Component state estimation system, component state estimation method, and recording medium

Abstract

The invention provides a component state estimation system, a component state estimation method, and a recording medium. A component state estimation system includes: a recording unit in which a component state determination map representing a magnitude of an input load, which is a load input to a vehicle, and a relationship between an input portion and a state of each portion of a component of the vehicle is recorded; and a processor that estimates the magnitude of the input load and the input site based on traveling data of the vehicle, and determines a map based on the magnitude of the input load and the input site that have been estimated and the component state, the state of each part of the constituent member is estimated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a component state estimation system, a component state estimation method, and a recording medium. Background Art

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Publication (JP-A) No. H06-286652 discloses a technique in which a part constituting a part of a frame member of a vehicle is integrally molded by casting. The part includes left and right rear wheel wells.

[0003] For example, a vehicle is subjected to various external forces while traveling, and therefore, the states of some parts of the above components may change due to these external forces. Summary of the invention

[0004] In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present disclosure is to obtain a component state estimation system, a component state estimation method, and a recording medium capable of estimating the state of each portion of a constituent component that changes due to a load input to a vehicle.

[0005] The component state estimation system of the first scheme includes: a recording unit, in which a component state determination map is recorded, and the component state determination map represents the relationship between the size of the input load as the load input to the vehicle, the input location and the state of each part of the component of the vehicle; a load estimation unit, which estimates the size and the input location of the input load based on the driving data of the vehicle, and a state estimation unit, which estimates the state of each part of the component based on the size and the input location of the input load already estimated by the load estimation unit and the component state determination map.

[0006] A component state determination map is recorded in a recording unit of the component state estimation system of the first scheme, and the component state determination map represents the relationship between the size of the input load as the load input to the vehicle, the input location, and the state of each part of the component of the vehicle. In addition, the component state estimation system includes a load estimation unit, which estimates the size and input location of the input load based on the driving data of the vehicle. In addition, the state estimation unit of the component state estimation system estimates the state of each part of the component based on the size and input location of the input load already estimated by the load estimation unit and the component state determination map. Therefore, the component state estimation system of the first scheme is able to estimate the state of each part of the component that has changed due to the load input to the vehicle.

[0007] The component state estimation system of a second aspect is the first aspect, wherein the component component is an integrally formed product manufactured by casting.

[0008] In the second embodiment, the component is an integrally molded product manufactured by casting. Generally, the ductility of the material constituting the integrally molded product manufactured by casting is low. Therefore, the component state estimation system of the second embodiment can estimate the state of each part of the component as the integrally molded product manufactured by casting.

[0009] The component state estimation system of a third aspect is the second aspect, wherein the component component is at least one of a front frame member and a rear frame member as frame members of the vehicle.

[0010] When a vehicle is subjected to a collision, the states of the front and rear frame members tend to change. Therefore, for example, when a vehicle is subjected to a collision, the component state estimation system of the third aspect can estimate the change in state that has occurred in any portion of the front and rear frame members.

[0011] The component state estimation system of the fourth scheme is the first scheme or the second scheme, wherein the system includes an alarm device, and when the state estimation unit estimates that the state of at least one of the parts of the component is a predetermined state, the alarm device issues an alarm to the occupants of the vehicle.

[0012] In the fourth aspect, when the state estimation unit estimates that the state of at least one part of the component is a predetermined state, the alarm device issues an alarm to the occupant of the vehicle. Therefore, the occupant can then take action such as requesting an automobile repair and maintenance shop to inspect the vehicle.

[0013] The component state estimation system of the fifth scheme is the first scheme or the second scheme, wherein the load estimation unit estimates the size and the input position of the input load based on the driving data and the load estimation map, and the load estimation map represents the relationship between the driving data and the input load input to the position of the component.

[0014] According to the fifth aspect, the magnitude and input location of the input load can be estimated with high accuracy.

[0015] The component state estimation system of the sixth scheme is the first scheme or the second scheme, wherein the system includes an information recording unit in which information related to the state of each part of the component part estimated by the state estimation unit is recorded.

[0016] According to the sixth aspect, by acquiring the information recorded in the information recording unit, for example, a technician at an automobile repair and maintenance shop can accurately and easily recognize the status of each component part.

[0017] The component state estimation system of the seventh scheme is the first scheme or the second scheme, wherein the system includes a wireless transmission unit capable of wirelessly transmitting information related to the state of each part of the component part estimated by the state estimation unit.

[0018] According to the seventh aspect, for example, a technician at an automobile repair and maintenance shop installed with an external server that acquires information transmitted from the wireless transmission unit can accurately and easily recognize the status of each component part.

[0019] The component state estimation system of an eighth aspect is the first aspect or the second aspect, wherein the component component is a frame member of the vehicle.

[0020] According to the eighth aspect, the state of each portion of the frame member that is changed by the load input to the vehicle can be estimated.

[0021] The component state estimation system of the ninth scheme is the first scheme or the second scheme, wherein the load estimation unit estimates the size and the input position of the input load based on the driving data and the load estimation map, the load estimation map represents the relationship between the driving data and the input load input to the position of the component, and the component is a frame member of the vehicle.

