JP2005153682A - Method and device for determining exchange time of consumption articles for vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To inform exchange time of consumption articles for a vehicle as an object of determination by using an accumulated traveling distance and a reference distance showing the exchange time. <P>SOLUTION: Exchange time of consumption articles for a vehicle (tires and engine oil or the like) as an object for determination is determined on the basis of the accumulated travelling distance. When accumulated travelling distance reaches an accumulated travelling distance between a first reference distance to a second reference distance, information that exchange time of the consumption articles for a vehicle is coming soon is informed to a driver by a voice message or lighting a display lamp. When the accumulated travelling distance exceeds the second reference distance, arrival or passing of exchange time of the consumption articles for a vehicle is informed to the driver by the voice message and flashing the display lamp. Since the accumulated travelling distance is computed based on outputs from a car speed sensor, information about exchange time is accurate. The voice message is output by connecting with an accessory power source. The driver can surely recognize arrival of exchange time with information using the voice message and the display lamp. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for determining the replacement time of consumables for vehicles.
Specifically, the replacement time of consumables such as oil and tires used in automobiles (hereinafter referred to as car consumables) is determined from the cumulative mileage, and engine oil and tires are sent to the driver at the appropriate time. It is possible to notify by voice or light that it is time for replacement.

  When an automobile such as a four-wheeled vehicle is driven, tires are worn, and oils such as engine oil and differential oil (differential oil) gradually become dirty. The terminal voltage (output voltage) of the battery gradually decreases including spontaneous discharge.

  Under such circumstances, for example, if the tire is worn, it becomes easy to slip, and a collision accident such as running in the rain tends to occur. Oil, for example, engine oil becomes dirty by using it for a long time, so if you keep running it, the engine will be worn out, the service life of the engine will be shortened, and the engine efficiency will be reduced, The impact on fuel consumption cannot be overlooked. When the terminal voltage of a battery or the like decreases, the starter does not start and the engine cannot be started (ignited).

  These problems always occur as long as the automobile is running.

  By the way, the above-mentioned problems are generally caused by the indications of the tires when refueling at a gas station or when purchasing auto equipment at an auto equipment store, In many cases, the problem is solved when it is time to replace it or when it is prompted to replace consumables for vehicles such as engine oil.

  However, the point of view from the store clerk is also largely due to the many years of experience of the store clerk, and it is often the case that there are variations. Judgment of tire wear and dirt such as engine oil varies depending on the experience of the store clerk, and when it is inexperienced, it is overlooked even though the replacement period has arrived. I often get lost. If there is no indication from the store clerk, it is often left as it is, so there is a danger especially when the tire is worn.

  Thus, at present, the replacement time of consumables for vehicles such as tires is often pointed out by store clerk, so without having to rely on the point of view of store clerks, accurately grasp the replacement time of consumables for vehicles, It would be advantageous if the driver could be notified.

  In addition, even when it is time to replace consumables for vehicles, there are cases when it is almost time for replacement and when it is time for replacement, so it is important for the driver to know both. If it is possible, it is more convenient.

  Therefore, the present invention solves such a conventional problem, and in particular, the replacement timing of the consumables for vehicles can be determined from the cumulative travel distance. The present invention proposes a replacement time determination method and an apparatus for determining the same that can notify that the replacement time has arrived.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, in the vehicle expendables replacement time determination method according to the first aspect of the present invention, a control unit comprising a CPU and a processing program for determining the replacement time of the vehicle consumables are stored. A travel distance calculating step for calculating a travel distance from the vehicle speed sensor output, a step for accumulating the travel distance, a reference distance for the consumable vehicle for determination, and the accumulated travel distance. And determining the replacement timing of the vehicle consumables using the travel distance as a parameter, and informing the determination result based on the processing program, The determination result is notified.

  Further, a travel distance calculating means for calculating a travel distance from the vehicle speed sensor output according to the present invention described in claim 10, a cumulative travel distance calculating means for calculating a cumulative travel distance from the travel distance, and a vehicle to be determined Information that is a reference distance for the consumables and stores the reference distance that is used as a reference for the cumulative travel distance, and the cumulative travel distance for the reference distance, and notifies the result And a processing means.

  In this invention, first, consumables for vehicles to be determined are determined. And the replacement time for each of these vehicle consumables is determined based on the distance traveled based on the empirical rules so far. For example, for a tire, a mileage of 20,000 km, for example, including its regular rotation is determined as a basic mileage as a criterion.

  This basic travel distance, which serves as a determination criterion, serves as a reference distance. The reference distance can also include a travel distance other than the basic travel distance as a reference distance. That is, two or more cumulative travel distances can be determined as the reference distance.

  For example, when two cumulative travel distances are defined as reference distances, the basic travel distance (basic cumulative travel distance) is the second reference distance, and any cumulative travel distance that reaches the second reference distance is the first reference distance From the first reference distance to the second reference distance can be used as an alarm generation section, and after the second reference distance can be used as an exchange generation section.

  Here, the alarm occurrence section is when the consumables for vehicles have reached the cumulative mileage that is approaching the replacement time, and the replacement generation section is the time when the consumables for vehicles should be replaced and this time. This is when the cumulative mileage that has passed is reached.

  When the alarm generation section and the exchange generation section are set in this way, the notification mode in each section is made different. By making the notification mode different, it becomes easier for the driver and passengers to grasp the replacement time for consumables for vehicles.

  The travel distance of the vehicle is calculated using the vehicle speed sensor output. The travel speed is calculated from the vehicle speed sensor output, and the travel distance is calculated from the calculated travel speed. Mileage is accumulated. The cumulative mileage is accumulated based on the replacement of consumables for vehicles. That is, the cumulative travel distance is reset when the vehicle consumable is replaced.

