WO2021171351A1 - Tire state monitoring device and tire state monitoring system - Google Patents

Abstract

This tire state monitoring device comprises: a plurality of systems of receivers configured so as to receive signals from each of a plurality of transmitters; and a control unit configured to control the receivers. The control unit is configured to individually control the receivers of the plurality of systems so as to be in a reception standby state in which it it possible to receive a signal from each of the plurality of transmitters. The control unit is also configured to control the receivers of a second system so as to be in the reception standby state when the receivers of a first system among the plurality of systems of receivers are controlled so as to be in the reception standby state while the receivers of a second system separate from the receivers of the first system are not controlled so as to be in the reception standby state and it is not possible for the receivers of the first system to receive a signal from at least one of the plurality of transmitters.

Description

Tire condition monitoring device and tire condition monitoring system

The present disclosure relates to a tire condition monitoring device and a tire condition monitoring system for monitoring the condition of tires of wheels.

Conventionally, a wireless tire condition monitoring device has been proposed as a device for monitoring the condition of wheel tires. This tire condition monitoring device is provided on the vehicle body of the vehicle, and is a receiver that receives a signal regarding the condition of the tires of the wheels from transmitters provided on each of the plurality of wheels, and a control based on the signal received by the receiver. It is equipped with a control unit that performs the above.

For example, in the tire condition monitoring device disclosed in Patent Document 1, the receiver has a plurality of receivers corresponding to each of the plurality of transmitters, and can receive signals from the transmitters. Multiple receivers are controlled in the reception waiting state. In such a tire condition monitoring device, the signals transmitted from the transmitter can be sequentially received by controlling the receivers of a plurality of systems in the reception waiting state, and the signals transmitted from the transmitter are received. If not, an error message will be displayed.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2005-162118

However, in the above-mentioned tire condition monitoring device, all of the receivers of the plurality of systems are controlled in the reception waiting state, so that the power consumption of the tire condition monitoring device becomes large.

An object of the present disclosure is to provide a tire condition monitoring device and a tire condition monitoring system capable of reducing power consumption.

The tire condition monitoring device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a tire condition monitoring device for monitoring the tire condition of a vehicle, and is a receiving unit configured to receive signals from each of a plurality of transmitters. And a control unit configured to control the receiving unit. The receiver has a plurality of receivers configured to receive signals from each of the plurality of transmitters. The control unit is configured to individually control the receivers of the plurality of systems in a reception waiting state in which signals from each of the plurality of transmitters can be received, and among the receivers of the plurality of systems. While controlling the receiver of the first system to the reception waiting state, the receiver of the second system different from the receiver of the first system among the receivers of the plurality of systems is not controlled to the reception waiting state. In this case, when the receiver of the first system cannot receive a signal from at least one of the plurality of transmitters, the receiver of the second system is controlled to the reception waiting state. It is composed.

The tire condition monitoring system according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a tire condition monitoring system for monitoring the condition of tires of a vehicle, and receives signals from a plurality of transmitters and each of the plurality of transmitters. A receiving unit configured as described above and a control unit configured to control the receiving unit are provided. The plurality of transmitters include a plurality of tire condition transmitters configured to transmit a signal regarding the condition of the tire. The receiver has a plurality of receivers configured to receive signals from each of the plurality of transmitters. The control unit is configured to individually control the receivers of the plurality of systems in a reception waiting state in which signals from each of the plurality of transmitters can be received, and among the receivers of the plurality of systems. While controlling the receiver of the first system to the reception waiting state, the receiver of the second system different from the receiver of the first system among the receivers of the plurality of systems is not controlled to the reception waiting state. In this case, when the receiver of the first system cannot receive a signal from at least one of the plurality of transmitters, the receiver of the second system is controlled to the reception waiting state. It is composed.

The schematic block diagram which shows the tire condition monitoring system including the tire condition monitoring apparatus of embodiment. The figure which shows the circuit structure of the tire sensor unit of an embodiment. The figure which shows the circuit structure of the mobile terminal apparatus of embodiment. A flowchart showing a reception wait control process. A flowchart showing a reception wait control process. The figure which shows the received power table. The figure which shows the mode about the transmission / reception of the radio wave in a tire sensor unit and a receiver unit. The figure which shows the mode about the transmission / reception of the radio wave in a tire sensor unit and a receiver unit. The figure which shows the mode about the transmission / reception of the radio wave in a tire sensor unit and a receiver unit. The figure which shows the mode about the transmission / reception of the radio wave in a tire sensor unit and a receiver unit.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8.

As shown in FIG. 1, the tire condition monitoring system 10 is a system that monitors the condition of each of the four tires 14A to 14D. The vehicle 11 is equipped with four wheels 12A to 12D. Each of the four wheels 12A to 12D is composed of wheel portions 13A to 13D and tires 14A to 14D mounted on the wheel portions 13A to 13D.

The tire condition monitoring system 10 includes a tire sensor unit 40A to 40D that detects the respective states of the four tires 14A to 14D, a tire condition monitoring device 20 that monitors the respective states of the four tires 14A to 14D, and a user. It is equipped with a portable terminal device 50 that is possessed.

Each of the tire sensor units 40A to 40D is attached to the corresponding wheel portions 13A to 13D and has a tire valve. Each of these tire sensor units 40A to 40D detects the state of the corresponding tires 14A to 14D such as the air pressure (tire pressure) in the tires 14A to 14D, and transmits a transmission signal (detection result information) regarding the detection result to the tire. Wireless transmission is performed to the condition monitoring device 20. As described above, each of the tire sensor units 40A to 40D can be said to be a transmitter (tire condition transmitter) that detects the state of the corresponding tires 14A to 14D and transmits a signal regarding the state of the corresponding tires 14A to 14D.

The mobile terminal device 50 is, for example, a smartphone, a mobile phone, or the like, and is a device in which applications for unlocking the vehicle 11, locking the vehicle 11, starting the engine, and stopping the engine are installed. In particular, the mobile terminal device 50 is a transmitter that transmits signals for unlocking the vehicle 11, locking the vehicle 11, starting the engine, and stopping the engine.

The tire condition monitoring device 20 includes a receiver unit 21 installed on the vehicle body of the vehicle 11 and a display 22 for displaying various information. The receiver unit 21 includes a plurality of receivers 23A to 23D.

Each of the plurality of receivers 23A to 23D is configured to be able to communicate with the tire sensor units 40A to 40D and the mobile terminal device 50, which are a plurality of transmitters. In particular, in the present embodiment, each of the plurality of receivers 23A to 23D is arranged at a position for partitioning the inside of the vehicle 11 and the outside of the vehicle 11.

Each of the plurality of receivers 23A to 23D includes antennas 24A to 24D and communication circuits 25A to 25D. Each of the communication circuits 25A to 25D is a circuit for transmitting and receiving signals through the antennas 24A to 24D using radio waves in a predetermined frequency band (2.4 GHz in this embodiment). In particular, each of the communication circuits 25A to 25D is a receiving circuit that converts the signal received by the antennas 24A to 24D and outputs it to the receiver unit 21.

Specifically, each of the communication circuits 25A to 25D is a circuit that receives a state detection result signal indicating a state detection result of the tires 14A to 14D from each of the tire sensor units 40A to 40D. Each of the communication circuits 25A to 25D is a circuit that receives signals from the mobile terminal device 50 for unlocking the vehicle 11, locking the vehicle 11, starting the engine, and stopping the engine. In the present embodiment, each of the communication circuits 25A to 25D can not only receive the signal but also transmit the signal, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, at least the signal can be received, and communication is performed. Each of the circuits 25A to 25D may be a receiving circuit. That is, each of the plurality of receivers 23A to 23D may be configured to be able to receive signals from the tire sensor units 40A to 40D and the mobile terminal device 50. In the present embodiment, the receivers 23A to 23D of the plurality of systems correspond to the receiving unit (reception device), and each of the receivers 23A to 23D of the plurality of systems corresponds to the receiver.

The receiver unit 21 includes a receiver unit controller 26 that receives signals from each of the plurality of receivers 23A to 23D. The receiver unit controller 26, which is a control unit, comprises a microcomputer or the like including a CPU 26a and a storage unit 26b (RAM, ROM, etc.). The storage unit 26b stores a program that comprehensively controls the operation of the receiver unit 21.

The receiver unit controller 26 receives a signal from the tire sensor units 40A to 40D through at least one of the receivers 23A to 23D of the plurality of systems, and based on the received signal, the state of the tires 14A to 14D. Is detected and controlled to be monitored.