[0022] According to the ninth aspect, since the component part is a frame member of the vehicle, the load estimation map can be created using computer-aided engineering (CAE), so that the load estimation map can be easily created compared to the case where the load estimation map is created based on the results of actual experiments.

[0023] The component state estimation system of the tenth scheme is the ninth scheme, wherein the frame member is a rear frame member that is a part of the frame member of the vehicle, and the rear frame member includes left and right rear tire covers and a rear cross beam that connects the left and right rear tire covers to each other as the part.

[0024] According to the tenth aspect, the states of the left and right rear tire covers and the rear cross member that are changed by the load input to the vehicle can be estimated.

[0025] The component state estimation system of an eleventh aspect is the tenth aspect, wherein at least one of the rear tire covers has a plurality of the portions.

[0026] According to the eleventh aspect, it is possible to estimate the state of each portion of at least one of the rear tire covers that is changed by the load input to the vehicle.

[0027] The component state estimation system of the twelfth scheme is the tenth scheme or the eleventh scheme, wherein the rear cross beam has a plurality of the locations.

[0028] According to the twelfth aspect, the state of each portion of the rear cross member that is changed by the load input to the vehicle can be estimated.

[0029] The component state estimation system of the thirteenth scheme is the twelfth scheme, wherein the frame member is a front frame member that is a part of the frame member of the vehicle, and the front frame member includes left and right front tire covers and a front cross beam that connects the left and right front tire covers to each other as the part.

[0030] According to the thirteenth aspect, the states of the left and right front tire covers and the front cross member that are changed by the load input to the vehicle can be estimated.

[0031] The component state estimation system of a fourteenth aspect is the thirteenth aspect, wherein at least one of the front tire covers has a plurality of the portions.

[0032] According to the fourteenth aspect, it is possible to estimate the state of each portion of at least one of the front tire covers that is changed due to the load input to the vehicle.

[0033] The component state estimation system of the fifteenth scheme is the thirteenth scheme or the fourteenth scheme, wherein the front beam has a plurality of the locations.

[0034] According to the fifteenth aspect, the state of each portion of the front cross member that is changed by the load input to the vehicle can be estimated.

[0035] The component state estimation system of a sixteenth aspect is the first aspect or the second aspect, wherein the load estimation unit estimates the magnitude and the input portion of the input load when it is determined based on the driving data that a predetermined specific condition is satisfied.

[0036] According to the sixteenth aspect, the load estimation unit estimates the magnitude and input location of the input load only when the specific condition is satisfied. Therefore, the calculation load of the component state estimation system is smaller than when the load estimation unit estimates the magnitude and input location of the input load regardless of whether the specific condition is satisfied.

[0037] The component state estimation system of the seventeenth scheme is the sixteenth scheme, wherein, when the detection value of the acceleration sensor arranged at the vehicle becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined value, when the detection value of the yaw rate sensor arranged at the vehicle becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined value, when the gear sensor arranged at the vehicle detects that the gear is in P range or N range and the acceleration sensor detects an acceleration equal to or greater than a predetermined value, or when the gear sensor detects that the gear is 1st range, 2nd range, D range or R range and the acceleration sensor detects an acceleration equal to or greater than a predetermined value in a direction different from the direction of travel of the vehicle, it is determined that the specific condition is met.

[0038] According to the seventeenth aspect, it is possible to determine with high accuracy whether a specific condition is satisfied.

[0039] The component state estimation system of the eighteenth scheme is the sixteenth scheme, wherein the specific condition is determined to be satisfied when a rear vehicle travels directly behind the vehicle and the size of an image representing the rear vehicle and displayed on a display provided on the vehicle becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

[0040] According to the eighteenth aspect, it is possible to determine with high accuracy whether a specific condition is satisfied.

[0041] The component state estimation method of the nineteenth scheme is a method as follows: the state of each part of the component is estimated by applying the size of the input load and the input part estimated based on the vehicle's driving data to a component state judgment map, wherein the component state judgment map represents the relationship between the size of the input load as the load input to the vehicle, the input part and the state of each part of the component of the vehicle.

[0042] A computer-readable recording medium stores a program executable by a processor to perform processing, the processing comprising: applying the magnitude and input location of an input load estimated based on driving data of a vehicle to a component state determination map, thereby estimating the state of each part of a component part, the component state determination map representing the relationship between the magnitude and input location of an input load as a load input to the vehicle and the state of each part of a component part of the vehicle.

