Lifespan calculation method

Abstract

To more properly calculate the service life of a calculation object according to the number of data.SOLUTION: A service life calculation method includes: when the number of data as the total number of stored data exceeds a predetermined number, by using data from latest data to a predetermined number of past data among the plurality of stored data, for each data, calculating an expected total travel distance as the expected value of a total travel distance when the integrated value of a load-related parameter reaches a predetermined threshold, or an expected total usage time as a total usage time when the integrated value reaches the predetermined threshold; calculating as a service life a value obtainable by subtracting, from the average value of the expected total travel distance or the expected total usage time for each data, three times the standard deviation of the average value; and when the number of data is equal to or less than a predetermined number, by using all of the plurality of stored data, calculating the expected total travel distance or the expected total usage time for each data, and calculating the average value as the service life.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a lifespan calculation method, and more particularly to a lifespan calculation method for calculating the lifespan of a calculation object of a mounted device on which the calculation object is mounted, the calculation object having a lifespan being calculated. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, as a method for calculating the life of an object to be calculated, a method for calculating a predicted life of a belt drive device that drives an endless belt has been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 1). In this method, parameters related to the load applied to the parts during the time required to correct the belt position as the position in the width direction of the endless belt to a set position are used as data, and the life of the belt drive device is calculated based on this data. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-167439 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in a lifespan calculation method for calculating the lifespan of a calculation object, when a parameter related to a load is used as data and the lifespan is calculated based on this data, a discrepancy may occur between the calculated lifespan and the actual lifespan. In order to suppress such a discrepancy, a method of calculating the lifespan using multiple data acquired at predetermined time intervals or each time a device equipped with the calculation object moves a predetermined distance can be considered. However, the magnitude of the discrepancy between the calculated lifespan and the actual lifespan varies depending on the number of data. Therefore, it is desired to calculate the lifespan of a calculation object more appropriately depending on the number of data.

[0005] A main object of the lifespan calculation method of the present invention is to more appropriately calculate the lifespan of a calculation object according to the number of data. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The life calculation method of the present invention employs the following means to achieve the above-mentioned main object.

[0007] The life calculation method of the present invention includes the steps of: A life calculation method for calculating a life of a calculation object in a mounting device on which a calculation object to be calculated has been mounted, the method comprising the steps of: a first step of storing a load-related parameter as a parameter related to a load applied to the calculation object and a total moving distance or a total usage time of the mounted device from when the mounted device starts to be used until the load-related parameter is acquired as data every time the mounted device moves a predetermined distance or every predetermined time; a second step of calculating, when the total number of the stored data pieces exceeds a predetermined number, an expected total travel distance as an expected value of the total travel distance when an integrated value of the load-related parameter reaches a predetermined threshold value or an expected total usage time as the total usage time when the integrated value reaches the predetermined threshold value, for each of the stored data pieces using the latest data to the predetermined number of previous data pieces, and calculating, as the life, a value obtained by subtracting three times the standard deviation of the average value from an average value of the expected total travel distance or the expected total usage time for each of the data pieces; and, when the number of the data pieces is equal to or less than the predetermined number, calculating, for each of the stored data pieces, the expected total travel distance or the expected total usage time, and calculating, as the life, the average value; The gist of the project is to provide the following:

