JP2002321511A - Tire inflation pressure monitoring device and id registration method for the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a tire inflation pressure monitoring device that requires no troublesome registration procedures for ID data and thereby allows the ID data to be easily stored in a memory. SOLUTION: A transmitter unit 1 transmits at least as transmitted data inflation pressure data obtained from a pressure detecting means that detects an inflation pressure of a tire of a vehicle and ID data relating to a specific position of the tire. A receiver unit (receiving means) 2 receives the transmitted data transmitted from the transmitter unit 1 provided for each of the plurality of tires. A storage unit (storage means) 4 at least stores the ID data corresponding to the transmitter unit 1. A control unit (controlling means) 3 checks first ID data newly transmitted from the transmitter unit 1 against second ID data previously stored in the storage unit 4. When finding that the first ID data does not coincide with the second ID data, the control unit 3 stores the first ID data in the storage unit 4.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a tire pressure monitoring device for monitoring tire pressure of a vehicle, and more particularly to a tire pressure monitoring device for registering ID data of a transmission unit provided for each tire in a storage means and the tire pressure monitoring device. It relates to a method of registering an ID in a device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Hitherto, there has been known a tire pressure monitoring device for promptly recognizing a driver of a vehicle that a tire pressure is decreasing.

The tire pressure monitoring device includes a pressure sensor for detecting an internal pressure of a tire (hereinafter, referred to as a tire pressure) mounted on a wheel, a transmission unit for transmitting pressure data from the pressure sensor, and a battery (battery). While accommodating etc. in a single case body, a plurality of transmission units provided in units of tires attached to the wheel the case body, and a receiving unit that receives air pressure data transmitted from each of the transmission units A control unit that determines the air pressure data received by the receiving unit; and a display that includes a liquid crystal display device or the like that displays the determination result of the air pressure by the control unit and the air pressure.

In such a tire pressure monitoring device, an ID is assigned to each of the transmission units mounted on a vehicle, and the control unit recognizes ID data corresponding to the ID at the time of tire replacement or tire rotation. The display unit displays air pressure data corresponding to the ID data. A tire pressure monitoring device for recognizing the ID data is disclosed, for example, in Japanese Patent Publication No. Hei 8-505939.

[0005] As a method of registering ID data disclosed in this publication, a magnetic actuation switch is provided in the transmission unit, and operating means having a strong magnetic force from outside the tire at the time of tire replacement or tire rotation is used. , The transmission unit is shifted to the learning mode, ID data is forcibly transmitted to the control unit, and the storage unit stores the ID data of the transmission unit provided for each tire. It is.

[0006]

In such a tire pressure monitoring device, it is necessary to register the ID data as described above. For example, in a vehicle in an area with snowfall, replacement of summer and winter tires is required. There is a problem in that tire replacement work is performed more frequently in areas where there is no snowfall, such as in tire rotation or tire rotation, and it is very troublesome to register the ID data each time.

Therefore, the present invention focuses on the above-mentioned problems, and does not require cumbersome ID data registration work, and a tire pressure monitoring device and a tire pressure monitoring device capable of easily registering the ID data in a storage unit. An object of the present invention is to provide an ID registration method.

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides an air pressure data from a pressure detecting means for detecting an air pressure of a tire of a vehicle and an information on a position of the tire.
A transmission unit that transmits at least D data as transmission data; a receiving unit that receives the transmission data transmitted from each of the transmission units provided for each of the tires; and the ID data corresponding to each of the transmission units. Storage means for storing at least the first ID data transmitted from the transmission unit, and second ID data corresponding to the transmission unit already stored in the storage means. And control means for causing the storage means to store the first ID data when the first ID data and the second ID data do not match.

[0009] Further, a transmission unit for transmitting, as transmission data, at least air pressure data from pressure detecting means for detecting the air pressure of a tire of a vehicle and ID data relating to the position of the tire, and the transmission unit provided for each tire. Receiving means for receiving the transmission data transmitted from each unit, and the ID corresponding to each transmission unit
Storage means for storing at least data, new first ID data transmitted from the transmission unit,
The second ID data corresponding to the transmission unit already stored in the storage unit is compared with the first ID data.
If the data does not match the second ID data,
Control means for storing the first ID data in a second area other than the first area in which the second ID data is stored in the storage means.

