Maintenance timing calculation device for vehicle items

Abstract

To provide a maintenance timing calculation device for a vehicular article, capable of accurately notifying replacement timing or the like of the vehicular article.SOLUTION: A maintenance timing calculation device 100 for a vehicular article comprises: a time display unit 321 that displays time; a count unit 312 that counts elapsed days under the condition that the reference time has passed; a steering SW 10 for correcting the time displayed on the time display unit 321; a timer 313 that measures time elapsed after an operation of the steering SW 10 under the condition that the steering SW 10 has been operated; and a CPU 31 that inhibits counting of the elapsed days under the condition that the steering SW 10 has been operated, and releases the inhibition of counting of the elapsed days with time elapsed from the inhibition of counting of the elapsed days to a certain passage of time measured by the timer 313 as a part or all of releasing conditions.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a maintenance timing calculation device for a vehicle item. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a maintenance timing calculation device for an item for a vehicle has been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0003] The above-mentioned Patent Document 1 discloses a method and device for informing a vehicle part maintenance timing for informing an appropriate timing for replacement or maintenance of each vehicle part (vehicle article) to be replaced or maintained.

[0004] The notification method and device disclosed in the above Patent Document 1 are configured to store the next replacement or maintenance time of a vehicle part, and to notify that it is time to replace or maintain the vehicle part by comparing it with either the measured vehicle mileage or the usage time of the vehicle part. Furthermore, the above Patent Document 1 lists consumable parts such as engine oil as an example of a vehicle part. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2003-40090 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, the deterioration state of a vehicle part such as engine oil is estimated based on the number of days that have passed since the engine oil was changed. The number of days that has passed may be calculated using information from a clock provided in the meter of the vehicle.

[0007] Generally, the clock information provided in the meter of a vehicle can be corrected (changed) by user operation. When a correction that crosses over a day is performed by user operation (for example, when the time is corrected from 23:59 to 00:00), the number of elapsed days is counted as one day more. This affects the control that is determined based on the number of elapsed days, and there is a possibility that a replacement time that is different from the actual time is not notified. As a result, there is a problem in that the replacement time of a vehicle part (vehicle item) cannot be accurately notified.

[0008] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and has an object to provide a maintenance timing calculation device for a vehicle item that can accurately notify the replacement time, etc. of a vehicle item. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is configured as follows.

[0010] (1) A maintenance timing calculation device for vehicle items according to the present invention is used to determine the replacement and maintenance times of vehicle items including at least one of parts that constitute a vehicle and consumables used in the vehicle, and is used to calculate the number of days that have elapsed since the last replacement and maintenance times, and is characterized in having a time display unit that displays the time, a counting unit that counts the number of elapsed days on condition that the time has passed a reference time, a time correction unit that corrects the time displayed on the time display unit, a timer unit that measures the elapsed time after operation of the time correction unit on condition that the time correction unit has been operated, and a control unit that prohibits counting the number of elapsed days on condition that the time correction unit has been operated, and lifts the prohibition on counting the number of elapsed days using, as part or all of the lifting condition, the elapsed time measured by the timer unit since the prohibition of counting the number of elapsed days was reached.

[0011] Since the maintenance timing calculation device for vehicle items according to the present invention is configured as described above, for example, when the reference time is set to 00:00, even if the user operates the time correction unit to correct (change) the time from 23:59 to 00:00, the counting of the number of elapsed days by the counting unit is prohibited, and the number of elapsed days is not counted. In this way, the maintenance timing calculation device for vehicle items according to the present invention can prevent the number of elapsed days from being erroneously counted too many due to the user's operation of the time correction unit. Therefore, the maintenance timing calculation device according to the present invention can accurately count the number of elapsed days from the previous replacement time (replacement time and maintenance time) of the vehicle item to the present. As a result, the maintenance timing calculation device according to the present invention can accurately notify the user of the replacement time of the vehicle item.