[0008] In the life calculation method of the present invention, a load-related parameter as a parameter related to the load applied to the calculation object and a total travel distance or total usage time of the mounted device from the start of use of the mounted device to the acquisition of the load-related parameter are stored as data every time the mounted device travels a predetermined distance or every predetermined time. When the total number of stored data exceeds a predetermined number, a predicted total travel distance as a predicted value of the total travel distance when the integrated value of the load-related parameter reaches a predetermined threshold or a predicted total usage time as a total usage time when the integrated value reaches a predetermined threshold is calculated for each data using the most recent data to a predetermined number of past data among the multiple stored data, and a value obtained by subtracting three times the standard deviation of the average value from the average value of the predicted total travel distance or the predicted total usage time for each data is calculated as the life. Here, the "predetermined number" is the number at which the distribution of the average value of the predicted total travel distance or the predicted total usage time for each data significantly deviates from a normal distribution. When the number of data pieces exceeds a predetermined number and the distribution of the average value of the expected total travel distance or expected total usage time for each data piece is close to a normal distribution and it is acceptable to use the standard deviation, the expected total travel distance or expected total usage time for each data piece is subtracted from the average value by three times the standard deviation of the average value to calculate the life span as the life span, so that the calculated life span can have a margin of three times the standard deviation from the average value, and the life span of the calculation object can be calculated appropriately. When the number of data pieces is less than a predetermined number, the expected total travel distance or expected total usage time is calculated for each data piece using all of the multiple data pieces stored, and the average value is calculated as the life span. This makes it possible to prevent the life span from being calculated too short. As a result, the life span of the calculation object can be calculated more appropriately according to the number of data pieces.

[0009] In the life calculation method of the present invention, the on-board device may be a vehicle, the calculation object may be a lubricating oil that lubricates the engine, and the load-related parameter may be a fuel injection amount in the engine for each temperature range of the lubricating oil. Also, the on-board device may be a vehicle, the calculation object may be an air cleaner of the engine, and the load-related parameter may be an integrated value of the intake air amount of the engine. Furthermore, the on-board device may be a water treatment device that treats water, the calculation object may be a filtration device that filters water, and the load-related parameter may be an integrated value of the water flow rate of the filtration device.

[0010] The life calculation system of the present invention comprises: A lifespan calculation device that calculates a lifespan of a calculation object of a mounted device on which a calculation object to be calculated is mounted, comprising: a storage processing unit that stores, as data, a load-related parameter as a parameter related to a load applied to the calculation object, and a total moving distance or a total usage time of the mounted device from when the use of the mounted device is started until the load-related parameter is acquired, every time the mounted device moves a predetermined distance or every predetermined time; a life calculation unit that, when the total number of the data stored in the storage processing unit exceeds a predetermined number, calculates, for each of the plurality of stored data, an expected total travel distance as an expected value of the total travel distance when an integrated value of the load-related parameter reaches a predetermined threshold value or an expected total usage time as the total usage time when the integrated value reaches the predetermined threshold value, using the latest data to the predetermined number of previous data among the plurality of stored data, and calculates, as the life, a value obtained by subtracting three times the standard deviation of the average value from an average value of the expected total travel distance or the expected total usage time for each of the data, and when the number of data is equal to or less than the predetermined number, calculates, for each of the plurality of stored data, the expected total travel distance or the expected total usage time, and calculates, as the life, the average value; The gist of the project is to provide the following:

[0011] In the life calculation system of the present invention, the load-related parameters as parameters related to the load applied to the calculation object and the total travel distance or total usage time of the mounted device from the start of use of the mounted device to the acquisition of the load-related parameters are stored as data every time the mounted device travels a predetermined distance or every predetermined time. When the total number of stored data exceeds a predetermined number, the system uses the stored data from the latest data to a predetermined number of past data to calculate, for each data, an expected total travel distance as an expected value of the total travel distance when the integrated value of the load-related parameters reaches a predetermined threshold, or an expected total usage time as the total usage time when the integrated value reaches a predetermined threshold, and calculates a value obtained by subtracting three times the standard deviation of the average value from the average value of the expected total travel distance or the expected total usage time for each data as the life. The "predetermined number" is a number determined in advance as the number of samples at which the distribution of the average value of the expected total travel distance or the expected total usage time for each data significantly deviates from the normal distribution. When the number of data exceeds a predetermined number and the distribution of the average value of the expected total travel distance or expected total use time for each data is close to a normal distribution and it is acceptable to use the standard deviation, the value obtained by subtracting three times the standard deviation of the average value from the average value of the expected total travel distance or expected total use time for each data is calculated as the lifespan, so that the calculated lifespan can have a margin of three times the standard deviation from the average value, and the lifespan of the calculation object can be calculated appropriately. When the number of data is less than a predetermined number and the standard deviation cannot be calculated with the required accuracy, all of the stored multiple data are used to calculate the expected total travel distance or expected total use time for each data, and the average value is calculated as the lifespan. Since the lifespan is calculated without using the standard deviation, the lifespan can be calculated more appropriately. As a result, the lifespan of the calculation object can be calculated more appropriately according to the number of data. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of the configuration of a lifespan calculation system 10 that calculates the lifespan of a part (calculation object) mounted on a vehicle 30 by a lifespan calculation method according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2]10 is a flowchart showing an example of a lifespan calculation routine executed by the server 20. [Diagram 3] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of how an expected total travel distance Dest(n) is set. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of how the life distance DLs is set when the number of data Nd is equal to or smaller than a predetermined number Ndref. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a state in which a life distance DLs is set when the number of data Nd exceeds a predetermined number Ndref. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a state in which a lifetime TLs is set when the number of data Nd exceeds a predetermined number Ndref. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] Next, a mode for carrying out the present invention will be described using examples. EXAMPLES

