JP4617690B2 - Tire surface temperature monitoring system, monitoring method thereof, monitoring program thereof, and monitoring screen display method thereof - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a tire surface temperature monitoring system that measures the tire surface temperature and monitors the temperature information to ascertain the condition of the tire and warns that there is a possibility of tire abnormality, and a monitoring method therefor The present invention relates to a monitoring program and a monitoring screen display method thereof.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is a technique in which a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of a tire is disposed at a predetermined position of a vehicle or a tire, and a tire abnormality is determined based on the surface temperature or inner surface temperature of the tire measured by the temperature sensor. .

  For example, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-2111012, a temperature sensor disposed on the inner wall of a wheel house measures the tire surface temperature only from one side surface (inner surface) of the tire, and further measures the tire air pressure. A technique for predicting the occurrence of tire abnormality based on the tire surface temperature and tire air pressure is disclosed.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-127628 discloses a technique for measuring a tire inner surface temperature with a temperature sensor disposed in a rubber of a shoulder portion of a tire and issuing a warning signal when the tire inner surface temperature exceeds a critical temperature. Is disclosed.

  Furthermore, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-72330, the tire inner surface temperature and the tire air pressure are measured with a temperature sensor and a pressure sensor arranged in one place in the tire, and it is determined that the tire is abnormal based on the measurement information. In this case, a technique for turning on a warning light or sounding an alarm buzzer is disclosed.

JP-A-6-2111012 JP 2003-127628 A JP 2003-72330 A

  However, in any of the above techniques, only the temperature measurement of only a part of the tire surface or the inner surface is performed, so that there is a disadvantage that the maximum temperature of the tire surface cannot always be measured.

  That is, the tire surface temperature distribution is determined by vehicle settings such as suspension geometry such as camber angle and toe angle, road surface conditions such as road surface temperature that varies depending on the weather, traveling roads such as straight roads and curves, or sudden handles. The maximum temperature position is not always constant, depending on how the vehicle is operated by the driver, such as braking and sudden braking. In particular, the maximum temperature position on the surface of the tire appears at a position that cannot be predicted when the tire is abnormal just before a burst or during slow puncture, and changes every moment. From the above, it is impossible to measure the maximum temperature on the tire surface with high accuracy by measuring the temperature of only a part of the tire as in the conventional tire temperature measurement technology, and accurately grasp the maximum temperature position. I couldn't.

  Furthermore, if the maximum temperature of the tire surface during driving cannot be accurately grasped, the tire abnormality will not be warned even if the tire surface temperature that may cause a tire abnormality has been reached. There is a risk that this may lead to an undesirable situation.

  Further, in the technique disclosed in the above Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-72330, it is possible to make the driver recognize that some abnormality has occurred in the tire, but it is possible to turn on a warning light or sound a warning buzzer. Since the warning is given by a simple method of sound, there is a disadvantage that the specific temperature distribution on the tire surface, in particular, the maximum temperature position cannot be grasped.

  For example, if the temperature distribution on the tire surface of a racing vehicle (for example, the maximum temperature position at a certain corner) can be grasped in motor sports, improvement or change of vehicle operation such as steering angle and accelerator operation, suspension geometry, etc. It can be used as one of information when changing or adjusting the vehicle settings. In spite of this, conventionally, since only a simple warning can be made, such an advantage cannot be obtained.

  Therefore, the present invention provides a tire surface temperature monitoring system, a monitoring method thereof, a monitoring program thereof, and a monitoring screen display method thereof, which can improve the disadvantages of the conventional example and can grasp an accurate tire surface temperature distribution. Is the purpose. It is another object of the present invention to provide a tire surface temperature monitoring system, a monitoring method thereof, a monitoring program thereof, and a monitoring screen display method thereof capable of notifying a tire abnormality without malfunction.

In order to achieve the above object, in the tire surface temperature monitoring system according to the present invention, the tire surface temperature is provided for at least one tire mounted on the competition vehicle, and the tire surface temperature in the tire width direction is measured during the running of the competition vehicle. Temperature sensor that can be measured, thermal image of tire surface temperature distribution expressed in brightness or color tone for each tire temperature measured with this temperature sensor, tire surface temperature in the tire width direction and tire in the tire circumferential direction Tire surface temperature distribution chart showing distribution with surface temperature, color / temperature correspondence image showing correspondence between color and temperature in thermal image, cross cursor on thermal image, and intersection of cross cursors A control unit that creates a measurement point / tire surface temperature display unit that represents the tire width direction coordinate, the tire circumferential direction coordinate, and the tire surface temperature. Said thermal image, said tire surface temperature distribution diagram, the color / temperature corresponding images, the crosshair cursor, and the measuring point / tire surface temperature display unit, performs improvement or change or of the vehicle operation, the change or adjustment of vehicle settings Display means for displaying as information at the time.

Further, in the tire surface temperature monitoring system of the present invention, a warning unit is newly provided to notify the operator that there is a possibility of tire abnormality, and the control unit is provided with a predetermined image represented by the thermal image of the tire surface temperature distribution. Comparing the temperature zone to which the highest temperature of the tire surface temperature of the measurement location in the tire width direction belongs and the temperature zone to which the lowest temperature belongs to determine whether or not there is a predetermined level difference in each temperature zone, When there is a predetermined step difference, the warning means is activated as there is a possibility of tire abnormality , and when the maximum temperature and the minimum temperature belong to the same temperature range, the temperature difference between the maximum temperature and the minimum temperature is calculated. It is determined whether or not a tire abnormality can occur in comparison with a predetermined threshold value, and the warning means is set to indicate that a tire abnormality may occur when the temperature difference between the maximum temperature and the minimum temperature is equal to or greater than the threshold value. Are provided tire abnormality prediction judgment unit Ru is dynamic.

In order to achieve the above object, in the tire surface temperature monitoring method of the present invention, the tire in the entire tire width direction is traveled from the temperature sensor provided for at least one tire mounted on the competition vehicle. A step of measuring the surface temperature, a tire image of the tire surface temperature measured by the temperature sensor, a thermal image of a tire surface temperature distribution expressed in lightness or color tone for each predetermined temperature zone, a tire surface temperature in the tire width direction and a tire surface temperature Tire surface temperature distribution chart showing distribution with tire surface temperature, color / temperature correspondence image showing correspondence between color and temperature in thermal image, cross cursor on thermal image, and intersection of cross cursor A step of creating a measurement location / tire surface temperature display portion representing tire width direction coordinates, tire circumferential direction coordinates, and tire surface temperature, and the tire surface temperature component Performing the thermal image, said tire surface temperature distribution diagram, the color / temperature corresponding images, the crosshair cursor, and the measuring point / tire surface temperature display unit, improve or change or of the vehicle operation, the change or adjustment of vehicle settings And displaying the information on the display means as information at the time.

Further, in the tire surface temperature monitoring method of the present invention, the temperature zone and the minimum temperature to which the highest temperature of the tire surface temperatures at the measurement location in the predetermined tire width direction represented in the thermal image of the tire surface temperature distribution belongs are set. It is determined whether or not there is a predetermined level difference between the temperature zones to which the temperature belongs, and when the highest temperature and the lowest temperature belong to the same temperature zone, the highest temperature and the lowest temperature a step of determining whether the tire abnormality may occur a temperature difference between the compared with a predetermined threshold value, when there is a gap of a predetermined stage, or at a temperature difference between the maximum temperature and the minimum temperature is the threshold value or more In some cases , there is a step of warning the operator that there is a possibility of tire abnormality.

In order to achieve the above object, in the tire surface temperature monitoring program of the present invention, as a command for causing the central processing unit to execute the tire surface temperature monitoring process, at least one tire mounted on the competition vehicle is used. When the tire surface temperature in the tire width direction is acquired during the running of the racing vehicle from the temperature sensor provided, the heat of the tire surface temperature distribution expressed in lightness or color tone for each predetermined temperature zone with respect to the tire surface temperature. An image, a tire surface temperature distribution diagram representing the distribution of the tire surface temperature in the tire width direction and the tire surface temperature in the tire circumferential direction, and a color / temperature correspondence image representing the correspondence between color and temperature in the thermal image, Measurement point / tie representing cross-cursor on tire image and tire width direction coordinate, tire circumferential direction coordinate and tire surface temperature at intersection of cross-cursor By creating a surface temperature display unit, improve or change or of the vehicle operator, and a command to be displayed on the display means as the information for making any changes or adjustments of the vehicle setting.