[0012] (2) The maintenance timing calculation device for vehicle items according to the present invention may preferably include a driving state determination unit that determines the driving state of the vehicle, and the control unit may cancel the prohibition on counting the number of elapsed days based on the determination result by the driving state determination unit, on the condition that the time correction unit is operated. With this configuration, when a user operates the time correction unit, even if the elapsed time measured by the timer unit has not elapsed a predetermined time, the prohibition on counting the number of elapsed days is canceled (counting is permitted) based on the determination result of the driving state determination unit. This can improve the accuracy of counting the number of elapsed days by the count unit.

[0013] (3) In this case, preferably, the vehicle's running state includes a state related to the running distance of the vehicle, and the control unit releases the prohibition on counting the number of elapsed days on condition that the running state determination unit determines that the running distance is equal to or greater than a predetermined distance even if a predetermined time has not elapsed after the operation of the time correction unit. With this configuration, it is possible to determine that a predetermined time has elapsed on condition that the running distance is equal to or greater than a predetermined distance, because vehicle items deteriorate according to the running distance of the vehicle when the running distance is equal to or greater than a predetermined distance. As a result, the prohibition on the counting unit to count the number of elapsed days is released (counting is permitted), and the accuracy of the counting of the number of elapsed days by the counting unit can be improved based on the running distance of the vehicle.

[0014] (4) In the maintenance timing calculation device for vehicle items including the driving state determination unit, preferably, the driving state of the vehicle includes an on state and an off state of the accelerator of the vehicle, and the control unit releases the prohibition of counting the number of elapsed days on condition that the driving state determination unit determines that the accelerator is in the on state even if a predetermined time has not elapsed after the operation of the time correction unit. With this configuration, the vehicle is determined to be running when the accelerator is in the on state, so the vehicle item deteriorates depending on the on state and off state of the accelerator of the vehicle. Therefore, it can be determined that the predetermined time has elapsed on condition that the accelerator is in the on state. As a result, the prohibition of the counting unit to count the number of elapsed days is released (counting is permitted), so the accuracy of the counting of the number of elapsed days by the counting unit can be improved based on the on state and off state of the accelerator of the vehicle.

[0015] (5) In the maintenance timing calculation device for vehicle items including the running state determination unit, preferably, the running state of the vehicle includes a state related to the speed of the vehicle, and the control unit releases the prohibition on counting the number of elapsed days on condition that the running state determination unit determines that the speed of the vehicle is equal to or greater than a predetermined speed even if a predetermined time has not elapsed after the operation of the time correction unit. With this configuration, if the speed of the vehicle is equal to or greater than a predetermined speed, it is determined that the vehicle is running, so that the vehicle item deteriorates according to the speed of the vehicle. Therefore, it is possible to determine that a predetermined time has elapsed on condition that the speed of the vehicle is equal to or greater than a predetermined speed. As a result, the prohibition on the counting unit to count the number of elapsed days is released (counting is permitted), so that the accuracy of the counting of the number of elapsed days by the counting unit can be improved based on the speed of the vehicle.

[0016] (6) In the maintenance timing calculation device for a vehicle item including the running state determination unit, preferably, the running state of the vehicle includes a state related to the engine speed of the vehicle, and the control unit releases the prohibition on counting the number of elapsed days on condition that the running state determination unit determines that the engine speed is equal to or greater than a predetermined speed even if a predetermined time has not elapsed after the operation of the time correction unit. With this configuration, it is determined that the vehicle is running when the engine speed is equal to or greater than the predetermined speed, so that the vehicle item deteriorates according to the engine speed. Therefore, it is possible to determine that a predetermined time has elapsed on condition that the engine speed is equal to or greater than the predetermined speed. As a result, the prohibition on the counting unit to count the number of elapsed days is released (counting is permitted), so that the accuracy of the counting of the number of elapsed days by the counting unit can be improved based on the engine speed.