[0043] As described above, the component state estimation system, component state estimation method, and recording medium related to the present disclosure have excellent effects in that they can estimate the state of each portion of a constituent component that changes due to a load input to a vehicle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail based on the following drawings, in which:

[0045] Figure 1 is a schematic side view of a vehicle equipped with a component state estimation system according to an embodiment;

[0046] Figure 2 for Figure 1 a schematic perspective view of a frame member of the illustrated vehicle;

[0047] Figure 3 This is a control block diagram of the ECU installed in the vehicle;

[0048] Figure 4 It is the functional block diagram of ECU;

[0049] Figure 5 For along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view taken along the arrow line 5-5;

[0050] Figure 6 is a diagram showing wheel speed detection values ​​as a set of running data;

[0051] Figure 7 A diagram showing wheel speed differential values ​​as a set of running data;

[0052] Figure 8 is a diagram showing a steering angle detection value as a set of driving data;

[0053] Fig. 9 is a diagram showing acceleration detection values ​​as a set of travel data;

[0054] Fig.10 is a diagram showing a yaw rate detection value as a set of running data;

[0055] Fig.11 A diagram showing gear position detection values ​​as a set of driving data;

[0056] Fig.12 A diagram showing brake switch detection values ​​as a set of travel data;

[0057] Fig.13 is a diagram showing imaging data acquired by a rear camera as a set of driving data;

[0058] Fig.14 a load estimation map showing the relationship between driving data and load input to each frame member;

[0059] Fig.15 A diagram showing a component state determination map; and

[0060] Fig.16 is a flowchart showing the processing executed by the CPU of the ECU. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0061] The component state estimation system, component state estimation method and recording medium disclosed herein will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The arrow "front" (FR) appropriately shown in the drawings indicates the front direction in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, the arrow "left" (LH) indicates the left direction in the left-right direction of the vehicle, and the arrow "up" (UP) indicates the upper direction in the up-down direction of the vehicle.

[0062] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the vehicle 10 having the component state estimation system 20 installed includes four wheels 12 and a frame member 14 .

[0063] like Figure 2 As shown, the frame member 14 includes a rear frame member 15 that constructs the rear portion of the frame member 14, a front frame member 16 that constructs the front portion of the frame member 14, and a main frame member 17 that connects the rear frame member 15 and the front frame member 16 to each other and is larger than the rear frame member 15 and the front frame member 16. The rear frame member 15, the front frame member 16, and the main frame member 17 of this embodiment are large aluminum die-cast products. In other words, the rear frame member 15, the front frame member 16, and the main frame member 17 are integrally formed products made of aluminum and manufactured by casting. It will be noted that the material that constructs the frame member 14 may be a material other than aluminum. The rear frame member 15 includes a first portion 15-P1 as a portion on the left side thereof, a second portion 15-P2 as a portion on the right side thereof, and a third portion 15-P3 as a remaining portion. The first portion 15-P1 and the second portion 15-P2 are rear tire covers (rear wheel ports). The third portion 15-P3 includes three rear cross beams 15-P3-1, 15-P3-2, and 15-P3-3 arranged in the front-to-back direction. The rear cross beams 15-P3-1, 15-P3-2, and 15-P3-3 extend in the left-right direction, and connect the first portion 15-P1 and the second portion 15-P2 to each other at three locations. The front frame member 16 includes a first portion 16-P1 as a portion on the left side thereof, a second portion 16-P2 as a portion on the right side thereof, and a third portion 16-P3 as a remaining portion. The first portion 16-P1 and the second portion 16-P2 are front tire covers (front wheel openings). The third portion 16-P3 is a front cross beam that extends in the left-to-right direction, and connects the rear ends of the first portion 16-P1 and the second portion 16-P2 to each other. The main frame member 17 includes a first portion 17 - P1 as a portion on the front side thereof, a second portion 17 - P2 as a portion on the rear side thereof, and a third portion 17 - P3 as a remaining portion.

[0064] like Figure 1As shown, the vehicle 10 includes an electronic control unit (ECU) 21, a wheel speed sensor 30, a steering wheel 31, a steering angle sensor 32, an acceleration sensor 33, a yaw rate sensor 34, a gear position sensor 35, a brake switch 36, a rear camera 37, a display (alarm device) 38, and an ignition switch 39. The two front wheels 12FW are steering wheels. Therefore, when the steering angle of the steering wheel 31 changes, the steering angles of the left and right front wheels 12FW change. The wheel speed sensor 30, the steering angle sensor 32, the acceleration sensor 33, the yaw rate sensor 34, the gear position sensor 35, the brake switch 36, the rear camera 37, the display 38, and the ignition switch 39 are connected to the ECU 21. When the ignition switch 39 is turned off, the driving source of the vehicle 10 cannot work, and when the ignition switch 39 is turned on, the driving source can work. It will be noted that, for example, the driving source includes at least one of an engine and a motor. Therefore, the "ignition switch 39" of this specification includes an ignition switch operated by a key and other types of switches. For example, other types of switches include push-start buttons.

[0065] When the ignition switch 39 is turned on, Figure 6 As shown, the wheel speed sensor 30 acquires the wheel speed of the vehicle 10 every time a predetermined amount of time elapses, and sends the acquired wheel speed to the ECU 21 .

[0066] In addition, when the ignition switch 39 is turned on, Figure 7 As shown, a CPU 22 described later acquires a differential value of a detection value of the wheel speed sensor 30 every time a predetermined amount of time has elapsed.

[0067] When the ignition switch 39 is turned on, Figure 8 As shown, every time a predetermined amount of time passes, the steering angle sensor 32 acquires the steering angle as the rotation angle of the steering wheel 31, and sends the acquired steering angle to the ECU 21. It will be noted that Figure 8 + (positive) on the vertical axis of the graph in represents a steering angle in a clockwise direction, and - (negative) represents a steering angle in a counterclockwise direction.

