DE102015206220A1 - Method and system for providing information about attributes of a tire of a vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and a system for providing information about attributes of a tire (W1 to W4) of a vehicle (1) to a driver (F) of the vehicle (1), to on-board electronics (14, 16, 18) of the vehicle (1) and / or to an external communication system (C), the information being derived from data obtained at least in part using one or more tires (W1, W2, W3, W4) of the tires (W1 to W4 ) of the vehicle (1) arranged wheel units (12-1 to 12-4) were obtained. According to the invention, the information provided comprises: at least one static information about at least one fixed one of the attributes of the tires (W1 to W4), and at least one dynamic information about at least one of the variables of the tires (W1 to W4) including at least one dynamic information about one Operating efficiency, operating comfort and / or reliability of the tires (W1 to W4) with respect to a driving operation of the vehicle.

Description

The present invention relates to providing information about attributes of a tire of a vehicle to a driver of the vehicle, to an on-board electronics of the vehicle and / or to an external communication system, wherein the information is derived from data obtained at least in part using one or more obtained on a respective tire of the tires of the vehicle arranged wheel units.

The term "attributes of tires" is intended in the context of the invention to include all properties that are independent of a specific installation environment (vehicle, especially suspension etc.) and independent of specific operating conditions (eg vehicle weight, vehicle speed, tire pressure, etc.) on the Tires are themselves detectable or measurable.

A tire can usually be described by a variety of attributes. Below there are "immutable attributes" such. As the manufacturer, the date of manufacture, the type (such as "winter tires", etc.) and the new tire tread depth, but also "variable attributes", namely that may change over time, such as due to the increasing age of the tire and due to operational stresses (eg cumulative distance traveled, vehicle transverse acceleration averaged over the operating period, etc.), such as eg. B. the tread depth and tire stiffness.

In multi-wheeled vehicles, in particular z. As the particular interest in the present invention four-wheeled motor vehicles, the term "attributes of the tires" used herein preferably refers to the properties of the individual tires, it should not be excluded that individual attributes of the tires z. B. for front wheels, rear wheels or all wheels of the vehicle defined and taken into account.

• 1) Eine gemäß einer bestimmten Ermittlungsvorschrift zu ermittelnde "Kraftstoffeffizienz" (die man als ein Maß für eine Betriebseffizienz hinsichtlich eines Fahrbetriebs eines mit dem Reifen versehenen Fahrzeuges ansehen kann)
• 2) Eine gemäß einer bestimmten Ermittlungsvorschrift zu ermittelnde "Nasshaftung" (die man als ein Maß für eine Betriebssicherheit hinsichtlich eines Fahrbetriebs eines mit dem Reifen versehenen Fahrzeuges ansehen kann, hier z. B. eine Sicherheit gegenüber einem Haftungsverlust bzw. einem Ausbrechen des Fahrzeuges in Kurven)
• 3) Ein gemäß einer bestimmten Ermittlungsvorschrift zu ermittelndes "Rollgeräusch" (die man ebenfalls als ein Maß für eine Betriebseffizienz, hier eine Geräuscheffizienz, oder als Maß für einen Betriebskomfort ansehen kann)

For some "immutable attributes" in the above sense, a "tire label" was used to label new tires offered for sale in accordance with EU Regulation No. 1222/2009, and similarly according to legal requirements in some non-European countries. On such a sticker certain attributes of the relevant new tire are specified, so that a potential buyer can consider this information in his purchase decision. In the case of the "EU Tire Label", these are the following attributes of the tire:

• 1) "fuel efficiency" to be determined according to a specific determination rule (which can be regarded as a measure of operational efficiency with respect to driving operation of a vehicle equipped with the tire)
• 2) A "wet grip" (to be determined as a measure of operational safety with respect to a driving operation of a vehicle provided with the tire, to be determined according to a specific investigative rule, here, for example, a safety against a loss of liability or breaking of the vehicle) curves)
• 3) A "rolling noise" to be determined according to a specific determination (which can also be considered as a measure of operational efficiency, in this case noise efficiency, or as a measure of operational comfort)

The information on the fuel efficiency and wet grip attributes is printed on the EU reference label as a classification based classifier ("A", "B", ... "G"), whereas the information about the rolling noise attribute is given as a figure (decibel value ) is printed.

This established in the art for new tires rating system thus allows easy to understand comparability of new tires.

A generic method and a generic system for providing information about attributes of a tire of the type mentioned are known for the attribute "tread depth" from the prior art of modern motor vehicles.

In this prior art, it is a driver of the vehicle allows the information about the tread depth of the vehicle-mounted tires z. B. by means of a "on-board computer".

