JP2017087802A - Air pressure monitoring system and monitoring device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an air pressure monitoring system and a monitoring device which can identify a position of a tire.SOLUTION: Each of a plurality of detection devices 2 comprises a transmission portion which transmits detection information including unique identification information to a monitoring device 1 when predetermined conditions are satisfied. The monitoring device comprises: a device reception portion 14 that receives detection information transmitted from the transmission portion of one detection device of the plurality of detection devices 2; a memorizing portion 12 that memorizes unique information included in the detection information when the device reception portion receives the detection information; a device transmission portion 13 that transmits respective transmission requests for identification information to the plurality of detection devices in a mode associated with each tire when the device reception portion receives the detection information; and an identification portion 15 that collates the received identification information with the unique information memorized in the memorizing portion and identifies a tire mounted with the one detection device when the device reception portion receives the identification information transmitted from the plurality of detection devices in response to the transmission requests.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to an air pressure monitoring system for monitoring an air pressure of a tire of a vehicle and a monitoring device constituting the air pressure monitoring system.

  In recent years, the digitization of automobiles has been progressing, and various technological developments have been made from the viewpoints of safety, environment, information, comfort, and the like. For example, technological development relating to a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS: Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems) that detects the tire air pressure with a sensor provided in each tire and warns the driver of a decrease in air pressure is in progress.

  Sensors used in the air pressure monitoring system are assigned sensor IDs in advance. When a tire is attached to a vehicle body, the sensor IDs of the sensors are read in order and registered in the memory of the monitoring device. Thus, the position of the tire (right front, left front, right rear, and left rear) can be identified.

  However, every time the vehicle travels a predetermined distance, when the tire is rotated, the correspondence between the tire position and the sensor ID is different from the registered content registered in the memory. For this reason, it is impossible to determine which tire the detected air pressure belongs to, and even if an abnormality in the air pressure is detected, it is not possible to specify which tire is abnormal.

  Accordingly, in a maintenance shop or the like, a request signal for requesting a sensor ID is transmitted from an antenna provided in the vicinity of each tire to a sensor provided in each tire, and the sensor ID transmitted by each sensor in response to the request signal is transmitted. When the received and received sensor ID matches one of the four sensor IDs registered in advance in the memory, the tire position corresponding to the received sensor ID is specified, and the received sensor ID and the specified tire A tire air pressure monitoring system that associates a position and registers it in a memory is disclosed (see Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent No. 3636184

  However, although the system of Patent Document 1 can reduce the man-hours required to register the sensor ID so that the position of the tire can be identified in a maintenance factory or the like, the correspondence relationship between the sensor ID and the position of the tire is obtained. Tire position registration processing for registration is required. It is also necessary to prepare a memory environment for registering the correspondence between the sensor ID and the tire position. For this reason, it is desired to specify the position of the tire without providing the tire position registration process or the required memory environment.

  This invention is made | formed in view of such a situation, and it aims at providing the monitoring apparatus which comprises the air pressure monitoring system which can specify the position of a tire, and this air pressure monitoring system.

  An air pressure monitoring system according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided in each tire of a vehicle, and includes a plurality of detection devices that detect the air pressure of each tire, and a monitoring device that monitors the air pressure detected by the plurality of detection devices. Each of the plurality of detection devices includes a transmission unit that transmits detection information including unique identification information to the monitoring device when a predetermined condition is satisfied, and the monitoring device includes: A device receiving unit that receives detection information transmitted by the transmission unit of one of the plurality of detection devices, and when the detection information is received by the device receiving unit, unique information included in the detection information When the detection information is received by the storage unit that stores the device and the device reception unit, the device transmission that transmits the transmission request for the identification information to each of the plurality of detection devices in a manner associated with each tire. And when the identification information transmitted by the plurality of detection devices in response to the transmission request is received by the device reception unit, the received identification information and the unique information stored in the storage unit are collated, and the one detection is performed. And a specifying unit that specifies a tire provided with the device.