[0068] When the ignition switch 39 is turned on, Fig. 9 As shown, every time a predetermined amount of time passes, the acceleration sensor 33 acquires acceleration occurring in the vehicle 10 in the up-down direction, the left-right direction, and the front-rear direction, and sends the acquired acceleration to the ECU 21. It will be noted that Fig. 9 + (positive) on the vertical axis of the graph in represents positive acceleration, while - (negative) represents negative acceleration (deceleration).

[0069] When the ignition switch 39 is turned on, Fig.10As shown, every time a predetermined amount of time passes, the yaw rate sensor 34 acquires the yaw rate of the vehicle 10 and sends the acquired yaw rate to the ECU 21. It will be noted that Fig.10 + (positive) on the vertical axis of the graph in represents the yaw rate in the clockwise direction as viewed in the plan view, and − (negative) represents the yaw rate in the counterclockwise direction as viewed in the plan view.

[0070] When the ignition switch 39 is turned on, Fig.11 As shown, every predetermined amount of time, the gear position sensor 35 obtains the gear position of the shift lever (not shown in the figure) and sends the obtained gear position to the ECU 21. The gear positions of the shift lever in this embodiment include P gear, N gear, 1 gear, 2 gear, D gear and R gear.

[0071] like Fig.12 As shown, when the brake pedal (not shown) is depressed by an operation amount equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the brake switch 36 is turned on and a detection signal is sent to the ECU 21. When the operation amount of the brake pedal is less than the predetermined value, the brake switch 36 is turned off (no detection signal is output). When the brake switch 36 outputs the detection signal, a brake device (not shown) provided in the vehicle 10 is activated by the control of the ECU 21.

[0072] When the ignition switch 39 is turned on, Fig.13 As shown, the rear camera 37 images an object located behind the vehicle 10 every time a predetermined amount of time elapses, and transmits the acquired imaging data to the ECU 21 .

[0073] For example, the display 38 is disposed in the instrument panel. The display 38 can display various images. For example, Fig.13 As shown, the display 38 can display images based on the imaging data acquired by the rear camera 37. Fig.13 , an image representing a rear vehicle 50 traveling immediately behind the vehicle 10 is displayed on the display 38. In addition, the display 38 is capable of displaying warning information described later.

[0074] like Figure 3 As shown, the ECU 21 is configured to include a central processing unit (CPU) 22, a read-only memory (ROM) 23, a random access memory (RAM) 24, a storage (information recording unit) 25, a communication interface (I / F) (wireless transmission unit) 26, and an input / output interface (I / F) 27. The CPU 22, the ROM 23, the RAM 24, the storage 25, the communication I / F 26, and the input / output I / F 27 are communicably connected to each other via a bus 28. The ECU 21 can acquire information related to time and date from a timer (not shown in the figure).

[0075] The CPU 22 is a central operation processing unit, executes various types of programs and controls various parts. That is, the CPU 22 reads the program from the ROM 23 or the storage 25, and executes the program using the RAM 24 as a work space. The CPU 22 controls each configuration according to the program recorded in the ROM 23 or the storage 25 and performs various types of operation processing (information processing).

[0076] ROM (recording medium) 23 stores various types of programs and various types of data. RAM 24 temporarily stores programs or data as a workspace. Storage (recording medium) 25 is configured by a storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD), and stores various types of programs and various types of data. Communication I / F 26 is capable of communicating with a device located outside the vehicle 10. For example, communication I / F 26 is capable of wireless communication with an external server (not shown in the figure). Communication I / F 26 uses a communication standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Wi-Fi (registered trademark). In addition, communication I / F 26 is capable of communicating with an ECU other than ECU 21 provided in the vehicle 10 via an external bus.

[0077] like Figure 4 As shown, as a functional configuration, the ECU 21 (processor) includes a specific condition determination unit 221, a load estimation unit 222, a state estimation unit 223, and a display control unit 224. The specific condition determination unit 221, the load estimation unit 222, the state estimation unit 223, and the display control unit 224 are implemented by the CPU 22 of the ECU 21 reading and executing a program stored in the ROM 23.