  An accessory power source (ACC power source) is used as the power source of the determination device itself. When the ignition key is switched from the ACC side to the engine start side, the determination device itself is automatically activated by the accessory power source. Cumulative mileage (data) is stored in the built-in memory means, but when this memory means is volatile, using a backup power source, when the device power is turned off (when accessory power is off), Data is not lost even when the battery is replaced.

  Among the reference distances, the basic travel distance varies depending on the consumables for vehicles. For example, 20,000 km can be set as the basic travel distance (second reference distance) for the tire, 3,000 km can be set for the engine oil, and 15,000 km can be set for the differential oil. These values are merely examples, and are values that can be arbitrarily set at a gas station, an automobile equipment store, or the like, which should be called an administrator of consumables for vehicles.

  The reference distance and the like described above are set from the outside, but can be stored in advance in the memory means as default values. Even the default value can be changed later.

  When the cumulative travel distance is collated (compared) with the reference distance, and the cumulative travel distance falls within the range of the cumulative travel distance in the alarm generation section, a notification process for notifying the driver of the cumulative travel distance is performed.

  As the notification process, a single process or a simultaneous process of a display process using a display lamp and a sound output process can be considered. The contents of the voice message can also be displayed using the display screen. Regardless of which notification process is used, the notification mode is made different between the alarm generation section and the subsequent replacement generation section.

  In the case of display processing using an indicator lamp, when the cumulative travel distance falls within the alarm generation section, the indicator lamp is turned on to notify the driver of the arrival of the replacement time. When the cumulative travel distance enters the replacement occurrence section, the indicator light blinks to prompt replacement of the vehicle consumables.

  In the case of a voice message, when the cumulative mileage enters the alarm generation section, for example, a message such as “Tire is about to be replaced” is played, and the cumulative mileage within the replacement generation section is reached. Occasionally, a message such as “Tire is about to be replaced.”

  By doing so, the driver can know the replacement time of the tire and the replacement time of the engine oil, differential oil, etc. only by waiting for the notification information. The notification information is not based on an empirical rule, but is determined solely by the relationship between the set value and the measured value, and is accurate and accurate.

  The voice message is terminated immediately after the accessory power is turned on. It can also be output after a predetermined time (1 to 3 seconds) has elapsed since the accessory power supply was turned on. This is because the driver's arousing power may increase more than a few seconds after the accessory power is turned on rather than immediately after. The output timing of the voice message may be based on the engine start instead of the accessory power source.

  Regarding the display of the voice message content using the display screen, it is considered that such regulation is unnecessary, so when the cumulative mileage enters the alarm occurrence section or exchange occurrence section, it can be displayed at all times. it can. Of course, the voice message at the time of the entry instruction distance may be displayed in a blinking manner, and the arousing force for the driver is increased by the blinking display.

  In this invention, the replacement time of the vehicle consumables to be determined is notified using the cumulative travel distance and the reference distance indicating the replacement time. According to this, since the reference distance indicating the replacement time can be used as a reference, and the replacement time is determined using the accumulated travel distance, the replacement time can be accurately determined. Accordingly, it is possible to notify the replacement time without depending on a rule of thumb such as a store clerk, and to reliably prevent forgetting to replace the vehicle consumables.

  In addition, since the existing vehicle speed sensor output can be used as it is, the determination apparatus can be configured without modifying the existing apparatus and the like, and the apparatus scale can be reduced as much as possible. Since the device power supply can also use an accessory power supply, it is not necessary to prepare a special power supply, leading to a reduction in the number of parts.

  When the set reference distance is not one but two or more, for example, two reference distances are determined, notification is made when the cumulative travel distance reaches the first reference distance and when the cumulative reference distance reaches the second reference distance The mode can be changed, and in that case, it has a feature that it can easily and reliably determine whether the replacement time is near or has already entered by the notification mode.

  The notification of the replacement time can be appropriately combined with display processing by an indicator lamp, sound output by voice message, screen display, etc., so that the replacement time can be more reliably notified to the driver and passengers. Particularly in the audio output process, the notification of the replacement time becomes more reliable by interlocking with the accessory power supply and the engine start.

  Next, a preferred embodiment of a method and apparatus for determining the replacement time for consumables for vehicles according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. As a car, four-wheeled vehicles, such as a passenger car, are illustrated.

  FIG. 1 is a system diagram of a principal part showing an embodiment of a vehicle consumable replacement time determination device 10 according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 shows an outline of a determination system 100 using the determination device 10. 3 to 5 are explanatory diagrams schematically showing the outline of the present invention.

For convenience of explanation, the outline of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
Here, representative examples of the vehicle consumables to be determined according to the present invention are tires and engine oil. This is because it is preferable from the viewpoint of safe driving that it is preferable to replace as soon as possible when the time comes. In addition, oils to be exchanged include differential oil, power steering oil, ATF oil, brake oil, and the like, and vehicle consumables such as batteries, brake pads, coolant, and air cleaners.

  Among these vehicle consumables, tires, engine oil, differential oil, and batteries can be listed as essential replacement items. Among them, tires and engine oil are particularly important replacement items. Further, in the case of a tire, the replacement time of the tire rotation in which the front and rear attachment positions are periodically replaced and the replacement time of the tire with a new one after the rotation are included.