After receiving the first ID data a predetermined number of times, the control means compares the first ID data with the second ID data and stores the first ID data in the storage. This is stored in the means.

The control means checks whether or not there is a signal input indicating that the vehicle is running, and executes the collation when the signal input is present.

[0012] Further, notifying means for notifying that the first ID data does not match the second ID data,
Operating means for permitting the storage of the first ID data in the storage means.

[0013] Further, a detecting means provided near each of the locations where the transmitting units are provided, for detecting the transmission data transmitted by the transmitting unit, and a detecting means provided for the receiving means, And an input unit for inputting each of the transmission data received through the input unit.

Further, at least display means for displaying a warning of the air pressure data is provided, and an identification unit corresponding to the ID data of the transmission unit is provided at a position which can be visually recognized from the outside. When an abnormality occurs, the identification unit is displayed by the display means together with the display of the air pressure data.

[0015] Further, a transmission unit for transmitting, as transmission data, at least air pressure data from a pressure detecting means for detecting the air pressure of a tire of the vehicle and ID data relating to the position of the tire, and the transmission unit transmitted from each of the transmission units. Receiving means for receiving transmission data, and storage means for storing at least the ID data corresponding to each of the transmission units, receiving a new first ID data transmitted from the transmission unit a predetermined number of times Thereafter, the first ID data is compared with the second ID data corresponding to the transmission unit already stored in the storage unit, and the first ID data and the second ID data are compared.
When the data does not match, the first ID data is set as the ID of the tire.

[0016] Further, a transmission unit for transmitting, as transmission data, at least air pressure data from pressure detecting means for detecting air pressure of a tire of a vehicle and ID data relating to the position of the tire, and the transmission unit provided for each tire. Receiving means for receiving the transmission data transmitted from each unit, and the ID corresponding to each transmission unit
Storage means for storing at least data,
After receiving the new first ID data transmitted from each of the transmission units a predetermined number of times, the first ID data;
The first ID data corresponding to each of the transmission units already stored in the storage unit is compared with the first ID data.
When the D data and the second ID data do not match, the first I / O is stored in a second area other than the first area of the storage means where the second ID data is stored.
D data is stored, and the first and second ID data are set as the tire ID.

[0017]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a tire pressure monitoring device A according to an embodiment of the present invention. The tire pressure monitoring device A includes a plurality of transmission units 1 provided for each tire of a vehicle, and a reception unit 2. A control unit 3, a storage unit (storage unit) 4, a display unit (display unit / notification unit) 5, a warning display unit (notification unit) 6, an alarm unit 7, and an operation unit (operation unit) 8. It is mainly composed of

The transmission unit 1 sends a pressure sensor for detecting the pressure of the tire and a pressure measurement instruction to the pressure sensor, obtains air pressure data from the pressure sensor based on the instruction, and obtains a tire position ( The air pressure data together with the ID data relating to the driver position, assistant position, rear wheel right and rear wheel left)
And a battery (battery) for supplying power to the pressure sensor and the microcomputer. Each of the above-described components is formed into a single case body. The tire pressure is transmitted to the outside by being housed in the tire and mounted on the wheel of the tire. The transmission unit 1 can transmit temperature data together with air pressure data by providing temperature detection means such as a thermistor or a semiconductor temperature sensor in the case.

The receiving section 2 receives radio waves related to air pressure data and ID data via the antenna 2a, converts the received radio waves into digital signals by an RF circuit, and outputs the digital signals to the control section 3.

The control unit 3 comprises a microcomputer, and the receiving unit 2
Of air pressure based on a digital signal corresponding to the contents of air pressure data and ID data supplied from the
Comparing the air pressure data, which is a reference value stored in advance by the predetermined operation, with the air pressure data, and I
A control program for performing a storage operation of the D data in the storage unit 4 is stored, and the display unit 5, the warning display unit 6 and the warning unit 7 are operated via the drive circuit 9 based on the air pressure data and the ID data. Let it.