[0017] (7) In the maintenance timing calculation device for vehicle items having the driving state determination unit, preferably, the driving state of the vehicle includes a state related to the shift position of the vehicle, and the control unit releases the prohibition on counting the number of elapsed days on condition that the driving state determination unit determines that the shift position is a predetermined position even if a predetermined time has not elapsed after the operation of the time correction unit. With this configuration, it is determined that the vehicle is moving when the shift position is a predetermined position, so the vehicle item deteriorates depending on the shift position. Therefore, it is possible to determine that a predetermined time has elapsed on condition that the shift position is a predetermined position. As a result, the prohibition on the counting unit to count the number of elapsed days is released (counting is permitted), and the accuracy of the counting of the number of elapsed days by the counting unit can be improved based on the shift position. Effect of the Invention

[0018] According to an aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a maintenance timing calculation device for a vehicle item that is capable of accurately notifying a replacement timing, etc., of a vehicle item. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a maintenance timing calculation device for a vehicle item according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] 4 is a flowchart showing control of the maintenance timing calculation device for a vehicle item according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020] Hereinafter, a maintenance timing calculation device for vehicle items according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. These drawings are schematic diagrams and are not necessarily drawn to exact scale. In addition, in the drawings, similar components are indicated by the same reference numerals.

[0021] With reference to FIG. 1, a schematic configuration of a maintenance timing calculation device for a vehicle article according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0022] The vehicle item maintenance timing calculation device 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention is used to determine the replacement and maintenance timing of vehicle items including at least any of vehicle components (e.g., brake components, belt components, tires, etc.) and consumables (e.g., engine oil, transmission oil, coolant, etc.) used in the vehicle. The vehicle item maintenance timing calculation device 100 also calculates the number of days elapsed since the previous replacement and maintenance timing of the vehicle item, and accurately calculates the next replacement and maintenance timing of the vehicle item.

[0023] As shown in Fig. 1, the maintenance timing calculation device 100 for a vehicle article includes a steering SW 10, an engine ECU 20, a meter 30, and an elapsed day usage ECU 40. The meter 30 includes a CPU 31, a display device 32, and a clock unit 33. The CPU 31 includes a running state determination unit 311, a count unit 312, and a timer unit 313. The display device 32 includes a time display unit 321. The steering SW 10 is an example of the "time correction unit" of the present invention. The CPU 31 is an example of the "control unit" of the present invention.

[0024] The steering SW10 is provided on a steering wheel equipped in a vehicle, and a user can operate the steering SW10 to correct (change) the time (clock display) displayed on the time display unit 321 of the display device 32. When the user operates the steering SW10, a steering SW signal is transmitted to the CPU 31 of the meter 30.

[0025] The engine ECU 20 mainly controls the entire engine. The engine ECU 20 transmits a signal related to the engine speed (engine speed signal) and a signal related to the mileage (mileage signal) to the CPU 31 of the meter 30 based on signals acquired from each sensor provided in the engine.

[0026] The clock unit 33 continuously transmits to the CPU 31 a clock signal related to the time display (clock display).

[0027] The counting unit 312 counts (determines) the number of elapsed days based on the clock signal transmitted from the clock unit 33. The counting of the number of elapsed days is performed on the condition that the time has passed a reference time (in this embodiment, "00:00"). For example, on the condition that the time display has changed from 23:59 to 00:00, the counting unit 312 counts (adds) the number of elapsed days by "+1". Thereafter, the counting unit 312 transmits a signal related to the counting of the number of elapsed days (elapsed days count signal) to the running state determination unit 311.

[0028] The timer unit 313 measures the elapsed time after the steering SW 10 is operated based on the clock signal transmitted from the clock unit 33. The measurement of the elapsed time is performed on the condition that the steering SW 10 is operated by the user and the time is corrected. After that, the timer unit 313 continuously transmits a measurement signal relating to the elapsed time (elapsed time measurement signal) to the running state determination unit 311.

[0029] The CPU 31 mainly controls the entire meter 30. The CPU 31 transmits a clock signal related to the time display received from the clock unit 33 to the time display unit 321 of the display device 32 as a clock display value.

[0030] The display device 32 of the meter 30 is composed of a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, etc. The display device 32 displays various contents (vehicle conditions) such as vehicle speed, engine RPM, fuel, outside temperature, inside temperature, water temperature, and voltage. The time display unit 321 displays the time corrected by the steering switch 10 (the current time).