The receiver unit controller 26 provides information on the states (air pressure in the tires) of the tires 14A to 14D corresponding to the tire sensor units 40A to 40D of the transmission source based on the state detection result signals from the receivers 23A to 23D of the plurality of systems. Etc. are displayed on the display 22. The display 22 is arranged in a visible range of the passenger of the vehicle 11 such as in the vehicle interior, and displays (notifies) the states of the tires 14A to 14D specified by the receiver unit controller 26.

Further, the receiver unit controller 26 causes the mobile terminal device 50 to transmit a request signal from at least one of the receivers 23A to 23D of the plurality of systems. Then, the receiver unit controller 26 receives a signal from the mobile terminal device 50 via each of the receivers 23A to 23D of the plurality of systems, and based on the received signal, unlocks the vehicle 11 and unlocks the vehicle 11. It can be locked, started the engine and stopped the engine.

As shown in FIG. 2, the tire sensor unit 40A includes a sensor unit controller 41, a pressure sensor 42, an acceleration sensor 43, an antenna 44, a communication circuit 45, and a battery 46. The tire sensor unit 40A operates by supplying electric power from the battery 46.

The pressure sensor 42 detects the air pressure in the corresponding tire. The acceleration sensor 43 rotates integrally with each of the wheels 12A to 12D to detect the acting acceleration. The communication circuit 45 is a circuit that transmits / receives a signal through the antenna 44 using radio waves in a predetermined frequency band (2.4 GHz in this embodiment), and particularly transmits a state detection result signal to the receiver unit 21. It is a circuit.

The sensor unit controller 41 comprises a microcomputer or the like including a CPU 41a and a storage unit 41b (RAM, ROM, etc.). The storage unit 41b stores a program that comprehensively controls the operation of the tire sensor unit 40A.

The sensor unit controller 41 receives detection signals from the pressure sensor 42 at predetermined intervals, and stores pressure data based on the detection signals in the storage unit 41b.

On the other hand, the sensor unit controller 41 does not generate a state detection result signal indicating an abnormality when the pressure data detected by the pressure sensor 42 does not exceed the threshold value. In the present embodiment, the sensor unit controller 41 causes the communication circuit 45 to transmit a state detection result signal indicating normality even when the pressure data detected by the pressure sensor 42 does not exceed the threshold value.

Although the tire sensor units 40A have been described on behalf of the tire sensor units 40A to 40D, the tire sensor units 40B to 40D are also configured in the same manner as the tire sensor units 40A.

As shown in FIG. 3, the mobile terminal device 50 includes a controller 51, an operation unit 52, a display unit 53, a speaker 54, an antenna 55, a communication circuit 56, and a storage battery 57. The mobile terminal device 50 operates by supplying electric power from the storage battery 57. Further, the storage battery 57 can charge the power supply power supplied through an external connection portion (not shown).

The operation unit 52 includes a sensor that detects a user's operation on a predetermined operation area, such as an operation button or the surface of a liquid crystal display device. The display unit 53 is a liquid crystal display device that displays a predetermined image. The speaker 54 outputs the sound in the mobile terminal device 50.

The communication circuit 56 is a circuit that transmits and receives signals through the antenna 55 using radio waves in a predetermined frequency band (2.4 GHz in this embodiment), and in particular, unlocks the vehicle 11, locks the vehicle 11, and the engine. It is a circuit that transmits a signal for starting and stopping the engine to the receiver unit 21.

The controller 51 includes a microcomputer 51a and a storage unit 51b (RAM, ROM, etc.) and the like. The storage unit 51b stores a program that comprehensively controls the operation of the mobile terminal device 50, and in particular, a program for unlocking the vehicle 11, locking the vehicle 11, starting the engine, and stopping the engine. (Application) is also stored.

The controller 51 is a signal for unlocking the vehicle 11, locking the vehicle 11, starting the engine, and stopping the engine in response to receiving the request signal from the receiver unit 21 or operating the operation unit 52. Can be transmitted to the communication circuit 56.

In the present embodiment, each of the plurality of receivers 23A to 23D is configured to be able to communicate with each of the tire sensor units 40A to 40D and the mobile terminal device 50, but the communication protocol (communication method) is high frequency. Band Bluetooth (Bluetooth) (registered trademark) wireless communication is adopted. In particular, in the present embodiment, at least each of the receivers 23A to 23D of a plurality of systems and each of the tire sensor units 40A to 40D employ Bluetooth Low Energy wireless communication, which is even lower. Power consumption can be reduced.

Further, in the present embodiment, each of the plurality of receivers 23A to 23D can communicate with each of the tire sensor units 40A to 40D in order to monitor the respective states of the tires 14A to 14D, and the vehicle 11 is opened. It can communicate with the mobile terminal device 50 to lock, lock the vehicle 11, start the engine, and stop the engine. That is, each of the plurality of receivers 23A to 23D also serves as a communication means for communicating with each of the tire sensor units 40A to 40D and a communication means for communicating with the mobile terminal device 50.

Further, in the present embodiment, the receiver unit controller 26 can control each of the receivers 23A to 23D of the plurality of systems to the reception waiting state for each of the receivers 23A to 23D of the plurality of systems. In this way, the receiver unit controller 26 individually controls each of the plurality of receivers 23A to 23D. The reception waiting state is a state in which communication is possible with each of the tire sensor units 40A to 40D and the mobile terminal device 50, and signals from each of the tire sensor units 40A to 40D and the mobile terminal device 50 can be received. Each of the receivers 23A to 23D of the plurality of systems consumes more power when controlled by the receiver unit controller 26 in the reception waiting state than when not controlled in the reception waiting state, that is, in the reception hibernation state. Become. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the power consumption of the tire condition monitoring device 20 is reduced by controlling each of the plurality of receivers 23A to 23D in the reception waiting state in an appropriate situation by the receiver unit controller 26. Can be made to.

Here, the reception waiting control process will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. The reception wait control process is a process executed in the receiver unit 21 at predetermined intervals.

As shown in FIG. 4, in step S11, the receiver unit controller 26 reads a value from the mode flag assigned to the storage unit 26b, and determines whether or not the receiver unit controller 26 is in the learning mode. The mode flag is a flag that can identify the controlled mode. The learning mode is a mode that is started when the engine is started and the running of the vehicle 11 is started. In the present embodiment, in a process different from the reception waiting control process, the receiver unit controller 26 identifies the acceleration of the vehicle 11 based on a signal received from an acceleration sensor (not shown) provided on the vehicle 11. Then, the receiver unit controller 26 stores the storage unit 26b when the vehicle 11 starts traveling after the vehicle 11 has stopped for a predetermined time (for example, 120 seconds as a time considering waiting for a signal). A value indicating the learning mode is stored in the mode flag assigned to. That is, when the vehicle 11 starts traveling, the receiver unit controller 26 determines that the predetermined start condition is satisfied, and shifts to the learning mode.

Returning to the description of the reception waiting control process, if the receiver unit controller 26 determines in step S11 that it is in the learning mode, the process proceeds to step S12. On the other hand, when the receiver unit controller 26 determines that the learning mode is not set, the receiver unit controller 26 proceeds to step S21 of FIG. 5 without executing steps S12 to S20.

In step S12, the receiver unit controller 26 determines whether or not each of all the receivers 23A to 23D is controlled in the reception waiting state. When it is determined that all the receivers 23A to 23D are not controlled in the reception waiting state, the receiver unit controller 26 proceeds to step S13. In step S13, the receiver unit controller 26 controls each of all the receivers 23A to 23D to the reception waiting state, and proceeds to step S14. On the other hand, when it is determined that all the receivers 23A to 23D are controlled in the reception waiting state, the receiver unit controller 26 proceeds to step S14 without executing step S13.

In the present embodiment, each of the receivers 23A to 23D is not controlled to the reception waiting state before being controlled to the learning mode. Then, after that, triggered by the control to the learning mode, in step S12, the receiver unit controller 26 determines that each of the receivers 23A to 23D is not controlled in the reception waiting state, and in step S13. , All receivers 23A to 23D are controlled to be in the reception waiting state. On the other hand, after being controlled to the learning mode, each of the receivers 23A to 23D is controlled to the reception waiting state, and in step S12, the receiver unit controller 26 waits for reception of each of the receivers 23A to 23D. It is determined that the state is controlled, and the process does not proceed to step S13. In this way, the receiver unit controller 26 controls each of all the receivers 23A to 23D to the reception waiting state when the traveling of the vehicle 11 is started and a predetermined start condition is satisfied.