[0014] 1 is a diagram showing an outline of the configuration of a lifespan calculation system 10 that calculates the lifespan of a part (calculation object) mounted on a vehicle 30 by a lifespan calculation method according to one embodiment of the present invention. The lifespan calculation system 10 includes a server 20, a vehicle 30, and a dealer PC 50.

[0015] The server 20 is configured as a known computer and includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, a flash memory 22, a storage device (e.g., an HDD or SSD), an input / output port, a communication port, etc. The server 20 is capable of communicating with the vehicle 30 and a dealer PC 50, which is a computer of a vehicle dealer, via wired or wireless communication.

[0016] The vehicle 30 includes an engine 32 and an electronic control unit (hereinafter referred to as “ECU”) 34 that controls the engine 32.

[0017] The engine 32 is configured as a multiple cylinder (e.g., 4-cylinder or 6-cylinder) internal combustion engine that uses gasoline or diesel as fuel and outputs power through four strokes: intake, compression, expansion (explosive combustion), and exhaust. The engine 32 draws air purified by an air cleaner 32a into an intake pipe, passes it through a throttle valve, and then draws it into a combustion chamber via an intake valve. In addition, fuel is injected from a fuel injection valve during the intake stroke and compression stroke, and is explosively combusted by an electric spark from an ignition plug. The reciprocating motion of a piston pushed down by the energy of the explosive combustion is converted into the rotational motion of a crankshaft. Exhaust exhaust discharged from the combustion chamber into the exhaust pipe via an exhaust valve is discharged into the outside air via a purification device.

[0018] The ECU 34 is configured as a well-known microcomputer and includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, a flash memory, an input / output port, a communication port, and the like. Signals from various sensors are input to the ECU 34 via an input port. Examples of the signals input to the ECU 34 include an intake air amount Qa from an air flow meter 36 attached upstream of a throttle valve of an intake pipe, and a total travel distance Dt from an odometer 38 that detects a total travel distance of the vehicle 30. Various control signals are output from the ECU 34 via an output port. Examples of the signals output from the ECU 34 include a control signal to a throttle valve of the engine 32, a control signal to a fuel injection valve, and a control signal to an ignition plug. The ECU 34 inputs an intake air amount Qa detected by an air flow meter 34a at every predetermined time tref1 (e.g., several msec), calculates an integrated intake air amount SUMqa by integrating the input intake air amount Qa, and stores the integrated intake air amount SUMqa in a flash memory. The ECU 34 also measures a total usage time Tu, which is the total time that the vehicle 30 has been used since the vehicle 30 was shipped from the factory, and stores the total usage time Tu in the flash memory.

[0019] The dealer PC 50 is configured as a well-known computer and includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, flash memory, a storage device (e.g., HDD, SSD, etc.), input / output ports, communication ports, etc. The dealer PC 50 is capable of communicating with the server 20 via wired or wireless communication.