The underlying data from which the information about the tread depths of the individual tires are derived (calculated) can be obtained using sensors which are part of so-called wheel units (eg sensor modules) in the individual tires of the tires of the vehicle are installed.

A disadvantage of this prior art, that in this case only isolated special information (tread depth) is provided and it is up to the driver, what "to start with this information" is.

Furthermore, there are already a variety of methods and systems in the prior art for providing information about the "operating parameters" relating to the tires, including, for example, As the internal pressure and the temperature of a tire counts.

Currently, attributes of the tires or operating parameters of the vehicle or tires are used for individual applications in the vehicle, for example the profile depth attribute for the profile depth monitoring application and the internal pressure operating parameter for the pressure monitoring application. In these applications, it is also known to provide the driver of the vehicle with a warning when the tread depth of a tire or the internal pressure of a tire reaches a critically low value. The disadvantage here is that the driver is informed only when "something is wrong".

It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel method and system for providing information about attributes of the tires of a vehicle, and optionally additionally also operating parameters, with which greater practical utility can be achieved.

• a) wenigstens eine statische Information über wenigstens ein unveränderliches der Attribute der Bereifung,
• b) wenigstens eine dynamische Information über wenigstens ein veränderliches der Attribute der Bereifung, beinhaltend wenigstens eine dynamische Information über eine Betriebseffizienz, einen Betriebskomfort und/oder eine Betriebssicherheit der Bereifung hinsichtlich eines Fahrbetriebes des Fahrzeuges.

Based on the method and system mentioned above, this object is achieved according to the invention in that the information provided comprises:

• a) at least one static information on at least one unchanging one of the attributes of the tires,
• b) at least one dynamic information about at least one variable of the attributes of the tires, including at least one dynamic information about an operating efficiency, an operating comfort and / or an operational safety of the tires with respect to a driving operation of the vehicle.

The terms "static" and "dynamic" used here mean that the relevant information can not change during vehicle operation (without tire change) (static information) or virtually changes over the operating period more or less (dynamic information).

In one embodiment, the information is provided to the driver of the vehicle.

In one embodiment, the information is provided to on-board electronics of the vehicle.

In one embodiment, the information to an external, in particular z. B. provided to a so-called "cloud-based" communication system.

In one embodiment, the information is provided to a plurality, in particular all of the aforementioned "information addressees". This can be z. B. be realized by a central storage or storage device for the information with appropriate interfaces to the individual addressees.

An interface to the driver can z. B. be realized by a man-machine interface of a known type, for. B. comprising one or more display devices (eg, arranged in the front dashboard of the vehicle "display").

An interface to the on-board electronics can z. B. be realized by an electronic communication bus system to the z. B. stored in a central storage device data and / or information to other parts of the on-board electronics, such. As driver assistance systems (eg., ABS, ESP, etc.) to pass.

The same means (electronic communication bus system) in connection with radio equipment (eg mobile radio equipment) can be used as an interface to the external communication system.

According to the invention, at least one static information about at least one invariable of the attributes and at least one dynamic information about at least one variable of the attributes of the tires is provided particularly meaningfully for each of the tires of the respective vehicle.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, at least one dynamic information item about a variable attribute is provided, for which also "related" static information, namely about the corresponding "new tire attribute" (the same physical tire property), is provided. In other words, at least one "correlated information pair" consisting of a static "new tire information" and an associated dynamic "actual state information" is provided.

Advantageously, with the invention, in particular the entire time profile of one or more tire properties from the initial installation on the vehicle to the final dismantling for one or more of the aforementioned information users can be made available.

In addition, it is essential for the invention that at least one dynamic information about an operating efficiency, an operating comfort and / or an operational safety of the tires with respect to a driving operation, in particular z. B. is provided with regard to the current driving operation.

Here is a simple example: While using the "EU tire label" mentioned above, an end customer can see only the information relating to the wet grip of the new tires, it allows the invention that z. B. a driver while driving on the one hand this "new tire information", so to speak, regarding the ideal condition of the tire, on the other hand, however, the (after tire wear remaining) "actual wet grip" of the tire is available. In this case, so to speak, "dynamized attribute information" can be z. This may be, for example, the "actually achievable" wet grip, namely with regard to a driving operation with optimum setting of operating conditions (eg after setting a "correct" internal pressure).

In addition, however, it may also be a "real" wet grip, namely in the current driving.

With the invention, it is advantageously possible, in particular the driver, alternatively or additionally, however, also z. B. driver assistance systems in the vehicle or via a z. B. cloud-based communication system workshop personnel (and / or the driver) to actively participate in the tire performance optimization.

Unlike in the prior art, in which only in critical situations warnings ("disruptive" information) are given, the invention allows a temporally consistent information on a variety of attributes of the tires and / or other tires affecting or influencing operating parameters.

