Wheel position specifying device, wheel position specifying system, and wheel position specifying method

Abstract

A vehicle (10) is provided with a front wheel (11) and a rear wheel (12) having mutually different outer diameters. A wheel position identifying device (50) is provided with: a reception circuit (55) configured to receive a first transmission signal which is transmitted from a transmitter (31) fitted to the front wheel (11) and which is transmitted at a specific rotational position of the front wheel (11), and a second transmission signal which is transmitted from a transmitter (31) fitted to the rear wheel (12) and which is transmitted at a specific rotational position of the rear wheel (12); and a specific device control device (51). The specific device control device (51) is configured to determine, from a reception interval of the first transmission signal and a reception interval of the second transmission signal, whether each transmitter (31) is fitted to the front wheel (11) or is fitted to the rear wheel (12).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a wheel location device, a wheel location system, and a wheel location method. [Background technology]

[0002] The tire condition monitoring system disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a transmitter and a receiver. The tire condition monitoring system is mounted on a vehicle. The vehicle includes a plurality of wheel assemblies. The wheel assemblies include wheels and tires. A transmitter is provided in each of the plurality of wheel assemblies. The transmitter detects the condition of the tire. The condition of the tire is, for example, the internal pressure of the tire. The transmitter transmits a transmission signal to the receiver. The receiver receives the transmission signal and thereby recognizes the condition of the tire. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-56921 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The receiver receives a transmission signal from a transmitter provided on each of the plurality of wheel assemblies. There are cases where it is desired for the receiver to determine from which transmitter of the plurality of wheel assemblies the received transmission signal was sent. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a wheel position identification device mounted on a vehicle having front and rear wheels. The outer diameters of the front wheels and the rear wheels are different. The wheel position identification device includes a receiving circuit configured to receive a first transmission signal transmitted from a transmitter attached to the front wheel, the first transmission signal being transmitted at a specific rotational position of the front wheel, and a second transmission signal transmitted from a transmitter attached to the rear wheel, the second transmission signal being transmitted at a specific rotational position of the rear wheel; and an identification device control device. The identification device control device is configured to determine whether each of the transmitters is attached to the front wheel or the rear wheel based on the reception interval of the first transmission signal and the reception interval of the second transmission signal.

[0006] If the outer diameters of the front and rear wheels are different, the rotational period of the front and rear wheels will also be different. The transmission interval of the first transmission signal depends on the rotational period of the front wheel. The transmission interval of the second transmission signal depends on the rotational period of the rear wheel. The control device for the specific device can determine whether each transmitter is attached to a front wheel or a rear wheel by utilizing the difference in the reception interval of the transmission signal due to the difference in the outer diameter of the front and rear wheels.

[0007] With regard to the above-mentioned wheel position identification device, the control device for the identification device may be configured to calculate the rotation period of the front wheel from the outer diameter of the front wheel and the speed of the vehicle, and to determine that of two types of transmission signals with different reception intervals, the transmission signal with the smaller difference between the reception interval and the rotation period is the first transmission signal transmitted from a transmitter attached to the front wheel.

[0008] In the above-mentioned wheel position identifying device, the control device for the identifying device may be configured to acquire information indicating the rotation angle of the front wheels and information indicating the rotation angle of the rear wheels each time it receives the first transmission signal and the second transmission signal, determine whether each of the transmitters is attached to the front wheels or the rear wheels based on the variation in the rotation angle of the front wheels and the variation in the rotation angle of the rear wheels, and identify whether each of the transmitters is attached to the front wheels or the rear wheels based on the determination result based on the reception interval of the first transmission signal and the reception interval of the second transmission signal and the determination result based on the variation in the rotation angle of the front wheels and the variation in the rotation angle of the rear wheels.

[0009] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a wheel position identification system mounted on a vehicle having front and rear wheels. The outer diameters of the front wheels and the rear wheels are different. The wheel position identification system includes transmitters mounted on the front wheels and the rear wheels, respectively, and a wheel position identification device. The wheel position identification device includes a receiving circuit configured to receive a first transmission signal transmitted from the transmitter mounted on the front wheel, the first transmission signal being transmitted at a specific rotational position of the front wheel, and a second transmission signal transmitted from the transmitter mounted on the rear wheel, the second transmission signal being transmitted at a specific rotational position of the rear wheel, and an identification device control device. The identification device control device is configured to determine whether each of the transmitters is mounted on the front wheel or the rear wheel based on the reception interval of the first transmission signal and the reception interval of the second transmission signal.