  The monitoring device according to an embodiment of the present invention is a monitoring device that monitors the air pressure that is provided in each tire of a vehicle and that is detected by a plurality of detection devices, and when the predetermined condition is satisfied, the plurality of detection devices A receiving unit that receives the detection information including the unique identification information transmitted by one of the detection devices, and a storage unit that stores the specific information included in the detection information when the detection unit receives the detection information. When the detection information is received by the reception unit, a transmission unit that transmits a transmission request for identification information to each of the plurality of detection devices in a manner associated with each tire, and the plurality of the plurality of detection devices according to the transmission request When the reception unit receives the identification information transmitted by the detection device, the identification unit that identifies the tire provided with the one detection device by collating the received identification information with the unique information stored in the storage unit; With .

  According to the present invention, the position of each tire can be specified.

It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of a structure of the air pressure monitoring system of this Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows an example of a structure of the detection apparatus of this Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows an example of a structure of the monitoring apparatus of this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of sensor ID of the detection apparatus of this Embodiment. It is a time chart which shows an example of the identification method of the tire position by the monitoring apparatus of this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process sequence of the monitoring apparatus of this Embodiment.

[Description of Embodiment of Present Invention]
An air pressure monitoring system according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided in each tire of a vehicle, and includes a plurality of detection devices that detect the air pressure of each tire, and a monitoring device that monitors the air pressure detected by the plurality of detection devices. Each of the plurality of detection devices includes a transmission unit that transmits detection information including unique identification information to the monitoring device when a predetermined condition is satisfied, and the monitoring device includes: A device receiving unit that receives detection information transmitted by the transmission unit of one of the plurality of detection devices, and when the detection information is received by the device receiving unit, unique information included in the detection information When the detection information is received by the storage unit that stores the device and the device reception unit, the device transmission that transmits the transmission request for the identification information to each of the plurality of detection devices in a manner associated with each tire. And when the identification information transmitted by the plurality of detection devices in response to the transmission request is received by the device reception unit, the received identification information and the unique information stored in the storage unit are collated, and the one detection is performed. And a specifying unit that specifies a tire provided with the device.

  The monitoring device according to an embodiment of the present invention is a monitoring device that monitors the air pressure that is provided in each tire of a vehicle and that is detected by a plurality of detection devices, and when the predetermined condition is satisfied, the plurality of detection devices A receiving unit that receives the detection information including the unique identification information transmitted by one of the detection devices, and a storage unit that stores the specific information included in the detection information when the detection unit receives the detection information. When the detection information is received by the reception unit, a transmission unit that transmits a transmission request for identification information to each of the plurality of detection devices in a manner associated with each tire, and the plurality of the plurality of detection devices according to the transmission request When the reception unit receives the identification information transmitted by the detection device, the identification unit that identifies the tire provided with the one detection device by collating the received identification information with the unique information stored in the storage unit; With .

  The transmission unit of each of the plurality of detection devices transmits detection information including unique identification information to the monitoring device when a predetermined condition is satisfied. The predetermined condition can be, for example, a condition in which the tire air pressure is equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold. The unique identification information is, for example, a sensor ID. The detection information includes information related to the detected air pressure (air pressure information) in addition to the sensor ID. That is, each detection device spontaneously transmits detection information including the sensor ID to the monitoring device when the tire air pressure decreases.

  The device reception unit of the monitoring device receives the detection information transmitted by the transmission unit of one of the plurality of detection devices. When the detection information is received by the device reception unit, the storage unit stores unique information included in the received detection information.

  When the device reception unit receives the detection information, the device transmission unit transmits a request for transmitting each identification information to the plurality of detection devices in a manner associated with each tire. To transmit in a manner associated with each tire, for example, when the position of the tire is right front, left front, right rear, and left rear, it is possible to distinguish which tire position corresponds to the transmission request. Means to transmit in a manner. That is, when the detection device transmits identification information to the monitoring device in response to the transmission request, it means that the monitoring device can distinguish which tire the detection device is provided on.

  When the identification unit receives identification information transmitted by a plurality of detection devices in response to a transmission request, the identification unit compares the received identification information with the unique information stored in the storage unit, and one detection device is provided. Identify the tires used. For example, the identification information (for example, sensor ID) of four detection devices is 0001, 0002, 0003, and 0004. If the sensor ID transmitted from one detection device is 0001, the sensor ID = 0001 is stored in the storage unit. At this time, it is not known at which position the tire is provided with the one detection device. And, for the transmission request associated with the front right, left front, right rear, left rear tire of the vehicle, the sensor ID received from each detection device is, for example, the order of the front right, left front, right rear, left rear tire, Assuming 0002, 0004, 0001, and 0003, the sensor ID = 0001 matches the stored sensor ID with the received sensor ID. That is, it is possible to specify that the right rear tire associated with the sensor ID = 0001 is a tire provided with the one detection device.