In one embodiment, the "immutable attributes" of the tires of one or more of the following are considered: manufacturer, date of manufacture, type, dimension, geometry, DOT code, new tire tread depth, new tire fuel efficiency, new tire noise efficiency, new tire adhesion, new tire Dry adhesion, new wet grip.

In one embodiment, the "variable attributes" of the tire include one or more of: tread depth, presence or absence of a tire accessory (eg, adhesion enhancing accessory such as snow chain or the like), fuel efficiency, noise efficiency, adhesion, dry adhesion , Wet grip, gas tightness (eg airtightness).

In one embodiment, the at least one information relates to operating efficiency, operating comfort, and / or reliability of one or more of fuel efficiency, noise efficiency, adhesion, dry adhesion, wet grip, gas tightness. In one embodiment, at least the information is included whose "static (new tire) variant" forms part of a conventional "tire label" (eg, the EU tire label).

In one embodiment, the information about operating efficiency, operating comfort, and / or operational safety is computed based on a combination of data relating to at least one of the tire attributes with data relating to at least one of the tire's attributes and / or at least one sensed "stress parameter." , wherein the stress parameter is characteristic of a caused by the driving operation of the vehicle stress of the tires.

The operating parameters covered by the term "load parameters" in this sense can be divided into two categories, namely, on the one hand, stresses due to the "instantaneous driving operation" and, on the other hand, with regard to stresses due to the "past driving operation".

In one embodiment, the at least one stress parameter includes a stress parameter that is characteristic of a tire's stress caused by the current driving operation. Such stress parameters are z. B .: internal pressure, internal temperature, wheel load, axle load, vehicle load, vehicle speed, precipitation intensity, rain intensity, ambient temperature, Fahruntergrundbeschaffenheit and / or a combination of at least two of these stresses. In the broadest sense, these include tire wear parameters such. B. the Latschlänge. At least two of the above stress parameters are preferably taken into account in deriving the information to be provided.

However, as already stated, the term "load parameter" also includes stresses "applied in the past" in some way to the tires, whose "cumulative effect" can thus be advantageously taken into account in the context of the invention.

Accordingly, in one embodiment, it is contemplated that the at least one stress parameter includes a stress parameter characteristic of a cumulated tire stress caused by a driving operation in the past. Such stress parameters are z. Eg cumulative distance covered, age since production, accumulated operating time, average over the service life Vehicle longitudinal acceleration, vehicle lateral acceleration averaged over the service life, internal pressure averaged over the service life, wheel load averaged over the service life, axle load averaged over the service life, vehicle load averaged over the service life, ambient temperature averaged over the service life, driving surface averaged over the service life. At least two of the above stress parameters are preferably taken into account in deriving the information to be provided.

In one embodiment, the information provided further comprises at least one (dynamic) information about an operating parameter of the current driving operation, in particular z. B. a characteristic for a caused by the current driving stress of the tires characteristic stress parameters. Examples include: internal pressure, internal temperature, ambient temperature, or z. B. a link between internal pressure and wheel load such that the parameter in question indicates the "correctness of the current pressure setting". In this regard, in the context of the invention, z. B. actively issued warnings known per se from the prior art, for. B. on an incorrect internal pressure or excessive vehicle speed may be provided.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the information is provided, if necessary, with at least one "improvement note" concerning (at least) one possible measure for improving the operating efficiency, the operating comfort and / or the operational safety of the driving operation.

Examples of such z. B. by means of a display device to the driver in textual formable hints for improvement are: "fuel efficiency can be improved by increasing the tire pressure at the rear left to 2.5 bar!", "Tire pressure is not optimal for the current vehicle load, please adjust for longer trips!", " For the current load, you are driving with too little pressure, which can lead to wet grip loss! "," The tire age of the rear wheels leads to wet grip loss. It is advisable to replace these tires! "," The tread depth of the tires on the front wheels is now only 3 mm. To improve the wet grip, it is recommended to replace these tires! "," You are driving at overpressure for the current load condition, resulting in wet grip loss, you should reduce the tire pressure! " Etc.

In one embodiment, it is provided that the information is provided in each case as a number and / or as a classification based on a classification.

In one embodiment, at least one of the information is provided as a numerical indication.

In one embodiment, at least one of the information is provided as a class indication.

According to a further aspect of the invention, a system is provided with means for carrying out a method of the type described here.

According to a further aspect of the invention, a vehicle equipped with such a system is provided.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a computer program product comprising program code that, when executed on a data processing device, performs a method of the type described herein.