[0010] If the outer diameters of the front and rear wheels are different, the rotational period of the front and rear wheels will also be different. The transmission interval of the first transmission signal depends on the rotational period of the front wheel. The transmission interval of the second transmission signal depends on the rotational period of the rear wheel. The control device for the specific device can determine whether each transmitter is attached to a front wheel or a rear wheel by utilizing the difference in the reception interval of the transmission signal due to the difference in the outer diameter of the front and rear wheels.

[0011] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a wheel position identification method for a vehicle having front wheels and rear wheels, wherein the outer diameters of the front wheels and the rear wheels are different. The wheel position identification method includes receiving a first transmission signal transmitted from a transmitter attached to the front wheel, the first transmission signal being transmitted at a specific rotational position of the front wheel, receiving a second transmission signal transmitted from a transmitter attached to the rear wheel, the second transmission signal being transmitted at a specific rotational position of the rear wheel, and determining whether each of the transmitters is attached to the front wheel or the rear wheel based on a reception interval of the first transmission signal and a reception interval of the second transmission signal.

[0012] If the outer diameters of the front and rear wheels are different, the rotational periods of the front and rear wheels will also be different. The transmission interval of the first transmission signal depends on the rotational period of the front wheel. The transmission interval of the second transmission signal depends on the rotational period of the rear wheel. The wheel position identification method can determine whether each transmitter is attached to a front wheel or a rear wheel by utilizing the difference in reception intervals of the transmission signals due to the difference in outer diameter between the front and rear wheels. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a wheel position identification system. [Figure 2] 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a transmitter provided in the wheel position identifying system of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] 3 is a flowchart showing a specific position transmission process performed by the transmitter of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 4 is a flowchart showing a process performed by the wheel position identifying device of FIG. 1 when determining whether a transmitter is attached to a front wheel or a rear wheel. [Figure 5] 4 is a flowchart showing a wheel position identifying process performed by the wheel position identifying device of FIG. 1 using an ABS. [Figure 6] 4 is a flowchart showing a process performed by the wheel position identifying device of FIG. 1 when determining whether a transmitter is attached to a front wheel or a rear wheel. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] [First embodiment] A first embodiment of a wheel position identifying device, a wheel position identifying system, and a wheel position identifying method will be described.

[0015] <Vehicle> As shown in FIG. 1 , a vehicle 10 includes multiple wheel assemblies 11 and 12. Each wheel assembly 11 and 12 includes a wheel 13 and a tire 14. The multiple wheel assemblies 11 and 12 include a front wheel 11 and a rear wheel 12. The vehicle 10 is a two-wheeled vehicle. The outer diameter of the front wheel 11 is different from the outer diameter of the rear wheel 12. For example, the outer diameter of the front wheel 11 is different from the outer diameter of the rear wheel 12 due to the tire size of the front wheel 11 being different from the tire size of the rear wheel 12. The outer diameter of the front wheel 11 may be larger than the outer diameter of the rear wheel 12. The outer diameter of the front wheel 11 may be smaller than the outer diameter of the rear wheel 12. For example, if the motorcycle is a dual-purpose or off-road vehicle, the outer diameter of the front wheel 11 is larger than the outer diameter of the rear wheel 12. For example, if the motorcycle is a sports bike, a cruiser, or a road racer, the outer diameter of the front wheel 11 is smaller than the outer diameter of the rear wheel 12.

[0016] The vehicle 10 may be equipped with an ABS 20. The ABS 20 is an anti-lock braking system. The ABS 20 includes wheel speed sensors 21 and 22. The wheel speed sensors 21 and 22 detect pulses generated by the rotation of the wheel assemblies 11 and 12. A predetermined number of pulses are generated during one rotation of the wheel assemblies 11 and 12. The wheel speed sensors 21 and 22 include a first wheel speed sensor 21 and a second wheel speed sensor 22. The first wheel speed sensor 21 is provided corresponding to the front wheel 11. The first wheel speed sensor 21 detects pulses generated by the rotation of the front wheel 11. The second wheel speed sensor 22 is provided corresponding to the rear wheel 12. The second wheel speed sensor 22 detects pulses generated by the rotation of the rear wheel 12.