In the tire surface temperature monitoring program of the present invention, the temperature zone and the minimum temperature to which the highest temperature of the tire surface temperatures at the measurement location in the predetermined tire width direction represented in the thermal image of the tire surface temperature distribution belongs are set. The temperature ranges to which the temperature ranges belong are compared to determine whether there is a predetermined level difference between the temperature ranges, and when the maximum temperature and the minimum temperature belong to the same temperature range, the maximum temperature and the minimum temperature command and the Ru is judged whether the tire abnormality may occur as compared to the temperature difference between the predetermined threshold value, when there is a gap of a predetermined phase, or the temperature difference between the highest temperature and the lowest temperature is more than the threshold value In this case , there is a command to activate the warning means as there is a possibility of tire abnormality.

In order to achieve the above object, in the tire surface temperature monitoring screen display method of the present invention, the entire tire width direction during the running of the racing vehicle from a temperature sensor provided for at least one tire mounted on the racing vehicle. The tire surface temperature of the tire, the tire surface temperature measured by the temperature sensor, a thermal image of the tire surface temperature distribution expressed in lightness or color tone for each predetermined temperature zone, the tire surface temperature in the tire width direction and the tire circumference Tire surface temperature distribution diagram representing the distribution of the tire surface temperature in the direction, color / temperature correspondence image representing the correspondence between color and temperature in the thermal image, a cross cursor on the thermal image, and the cross cursor A step of creating a measurement location / tire surface temperature display section representing a tire width direction coordinate, a tire circumferential direction coordinate, and a tire surface temperature at an intersection of the tire table, and the tire table Thermal image of the temperature distribution, the tire surface temperature distribution diagram, the color / temperature corresponding images, the crosshair cursor, and the measuring point / tire surface temperature display unit, and improvement or modification of the vehicle operation, change or adjustment of vehicle settings And a step of displaying on the display means as information when performing the above.

  According to the tire surface temperature monitoring system, the monitoring method thereof, the monitoring program thereof, and the monitoring screen display method thereof according to the present invention, the operator can grasp the accurate tire surface temperature distribution. In addition, it is possible to make an accurate tire abnormality warning without malfunction based on the accurate tire surface temperature distribution. Furthermore, an operator who recognizes such an accurate tire surface temperature distribution or an operator who has received a tire abnormality notice uses this information as information for exchanging tires and reviewing vehicle settings such as suspension geometry. It can be used as one.

  Embodiments of a tire surface temperature monitoring system, its monitoring method, its monitoring program, and its monitoring screen display method according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments.

  A tire surface temperature monitoring system according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  First, the configuration of the tire surface temperature monitoring system according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the tire surface temperature monitoring system includes a temperature sensor 1 that measures the surface temperature Ts of the tire Ty, an acceleration sensor 2 that measures the acceleration of the vehicle, and an analog from the temperature sensor 1 and the acceleration sensor 2. A / D conversion means 3 for converting a signal into a digital signal, storage means 4 for storing various databases and the like to be described later, and monitoring of the tire surface temperature Ts based on measurement signals from the temperature sensor 1 and / or the acceleration sensor 2 Tire surface temperature monitoring means 5 for controlling, display means 6 such as a monitor for displaying the temperature measurement result of the tire surface temperature Ts, etc., and input means 7 for an operator such as a driver or a passenger to give instructions And warning means 8 for warning the operator when it is determined by the tire surface temperature monitoring means 5 that a tire abnormality may occur.

  Here, in the first embodiment, the case where all the configurations 1 to 8 of the tire surface temperature monitoring system are mounted on a vehicle will be illustrated. In addition, as shown in FIG. 1, these components 1 to 8 are communicably connected via any wired or wireless communication path.

  First, the temperature sensor 1 of the first embodiment will be described. As described above, it is impossible to predict where the maximum temperature on the tire surface is. For this reason, in the first embodiment, the temperature sensor 1 capable of measuring the surface temperature in the tire width direction is used. As a temperature sensor that enables such temperature measurement, there is a non-contact type, for example, a non-contact type infrared temperature sensor that measures temperature by detecting infrared rays emitted from the tire Ty. If so, use this.

  Here, it can be said that this type of temperature sensor 1 is a temperature sensor for multipoint measurement that performs multipoint measurement at a plurality of locations within a predetermined range in a measurement target. Therefore, in order to measure the surface temperature in the tire width direction TW shown in FIG. 1, the temperature sensor 1 must be disposed at an appropriate position with respect to the tire Ty to be measured. For this reason, in the first embodiment, a predetermined interval is provided from a position where the entire surface temperature in the tire width direction TW can be measured, for example, from the center position in the tire width direction TW on the surface of the tire Ty as shown in FIG. The temperature sensor 1 is disposed at the provided position (such as a wall surface of the wheel house). The temperature sensor 1 is provided on at least one wheel of the vehicle.

  Further, this temperature sensor 1 measures tire surface temperatures at multiple points (for example, 200 points) at fine intervals (for example, about 1 mm intervals) in the tire width direction TW in order to measure the maximum temperature position on the tire surface with high accuracy. It is preferable that it is possible.

  Further, the temperature sensor 1 transmits information on the measured tire surface temperature Ts to the A / D conversion means 3 together with information on the measurement location (coordinate information). That is, the temperature sensor 1 uniquely determines and transmits the relationship between the information on the coordinates (X, Y) of the measurement location on the tire surface and the information on the tire surface temperature Ts at the measurement location. Here, the X direction is the tire width direction TW shown in FIG. 1, and the Y direction is the tire circumferential direction.

  Subsequently, the acceleration sensor 2 can measure the acceleration in any direction of the vehicle. In the first embodiment, the acceleration sensor 2 that measures the accelerations GL and GB in the lateral and longitudinal directions of the vehicle is used. It is done.

  Here, generally, an acceleration sensor for measuring acceleration in the front-rear direction and the lateral direction is already mounted on the vehicle. For this reason, in the first embodiment, an acceleration sensor dedicated to the present system may be provided again, but an existing acceleration sensor as described above may be used. When such an existing acceleration sensor is used, the acceleration signal input to the tire surface temperature monitoring means 5 may be acquired directly from the acceleration sensor via the A / D conversion means 3, and You may acquire from the electronic control unit (ECU: Electronic Control Unit) etc. of the vehicle into which the acceleration signal from the acceleration sensor is input.

  The storage means 4 is a magnetic recording medium such as a HDD (Hard Disk Drive), for example, and as shown in FIG. 1, a temperature / color conversion information storage unit 41, a measurement information storage unit 42, a friction circle / And a temperature distribution information storage unit 43.

First, in the temperature / color conversion information storage unit 41, information on temperature zones in a plurality of stages (the five stages of types A to E in the first embodiment) and information on color tone, lightness, hue, etc. in the temperature zones. (Hereinafter referred to as “color information”) The temperature / color conversion information database 41a shown in FIG. 2 showing the relationship with C _{1 to} C ₅ is stored. Here, it is preferable that the temperature / color conversion information database 41a has at least five temperature zones (colors) set, and, as will be described later, information on the measured tire surface temperature Ts is color. It is used to convert the information C ₁ -C _5. The temperature zone and color information may be defined in advance on the system, or may be appropriately changed by the user.

Further, in the measurement information storage unit 42, information on the coordinates (X, Y) of the measurement location acquired from the temperature sensor 1 and information on the tire surface temperature Ts are stored as first measurement temperature information 42a shown in FIG. The Further, in the measurement information storage unit 42, information on vehicle acceleration (GL, GB) acquired from the acceleration sensor 2, information on a tire surface average temperature Ta to be described later at the acceleration (GL, GB), and the tire The color information C _{1 to} C ₅ corresponding to the surface average temperature Ta is stored as the second measured temperature information 42b shown in FIG.

The friction circle / temperature distribution information storage 43 stores a friction circle / temperature distribution database 43a for creating a friction circle / temperature distribution diagram 62a shown in FIG. Here, the friction circle / temperature distribution diagram 62a is an average value of tire surface temperature Ts for each acceleration (hereinafter referred to as "tire surface average temperature Ta") on the tire friction circle represented in the acceleration coordinate system of the vehicle. .) Is a diagram showing the color information C _{1 to} C ₅ of the temperature zone to which the tire surface average temperature Ta belongs.

In order to create the friction circle / temperature distribution diagram 62a, the friction circle / temperature distribution database 43a includes information on vehicle acceleration (GL, GB) and the case where the vehicle has the acceleration as shown in FIG. The correspondence relationship with the color information C _{1 to} C ₅ in the temperature range corresponding to the tire surface average temperature Ta is recorded.

  Here, for example, in a racing vehicle, limit traveling is actually performed for each vehicle, tire Ty, and further for each traveling road and road surface condition, and the friction circle / temperature distribution database 43a corresponding to each is acquired in advance. Further, in general vehicles, there are various vehicles and road surface conditions to which the tire Ty is attached, and it is difficult to predict, so it is difficult to create the friction circle / temperature distribution database 43a in advance. For this reason, the friction circle / temperature distribution database 43a may be created or updated during traveling.