The invention will be further described by means of embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. They show:

1 a schematic plan view of a vehicle equipped with a system for providing information about attributes of a tire according to an embodiment,

2 an isolated representation of the essential components of the system in the vehicle of 1 .

3 an exemplary presentation of information on a display device of the system of 2 .

4 another exemplary presentation of information on a display device of the system of 2 , and

5 a flowchart of a method for providing information about attributes of a tire.

1 schematically shows a vehicle 1 with several pneumatic tires. In the example shown is z. Example, to a conventional car, in which four wheels W1 to W4 symmetrical to a longitudinal center line of the vehicle 1 are arranged at the corners of a (imaginary) rectangle.

The vehicle 1 is equipped with a system which z. B. the functionality of a conventional tire pressure monitoring system ("TPMS"). This system comprises a central control device 10 and four wheel-based, ie arranged on a respective one of the wheels W1 to W4 wheel units 12-1 to 12-4 ,

The wheel units 12-1 to 12-4 are z. B. each arranged on the inside of the tire one of the wheels W1 to W4 and equipped with sensors for measuring the respective internal pressure, the internal temperature and the acceleration (at the location of the respective wheel unit).

Such wheel units designed as sensor modules 12-1 to 12-4 as well as in connection with the central control device (eg so-called "ECU") 10 As such, tire pressure monitoring system as such is known in various embodiments from the prior art and therefore needs no detailed explanation.

In the example shown, by means of the in each of the wheel units 12-1 to 12-4 contained acceleration sensor a characteristic of the respective tire size size, in which it is z. B. to the Latschlänge or z. B. may be the FPQ ("footprint quotient"), defined as the ratio between the respective Latschlänge and respective Radumfang.

The wheel units 12-1 to 12-4 In addition, in the illustrated example, each are equipped with a memory device in which data are stored which specify immutable attributes of the respective tire. In the example shown, these are z. Attributes such as new tire fuel efficiency, new tire noise efficiency, new tire wet grip, new tire tread depth, manufacturing date, type (eg, specifying "winter tires", "summer tires", "all-weather tires", "runflat tires", etc.). Alternatively or in addition to individual ones of these attributes, other attributes could also be taken into account, such as: Manufacturer, dimension (eg, specifying diameter, width, etc.), geometry (eg, specifying "low profile", etc.). Furthermore, as an immutable attribute z. B. also a so-called DOT code are considered, which describes a number of attributes of the type listed above.

By means of the sensors in the wheel units 12-1 to 12-4 captured data will be as in 1 symbolized by the wheel units 12-1 to 12-4 via a wireless communication connection (here: radio connection) to the control device 10 of the vehicle 1 transmitted. The corresponding data signals are in 1 designated L1 to L4.

At least from time to time, with these data signals L1 to L4, the data stored in the memory devices concerning immutable attributes of the tires are also sent to the control device 10 transmitted.

The system further includes electronic units in the illustrated example 14 . 16 and 18 that like in 1 symbolized in communication with the central control device 10 stand, z. B. via a communication bus system of a known type (eg., CAN bus or the like).

2 shows again isolated in communication with each other standing components 10 . 14 . 16 and 18 ,

The unit 14 forms a man-machine interface for enabling input of a 2 driver, for example, using common input means such as buttons, joysticks, virtual buttons on a touch-sensitive display, etc., and enabling outputs to the driver F, for example, in visual form on a display device (eg, touch-sensitive display). All input and output means can be easily accessible or perceptibly arranged in the vehicle for the driver F, for example in a dashboard area and / or in a center console area.

The unit 16 forms a control unit, which functionalities of at least one so-called driver assistance system such. B. ABS, ESP, etc. in the vehicle 1 controls.

The unit 18 forms a communication interface of the vehicle 1 for exchanging data or information between the vehicle 1 and an external computer network C such as in particular z. B. the Internet. The unit 18 In the example shown, this is equipped with a mobile radio transmitting / receiving module.

All three units 14 . 16 and 18 are designed for bidirectional communication of data or information, which in the control device 10 as regards stored data or information.

For the electronic unit 14 this means, for example, that the driver F, or z. B. Workshop personnel (eg., When changing a tire) on the one hand by appropriate inputs can modify the memory contents, and on the other hand, the driver F (or workshop personnel) can also retrieve such memory contents.

About the unit 16 can store content for use for the mentioned Driver assistance systems are provided, but vice versa can also be obtained by these driver assistance systems data on the unit 16 to the control unit 10 be communicated, such. B. individual wheel loads, individual axle loads or vehicle load (vehicle weight), in addition z. B. the vehicle speed and / or the individual wheel rotational speeds of the wheels W1 to W4.

About the unit 18 may be data or information from the controller 10 both communicating to and receiving from the external communication system C. To the external communication system C, for example, corresponding terminals of workshops or z. B. also the driver F be connected.