[0020] Next, the operation of the life calculation system 10 of the embodiment thus configured, particularly the operation when calculating the life of the air cleaner 32a, will be described. The ECU 34 of the vehicle 30 transmits the total travel distance (total movement distance) Dt from the odometer 38 and an integrated intake air volume (load related parameter) SUMqa obtained by integrating the intake air volume Qa detected by the air flow meter 34a as the load applied to the air cleaner 32a to the server 20 via communication every time the total travel distance Dt from the odometer 38 reaches a predetermined distance Dtref (e.g., 1500 km, 2000 km, 2500 km, etc.).

[0021] When the server 20 receives the total mileage Dt and the accumulated intake air amount SUMqa as data from the vehicle 30, the server 20 executes a lifespan calculation routine. Fig. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of the lifespan calculation routine executed by the server 20. When this routine is executed, the server 20 first inputs the accumulated intake air amount SUMqa and the total mileage Dt received as data and stores them in the flash memory 22 of the server 20 (step S100).

[0022] Next, it is determined whether the number of data Nd as the total number of data stored in the flash memory 22 exceeds a predetermined number Ndref (step S110). The predetermined number Ndref is the number at which the distribution of the average value Desta calculated from the estimated total travel distance Dest(1) to the estimated total travel distance Dest(Ndref), which will be described later, significantly deviates from the normal distribution, and is set to, for example, 10, 20, 30, etc.

[0023] When the number of data Nd is equal to or less than the predetermined number Ndref in step S110, it is determined that the distribution of the average value Desta is significantly different from the normal distribution and the standard deviation σ cannot be used appropriately, and the predicted total mileage Dest(1) to Dest(Nd) is set for each data as a predicted value of the total mileage Dt when the integrated intake air amount SUMqa reaches the predetermined threshold value SUMref, using all of the multiple data stored in the flash memory 22 (step S120). FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of how the predicted total mileage Dest(n) is set. In the figure, white circles indicate each data. As shown in the figure, the predicted total mileage Dest(1) is set to the total mileage Dt at the intersection (black square mark S1 in the figure) of a straight line L1(1) connecting the origin (the total mileage Dt is 0 and the integrated intake air amount SUMqa is 0) and one of the data, and a straight line L2 where the integrated intake air amount SUMqa is the predetermined threshold value SUMref. As with the expected total travel distance Dest(1), the expected total travel distances Dest(2) to Dest(Nd) are set to the total travel distance Dt at the intersection of the straight line L2 and straight lines L1(2) to L1(Nd) connecting the origin and each data.

[0024] When the estimated total mileage Dest(1) to Dest(Nd) is set in this way, the life distance DLs is calculated as the total mileage until the air cleaner 32a reaches the end of its life (step S130), and this routine ends. The life distance DLs is calculated as the average value Desta (=ΣDest(n) / Nd, where "n" is a natural number from 1 to Nd) obtained by dividing the sum of the estimated total mileage Dest(1) to Dest(Nd) set in step S120 by the number of data Nd. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of how the life distance DLs is set when the number of data Nd is equal to or less than a predetermined number Ndref. In the figure, white circles indicate each data, black squares indicate the intersections of the straight lines L1(1) to L1(Nd) and the straight line L2, and white squares indicate the points where the total mileage Dt is the average value Desta (life distance DLs) and the integrated intake air amount SUMqa is the predetermined threshold value SUMref. In this way, when the number of data Nd is small, the life distance DLs can be calculated more appropriately by calculating the average value Desta of the predicted total traveling distances Dest(1) to Dest(Nd) set in step S120 as the life distance DLs without using the standard deviation σ described later.

[0025] When the number of data Nd exceeds the predetermined number Ndref in step S110, the oldest data (the oldest integrated intake air amount SUMqa and the total mileage Dt) is deleted (step S140) from the multiple data stored in the flash memory 22. By deleting the oldest data from the multiple data stored in the flash memory 22 in this manner, the flash memory 22 stores data from the latest data (the latest integrated intake air amount SUMqa and the total mileage Dt) to the predetermined number Ndref of data.