  In the case of a tire, the replacement time is about 20,000 km from a rule of thumb. Depending on whether the vehicle is a light vehicle or a heavy vehicle, the replacement time is different, or it is also considered that it differs depending on the type of tire (whether it is radial or not), but in general, 20,000 km is a guideline for tire replacement. Therefore, in this example, 20,000 km is adopted as the basic travel distance (reference distance) for tire replacement.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3, the horizontal axis represents the travel distance, or the cumulative travel distance. The origin is 0 km, and the accumulated travel distance is reset by changing the tire. In this example, two types of reference distances are set as reference distances for prompting tire replacement. The first reference distance (first reference distance) is a distance indicating the arrival of the exchange time, and in this example, 19,500 km is set as the start distance, and less than 20,000 km is set as the end distance. This travel distance section is an alarm generation section.

  Next, the basic travel distance (20,000 km) that is the accumulated travel distance is set as the second reference distance. The second reference distance is a tire replacement time.

  When the cumulative travel distance falls within the range of the first and second reference distances, the driver is notified that it is time to replace the tire. As the notification process to the driver, notification by light and notification by sound (or sound effects) may be considered. The notification by light is a notification process using an indicator lamp, and the notification by sound is a sound output process. Since the voice output is based on a voice message, the contents of the voice message can be displayed using a screen display in addition to the voice output.

  As an example, a notification process using an indicator lamp is shown in FIG. In this example, when the cumulative travel distance is between the first reference distance and the second reference distance, that is, in an alarm generation section, a process for turning on a tire-specific indicator lamp is performed. Then, when the cumulative travel distance exceeds the second reference distance beyond the alarm occurrence section, the cumulative travel distance within the replacement occurrence section is reached, so the indicator lamp is switched to blinking display. This informs the driver that the replacement period has passed.

  This display process allows the driver (including passengers, the same shall apply hereinafter) to know that the replacement time is near and even to know that the replacement time has passed, so he will not leave the tire replacement as it is. As a result, tire replacement can be urged almost certainly.

  In addition, in order to clearly indicate which of the front tire and the rear tire is to be replaced, at least two indicator lights are used, and each is determined based on an independent cumulative travel distance. Preferably, by using a total of four indicator lights of two front wheels and two rear wheels, the replacement time for each tire can be notified. For the indicator lamp, a light emission color that is easy for the driver to recognize even during driving is selected. Preferred emission colors are red and orange.

  FIG. 4 shows the case of engine oil as a consumable for vehicles. In the case of engine oil, it is said from experience that the basic mileage that requires oil replacement is about 3,000 km. Therefore, 3,000 km is set as the second reference distance (basic travel distance), and in this example, the first reference distance is set to 2,800 km, which is about 200 km shorter. These setting values are arbitrary.

  When such a value is set as the reference distance, an alarm is generated from 2,800 km to 3,000 km, and when the cumulative travel distance enters this section, an indicator for exclusive use of engine oil lights up to 3,000 km. When the vehicle travels, the indicator light blinks and prompts oil replacement.

  The example of FIG. 5 is a notification example for differential oil. In the case of differential oil, the oil replacement time is said to be 15,000 km or 30,000 km. In this example, as shown in FIG. 5, 15,000 km is set as a basic travel distance (second reference distance) that prompts oil exchange. And the case where the cumulative travel distance 500km shorter than this is set as a 1st reference distance is shown.

  And the indicator light only for differential oil lights in an alarm generation area, and it switches to a blinking display in an exchange generation area, and can notify an oil replacement time.

  Now, such a replacement time determination system is constructed by using vehicle speed sensor outputs provided on the front wheels and the rear wheels. FIG. 2 shows an example.

  In most cases, an automobile is controlled by a control device (so-called ECU) 102 made up of an MPU or a CPU, so this type of control device 102 is mounted. A vehicle speed sensor 104 is attached to each of the four wheels of the front wheel and the rear wheel. A vehicle speed sensor output Sv, which is a pulse signal from the vehicle speed sensor 104, is supplied to the control device 102, and various controls including the engine are executed.

  In addition to the vehicle speed sensor output, the controller 102 is supplied with sensor outputs from various types of installation sensors. In the present invention, description of these sensor outputs is omitted. In this example, vehicle speed sensor outputs Sv obtained one each from the front wheels and the rear wheels are used.

  In the present invention, the vehicle speed sensor output is supplied to the determination device 10. Calculate the vehicle travel speed and travel distance based on the vehicle speed sensor output, determine the cumulative travel distance from the calculated travel distance, and compare it with the preset reference distance, and then the target vehicle A process for determining the replacement time for the consumables is performed. And the determination result is alert | reported as an audio | voice or blinking of an indicator lamp.

  Of the reference distances, the external control device 106 performs setting of the first reference distance, resetting of the cumulative travel distance associated with replacement of the consumables for vehicles, and the like. The external control device 106 is usually a terminal device such as a personal computer (PC). The terminal device 106 and the determination device 10 are connected by a communication cable 107 such as RS-232C.

  A CD-ROM 108 or the like is set in the terminal device 106, a processing program stored in the CD-ROM 108 is activated, and a setting process for the determination device 10 is performed.

  The outline of the determination device 10 will be described. Since the determination device 10 has an attachment configuration so that it can be mounted on the front panel of a car, the main body has a flat box shape, and the surface thereof becomes the display panel 11. ing. The display panel 11 is provided with a message display unit (LCD display unit) 26 such as a liquid crystal at the substantially central portion thereof, and either or both of the upper and lower sides thereof are used as the indicator lamp installation unit 30. The plurality of indicator lamps described above are arranged in the indicator lamp installation unit 30. Details will be described later.