Each of the tires mounted on the wheels W1 to W4 is characterized by a variety of attributes. Some of these attributes are immutable (eg, manufacturer, tire geometry, etc.) while others change over time (eg, tread depth, wet grip, noise efficiency, etc.).

The multitude of attributes that one can imagine in the broadest sense is of interest to those in 2 2) on-board vehicle systems, in particular in connection with driver assistance systems, 3) external communication systems, in particular comprising so-called "backend / cloud" -based applications or services.

With the illustrated configuration of the vehicle 1 can by means of the memory device of the control device 10 Advantageously, a "central information base" with information about attributes of the tires of the vehicle 1 stored and updated continuously, using the components 14 . 16 and 18 Particularly advantageous information recipients of all three aforementioned customer categories can be supplied with such information.

Of interest here is the entire time course of these attributes of the initial installation of a tire on the vehicle 1 to the final disassembly.

In the prior art, only individual attributes and operating parameters (eg, tire inflation pressure, tire temperature, tire wear, wheel load, etc.) are used for individual applications. As an example of a variable operating parameters can, for. For example, the "internal pressure" for the "pressure monitoring" application can be considered. For the end customer so far only a pressure warning of interest. A digital display or pressure warning light provided for this purpose is currently rated by many drivers subjectively very negative or falls positively only by "non-appearance" on.

Moreover, in the prior art, the detailed condition of a tire is completely unknown for all three customer categories discussed above. The condition of a tire attains attention only when there is a problem (eg too low internal pressure). Accordingly, most of the time the driver is completely uninformed about his tire. When a warning comes, it is very "disruptive". If z. If, for example, an air-filled tire gradually loses air by (unnoticed) diffusion, the driver is informed very late (disruptive warning) by means of conventional pressure monitoring. He then inflates the tire with air or increases the internal pressure, whereupon the process starts all over again. This leads to an average low internal pressure, which in turn is completely unknown to the driver. It would be desirable in this regard, for. B. a non-disruptive (continuously provided) information about the attribute "gas-tightness" (here: eg airtightness) of the individual tires.

Except in the case of disruptive information concerning the attribute "tread depth" or the operating parameter "internal pressure", there are no concepts in the prior art which actively (and at least not disruptively) include the driver in tire performance optimization.

At the same time, there is also no concept in the prior art which can then be applied in a simple manner to all three of the aforementioned information consumer categories.

• – Bereifung bzw. einzelner Reifen ist dem Fahrer weitestgehend unbekannt.
• – Reifenzustandsinformationen sind disruptiv und beschränken sich auf die Profiltiefenüberwachung.
• – Betriebsparameterinformationen mit Relevanz für die Bereifung (z. B. Innendruck oder Fahrzeuggeschwindigkeit) sind disruptiv.
• – Reifenperformance oftmals nicht optimal eingestellt.
• – Sowohl statische Informationen als auch dynamische Informationen sind verschiedensten Funktionen, bzw. Anzeigen zugeordnet. Ein leicht zugängliches, intuitives Konzept fehlt bisher.

These disadvantages of the prior art can be summarized as follows:

• - Tires or individual tires is largely unknown to the driver.
• - Tire condition information is disruptive and limited to tread depth monitoring.
• - Operating parameter information relevant to the tires (eg internal pressure or vehicle speed) is disruptive.
• - Tire performance often not optimally adjusted.
• - Both static information and dynamic information are assigned to various functions or displays. An easily accessible, intuitive concept is missing so far.

In the manner described below, these disadvantages can be by the in the 1 and 2 illustrated system of the vehicle 1 avoid. The system is advantageously designed so that a "unified concept" of Communication of predetermined tire condition information to the three customer categories is possible.

A key concept of the present invention is to provide an "information base" to provide information about attributes of tires with improved usability.

In the illustrated embodiment, the relevant information to be provided is centralized in the controller 10 calculated from data, in part using the wheel units 12-1 to 12-4 , and partly from other facilities of the vehicle 1 were won.

The wheel units 12-1 to 12-4 deliver here as data z. B. "stress parameters", which are each characteristic of a caused by the current driving stress of the respective tire of the wheels W1 to W4, such. B. internal pressure and temperature of the respective tires. Furthermore, the wheel units deliver 12-1 to 12-4 in this example, the latitudinal length of the respective tires, as well as pre-or tire-mounted data indicating a number of immutable attributes (eg, date of manufacture, type, dimension, geometry, etc.).