[0078] The specific condition determination unit 221 uses Figures 6 to 13The above-mentioned driving data group shown determines whether a specific condition is satisfied. In the case where it is estimated that an external force with a low input probability has been input to the vehicle 10 during normal driving, the specific condition is satisfied. For example, in the case where the rear vehicle 50 collides with the vehicle 10 or in the case where the front wheel 12 of the vehicle 10 collides with a curbstone of the road, the specific condition is satisfied. For example, when the size of the image representing the rear vehicle 50 and displayed on the display 38 becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined value, and the detection value of the acceleration sensor 33 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the specific condition determination unit 221 determines that the specific condition is satisfied due to the collision of the rear vehicle 50 with the vehicle 10. It will be noted that in the case where the size of the image representing the rear vehicle 50 and displayed on the display 38 becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the specific condition determination unit 221 can determine that the characteristic condition is satisfied due to the collision of the rear vehicle 50 with the vehicle 10 regardless of the detection value of the acceleration sensor 33. In addition, when the detection value of the acceleration sensor 33 becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined value, or when the detection value of the yaw rate sensor 34 becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the specific condition determination unit 221 can determine that the specific condition is satisfied. In addition, when the shift position sensor 35 detects that the shift position is in the P range or the N range, and the acceleration sensor 33 detects an acceleration equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the specific condition determination unit 221 can determine that the specific condition is satisfied. In addition, when the shift position sensor 35 detects that the shift position is in the 1st range, the 2nd range, the D range, or the R range, and the acceleration sensor 33 detects an acceleration equal to or greater than a predetermined value in a direction different from the traveling direction of the vehicle 10 represented by the shift position sensor 35, the specific condition determination unit 221 can determine that the specific condition is satisfied. In this way, by using at least one of the image displayed on the display 38, the detection value of the acceleration sensor 33, the detection value of the yaw rate sensor 34, and the detection value of the shift position sensor 35, it is possible to determine with high accuracy whether the specific condition is satisfied.

[0079] The load estimation unit 222 uses the above-mentioned driving data group and Fig.14The load estimation map 40 shown and recorded in the ROM 23 estimates the load (input load) input to each portion of the rear frame member 15, the front frame member 16, and the main frame member 17. The load estimation map 40 is a map representing the relationship between the above-mentioned driving data group and the input load input to each portion of the rear frame member 15, the front frame member 16, and the main frame member 17. It will be noted that the load estimation map 40 can be created using computer-aided engineering (CAE), for example. However, the load estimation map 40 can be created based on the results of an experiment in which a load is actually applied to the vehicle. More specifically, the load estimation unit 222 estimates the magnitude and input portion of the input load in the rear frame member 15, the front frame member 16, and the main frame member 17. For example, in the case where the wheel speed is equal to or greater than the predetermined value V2, the acceleration is equal to or greater than the predetermined value AC4, and the size of the rear vehicle 50 included in the imaging data acquired by the rear camera 37 is equal to or greater than the predetermined value DM1, the load estimation map 40 specifies that it is estimated that the input load "3" has been input to the third portion 15-P3 of the rear frame member 15. In other words, in this case, since the rear vehicle 50 collides with the rear portion of the vehicle 10, it is estimated that the input load "3" has been input to the third portion 15-P3. In addition, in the case where the wheel speed is equal to or greater than the predetermined value V3 and the differential value is equal to or greater than DV4, the load estimation map 40 specifies that it is estimated that the input load "3" has been input to the first portion 17-P1 and the second portion 17-P2, and the input load "2" has been input to the second portion 15-P2. The load estimation map 40 specifies the size of the input load in three stages. The input load "2" is greater than the input load "1", and the input load "3" is greater than the input load "2". The "-" mark in the load estimation map 40 indicates that information related to this item is not required. The load estimation unit 222 estimates the input load of each part of the rear frame member 15, the front frame member 16, and the main frame member 17 based on the above-mentioned travel data group and the load estimation map 40, so it can estimate the part to which the input load has been applied and the magnitude of the input load with high accuracy.

[0080] The state estimation unit 223 estimates the input load size and input position estimated by the load estimation unit 222 and Fig.15 The component state determination map 45 shown and recorded in the ROM 23 estimates the state of each part of each frame member. The component state determination map 45 is a map representing the relationship between the magnitude of the input load as the load input to the vehicle, the input part, and the state of each part of the component of the vehicle. "The state of each part of the component of the vehicle" refers to the state of each part of the component of the vehicle that is integrally arranged. "Part" refers to a part defined by dividing the component of the vehicle that is integrally arranged into two or more parts. Fig.15 The state A shown is a state where there is a risk of deformation, the state B is a state where there is a risk of cracking, and the state C is a state where there is a risk of breaking. Fig.15 In the example, for convenience, state A is labeled "A", state B is labeled "B", and state C is labeled "C". Fig.15 In the figure, "15-P" means the entire rear frame member 15, "16-P" means the entire front frame member 16, and "17-P" means the entire main frame member 17. For example, in the case where the input load "1" has been applied to the second portion 15-P2 of the rear frame member 15, the component state determination map 45 specifies that the state of the second portion 15-P2 becomes "A". That is, in this case, as Figure 5 As shown, there is a risk that a deformed portion DP has already occurred in the second portion 15-P2. In addition, in the case where the input load "1" has been applied to the first portion 16-P1 of the front frame member 16, the component state determination map 45 specifies that the state of the first portion 16-P1 becomes "A". In addition, in the case where the input load "2" has been applied to the third portion 15-P3 of the rear frame member 15, the component state determination map 45 specifies that the state of the third portion 15-P3 becomes "B". That is, in this case, as Figure 5 As shown, there is a risk that crack BP has been formed in the third portion 15-P3. In addition, in the case where the input load "3" has been applied to the second portion 17-P2 of the main frame member 17, the component state determination map 45 specifies that the state of the first portion 17-P1 becomes "C", the state of the second portion 17-P2 becomes "A", the state of the third portion 17-P3 becomes "A", and the state of the first portion 16-P1 becomes "A".