Then, in step S14, the receiver unit controller 26 receives a signal from any of the tire sensor units 40A to 40D (indicated as “transmitter” in the figure) based on the signals from the receivers 23A to 23D. Judge whether or not. When the receiver unit controller 26 determines that the signal has been received from any of the tire sensor units 40A to 40D, the process proceeds to step S15. On the other hand, when the receiver unit controller 26 determines that the signal is not received from any of the tire sensor units 40A to 40D, the process proceeds to step S21 of FIG. 5 without executing steps S15 to S20.

In the present embodiment, the tire sensor unit 40A detects the acceleration of the corresponding wheel 12A based on the signal received from the acceleration sensor 43. Then, the tire sensor unit 40A determines the rotation of the wheel 12A a predetermined number of times when the rotation of the wheel 12A is detected from the state where the wheel 12A is not rotating for a predetermined time (for example, 120 seconds) based on the detected acceleration. The signal for (20 times in this embodiment) is transmitted, and then the signal for one time is transmitted at a predetermined cycle. Therefore, the receiver unit controller 26 receives signals for a predetermined number of times from the tire sensor unit 40A in each of the receivers 23A to 23D, and then receives one signal for each predetermined cycle. Further, each of the tire sensor units 40B to 40D has the same function as the tire sensor unit 40A. In this way, the receiver unit controller 26 receives signals for a predetermined number of times for each of the tire sensor units 40A to 40D in each of the receivers 23A to 23D, and then receives one signal for each predetermined cycle. Receive.

Subsequently, in step S15, the receiver unit controller 26 identifies the tire sensor unit as the transmission group based on the signals from the receivers 23A to 23D, and the receiver that received the signal and the specified tire sensor unit. The received power of the received signal is stored in the storage unit 26b so as to correspond to. To give a specific example, when the receiver unit controller 26 specifies the tire sensor unit 40A as the tire sensor unit to be the transmission base based on the signal from the receiver 23A, the receiver 23A and the tire sensor unit 40A The received power of the received signal is stored in the storage unit 26b so as to correspond to. Further, the receiver unit controller 26 executes the same processing for the receivers 23B to 23D and the tire sensor units 40B to 40D. In this way, the receiver unit controller 26 receives signals from the tire sensor units 40A to 40D for each receiver 23A to 23D when the vehicle 11 starts traveling and a predetermined start condition is satisfied. Get power.

Then, the receiver unit controller 26 calculates the average received power for each of the tire sensor units 40A to 40D based on the received power of the received signal in each of the receivers 23A to 23D, and calculates the calculated average received power. It is stored in the storage unit 26b as a received power table. Further, the receiver unit controller 26 calculates the total average received power, which is the average value of all the tire sensor units 40A to 40D, based on the received power of the received signals in each of the receivers 23A to 23D, and totals the total received power. The average received power is stored in the storage unit 26b as a received power table.

As shown in FIG. 6, in the received power table stored in the storage unit 26b, each of the receivers 23A to 23D corresponds to the average received power of a predetermined number of signals for each of the tire sensor units 40A to 40D. It is attached. Further, in the received power table stored in the storage unit 26b, the total average received power of all the tire sensor units 40A to 40D (indicated as "total average" in the figure) is provided for each of the receivers 23A to 23D. It is associated. The total average received power is the average value of the received power of the signals from all the tire sensor units 40A to 40D.

Next, in step S16 of FIG. 4, the receiver unit controller 26 specifies the next signal reception timing for the tire sensor unit that has received the signal. In this process, the receiver unit controller 26 receives signals from all the tire sensor units 40A to 40D in the receivers 23A representing all the receivers 23A to 23D, from the tire sensor units 40A to 40D. The timing at which the time corresponding to the transmission cycle of the transmitted signal has elapsed is specified as the reception timing.

Further, in the present embodiment, the timer tolerances of the tire sensor units 40A to 40D and the timer tolerances of the receivers 23A to 23D are added, and the receiver unit controller 26 determines the next signal based on these timer tolerances. With reference to the reception timing, the timing before the predetermined time and the timing after the predetermined time are specified. As will be described in detail later, the timing before the predetermined time of the reception timing is specified as the timing to control the reception waiting state, and the timing after the predetermined time of the reception timing controls the reception waiting state when the signal is not received. It is specified as the timing to end.

To give a specific example, in the present embodiment, when the transmission cycle of the signals transmitted from the tire sensor units 40A to 40D is 30 seconds, the receiver unit controller 26 receives 30 from the previous signal. The timing when seconds have passed is specified as the reception timing. Further, in the present embodiment, these timer tolerances are defined as about ± 3.3% as a predetermined ratio with respect to the transmission cycle. As described above, when the receiver unit controller 26 specifies the timing when 30 seconds have passed since the previous signal was received as the reception timing, the receiver unit controller 26 calculates 1 second, which is about 3.3% of 30 seconds, as the predetermined time. do. Then, the receiver unit controller 26 specifies the timing when 29 seconds have passed since the previous signal was received as the timing for controlling the reception waiting state, and the timing when 31 seconds have passed since the previous signal was received. Is specified as the timing to end the control of the reception waiting state when the signal is not received.

Further, the receiver unit controller 26 sets an initial value in the reception timing counter corresponding to the tire sensor unit which is the transmission base of the signal. The reception timing counter is assigned to the storage unit 26b, corresponds to each of all the tire sensor units 40A to 40D, and counts the time elapsed since the previous signal was received from each of the tire sensor units 40A to 40D. It is a counter for. Then, in a process different from the reception wait control process, the receiver unit controller 26 updates all the reception timing counters at predetermined intervals and counts the time elapsed since the previous signal was received. That is, the receiver unit controller 26 counts the time elapsed since receiving the previous signal for each of the tire sensor units 40A to 40D by updating all the reception timing counters, and based on the counted time. , It is possible to specify whether or not it is before the predetermined time of the reception timing and whether or not it is after the predetermined time of the reception timing.

Returning to the description of the reception waiting control process, in step S17, the receiver unit controller 26 determines whether or not a predetermined number of signals from all the tire sensor units 40A to 40D have been received. When the receiver unit controller 26 determines that the signals from all the tire sensor units 40A to 40D have not been received a predetermined number of times, the receiver unit controller 26 proceeds to step S21 of FIG. 5 without executing steps S18 to S20. On the other hand, when the receiver unit controller 26 determines that the signals from all the tire sensor units 40A to 40D have been received a predetermined number of times, the process proceeds to step S18.

In step S18, the receiver unit controller 26 ends the reception waiting state of all the receivers 23A to 23D. Then, in step S19, the receiver unit controller 26 determines one of all the receivers 23A to 23D to be controlled in the reception waiting state. In this process, the receiver unit controller 26 refers to the received power table stored in the storage unit 26b, determines the receiver having a higher priority as one receiver that controls the reception waiting state, and determines the determination result. Is stored in the storage unit 26b. In the present embodiment, the receiver having the highest total average received power is the receiver having the highest priority. Then, in step S20, the receiver unit controller 26 stores a value indicating the normal mode in the mode flag assigned to the storage unit 26b, shifts to the normal mode, and shifts to step S21 of FIG. The normal mode is a mode that is activated after the learning mode ends. As described above, the receiver unit controller 26 serves as a receiver that controls the receiver of one system having a relatively large acquired total average received power among the receivers 23A to 23D of the plurality of systems in the reception waiting state. decide.

In step S21 of FIG. 5, the receiver unit controller 26 reads a value from the mode flag assigned to the storage unit 26b, and determines whether or not the receiver unit controller 26 is in the normal mode. When the receiver unit controller 26 determines that the mode is normal, the process proceeds to step S22. On the other hand, when the receiver unit controller 26 determines that the mode is not the normal mode, the receiver unit controller 26 ends the reception waiting control process without executing steps S22 to S28 and S31 to S35.

In step S22, the receiver unit controller 26 determines whether or not it is before a predetermined time of the reception timing. In this process, the receiver unit controller 26 determines that it is a predetermined time before the reception timing based on the values of the reception timing counters corresponding to each of the tire sensor units 40A to 40D.

When the receiver unit controller 26 determines that it is before the predetermined time of the reception timing, the process proceeds to step S23. In step S23, the receiver unit controller 26 controls the receiver determined in advance to the reception waiting state, and proceeds to step S24. In this way, the receiver unit controller 26 controls the determined receiver to the reception waiting state based on the timing of receiving the signals from each of the tire sensor units 40A to 40D. On the other hand, if the receiver unit controller 26 determines that it is not before the predetermined time of the reception timing, the receiver unit controller 26 proceeds to step S24 without executing step S23.

Next, in step S24, the receiver unit controller 26 determines whether or not a signal has been received from any of the tire sensor units 40A to 40D. When the receiver unit controller 26 determines that the signal has been received from any of the tire sensor units 40A to 40D, the process proceeds to step S25. On the other hand, when the receiver unit controller 26 determines that the signal is not received from any of the tire sensor units 40A to 40D, the receiver unit controller 26 proceeds to step S31 without executing steps S25 to S28.