About the unit 16 can z. B. also data concerning "stress parameters", which are each characteristic of a caused by the current driving stress of the respective tire of the wheels W1 to W4, are supplied, for. As vehicle speed, vehicle acceleration (in the transverse and / or longitudinal direction), etc. The latter data may, for. B. from driver assistance systems and / or come from a dedicated sensor provided. Furthermore, about the unit 16 z. B. data are supplied, which indicate the tread depth of the individual wheels.

• a) wenigstens eine statische Information über ein unveränderliches der Attribute der Bereifung,
• b) wenigstens eine dynamische Information über wenigstens ein veränderliches der Attribute der Bereifung, beinhaltend wenigstens eine dynamische Information über eine Betriebseffizienz, einen Betriebskomfort und/oder eine Betriebssicherheit der Bereifung hinsichtlich eines momentanen Fahrbetriebes des Fahrzeuges.

The illustrated system has the z. B. by means of corresponding in the control device 10 running software realized special feature that the following information is provided:

• a) at least one static information about a fixed one of the attributes of the tires,
• b) at least one dynamic information about at least one variable of the attributes of the tires, including at least one dynamic information about an operating efficiency, an operating comfort and / or an operational safety of the tires with respect to a current driving operation of the vehicle.

In the illustrated embodiment, it is advantageous to provide multiple static information about respective immutable attributes of the tires together with respective "associated" dynamic information about respective "associated" variable attributes of the tires, namely the static information on new tire fuel efficiency, new tire noise efficiency, new tires Wet grip and a new tire tread depth, and the associated dynamic information on an actually achievable and / or actually present fuel efficiency, noise efficiency and wet grip, as well as an actual tread depth.

Thus, each of the above information addressees, in particular z. B. the driver can be advantageously informed both about the "new condition" and the "actual (used) condition" of the tires.

The difference between "actually achievable" and "actually present" in connection with the aforementioned attributes of the tires is as follows: The actually achievable attribute is the property which under optimum operating conditions (in particular eg correct internal pressure of the tire in question) whereas the actual attribute indicates the relevant property of the tire in the current driving operation of the vehicle (in which the operating conditions may be correct or incorrectly set).

The information can the driver z. B. means of the mentioned display device of the man-machine interface (unit 14 ) of the vehicle 1 presented in visually appealing form.

In addition, the illustrated system has the peculiarity that in the at least one provided dynamic information is a dynamic information about an operating efficiency, operating comfort and / or reliability of the tires with respect to a driving operation of the vehicle is included. In the present example, these are "fuel efficiency" and "noise efficiency" as information about operating efficiency, and "wet grip" and "tread depth" as operational safety information.

The static information and / or data usable for deriving it were in the illustrated example in the assembly of tires on the wheels W1 to W4 in the storage devices of the wheel units 12-1 to 12-4 programmed so that this over the already mentioned radio link from time to time to the controller 10 can be communicated.

The dynamic information in the illustrated embodiment of the central control device 10 calculated. Apart from could also be at least part of the dynamic information provided by the wheel units 12-1 to 12-4 calculated and via the radio link to the controller 10 (in particular, for example, the profile depth, but in principle also more of the dynamic information mentioned).

The information about the fuel efficiency and the noise efficiency in the illustrated example for each tire are respectively based on a linkage of data concerning the new tire fuel efficiency with data concerning the age since production (calculated from the date of manufacture) and / or the cumulated traveled Distance and / or the cumulative operating time (both, for example, from in the control device 10 accumulated travel or time data available). For both information calculations can also z. B. internal pressure and wheel load (and / or Latschlänge) are taken into account, especially if it is not or not just about information on the "actually achievable" fuel efficiency or noise efficiency, but (also) information about the "actually (im current driving mode) "values or classes of these attributes.

The information about the wet grip is calculated in the illustrated example for each tire on the basis of a combination of data concerning the new wet grip with data concerning the tread depth. Furthermore, z. B. internal pressure and wheel load (and / or Latschlänge) are taken into account, especially if it (also) to the information about the "actually (in the current driving mode) present" wet grip.

The information about the tread depth can be determined in the example shown by methods, as they are known per se from the prior art, for. B. based on a long-term statistics of data from the sensors of the wheel units 12-1 to 12-4 to be delivered. Alternatively or additionally (for example, to provide redundancy), the tread depth could also be z. B. based on a combination of data on the new tire tread depth with one or more "stress parameters" that are characteristic of caused by the driving operation in the past (and the tread depth reducing) stresses, such. B. the cumulative distance traveled and / or the cumulative operating time and / or averaged over the operating time vehicle longitudinal acceleration and / or the average vehicle over the operating time transverse acceleration.

Preferably, the information provided also includes one or more dynamic information about in the vehicle 1 detected operating parameters such as in particular wheel individually by means of the wheel units 12-1 to 12-4 recorded Inndrucke the individual tires. In this regard, conventional tire pressure warning systems can thus be integrated into the system according to the invention in a comfortable manner as additional functionality.