The storage unit 4 is formed of a nonvolatile storage medium such as an EEPROM, and stores ID data for each tire.

The display unit 5 is composed of a dot matrix type or segment type liquid crystal display device or the like, and displays the air pressure data based on the judgment result of the air pressure data and ID data by the control unit 3 or If the air pressure data is abnormal, for example, a warning display of "air pressure error" is displayed.

The alarm display section 6 is composed of an LED, a lamp, and the like. When an abnormal air pressure occurs in the judgment processing of the air pressure data by the control section 3, the alarm display section 6 turns on or blinks to indicate that the air pressure is abnormal. Notify.

The alarm means 7 is composed of, for example, a buzzer, and notifies an abnormal sound by sound when an abnormal air pressure occurs in the judgment processing of the air pressure data by the control section 3.

The operating section 8 is constituted by operating means such as a push button type switch, a dip switch, a rotary switch, etc., for setting a reference value of the air pressure, resetting the display of the display section 5 when the air pressure is abnormal, and for rotating the tire. ID registration (ID change in the storage unit 4).

The above components constitute a tire pressure monitoring device A.

Next, a first processing method relating to ID registration of the control unit 3 will be described with reference to FIGS.

The control section 3 determines whether or not the ID data (ID) for each tire is unregistered in the storage section 4 (step S1). If the control unit 3 determines that the ID data is not registered at the predetermined address (area) of the storage unit 4 as shown in FIG. 3A in the ID registration determination, the control unit 3 proceeds to the next step. The apparatus enters a standby state of waiting for reception of new ID data (step S2).

Next, upon confirming the reception of the new ID data, the control unit 3 determines whether or not the new ID data has been received a predetermined number of times (M times) in the next step (step S3). When it is determined that the new ID data a1, a2, a3 and a4 for a predetermined number of times have been received, the predetermined addresses D11, D12, D13 and D14 of the storage unit 4 are stored as shown in FIG. The new ID data a1, a2, a3, a4 for each tire are registered (step S4).

In other words, the control unit 3 controls each new I / O corresponding to each tire (each transmission unit 1).
When the D data is received a predetermined number of times (M times), each new ID data (first ID data) and each old ID data (second ID data) for each tire already stored in the storage unit 3 are stored. I
D data), and when the new ID data does not match the old ID data (in the initial state, the old ID data does not exist and therefore always mismatches), the new ID data is The processing for storing the data in the storage unit 4 is performed.

The processing so far is the registration processing of the ID data at the initial stage.

Next, the registration processing of the ID data when one tire having the ID data a1 is replaced will be described. In step S1, the control unit 3 determines that the ID data has already been registered.
Proceed to step S5. In step S5, although the registered ID data a2, a3, and a4 have been received, but the ID data a1 has not been received in step S5, the control unit 3 proceeds to step S2 and waits for reception of new ID data. It goes into a standby state.

Next, the control unit 3 sets a predetermined number (M times) of b
It is determined whether or not new ID data 1 has been received (step S3).
When it is determined that the data has been received, the new ID data (b1) is compared with the old ID data (a1) already stored in the storage unit 3, and the new ID data (b1) is compared with the old ID data (a1).
Since the D data does not match, as shown in FIG. 3C, the ID data b1 is registered at the address D11 in order to change the old ID data a1 in the storage unit 4 to the new ID data b1 (step S4). ). Note that the control unit 3
Instead of confirming reception of only the ID data stored in the address D11, all the addresses D11 to D14 are checked.
The reception confirmation is performed for the ID data stored in the.

By performing the above-described processing, new ID data can be automatically registered and changed in the storage unit 4 even when tire replacement or tire rotation is performed. There is no need to perform cumbersome ID registration work that has been set using the operation means, and it is possible to improve the merchantability. In addition, even when an air pressure abnormality occurs, the display unit 5, the warning display unit 6, and the alarm unit 7 are operated so that the vehicle driver can check the air pressure abnormality by looking around the tires of the vehicle and quickly respond. Becomes

Further, by performing the ID data reception confirmation process a predetermined number of times, the reliability of ID registration can be improved.