  With the above-described configuration, for example, when the air pressure decreases, the detection device voluntarily transmits identification information to the monitoring device, so that the tire position (for example, right front, left front, right rear, left rear) decreases. Any one) can be specified.

  In the air pressure monitoring system according to the embodiment of the present invention, each of the plurality of detection devices includes a detection unit that detects tire air pressure, and the predetermined condition when the air pressure detected by the detection unit is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value. And a determination unit that determines that the above is satisfied.

  The detector detects the tire air pressure. The determination unit determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied when the air pressure detected by the detection unit is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold. Accordingly, when the tire air pressure decreases, the detection device transmits detection information including identification information to the monitoring device. For example, compared with a case where information related to air pressure is periodically transmitted, the detection device performs transmission processing. The power consumption required can be reduced. Accordingly, it is possible to extend the life of the battery provided in the detection device and supplying power necessary for the operation of the detection device.

  In the air pressure monitoring system according to the embodiment of the present invention, the monitoring device receives a detection when the monitoring information is received by the recording unit that previously records the identification information of each of the plurality of detection devices, and the device reception unit. A device determination unit that determines whether the identification information included in the information matches any of the identification information recorded in the recording unit, and the device transmission unit determines that the identification information matches in the device determination unit If so, the transmission request is transmitted.

  The recording unit records the identification information of each of the plurality of detection devices in advance. That is, the identification information recorded in the recording unit is that of the detection device provided in each tire of the host vehicle. When the detection information is received by the device reception unit, the device determination unit determines whether the identification information included in the received detection information matches any of the identification information recorded in the recording unit.

  When the device determination unit determines that the identification information matches, the device transmission unit transmits a transmission request. In other words, the transmission request is transmitted when the identification information included in the detection information received by the device receiving unit matches any of the identification information of the detection device of the host vehicle. As a result, when there is another vehicle near the own vehicle and the detection device of the other vehicle transmits identification information, even if the identification information is received, it is different from the identification information of the own vehicle. Transmission can be prevented, and confusion between the host vehicle and other vehicles can be prevented.

  In the pneumatic pressure monitoring system according to an embodiment of the present invention, the device transmission unit includes a plurality of transmission antennas associated with each tire for transmitting the transmission request, and the specifying unit includes the plurality of transmissions. When the identification information transmitted by one detection device in response to a transmission request transmitted via one transmission antenna of the antennas matches the identification information stored in the storage unit, the one detection device is provided. Identify tires.

  The device transmission unit has a plurality of transmission antennas associated with each tire for transmitting a transmission request. When the identification information transmitted by one detection device in response to a transmission request transmitted via one transmission antenna among the plurality of transmission antennas matches the identification information stored in the storage unit, the identification unit The tire provided with the detection device is identified.

  For example, let the transmission antennas provided near the tires at the front right, left front, right rear, and left rear be A, B, C, and D, respectively. And when the identification information which one detection apparatus transmitted according to the transmission request transmitted via the transmission antenna C corresponds with the identification information memorize | stored in the memory | storage part, the said one detection apparatus is provided in a right back tire. The right rear tire can be specified as being the same. Accordingly, it is possible to specify the position of the tire provided with one detection device that spontaneously transmits identification information to the monitoring device.

[Details of the embodiment of the present invention]
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an air pressure monitoring system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the air pressure monitoring system of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the air pressure monitoring system of the present embodiment is provided on each wheel of each tire 3 of a vehicle C, and a plurality of detection devices 2 that detect the air pressure of each tire 3, and the plurality of detection devices. The monitoring apparatus 1 which monitors the air pressure which 2 detects.

  The monitoring device 1 includes four LF (Low Frequency) transmission antennas 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d. More specifically, the LF transmission antenna 14a is associated with the right front tire 3, and is provided in the right front portion of the vehicle C, that is, in the vicinity of the right front tire 3. Similarly, the LF transmission antenna 14 b is associated with the left front tire 3 and is provided near the left front tire 3. The LF transmission antenna 14 c is associated with the right rear tire 3 and is provided near the right rear tire 3. The LF transmission antenna 14d is associated with the left rear tire 3 and is provided in the vicinity of the left rear tire 3.