With the invention, it is possible in particular, static and dynamic attributes of the tires, in particular z. B. a plurality of static attributes with their respective associated dynamic attributes to map to an easily understandable classification or rating system. So z. For example, the information about wet grip presented to a driver is rather difficult to understand when presented as a numerical value, such as the value of a static friction coefficient resulting for predetermined or actual operating and weather conditions. For many attributes, a performance is usually better than a classification based on a classification, such as: "A", "B", "C" etc. In this case, a classification with at least 3 classes and / or at most 10 classes is preferred.

With such a classification or rating (eg with "A" as "optimal", "B" as "not quite optimal", etc.), relevant information may e.g. B. for several, in particular all three of the already mentioned customer categories are provided in a unified form.

The 3 and 4 illustrate exemplary presentations of information by means of a display device 20 for the driver of a four-wheeled motor vehicle, such. B. the vehicle 1 from 1 ,

In this respect, the display device could 20 for example, a component of in 1 shown electronic unit 14 (Man-machine interface), the z. B. well visible in the front dashboard of the vehicle 1 is installed.

By means of here z. B. touch-sensitive display device 20 the driver can by appropriate inputs, eg. For example, by menu selection inputs, invoke various information presentations, wherein the respective required (to be presented) information is retrieved from an "information base" stored in a memory device (eg in the central control device 10 ) is stored.

3 shows z. For example, a presentation in which static information about new-tire fuel efficiency, new-tire-noise efficiency, and wet-new wet grip are graphed for each of the four wheels W1 through W4, respectively prepared to be presented. The partial representations corresponding to the wheels W1 to W4 are in FIG 3 denoted D1 to D4.

In the illustrated example, each of the partial representations D1 to D4 corresponds in each case to that representation, as is known from the "EU tire label" already mentioned. In this respect, the partial representations D1 to D4 are to a certain extent each an electronic version of this tire label (hitherto only known as a sticker on new tires).

Accordingly, the fuel efficiency and wet grip attributes are represented as a class indication based on the relevant legal classification with the symbols "A", "B", ... "G", whereas the noise efficiency attribute is indicated by a numerical value (decibel value).

The mutual arrangement of the partial representations D1 to D4 on the display device 20 corresponds to the actual mutual arrangement of the wheels W1 to W4 (in a plan view corresponding to intuitively easy to grasp 1 considered).

Also, as in 3 shown, corresponding textual notes z. B. be presented in a presettable by the driver display language. In the examples according to the 3 and 4 Let us assume by way of example the setting of the English language, so that the assignment of partial representations D1 to D4 to the wheels W1 to W4 is facilitated by reference texts "front left", "front right", "rear left" and "rear right".

Another textual remark "ORIGINAL STATE" indicates that the information provided applies to new tires or their new condition.

Based on the performance according to 3 can z. B. be provided that the driver passes by tapping one of the partial representations D1 to D4 to another performance in which more detailed information about the selected tire are displayed.

Except the in 3 As shown in the static information concerning the new condition of the tires, the driver can also present dynamic information about variable attributes of the tires. A corresponding example illustrates 4 ,

4 shows an example of a performance in which for the wheel W1 (recognizable by the textual indication "front left") again the static information about the new tire fuel efficiency, the new tire noise efficiency and the new tire wet grip are output, but this in combination with the the associated dynamic information about the actual fuel efficiency, noise efficiency and wet grip properties (as indicated by the textual references "ORIGINAL STATE" and "CURRENT STATE").

From this performance is z. For example, it can be seen that the fuel efficiency has deteriorated (from class "A" to class "E") compared to new tires. Also, it can be seen that the wet grip has deteriorated (from class "A" to class "D").

At the same time, or alternatively z. B. only after tapping a in the performance of 4 "Deterioration arrow", the driver will be provided with explanatory notes on the reason for the deterioration and / or, if possible, on measures to improve that attribute.

In the example of 4 are three such improvement notes H1, H2 and H3 shown here z. B. in the default display language (English) in textual form.

Thus, the described embodiment advantageously not only provides detailed information about both the new condition and the actual (used) condition of the tires, but also provides "non-disruptive feedback" about tire performance optimization opportunities.