In step S25, the receiver unit controller 26 terminates the reception waiting state for the receiver controlled to the reception waiting state. Then, in step S26, the receiver unit controller 26 identifies the reception timing of the next signal and proceeds to step S27 in the same manner as in step S16. As a result, the receiver unit controller 26 specifies the reception timing of the next signal, and from the reception timing, specifies the timing for controlling the reception waiting state and the timing for ending the control of the reception waiting state. Then, the receiver unit controller 26 sets an initial value in the reception timing counter corresponding to the tire sensor unit that is the transmission base of the signal, and counts the time elapsed since the signal was received.

In step S27, the receiver unit controller 26 determines whether or not there are a plurality of receivers controlled in the reception waiting state. In this process, the receiver unit controller 26 determines that there are a plurality of receivers controlled in the reception waiting state when the receivers to be controlled in the reception waiting state are added in step S35 described later. .. When the receiver unit controller 26 determines that there are a plurality of receivers controlled in the reception waiting state, the process proceeds to step S27. On the other hand, when it is determined that the number of receivers controlled in the reception waiting state is not a plurality, the receiver unit controller 26 ends the reception waiting control process without executing step S28.

In step S28, the receiver unit controller 26 determines one receiver to be controlled in the reception waiting state, stores the determination result in the storage unit 26b, and ends the reception waiting control process. In this process, the receiver unit controller 26 controls the receiver that has received the signal from any of the tire sensor units 40A to 40D among the receivers controlled in the reception waiting state to the reception waiting state next time. Determined as one receiver. As described above, when the receiver unit controller 26 receives a signal from any of the tire sensor units 40A to 40D after controlling a plurality of receivers of the plurality of receivers 23A to 23D in the reception waiting state. , The receiver that received the signal is determined as one receiver that controls the reception waiting state next time.

On the other hand, in step S31, the receiver unit controller 26 determines whether or not it is after a predetermined time of the reception timing. In the present embodiment, the receiver unit controller 26 determines that it is after a predetermined time of the reception timing based on the value stored in the reception timing counter. To give a specific example, whether or not the receiver unit controller 26 is after a predetermined time of the reception timing of the tire sensor unit 40A based on the value stored in the reception timing counter corresponding to the tire sensor unit 40A. Is determined. Further, the receiver unit controller 26 also controls the tire sensor units 40B to 40D in the same manner as the tire sensor unit 40A.

When the receiver unit controller 26 determines that it is after a predetermined time of the reception timing, the process proceeds to step S32. On the other hand, when the receiver unit controller 26 determines that it is not after the predetermined time of the reception timing, the receiver unit controller 26 ends the reception wait control process without executing steps S32 to S35.

In step S32, the receiver unit controller 26 terminates the reception waiting state for the receiver controlled to the reception waiting state. Then, in step S33, the receiver unit controller 26 specifies the reception timing and proceeds to step S34. In this process, the receiver unit controller 26 receives the timing obtained by extending the time corresponding to the transmission cycle of the signal transmitted from the tire sensor unit for the tire sensor unit determined to be after a predetermined time of the reception timing. Specify as timing. Then, the receiver unit controller 26 specifies the timing before the predetermined time and the timing after the predetermined time with reference to the reception timing of the next signal based on the timer tolerance. Further, in this case, the receiver unit controller 26 continuously counts the time elapsed since the previous signal was received without setting the initial value in the reception timing counter corresponding to the tire sensor unit that received the signal. do.

To give a specific example, when the timing when 30 seconds have passed since the previous signal reception is specified as the reception timing, the signal is received from the tire sensor unit at the timing when 1 second has passed from the reception timing. When not, the receiver unit controller 26 specifies 60 seconds, which is an extension of 30 seconds, as the reception timing. In this case, the receiver unit controller 26 calculates 2 seconds, which is about 3.3% of 60 seconds, as a predetermined time. Then, the receiver unit controller 26 specifies the timing at which 58 seconds have passed since the previous signal was received as the timing for controlling the reception waiting state, and the timing at which 62 seconds have passed since the previous signal was received. Is specified as the timing to end the control of the reception waiting state. As described above, when the next signal is not received at the timing when 29 to 31 seconds have elapsed from the reception of the previous signal, the reception waiting state is controlled 58 to 62 seconds after the reception of the previous signal.

Next, in step S34, the receiver unit controller 26 determines whether or not the unreceived time has reached the specified time. In this process, the receiver unit controller 26 reads values from the reception timing counters corresponding to the tire sensor units 40A to 40D, and all the values of the reception timing counters corresponding to the tire sensor units 40A to 40D correspond to the specified time. When it is equal to or more than the value, it is determined that the unreceived time has reached the specified time. In the present embodiment, 300 seconds is adopted as an example of the specified time, but the present invention is not limited to this. In this way, the receiver unit controller 26 counts the time elapsed since receiving the signal from any of all tire sensor units 40A to 40D, and outputs the previous signal from any of all tire sensor units 40A to 40D. It becomes possible to identify that the specified time has passed since the reception.

Returning to the description of the reception waiting control process, when the receiver unit controller 26 determines that the non-reception time has reached the specified time, the process proceeds to step S35. On the other hand, when the receiver unit controller 26 determines that the unreceived time has not reached the specified time, the receiver unit controller 26 ends the reception waiting control process without executing step S35.

In step S35, the receiver unit controller 26 adds one receiver to be controlled in the reception waiting state, and ends the reception waiting control process. In this process, the receiver unit controller 26 refers to the received power table stored in the storage unit 26b, and gives priority to all the receivers 23A to 23D except for the receiver controlled in the reception waiting state. A receiver having a higher rank is determined as one receiver to be controlled in the reception waiting state, and the determination result is stored in the storage unit 26b. As a result, the receiver unit controller 26 adds one receiver that controls the reception waiting state. In this way, the receiver unit controller 26 is different from the receivers controlled in the reception waiting state among the receivers 23A to 23D of the plurality of systems, and the receiver unit controller 26 is one system having the largest total average received power acquired. The receiver is determined as a new receiver to be controlled in the reception waiting state.

In this way, when the receiver unit controller 26 determines that the unreceived time has reached the specified time, the receiver unit controller 26 controls the receivers of a plurality of systems to the reception waiting state. Then, when the receiver unit controller 26 controls the receivers of the plurality of systems in the reception waiting state and receives the signal from the tire sensor units 40A to 40D by any one of the receivers of the plurality of systems, step S28 The one receiver determined in the above is controlled to the reception waiting state.

The operation of this embodiment will be described.

As shown in FIG. 7, in the present embodiment, the receiver unit controller 26 shifts to the learning mode when the vehicle 11 starts traveling with the engine started at the timing indicated by the reference numeral T11. , All receivers 23A to 23D are controlled to the reception waiting state (indicated as "standby" in the figure).

Then, when the tire sensor unit 40A transmits the state detection result signal for a predetermined number of times at the timing indicated by the reference numeral T12, all the receivers 23A to 23D receive the state detection result signal for the predetermined number of times. In FIG. 7, a dot pattern is applied to the transmission / reception of the state detection result signal for a predetermined number of times. Then, the receiver unit controller 26 stores the received power of the signal from the tire sensor unit 40A in the reception power table for each of the receivers 23A to 23D based on the signals received by each of the receivers 23A to 23D. do. Further, the receiver unit controller 26 specifies the reception timing of the signal from the tire sensor unit 40A based on the signal received by the receiver 23A.

Next, when the state detection result signal for a predetermined number of times is transmitted from the tire sensor unit 40C at the timing indicated by the reference numeral T13, the tire sensor unit 40C is controlled in the same manner as the tire sensor unit 40A. It is said. Further, when the state detection result signal for a predetermined number of times is transmitted from the tire sensor unit 40B at the timing indicated by the reference numeral T14, the tire sensor unit 40B is controlled in the same manner as the tire sensor unit 40A. .. Further, when the state detection result signal for a predetermined number of times is transmitted from the tire sensor unit 40D at the timing indicated by the reference numeral T15, the tire sensor unit 40D is controlled in the same manner as the tire sensor unit 40A. ..

Then, the receiver unit controller 26 ends the reception waiting state for all the receivers 23A to 23D, that is, puts all the receivers 23A to 23D in the reception hibernation state. In this way, when ending the reception waiting state for all the receivers 23A to 23D, the power consumption of the tire condition monitoring device 20 is lower than when all the receivers 23A to 23D are continuously controlled to the reception waiting state. Can be reduced.