  Next, the tire surface temperature monitoring means 5 will be described. The tire surface temperature monitoring unit 5 according to the first embodiment includes a control unit 51 such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that performs monitoring control processing of the tire surface temperature Ts based on the information on the tire surface temperature Ts from the temperature sensor 1. I have. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the control unit 51 includes a temperature / color information conversion unit 51A, a display processing unit 51B, a tire abnormality prediction determination unit 51C, and a friction circle / temperature distribution information generation unit. 51D and the tire surface average temperature calculating part 51E are provided.

First, the temperature / color information conversion unit 51A obtains temperature information such as the tire surface temperature Ts measured by the temperature sensor 1 and the tire surface average temperature Ta described above based on the temperature / color conversion information database 41a described above. It has a processing function for converting the color information C _{1 to} C ₅ of the band.

  The display processing unit 51B creates a first temperature measurement result screen 61 shown in FIG. 7 to be described later, a second temperature measurement result screen 62 shown in FIG. 13 and the like, and displays these on the display means 6 Has a display function.

  In addition, the tire abnormality prediction determination unit 51C warns the operator when performing a tire abnormality prediction determination function for predicting whether there is a possibility of occurrence of a tire abnormality and a prediction determination that there is a possibility of occurrence of a tire abnormality. And a warning function to be performed. Here, the warning function refers to a function for causing the display processing unit 51B to blink a temperature measurement result mark 62c, which will be described later, on the second temperature measurement result screen 62, or to activate the warning means 8. . In the first embodiment, first to fourth prediction determination functions are provided as the tire abnormality prediction determination functions.

The first prediction determination function is a temperature range to which the highest temperature T _max among tire surface temperatures Ts of all measurement locations in the tire width direction TW having the same Y value belongs and a temperature zone to which the lowest temperature T _min belongs. In comparison, if there is a gap of a predetermined level or more in each temperature zone, it is determined that there is a possibility of tire abnormality.

Further, the second prediction determination function determines the temperature difference between the maximum temperature T _max and the minimum temperature T _min of all tire surface temperature Ts of the tire width direction TW, tire abnormality occurs is compared with a predetermined threshold value It is determined whether or not it is possible. In the first embodiment, the threshold is set within a range of 10 ° C. to 20 ° C., and it is determined that tire abnormality may occur if “T _max −T _min ≧ threshold”. In the case of a summer tire, the threshold value may be used, but in the case of a winter tire, the threshold value is preferably set within a range of 5 ° C to 10 ° C.

  Further, the third prediction determination function is that the temperature range to which the tire surface average temperature Ta obtained from the measured tire surface temperature Ts belongs belongs to the tire surface average temperature Ta obtained from the tire surface temperature Ts measured before this measurement. If the temperature is higher than the temperature zone by a predetermined level or higher, it is determined that there is a possibility of tire abnormality.

  The fourth prediction determination function is that the tire surface average temperature Ta obtained from the measured tire surface temperature Ts is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value than the tire surface average temperature Ta obtained from the tire surface temperature Ts measured before this measurement. If the temperature is high, it is determined that there is a possibility of tire abnormality. Here, the threshold value can be set to a desired value within a range of 10 ° C. to 20 ° C. for a summer tire and within a range of 5 ° C. to 10 ° C. for a winter tire.

  In addition, this system may be equipped with all the above-mentioned prediction determination functions, and may be provided with one or more prediction determination functions among them.

  Subsequently, the friction circle / temperature distribution information creation unit 51D performs the above-described friction circle / temperature distribution based on the acquired tire surface temperature Ts and acceleration (GL, GB) information and the temperature / color conversion information database 41a. It has a processing function for creating the database 43a.

  Further, the tire surface average temperature calculation unit 51E has a processing function of calculating an average value (tire surface average temperature Ta) of the tire surface temperature Ts at each measurement location measured by the temperature sensor 1.

  Here, the various processing functions of the units 51A to 51E described above are realized by a tire surface temperature monitoring program that controls the CPU, the storage unit 4, the display unit 6, the input unit 7, the warning unit 8, and the like. For example, the tire surface temperature monitoring program includes a command (temperature / color information conversion command, display processing command, tire abnormality prediction determination command, command corresponding to the processing function that causes the CPU to execute the processing function of each of the units 51A to 51E described above. Friction circle / temperature distribution information creation command and tire surface average temperature calculation command, etc.) are provided. The tire surface temperature monitoring program is stored in an optical recording medium such as a CD-ROM, for example, and is read by a reading device (not shown) and stored in a magnetic recording medium such as an HDD to execute monitoring processing.

  The display means 6 may be a monitor of an electronic computer such as a personal computer or a monitor disposed on a dash panel of a vehicle. Here, in the first embodiment, since the display means 6 is mounted on the vehicle as described above, it refers to the latter monitor. In addition, as a monitor mounted in a vehicle, you may prepare the thing only for this system, For example, you may use together with the monitor of a car navigation system.

  The input means 7 may be a keyboard or mouse of an electronic computer such as a personal computer, or a switch, button, joystick or the like disposed at a predetermined position (for example, a dash panel) of a vehicle. Here, in the first embodiment, since the input means 7 is mounted on the vehicle as described above, it refers to the latter switch or the like.

  Furthermore, as the warning means 8 of the first embodiment, a buzzer for firing a warning sound, a warning lamp for visually recognizing, or the like can be considered.

  Next, the operation of this system will be described.

  First, display processing of the first temperature measurement result screen 61 shown in FIG. 7 will be described using the flowchart of FIG.

  Here, for example, it is assumed that monitoring of the tire surface temperature Ts by the present system starts by performing a predetermined operation such as starting the engine or pressing a switch by the driver.

As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6, information on the tire surface temperature Ts and information on the coordinates (X, Y) of the measurement location are input to the tire surface temperature monitoring unit 5 from the temperature sensor 1 via the A / D conversion unit 3. (Step ST1), the tire surface temperature monitoring means 5 refers to the temperature / color conversion information database 41a shown in FIG. to convert the information of the color C ₁ -C ₅ temperature zones (step ST2).

  Here, the information on the tire surface temperature Ts and the coordinates (X, Y) of the measurement location acquired in step ST1 is stored in the measurement information storage unit 42 of the storage unit 4 as the first measurement temperature information 42a shown in FIG. The Further, the tire surface temperature Ts and the information of the coordinates (X, Y) of the measurement location are sent to the tire surface temperature monitoring means 5 sequentially or at a predetermined interval.

  Subsequently, the tire surface temperature monitoring means 5 creates and displays the first temperature measurement result screen 61 shown in FIG. 7 on the display means 6 by the temperature measurement result screen display function of the display processing unit 51B (step ST3). .

Here, on the first temperature measurement result screen 61 of the first embodiment, a thermal image 61a of the tire surface temperature Ts in which the measured tire surface temperature Ts is represented by color information C _{1 to} C ₅ such as a color tone, and the tire width. Tire surface temperature distribution diagrams 61b and 61c representing the distribution of the tire surface temperature Ts in the direction (X direction) and the tire circumferential direction (Y direction), and the color representing the correspondence between the color and temperature in the thermal image 61a. / Temperature correspondence image 61d, a cross cursor 61e on the thermal image 61a, and a measurement location / tire surface temperature display portion 61f representing the coordinates (X, Y) of the measurement location and the tire surface temperature Ts of the measurement location are displayed. Is done.

First, the thermal image 61a is based on the information on the coordinates (X, Y) of the measurement location acquired in step ST1 and the information on the colors C _{1 to} C ₅ of the tire surface temperature Ts converted in step ST2. Created. Here, in the thermal image 61a, the horizontal axis represents the coordinate X in the tire width direction TW, and the vertical axis represents the coordinate Y in the tire circumferential direction.

  The tire surface temperature distribution diagrams 61b and 61c are created based on the tire surface temperature Ts and the coordinates (X, Y) of the measurement location acquired in step ST1.

  Here, in the tire surface temperature distribution diagram 61b in the tire width direction (X direction), the horizontal axis represents the tire width direction TW (coordinate X), and the vertical axis represents the tire surface temperature Ts. It shows the distribution of the tire surface temperature Ts on the horizontal axis of the cross cursor 61e in 61a. In the tire surface temperature distribution diagram 61c in the tire circumferential direction (Y direction), the horizontal axis represents the tire surface temperature Ts, and the vertical axis represents the tire circumferential direction (coordinate Y). It shows the distribution of the tire surface temperature Ts on the vertical axis.

  In the temperature measurement result screen display function of the display processing unit 51B in the first embodiment, when the cross cursor 61e is moved by operating the input means 7, tires in the tire surface temperature distribution diagrams 61b and 61c are adjusted according to the moved position. Display data of the surface temperature Ts is changed.