With reference to an in 5 As shown in the flowchart shown, the method described above by way of example can be divided into steps S1, S2 and S3, wherein in step S1 in the control device 10 Data are "collected" (there currently incoming data and previously received data), wherein in step S2 both a plurality of static information and associated dynamic data in a software-controlled manner are calculated from these data, and wherein in step S3, the calculated data over multiple interfaces accordingly, a plurality of information recipients are provided.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

 vehicle

W1-W4

bikes

F

 driver

C

 external communication system

10

control device

12-1-12-4

 wheel units

L1-L4

data signals

14

electronic unit

16

electronic unit

18

electronic unit

20

display

D1-D4

partial views

D1 '

partial view

H1-H3

for improvement

S1

Step data collection

S2

Step Data calculation

S3

Step Provide Data

Claims (14)

Method for providing information about attributes of a tire (W1 to W4) of a vehicle ( 1 ) to a driver (F) of the vehicle ( 1 ), to an on-board electronics ( 14 . 16 . 18 ) of the vehicle ( 1 ) and / or to an external communication system (C), the information being derived from data obtained at least in part by using one or more tires (W1, W2, W3, W4) of the tires (W1 to W4) of the tire Vehicle ( 1 ) arranged wheel units ( 12-1 to 12-4 Was recovered), characterized in that the information provided include: a) at least one static information on at least an invariable of the attributes of the tires (W1 to W4), b) at least (a dynamic information about at least one variable of the attributes of the tires W1 to W4), including at least one dynamic information about an operating efficiency, an operating comfort and / or an operational safety of the tires (W1 to W4) with regard to a driving operation of the vehicle. Method according to claim 1, wherein the information about operating efficiency, operating comfort and / or operational safety is calculated by linking data relating to at least one of the attributes of the tires (W1 to W4) with data concerning at least one of the variables of the tires (W1 to W4) and / or with at least one detected stress parameter, wherein the stress parameter is characteristic of a driving operation of the vehicle ( 1 ) of the tires (W1 to W4).  The method of claim 2, wherein the at least one stress parameter includes a stress parameter characteristic of a stress of the tires (W1 to W4) caused by the current driving operation.  The method of claim 3, wherein the stress characteristic for a load caused by the current driving operation relates to one or more of: internal pressure, internal temperature, wheel load, axle load, vehicle load, vehicle speed, rainfall intensity, rain intensity, ambient temperature, driving surface condition, and / or a combination of at least two these stresses.  Method according to one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the at least one stress parameter includes a stress parameter which is characteristic of a cumulative stress of the tires (W1 to W4) caused by a driving operation in the past.  The method of claim 5, wherein the cumulative stress caused by a driving operation in the past relates to characteristic stress parameters of one or more of cumulative traveled distance, age since manufacture, cumulative operating time, vehicle longitudinal acceleration averaged over the operating time, vehicle lateral acceleration averaged over the operating time, internal pressure determined over the service life, internal temperature averaged over the service life, wheel load averaged over the service life, vehicle load averaged over the service life, ambient temperature averaged over the service life, driving surface averaged over the service life.  A method according to any one of the preceding claims, taking into account as invariable attributes of the tire one or more of: manufacturer, date of manufacture, type, dimension, geometry, DOT code, new tire tread depth, new tire fuel efficiency, new tire noise efficiency, new tire adhesion , New tire dry adhesion, New tire wet grip.  Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein as variable attributes of the tire one or more of the following is taken into account: tread depth, presence or absence of a tire accessory, fuel efficiency, noise efficiency, adhesion, dry adhesion, wet grip, gas tightness. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one information on an operating efficiency, an operating comfort and / or a reliability of one or more of the following relates to: fuel efficiency, noise efficiency, adhesion, dry adhesion, wet grip.  Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the information is provided, if necessary, with at least one improvement note (H1, H2, H3) concerning a possible measure for improving the operating efficiency, the operating comfort and / or the operational safety of the driving operation.  Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the information is provided in each case as a number and / or as a classification based on a classification. System ( 10 ) for providing information about attributes of a tire (W1 to W4) of a vehicle ( 1 ) to a driver (F) of the vehicle ( 1 ), to an on-board electronics ( 14 . 16 . 18 ) of the vehicle ( 1 ) and / or to an external communication system (C), the information being derived from data obtained at least in part by using one or more tires (W1, W2, W3, W4) of the tires (W1 to W4) of the tire Vehicle ( 1 ) arranged wheel units ( 12-1 to 12-4 ), characterized in that the system ( 10 ) is adapted to provide the following information: a) at least one static information about a fixed one of the attributes of the tires (W1 to W4), b) at least one dynamic information about at least one variable of the attributes of the tires (W1 to W4) including at least Dynamic information about operating efficiency, operating comfort and / or operating safety of the tires (W1 to W4) with regard to driving operation of the vehicle ( 1 ). Vehicle ( 1 ) equipped with a system ( 10 ) according to claim 12. Computer program product comprising a program code which, when stored on a data processing device ( 10 ) carried out, the method according to one of claims 1 to 11 performs.

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