  The monitoring device 1 detects a transmission request for requesting transmission of a unique sensor ID (identification information) of the detection device 2 provided in the right front tire 3 via the LF transmission antenna 14a. Transmit to device 2.

  Similarly, the monitoring device 1 provides a transmission request for requesting transmission of a unique sensor ID (identification information) of the detection device 2 provided in the front left tire 3 to the front left tire 3 via the LF transmission antenna 14b. Is transmitted to the detected device 2.

  Further, the monitoring device 1 sends a transmission request for requesting transmission of the unique sensor ID (identification information) of the detection device 2 provided in the right rear tire 3 to the right rear tire 3 via the LF transmission antenna 14c. It transmits to the provided detection apparatus 2.

  In addition, the monitoring device 1 sends a transmission request for requesting transmission of a unique sensor ID (identification information) of the detection device 2 provided to the left rear tire 3 to the left rear tire 3 via the LF transmission antenna 14d. It transmits to the provided detection apparatus 2.

  Moreover, the monitoring apparatus 1 has one UHF receiving antenna 13a. The monitoring device 1 receives the sensor ID and air pressure information transmitted from each detection device 2 via the UHF reception antenna 13a. That is, the UHF reception antenna 13a can receive radio waves from any of the detection devices 2.

  The LF band and the UHF band are examples of radio wave bands used when performing wireless communication, and the wireless communication between the monitoring device 1 and each detection device 2 is not limited to the LF band and the UHF band. .

  A notification device 4 is connected to the monitoring device 1. When the monitoring device 1 detects that the air pressure of any one of the tires 3 is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value, the monitoring device 1 instructs the notification device 4 to execute a notification process for notifying that the air pressure of the tire 3 has decreased. To do. When the air pressure of any of the tires 3 is equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold, the notification device 4 notifies the driver by means such as sound, lighting or blinking of a notification lamp, display of characters, and the like. Moreover, when the air pressure of any tire 3 is larger than a predetermined threshold, the monitoring device 1 may instruct the notification device 4 to execute a notification process for notifying that the air pressure of the tire 3 is normal. it can.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the detection device 2 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the detection device 2 of the present embodiment includes a sensor control unit 21 that controls the entire device, a sensor storage unit 22, a sensor transmission unit 23, a UHF transmission antenna 23 a, a sensor reception unit 24, and an LF reception. An antenna 24a, an air pressure detector 25, a timer 26, a battery 27, and the like are provided.

  The sensor control unit 21 can be configured by, for example, a microcomputer having one or a plurality of CPUs, a multi-core CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an input / output interface, and the like. The sensor control unit 21 is connected to a sensor storage unit 22, a sensor transmission unit 23, a sensor reception unit 24, an air pressure detection unit 25, and a timer unit 26 via an input / output interface. The sensor control unit 21 reads a control program stored in the sensor storage unit 22 and controls each unit. The detection device 2 operates with electric power supplied from the battery 27.

  The sensor storage unit 22 can be configured by, for example, a nonvolatile memory. The sensor storage unit 22 stores a control program for detecting the air pressure of the tire 3 and transmitting the detection information performed by the sensor control unit 21. The sensor storage unit 22 stores in advance a sensor ID (identification information) unique to the detection device 2.

  The air pressure detection unit 25 has a function as a detection unit. The air pressure detection unit 25 includes, for example, a diaphragm, and detects the air pressure of the tire 3 based on the deformation amount of the diaphragm that changes depending on the magnitude of the pressure. The air pressure detection unit 25 outputs a signal indicating the detected air pressure of the tire 3 to the sensor control unit 21. The sensor control unit 21 acquires the air pressure of the tire 3 from the air pressure detection unit 25 by executing a control program, and outputs detection information including information such as the air pressure and the sensor ID of the detection device 2 to the sensor transmission unit 23. To do.

  The sensor transmission unit 23 has a function as a transmission unit. A UHF transmission antenna 23 a is connected to the sensor transmission unit 23. The sensor transmission unit 23 modulates the detection information output from the sensor control unit 21 into a UHF band signal and transmits the signal using the signal modulated via the UHF transmission antenna 23a.