[0017] The ABS 20 includes an ABS controller 23. The ABS controller 23 is configured with, for example, a microcomputer. The ABS controller 23 acquires pulses from the wheel speed sensors 21, 22. The ABS controller 23 counts the rising and falling edges of pulses from each of the wheel speed sensors 21, 22. The value obtained as a result is the pulse count. The ABS controller 23 calculates the remainder when dividing the pulse count obtained by the counting by the number of pulses per one rotation of the wheel assemblies 11, 12, as the pulse count value. By determining how many degrees the wheel assemblies 11, 12 have rotated per pulse count value, the rotation angles of the wheel assemblies 11, 12 can be calculated from the pulse count value. The pulse count value is information indicating the rotation angles of the wheel assemblies 11, 12.

[0018] <Wheel position identification system> The vehicle 10 is equipped with a wheel location identification system 30. The wheel location identification system 30 includes a transmitter 31. The transmitter 31 is attached to each of the front and rear wheels 11 and 12. The transmitter 31 may be attached to each wheel assembly 11, 12 by being integrated into a tire valve. The transmitter 31 may also be affixed to the tire 14 of each wheel assembly 11, 12.

[0019] 2, the transmitter 31 includes a pressure sensor 32. The pressure sensor 32 detects the internal pressure of the corresponding tire 14. The transmitter 31 includes a temperature sensor 33. The temperature sensor 33 detects the temperature inside the corresponding tire 14.

[0020] The transmitter 31 includes an acceleration sensor 34. The acceleration sensor 34 is attached to the wheel assemblies 11, 12 so as to detect centrifugal force generated by rotation of the wheel assemblies 11, 12. As shown in FIG. 1 , the acceleration sensor 34 includes a detection axis 35. The acceleration sensor 34 detects acceleration in the direction in which the detection axis 35 extends. For example, the acceleration sensor 34 is attached to the wheel assemblies 11, 12 so that the detection axis 35 faces vertically upward when the transmitter 31 is located at the top position of the wheel assemblies 11, 12.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 2 , the transmitter 31 includes a transmitter control device 36. The transmitter control device 36 includes a processor 37 and a transmitter memory 38. Examples of the processor 37 include a microprocessing unit (MPU), a central processing unit (CPU), and a digital signal processor (DSP). The transmitter memory 38 includes a random access memory (RAM) and a read-only memory (ROM). The transmitter memory 38 stores program code or instructions configured to cause the processor 37 to execute processing. The transmitter control device 36 may be configured with a hardware circuit such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a field programmable gate array (FPGA). The transmitter control device 36, which is a processing circuit, may include one or more processors operating according to a computer program, one or more hardware circuits such as an ASIC or FPGA, or a combination thereof. ROM and RAM, i.e., computer-readable media, include any available media accessible by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer.

[0022] The transmitter memory unit 38 stores an ID code that indicates unique identification information for the corresponding transmitter 31. The ID code of the transmitter 31 attached to the front wheel 11 is different from the ID code of the transmitter 31 attached to the rear wheel 12. The ID code of the transmitter 31 attached to the front wheel 11 is referred to as the first code. The ID code of the transmitter 31 attached to the rear wheel 12 is referred to as the second code.

[0023] The transmitter control device 36 generates transmission data. The transmission data is digital data, that is, binary data. The transmission data includes pressure data, temperature data, and an ID code. The pressure data is data indicating the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 32. The temperature data is data indicating the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 33.

[0024] The transmitter 31 includes a transmission circuit 39. The transmission circuit 39 performs modulation according to the transmission data input from the transmitter control device . The transmitter 31 includes a transmitting antenna 40. The transmitting circuit 39 transmits a transmission signal, which is a radio signal modulated according to transmission data, from the transmitting antenna 40. As a result, the transmission signal including the ID code is transmitted from the transmitting circuit 39. The transmission signal is a signal in a predetermined frequency band. Examples of frequency bands include the LF band, MF band, HF band, VHF band, UHF band, and 2.4 GHz band. The transmission signal transmitted from the transmitter 31 mounted on the front wheel 11 is referred to as a first transmission signal. The transmission signal transmitted from the transmitter 31 mounted on the rear wheel 12 is referred to as a second transmission signal.