Further, the receiver unit controller 26 receives the average received power of each of the tire sensor units 40A to 40D and the total average reception of all the tire sensor units 40A to 40D based on the received power of the signal from the tire sensor units 40A to 40D. The power is calculated for each of the receivers 23A to 23D, and the calculation result is stored in the received power table. Further, the receiver unit controller 26 refers to the received power table and determines the receiver 23B as the receiver having a higher priority.

Next, at the timing indicated by reference numeral T16, the receiver unit controller 26 controls the receiver 23B to the reception waiting state when it is determined that it is before the predetermined time of the reception timing of the signal from the tire sensor unit 40A. In this case, the receiver unit controller 26 does not control the receivers 23A, 23C, and 23D in the reception waiting state, that is, maintains the reception in the reception hibernation state. In this way, when only the receiver 23B is controlled to the reception waiting state, the power consumption of the tire condition monitoring device 20 can be reduced as compared with the case where all the receivers 23A to 23D are controlled to the reception waiting state. can.

Then, when the state detection result signal is transmitted from the tire sensor unit 40A at the timing indicated by the reference numeral T17, the receiver 23B receives the state detection result signal. The receiver unit controller 26 stores the information corresponding to the state detection result signal received by the receiver 23B in the storage unit 26b, and does not wait until a predetermined time after the reception timing of the signal from the tire sensor unit 40A. The reception waiting state of the receiver 23B is terminated.

Next, at the timing indicated by reference numeral T18, the receiver unit controller 26 controls the receiver 23B to the reception waiting state when it is determined that it is before the predetermined time of the reception timing of the signal from the tire sensor unit 40C. In this case, the receiver unit controller 26 does not control the receivers 23A, 23C, and 23D in the reception waiting state.

Then, when the state detection result signal is transmitted from the tire sensor unit 40C at the timing indicated by the reference numeral T19, the receiver 23B receives the state detection result signal. The receiver unit controller 26 stores the information corresponding to the state detection result signal received by the receiver 23B in the storage unit 26b, and does not wait until a predetermined time after the reception timing of the signal from the tire sensor unit 40C. The reception waiting state of the receiver 23B is terminated.

After that, the signal reception timing from the tire sensor unit 40B and the signal reception timing from the tire sensor unit 40D will come. In this case as well, the control is performed in the same manner as when the signal reception timing from the tire sensor unit 40A is reached. Then, after the signal reception timing from the tire sensor units 40A to 40D has passed, the signal reception timing from the tire sensor unit 40A arrives again, and the signal reception timing from the tire sensor unit 40A is reached last time. It is controlled in the same way as.

Next, at the timing indicated by reference numeral T20, the receiver unit controller 26 controls the receiver 23B to the reception waiting state when it is determined that it is before the predetermined time of the reception timing of the signal from the tire sensor unit 40C. In this case, the receiver unit controller 26 does not control the receivers 23A, 23C, and 23D in the reception waiting state.

Then, even if the state detection result signal is transmitted from the tire sensor unit 40C at the timing indicated by the reference numeral T21, the receiver 23B may not receive the state detection result signal. Even in such a case, if the receiver unit controller 26 determines that the signal reception timing from the tire sensor unit 40C is after a predetermined time, the receiver unit controller 26 terminates the reception waiting state for the receiver 23B. Further, when the unreceived time elapsed since the last reception of the state detection result signal is less than the specified time, the receiver unit controller 26 controls in the same manner.

Further, as shown in FIG. 8, when the receiver unit controller 26 determines at the timing indicated by reference numeral T22 that it is before a predetermined time of the signal reception timing from the tire sensor unit 40D, the receiver 23B is in the reception waiting state. To control. In this case, the receiver unit controller 26 does not control the receivers 23A, 23C, and 23D in the reception waiting state.

Then, even if the state detection result signal is transmitted from the tire sensor unit 40D at the timing indicated by the reference numeral T23, the receiver 23B may not receive the state detection result signal. Even in such a case, if the receiver unit controller 26 determines that the signal reception timing from the tire sensor unit 40D is after a predetermined time, the receiver unit controller 26 terminates the reception waiting state for the receiver 23B.

Then, when the unreceived time elapsed since the last reception of the state detection result signal exceeds the specified time, the receiver unit controller 26 refers to the received power table and controls the receiver to the reception waiting state. As a result, a receiver 23D having the next highest priority, which is different from the receiver 23B, is added as a receiver for controlling the reception waiting state.

Next, at the timing indicated by reference numeral T24, the receiver unit controller 26 determines that the signal reception timing from the tire sensor unit 40A is before a predetermined time, and determines that the receiver 23B and the added receiver 23D are used. Control to the reception waiting state. In this case, the receiver unit controller 26 does not control the receivers 23A and 23C in the reception waiting state.

Then, when the state detection result signal is transmitted from the tire sensor unit 40A at the timing indicated by the reference numeral T25, the receiver 23B does not receive the state detection result signal, but the receiver 23D receives the state detection result signal. .. The receiver unit controller 26 stores the information corresponding to the state detection result signal received by the receiver 23D in the storage unit 26b, and the receiver does not come after a predetermined time of the reception timing of the signal from the tire sensor unit 40A. The reception waiting state for 23B and 23D is terminated. Then, the receiver unit controller 26 determines the receiver 23D instead of the receiver 23B as one receiver to be controlled in the reception waiting state.

Next, at the timing indicated by reference numeral T26, the receiver unit controller 26 controls the receiver 23D to the reception waiting state when it is determined that it is before the predetermined time of the reception timing of the signal from the tire sensor unit 40C. In this case, the receiver unit controller 26 does not control the receivers 23A to 23C in the reception waiting state.

Then, when the state detection result signal is transmitted from the tire sensor unit 40C at the timing indicated by the reference numeral T27, the receiver 23D receives the state detection result signal. The receiver unit controller 26 stores the information corresponding to the state detection result signal received by the receiver 23D in the storage unit 26b, and does not wait until a predetermined time after the reception timing of the signal from the tire sensor unit 40C. The reception waiting state of the receiver 23D is terminated.

In this way, the receiver unit controller 26 controls the receiver 23B having a higher priority among the receivers 23A to 23D of the plurality of systems in the reception waiting state, while the other receivers 23A, excluding the receiver 23B, 23C and 23D are not controlled to the reception waiting state. Then, when the receiver unit controller 26 cannot receive the signals from the tire sensor units 40A to 40D by the receiver 23B, the receiver unit controller 26 puts the receiver 23D having a higher priority except the receiver 23B into the reception waiting state. It controls and does not control the receivers 23A and 23C except the receivers 23B and 23D to the reception waiting state. Subsequently, when the receiver unit controller 26 cannot receive the signals from each of the tire sensor units 40A to 40D by the receiver 23B, but can receive the signals from each of the tire sensor units 40A to 40D by the receiver 23D. In addition, the receiver 23D is determined as a receiver that controls the reception waiting state. On the other hand, when the receiver unit controller 26 cannot receive the signals from the tire sensor units 40A to 40D by the receivers 23B and 23D, the receiver unit controller 26 has a higher priority than the receivers 23B and 23D. The receiver 23C is controlled to the reception waiting state, and other receivers are not controlled to the reception waiting state. In the present embodiment, among the receivers 23A to 23D of the plurality of systems, the receiver 23B is the receiver of the first system, the receiver 23D is the receiver of the second system, and the receivers 23A and 23D are the third system. Corresponds to each receiver.

The effect of this embodiment will be described.

(1) The receiver unit controller 26 is the first system of the receivers 23A to 23D of a plurality of systems capable of receiving signals from each of the tire sensor units 40A to 40D and a plurality of transmitters including the mobile terminal device 50. Controls the receiver in the reception waiting state. Then, when the receiver of the second system is not controlled in the reception waiting state (when the receiver is in the reception hibernation state), the receiver unit controller 26 is at least one of a plurality of transmitters by the receiver of the first system. When the signal from is not received, the receiver of the second system is controlled to the reception waiting state. Therefore, the power consumption of the tire condition monitoring device 20 can be reduced by not controlling the receiver of the second system among the receivers 23A to 23D of the plurality of systems in the reception waiting state, and the receiver of the first system. Is controlled to the reception waiting state, so that signals from each of the plurality of transmitters can be received.

(2) In particular, the receiver unit controller 26 receives the receivers of the other systems other than the receiver of the first system among the receivers 23A to 23D of the plurality of systems capable of receiving signals from the plurality of transmitters. Do not control to wait state. Therefore, when the receivers of the other systems other than the receiver of the first system are a plurality of receivers, the power consumption of the tire condition monitoring device 20 can be further reduced.