  Further, the color / temperature correspondence image 61d is created by the temperature measurement result screen display function of the display processing unit 51B based on the temperature / color conversion information database 41a. For example, in the color / temperature correspondence image 61d shown in FIG. 7, the temperature zone A is 83 ° C to 87 ° C, the temperature zone B is 87 ° C to 91 ° C, the temperature zone C is 91 ° C to 95 ° C, and the temperature zone D is 95 ° C. It is created on the basis of the temperature / color conversion information database 41a set to ° C to 99 ° C.

  Furthermore, the measurement location / tire surface temperature display unit 61f includes information on the coordinates (Xp, Yp) of the intersection point P of the cross cursor 61e, the tire surface temperature Ts acquired in step ST1, and the coordinates (X , Y). That is, the temperature measurement result screen display function of the display processing unit 51B retrieves information on the coordinates (X, Y) of the measurement location that matches the information on the coordinates (Xp, Yp) of the intersection P, and coordinates of this measurement location. Information on the tire surface temperature Ts corresponding to the information on (X, Y) is displayed together with the information on the coordinates (X, Y).

  The first temperature measurement result screen 61 is a result obtained by traveling on a general road with a vehicle equipped with tires of tire size: 225 / 45R17 and air pressure: 200 kPa.

  By looking at the first temperature measurement result screen 61 displayed in this manner, the driver or the like can know the accurate temperature distribution on the tire surface. From this temperature distribution, the maximum and minimum temperatures on the tire surface, as well as the exact position of the tire surface, can be ascertained. This can be used for emergency stop of the vehicle and review of vehicle settings such as suspension geometry. It can be used as one of the information.

  Here, in the present system, a tire abnormality prediction determination process is performed in parallel with or after the display process. Therefore, the prediction determination process will be described below with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

  First, the prediction determination process based on the first prediction determination function of the tire abnormality prediction determination unit 51C described above will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, the tire surface temperature monitoring unit 5 uses the tire abnormality prediction determination unit 51C to perform all the measurement in the tire width direction TW (that is, the Y values of the coordinates (X, Y) of the measurement points acquired in step ST1 are the same). obtains information of a tire surface temperature Ts (step ST11), further obtains the information of the maximum temperature T _max and the minimum temperature T _min from its (step ST12).

  In the first embodiment, since the first measurement temperature information 42a shown in FIG. 3 is stored in the measurement information storage unit 42, the tire surface temperature Ts is measured from the measurement information storage unit 42 in step ST11. Information is acquired. Information on the tire surface temperature Ts and the coordinates (X, Y) of the measurement location acquired in step ST1 is temporarily stored in the main memory 52 shown in FIG. May be obtained.

Subsequently, the tire abnormality prediction determination unit 51C searches the temperature zone to which the highest temperature T _max belongs and the temperature zone to which the lowest temperature T _min belongs by referring to the temperature / color conversion information database 41a shown in FIG. (Step ST13), it is determined whether or not there is a gap of a predetermined level or more in each temperature zone (step ST14). For example, here, it is determined whether or not there is a gap of two or more stages (the highest temperature T _max is in the temperature zone D, the lowest temperature T _min is in the temperature zone C, etc.).

  Here, if there is a gap of a predetermined level or more in step ST14, the tire abnormality prediction determination unit 51C determines that there is a possibility of tire abnormality, and operates the warning means 8 to give a warning (step ST15). For example, here, a warning sound is emitted by a buzzer, and / or a warning lamp is turned on or blinked.

  If there is no such separation, the tire abnormality prediction determination unit 51C determines whether or not processing has been performed for all tire surface temperature Ts groups having the same Y value in the tire width direction TW (step ST16). If not finished, the process returns to step ST11, and if finished, the tire abnormality prediction determination process ends.

  Here, FIG. 9 shows a distribution diagram of the tire surface temperature Ts in the tire width direction TW having the same Y value. This tire surface temperature distribution diagram is the same as the tire surface temperature distribution diagram 61b in the tire width direction (X direction) shown in FIG. 7 described above.

For example, in the tire surface temperature distribution diagram 61b shown in FIG. 9, the highest temperature T _max is about 99 ° C. in steps ST12 and ST13, so it belongs to the temperature zone D (95 ° C. to 99 ° C.) and the lowest temperature. Since T _min is about 84 ° C., a search result is obtained that belongs to temperature zone A (83 ° C. to 87 ° C.). For this reason, since it is determined in step ST14 that there is a four-step gap, a warning is issued in step ST15.

  This system predicts tire abnormalities in this way, and alerts the driver before the tire abnormalities occur, so the driver can avoid unforeseen circumstances such as bursts by slowing down the vehicle or performing an emergency stop. can do. In addition, since the first measurement temperature information 42a is stored in the measurement information storage unit 42, the first temperature measurement result screen 61 is called after the stop, and based on the tire surface temperature distribution, tire replacement and suspension geometry are performed. It is also possible to change the vehicle settings such as.

Here, the prediction determination processing by the first prediction determination function described above is the highest for determining a tire abnormality when a narrow temperature range such as 2 ° C. to 5 ° C. is set as described above, for example. This is useful when the temperature difference between the temperature T _max and the minimum temperature T _min is large and a wide temperature range such as 10 ° C. or 20 ° C. is set. However, when the temperature difference is small and a wide temperature range is set, the maximum temperature T _max and the minimum temperature T _min are different even if the temperature difference is to be determined as tire abnormality. In some cases, the alarms may belong to the same temperature range, and the first prediction determination function may not issue a warning that tire abnormality may occur.

  Therefore, in such a case, it is preferable to perform the prediction determination process by the second prediction determination function of the tire abnormality prediction determination unit 51C described above. Below, the prediction determination process based on the 2nd prediction determination function is demonstrated using the flowchart of FIG.

First, the tire surface temperature monitoring unit 5 uses the tire abnormality prediction determination unit 51C to determine all tire surface temperatures Ts having the same Y value in the tire width direction TW, as in steps ST11 and ST12 of the first prediction determination function. The information on the maximum temperature T _{max and} the information on the minimum temperature T _min are acquired from the information (steps ST21 and 22).

Then, the tire abnormality prediction determination unit 51C obtains a temperature difference from the information on the maximum temperature T _{max and} the information on the minimum temperature T _min (step ST23), and determines whether the temperature difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold (step ST23). ST24).

If the temperature difference is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the tire abnormality prediction determination unit 51C determines that there is a possibility of tire abnormality, and activates the warning unit 8 to issue a warning (step ST25). If smaller than the threshold value, tire abnormality prediction determination unit 51C determines whether or not processing has been performed for all tire surface temperature Ts groups in tire width direction TW having the same Y value (step ST26). after returning to the step ST 21 if not, it terminates the prediction judgment processing of the tire abnormality if finished.

  By providing the predetermined threshold in this manner, it is possible to perform reliable tire abnormality prediction determination regardless of the temperature range setting.

  Next, display processing of the second temperature measurement result screen 62 shown in FIGS. 14 and 16 will be described.

  First, before describing the display process, a process for creating the friction circle / temperature distribution database 43a used during the display process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  As described above, for example, an operator gives an instruction to create friction circle / temperature distribution information via the input means 7 during limit running in a competition vehicle and during normal running in a general vehicle. Then, the tire surface temperature monitoring means 5 of this system uses the friction circle / temperature distribution information creation unit 51D to provide information on the tire surface temperature Ts from the temperature sensor 1, and from the acceleration sensor 2 in the lateral and longitudinal directions of the vehicle. Information on acceleration (GL, GB) is acquired via the A / D conversion means 3 (step ST31).

Then, the friction circle / temperature distribution information creation unit 51D calculates the average value (tire surface average temperature Ta) of the tire surface temperature Ts at each acquired measurement location (step ST32), and further the temperature / color conversion information database 41a. Referring to FIG. ₅ , the color information C _{1 to} C ₅ of the temperature range corresponding to the tire surface average temperature Ta is converted (step ST33).

Thereafter, the friction circle / temperature distribution information creation unit 51D obtains the information on the acceleration (GL, GB) acquired in step ST31 and the tire surface average temperature Ta at the acceleration (GL, GB) in step ST33. A friction circle / temperature distribution database 43a composed of the color information C _{1 to} C ₅ converted in step S34 is created (step ST34).

The friction circle / temperature distribution information creation unit 51D repeats the above processing until the operator gives an end instruction, and the friction circle / temperature distribution database 43a created as described above stores acceleration (GL, GB) information and The color information C _{1 to} C ₅ is recorded. Then, the friction circle / temperature distribution database 43a created as shown in FIG. 5 is stored in the friction circle / temperature distribution information storage unit 43 (step ST35).