  An LF receiving antenna 24 a is connected to the sensor receiving unit 24. The sensor reception unit 24 receives a transmission request transmitted from the monitoring device 1 using radio waves in the LF band by the LF reception antenna 24 a and outputs the received transmission request to the sensor control unit 21.

  The timer unit 26 includes, for example, a timer, a real-time clock, and the like, starts timing according to the control of the sensor control unit 21, and outputs a timing result to the sensor control unit 21.

  The sensor transmission unit 23 of each detection device 2 transmits detection information including unique identification information to the monitoring device 1 when a predetermined condition is satisfied under the control of the sensor control unit 21. For example, the predetermined condition may be a condition in which the air pressure of the tire 3 is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold. The unique identification information is, for example, a sensor ID. The detection information includes information related to the detected air pressure (air pressure information) in addition to the sensor ID. That is, each detection device 2 spontaneously transmits detection information including the sensor ID to the monitoring device 1 when the air pressure of the tire 3 decreases.

  The sensor control unit 21 has a function as a determination unit, and determines that a predetermined condition is satisfied when the air pressure detected by the air pressure detection unit 25 is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold. Thereby, when the air pressure of the tire 3 decreases, the detection device 2 transmits the detection information including the identification information to the monitoring device 1, so that, for example, compared to the case of periodically transmitting information related to the air pressure, The power consumption required for the transmission process can be reduced. Thereby, it is possible to extend the life of the battery 27 provided in the detection device 2 and supplying power necessary for the operation of the detection device 2.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the monitoring device 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the monitoring device 1 according to the present embodiment includes a control unit 11 that controls the entire device, a storage unit 12 as a storage unit and a recording unit, a device reception unit 13, a UHF reception antenna 13 a, and a device transmission unit. 14, LF transmitting antennas 14a to 14d, a specifying unit 15, a determining unit 16, an in-vehicle communication unit 17, and the like.

  The control unit 11 is, for example, a microcomputer having one or more CPUs (Central Processing Units), a multi-core CPU, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), an input / output interface, and the like. The control unit 11 is connected to the storage unit 12, the device reception unit 13, the device transmission unit 14, the identification unit 15, the determination unit 16, and the in-vehicle communication unit 17 through an input / output interface. The control unit 11 can control the operation of each component unit by executing a control program stored in the storage unit 12.

  The storage unit 12 is a nonvolatile memory such as an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM) or a flash memory. The storage unit 12 stores a control program for the control unit 11 to control the operation of each component of the monitoring device 1. The storage unit 12 records the unique sensor IDs of the four detection devices 2. Note that it is not essential to previously record the unique sensor ID of each detection device 2 in the storage unit 12.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the sensor ID of the detection device 2 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, four sensor IDs (in the example of FIG. 4, for convenience, 0001, 0002, 0003, and 0004) are recorded in advance in the storage unit 12. The sensor ID is recorded by, for example, specifying the detection device 4 used in the vehicle body at the time of manufacturing the vehicle and registering (recording) the sensor ID of the specified detection device 2. That is, when the sensor ID is recorded in the storage unit 12, it is not necessary to associate which detection device 2 corresponds to which position of the tire 3.

  The device reception unit 13 is connected to a UHF reception antenna 13a. The device reception unit 13 receives a signal transmitted from the detection device 2 using a radio wave in the UHF band by the UHF reception antenna 13a. The device reception unit 13 demodulates the received signal and outputs the demodulated signal to the control unit 11. That is, the device reception unit 13 receives detection information transmitted by one detection device 2 among the plurality of detection devices 2. For example, a UHF band of 300 MHz to 3 GHz can be used as the carrier wave, but the carrier wave is not limited to this.

  The storage unit 12 stores the received detection information when the device reception unit 13 receives detection information under the control of the control unit 11. Specifically, the storage unit 12 stores a sensor ID, air pressure information, and the like included in the detection information.

  The device transmission unit 14 modulates the signal output from the control unit 11 into an LF band signal, and transmits the modulated signal to the detection device 2 from each of the plurality of LF transmission antennas 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d. . For example, an LF band of 30 kHz to 300 kHz can be used as the carrier wave, but the carrier wave is not limited to this.