  The determination apparatus 10 can also be configured as a part of the internal electronic device of the automobile instead of the attachment configuration. That is, it is only necessary that the electronic device related to the ECU 102 as the control device is provided as a standard and the display panel 11 is exposed on a part of the front panel. It is also possible to divert other display panels provided on the front panel.

FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of the determination device 10.
The determination device 10 is also configured by a computer, and the vehicle speed sensor output Sv described above is supplied to the pulse-travel speed conversion unit 12 so that the vehicle speed sensor output (pulse signal) is converted into a vehicle travel speed and converted. The travel speed is supplied to the control unit 20 including a CPU via the bus 14.

  The control unit 20 is provided with a memory means (ROM) 22 in which a processing program for realizing the above-described determination method is stored, and also stores an input reference distance and the like, Is provided with working memory means (SRAM) 24 for calculating a travel distance, a cumulative travel distance, and the like, and these ROM 22 and RAM 24 are connected to the bus 14, respectively.

  An accessory power source (ACC power source) is used as the power source of the determination apparatus 10 itself. When the ignition key is switched from the ACC side to the engine start side, the determination device itself is automatically activated by the accessory power source. The first and second reference distances, the cumulative travel distance (data), and the like are stored in the SRAM 24. Since the SRAM 24 is a volatile memory, data backup processing is performed by the backup power source 25.

  The stored data in the SRAM 24 is not lost even when the apparatus power is turned off by providing the backup power source 25 or when the battery is replaced. As the backup power source 25, a small and light lithium battery or the like can be used. When a non-volatile memory is used as the memory means 24, the backup power source 25 is unnecessary.

  The determination device 10 is further provided with a message display unit (LCD display unit) 26 constituting the display panel 11, and this is connected to the bus 14. The indicator lamp installation unit 30 is provided with a plurality of indicator lamps 32a, 32b,... Using light emitting diodes (LEDs), and these are connected to the bus 14 via the LED driving unit 28, respectively. .

  An audio ROM 33 is further connected to the bus 14, and a speaker 34 is connected to the audio ROM 33. The voice ROM 33 is for outputting the above-mentioned voice message (a plurality of kinds of voice messages). In addition, a communication cable interface 36 is connected to the bus 14 in order to communicate with the external terminal device 106.

  FIG. 6 shows a configuration example of the display panel 11 in the determination device 10. As described with reference to FIG. 2, since the determination device 10 is configured as a flat and rectangular box, the display panel 11 also has a rectangular shape.

  An LCD display unit 26 is provided as a message display unit at substantially the center thereof. In this example, the LCD display unit 26 is of a size that can display about 10 characters each in a two-stage configuration.

  The upper part of the LCD display unit 26 is an indicator lamp installation unit 30. In this example, five types of consumables for vehicles to be determined include front and rear tires, engine oil, differential oil, ATF oil (torcon oil), and a battery.

  Therefore, the indicator lamps 32 are also prepared for these five items, and the target item names are displayed on these indicator lamps 32 (32a to 32f) arranged side by side. Of the indicator lamps 32, the indicator lamp 32a is a front tire indicator lamp, and the indicator lamp 32b is a rear tire indicator lamp. As described above, a red light emitting diode is used for the indicator lamp 32.

  An input terminal 35 for the vehicle speed sensor output Sv used by the control unit (ECU) 102 and an input terminal (USB terminal or the like) 36 for the communication cable 107 are provided on the side surface of the determination device 10, in this example, the right side surface. Yes. In this example, a speaker 34 having a display panel 11 surface (upper surface of the main body) as a sound emitting surface is provided on the lower right side of the LCD display unit 26.

  In addition, when the consumable for a vehicle is replaced in the determination apparatus 10, it is necessary to reset the cumulative travel distance related to the consumable for the vehicle. In this reset process, the cumulative travel distance accumulated in the SRAM 24 can be reset in a software manner by giving a reset signal from the terminal device 106 shown in FIG. Since this reset process is normally performed at a place for exchanging consumables for vehicles (gas station, car equipment dealer, etc.), the operator may be a gas station clerk or a car equipment dealer.

  When the process for resetting the accumulated travel distance is not performed despite the replacement of the consumables for vehicles, the corresponding reset switch provided on the display panel 11 is operated to reset. Therefore, reset switch terminal holes (fine holes) 38a to 38f for manual operation are provided on the back side of the display panel 11 at positions corresponding to the indicator lamps 32a to 32f.

  Now, in order to operate the determination apparatus 10, it is necessary to set a reference distance such as a basic travel distance as an initial value as described above. The setting such as the reference distance is performed using the terminal device 106 shown in FIG. That is, the setting process is performed by setting the CD-ROM 108 and starting the processing program stored in the CD-ROM 108. FIG. 7 shows an example of initial value set menu display at that time.

  In this example, the basic mileage of each vehicle consumable to be determined is stored in advance in the SRAM 24 as a default value (current set value). For this reason, on the menu screen, the current set value and the changed value can be input when it is desired to change the set value. While moving the cursor K, the change target is clicked and selected, and the change value of the selected target item is input using the keyboard of the terminal device 106 or the like.

  In FIG. 7, five items of brake oil, brake pad, power steering oil, coolant and air cleaner are further exemplified as the vehicle consumables to be determined in addition to the above five items. The item is an item that can be set as necessary. When the determination device 10 also determines these five items, the display panel 11 shown in FIG. 18 is used as the display panel 11 instead of FIG. Will be.

  Regarding the battery, the basic travel distance is currently set as the set value, but it is also possible to set the number of months after battery replacement instead of the distance as the reference distance. In this case, 30 to 50 months is a guide for replacement.

