JP2007331522A - Tire information acquisition system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a tire information acquisition system capable of reducing manpower, time, and cost induced by acquiring tire information such as a tire internal pressure and the temperature in the tire, and capable of acquiring the tire information without causing radio interference even for a vehicle whose rear wheels are dual tires. <P>SOLUTION: Sensor modules 3 (SM1-SM6) are mounted on respective wheels 4 of a vehicle 6. Two antennas 1a, 1b which are arranged in parallel to a traveling direction of the vehicle so that a spacing becomes a distance of 1/2 rotation of the wheel are provided, respectively, at both sides of a path by which the vehicle 6 passes. The vehicle 6 passes between the antennas 1a, 1b provided at one side of the path and the antennas 1a, 1b provided at the other side of the path at low speed, and thus, measured data of the tire status amount transmitted from the sensor modules 3 (SM1-SM6) with radio signals is received by the antennas 1a, 1b at both sides. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a tire information acquisition system that acquires tire information such as tire internal pressure and tire internal temperature.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a method for checking whether or not the air pressure (internal pressure) filled in a pneumatic tire for automobiles is normal, a method of directly measuring the internal pressure with an air pressure measuring device (tire pressure gauge) has been widely used.

Furthermore, in recent years, a sensor module that measures tire state quantities such as tire internal pressure and tire temperature is mounted inside the tire, and measurement data transmitted by wireless communication from this sensor module is received by the receiving module on the vehicle body side. It has been proposed that a tire pressure monitoring system (Tire Pressure Monitoring System, hereinafter referred to as TPMS) configured to transmit received data to a vehicle operation management center that manages a plurality of vehicles is mounted on the vehicle ( For example, Patent Document 1). There is also a handy tire internal pressure reader using wireless communication.
JP-A-10-104103

  However, in the method of directly measuring the internal pressure with an air pressure measuring instrument (tire pressure gauge), the tire internal pressure is measured by removing the valve cap of the tire and guiding the air in the tire to the tire pressure gauge. In addition to requiring a lot of man-hours and time, troubles may occur due to reading errors of measured values and recording errors in data tables. There was also dirt due to work.

  In addition, on-board tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) is a medium-low speed, relatively short distance, and in buses traveling on a certain route, there is little variation in running condition, so tire condition quantities such as internal pressure and temperature are always constant. The necessity for measurement is low, and the vehicle cost is high, which is not suitable.

  In addition, a handy tire internal pressure reader using wireless communication is unsuitable for reading the tire internal pressure of buses and the like having a large number of vehicles because the reading operation is performed manually.

  In addition, in a tire pressure monitoring system using a vehicle-mounted tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) or wireless communication, if you try to acquire tire information from a vehicle such as a bus or truck whose rear wheels are multi-wheeled, it will be received. When the same frequency channel is used, the radio waves transmitted from the inner ring and outer ring sensor modules cause interference, and tire information cannot be acquired.

  The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and an object of the present invention is to reduce the man-hours and time required to acquire tire information such as tire internal pressure and tire internal temperature. It is another object of the present invention to provide a tire information acquisition system capable of reducing the cost and acquiring tire information from each tire even if the rear wheel is a multi-wheel vehicle.

  In order to achieve the above object, a tire information acquisition system of the present invention is provided on each side of a passage through which a sensor module attached to a wheel attached to a vehicle and measures a tire state amount and the vehicle passes, A first and second antenna group including two antennas arranged in parallel to the traveling direction of the vehicle and at a predetermined distance from each other, wherein the vehicle includes the first antenna group and the second antenna group. The first and second antenna groups receive measurement data of the tire state quantity sent as a radio signal from the sensor module by passing between the antenna groups at a low speed.

  The vehicle is preferably a vehicle in which the rear wheel is a double wheel including an inner wheel and an outer wheel, and the vehicle width is substantially constant, and the predetermined distance is determined by the position of the sensor module of the inner wheel when the rear wheel rotates. It is preferable that the distance is within the reception range of one of the two antennas and the sensor module position of the outer ring is within the reception range of the other antenna.

  Further, it is preferable to determine whether or not the tire state quantity received by the first and second antenna groups is within a reference range, and display the determination result on a display device disposed obliquely forward of the vehicle, The tire state quantity is preferably a tire internal pressure and / or a tire internal temperature.