  That is, the apparatus transmission part 14 is the aspect which linked | related the transmission request which requests | requires that each sensor ID should be transmitted with respect to the some detection apparatus 2, when the detection information was received in the apparatus receiving part 13. Send. To transmit in a manner associated with each tire 3 is, for example, when the position of the tire 3 is front right, front left, rear right, rear left, which tire 3 position the transmission request corresponds to It means transmitting in a distinguishable manner. That is, when the detection device 2 transmits the sensor ID to the monitoring device 1 in response to the transmission request, the monitoring device 1 can distinguish which tire 3 the detection device 2 is provided on. means.

  The identification unit 15 collates the received sensor ID with the sensor ID stored in the storage unit 12 when the device reception unit 13 receives the sensor IDs transmitted by the plurality of detection devices 2 in response to the transmission request, The tire 3 provided with the one detection device 2 that spontaneously transmits the air pressure drop of 3 is specified.

  FIG. 5 is a time chart showing an example of a tire position specifying method by the monitoring device 1 of the present embodiment. In FIG. 5, the upper chart shows a transmission request (a signal requesting transmission of a sensor ID) transmitted through each of the LF transmission antennas 14a to 14d (LF antenna). The middle chart shows a received signal received by the UHF receiving antenna 13a (RF antenna). The lower chart shows how the sensor ID extracted from the received signal received by the UHF receiving antenna 13a (RF antenna) is stored in the storage unit 12.

  In FIG. 5, when it is determined that one of the four detection devices 2 satisfies a predetermined condition (for example, a decrease in the tire 3 air pressure threshold or less), the detection information including the sensor ID is first detected. , Received by the UHF receiving antenna 13a. In this case, the control unit 11 extracts the sensor ID from the received signal and stores it in the storage unit 12. The stored sensor ID is, for example, 0001.

  When the control unit 11 acquires the detection information indicating the decrease in the air pressure of the tire 3, the control unit 11 sends a transmission request for requesting each detection device 2 to transmit a unique sensor ID to each of the LF transmission antennas 14a to 14d. To each of the detection devices 2.

  In the example of FIG. 5, first, a transmission request is transmitted to the detection device 2 of the right front tire 3 via the LF transmission antenna 14a. When receiving the signal transmitted from the detection device 2 of the right front tire 3 in response to the transmission request, the control unit 11 extracts the sensor ID from the received signal and stores the sensor ID in the storage unit 12. The stored sensor ID is, for example, 0002.

  Next, a transmission request is transmitted to the detection device 2 of the front left tire 3 via the LF transmission antenna 14b after a lapse of a required time T from the reception time of the reception signal. The time T can be set as appropriate. For example, the time T can be shortened so that the received signal received by the UHF receiving antenna 13a can be distinguished from which UHF transmitting antenna. it can. And if the signal which the detection apparatus 2 of the front left tire 3 transmitted with respect to the said transmission request | requirement is received, the control part 11 will extract sensor ID from a received signal, and will memorize | store it in the memory | storage part 12. FIG. The stored sensor ID is, for example, 0004.

  Similarly, a transmission request is transmitted to the detection device 2 of the right rear tire 3 via the LF transmission antenna 14c after a predetermined time T has elapsed from the reception time of the reception signal. And if the signal which the detection apparatus 2 of the right rear tire 3 transmitted with respect to the said transmission request | requirement is received, the control part 11 will extract sensor ID from a received signal, and will memorize | store it in the memory | storage part 12. FIG. The stored sensor ID is, for example, 0001.

  Finally, a transmission request is transmitted to the detection device 2 of the left rear tire 3 via the LF transmission antenna 14d after a lapse of a required time T from the reception time of the reception signal. And if the signal which the detection apparatus 2 of the left back tire 3 transmitted with respect to the said transmission request is received, the control part 11 will extract sensor ID from a received signal, and will memorize | store it in the memory | storage part 12. FIG. The stored sensor ID is, for example, 0003. In the example of FIG. 5, the transmission requests are transmitted in the order of the LF transmission antennas 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d. However, the transmission order of the transmission requests is not limited to the example of FIG. For example, if a plurality of detection devices 2 transmit at predetermined different timings, the monitoring device 1 can identify which tire by detecting the reception timing even if the LF transmission from the monitoring device 1 is simultaneous. It is possible to distinguish between signals from the position detection device 2.