[0081] For example, assume a case where the input load "3" has been applied to the third portion 15-P3 of the rear frame member 15 due to the rear vehicle 50 colliding with the rear portion of the vehicle 10. In this case, the state estimating unit 223 estimates that the entire rear frame member 15 will be in state C, the second portion 16-P2 will be in state A, and the third portion 17-P3 will be in state A based on the component state determination map 45.

[0082] The display control unit 224 controls the display 38. For example, the display control unit 224 causes the display 38 to display an image based on the imaging data acquired by the rear camera 37. In addition, when the state estimation unit 223 estimates that any part of the rear frame member 15, the front frame member 16, and the main frame member 17 has become at least one state (predetermined state) of the states A, B, and C, the display control unit 224 causes the display 38 to display an alarm message. For example, in a case where it has been estimated that a crack has been formed in the first part 16-P1, the alarm message may be a text "The first part 16-P1 of the front frame member 16 may have a crack". In addition, for example, in a case where any part of the rear frame member 15 is in at least one of the states A, B, and C, the alarm message may be a text "The rear frame member 15 may have a problem, go to a car repair and maintenance shop to check it as soon as possible".

[0083] In the above configuration, ECU 21, wheel speed sensor 30, steering angle sensor 32, acceleration sensor 33, yaw rate sensor 34, gear sensor 35, brake switch 36, rear camera 37, display 38, load estimation map 40 and component state determination map 45 are components of the component state estimation system 20.

[0084] (Function and Effect)

[0085] Next, the action and effect of the embodiment will be described.

[0086] Will use Fig.16 The flow of processing performed by the CPU 22 of the ECU 21 of the vehicle 10 is described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 1. Every time a predetermined amount of time has passed, the CPU 22 repeatedly executes Fig.16 The processing in the flowchart.

[0087] First, in step S10 (the word "step" will be omitted hereinafter), the CPU 22 determines whether the ignition switch 39 is turned on.

[0088] When the determination in S10 is "Yes", the CPU 22 proceeds to S11 and determines whether a specific condition is satisfied.

[0089] When the determination in S11 is “Yes”, the CPU 22 proceeds to S12 and estimates the magnitude and input location of the input load in the rear frame member 15 , the front frame member 16 , and the main frame member 17 based on the travel data set and the load estimation map 40 .

[0090] When the CPU 22 completes the processing of S12 , it proceeds to S13 and estimates the states of the rear frame member 15 , the front frame member 16 , and the main frame member 17 based on the information on the magnitude and input location of the input load acquired in S12 and the component state determination map 45 .

[0091] When the CPU 22 completes the process of S13 , it proceeds to S14 and records information on the states of the rear frame member 15 , the front frame member 16 , and the main frame member 17 acquired in S13 in the ROM 23 or the storage 25 .

[0092] When the CPU 22 completes the processing of S14, it proceeds to S15. In S15, the CPU 22 determines whether at least one of the rear frame member 15, the front frame member 16, and the main frame member 17 is estimated to be at least one of the state A, the state B, and the state C in S13.

[0093] When the determination in S15 is "Yes", the CPU 22 proceeds to S16 and causes the display 38 to display the alarm information.

[0094] When the determinations in S10, S11, and S15 are "No" or when the processing in S16 is completed, the CPU 22 temporarily ends the process. Fig.16 The processing in the flowchart.

[0095] As described above, the component state estimation system 20 of the present embodiment estimates the magnitude and input position of the input load based on the driving data of the vehicle 10, and estimates the state of each part of the rear frame member 15, the front frame member 16, and the main frame member 17 based on the magnitude and input position of the input load that have been estimated and the component state determination map 45. That is, the component state estimation system 20 is capable of estimating the state of each part of the component parts (the rear frame member 15, the front frame member 16, and the main frame member 17) that have changed due to the load input to the vehicle 10. Therefore, a technician of an automobile repair and maintenance shop who receives information related to the state of each part of each component part from the component state estimation system 20 can easily and accurately recognize the state of each component part without any effort. Therefore, the technician can quickly and effortlessly perform the work of repairing each component part or the work of replacing each component part with a new component part.

[0096] In addition, the rear frame member 15, the front frame member 16, and the main frame member 17, which are the constituent parts whose states are estimated by the component state estimation system 20, are one-piece molded products manufactured by casting. Generally, the ductility of the material constituting the one-piece molded product manufactured by casting is low. Therefore, the rear frame member 15, the front frame member 16, and the main frame member 17 are likely to crack when they are affected by the input load. The component state estimation system 20 is capable of estimating that a crack that is difficult for a technician at an automobile repair and maintenance shop to visually recognize has been formed in any part of at least one of the rear frame member 15, the front frame member 16, and the main frame member 17. Therefore, a technician at an automobile repair and maintenance shop that receives information related to the crack acquired by the component state estimation system 20 easily recognizes that a crack has been formed in at least one of the rear frame member 15, the front frame member 16, and the main frame member 17.