  FIG. 8 shows an example of a display menu (reset menu) used when the accumulated travel distance is reset using the terminal device 106. In this case, when the vehicle consumable is replaced, the number related to the corresponding vehicle consumable is selected and the reset button (OK button) is clicked to reset only the cumulative travel distance related to the vehicle consumable. The For example, when the rear wheel (rear tire) of the tire is replaced, the number “2” is input from the keyboard, and the cumulative travel distance of the rear tire becomes “0 km” by clicking the reset button.

  Now, the replacement time determination process for the consumables for vehicles in the determination apparatus 10 described above is performed by the CPU 20 executing a processing program stored in the ROM 22 shown in FIG.

  Next, an example of the method for determining the replacement time for consumables for vehicles according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of replacement time determination processing, and the power source of the determination device 10 can use a power source (ACC) for in-vehicle accessories. Therefore, when the accessory power supply is turned on, the determination processing program installed in the determination apparatus 10 is activated.

  When the determination processing program is started, the vehicle speed sensor output Sv is in an input standby state (step 41). When the vehicle speed sensor output Sv is input, the travel speed and travel distance are determined from the vehicle speed sensor output Sv which is a pulse signal. Calculated (step 42).

  The calculated travel distance data is once stored in the SRAM 24, and the cumulative travel distance is obtained by sequentially adding to the previous travel distance for the vehicle consumables (items) to be determined (step 43). ).

  That is, in step 43a, the travel distance is added to the cumulative travel distance related to the front tire (front wheel tire), and the cumulative travel distance is updated. The updated cumulative travel distance is stored in the corresponding area of the SRAM 24.

  Similarly, in step 43b, the travel distance is added to the cumulative travel distance for the rear tire (rear wheel tire), and the updated cumulative travel distance is stored in the same area.

  In the same manner, in step 43c, the cumulative travel distance related to engine oil is added and updated. In step 43d, the cumulative travel distance related to differential oil is added and updated. In step 43e, the cumulative travel related to ATF oil is performed. The distance addition and update processing is performed, and in step 43f, the cumulative travel distance for the battery is added and updated.

  When the calculation processing of these accumulated travel distances is completed, it is determined whether or not this accumulated travel distance is the travel distance of the alarm generation section (step 44). Since the value (reference distance from the first to the second) set as the distance traveled in the alarm generation section differs depending on the vehicle consumables, the item of the vehicle consumables that became the travel distance in the alarm generation section (Type) is determined, and corresponding notification processing is performed (steps 45 and 46).

  Illustrating the lighting control process for the indicator lamp 32 as the notification process, when it is determined that the item is the front tire, the lamp (indicator lamp) 32a for the front tire is lit in step 46a. When the cumulative travel distance of the rear tire becomes the travel distance of the alarm generation section, the rear tire lamp 32b is turned on in step 46b.

  Similarly, when the cumulative travel distance of engine oil, differential oil, ATF oil, and battery becomes the travel distance of the alarm generation section, the corresponding lamps 32c to 32f are lit (steps 46c to 46f).

  When the lighting display process for the lamp 32 is completed, the process returns to step 41 to enter the input standby state for the vehicle speed sensor output Sv.

  Next, when the cumulative travel distance exceeds the travel distance of the alarm generation section, it is determined whether or not the cumulative travel distance has reached the cumulative travel distance (basic travel distance) of the replacement generation section (steps 44 and 47). . Then, the item of the consumable for the vehicle that becomes the next corresponding cumulative travel distance is determined, and when there is the corresponding item, the lamp that is the corresponding indicator is switched from lighting to blinking (steps 48 and 49). The cumulative travel distance in the exchange occurrence section also differs depending on the consumables for the vehicle, as in the alarm occurrence section.

  When it is determined that the item that has reached the cumulative travel distance in the exchange occurrence section is the front tire, the front tire lamp 32a is switched from the lighting display to the blinking display in step 49a. When the cumulative travel distance of the rear tire becomes the travel distance of the replacement occurrence section, the rear tire lamp 32b is switched to blinking display in step 49b.

  Similarly, when the cumulative travel distance of engine oil, differential oil, ATF oil, and battery becomes the travel distance of the replacement occurrence section, the corresponding lamps 32c to 32f are switched to blinking display (steps 49c to 49f).

  When the blinking display process for the lamp 32 is completed, the process returns to step 41 to enter the input standby state for the vehicle speed sensor output Sv.

  In this way, the cumulative travel distance is calculated from the vehicle speed sensor output Sv, and it is determined for each vehicle consumable from the calculated cumulative travel distance whether or not the cumulative travel distance of the alarm generation section has been reached. When the distance is reached, the lamp 32 is turned on, and when the cumulative travel distance is added to reach the cumulative travel distance of the exchange occurrence section, the lamp 32 is switched from the on display to the blinking display so that the driver or passenger The notification process according to the cumulative travel distance can be realized.

  In the above-described embodiment, the process of turning on the indicator lamp 32 when the alarm occurrence section is reached and switching the display lamp 32 to the blinking display when the exchange occurrence section is described, but in addition to these displays, the LCD The content corresponding to the display unit 26 can also be displayed. In that case, a screen display processing step may be added after each processing step 46, 49.

  For example, when it becomes an alarm occurrence zone, it will be displayed at the same time, for example, “XX replacement time is coming soon” (XX is a consumable for the vehicle to be replaced), etc. XX replacement time has passed ". In this way, screen display is performed in addition to display by the indicator lamp, so that the driver is not overlooked and the replacement time can be more easily grasped.

  In the notification process described above, since the processing program is always activated when the accessory power source is on, the determination process is executed except when the ignition key is off.