  In the tire information acquisition system of the present invention, the measurement, recording, and management of tire information such as tire internal pressure are fully automated, so the number of steps and time for acquiring tire information can be greatly reduced. Further, since only the sensor module is attached to the wheel, the vehicle cost can be reduced as compared with the case where the vehicle-mounted tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) is provided. Furthermore, even if the rear wheel is a multi-wheel vehicle, it is possible to acquire tire information from each tire without causing radio wave interference.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic layout diagram showing a configuration of a tire information acquisition system of the present invention. In FIG. 1, the tire information acquisition system is attached to each wheel 4 of a vehicle 6 whose rear wheels are a composite wheel composed of an inner wheel and an outer wheel, and the tire state quantity such as the tire internal pressure and / or the tire internal temperature of the wheel 4. Measurement data of tire state quantities such as tire internal pressure and / or tire internal temperature sent by radio signals from the sensor module 3 (SM1 to SM6) and the antenna 3a of the sensor module 3 (SM1, SM3, SM4) Data of tire state quantities such as tire internal pressure and / or tire internal temperature sent by radio signals from the antenna 3a of the transmitter / receiver 1 (RM1, RM2) and the sensor module 3 (SM2, SM5, SM6) When the approach of the vehicle 6 is detected, the transceiver 1 (RM1 to R1) is acquired. 4) command data acquisition from the sensor module 3 and collect pressure and temperature data acquired by the transceiver 1 (RM1 to RM4) to determine whether the tire pressure and temperature are within the reference range. A central control device 5, a display 7 installed obliquely in front of the vehicle 6 and displaying the determination result in the central control device 5, and a tire management device 8 for managing the acquired pressure and temperature data for each vehicle number; It is composed of

  The transmission / reception device 1 (RM1) and the transmission / reception device 1 (RM3) each include an antenna 1b, and the transmission / reception device 1 (RM2) and the transmission / reception device 1 (RM4) each include an antenna 1a. The antenna 1a and the antenna 1b on the side of the transmission / reception device 1 (RM1, RM2) and the antenna 1a and the antenna 1b on the side of the transmission / reception device 1 (RM1, RM2) are respectively on both sides of the passage through which the vehicle 6 having a substantially constant vehicle width passes. In parallel with the traveling direction of the vehicle, it is arranged at a substantially constant interval from the vehicle 6, and the distance between the two antennas is such that when the rear wheel rotates, the position of the sensor module of the inner ring is between the two antennas. It is arranged so that it is within the reception range of one antenna and the distance between the sensor module position of the outer ring is within the reception range of the other antenna.

  The transmission / reception device 1 (RM1, RM2), the transmission / reception device 1 (RM3, RM4), and the central controller 5 constitute a measurement data reading device (gate reader) 9. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a state in which measurement data from a tire is actually read by a measurement data reading device (gate reader). The measurement data reading device (gate reader) 9 includes a transmission / reception device 1 (RM1, RM2) and a transmission / reception device 1 of a measurement data reading device 9 in which a vehicle 6 such as a bus or a truck having a substantially constant vehicle width is installed in a gate shape. Tire information can be acquired simply by passing between (RM3, RM4) at a low speed.

  In addition, a vehicle detection sensor (not shown) for detecting the approach of the vehicle 6 is provided inside the measurement data reader (gate reader) 9. As the vehicle detection sensor, for example, an infrared sensor or an ultrasonic sensor is used, and light is transmitted / received between the transmission / reception device 1 (RM1, RM2) and the transmission / reception device 1 (RM3, RM4). The presence of the vehicle 6 may be detected when the vehicle is disconnected.