(3) Further, the receiver unit controller 26 cannot receive signals from a plurality of transmitters by the receiver of the first system even when the receiver of the first system is controlled in the reception waiting state. At that time, the receiver of the second system is controlled to the reception waiting state. As a result, the tire condition monitoring device 20 can receive signals from each of the plurality of transmitters, and can increase the certainty of receiving signals from each of the plurality of transmitters.

(4) Each of the plurality of receivers 23A to 23D has antennas 24A to 24D capable of receiving signals from each of the plurality of transmitters, and communication circuits 25A to converting signals received by the antennas 24A to 24D. Has 25D and. Therefore, among the receivers 23A to 23D of the plurality of systems, the receiver of the second system is not controlled to the reception waiting state, so that the power consumption of both the antenna and the communication circuit is reduced in the receiver of the second system. As a result, the power consumption of the tire condition monitoring device 20 can be reduced.

(5) Each of the plurality of receivers 23A to 23D has a plurality of tire sensor units 40A to 40D for transmitting signals relating to the states of the corresponding tires 14A to 14D, unlocking the vehicle 11, locking the vehicle 11, and the engine. It is possible to receive signals from each of a plurality of transmitters including the mobile terminal device 50 that transmits signals relating to the start and stop of the engine. Therefore, the receiver of one system can receive not only the signals related to the respective states of the tires 14A to 14D but also the signals related to unlocking the vehicle 11, locking the vehicle 11, starting the engine, and stopping the engine. .. Therefore, each of the plurality of receivers 23A to 23D has a receiver capable of receiving a signal regarding each state of the tires 14A to 14D, unlocking the vehicle 11, locking the vehicle 11, starting the engine, and stopping the engine. A receiver capable of receiving a signal relating to the above can be shared without being provided separately.

(6) Each of the receivers 23A to 23D of the plurality of systems performs Bluetooth wireless communication. Therefore, the power consumption required for wireless communication can be reduced. In particular, the Bluetooth type wireless communication is a wireless communication in a high frequency band (specifically, a 2.4 GHz band), and consumes a large amount of power as compared with a wireless communication in a low frequency band. Therefore, among the receivers 23A to 23D of the plurality of systems that perform Bluetooth wireless communication, the receiver of the second system is not controlled to the reception waiting state, so that the power consumption of the tire condition monitoring device 20 is further reduced. can do.

(7) The receiver unit controller 26 acquires the received power of the signal from each of the plurality of tire sensor units 40A to 40D for each of the receivers 23A to 23D of the plurality of systems, and the receivers 23A to 23D of the plurality of systems. Among them, the receiver of one system having a relatively large acquired received power is determined as the receiver of the first system having a high priority. Therefore, it is possible to increase the certainty of receiving signals from each of the plurality of tire sensor units 40A to 40D.

(8) Further, the receiver unit controller 26 determines a receiver having a relatively large total average received power of the received power of the signals from each of the plurality of tire sensor units 40A to 40D as the receiver of the first system. .. Therefore, it is possible to increase the certainty of receiving signals from each of the plurality of tire sensor units 40A to 40D.

(9) The receiver unit controller 26 acquires the received power of the signal from each of the plurality of transmitters for each of the receivers 23A to 23D of the plurality of systems, and is the first of the receivers 23A to 23D of the plurality of systems. Aside from the receivers of the system, the receiver of one system having a relatively large acquired received power is determined as the receiver of the second system having a higher priority than the receivers of the other systems. Therefore, it is possible to increase the certainty of receiving signals from each of the plurality of transmitters.

(10) The receiver unit controller 26 first controls each of the receivers 23A to 23D of the plurality of systems in the reception waiting state after the traveling of the vehicle 11 is started, and every of the receivers 23A to 23D of the plurality of systems. In addition, after acquiring the received power of the signals from each of the plurality of tire sensor units 40A to 40D, the receiver of the second system is not controlled to the reception waiting state. Therefore, the power consumption of the tire condition monitoring device 20 can be reduced.

(11) In particular, the receiver unit controller 26 receives the signal power received from each of the plurality of tire sensor units 40A to 40D for each of the plurality of receivers 23A to 23D after the vehicle 11 starts traveling. get. Therefore, the receiver to be in the reception waiting state can be determined based on the received power acquired in the environment when the vehicle 11 is traveling, and the signals from each of the plurality of transmitters are received. It can also increase certainty.

(12) The receiver unit controller 26 acquires the timing of receiving signals from each of the plurality of tire sensor units 40A to 40D after the vehicle 11 starts traveling, and based on the acquired timing, the first Control the receiver of the system to the reception waiting state. Therefore, the period for controlling the receiver of the first system in the reception waiting state can be minimized, the power consumption of the tire condition monitoring device 20 can be reduced, and the plurality of tire sensor units 40A to It is also possible to increase the certainty of receiving signals from each of the 40Ds.

In the first embodiment, the receiver unit controller 26 is determined as a receiver that controls the same receiver in the reception waiting state depending on which of the tire sensor units 40A to 40D receives the signal, but the present invention is limited to this. No. For example, in the second embodiment, the receiver unit controller 26 may be determined as a receiver that controls a different receiver in the reception waiting state depending on which of the tire sensor units 40A to 40D receives the signal. .. Further, for example, the receiver unit controller 26 refers to the received power corresponding to each of the tire sensor units 40A to 40D, and receives a receiver having a relatively high average received power for each of the tire sensor units 40A to 40D. It may be determined as a receiver to be controlled in the waiting state. In the second embodiment, matters different from those in the first embodiment will be mainly described, and description of matters similar to those in the first embodiment will be omitted.

In the second embodiment, in step S19 of FIG. 4, when the average reception power of the receiver 23A is the highest as the average reception power of the signal from the tire sensor unit 40A, the receiver unit controller 26 starts from the tire sensor unit 40A. The receiver 23A is determined as a receiver for receiving the signal of. Then, in step S22 of FIG. 5, when the receiver unit controller 26 determines that the predetermined time before the timing of receiving the signal from the tire sensor unit 40A has come, the receiver unit controller 26 receives the signals from the plurality of receivers 23A to 23D. The machine 23A is controlled to the reception waiting state, and the other receivers 23B to 23D are not controlled to the reception waiting state. Further, in step S31 of FIG. 5, when the receiver unit controller 26 determines that the timing for receiving the signal from the tire sensor unit 40A has come after a predetermined time, the receiver unit controller 26 ends the reception waiting state for the receiver 23A.

On the other hand, in step S19 of FIG. 4, when the average reception power of the receiver 23B is the highest as the average reception power of the signal from the tire sensor unit 40B, the receiver unit controller 26 signals from the tire sensor unit 40B. The receiver 23B is determined as a receiver for receiving the above. Then, in step S22 of FIG. 5, when the receiver unit controller 26 determines that the predetermined time before the timing of receiving the signal from the tire sensor unit 40B has come, the receiver unit controller 26 receives the signals from the plurality of receivers 23A to 23D. The machine 23B is controlled to the reception waiting state, and the other receivers 23A, 23C, and 23D are not controlled to the reception waiting state. Further, in step S31 of FIG. 5, when the receiver unit controller 26 determines that the timing for receiving the signal from the tire sensor unit 40B has come after a predetermined time, the receiver unit controller 26 ends the reception waiting state for the receiver 23B.

Further, in this case, in step S34 of FIG. 5, the receiver unit controller 26 may determine whether or not the unreceived time has reached the specified time for each of the tire sensor units 40A to 40D. In this case, the receiver unit controller 26 reads a value from the reception timing counter corresponding to the tire sensor units 40A to 40D. Then, when the value of any of the reception timing counters corresponding to the tire sensor units 40A to 40D is equal to or greater than the value corresponding to the specified time, the receiver unit controller 26 has not received the tire sensor unit for the specified time. It is determined that Further, when the unreceived time of the signal from the tire sensor unit 40A exceeds the specified time, the receiver unit controller 26 has the highest average received power of the signal from the tire sensor unit 40A except for the receiver 23A. Add a tall receiver as a receiver to control the waiting state. Further, the receiver unit controller 26 similarly receives the receiver having the highest average received power even when the non-reception time of the signal from any of the tire sensor units 40B to 40D exceeds the specified time. Add as a receiver to control the wait state.

The operation of this embodiment will be described.