Before registering the ID data in step S4, the control section 3 can inquire of the vehicle driver whether to register new ID data. More specifically, after the process in step S3 is completed, the control unit 3 causes the display unit 5 to display, for example, “Tire Shinki ID Toroshima Masuka?”, “Shinki ID H1 Shruydes”, and the alarm display unit 6. Alternatively, by blinking the vehicle driver, the vehicle driver is made aware of the fact that the ID of the replaced tire is to be registered. After confirming the input of a predetermined operation by the operation unit 8 of the vehicle driver, the ID is stored in the storage unit 4. Perform processing to register data.

Therefore, by performing such processing, it becomes possible to raise awareness of new registration or registration change of ID data to the vehicle driver.

For example, when registering the ID data at the time of tire replacement, if the replaced tire is left near the vehicle, the ID data of the new tire (for example, b1 to b4) and the old tire data are stored. Tire ID data (a
1 to a4) are received by the receiver 2.
The state of receiving and registering the ID data is in an indeterminate state. In such a case, the display of “ID jussing error” is displayed on the display unit 5 by a predetermined process of the control unit 3 so as to notify that the state is inappropriate for storing the ID data in the storage unit 4. Can be. Further, in order to cancel this error, the error can be canceled by performing a predetermined operation using the operation unit 8.

The control unit 3 determines whether or not the vehicle is running in the confirmation of the reception of the ID data in step S3. Only when it is determined that the vehicle is running, the ID is determined. It may confirm data reception.

More specifically, the control unit 3 inputs a speed (SP) pulse from a rotation sensor used for controlling a speedometer mounted on the vehicle, for example, via a vehicle interface (I / F) 10. Then, it is determined whether the vehicle is running based on the presence or absence of the input of the SP pulse. If the vehicle is running, step S3 is performed.
By adding such a process, it is possible to suppress an erroneous ID data registration operation caused by registering ID data transmitted from another vehicle. .

Next, a second processing method for ID registration of the control unit 3 will be described with reference to FIG.

The difference from the first processing method is that
After confirming the reception of the D data, instead of rewriting the ID registration (change) in the storage unit 4 with the new ID data, the addresses D11, D12,
Addresses D21, D22, D other than D13, D14
23 and D24 in registering new ID data.

That is, after confirming the reception in step S 3, the control unit 3 transmits the new ID data (first ID data) transmitted from each transmission unit 1 to each transmission unit 1 stored in the storage unit 4. The corresponding old ID data (second I
D data), and when the new ID data and the old ID data do not match, each address (first address) in the storage unit 4 where the old ID data is stored.
The new ID data is registered in each address (second area) other than the area (area).

More specifically, the control unit 3 is configured as shown in FIG.
As shown in (a), addresses D11 and D1 of the storage unit 4 are stored.
ID data a1, a2, a
In the case where 3 and a4 are stored, the existing ID data a1, a2, a3 and a4 are left as they are in the storage unit 4, and the new ID data b1, b2, b3 and b4 are stored in FIG.
As shown in (b), other addresses D21, D22, D2
3, to execute processing for registration in D24.

The second processing method relating to the ID registration is a processing method in which summer and winter tire replacement is considered for a vehicle in an area with snowfall, for example, in which two sets of vehicle tires are prepared. This is effective when registering two sets of tires. The control unit 3 includes ID data a1 to a
4 and the ID data b1 to b2 are recognized as the IDs of the own vehicle, and the addresses D11, D12, D13, D1 are used when replacing summer tires or rotating the tires.
4 is changed in the same manner as in the first processing method, and when the winter tires are replaced or the tires are rotated, the IDs in the addresses D21, D22, D23, and D24 are changed.
The D registration change is performed in the same manner as in the first processing method.

In FIG. 4C, the address D3
1, D32, D33 and D34 are prepared, and this is an example showing a case where the transmission unit 1 is mounted on a spare tire mounted on a vehicle, for example.

Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The same or corresponding portions as those in the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The other embodiment of the present invention is different from the above-described embodiment in that the first and second embodiments of the present invention are different from each other.
In the second processing method, after notifying the vehicle driver of the occurrence of the air pressure abnormality, the vehicle driver needs to find the tire having the air abnormality. The embodiment is characterized in that the ID data of the transmission unit 1 provided for each tire can be automatically stored, and each transmission unit 1 is provided so as to be able to determine at which tire position in the vehicle.

More specifically, as shown in FIG.
An antenna (detection means) 11a for detecting the transmission data transmitted by each transmission unit 1 is provided for each tire in the vicinity of the position of the tire wheel on which the transmission unit 1 is disposed in the vehicle, for example, in a vehicle fender portion, An input unit 11b for inputting the transmission data from each antenna 11a is provided in the reception unit 11. That is, at the stage of hardware design between each antenna 11a and the input unit 11b of the receiving unit 11, the position of each tire is
3 and the addresses D11, D12, D13, and D14 of the storage unit 4 are determined in accordance with the assignment (see FIG. 6). Can be easily determined.

Therefore, the control unit 3 sets the new ID data transmitted from each transmitting unit 1 via each antenna 11
The old ID data stored at an address of the storage unit 3 predetermined for each tire position as shown in FIG. 6 is checked, and when the new ID data does not match the old ID data, the new ID data is compared with the old ID data. The ID data is stored in the storage unit 4. Accordingly, the control unit 3 controls the air pressure data according to the tire position and the “tire” according to the tire position.
Kusatsu Fusoku ”,“ Driver (Assistant, R
Since the display unit 5 can perform the display of the air pressure abnormality such as “R, LR)”, the vehicle driver can quickly determine the tire having the air pressure abnormality.

Regarding the above-mentioned address assignment,
This is effective not only in the first processing method but also in the second processing method.

Means for easily grasping the positions of the respective tires other than those described in the other embodiments described above include a position that can be visually recognized from the outside, for example, a wheel to which the transmission unit 1 is mounted, In the transmission unit integrated with an air valve disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-505939, a valve or a valve cap portion protruding from the wheel is provided with an identification symbol which is an identification portion such as a character, a numeral, and a symbol, so that the air pressure data is abnormal. This can be achieved by displaying the identification number on the display unit 5 by the processing operation of the control unit 3 when the error occurs. Therefore, the vehicle driver can find a tire having an abnormal air pressure only by checking the identification number displayed on the display unit 5.

As another method of identifying the tire position, the color of the valve or the valve cap is made different depending on the tire position, and when an abnormal air pressure occurs, the color is displayed on the display unit 5 as an identification unit. Can also be achieved.

It should be noted that the determination of the identification unit by the control unit 3 can be achieved by associating characters, colors, symbols, numbers, and the like with ID data. Therefore, the identification unit is represented by, for example, a number corresponding to the last three digits of the ID data, or by a color corresponding to the last digit of the ID data.

In the first and second processing methods described above, it is determined whether or not new ID data has been received a predetermined number of times. However, according to claims 1 and 2 of the present invention, According to the present invention, when the reception accuracy is high and the reliability of one-time reception data is high, it is not always necessary to determine the reception a predetermined number of times.

[0057]

The present invention relates to a tire pressure monitoring device and a method of registering an ID in the device, and transmits at least pressure data from a pressure detecting means for detecting a tire pressure of a vehicle and ID data relating to the position of the tire. A transmitting unit for transmitting data, receiving means for receiving the transmission data transmitted from each of the transmitting units disposed in units of tires, and storage for storing at least the ID data corresponding to the transmitting unit Means, the first ID data transmitted from the transmission unit, and the second ID data stored in the storage means.
The first ID data and the second ID data do not match, and if the first ID data and the second ID data do not match, the first I
Since the D data is stored in the storage means, there is no need for cumbersome ID data registration work, and the ID data can be easily stored.
Data can be registered in the storage means.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a tire pressure monitoring device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exemplary view for explaining a processing method relating to registration of ID data according to the embodiment;

FIG. 3 is an exemplary view for explaining a first processing method relating to registration of ID data according to the embodiment;