[0025] The transmitter control device 36 performs a specific position transmission process. The specific position transmission process is performed, for example, when the vehicle 10 starts moving after being stopped for a predetermined time or more. The predetermined time is, for example, several tens of minutes to several hours. Whether the vehicle 10 is moving can be determined from the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor 34. As the vehicle speed increases, the centrifugal acceleration acting on the acceleration sensor 34 increases. If the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor 34 is equal to or greater than a moving determination threshold, the transmitter control device 36 determines that the vehicle 10 is moving. If the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor 34 is less than the moving determination threshold, the transmitter control device 36 determines that the vehicle 10 is stopped. The moving determination threshold is set to a value greater than the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor 34 when the vehicle 10 is stopped, taking into account tolerances and the like. The process performed by the transmitter control device 36 when performing the specific position transmission process will be described below.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 3 , in step S1, the transmitter control device 36 detects that the transmitter 31 is located at a specific rotational position of the wheel assemblies 11 and 12. The fact that the transmitter 31 is located at a specific rotational position can be detected by the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor 34. Centrifugal acceleration and gravitational acceleration act on the detection axis 35. Considering only gravitational acceleration, gravitational acceleration always acts in a vertically downward direction. The orientation of the detection axis 35 changes as the wheel assemblies 11 and 12 rotate. Therefore, the gravitational acceleration component detected by the acceleration sensor 34 changes as the wheel assemblies 11 and 12 rotate. Unless the vehicle 10 suddenly accelerates or stops, the change in centrifugal acceleration during one rotation of the wheel assemblies 11 and 12 is negligible. Therefore, the change in acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor 34 during one rotation of the wheel assemblies 11 and 12 can be considered to be a change in the gravitational acceleration component due to a change in the orientation of the detection axis 35.

[0027] When only gravitational acceleration is considered, the gravitational acceleration component detected by the acceleration sensor 34 varies between +1 [G] and -1 [G] during one rotation of the wheel assemblies 11 and 12. The gravitational acceleration component detected when the detection axis 35 points vertically downward is +1 [G]. The gravitational acceleration component detected when the detection axis 35 points vertically upward, which is the opposite direction to the vertically downward direction, is -1 [G]. When the position of the acceleration sensor 34 changes due to the rotation of the wheel assemblies 11 and 12 so that it crosses the position where the detection axis 35 points vertically upward, the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor 34 changes from a decrease to an increase. More specifically, when the position of the acceleration sensor 34 changes from a position where the detection axis 35 points vertically downward to a position where the detection axis 35 points vertically upward, the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor 34 decreases. In contrast, when the position of the acceleration sensor 34 changes from a position where the detection axis 35 faces vertically upward to a position where the detection axis 35 faces vertically downward, the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor 34 increases. The transmitter control device 36 acquires the detection result of the acceleration sensor 34 at predetermined intervals. Each time the transmitter control device 36 acquires the detection result of the acceleration sensor 34, it compares it with the previous value. If the detection result of the acceleration sensor 34 is higher than the previous value, it is considered an increase. If the detection result of the acceleration sensor 34 is lower than the previous value, it is considered a decrease. The transmitter control device 36 determines that the transmitter 31 is located at a specific rotational position of the wheel assemblies 11, 12 when the pattern of decreases and increases forms a predetermined pattern. For example, if the detection result of the acceleration sensor 34 changes from a decrease to an increase, the transmitter control device 36 determines that the transmitter 31 is located at a specific rotational position. In this way, the transmitter control device 36 detects that the transmitter 31 is located at a specific rotational position of the wheel assemblies 11, 12.

[0028] Next, in step S2, the transmitter control device 36 transmits a transmission signal from the transmission circuit 39. In this way, by using the acceleration sensor 34, the transmitter control device 36 can transmit a transmission signal from the transmission circuit 39 when it detects that the transmitter 31 is located at a specific rotational position of the wheel assemblies 11, 12. In this embodiment, the specific rotational position is a position where the detection axis 35 faces vertically upward. The specific rotational position is a predetermined range that allows for error. Various factors cause errors in the position of the transmitter 31 when the transmitter control device 36 detects the specific rotational position. These various factors include the frequency at which the transmitter control device 36 acquires the detection results of the acceleration sensor 34 and the detection error of the acceleration sensor 34. The "specific rotational position" allows for these errors. The specific rotational position can also be said to be a specific range that includes a tolerance range that allows for error.