As shown in FIG. 9, when the receiver unit controller 26 determines at the timing indicated by reference numeral T16 that it is before a predetermined time of the signal reception timing from the tire sensor unit 40A, the tire sensor unit 40A has a higher priority. The receiver 23A is controlled to be in the reception waiting state. In this case, the receiver unit controller 26 does not control the receivers 23B to 23D in the reception waiting state, that is, maintains the reception in the reception hibernation state. Then, when the state detection result signal is transmitted from the tire sensor unit 40A at the timing indicated by the reference numeral T17, the receiver 23A receives the state detection result signal, and the receiver unit controller 26 waits for the receiver 23A to receive the signal. End the state.

Next, at the timing indicated by reference numeral T18, when the receiver unit controller 26 determines that the signal reception timing from the tire sensor unit 40C is before a predetermined time, the receiver 23C having a higher priority with respect to the tire sensor unit 40C is selected. Control to the reception waiting state. In this case, the receiver unit controller 26 does not control the receivers 23A, 23B, and 23D in the reception waiting state, that is, maintains the reception in the reception hibernation state. Then, when the state detection result signal is transmitted from the tire sensor unit 40C at the timing indicated by the reference numeral T19, the receiver 23C receives the state detection result signal, and the receiver unit controller 26 waits for the receiver 23C to receive the signal. End the state.

After that, when the reception timing of the signal from the tire sensor unit 40B arrives, the receiver unit controller 26 similarly controls the receiver 23B having a higher priority for the tire sensor unit 40B to the reception waiting state. When the reception timing of the signal from the tire sensor unit 40D arrives, the receiver unit controller 26 similarly controls the receiver 23D, which has a higher priority than the tire sensor unit 40D, to the reception waiting state.

Next, at the timing indicated by reference numeral T20, the receiver unit controller 26 controls the receiver 23C to the reception waiting state when it is determined that it is before the predetermined time of the reception timing of the signal from the tire sensor unit 40C. Even if the state detection result signal is transmitted from the tire sensor unit 40C at the timing indicated by reference numeral T21, the receiver 23C may not receive the state detection result signal, and the receiver unit controller 26 receives the state detection result signal from the tire sensor unit 40C. If it is determined that it is after a predetermined time of the reception timing of the signal of, the receiver 23C is terminated from the reception waiting state. Further, when the unreceived time elapsed since the last reception of the state detection result signal in the receiver 23C is less than the specified time, the receiver unit controller 26 controls in the same manner.

As shown in FIG. 10, when the unreceived time elapsed since the last reception of the state detection result signal in the receiver 23C exceeds the specified time, the receiver unit controller 26 refers to the received power table. As a receiver for controlling the reception waiting state, a receiver 23D having the next highest priority, which is different from the receiver 23C, is added as a receiver for controlling the reception waiting state.

Next, at the timing indicated by reference numeral T31, the receiver unit controller 26 controls the receivers 23C and 23D to the reception waiting state when it is determined that the signal reception timing from the tire sensor unit 40C is before the predetermined time. In this case, the receiver unit controller 26 does not control the receivers 23A and 23B in the reception waiting state. Then, when the state detection result signal is transmitted from the tire sensor unit 40C at the timing indicated by the reference numeral T32, the receiver 23C does not receive the state detection result signal, but the receiver 23D receives the state detection result signal. In some cases. The receiver unit controller 26 terminates the reception waiting state for the receivers 23C and 23D.

Next, at the timing indicated by reference numeral T33, the receiver unit controller 26 controls the receiver 23D to the reception waiting state when it is determined that it is before a predetermined time of the reception timing of the signal from the tire sensor unit 40C. In this case, the receiver unit controller 26 does not control the receivers 23A to 23C in the reception waiting state. Then, when the state detection result signal is transmitted from the tire sensor unit 40C at the timing indicated by the reference numeral T34, the receiver 23D receives the state detection result signal, and the receiver unit controller 26 waits for the receiver 23D to receive the signal. End the state.

This embodiment can be implemented by changing as follows. The present embodiment and the following modified examples can be implemented in combination with each other within a technically consistent range.

-For example, the receiver unit controller 26 may specify the reception timing of the signal from each of the tire sensor units 40A to 40D based on the signals received from each of the receivers 23A to 23D of the plurality of systems. Specifically, the receiver unit controller 26 corresponds to a receiver that specifies the reception timing of signals from each of the tire sensor units 40A to 40D for each of the plurality of receivers 23A to 23D and controls the reception waiting state. You may refer to the reception timing to be performed.

-For example, the receiver unit controller 26 terminates the reception waiting state when receiving a signal from the tire sensor unit after controlling any of the receivers 23A to 23D of a plurality of systems to the reception waiting state. May be good.

-For example, even if the receiver unit controller 26 determines the receiver of one system having the largest acquired received power as the receiver that controls the reception waiting state regardless of the total average received power and the average received power. good. Further, such control includes a process of determining one receiver in step S19 of the reception wait control process of FIG. 4 and a process of determining one receiver in step S35 of the reception wait control process of FIG. It can be applied to at least one of them.

-For example, the receiver unit controller 26 may control a predetermined receiver in a reception waiting state. To give a specific example, the receiver 23A is predetermined as a receiver for receiving the signal from the tire sensor unit 40A, and the receiver 23B is predetermined as the receiver for receiving the signal from the tire sensor unit 40B. It may have been. Further, for example, the receiver unit controller 26 may control a predetermined receiver to a reception waiting state when the non-reception time reaches a predetermined time. To give a specific example, when the receiver 23A is determined as the receiver for receiving the signal from the tire sensor unit 40A, it is controlled to the reception waiting state when the non-reception time reaches the specified time. The receiver 23B may be predetermined as the receiver.

-For example, even if the tire condition monitoring device 20 receives a signal related to the vehicle 11 from the mobile terminal device 50 in addition to the signals for locking the vehicle 11, unlocking the vehicle 11, starting the engine, and stopping the engine. good. Further, for example, the tire condition monitoring device 20 receives a signal from the mobile terminal device 50 for locking the vehicle 11, unlocking the vehicle 11, starting the engine, and stopping the engine. It does not have to be.

-For example, each of the plurality of receivers 23A to 23D may perform wireless communication in a high frequency band other than Bluetooth as a communication protocol. Further, for example, each of the plurality of receivers 23A to 23D may perform wireless communication in a low frequency band as a communication protocol.

-For example, the tire condition monitoring device 20 may include two, three, or five or more receivers as a plurality of receivers. Further, for example, the number of receiver systems may be the same as or different from the number of tire sensor units 40A to 40D.

-For example, the receiver unit controller 26 does not necessarily have to shift to the learning mode at the timing when the vehicle 11 starts running. For example, the receiver unit controller 26 may shift to the learning mode when a predetermined start condition is satisfied by starting the engine. Further, for example, when the receiver unit controller 26 determines in step S35 of the reception waiting control process shown in FIG. 5 that the non-reception time has reached the specified time, a predetermined start condition is satisfied and the mode shifts to the learning mode. You may. In this case, the receiver unit controller 26 determines the receiver having a relatively high priority as the receiver to be controlled in the reception waiting state after shifting to the learning mode, and shifts to the normal mode again. Further, for example, the receiver unit controller 26 may shift to the learning mode when a predetermined start condition is satisfied at a predetermined cycle.

-For example, the receiver unit controller 26 may cumulatively store the received power of the signals from each of the tire sensor units 40A to 40D in the storage unit 26b for each transition to the learning mode, and cumulatively store the signals. A receiver having a high priority may be determined based on the received power received. That is, the receiver unit controller 26 cumulatively stores the received power each time the mode shifts to the learning mode, learns the receiver having a higher priority, and improves the accuracy of determining the receiver having a higher priority. be able to.

-For example, the learning mode may be terminated when a predetermined time (for example, 300 seconds) has elapsed, and that a predetermined number of signals have been received from each of the tire sensor units 40A to 40D. It may end with any of the elapse of a predetermined time.

-For example, each of the tire sensor units 40A to 40D may transmit a signal for one time when the rotation of the wheel 12A is detected, and the learning mode is a predetermined number of times from each of the tire sensor units 40A to 40D. It may end when the signal for one time is received as the signal for the minute.

-For example, when the receiver unit controller 26 detects the engine start and the engine stop, the receiver unit controller 26 detects the engine start and the engine stop in each of the tire sensor units 40A to 40D. A signal indicating that may be output. Thereby, each of the tire sensor units 40A to 40D may specify the start of the engine and the stop of the engine.

-For example, when the receiver unit controller 26 detects the running of the vehicle 11, the receiver unit controller 26 outputs a signal to each of the tire sensor units 40A to 40D indicating that the running of the vehicle 11 is detected. May be done. As a result, each of the tire sensor units 40A to 40D may specify that the running of the vehicle 11 has been detected.

-For example, even when a signal is received in the normal mode, the reception waiting state may end at a timing after a predetermined time of the reception timing.