  As described above, for example, the sensor IDs of the four detection devices are 0001, 0002, 0003, and 0004. Assuming that the sensor ID transmitted by the one detection device that spontaneously transmitted the decrease in the air pressure of the tire 3 is 0001, the storage unit 12 stores the sensor ID = 0001. At this time, it is not known which position of the tire the one detection device 2 is provided on. The sensor ID received from each detection device 2 in response to a transmission request associated with the front right, left front, right rear, and left rear tires 3 of the vehicle is, for example, the right front, left front, right rear, and left rear tires. Assuming that 0002, 0004, 0001, and 0003 are in order, it is sensor ID = 0001 that the stored sensor ID matches the received sensor ID. That is, the right rear tire 3 corresponding to the transmission LF antenna 14c from which the sensor ID = 0001 is extracted can be specified as the tire provided with the one detection device 2.

  With the above-described configuration, for example, when the air pressure decreases, the detection device 2 voluntarily transmits the identification information to the monitoring device 1, and the tire position (for example, right front, left front, right rear, Any of the left back) can be specified.

  The determination unit 16 has a function as a device determination unit. When the detection information is received by the device reception unit 13, the sensor ID included in the received detection information matches one of the sensor IDs recorded in advance in the storage unit 12. It is determined whether or not to do.

  If the determination unit 16 determines that the sensor IDs match under the control of the control unit 11, the device transmission unit 14 transmits a transmission request. That is, a transmission request is transmitted when the sensor ID included in the detection information received by the device receiving unit 13 matches one of the sensor IDs of the detection device 2 of the host vehicle. As a result, when another vehicle exists near the own vehicle and the detection device of the other vehicle transmits a sensor ID, even if the sensor ID is received, it is different from the sensor ID of the own vehicle. Transmission can be prevented, and confusion between the host vehicle and other vehicles can be prevented.

  In addition, the device transmission unit 14 includes a plurality of transmission antennas 14 a to 14 d that are associated with each tire 3 and transmit a transmission request. The identification unit 15 detects each detection in which the sensor ID transmitted by one detection device 2 in response to a transmission request transmitted via one transmission antenna among the plurality of transmission antennas 14a to 14d is stored in the storage unit 12 in advance. If the sensor ID of each device 2 matches, the tire provided with the one detection device 2 is specified.

  For example, let the transmission antennas provided near the tires at the front right, left front, right rear, and left rear be A, B, C, and D, respectively. When the sensor ID transmitted by one detection device 2 in response to the transmission request transmitted via the transmission antenna C matches the sensor ID stored in advance in the storage unit 12, the one detection device 2 is The right rear tire can be specified as being provided in the tire. Thereby, the position of the tire 3 provided with the one detection device 2 that spontaneously transmits the sensor ID to the monitoring device 1 due to the decrease in the air pressure can be specified.

  Further, by adjusting the transmission output of each of the transmission antennas 14a to 14d so that, for example, only one corresponding detection device 2 can receive, the transmission of the request signal from one transmission antenna Since the signal including the sensor ID is transmitted only from one detection device 2 corresponding to one transmission antenna, the monitoring device 1 identifies the tire detection device 2 at which the received sensor ID is located. Can do.

  The in-vehicle communication unit 17 is a communication circuit that performs communication according to a communication protocol such as CAN (Controller Area Network) or LIN (Local Interconnect Network), and is connected to the notification device 4. The in-vehicle communication unit 17 transmits a signal instructing execution of the notification process or the notification process to the notification device 4 according to the control of the control unit 11.

  Next, the operation of the air pressure monitoring system of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure of the monitoring device 1 according to the present embodiment. In the following, for the sake of convenience, the subject of processing will be described as the control unit 11. Whether the control unit 11 has received detection information including a sensor ID (identification information) and air pressure information from one detection device 2 that satisfies a predetermined condition (for example, a condition in which the air pressure of the tire 3 falls below a predetermined threshold). If the detection information is not received (NO in S11), the process of step S11 is continued.

  When the detection information is received (YES in S11), the control unit 11 determines whether or not the received sensor ID matches the sensor ID of the detection device 2 of the host vehicle recorded in advance (S12). (NO in S12), the process is terminated.

  When the received sensor ID matches the previously recorded sensor ID (YES in S12), the control unit 11 stores the received sensor ID and air pressure information in the storage unit 12 (S13). The control part 11 transmits the transmission request | requirement of sensor ID to each detection apparatus 2 (S14).