[0031] In this embodiment, CPU 31 prohibits count unit 312 from counting the number of elapsed days until a predetermined time (12 hours in this embodiment) has elapsed, on the condition that steering SW 10 has been operated by the user. In other words, CPU 31 prohibits count unit 312 from counting the number of elapsed days until the elapsed time measured by timer unit 313 has elapsed the predetermined time. On the other hand, CPU 31 releases the prohibition on counting the number of elapsed days by count unit 312 (permits counting), with part or all of the release condition being that the elapsed time measured by timer unit 313 has elapsed the predetermined time since counting the number of elapsed days by count unit 312 was prohibited.

[0032] Furthermore, the running state determination unit 311 of the CPU 31 determines the running state of the vehicle based on an engine rotation speed signal, a mileage signal, and the like transmitted from the engine ECU 20, etc. For example, the CPU 31 prohibits the count unit 312 from counting the number of elapsed days based on a determination result by the running state determination unit 311 that the engine is on and the mileage is not equal to or greater than a predetermined distance (is less than the predetermined distance). On the other hand, the CPU 31 releases the prohibition on the counting of the number of elapsed days by the count unit 312 (permits counting) based on a determination result by the running state determination unit 311 that the engine is on and the mileage is equal to or greater than a predetermined distance.

[0033] In addition, even if the elapsed time after the user operates the steering SW 10 has not yet reached the predetermined time (even if it is within the predetermined time), if the engine is on and the mileage is equal to or greater than a certain amount, the CPU 31 determines that the predetermined time has elapsed and releases the prohibition on the counting unit 312 counting the number of elapsed days (allows counting).

[0034] Furthermore, the CPU 31 prohibits the re-operation (time correction) of the steering SW 10 until a predetermined time (12 hours in this embodiment) has elapsed since the user operated the steering SW 10. On the other hand, the CPU 31 releases (permits) the prohibition of the re-operation (time correction) of the steering SW 10, using the elapse of a predetermined time (12 hours in this embodiment) since the user operated the steering SW 10 as part or all of the release condition.

[0035] Based on the elapsed days count signal from the counting unit 312, the CPU 31 counts the number of elapsed days by "+1" (addition process) and transmits the result as an elapsed days signal to each elapsed days usage ECU 40. Each elapsed days usage ECU 40 is an ECU provided in each part of the vehicle in which the vehicle item is installed, calculates the number of elapsed days based on the received elapsed days signal, and notifies the user of the date on which the replacement time and maintenance time of the vehicle item will arrive or several days before the date of arrival. As a method of notification, for example, the notification may be displayed on the display device 32 of the meter 30, or may be displayed on a dedicated notification unit (notification screen).

[0036] Next, a control flow of the maintenance timing calculation device 100 for an item for a vehicle according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0037] In step S10, it is determined whether or not the user has operated the steering SW 10 to change the time. If the user has operated the steering SW 10 in step S10 (Yes), the process proceeds to step S12.

[0038] In step S12, it is determined whether or not the timer unit 313 is incrementing (addition processing) after the time change operation. If it is determined in step S12 that the timer unit 313 is not incrementing (addition processing) (No), the process proceeds to step S14.

[0039] In step S14, counting the number of elapsed days (determination of the number of elapsed days) by counting unit 312 is prohibited. Next, in step S16, timer unit 313 after the time change operation is started. After that, the process proceeds to step S18.

[0040] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S10 that the steering SW 10 has not been operated by the user (No) and it is determined in step S12 that increment (addition processing) is in progress (Yes), the process proceeds to step S18.

[0041] In step S18, it is determined whether or not counting the number of elapsed days (determination of the number of elapsed days) by the counting unit 312 is prohibited. If it is determined in step S18 that counting the number of elapsed days (determination of the number of elapsed days) by the counting unit 312 is prohibited (Yes), the process proceeds to step S20.