  Next, an example of notification processing using a voice message will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  The notification process using a voice message basically operates every time the accessory power supply is turned on, but the notification process using a voice message may be performed when the engine is started. The notification process is performed once immediately after the accessory power supply is turned on or immediately after the engine is started, or once after a predetermined time (several seconds) has elapsed since the accessory power supply was turned on or the engine was started.

  When each of the plurality of vehicle consumables has reached the replacement time, a voice message for each vehicle consumable is output each time the engine is started. In this example, the voice message is output only once immediately after the accessory power is turned on.

  One example will be described below. In FIG. 10, when the accessory power source is turned on, the determination apparatus 10 is in an operating state, and the above-described processing program is started at the same time. Therefore, when the accessory power source is turned on (step 51), it is determined as the next step whether or not the cumulative travel distance is within the alarm generation section (step 52). Information obtained by the process shown in FIG. 9 is used as the cumulative travel distance.

  When the cumulative travel distance reaches the cumulative travel distance within the alarm generation section, the vehicle consumable item that has been reached is determined, and the corresponding voice message processing is performed (steps 53 and 54).

  When it is determined that the corresponding item is a front tire, a voice message for the front tire is flown into the vehicle using the speaker 34 shown in FIG. 1 in step 54a. For example, a voice message such as “The previous tire is about to be replaced” is played. Although the voice message is output once, it can be continuously sent several times as described above. The following description is the same.

  When the cumulative travel distance of the rear tire becomes the cumulative travel distance within the alarm generation section, a voice message for the rear tire is output in step 54b. For example, a voice message such as “The next tire is about to be replaced” is sent.

  Similarly, when the cumulative travel distances of engine oil, differential oil, ATF oil, and battery become the cumulative travel distances within the alarm generation section, the corresponding voice message is output (steps 54c to 54f).

  When the alarm notification process using the voice message is completed, the process returns to step 51 to enter an input standby state for turning on the accessory power.

  Next, when the cumulative travel distance exceeds the cumulative travel distance in the alarm generation section, it is determined whether the cumulative travel distance has reached the cumulative travel distance (basic travel distance) in the replacement generation section (step 52, 55). Then, the item of the consumable for the vehicle that becomes the next corresponding cumulative travel distance is determined, and when there is the corresponding item, the corresponding voice message is output (steps 56 and 57). The cumulative travel distance in the exchange occurrence section also differs depending on the consumables for the vehicle, as in the alarm occurrence section.

  When it is determined that the item that has reached the cumulative travel distance in the exchange occurrence section is the front tire, a voice message for the front tire is played in step 57a. For example, a voice message such as “The previous tire has been replaced” is sent. Although the voice message is output once, it can be continuously sent several times as described above. The following description is the same.

  When the cumulative travel distance of the rear tire becomes the cumulative travel distance of the alarm generation section, a voice message for the rear tire is output in step 57b. For example, a voice message such as “The later tires have been replaced” is sent.

  Similarly, when the cumulative travel distance of engine oil, differential oil, ATF oil, and battery becomes the cumulative travel distance within the alarm generation section, a corresponding voice message is output (steps 57c to 57f).

  When the alarm notification process using the voice message is completed, the process returns to step 51 to enter an input standby state for turning on the accessory power.

  In this way, it is determined for each consumable for the vehicle whether or not the cumulative travel distance within the alarm generation section has been reached from the cumulative travel distance, and when the cumulative travel distance within the alarm generation section is reached, the corresponding alarm voice message When the cumulative mileage is added and the cumulative mileage of the exchange occurrence section is reached, a voice message for exchange is sent to the driver or passenger to perform notification processing according to the cumulative mileage. realizable. In particular, the information information can be accurately transmitted to the driver by inserting an engine key into the voice message and connecting the accessory power supply or interlocking with the engine start.

  The same content as the above-mentioned voice message can be displayed on the LCD display unit 26 during travel after the engine is started. In that case, although not shown, a display processing step may be provided as a processing after step 54 or step 57. The display mode may be constant display or intermittent display.

  Now, the above-described first reference distance and second reference distance (basic travel distance) information capture processing and cumulative travel distance reset processing are executed using the terminal device 106 for the SRAM 24 in the determination apparatus 10. There is a need to. In order to connect the terminal device 106 to the determination device 10 and input data, the determination device 10 must be in an operating state. Therefore, it is necessary that the accessory power supply is turned on.

  Further, when data is input to the determination device 10, the contents are displayed on the LCD display unit 26. This is so that the input content can be confirmed even in the car.

FIG. 11 and the following are examples of processing for explaining the input processing.
FIG. 11 shows a main processing flow, and is a flowchart showing an example of processing for inputting a basic travel distance that is mainly a second reference distance.

  First, when this main processing flow is activated, a command waiting state from the terminal device 108 is entered (step 61). When the command is received, the command is analyzed (step 62). Whether the command is a command for inputting a basic travel distance (step 63), a command for inputting an alarm distance as a second reference distance (step 64), or for resetting the cumulative travel distance (Step 65). If it is not any of these commands, a command error is displayed on the LCD display section 26 (step 66).

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the received command is a command for inputting the basic travel distance (step 63), it is determined for which consumable item (item) for the vehicle the basic travel distance is input. The received basic travel distance information is stored in the storage area of the SRAM 24 corresponding to the determined item (steps 67 and 68).

  When the received command is a command related to the front tire, the received basic travel distance information is set as the front tire distance data (step 68a). When the setting is completed, a command waiting state is entered (step 61). Similarly, when the next received command is a command related to the rear tire, the received basic travel distance information is set as rear tire distance data (step 68b).