[0026] Then, in the same manner as in step 120, the expected total mileage Dest(1) to Dest(Ndref) is set for each of the predetermined number Ndref of data stored in the flash memory 22 (step S150), the life distance DLs of the air cleaner 32a is calculated (step S160), and this routine ends. In step S160, the life distance DLs is calculated as a value (=Desta-3σ) obtained by dividing the sum of the expected total mileage Dest(1) to Dest(Ndref) set in step S150 by the predetermined number Ndref, and subtracting three times the standard deviation σ of the average value Desta from the average value Desta (=ΣDest(n) / Ndref, where "n" is a natural number from 1 to Ndref). FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of how the life distance DLs is set when the number of data Nd exceeds the predetermined number Ndref. In the figure, white circles indicate each data, black squares indicate intersections between the straight lines L1(1)-L2(Ndref) and the straight line L2, black squares indicate points where the total travel distance Dt is the average value Desta and the integrated intake air amount SUMqa is the predetermined threshold value SUMref, and white squares indicate points where the total travel distance Dt is a value obtained by subtracting three times the standard deviation σ of the average value Desta from the average value Desta (life distance DLs) and the integrated intake air amount SUMqa is the predetermined threshold value SUMref. If the use of the air cleaner 32a exceeds its lifespan, a malfunction may occur in the air cleaner 32a. Since it is not desirable for the air cleaner 32a to malfunction while the vehicle 30 is in use, it is desirable to calculate the lifespan on the stricter side (shorter side). On the other hand, if the lifespan is estimated too short, maintenance such as replacement of the air cleaner 32a will be performed early even though the air cleaner 32a has not actually reached its lifespan, and the use efficiency of the air cleaner 32a will decrease. In the embodiment, when the number of data Nd exceeds a predetermined number Ndref, the distribution of the average value Desta is close to a normal distribution, so that the calculated lifetime distance DLs can be made more appropriate by subtracting three times the standard deviation σ from the average value Desta to calculate the lifetime distance DLs.Furthermore, since the life distance DLs is calculated using data from the latest data (the most recent integrated intake air amount SUMqa and total mileage Dt) up to the predetermined number Ndref of previous data, it is possible to reflect the latest deterioration state of the air cleaner 32a and the latest running manner of the vehicle 30 in the calculated life distance DLs. In this manner, the life distance DLs is calculated using different methods depending on whether the number of data Nd exceeds the predetermined number Ndref, so that the life distance DLs can be calculated appropriately according to the number of data Nd.

[0027] According to the life calculation method of the embodiment described above, the integrated intake air amount SUMqa and the total mileage Dt are input and stored as data in the flash memory 22 of the server 20 each time the total mileage Dt from the odometer 38 of the vehicle 30 reaches a predetermined distance Dtref, and when the number of pieces of data Nd stored in the flash memory 22 exceeds the predetermined number Ndref, the predicted total mileage Dest(1) to Dest(Ndref) is set (calculated) for each piece of data using the latest data through the predetermined number Ndref of data among the multiple pieces of data stored. The life distance DLs is calculated by subtracting three times the standard deviation σ of the average value Desta from the average value Desta of the estimated total travel distances Dest(1) to Dest(Ndref). When the number of data Nd is less than or equal to a predetermined number Ndref, the estimated total travel distances Dest(1) to Dest(Nd) are set (calculated) for each data item using all of the stored multiple data items, and the average value Desta of the calculated estimated total travel distances Dest(1) to Dest(Nd) is calculated as the life distance DLs, thereby making it possible to properly calculate the life distance DLs according to the number of data Nd.