[0097] Furthermore, for example, a specific condition is satisfied when the front of the vehicle 10 collides with an obstacle, the rear vehicle 50 collides with the rear of the vehicle 10, or any one of the tires 12 collides with a curbstone. Therefore, when the specific condition is satisfied, at least one of the rear frame member 15 and the front frame member 16 is likely to change to at least one of the state A, the state B, and the state C. For example, when such a situation occurs in the vehicle 10, the component state estimation system 20 of the present embodiment can estimate the change in state that has occurred in at least one of the rear frame member 15 and the front frame member 16.

[0098] Furthermore, when the state estimation unit 223 estimates that any part of the rear frame member 15, the front frame member 16, and the main frame member 17 has become at least one of the states A, B, and C, the display 38 displays the warning information. Therefore, the occupant who recognizes the warning information can then take actions such as requesting an automobile repair and maintenance shop to inspect the vehicle 10.

[0099] The component parts are the frame members (rear frame member 15, front frame member 16, and main frame member 17) of the vehicle 10, so it is possible to create the load estimation map 40 using CAE. Therefore, the load estimation map 40 can be created easily compared to the case where the load estimation map 40 is created based on the results of actual experiments.

[0100] In addition, the load estimation unit 222 estimates the magnitude and input location of the input load only when a specific condition is satisfied. Therefore, the calculation load of the CPU 22 is smaller than when the load estimation unit 222 estimates the magnitude and input location of the input load regardless of whether the specific condition is satisfied.

[0101] The component state estimation system 20, component state estimation method, and recording medium related to the embodiment have been described above, but the component state estimation system 20, component state estimation method, and recording medium can be appropriately changed in design without departing from the main purpose of the present disclosure.

[0102] In the embodiment, the rear frame member 15, the front frame member 16, and the main frame member 17 are respectively designated by three parts, but the number of parts constituting each of the rear frame member 15, the front frame member 16, and the main frame member 17 may be any number as long as it is plural. For example, the rear cross members 15-P3-1, 15-P3-2, 15-P3-3 of the rear frame member 15 may be parts different from each other. In addition, at least one of the first part 15-P1 and the second part 15-P2 may include a plurality of parts. For example, Figure 2 As shown, the first part 15-P1 and the second part 15-P2 may include the front part 15-P1F, 15-P2F and the rear part 15-P1R, 15-P2R. Similarly, the first part 16-P1 and the second part 16-P2 may include the front part 16-P1F, 16-P2F and the rear part 16-P1R, 16-P2R. In addition, at least one of the rear beams 15-P3-1, 15-P3-2, 15-P3-3 and the front beam (third part) 16-P3 may include multiple parts. In the case where the component state estimation system 20 is configured by such an example variant scheme, it is possible to identify in more detail the locations of deformation, cracks, and fractures that have occurred in each frame member.

[0103] The rear frame member 15 , the front frame member 16 , and the main frame member 17 do not need to be cast products.

[0104] The component whose state is estimated by the component state estimation system 20 may be at least one of the rear frame member 15 , the front frame member 16 , and the main frame member 17 .

[0105] The component whose state is estimated by the component state estimation system 20 may be a component other than the frame member 14. For example, in the case where the vehicle 10 is a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), or a pure electric vehicle (BEV), a battery (battery housing) for supplying electric power to a motor that is a driving source of the vehicle 10 may be a component.

[0106] In the present embodiment, the vehicle 10 is equipped with a specific condition determination unit 221, a load estimation unit 222, a state estimation unit 223, and a display control unit 224. However, an external server capable of wireless communication with the vehicle 10 may be equipped with at least one of the specific condition determination unit 221, the load estimation unit 222, the state estimation unit 223, and the display control unit 224. For example, the external server may have the functions of the specific condition determination unit 221, the load estimation unit 222, the state estimation unit 223, and the display control unit 224, and estimate the state occurring in any part of the component parts based on the driving data received from the vehicle 10 through wireless communication and generate alarm information. In this case, the external server wirelessly transmits information related to the estimated state and the alarm information to the vehicle 10, and the display 38 displays the alarm information. In addition, for example, the external server may have some functions of the specific condition determination unit 221, the load estimation unit 222, the state estimation unit 223, and the display control unit 224, and the vehicle 10 may have the remaining functions. In this case, the external server transmits the result of the processing performed by the function equipped therein to the vehicle 10 through wireless communication.

[0107] The component state estimation system can estimate the states of various parts of the component parts of the vehicle 10 based on driving data different from the above-mentioned driving data. For example, such driving data includes information related to the position of the accelerator pedal, information related to the position of the vehicle 10 received by a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receiver, information related to the number of revolutions per unit time of the internal combustion engine or the electric motor as a driving source, and imaging data related to an object located in front of or to the side of the vehicle.

[0108] The alarm device may be a speaker capable of alerting the occupant of the alarm information by audio. The alarm information (notification information) may be sent to a terminal such as a smartphone owned by the occupant by wireless communication, and the terminal may notify the occupant of the alarm information (notification information).