[0042] In step S20, it is determined whether or not X hours have elapsed as measured by timer unit 313 after the time change operation. Here, "X" is a constant, and if "12" is set, for example, determination of the number of days elapsed is prohibited for 12 hours. If it is determined in step S20 that X hours have not elapsed as measured by timer unit 313 after the time change operation (No), the process proceeds to step S22.

[0043] In step S22, it is determined whether or not the vehicle has traveled Y km or more after the engine has been turned on. Here, "Y" is a constant, and if "10" is set, for example, the determination of the number of days that have passed is prohibited until 10 km has been traveled. In step S22, if it is determined that the vehicle has not traveled Y km or more after the engine has been turned on (No), the process proceeds to step S24.

[0044] In step S24, an increment process (addition process) is performed on the timer unit 313 after the user operates the steering SW 10. After that, the above-mentioned control flow is returned (return to step S10).

[0045] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S20 that the elapsed time measured by timer unit 313 after the time change operation has elapsed X hours (Yes), the process proceeds to step S26. Also, if it is determined in step S22 that the vehicle has traveled Y km or more after the engine was turned on (Yes), the process proceeds to step S26.

[0046] In step S26, the prohibition of the count unit 312 from determining the number of days that have passed is lifted (counting is permitted). Next, in step S28, the measurement of the timer unit 313 after the user operates the steering SW 10 is cleared (reset). Then, the process proceeds to step S30.

[0047] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S18 that counting the number of elapsed days (determination of the number of elapsed days) by the counting unit 312 is not prohibited (No), the process proceeds to step S30. In other words, if it is determined that counting the number of elapsed days (determination of the number of elapsed days) by the counting unit 312 is permitted, the process proceeds to step S30.

[0048] In step S30, it is determined whether the time has changed from 23:59 to 00:00. That is, in step S30, it is determined whether the time has changed to a new day. If it is determined in step S30 that the time has not changed from 23:59 to 00:00 (No), the above-mentioned control flow is returned (return to step S10).

[0049] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S30 that the time has changed from 23:59 to 00:00 (Yes), the process proceeds to step S32. Next, in step S32, the counting unit 312 increments the number of elapsed days by "+1". After that, the above-mentioned control flow is returned (return to step S10).

[0050] According to the embodiment described above, the following advantages (1) to (3) can be obtained.

[0051] (1) In the vehicle item maintenance timing calculation device 100 according to the above embodiment, the counting of the number of elapsed days is prohibited on the condition that the steering SW 10 is operated, and the prohibition of the counting of the number of elapsed days is released on the condition that the elapsed time measured by the timer unit 313 has elapsed a predetermined time since the prohibition of the counting of the number of elapsed days has elapsed as a part or all of the release condition. According to the above embodiment, even if the user operates the steering SW 10 to correct the time across days, for example, correcting (changing) the time from 23:59 to 00:00, the counting of the number of elapsed days by the counting unit 312 is prohibited, so that the number of elapsed days is not counted. As a result, since the increase in the number of elapsed days due to the operation of the steering SW 10 by the user is not counted, it is possible to accurately count the number of elapsed days from the last replacement time (replacement time and maintenance time) of the vehicle item to the present. As a result, it is possible to accurately notify the user of the replacement time of the vehicle item.

[0052] (2) In the vehicle article maintenance timing calculation device 100 according to the above embodiment, the prohibition on counting the number of elapsed days is released based on the determination result by the driving state determination unit 311 on the condition that the steering SW 10 is operated. As a result, when the user operates the steering SW 10, even if the elapsed time measured by the timer unit 313 has not elapsed a predetermined time, the prohibition on counting the number of elapsed days is released (counting is permitted) based on the determination result by the driving state determination unit 311. As a result, the accuracy of counting the number of elapsed days by the count unit 312 can be improved.