  When the central control device 5 provided in the measurement data reading device 9 receives a signal notifying the approach of the vehicle 6 from the vehicle detection sensor, all the sensor modules 3 (SM1 to SM6) are transmitted via the transmission / reception device 1 (RM1 to RM4). The sensor module 3 to transmit data signals including pressure and temperature measurement data, etc., and the measurement data transmitted from each sensor module 3 is transmitted via the transceiver 1 (RM1 to RM4). get. Further, it is automatically determined whether or not all the tire internal pressures are within the reference range, and the tire state is displayed as a signal on the display 7 installed diagonally forward of the driver. For example, if the indicator 7 is green, the internal pressure of all tires is normal, if it is yellow, the internal pressure of any tire is reduced, and if it is red, the internal pressure of any tire is significantly reduced. Represents that If the indicator 7 is red, the driver can immediately know that one of the tires has insufficient air pressure. The measured pressure is transmitted to a tire management device (not shown), which is a computer, and is automatically managed for each vehicle number.

  The sensor module 3 is attached to a wheel rim 13 integrally with a cylindrical tire valve 12 for injecting air into the tire 11 as shown in the sectional view of the wheel in FIG. Note that the sensor module 3 may be mounted by being baked on the inner surface of the tire so as not to be separated from the tire or broken even when the running tire is deformed under load. It can also be held in the tire inner space by a separate means.

  FIG. 4 is a view showing the outer shape of the sensor module 3. The sensor module 3 includes a sensor module main body 15 including a detection unit that detects an internal pressure of a tire, a transmitter that performs transmission and reception with a transmission / reception device of a measurement data reading device (gate reader), and a control unit that controls these, a rim attachment unit 16 and is attached to the wheel rim 13 integrally with the tire valve 12. As a detection means, what detects a tire internal temperature other than a tire internal pressure can also be included.

  FIG. 5 is a view for explaining the mounting position of the rear wheel tire valve. The tire valve integrated with the sensor module is disposed on the outer and inner wheels of the rear wheels, which are multiple wheels, at positions (points rotated 180 degrees) that are point-symmetric about the wheel rotation axis. . Here, the tire valve position of the inner ring will be described as A, and the tire valve position of the outer ring will be described as B.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the position of the tire valve on the rear wheel and the position of the antenna of the transmission / reception device. As described above, the antenna interval between the antenna 1a and the antenna 1b is such that when the rear wheel rotates, the sensor module position of the inner ring is within the reception range of one of the two antennas, and the sensor module position of the outer ring is the other. It is arrange | positioned so that it may become the distance which becomes in the receiving range of this antenna. Now, when the wheel 4 is in the position shown in FIG. 6 (1), the tire valve positions A and B are outside the reception area 20 of the antenna 1a. Measurement data cannot be received from. When the wheel 4 rotates 1/4 and reaches the position of FIG. 6 (2), the position B of the tire valve is outside the range of the reception area 20 of the antenna 1a, but the position A of the tire valve is received by the antenna 1a. Since it falls within the range of the area 20, the transmission / reception device can receive measurement data only from the sensor module of the inner ring. Further, when the wheel 4 rotates 1/4 and reaches the position shown in FIG. 6 (3), the positions A and B of the tire valve are outside the reception area 21 of the antenna 1b. Measurement data cannot be received from either sensor module. Further, when the wheel 4 rotates 1/4 and reaches the position of FIG. 6 (4), the position A of the tire valve is out of the range of the reception area 21 of the antenna 1b, but the position B of the tire valve is the position of the antenna 1b. Therefore, the transmission / reception apparatus can receive measurement data only from the outer ring sensor module.

  In this way, only one of the radio waves transmitted from the inner ring and outer ring sensor modules (tire valves) reaches the antenna 1a and the antenna 1b, so that the radio waves do not cause interference. The device can acquire tire information from each tire.

  In addition, even when the wheel is not a double wheel but a single wheel, by arranging the two antennas in parallel with the traveling direction of the vehicle so that the distance is a predetermined distance, Since it falls within the reception range of either one of the antennas, tire information can be reliably acquired.

  Whether the sensor module position falls within the reception range of the antenna is related to the rotational position of the wheel. Therefore, the distance between the antenna 1a and the antenna 1b is the wheel diameter of the vehicle passing through the measurement data reading device (gate reader). Change as appropriate.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the central controller. When the central control device 5 receives a signal notifying the approach of the vehicle 6 from a vehicle detection sensor provided in the measurement data reading device (gate reader) 9 (step 11), the central control device 5 is all configured via the transmission / reception device 1 (RM1 to RM4). The sensor modules 3 (SM1 to SM6) are instructed to acquire data (step 12), and each sensor module 3 is transmitted with a data signal including pressure and temperature measurement data. Data is acquired via the transmission / reception device 1 (RM1 to RM4) (step 13). Further, the central control device 5 determines whether or not all the acquired measurement data is within the reference range (step 14), displays the determination result on the display 7 installed diagonally forward of the driver, Then, the measurement data is transmitted to the tire management device 8 (step 15). The central control unit 5 includes a CPU, a memory, a program stored in the memory, and the like.