-For example, in the normal mode, it may be determined whether or not the unreceived time has reached the specified time before the predetermined time of the reception timing, and when it is determined that the unreceived time has reached the specified time, the reception waits. A receiver that controls the state may be added.

-For example, in the normal mode, when the unreceived time reaches the specified time, a plurality of receivers may be added as receivers controlled in the reception waiting state, and as a receiver controlled in the reception waiting state. Some receivers may be used or all receivers may be used.

-For example, in the normal mode, when the unreceived time reaches the specified time, the receiver previously controlled in the reception waiting state does not have to be controlled in the reception waiting state. That is, when the unreceived time reaches the specified time, the receiver controlled to the reception waiting state may be changed.

-For example, in the normal mode, when there are a plurality of receivers controlled in the reception waiting state, when the plurality of receivers receive a signal from any of the tire sensor units 40A to 40D, the determination is made in the learning mode. The receiver may be determined as the receiver that controls the reception waiting state.

-For example, when the receiver determined as the receiver to be controlled in the reception waiting state in the normal mode becomes the receiver of the first system, and the unreceived time becomes the specified time by the receiver of the first system, it is usually A receiver newly determined as a receiver to be controlled in the reception waiting state in the mode may be applied to each of the receivers of the second system.

-For example, the tire condition monitoring device 20 may be provided with one receiver having a plurality of antennas 24A to 24D and at least one communication circuit for receiving signals from the plurality of antennas 24A to 24D. That is, the tire condition monitoring device 20 may include a receiving unit (reception device) having a plurality of systems of receivers, and the plurality of systems of receivers have a configuration having at least a plurality of systems of antennas 24A to 24D. I just need to be there.

-For example, the tire condition monitoring device 20 for monitoring the condition of the tire may be configured not to include the display 22 as long as it includes the receiver unit 21. Further, for example, the tire condition monitoring device 20 for monitoring the condition of the tire may include the tire sensor units 40A to 40D.

-For example, the sensor unit controller 41 may determine whether or not it is abnormal by monitoring the amount of change in the air pressure in the tire.

-For example, it may detect other than the air pressure in the tire. For example, the tire sensor units 40A to 40D detect tire temperature, tire wear, abnormal vibration, abnormality of the sensor unit controller 41 itself, abnormality of the pressure sensor 42 itself, voltage drop of the battery 46, or a combination thereof. , The transmission signal may be transmitted.

-For example, in the reception wait control process of FIGS. 4 and 5, the process in the learning mode shown in steps S11 to S20 and the process in the normal mode shown in steps S21 to S28 and S31 to S35 are executed as separate processes. May be done.

-For example, the mobile terminal device 50 may be not a mobile phone but a terminal device having no call function, and may be a terminal device capable of transmitting a signal relating to the vehicle 11. Further, for example, the tire condition monitoring system 10 may be configured not to include the portable terminal device 50 as long as it includes the tire condition monitoring device 20 and the tire sensor units 40A to 40D. Since the vehicle 11 has four wheels 12A to 12D, four tire sensor units 40A to 40D are attached to the four wheels 12A to 12D, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, three or less or five One or more tire sensor units may be attached.

The receiver unit controller 26 is one of 1) one or more processors that operate according to a computer program (software), 2) an integrated circuit (ASIC) for a specific application that executes at least a part of various processes. It can be configured by a processing circuit including the above dedicated hardware circuit or 3) a combination thereof. The processor includes a CPU and a memory such as a RAM and a ROM, and the memory stores a program code or a command configured to cause the CPU to execute a process. Memory or computer readable media includes any available medium accessible by a general purpose or dedicated computer. The sensor unit controller 41 can also be configured in the same manner as the receiver unit controller 26.

Describe the technical idea that can be grasped from the above embodiment and modified examples.

(1) The control unit controls the receiver of the first system among the receivers of the plurality of systems to the reception waiting state, while excluding the receiver of the first system among the receivers of the plurality of systems. When the receiver of the first system cannot receive a signal from at least one of the plurality of transmitters in the case where the other receiver is not controlled to the reception waiting state, the receiver of the first system It is configured to control the receiver of the second system different from the receiver to the reception waiting state.

(2) The control unit controls the receiver of the first system among the receivers of the plurality of systems to the reception waiting state, while the receiver of the first system among the receivers of the plurality of systems is When the receiver of the second system and the receiver of the third system are not controlled in the reception waiting state, the receiver of the first system transmits a signal from at least one of the plurality of transmitters. When reception is not possible, the receiver of the second system is controlled to the reception waiting state without controlling the receiver of the third system to the reception waiting state, and further, the receiving body of the second system is controlled. Is configured to control the receiver of the third system to the reception waiting state when the signal from at least one of the plurality of transmitters cannot be received.

10 ... Tire condition monitoring system 14A-14D ... Tire 20 ... Tire condition monitoring device 21 ... Receiver unit 23A-23D ... Receiver 24A-24D ... Antenna 25A-25D ... Communication circuit 26 ... Receiver unit controller 40A-40D ... Tire Sensor unit 50 ... Portable terminal device

Claims (9)

A tire condition monitoring device for monitoring the condition of vehicle tires.
A receiver configured to receive signals from each of multiple transmitters,
A control unit configured to control the receiver unit is provided.
The receiver has a plurality of receivers configured to receive signals from each of the plurality of transmitters.
The control unit
The receivers of the plurality of systems are individually configured to control signals from each of the plurality of transmitters in a reception waiting state in which signals can be received.
While controlling the receiver of the first system among the receivers of the plurality of systems to the reception waiting state, the receiver of the second system different from the receiver of the first system among the receivers of the plurality of systems When the receiver of the first system cannot receive a signal from at least one of the plurality of transmitters in the case where the receiver is not controlled to the reception waiting state, the receiver of the second system is said to be. A tire condition monitoring device configured to control the reception waiting state. A claim that each of the plurality of receivers has an antenna configured to receive signals from each of the plurality of transmitters and a receiving circuit that converts the signals received by the antennas. The tire condition monitoring device according to 1. Each of the plurality of receivers of the plurality of transmitters includes a plurality of tire condition transmitters for transmitting a signal regarding the tire condition, and a portable terminal device for transmitting a signal regarding unlocking and locking of the vehicle. The tire condition monitoring device according to claim 1 or 2, which is configured to receive signals from each. The tire condition monitoring device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the receiving unit is configured to perform Bluetooth wireless communication. The control unit
For each of the plurality of receivers, the received power of the signal received from each of the plurality of transmitters is acquired, and the received power is acquired.
The receivers of claims 1 to 4, wherein the receiver of one system having a relatively large acquired received power among the receivers of the plurality of systems is determined as the receiver of the first system. The tire condition monitoring device according to any one of the items. The control unit
For each of the plurality of receivers, the received power of the signal received from each of the plurality of transmitters is acquired, and the received power is acquired.
Among the receivers of the plurality of systems, the receiver of one system, which is different from the receiver of the first system and has a relatively large acquired received power, is determined as the receiver of the second system. The tire condition monitoring device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, which is configured. The control unit
When a predetermined start condition is satisfied, the receivers of the plurality of systems are controlled to the reception waiting state, and the receivers of the plurality of systems are controlled to the reception waiting state.
For each of the plurality of receivers, the received power of the signal received from each of the plurality of transmitters is acquired, and the received power is acquired.
After the reception power is acquired, the receiver of the first system is controlled to the reception waiting state, while the receiver of the second system is not controlled to the reception waiting state. The tire condition monitoring device according to any one of items 1 to 6. The control unit
The timing of receiving signals from each of the plurality of transmitters is acquired, and the timing is acquired.
The tire condition monitoring device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the receiver of the first system is controlled to the reception waiting state based on the acquired timing. A tire condition monitoring system for monitoring the condition of vehicle tires.
With multiple transmitters
A receiver configured to receive signals from each of the plurality of transmitters,
A control unit configured to control the receiver unit is provided.
The plurality of transmitters include a plurality of tire condition transmitters configured to transmit a signal regarding the condition of the tire.
The receiver has a plurality of receivers configured to receive signals from each of the plurality of transmitters.
The control unit
The receivers of the plurality of systems are individually configured to control signals from each of the plurality of transmitters in a reception waiting state in which signals can be received.
While controlling the receiver of the first system among the receivers of the plurality of systems to the reception waiting state, the receiver of the second system different from the receiver of the first system among the receivers of the plurality of systems When the receiver of the first system cannot receive a signal from at least one of the plurality of transmitters in the case where the receiver is not controlled to the reception waiting state, the receiver of the second system is said to be. A tire condition monitoring system that is configured to control the reception waiting state.

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