varies, no fluctuations occur at the high and low levels H,
L of the signal k. This makes it easy to set up a comparison level
CL2.
* * * * *