[0109] For example, the communication I / F 26 can wirelessly transmit information related to the state of each part of the component part estimated by the state estimation unit 223 to an external server provided at an automobile repair and maintenance shop, etc. By configuring the component state estimation system 20 in this manner, a technician at an automobile repair and maintenance shop can easily recognize the part of the component part where deformation, etc., has occurred.

[0110] The component state estimation system does not need to perform Fig.16 That is, the component state estimation system can estimate the state of the component component regardless of whether the specific condition is satisfied.

[0111] The load estimation unit 222 does not need to estimate the load (input load) input to each part of the component based on the load estimation map 40. The load estimation unit 222 can directly or indirectly estimate the load (input load) input to each part of the component based on the values ​​obtained by a plurality of sensors (e.g., acceleration sensors and / or load sensors) provided in each part of the vehicle. It will be noted that, herein, the values ​​obtained by the sensors are included in the "driving data".

Claims

1. A component state estimation system, comprising: a recording unit in which a component state determination map is recorded, the component state determination map representing a relationship between a magnitude of an input load as a load input to a vehicle, an input portion, and states of respective portions of component parts of the vehicle; a load estimating unit that estimates the magnitude and the input portion of the input load based on the travel data of the vehicle, and A state estimation unit estimates the state of each part of the component component based on the magnitude and input part of the input load estimated by the load estimation unit and the component state determination map.

2. The component state estimation system according to claim 1, wherein: The component parts are integrally formed products manufactured by casting.

3. The component state estimation system according to claim 2, wherein: The component part is at least one of a front frame member and a rear frame member which are frame members of the vehicle.

4. The component state estimation system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: The system includes an alarm device that issues an alarm to an occupant of the vehicle when the state estimation unit estimates that the state of at least one of the parts of the component is a predetermined state.

5. The component state estimation system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: The load estimation unit estimates the magnitude and the input portion of the input load based on the travel data and a load estimation map representing a relationship between the travel data and the input load input to the portion of the component.

6. The component state estimation system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: The system includes an information recording unit in which information related to the state of each part of the component estimated by the state estimation unit is recorded.

7. The component state estimation system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: The system includes a wireless transmission unit capable of wirelessly transmitting information related to the state of each part of the component estimated by the state estimation unit.

8. The component state estimation system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: The component part is a frame member of the vehicle.

9. The component state estimation system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: The load estimation unit estimates the magnitude and the input portion of the input load based on the travel data and a load estimation map representing a relationship between the travel data and the input load input to the portion of the component, and The component part is a frame member of the vehicle.

10. The component state estimation system according to claim 8, wherein: The frame member is a rear frame member that is part of the frame member of the vehicle, and The rear frame member includes, as the portion, left and right rear tire covers and a rear cross member connecting the left and right rear tire covers to each other.

11. The component state estimation system according to claim 10, wherein: At least one of the left and right rear tire covers has a plurality of the portions.

12. The component state estimation system according to claim 10 or claim 11, wherein: The rear cross beam has a plurality of the locations.

13. The component state estimation system according to claim 12, wherein: The frame member is a front frame member that is part of the frame member of the vehicle, and The front frame member includes, as the portion, left and right front tire covers and a front cross member that connects the left and right front tire covers to each other.

14. The component state estimation system according to claim 13, wherein: At least one of the left and right front tire covers has a plurality of the portions.

15. The component state estimation system according to claim 13 or claim 14, wherein: The front cross beam has a plurality of the locations.

16. The component state estimation system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: The load estimation unit estimates the magnitude and the input portion of the input load when it is determined based on the travel data that a predetermined specific condition is satisfied.

17. The component state estimation system according to claim 16, wherein: When the detection value of the acceleration sensor arranged at the vehicle becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined value, when the detection value of the yaw rate sensor arranged at the vehicle becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined value, when the gear sensor arranged at the vehicle detects that the gear is in P gear or N gear and the acceleration sensor detects an acceleration equal to or greater than a predetermined value, or when the gear sensor detects that the gear is 1st gear, 2nd gear, D gear or R gear and the acceleration sensor detects an acceleration equal to or greater than a predetermined value in a direction different from the direction of travel of the vehicle, it is determined that the specific condition is met.

18. The component state estimation system according to claim 16, wherein: When a following vehicle travels right behind the vehicle and the size of an image representing the following vehicle and displayed on a display provided in the vehicle becomes equal to or larger than a predetermined value, it is determined that the specific condition is satisfied.

19. A component state estimation method, wherein: The state of each part of the component parts is estimated by applying the size of the input load and the input part estimated based on the vehicle's driving data to a component state determination map, wherein the component state determination map represents the relationship between the size of the input load as the load input to the vehicle, the input part, and the state of each part of the component parts of the vehicle.

20. A computer-readable recording medium storing a program executable by a processor to perform a process, the process comprising: The magnitude and input location of the input load estimated based on the vehicle's driving data are applied to a component state determination map, thereby estimating the state of each part of the component part. The component state determination map represents the relationship between the magnitude and input location of the input load as the load input to the vehicle and the state of each part of the component part of the vehicle.

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