  Similarly, when the received command is a command related to engine oil, the basic mileage information received as engine oil distance data is set in the corresponding storage area of the SRAM 24 (step 68c). In some cases, the basic travel distance information received as the differential oil distance data is set in the corresponding storage area of the SRAM 24 (step 68d).

  If the received command is a command related to ATF oil, information on the basic travel distance received as distance data for ATF oil is set in the corresponding storage area of the SRAM 24 (step 68e), and the command is related to the battery. In this case, the basic travel distance information received as battery distance data is set in the corresponding storage area of the SRAM 24 (step 68f). When the setting of the basic travel distance for all commands is completed, the command standby state is again entered.

  When the received command is a command for setting the alarm travel distance that is the first reference distance, the process proceeds from step 64 to the process shown in FIG.

  In the set process shown in FIG. 12, first, as described above, after determining which vehicle consumable the target command is received, the process proceeds to the corresponding set process (steps 71 and 72).

  When the received command is a command related to the front tire, the information on the travel distance received as the front tire alarm distance data (first reference distance shown in FIG. 3, the same applies hereinafter) is set (step 72a). When the setting is completed, a command waiting state is entered (step 61 in FIG. 11). Similarly, when the next received command is a command related to the rear tire, the received travel distance information is set as the rear tire alarm distance data (step 72b).

  Similarly, when the received command is a command related to engine oil, the information on the travel distance received as alarm distance data for engine oil (see FIG. 4) is set in the corresponding area of the SRAM 24 (step 72c). When the command is for differential oil, the information on the travel distance (see FIG. 5) received as alarm distance data for differential oil is set in the corresponding area of the SRAM 24 (step 72d).

  If the received command is a command related to ATF oil, the information on the travel distance received as alarm distance data for ATF oil is set in the corresponding area of the SRAM 24 (step 72e), and the command is related to the battery. The information on the travel distance received as the alarm distance data for the battery is set in the corresponding area of the SRAM 24 (step 72f). When the setting of the basic travel distance for all commands is completed, the command standby state is again entered.

  When the received command is a command for resetting the cumulative travel distance, the process proceeds from step 65 to the process shown in FIG.

  In the reset process shown in FIG. 13, first, as described above, after determining which vehicle consumable the target command is received, the process proceeds to the corresponding set process (steps 81 and 82).

  When the received command is a command related to the front tire, the front tire accumulated travel distance data is reset (step 82a). When the reset is completed, a command waiting state is entered (step 61 in FIG. 11). Similarly, when the next received command is a command related to the rear tire, the rear tire cumulative travel distance is reset (step 82b).

  Similarly, when the received command is a command related to engine oil, the accumulated mileage data for engine oil is reset (step 82c). When the received command is related to diffoil, the accumulated mileage data for diffoil is reset. (Step 82d).

  If the received command is a command related to ATF oil, the accumulated mileage data for ATF oil is reset (step 82e). If the received command is a command related to the battery, the accumulated mileage data for battery is reset. (Step 82f). When the resetting of the accumulated travel distance for all commands is completed, the command standby state is resumed.

  Since the cumulative travel distance reset process is performed as needed, it can be said that the case where the cumulative travel distance reset process is simultaneously performed for a plurality of consumables for vehicles is extremely rare.

  In the notification process using the indicator lamp 32 in the above-described embodiment, the indicator lamp is turned on when the alarm occurrence section is reached, and the process is switched to the blinking display when the exchange occurrence section is reached. In this case, there is one indicator lamp, and therefore the display color is also one color (red).

  The present invention can also perform other notification processes. For example, two indicator lights are used for each vehicle consumable, and indicator lights having different emission colors are used. For example, as a display color, a yellow display lamp can be lit in the alarm occurrence section, and a red display lamp can be lit in the replacement section.

  14 to 16 show this embodiment. 14 corresponds to FIG. 3, FIG. 15 corresponds to FIG. 4, and FIG. 16 corresponds to FIG. Therefore, FIG. 14 is an example of a notification process related to a tire, and the first and second reference distances are the same as described above.

  In the notification process for the tire replacement time shown in FIG. 14, when the cumulative travel distance of the alarm occurrence section is reached, the yellow indicator light is turned on, and when the cumulative travel distance of the replacement occurrence section is reached, the yellow display lamp is turned off. A red indicator lights up. By changing the display color in this way, it is possible to recognize the distance of replacement of consumables for vehicles from the difference in display color.

  FIG. 15 is an example of notification processing for the engine oil replacement time, and FIG. 16 is an example of notification processing for the replacement time for differential oil. In each case, the yellow display lamp is turned on when the alarm occurrence section is reached, and the red display lamp is turned on when the replacement occurrence section is reached.

  Thus, the example of a structure of the determination apparatus 10 when using each two indicator lights is shown in FIG. An indicator lamp for one item is indicated by a branch number. 32a1 and 32a2 are like indicator lights used for the front tires.

  FIG. 17 shows an example in which five items are added in addition to the five important items as consumables for vehicles to be determined. FIG. 18 shows a configuration example of the display panel 11 when a total of 10 items are determined.

  In this case, display lamp installation sections 30 (30A, 30B) are provided above and below the LCD display section 26 due to the installation space, and the items and the display lamps are installed in a one-to-one correspondence. The reset switches 38 (38a to 38k) are also provided on the back side of the display panel 11 in the same number as the number of items, as in the item arrangement example. Since the other configuration of the display panel 11 is the same as that of FIG. 6, the detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The present invention can be applied to a method and apparatus for determining replacement timing for consumables for vehicles such as tires and engine oil used in automobiles such as motorcycles and automobiles. The determination device may be an attachment type installed on the front panel or the like, or may be a built-in type (standard equipment) built into the automobile body.