  In the present system, the display process of the second temperature measurement result screen 62 shown below is performed in a state where the friction circle / temperature distribution database 43a created in this way is prepared. In this case as well, the tire surface temperature Ts starts to be monitored by a predetermined operation as in the case of the first temperature measurement result screen 61 described above.

  First, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 12, the tire surface temperature monitoring means 5 of the first embodiment refers to the friction circle / temperature distribution database 43a by the temperature measurement result screen display function of the display processing unit 51B, and FIG. An initial screen 62A of the second temperature measurement result screen 62 shown is created and displayed on the display means 6 (step ST41).

  Here, the initial screen 62A includes a friction circle / temperature distribution diagram 62a of an acceleration coordinate system in which the horizontal axis is the acceleration GL in the lateral direction of the vehicle and the vertical axis is the acceleration GB in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. A color / temperature correspondence image 62b representing the correspondence between the color and temperature in the friction circle / temperature distribution diagram 62a is displayed.

  The friction circle / temperature distribution diagram 62a shows, for example, the desired friction by the operator operating the input means 7 in consideration of the conditions such as the tire Ty that is mounted, the outside air temperature, the traveling road such as a general road and a circuit, and the like. By specifying the circle / temperature distribution diagram 62a, the temperature measurement result screen display function of the display processing unit 51B calls and displays the corresponding friction circle / temperature distribution database 43a.

  Further, the color / temperature correspondence image 62b is created based on the temperature / color conversion information database 41a, similarly to the color / temperature correspondence image 61d of the first temperature measurement result screen 61 shown in FIG. The color / temperature correspondence image 62b shown in FIG. 13 is also created based on the temperature / color conversion information database 41a in which the same temperature zone as that of the color / temperature correspondence image 61d is set.

  In this system, after the initial screen 62A is displayed in this way, when information on the tire surface temperature Ts and acceleration (GL, GB) is input to the tire surface temperature monitoring means 5, the following is performed. The two temperature measurement result screen 62 is created and displayed.

  As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 12, in the display state of the initial screen 62A, the tire surface temperature Ts information is sent from the temperature sensor 1 via the A / D conversion means 3, and the vehicle side at that time is sent from the acceleration sensor 2. Information on the acceleration in the direction and the longitudinal direction (GL, GB) is input to the tire surface temperature monitoring means 5 (step ST42). Here, each of these pieces of information is input at predetermined intervals (for example, every minute for a general vehicle, every two seconds for a competition vehicle, etc.) at substantially the same timing.

Here, the tire surface temperature monitoring means 5 calculates the average value (tire surface average temperature Ta) of the tire surface temperature Ts at each measurement location acquired in step ST42 by the tire surface average temperature calculation unit 51E (step ST43). ). Then, the tire surface temperature monitoring means 5 refers to the temperature / color conversion information database 41a shown in FIG. 2 by the temperature / color information conversion unit 51A and applies the information of the calculated tire surface average temperature Ta to the corresponding temperature zone. converting the color information C ₁ -C ₅ (step ST44).

Thereafter, the tire surface temperature monitoring means 5 uses the display processing unit 51B to combine the temperature measurement result marks 62c (for example, round marks, cross marks, and the like) composed of the color information C _{1 to} C ₅ converted in step ST44. Are displayed on the friction circle / temperature distribution diagram 62a on the initial screen 62A (step ST45). Here, the temperature measurement result mark 62c is displayed at the position of the acceleration (GL, GB) acquired in step ST42 in the friction circle / temperature distribution diagram 62a. Thereby, the second temperature measurement result screen 62 shown in FIG. 14 is displayed on the display means 6.

For example, if the tire surface temperature Ts is normal with respect to the acceleration (GL, GB) of the vehicle (that is, there is no possibility of occurrence of a tire abnormality), the temperature measurement result mark 62c is a friction circle / temperature distribution diagram 62a. Are displayed on the temperature zone of the same color C _{1 to} C ₅ as that temperature zone or on the adjacent temperature zone.

  If the tire surface temperature Ts is higher than the acceleration (GL, GB) of the vehicle (that is, if there is a possibility of tire abnormality), the temperature measurement result mark 62c is a friction circle / temperature distribution diagram in the temperature zone. In 62a, it is displayed on a region on the lower temperature side than the temperature zone.

Thus, by measuring the temperature results mark 62c made of color information C ₁ -C ₅ different temperature zones over the area of the friction circle / Temperature distribution diagram 62a is displayed, such as the driver operator of the tire abnormality It is possible to know that there is a risk of occurrence.

Here, the information of acceleration (GL, GB) acquired at step ST42, the information of the tire surface average temperature Ta calculated in the step ST43, the color information C ₁ -C ₅ converted in step ST44, the It is stored in the measurement information storage section 42 of the storage means 4 as the second measurement temperature information 42b shown in FIG.

  Although it is possible to know that there is a possibility of tire abnormality also from the temperature measurement result mark 62c displayed in this way, from the second temperature measurement result screen 62 shown in FIG. The tire surface average temperature Ta is decreasing, but whether the temperature measurement result mark 62c on the higher temperature side is displayed on the region of the friction circle / temperature distribution diagram 62a because Ta has increased rapidly, but the vehicle still has Whether the temperature is high for the acceleration (GL, GB) is unknown. That is, the transition of the tire surface average temperature Ta is not clear.

  Therefore, the tire abnormality prediction determination process may be performed as follows to monitor the tire condition with higher accuracy. Here, it is assumed that the display process of the temperature measurement result mark 62c shown in the flowchart of FIG. 12 is performed at least once.

First, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 15, the tire surface temperature monitoring unit 5 uses the information on the calculated tire surface average temperature Ta as the color information C ₁ to C of the temperature range corresponding to the information as in the above-described steps ST42 to ST44. ₅ is converted (steps ST51 to ST53).

Then, as shown in FIG. 16, the tire abnormality prediction determination unit 51C displays the temperature measurement result mark 62d composed of the color information C _{1 to} C ₅ converted in step ST53 as shown in FIG. While displaying on the two temperature measurement result screen 62, the arrow 62e showing transition of the tire surface average temperature Ta from the temperature measurement result mark 62c is displayed on the second temperature measurement result screen 62 (step ST54).

Thereafter, the tire surface temperature monitoring means 5, a third prediction determination function of the tire abnormality prediction judgment unit 51C, the color information C ₁ -C ₅ of the converted tire surface average temperature Ta at step ST53, the conversion The tire surface average temperature Ta color information (here, color information of the temperature measurement result mark 62c) C _{1 to} C ₅ stored in the measurement information storage unit 42 is compared with the tire surface average temperature Ta calculated this time. It is determined whether or not the temperature zone to which the temperature belongs is higher than the temperature zone of the tire surface average temperature Ta stored in the measurement information storage unit 42 by a predetermined stage (for example, two stages) or more (step ST55). .

Here, it is illustrated as performing a comparison between the color information C ₁ -C ₅ tire surface average temperature Ta acquired previously, but before a predetermined time (e.g., in the case of the general vehicle 1 minute ago, when the competition vehicle _May be set so as to be compared with the color information C _{1 to} C _{5 of} the tire surface average temperature Ta acquired 2 seconds before).

  Here, if it is a determination result that the temperature has not risen to the high temperature side for a predetermined level or more (that is, there is no rapid temperature increase), the prediction determination process is terminated. In this case, the temperature measurement result mark 62d is displayed on the region of the friction circle / temperature distribution diagram 62a of the same color or on the region of the temperature zone adjacent to the region.

  Further, in step ST55, it is determined that the temperature has risen to a high temperature side by a predetermined level or more (that is, the tire surface average temperature Ta is high for the vehicle acceleration (GL, GB) and the temperature has risen rapidly). If it is a result, 51 C of tire abnormality prediction determination parts operate | move the warning means 8, and will warn (step ST56). For example, here, a warning sound is emitted by a buzzer, and / or a warning lamp is turned on or blinked.

  In this case, the temperature measurement result mark 62d is displayed on the region of the friction circle / temperature distribution diagram 62a on the lower temperature side. At that time, the tire abnormality prediction determination unit 51C may perform a warning by blinking the temperature measurement result mark 62d, and this makes it easy to identify the temperature measurement result mark 62d that has been warned. It becomes easy to recognize the possibility of occurrence.

  As described above, the temperature measurement result mark 62d composed of the color of the temperature zone on the higher temperature side than the region is displayed on the region of the friction circle / temperature distribution diagram 62a, and further, for example, the time of the tire surface average temperature Ta by the arrow 62e. Since the winning transition is also displayed, an operator such as a driver can recognize that there is a possibility of tire abnormality due to a rapid temperature rise. In addition, if the warning is given, the driver can recognize the warning without moving his line of sight, which is preferable from the viewpoint of safety.