  The control unit 11 determines whether or not a sensor ID has been received from any one of the detection devices 2 (S15). If the sensor ID has not been received (NO in S15), the process of step S15 is continued. When the sensor ID is received (YES in S15), the control unit 11 determines whether or not the received sensor ID matches the sensor ID stored in step S13 (S16). If the sensor IDs do not match (NO in S16), the control unit 11 continues the processing from step S15.

  When the sensor IDs match (YES in S16), the control unit 11 identifies the tire 3 corresponding to the one detection device 2 (S17), and the identified tire 3 indicates that, for example, the air pressure has decreased. Notification is made (S18), and the process is terminated.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the air pressure decreases, the corresponding detection device 2 voluntarily transmits the sensor ID to the monitoring device 1, and the tire position (for example, the air pressure decreases) (for example, Any one of right front, left front, right rear, and left rear) can be specified. For example, a tire position registration process for registering a correspondence relationship between a sensor ID and a tire position is performed at a manufacturing stage or a maintenance stage. There is no need to do anything. Further, it is not necessary to prepare a memory environment for registering the correspondence relationship between the sensor ID and the tire position.

  The disclosed embodiments are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Monitoring apparatus 2 Detection apparatus 3 Tire 4 Notification apparatus 11 Control part 12 Storage part (Storage part, recording part)
13 device receiving unit 13a UHF receiving antenna 14 device transmitting unit 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d LF transmitting antenna (transmitting antenna)
15 identification unit 16 determination unit (device determination unit)
17 In-car communication unit 21 Sensor control unit (determination unit)
22 Sensor storage unit 23 Sensor transmission unit (transmission unit)
23a UHF transmitting antenna 24 sensor receiving unit 24a LF receiving antenna 25 air pressure detecting unit (detecting unit)
26 Timekeeping unit 27 Battery

Claims (5)

An air pressure monitoring system provided on each tire of a vehicle, comprising a plurality of detection devices for detecting the air pressure of each tire, and a monitoring device for monitoring the air pressure detected by the plurality of detection devices,
Each of the plurality of detection devices includes:
A transmission unit that transmits detection information including unique identification information to the monitoring device when a predetermined condition is satisfied;
The monitoring device
A device receiver that receives detection information transmitted by the transmitter of one of the plurality of detection devices;
A storage unit that stores unique information included in the detection information when the device reception unit receives the detection information;
When the detection information is received by the device reception unit, a device transmission unit that transmits a transmission request for each identification information to the plurality of detection devices in a manner associated with each tire;
When the identification information transmitted by the plurality of detection devices in response to the transmission request is received by the device reception unit, the received identification information is collated with the unique information stored in the storage unit, and the one detection device An air pressure monitoring system comprising: a specific unit that identifies a provided tire. Each of the plurality of detection devices includes:
A detection unit for detecting tire air pressure;
The air pressure monitoring system according to claim 1, further comprising: a determination unit that determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied when the air pressure detected by the detection unit is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value. The monitoring device
A recording unit that previously records identification information of each of the plurality of detection devices;
A device determination unit that determines whether or not the identification information included in the received detection information matches any of the identification information recorded in the recording unit when the device reception unit receives the detection information;
The device transmitter is
The air pressure monitoring system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein when the device determination unit determines that the identification information matches, the transmission request is transmitted. The device transmitter is
A plurality of transmission antennas associated with each tire for transmitting the transmission request;
The specific part is:
If the identification information transmitted by one detection device in response to a transmission request transmitted via one transmission antenna of the plurality of transmission antennas matches the identification information stored in the storage unit, the one detection The air pressure monitoring system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the tire provided with the device is specified. A monitoring device for monitoring air pressure detected by a plurality of detection devices provided in each tire of a vehicle,
When a predetermined condition is satisfied, a receiving unit that receives detection information including unique identification information transmitted by one of the plurality of detection devices; and
A storage unit that stores unique information included in the detection information when the reception unit receives the detection information;
When the reception information is received by the reception unit, a transmission unit that transmits a transmission request for identification information to each of the plurality of detection devices in a manner associated with each tire;
When the reception unit receives identification information transmitted from the plurality of detection devices in response to the transmission request, the received detection information is collated with the unique information stored in the storage unit, and the one detection device is provided. A monitoring device comprising: a specifying unit that specifies a tire that has been used.

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