[0028] In the life calculation method of the embodiment, the life distance DLs of the air cleaner 32a is calculated. However, the target of the calculation of the life distance is not limited to the air cleaner 32a, and other parts constituting the engine 32 or the lubricating oil lubricating the engine 32 may be the target of the calculation of the life distance. When calculating the life distance DLs of the lubricating oil, in step S100, the deterioration degree Doil of the lubricating oil and the total traveling distance Dt are input as data instead of the integrated intake air amount SUMqa and the total traveling distance Dt, and in steps S120 and S150, the expected total traveling distance Dest(1) to Dest(n) (where "n" is the value Nd in step S120 and the value Ndref in step S150) is set as the expected value of the total traveling distance Dt when the deterioration degree Doil reaches the predetermined threshold value Doilref from a plurality of data stored in the flash memory 22. The deterioration degree Doil is a load-related parameter related to the load applied to the lubricating oil, and is higher when the lubricating oil temperature is low compared to when the lubricating oil temperature is high, and is higher when there is a lot of mixed fuel such as gasoline or diesel compared to when there is a small amount of mixed fuel. Therefore, the deterioration degree Doil is calculated by the ECU 34 of the vehicle 30 by multiplying the temperature range of the lubricating oil and the average fuel injection amount in each temperature range by a coefficient (when the lubricating oil temperature is low, it is larger than when the lubricating oil temperature is high, and when there is a large amount of mixed fuel such as gasoline or diesel compared to when there is a small amount of mixed fuel). This makes it possible to calculate the life distance DLs of the lubricating oil.

[0029] In the life calculation method of the embodiment, a life distance DLs is calculated as the total mileage until the air cleaner 32a reaches the end of its life in steps S130 and S160. However, instead of the life distance DLs, a life TLs may be calculated as the time required for the air cleaner 32a to reach the end of its life after the vehicle 30 is shipped from the factory. In this case, the ECU 34 of the vehicle 30 calculates an integrated intake air amount SUMqa and a total usage time (total usage time of the air cleaner 32a) Tu as an integrated value of the time the vehicle 30 has been used for each predetermined time or distance. In the server 20, in step S100 of the life calculation routine illustrated in FIG. 2, instead of the accumulated intake air volume SUMqa and the total mileage Dt, the accumulated intake air volume SUMqa and the total usage time Tu are input as data from the vehicle 30, and in steps S120 and S150, using a plurality of data stored in the flash memory 22, predicted total usage times Tuest(1) to Tuest(n) (where "n" is the value Nd in step S120 and the value Ndref in step S150) are set as predicted values ​​of the total usage time Tu when the accumulated intake air volume SUMqa reaches a predetermined threshold value SUMref for each data, and in steps S130 and S160, the predicted total usage times Tuest(1) to Tuest(n) may be used to calculate the life TLs instead of the predicted total mileage Dest(1) to Dest(n).

[0030] In the life calculation method of the embodiment, a life distance DLs is calculated as the life of an air cleaner 32a mounted on a vehicle 30. However, the parts for which the life is calculated are not limited to those mounted on the vehicle 30, and various parts and oils mounted on ships, trains, and industrial machines may also be used for calculating the life. For example, when calculating the life TLs of a filtration device that is mounted in a water treatment device for treating water and filters water, the water treatment device transmits, as data to the server 20 at predetermined intervals, an integrated flow rate SUMf as an integrated value of the flow rate of inflowing water and a total operating time To as an integrated value of the operating time since the water treatment device first started operating. In the server 20, in step S100 of the life calculation routine illustrated in Fig. 2, instead of the accumulated intake air amount SUMqa and the total travel distance Dt, the accumulated flow rate SUMf and the total operation time To are input as data from the water treatment device, and in steps S120 and S150, using a plurality of data stored in the flash memory 22, the server 20 sets the expected total operation times Toest(1) to Toest(n) (where "n" is the value Nd in step S120 and the value Ndref in step S150) as the expected values ​​of the total operation time To when the accumulated flow rate SUMf reaches a predetermined threshold value SUMfref for each data, and in steps S130 and S160, the server 20 may calculate the life TLs using the expected total operation times Toest(1) to Toest(n) instead of the expected total travel distance Dest(1) to Dest(n). Fig. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of how the life TLs is set when the number of data Nd exceeds the predetermined number Ndref. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the relationship between each data stored in the flash memory 22 and the life TLs when the number of data Nd exceeds a predetermined number Ndref. In the figure, white circles indicate each data, black squares indicate the intersections of the straight lines L1(1)-L1(Ndref) and L2, and white squares indicate points where the total operating time To is the average value Toesta (=ΣToest(n) / Ndref, where "n" is a natural number from 1 to Ndref) of the estimated total operating times Toest(1)-Toest(Ndref) minus three times the standard deviation σ of the average value Toesta (=Toesta-3σ, life TLs) and the integrated intake air amount SUMfqa is the predetermined threshold value SUMfref.