It is a systematic diagram of the principal part which shows one Example of the replacement time determination apparatus of the consumables for vehicles which concerns on this invention. It is a systematic diagram which shows the structural example of a determination system. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of tire replacement criteria. It is explanatory drawing which shows the engine oil replacement determination reference example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of differential oil replacement | exchange determination criteria. It is a top view which shows the example of arrangement | positioning of the display panel 11 for determination apparatuses. It is a figure which shows the example of an initial value set menu screen display. It is a figure which shows the example of a reset menu screen display. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a replacement time determination process based on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the alerting | reporting process example by a voice message. It is a flowchart which shows the example of an input process of determination information. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a set of alarm distance. It is a flowchart which shows the reset input process example of a cumulative travel distance. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of tire replacement criteria. It is explanatory drawing which shows the engine oil replacement determination reference example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of differential oil replacement | exchange determination criteria. It is the same systematic diagram as FIG. 1 which shows the other example of a determination apparatus. It is a top view which shows the other example of the display panel 11 for determination apparatuses.

Explanation of symbols

10 Judgment Device 12 Exchanger 20 CPU
22 ROM
24 RAM
26 LCD display 31 ROM for audio
32 Indicator light 36 Interface 100 Judgment system 102 ECU
104 Vehicle speed sensor 106 Terminal device

Claims (20)

A control unit comprising a CPU, and memory means for storing a processing program for determining the replacement time of consumables for vehicles;
A mileage calculating step for calculating a mileage from a vehicle speed sensor output;
Accumulating the travel distance;
Determining a reference distance to the vehicle consumable to be measured and the cumulative travel distance, and determining a replacement time of the vehicle consumable using the travel distance as a parameter;
A method for determining a replacement time for consumables for vehicles, wherein the control unit executes a step of notifying the determination result based on the processing program, so that the determination result is notified. First and second reference distances are preset as the reference distance,
When the cumulative travel distance falls within the range from the first reference distance to the second reference distance;
The method for determining a replacement time for consumables for vehicles according to claim 1, wherein different notification processing is performed when the cumulative travel distance exceeds the second reference distance. The notification process is a display process using an indicator lamp,
When the cumulative travel distance falls within the range from the first reference distance to the second reference distance, the display is lit, and when the cumulative travel distance exceeds the second reference distance, the display is blinking. The method for determining the replacement time for consumables for vehicles according to claim 2. The notification process is a voice message process,
When the cumulative travel distance falls within the range from the first reference distance to the second reference distance, it is a voice message indicating the arrival of the replacement period for the vehicle consumables, and the cumulative travel distance is The method for determining the replacement time of consumables for vehicles according to claim 2, wherein when the second reference distance is exceeded, the voice message indicates that the replacement time has been reached. 5. The method for determining the replacement time for consumables for vehicles according to claim 4, wherein the notification process by the voice message is processed in conjunction with an accessory power source. The method for determining the replacement time for consumables for vehicles according to claim 5, wherein the voice message is notified at least once after a predetermined time has passed since the accessory power was turned on. The vehicle consumable replacement time determination method according to claim 2, wherein the display process and the voice message process are performed simultaneously as the notification process. The method according to claim 1, wherein the cumulative travel distance is reset when the vehicle consumable is replaced. The vehicle expendable replacement time determination method according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle consumable to be determined includes at least an oil system and a tire. Mileage calculating means for calculating the mileage from the vehicle speed sensor output;
A cumulative travel distance calculating means for calculating a cumulative travel distance from the travel distance;
Storage means for storing the reference distance used as a reference for the cumulative travel distance, which is a reference distance for the vehicle consumables to be determined;
A consumable replacement time determination device for a vehicle, comprising: a notification processing unit configured to determine the cumulative travel distance with respect to the reference distance and notify the result. 11. The vehicle consumable replacement time determination device according to claim 10, wherein the travel distance calculation means includes travel speed conversion means for converting the vehicle speed sensor output into a travel speed. The vehicle consumable replacement time determination device according to claim 10, wherein the notification processing means is one or both of a display means using an indicator lamp and a sound output means. The vehicle consumable replacement time determination device according to claim 12, wherein the display means includes a message display section and an indicator lamp. 14. The vehicle consumable replacement time determining apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the number of the indicator lamps corresponding to the number of the vehicle consumables is provided. When the cumulative travel distance falls within the range from the first reference distance to the second reference distance, the display is lit, and when the cumulative travel distance exceeds the second reference distance, the display is blinking. The apparatus for determining a replacement time for consumables for vehicles according to claim 12. The audio output means is
When the cumulative travel distance falls within the range from the first reference distance to the second reference distance, a voice message output indicating the arrival of the replacement period for the consumables for vehicles is provided, and the cumulative travel distance is The vehicle consumable replacement time determination device according to claim 12, wherein when the second reference distance is exceeded, a voice message output indicating that the replacement time has been reached is output. 13. The vehicle consumable replacement time determination device according to claim 12, wherein the notification process using the voice message is processed in conjunction with an accessory power source. 18. The vehicle consumable replacement time determining apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the voice message is notified at least once after a predetermined time has elapsed since the accessory power was turned on. 12. The vehicle consumable replacement time determination device according to claim 11, wherein the cumulative travel distance is reset when the vehicle consumable is replaced. The vehicle consumable replacement time determination device according to claim 11, wherein the vehicle consumable to be determined includes at least an oil system and a tire.

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