Here, every time the tire surface temperature Ts is acquired, the tire surface average temperature Ta is calculated and the color information C _{1 to} C ₅ is compared, but within a predetermined time (for example, at least 5 to 10 seconds). ), The average temperature of the tire surface temperature Ts acquired may be calculated, and the color information C _{1 to} C ₅ of the tire surface average temperature Ta may be compared.

  As described above, in the third prediction determination function, the tire abnormality prediction determination is performed by comparing the temperature zones. However, depending on the temperature range setting, it is assumed that there is a temperature difference that should be determined as a tire abnormality. However, each tire surface average temperature Ta to be compared may belong to the same temperature range, and tire abnormality may not be grasped.

  Therefore, as described below, this prediction determination may be performed using the fourth prediction determination function of the tire abnormality prediction determination unit 51C described above.

First, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 17, the tire surface temperature monitoring unit 5 converts the information of the calculated tire surface average temperature Ta into the color information C _{1 to} C ₅ of the corresponding temperature range in the same manner as in steps ST51 to ST53. Conversion is performed (steps ST61 to ST63). Then, as in step ST54, as shown in FIG. 16, a temperature measurement result mark 62d composed of the color information C _{1 to} C ₅ converted in step ST63 and an arrow 62e indicating the transition of the tire surface average temperature Ta are displayed. (Step ST64).

  Subsequently, the tire surface temperature monitoring means 5 uses the fourth prediction determination function of the tire abnormality prediction determination unit 51C to calculate the tire surface average temperature Ta calculated in the above step ST62, and before the calculation (for example, in the case of a general vehicle). Is the tire surface average temperature Ta (here, the tire surface average temperature Ta of the temperature measurement result mark 62c) stored in the measurement information storage unit 42 one minute before, in the case of a racing vehicle, a predetermined time such as two seconds before) Is obtained (step ST65).

  The tire abnormality prediction determination unit 51C determines whether or not the temperature difference of the tire surface average temperature Ta calculated in step ST65 is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold (for example, 10 ° C.), that is, the tire surface average temperature calculated this time. It is determined whether or not Ta is higher than the tire surface average temperature Ta stored in the measurement information storage unit 42 by a predetermined threshold value or more (step ST66).

  Here, if the temperature difference of the tire surface average temperature Ta is not equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold (that is, if there is no rapid temperature increase), the prediction determination process is terminated. In this case, the temperature measurement result mark 62d is on the region of the friction circle / temperature distribution diagram 62a of the same color as that of the third prediction determination function or on the region of the temperature zone adjacent to the region. Is displayed.

  In step ST66, if the temperature difference of the tire surface average temperature Ta is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold (that is, the tire surface average temperature Ta is high for the vehicle acceleration (GL, GB), and the temperature rises rapidly. If so, the tire abnormality prediction determination unit 51C operates the warning means 8 to give a warning (step ST67). For example, here, a warning sound is emitted by a buzzer, and / or a warning lamp is turned on or blinked.

  In this case, the temperature measurement result mark 62d is displayed on the region of the friction circle / temperature distribution diagram 62a on the lower temperature side than the third prediction determination function described above. At that time, the tire abnormality prediction determination unit 51C may perform a warning by blinking the temperature measurement result mark 62d, and this makes it easy to identify the temperature measurement result mark 62d that has been warned. It becomes easy to recognize the possibility of occurrence.

  Thus, according to the fourth prediction determination function, not only the same effect as the third prediction determination function described above can be obtained, but also the tire condition can be well understood without being affected by the temperature range setting range. it can.

  The third or fourth prediction determination function described above calculates the tire surface average temperature Ta from the tire surface temperature Ts at each measurement location, and monitors tire abnormality based on the tire surface average temperature Ta. However, the tire abnormality may be monitored by performing the same processing as described above based on the measured maximum temperature or minimum temperature of the tire surface. However, in such a case, the color information of the friction circle / temperature distribution database 43a is the color information of the temperature zone to which the maximum temperature or the minimum temperature of the tire surface belongs, and the friction circle / temperature distribution diagram 62a is created based on this color information. Do.

  As described above, according to the present system, the driver can visually recognize an accurate distribution of the tire surface temperature Ts in real time during traveling regardless of the traveling state of the vehicle. Further, it is possible to recognize that there is a possibility that an abnormality may occur in the tire by looking at the tire surface temperature distribution or the temperature measurement result mark 62d, or by a fired warning sound or the like. For this reason, the driver can decelerate the vehicle or make an emergency stop, thereby avoiding a dangerous state such as a burst.

  Further, since the position of the maximum temperature on the tire surface can be accurately grasped, the first and second temperature measurement result screens 61 and 62 displayed on the display means 6 can be replaced with the tire Ty after the vehicle stops. It can also be used as one piece of information such as whether or not to review vehicle settings such as suspension geometry.

  In the first embodiment, for convenience of explanation, in the case of the first temperature measurement result screen 61, information on the tire surface temperature Ts and the coordinates (X, Y) of the measurement location is acquired, and the second temperature measurement. In the case of the result screen 62, it has been described that information on the tire surface temperature Ts and acceleration (GL, GB) is acquired. As described above, only necessary information may be acquired according to the screen to be displayed, but all the information may be acquired and only necessary information may be used for each process.

  Further, the first or second temperature measurement result screens 61 and 62 described above may be displayed on the display means 6 on one screen for all the tires Ty on which the temperature sensor 1 and the acceleration sensor 2 are arranged. You may enable it to switch for every tire Ty by operation of the means 7. Moreover, you may display both the 1st and 2nd temperature measurement result screens 61 and 62 on one screen.

  Here, as described above, during the display processing of the first temperature measurement result screen 61 and the second temperature measurement result screen 62, a warning by the warning means 8 is given to the driver. In the above example, the driver performs a braking operation at the time of such a warning to avoid a dangerous state such as a burst, but this can be controlled by the vehicle side.

  In other words, when the tire abnormality prediction determination unit 51C determines that there is a possibility of occurrence of a tire abnormality, a vehicle control instruction function is provided that instructs the ECU that controls the braking device and the prime mover to brake the vehicle. Is also possible. For example, this vehicle control instruction function instructs the ECU to operate the hydraulic actuator of the braking device to stop the vehicle when it is determined that there is a possibility of tire abnormality. Thus, even if the driver does not notice the warning, the vehicle can be safely stopped.

  Next, a tire surface temperature monitoring system according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  For example, in a racing vehicle, the state of the vehicle including the tire Ty during testing and competition is constantly monitored in a pit, etc., and information obtained from such monitoring is reviewed for vehicle settings such as suspension geometry, It is used for grasping tire replacement time and running pace distribution. Therefore, it is desirable to monitor the tire surface temperature Ts also in the pits and the like to know the exact distribution of the tire surface temperature Ts. In a competition vehicle or a development vehicle, a passenger or the like may monitor and record the tire surface temperature distribution in the vehicle, take it home, and feed it back to the subsequent vehicle settings.

  For this reason, the tire surface temperature monitoring system of the second embodiment can monitor the tire surface temperature Ts even in a place other than the vehicle. For this purpose, as shown in FIG. The communication means 9 and the tire surface temperature monitoring device 100 are provided in this system. Here, a case where the tire surface temperature monitoring device 100 is installed outside a vehicle such as a pit is illustrated.

  First, the communication means 9 has a wireless communication path, and as shown in FIG. 18, includes a transmission unit 9A disposed on the vehicle side and a reception unit 9B installed outside the vehicle. When the tire surface temperature monitoring device 100 is installed in the vehicle, the communication means 9 may be wired or wireless.

  Next, the tire surface temperature monitoring device 100 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 19, the tire surface temperature monitoring device 100 includes a temperature / color conversion information storage unit 141, a measurement information storage unit 142, and a friction circle / temperature distribution information storage unit 143 similar to the storage unit 4 on the vehicle side. A storage means 104 is provided.

Further, as shown in FIG. 19, the tire surface temperature monitoring apparatus 100 includes a control unit 151 (temperature / color information conversion unit 151A, display processing unit 151B shown in FIG. 19) similar to the tire surface temperature monitoring means 5 on the vehicle side. , Tire abnormality prediction determination unit 151C, friction circle / temperature distribution information creation unit 151D, and tire surface average temperature calculation unit 151E) are provided.

  The friction circle / temperature distribution information creation unit 151D is not necessarily provided in the tire surface temperature monitoring unit 105 of the tire surface temperature monitoring device 100. In such a case, the friction circle / temperature distribution database 43a created on the vehicle side is not necessary. May be stored in the friction circle / temperature distribution information storage unit 143 in advance.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 19, the tire surface temperature monitoring device 100 is provided with a display means 106 for displaying the temperature measurement result of the tire surface temperature Ts and an input means 107 for an operator to give an instruction. ing.