[0031] In the embodiment, the server 20 executes the life calculation routine. However, instead of the server 20, a cloud system configured using a cloud service provided by a cloud vendor may execute the life calculation routine. The vehicle 30 may execute the life calculation routine. Furthermore, a plurality of computers (e.g., the ECU 34 of the vehicle 30 and the server 20) may share and execute each process of the life calculation routine.

[0032] In the embodiment, the present invention has been described in the form of a lifespan calculation method, but the present invention may also be in the form of a lifespan calculation system.

[0033] The correspondence between the main elements of the embodiment and the main elements of the invention described in the section on Means for Solving the Problems will be described below. In the embodiment, a process executed by the ECU 34 of the vehicle 30 to transmit the total mileage Dt from the odometer 38 and the integrated intake air amount SUMqa obtained by integrating the intake air amount Qa detected by the air flow meter 34a to the server 20 via communication every time the total mileage Dt from the odometer 38 reaches a predetermined distance Dtref, and a process of step S100 of the life calculation routine illustrated in Fig. 2 correspond to a "first step", and the processes of steps S110 to S160 of the life calculation routine illustrated in Fig. 2 correspond to a "second step".

[0034] The correspondence between the main elements of the Examples and the main elements of the invention described in the Summary of the Problem column does not limit the elements of the invention described in the Summary of the Problem column, since the Examples are examples for specifically explaining the mode for implementing the invention described in the Summary of the Problem column. In other words, the interpretation of the invention described in the Summary of the Problem column should be based on the description in that column, and the Examples are merely a specific example of the invention described in the Summary of the Problem column.

[0035] Although the form for carrying out the present invention has been described above using examples, the present invention is not limited to these examples in any way, and it goes without saying that the present invention can be carried out in various forms without departing from the scope of the gist of the present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0036] The present invention can be used in industries such as the manufacturing industry of life calculation systems that execute life calculation methods. [Explanation of symbols]

[0037] 20 server, 22 flash memory, 30 vehicle, 32 engine, 32a air cleaner, 34 electronic control unit (ECU), 36 air flow meter, 38 odometer, 50 dealer PC.

Claims

[Claim 1] A life calculation method for calculating a life of a calculation object in a mounting device on which a calculation object to be calculated has been mounted, the method comprising the steps of: a first step of storing, as data, a load-related parameter as a parameter related to a load applied to the calculation object, and a total moving distance or a total usage time of the mounted device from when the use of the mounted device is started until the load-related parameter is acquired, every time the mounted device moves a predetermined distance or every predetermined time; a second step of calculating, when the total number of the stored data pieces exceeds a predetermined number, an expected total travel distance as an expected value of the total travel distance when an integrated value of the load-related parameter reaches a predetermined threshold value or an expected total usage time as the total usage time when the integrated value reaches the predetermined threshold value, for each of the stored data pieces using the latest data through the predetermined number of previous data pieces, and calculating, as the lifespan, a value obtained by subtracting three times the standard deviation of the average value from an average value of the expected total travel distance or the expected total usage time for each of the data pieces; and, when the number of the data pieces is equal to or less than the predetermined number, calculating, for each of the stored data pieces, the expected total travel distance or the expected total usage time, and calculating, as the lifespan, the average value; A life calculation method comprising:

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