FIG. 4 is an exemplary view for explaining a second processing method relating to registration of ID data according to the embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a receiving unit according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an exemplary view for explaining a processing method regarding registration of ID data according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[Explanation of symbols]

 A tire pressure monitoring device 1 transmitting unit 1a antenna 2, 11 receiving unit 2a, 11a antenna 3 control unit (control unit) 4 storage unit (storage unit) 5 display unit (display unit / notification unit) 8 operation unit (operation unit)

Claims (9)

[Claims] A transmission unit configured to transmit, as transmission data, at least air pressure data from a pressure detection unit that detects air pressure of a tire of a vehicle and ID data relating to a position of the tire; and the transmission provided for each tire. Receiving means for receiving the transmission data transmitted from each of the units; storage means for storing at least the ID data corresponding to each of the transmission units; and new first ID data transmitted from the transmission unit And the second ID data corresponding to the transmission unit already stored in the storage means.
And a control means for storing the first ID data in the storage means when the ID data does not match the second ID data. 2. A transmission unit for transmitting, as transmission data, at least air pressure data from pressure detection means for detecting air pressure of a tire of a vehicle and ID data relating to the position of the tire, and the transmission provided for each tire. Receiving means for receiving the transmission data transmitted from each of the units; storage means for storing at least the ID data corresponding to each of the transmission units; and a new first ID transmitted from each of the transmission units The data is compared with the second ID data corresponding to each of the transmission units already stored in the storage unit, and when the first ID data does not match the second ID data, The first ID data is stored in a second area other than the first area in which the second ID data is stored in the storage unit. A tire pressure monitoring device, comprising: control means; 3. The control means, after receiving the first ID data a predetermined number of times, collates the first ID data with the second ID data, and stores the first ID data in the storage. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein said means is stored in said means.
Alternatively, the tire pressure monitoring device according to claim 2. 4. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit checks whether there is a signal input indicating that the vehicle is running, and executes the collation when the signal input is present. The tire pressure monitoring device according to claim 2. 5. The first ID data and the second ID
5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a notifying unit for notifying that the data does not match, and an operating unit for permitting the first ID data to be stored in the storage unit. The tire pressure monitoring device according to any one of the above. 6. A detecting means provided in the vicinity of each of the transmitting units, wherein the detecting means detects the transmission data transmitted by the transmitting unit, and the detecting means is provided in the receiving means. The tire pressure monitoring device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising: an input unit for inputting each of the transmission data received via the transmission unit. 7. At least a display unit for displaying a warning of the air pressure data is provided, and an identification unit corresponding to the ID data of the transmission unit is provided at a position visible from the outside, and the control unit is configured to: 7. The tire pressure monitoring device according to claim 1, wherein, when an abnormality occurs, the identification unit is displayed together with the display of the air pressure data by the display unit. 8. 8. A transmitting unit for transmitting at least transmission data of air pressure data from pressure detecting means for detecting an air pressure of a tire of a vehicle and ID data relating to a position of the tire, and the transmission unit transmitted from each of the transmission units. A receiving unit for receiving transmission data, and a storage unit for storing at least the ID data corresponding to each of the transmission units, wherein a new first ID data transmitted from the transmission unit is received a predetermined number of times. After that, the first ID data is compared with the second ID data corresponding to the transmission unit already stored in the storage means, and the first ID data and the second ID data are compared. If the two do not match, the first ID data is set as the ID of the tire. Registration method of ID. 9. A transmission unit for transmitting, as transmission data, at least air pressure data from pressure detection means for detecting air pressure of a tire of a vehicle and ID data relating to the position of the tire, and the transmission provided for each tire. A receiving unit for receiving the transmission data transmitted from each of the units; and a storage unit for storing at least the ID data corresponding to each of the transmission units. After receiving the ID data a predetermined number of times, the first ID data
The first ID data corresponding to each of the transmission units already stored in the storage unit is compared with the first ID data.
When the D data and the second ID data do not match, the first I / O is stored in a second area other than the first area of the storage means where the second ID data is stored.
A method of registering an ID in a tire pressure monitoring device, comprising storing D data and setting the first and second ID data as an ID of the tire.