  Here, for example, as the tire surface temperature monitoring device 100, an electronic computer such as a personal computer can be used.

Further, the tire surface temperature monitoring means 5 of the vehicle side in the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 18, the first measured temperature information 42a and 4 shown in FIG. 3 to be stored in the measurement information storage unit 142 shown in FIG. 19 Is transmitted to the tire surface temperature monitoring apparatus 100 via the transmission unit 9A. A transmission processing unit 56 is provided.

  The tire surface temperature monitoring system of the second embodiment configured as described above operates as follows. Since the processing operation on the vehicle side is basically the same as that of the first embodiment described above, the operation on the vehicle side unique to the second embodiment and the operation of the tire surface temperature monitoring device 100 will be described below. .

  Initially, the display process of the 1st temperature measurement result screen 61 shown in FIG. 7 is demonstrated.

  Here, the flowchart of FIG. 6 is substituted, and the description of the processing operation similar to that of the vehicle tire surface temperature monitoring means 5 is simplified or omitted. Further, with respect to the omitted parts, the storage means 4 is the storage means 104, the measurement information storage section 42 is the measurement information storage section 142, the tire surface temperature monitoring means 5 is the tire surface temperature monitoring means 105, and the display processing section 51B. The display processing unit 151B, the display unit 6 is replaced with the display unit 106, and the input unit 7 is replaced with the input unit 107. This replacement is the same in corresponding portions in the following description of the second embodiment.

  First, the transmission processing unit 56 of the tire surface temperature monitoring unit 5 on the vehicle side transmits the first measured temperature information 42a to the tire surface temperature monitoring device 100 via the transmission unit 9A. Thereby, in the tire surface temperature monitoring device 100, the first measured temperature information 42a is input to the tire surface temperature monitoring means 105 via the receiving unit 9B (step ST1).

Then, the tire surface temperature monitoring means 105 refers to the temperature / color conversion information database 41a shown in FIG. 2 by the temperature / color information conversion unit 151A , and determines the tire surface temperature Ts in the received first measured temperature information 42a. The information is converted into information of colors C _{1 to} C _{5 in} the corresponding temperature range (step ST2).

  Thereafter, in the same manner as the tire surface temperature monitoring means 5 on the vehicle side, the first temperature measurement result screen 61 in step ST3 is created / displayed.

  Here, in the second embodiment, the received first measurement temperature information 42 a is stored in the measurement information storage unit 142.

  When the first temperature measurement result screen 61 is displayed on the display unit 106 in this way, the tire surface temperature monitoring unit 105 performs prediction determination based on the first or second prediction determination function of the tire abnormality prediction determination unit 151C. Process.

  Here, since the prediction determination process is performed in the same manner as in the case of the first embodiment shown in the flowchart of FIG. 8 or FIG. 10, the description thereof is omitted here. In the description of FIG. 8 or FIG. 10, the tire abnormality prediction determination unit 51 </ b> C is replaced with the tire abnormality prediction determination unit 151 </ b> C (the same applies to other descriptions of the second embodiment shown below).

  However, in the second embodiment, since the warning means 8 is not provided outside the vehicle such as a pit, the warning in step ST15 shown in FIG. 8 or step ST25 shown in FIG. 10 is not performed, but the warning means is not provided outside the vehicle. And a warning may be given even outside the vehicle.

  Next, display processing of the second temperature measurement result screen 62 shown in FIGS. 14 and 16 will be described.

  Here, the flowchart of FIG. 12, FIG. 15 or FIG. 17 is substituted, and the description of the processing operation similar to that of the tire surface temperature monitoring means 5 on the vehicle side is simplified or omitted.

  The tire surface temperature monitoring means 105 of the second embodiment performs the creation / display processing of the initial screen 62A of the second temperature measurement result screen 62 shown in FIG. 13 as in the first embodiment (step ST41).

  Here, on the vehicle side of the second embodiment, the transmission processing unit 56 of the tire surface temperature monitoring means 5 transmits the second measured temperature information 42b to the tire surface temperature monitoring device 100 via the transmission unit 9A. In the tire surface temperature monitoring device 100, the second measured temperature information 42b is input to the tire surface temperature monitoring means 105 via the receiving unit 9B.

  That is, the tire surface temperature monitoring device 100 acquires acceleration (GL, GB) information, tire surface average temperature Ta information, and color information thereof based on the received second measured temperature information 42b. For this reason, in the second embodiment, the process proceeds to the next process without performing the processes of steps ST42 to ST44 in FIG. 12, steps ST51 to ST53 in FIG. 15, and steps ST61 to ST63 in FIG. Thereafter, the processes of FIGS. 12, 15, and 17 are performed in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

In the second embodiment, since the warning means 8 is not provided outside the vehicle such as a pit, the warning in step ST56 shown in FIG. 15 or step ST67 shown in FIG. And a warning may be given even outside the vehicle.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, an accurate distribution of the tire surface temperature Ts during traveling can be seen outside the vehicle in real time. For this reason, the operator can know the position of the maximum temperature on the tire surface from the distribution of the tire surface temperature Ts, so that the vehicle can be decelerated and emergency stopped, and further, the pace of distribution and tire replacement can be performed, for example, by a radio device, etc. Therefore, it is possible to instruct the driver to avoid a dangerous state such as a burst. Further, the vehicle settings such as the suspension geometry can be reviewed using the distribution of the tire surface temperature Ts.

  Next, a third embodiment of the tire surface temperature monitoring system according to the present invention will be described.

  The tire surface temperature monitoring system according to the third embodiment can monitor the tire surface temperature Ts at a place other than the vehicle as in the second embodiment. However, the difference from Example 2 is that the tire surface temperature is not monitored on the vehicle side.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 20, the tire surface temperature monitoring system of the third embodiment includes a temperature sensor 1, an acceleration sensor 2, an A / D conversion means 3 and a warning means 8 provided on the vehicle side, and a vehicle outside. And a tire surface temperature monitoring device 100 installed.

  Here, the temperature sensor 1, acceleration sensor 2, A / D conversion means 3 and warning means 8 on the vehicle side are the same as those in the first and second embodiments. Further, the tire surface temperature monitoring device 100 is the same as that of the second embodiment described above (that is, the one shown in FIG. 19).

  Further, this tire surface temperature monitoring system is provided with a communication means 109 for exchanging information and commands between the vehicle side and the tire surface temperature monitoring device 100 outside the vehicle. The communication means 109 has a wireless communication path, and as shown in FIG. 20, includes a transmission / reception unit 109A disposed on the vehicle side and a transmission / reception unit 109B installed outside the vehicle.

  Since the tire surface temperature monitoring system of the third embodiment configured as described above performs the same processing operation as that of the first embodiment, detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

  For this reason, in the description of the operation cited in the first embodiment, the storage means 4 is the storage means 104, the temperature / color conversion information storage section 41 is the temperature / color conversion information storage section 141, and the measurement information storage section 42 is the measurement information. The storage unit 142 and the friction circle / temperature distribution information storage unit 43 are replaced with the friction circle / temperature distribution information storage unit 143.

  Further, the tire surface temperature monitoring means 5 is the tire surface temperature monitoring means 105, the temperature / color information conversion unit 51A is the temperature / color information conversion unit 151A, the display processing unit 51B is the display processing unit 151B, and the tire abnormality prediction determination unit. 51C is a tire abnormality prediction determination unit 151C, a friction circle / temperature distribution information creation unit 51D is a friction circle / temperature distribution information creation unit 151D, a tire surface average temperature calculation unit 51E is a tire surface average temperature calculation unit 151E, and a main memory 52 is read as the main memory 152.

  Furthermore, the display means 6 is read as the display means 106, and the input means 7 is read as the input means 107.

Here, in the processing operation, the communication unit 109 according to the third embodiment transmits information from the temperature sensor 1 and the acceleration sensor 2 to the tire surface temperature monitoring device 100 and predicts tire abnormality in the tire surface temperature monitoring device 100. The warning command (command for operating the warning means 8) of the determination unit 151C is sent to the warning means 8.

  In the tire surface temperature monitoring system according to the third embodiment, the same effects as those of the second embodiment described above can be obtained.