[0053] (3) In the vehicle item maintenance timing calculation device 100 according to the above embodiment, even if a predetermined time has not passed after the steering SW 10 is operated, the prohibition on counting the number of elapsed days is released on condition that the driving condition determination unit 311 determines that the mileage is equal to or greater than the predetermined distance. As a result, if the mileage is equal to or greater than the predetermined distance, the vehicle item deteriorates according to the mileage of the vehicle, so it is possible to determine that the predetermined time has passed on condition that the mileage is equal to or greater than the predetermined distance. As a result, the prohibition on the counting unit 312 of the number of elapsed days is released (counting is permitted), and therefore the accuracy of the counting of the number of elapsed days by the counting unit 312 can be improved based on the mileage of the vehicle.

[0054] (First Modification) Next, a description will be given of a first modified example of a maintenance timing calculation device for vehicle articles. In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the prohibition on counting the number of elapsed days was lifted on condition that the driving state determination unit 311 determined that the engine was in an on state and the driving distance was equal to or greater than a predetermined distance, but in the first modified example of a maintenance timing calculation device for vehicle articles, it is preferable to lift the prohibition on counting the number of elapsed days on condition that the driving state determination unit 311 determined that the accelerator was in an on state, even if a predetermined time has not elapsed since the steering SW10 was operated.

[0055] In the first variant of the maintenance timing calculation device for vehicle items, an accelerator sensor is provided on the vehicle to detect the on and off states of the accelerator, and a detection signal regarding the on state of this accelerator sensor is transmitted to the driving state determination unit 311 of the meter 30, thereby lifting the prohibition on counting the number of elapsed days by the counting unit 312 (allowing counting).

[0056] The above-mentioned control flow based on the detection signal of the accelerator sensor can be realized by replacing step S22 shown in Fig. 2. That is, if the traveling state determination unit 311 determines in step S22 that the accelerator is on (Yes), the process proceeds to step S26, and if the traveling state determination unit 311 determines that the accelerator is off (No), the process proceeds to step S24.

[0057] According to the first modified example, in addition to the effects (1) and (2) of the above embodiment, the following effect (4) can be obtained.

[0058] (4) In the vehicle item maintenance timing calculation device according to the first modified example, the prohibition on counting the number of elapsed days is released on condition that the driving state determination unit 311 determines that the accelerator is in the on state even if the predetermined time has not elapsed after the steering SW10 is operated. As a result, when the accelerator is in the on state, it is determined that the vehicle is driving, and the vehicle item deteriorates depending on whether the accelerator of the vehicle is in the on state or off state. Therefore, it is possible to determine that the predetermined time has elapsed on condition that the accelerator is in the on state. As a result, the prohibition on the counting unit 312 of the number of elapsed days is released (counting is permitted), and the accuracy of the counting of the number of elapsed days by the counting unit 312 can be improved based on the on state or off state of the accelerator of the vehicle.

[0059] (Second Modification) Next, a description will be given of a maintenance timing calculation device for vehicle articles according to a second modified example. In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the prohibition on counting the number of elapsed days was lifted on condition that the engine was in an on state and the travel distance was determined to be equal to or greater than a predetermined distance by the traveling state determination unit 311, but in the maintenance timing calculation device for vehicle articles according to the second modified example, it is preferable to lift the prohibition on counting the number of elapsed days on condition that the vehicle speed is determined to be equal to or greater than a predetermined speed even if the predetermined time has not elapsed since the operation of the steering SW10.

[0060] In the second variant of the maintenance timing calculation device for vehicle items, a speed sensor (vehicle speed sensor) is provided on the vehicle, and a signal related to the vehicle speed from this speed sensor is transmitted to the driving condition determination unit 311 of the meter 30, thereby lifting the prohibition on the counting of the number of elapsed days by the counting unit 312 (allowing counting).

[0061] The control flow based on the detection signal of the speed sensor as described above can be realized by replacing step S22 shown in Fig. 2. That is, if the traveling state determination unit 311 determines in step S22 that the vehicle speed is equal to or higher than the predetermined speed (Yes), the process proceeds to step S26, and if the traveling state determination unit 311 determines that the vehicle speed is not equal to or higher than the predetermined speed (No), the process proceeds to step S24.