  In the present invention, an identification ID is assigned to each sensor module, and if the correspondence between the identification ID and the wheel mounting position is set in the central control device 5 in advance, the transmission / reception device 1 (RM1 to RM4). When the tire measurement data is acquired, tire information can be acquired by distinguishing the inner and outer wheels of the rear wheel by acquiring the sensor module identification ID, so that each sensor module, that is, the mounting position of the wheel It is also possible to display each tire information on the display device 7.

  It is also possible to attach a measurement data reading device (gate reader) to an existing car wash machine.

  In the tire information acquisition system of the present invention, measurement, recording, and management of tire information such as tire internal pressure by manual operation are fully automated so that the number of steps and time for acquiring tire information can be greatly reduced. . Further, since only the sensor module is attached to the wheel, the vehicle cost can be reduced as compared with the case where the vehicle-mounted tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) is provided. Further, since the management data is directly recorded on the tire management device (computer), paperless can be realized. In addition, the driver does not generate any new work for pressure management. Also, if tire information can be acquired by distinguishing the inner and outer wheels, the maintenance staff can prepare for identifying the wheels that need to be filled in advance by simply moving the vehicle to the maintenance garage. Can be reduced. Furthermore, if the measurement data reading device (gate reader) is attached to an existing car wash machine, the installation cost can be reduced. Moreover, since the pressure check can be changed from a 30-40 day check to a daily check so far, it is possible to cope with a reduction in fuel consumption due to insufficient air pressure, a lack of air pressure during operation, and a puncture trouble.

1 is a schematic arrangement diagram showing a configuration of a tire information acquisition system of the present invention. It is a figure which shows a state when the measurement data from a tire is actually read with the measurement data reader (gate reader). It is sectional drawing which shows the state which attached the sensor module to the wheel. It is a figure which shows the external shape of a sensor module. It is a figure explaining the attachment position of the tire valve of a rear wheel. It is a figure explaining the relationship between the position of the tire valve of a rear wheel, and the position of the antenna of a transmission / reception apparatus. It is a flowchart explaining operation | movement of a central control apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Transmission / reception apparatus 1a, 1b, 3a Antenna 3 Sensor module 4 Wheel 5 Central control apparatus 6 Vehicle 7 Display 8 Tire management apparatus (computer)
9 Measurement data reader (gate reader)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Tire 12 Tire valve 13 Wheel rim 15 Sensor module main body 16 Rim attachment part 20, 21 Reception area

Claims (5)

A sensor module that is attached to a wheel mounted on a vehicle and measures a tire state quantity, and is provided on both sides of a passage through which the vehicle passes, and is parallel to the traveling direction of the vehicle and has a predetermined distance. Comprising a first antenna group and a second antenna group consisting of two antennas,
When the vehicle passes between the first antenna group and the second antenna group at a low speed, the tire state quantity measurement data sent from the sensor module as a radio signal is transmitted to the first and second antenna groups. A tire information acquisition system characterized by receiving with two antenna groups.   2. The tire information acquisition system according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle is a vehicle in which a rear wheel is a double wheel including an inner wheel and an outer wheel, and a vehicle width is substantially constant.   The predetermined distance is such that when the rear wheel rotates, the sensor module position of the inner ring is within the reception range of one of the two antennas, and the sensor module position of the outer ring is within the reception range of the other antenna. The tire information acquisition system according to claim 2, wherein the tire information acquisition system is a distance.   It is determined whether or not the tire state quantity received by the first and second antenna groups is within a reference range, and the determination result is displayed on a display device disposed obliquely forward of the vehicle. Item 4. The tire information acquisition system according to any one of Items 1 to 3.   The tire information acquisition system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the tire state quantity is a tire internal pressure and / or a tire internal temperature.

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