  As described above, the tire surface temperature monitoring system, the monitoring method thereof, the monitoring program thereof, and the monitoring screen display method thereof according to the present invention are useful for accurately monitoring the tire surface temperature. It is suitable for accurately grasping the temperature distribution to avoid dangerous situations such as burst and to set the vehicle.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a tire surface temperature monitoring system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the temperature / color conversion information database of this system. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the 1st measured temperature information of this system. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the 2nd measured temperature information of this system. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the friction circle / temperature distribution database of this system. It is a flowchart explaining the display process of the 1st temperature measurement result screen in this system. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the 1st temperature measurement result screen of this system. It is a flowchart explaining the tire abnormality prediction determination process of the 1st prediction determination function in this system. It is a figure which shows an example of the tire surface temperature distribution map of this system. It is a flowchart explaining the tire abnormality prediction determination process of the 2nd prediction determination function in this system. It is a flowchart explaining the creation process of the friction circle / temperature distribution database of this system. It is a flowchart explaining the display process of the 2nd temperature measurement result screen in this system. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the initial screen of the 2nd temperature measurement result screen in this system. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the 2nd temperature measurement result screen of this system. It is a flowchart explaining the display process of the 2nd temperature measurement result screen which performs tire abnormality prediction determination of the 3rd prediction determination function in this system. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the 2nd temperature measurement result screen in which the tire abnormality prediction determination process of the 3rd prediction determination function in this system was performed. It is a flowchart explaining the display process of the 2nd temperature measurement result screen which performs tire abnormality prediction determination of the 4th prediction determination function in this system. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of Example 2 of the tire surface temperature monitoring system which concerns on this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the tire surface temperature monitoring apparatus of the present Example 2. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of Example 3 of the tire surface temperature monitoring system which concerns on this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Temperature sensor 2 Acceleration sensor 4,104 Storage means 5,105 Tire surface temperature monitoring means 6,106 Display means 8 Warning means 41a Temperature / color conversion information database 43a Friction circle / temperature distribution database 51,151 Controller 51A, 151A Temperature / Color information conversion unit 51B, 151B Display processing unit 51C, 151C Tire abnormality prediction determination unit 51D, 151D Friction circle / temperature distribution information creation unit 51E, 151E Tire surface average temperature calculation unit 61 First temperature measurement result screen 61a Thermal image 61b 61c Tire surface temperature distribution diagram 62 Second temperature measurement result screen 62a Friction circle / temperature distribution diagram 62c, 62d Temperature measurement result mark 62e Arrow 100 Tire surface temperature monitoring device Ty Tire Ts Tire surface temperature Ta Tire surface average temperature TW Tire width direction

Claims (7)

A temperature sensor that is provided for at least one tire mounted on the competition vehicle and that can measure the tire surface temperature in the entire tire width direction while the competition vehicle is running, and a tire surface temperature measured by the temperature sensor is predetermined. Thermal image of tire surface temperature distribution expressed in lightness or color tone for each temperature zone, tire surface temperature distribution diagram showing distribution of tire surface temperature in tire width direction and tire surface temperature in tire circumferential direction, said thermal image A color / temperature correspondence image representing the correspondence between color and temperature in the tire, a cross cursor on the thermal image, and a measurement representing tire width direction coordinates, tire circumferential direction coordinates, and tire surface temperature at the intersection of the cross cursors A control unit for creating a location / tire surface temperature display unit, the thermal image created by the control unit, the tire surface temperature distribution diagram, the color / temperature correspondence image, Cursor, and the measurement points / tire surface temperature display unit, improve or change or of the vehicle operation, the tire surface temperature, characterized in that a display means for displaying the information when making changes or adjustment of vehicle settings Monitoring system. New warning means to inform the operator that there is a risk of tire abnormalities,
The control unit compares the temperature zone to which the highest temperature of the tire surface temperatures at the measurement location in the predetermined tire width direction represented in the thermal image of the tire surface temperature distribution belongs and the temperature zone to which the lowest temperature belongs. It is determined whether or not there is a predetermined level difference in each temperature zone, and if there is a predetermined level difference, the warning means is activated as there is a possibility of tire abnormality , and the maximum temperature and the minimum temperature are When belonging to the same temperature range, the temperature difference between the highest temperature and the lowest temperature is compared with a predetermined threshold value to determine whether a tire abnormality can occur, and the temperature difference between the highest temperature and the lowest temperature is tire abnormal fear there monitoring system tire surface temperature according to claim 1, characterized in that a tire abnormality prediction judgment unit Ru is operated the warning means as in the case where the threshold value or more. Measuring the tire surface temperature in the entire tire width direction during the running of the racing vehicle from a temperature sensor provided for at least one tire mounted on the racing vehicle ;
Regarding the tire surface temperature measured by the temperature sensor, a thermal image of the tire surface temperature distribution expressed in lightness or color tone for each predetermined temperature range, and a distribution of the tire surface temperature in the tire width direction and the tire surface temperature in the tire circumferential direction, respectively. Tire surface temperature distribution diagram, color / temperature correspondence image representing the correspondence between color and temperature in the thermal image, cross cursor on the thermal image, and tire width direction coordinates and tire circumference at the intersection of the cross cursor A step of creating a measurement location / tire surface temperature display section that represents the direction coordinates and the tire surface temperature;
The thermal image of the tire surface temperature distribution, the tire surface temperature distribution diagram, the color / temperature correspondence image, the crosshair cursor, and the measurement location / tire surface temperature display section can be improved or changed for vehicle operation, Displaying on the display means as information when making changes or adjustments ;
A method for monitoring a tire surface temperature, comprising: The temperature zone to which the highest temperature of the tire surface temperature at the measurement location in the predetermined tire width direction represented in the thermal image of the tire surface temperature distribution belongs is compared with the temperature zone to which the lowest temperature belongs to each temperature zone. It is determined whether or not there is a predetermined level difference , and when the maximum temperature and the minimum temperature belong to the same temperature range, the temperature difference between the maximum temperature and the minimum temperature is compared with a predetermined threshold value to detect tire abnormality. There the steps of determining whether may occur,
A step of warning an operator that there is a possibility of tire abnormality when there is a predetermined step difference , or when the temperature difference between the maximum temperature and the minimum temperature is equal to or greater than the threshold ;
The tire surface temperature monitoring method according to claim 3, further comprising: With various commands to make the central processing unit execute monitoring processing of the tire surface temperature,
As these various commands, when the tire surface temperature in the tire width direction is acquired during the running of the racing vehicle from the temperature sensor provided for at least one tire mounted on the racing vehicle, the tire surface temperature is Thermal image of tire surface temperature distribution expressed in lightness or color tone for each predetermined temperature zone, tire surface temperature distribution diagram showing distribution of tire surface temperature in the tire width direction and tire surface temperature in the tire circumferential direction, and the heat A color / temperature correspondence image representing the correspondence between color and temperature in the image, a cross cursor on the thermal image, and a tire width direction coordinate, a tire circumferential direction coordinate, and a tire surface temperature at the intersection of the cross cursor by creating a measurement point / tire surface temperature display unit, improve or change or of the vehicle operator on the display means as the information for making any changes or adjustments of a vehicle set Tire surface temperature of the monitoring program that is characterized by having a decree. The temperature zone to which the highest temperature of the tire surface temperature at the measurement location in the predetermined tire width direction represented in the thermal image of the tire surface temperature distribution belongs is compared with the temperature zone to which the lowest temperature belongs to each temperature zone. It is determined whether there is a predetermined level difference , and further, when the maximum temperature and the minimum temperature belong to the same temperature range, the temperature difference between the maximum temperature and the minimum temperature is compared with a predetermined threshold value to cause a tire abnormality. command and but that Ru is determined whether may occur,
A command to activate a warning means as a possibility of occurrence of tire abnormality when there is a predetermined step difference , or when a temperature difference between the maximum temperature and the minimum temperature is equal to or greater than the threshold ;
The tire surface temperature monitoring program according to claim 5, further comprising: Measuring the tire surface temperature in the entire tire width direction during the running of the racing vehicle from a temperature sensor provided for at least one tire mounted on the racing vehicle ;
Regarding the tire surface temperature measured by the temperature sensor, a thermal image of the tire surface temperature distribution expressed in lightness or color tone for each predetermined temperature range, and a distribution of the tire surface temperature in the tire width direction and the tire surface temperature in the tire circumferential direction, respectively. Tire surface temperature distribution diagram, color / temperature correspondence image representing the correspondence between color and temperature in the thermal image, cross cursor on the thermal image, and tire width direction coordinates and tire circumference at the intersection of the cross cursor A step of creating a measurement location / tire surface temperature display section that represents the direction coordinates and the tire surface temperature;
The thermal image of the tire surface temperature distribution, the tire surface temperature distribution diagram, the color / temperature correspondence image, the crosshair cursor, and the measurement location / tire surface temperature display section can be improved or changed for vehicle operation, Displaying on the display means as information when making changes or adjustments ;
A method for displaying a monitoring screen of a tire surface temperature, characterized by comprising:

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