[0062] According to the second modified example, in addition to the effects (1) and (2) of the above embodiment, the following effect (5) can be obtained.

[0063] (5) In the vehicle item maintenance timing calculation device according to the second modified example, even if a predetermined time has not elapsed after the steering SW10 is operated, the prohibition on counting the number of elapsed days is released on condition that the vehicle speed is determined to be equal to or greater than a predetermined speed by the driving state determination unit 311. As a result, if the vehicle speed is equal to or greater than a predetermined speed, it is determined that the vehicle is moving, and the vehicle item deteriorates according to the vehicle speed. Therefore, it is possible to determine that a predetermined time has elapsed on condition that the vehicle speed is equal to or greater than a predetermined speed. As a result, the prohibition on counting the number of elapsed days by the count unit 312 is released (counting is permitted), and the accuracy of counting the number of elapsed days by the count unit 312 can be improved based on the vehicle speed.

[0064] (Third Modification) Next, a third modified example of the maintenance timing calculation device for vehicle articles will be described. In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the prohibition on counting the number of elapsed days was lifted on condition that the engine was in an on state and the travel distance was determined to be equal to or greater than a predetermined distance by the driving state determination unit 311, but in the third modified example of the maintenance timing calculation device for vehicle articles, it is preferable to lift the prohibition on counting the number of elapsed days on condition that the engine speed is determined to be equal to or greater than a predetermined speed even if the predetermined time has not elapsed since the steering SW10 was operated.

[0065] In the third modified example of the maintenance timing calculation device for a vehicle item, an engine speed signal is transmitted from the engine ECU 20 to the running condition determination unit 311 of the meter 30, thereby lifting the prohibition on the counting of the number of elapsed days by the counting unit 312 (permitting counting).

[0066] The above-mentioned control flow based on the engine speed signal of the engine ECU 20 can be realized by replacing step S22 shown in Fig. 2. That is, if the traveling state determination unit 311 determines in step S22 that the engine speed is equal to or higher than the predetermined speed (Yes), the process proceeds to step S26, and if the traveling state determination unit 311 determines that the engine speed is not equal to or higher than the predetermined speed (No), the process proceeds to step S24.

[0067] According to the third modified example, in addition to the advantages (1) and (2) of the above embodiment, the following advantage (6) can be obtained.

[0068] (6) In the maintenance timing calculation device for vehicle items according to the third modified example, the prohibition on counting the number of elapsed days is released on condition that the driving state determination unit 311 determines that the engine speed is equal to or higher than the predetermined speed even if the predetermined time has not elapsed after the steering SW10 is operated. As a result, if the engine speed is equal to or higher than the predetermined speed, it is determined that the vehicle is moving, and the vehicle item deteriorates according to the engine speed of the vehicle. Therefore, it is possible to determine that the predetermined time has elapsed on condition that the engine speed is equal to or higher than the predetermined speed. As a result, the prohibition on counting the number of elapsed days by the count unit 312 is released (counting is permitted), and therefore the accuracy of counting the number of elapsed days by the count unit 312 can be improved based on the engine speed of the vehicle.

[0069] (Fourth Modification) Next, a fourth modified example of the maintenance timing calculation device for vehicle articles will be described. In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the prohibition on counting the number of elapsed days was lifted on the condition that the engine was in an on state and the travel distance was determined to be equal to or greater than a predetermined distance by the driving state determination unit 311, but in the fourth modified example of the maintenance timing calculation device for vehicle articles, it is preferable to lift the prohibition on counting the number of elapsed days on the condition that the position of the shift lever (shift position) operated when driving the vehicle is determined to be a predetermined position (for example, the "D" position or the "B" position) even if a predetermined time has not elapsed after the steering SW10 is operated.

[0070] In the fourth modified example of the maintenance timing calculation device for vehicle items, a shift sensor that detects the position of the shift lever is provided in the vehicle, and a signal related to this shift sensor is transmitted to the driving condition determination unit 311 of the meter 30, thereby lifting the prohibition on counting the number of elapsed days by the counting unit 312 (allowing counting).

[0071] The above-mentioned control flow based on the detection signal of the shift sensor can be realized by replacing step S22 shown in Fig. 2. That is, if the driving state determination unit 311 determines in step S22 that the shift position of the vehicle is in the predetermined position (Yes), the process proceeds to step S26, and if the driving state determination unit 311 determines that the shift position of the vehicle is not in the predetermined position (No), the process proceeds to step S24.

[0072] According to the fourth modified example, in addition to the effects (1) and (2) of the above embodiment, the following effect (7) can be obtained.

[0073] (7) In the vehicle item maintenance timing calculation device according to the fourth modified example, even if a predetermined time has not elapsed after the steering SW 10 is operated, the prohibition on counting the number of elapsed days is released on condition that the driving state determination unit 311 determines that the shift position is in the predetermined position. As a result, when the vehicle's shift position is in the predetermined position, it is determined that the vehicle is moving, and the vehicle item deteriorates depending on the vehicle's shift position. Therefore, it is possible to determine that the predetermined time has elapsed on condition that the shift position is in the predetermined position. As a result, the prohibition on the counting unit 312 of the number of elapsed days is released (counting is permitted), and the accuracy of the counting of the number of elapsed days by the counting unit 312 can be improved based on the vehicle's shift position.

[0074] (Other variations) The above embodiment and modified examples can also be modified as follows.

[0075] The determinations of "mileage", "engine state", "accelerator state", "speed", "engine RPM", and "shift position" by the "driving state determination unit" described in the above embodiment and modified example can be appropriately combined. This can further improve the accuracy of counting the number of elapsed days by the counting unit.

[0076] In the above embodiment and modified example, brake parts, belt parts, tires, engine oil, transmission oil, coolant, etc. are shown as examples of vehicle articles, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The present invention includes vehicle articles that require replacement and maintenance other than the above-mentioned vehicle articles.

[0077] In the above embodiment and modified example, 00:00 is shown as the reference time, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the reference time can be set arbitrarily.

[0078] In the above embodiment and modified example, the steering switch is shown as an example of the time correction unit, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the time correction unit may be provided in a place other than the steering switch as long as it is possible to perform time correction. For example, it may be possible to perform time correction by operating the screen of a car navigation system.

[0079] The above-described embodiments are merely examples of the application of the present invention, and it goes without saying that any other embodiments within the scope of the claims are also included in the technical scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0080] 10: Steering switch (time correction section) 20: Engine ECU 30: Meter 31: CPU (control unit) 311: Driving state determination unit 312:Counting section 313: Timer section 32:Display device 321: Time display section 33: Clock section 40: Number of days used ECU 100: Vehicle item maintenance timing calculation device

Claims

1. A vehicle item maintenance timing calculation device is used to determine replacement timing and maintenance timing of a vehicle item including at least one of a part constituting a vehicle and a consumable item used in the vehicle, and calculates the number of days elapsed since the previous replacement timing and maintenance timing, A time display unit that displays the time; a counting unit that counts the number of elapsed days on the condition that the time has passed a reference time; a time correction unit for correcting the time displayed on the time display unit; a timer unit that measures an elapsed time after the time correction unit is operated on the condition that the time correction unit is operated; a control unit that prohibits counting the number of elapsed days on the condition that the time correction unit has been operated, and that lifts the prohibition on counting the number of elapsed days using, as part or all of the lifting condition, the elapsed time measured by the timer unit since the counting of the number of elapsed days was prohibited as a predetermined time.

2. A running state determination unit that determines a running state of the vehicle, The maintenance timing calculation device for vehicle items as described in claim 1, characterized in that the control unit lifts the prohibition on counting the number of elapsed days based on the judgment result by the driving condition judgment unit, when the time correction unit is operated.

3. The vehicle running state includes a state related to a running distance of the vehicle, The control unit releases the prohibition on counting the number of elapsed days when the driving condition determination unit determines that the driving distance is equal to or greater than a predetermined distance, even if a predetermined time has not elapsed since the operation of the time correction unit.

Images