[0029] 1, the wheel position identifying system 30 includes a wheel position identifying device 50. The wheel position identifying device 50 is mounted on the vehicle 10. The wheel position identifying device 50 is provided on the vehicle body, for example.

[0030] The wheel position identification device 50 includes a specific device control device 51. The specific device control device 51 includes a processor 52 and a specific device memory unit 53. Examples of the processor 52 include an MPU, a CPU, and a DSP. The specific device memory unit 53 includes a ROM, a RAM, and a rewritable non-volatile storage medium. The specific device memory unit 53 stores program code or instructions configured to cause the processor 52 to execute processing. The specific device control device 51 may be configured with a hardware circuit such as an ASIC or FPGA. The specific device control device 51, which is a processing circuit, may include one or more processors operating according to a computer program, one or more hardware circuits such as an ASIC or FPGA, or a combination thereof. ROM and RAM, i.e., computer-readable media, include any available media accessible by a general-purpose or dedicated computer. The specific device control device 51 is configured to be able to obtain a pulse count value from the ABS controller 23.

[0031] The wheel position determining device 50 includes a receiving antenna 54. The receiving antenna 54 receives the transmission signals transmitted from each transmitter 31. The wheel position identifying device 50 includes a receiving circuit 55. The receiving circuit 55 obtains transmission data by demodulating a transmission signal received via a receiving antenna 54. The receiving circuit 55 outputs the transmission data to the identifying device control device 51. As a result, the identifying device control device 51 obtains pressure data, temperature data, and an ID code. The identifying device control device 51 can determine whether an abnormality has occurred in the tire 14. For example, the identifying device control device 51 can determine whether an abnormality has occurred in the internal pressure of the tire 14 from the pressure data. The identifying device control device 51 can determine whether an abnormality has occurred in the internal temperature of the tire 14 from the temperature data. If an abnormality has occurred in the tire 14, the identifying device control device 51 may issue a notification via a display unit. The display unit is, for example, disposed in a position visible to a passenger in the vehicle 10.

[0032] The identifying device control device 51 performs wheel position identification processing. The wheel position identification processing is to associate each wheel assembly 11, 12 with the ID code of each transmitter 31. Associating each wheel assembly 11, 12 with the ID code of each transmitter 31 can also be said to identify whether each of the two transmitters 31 is attached to the front wheel 11 or the rear wheel 12. By associating each wheel assembly 11, 12 with the ID code of each transmitter 31, the identifying device control device 51 can display the pressure of the tire 14 associated with the position of the wheel assembly 11, 12 on the display unit. Furthermore, if an abnormality occurs in a tire 14, the identifying device control device 51 can display the position of the tire 14 where the abnormality occurs on the display unit. The wheel position identification processing is performed, for example, when the vehicle 10 is changed from a stopped state to a started state by operating a start switch. The start switch is also called an ignition switch. In the following description, it is assumed that the transmission signal is transmitted by the identifying position transmission processing. The wheel position identification process is performed by the identification device control device 51, and it is identified by the wheel position identification method whether each transmitter 31 is attached to the front wheel 11 or the rear wheel 12.

[0033] As shown in Fig. 4, in step S11, the specific device control device 51 obtains the rotation period [msec] of the front wheel 11. The specific device control device 51 may calculate the rotation period of the front wheel 11 from the outer diameter of the front wheel 11 and the speed of the vehicle 10. The outer diameter of the front wheel 11 is stored in, for example, the specific device memory unit 53. The speed of the vehicle 10 can be obtained from, for example, the ABS controller 23.

[0034] The identifying device control device 51 may determine the rotation period of the front wheels 11 using data that associates the rotation period of the front wheels 11 with the speed of the vehicle 10. If the outer diameter of the front wheels 11 is known in advance, it is possible to calculate in advance the rotation period of the front wheels 11 that corresponds to the speed of the front wheels 11. By storing the calculated data in the identifying device memory unit 53, the identifying device control device 51 can determine the rotation period of the front wheels 11 from the speed of the vehicle 10.

[0035] Next, in step S12, the specific device control device 51 calculates the rotation period [msec] of the rear wheels 12. The rotation period of the rear wheels 12 can be calculated using the same method as the rotation period of the front wheels 11. The specific device control device 51 may calculate the rotation period of the rear wheels 12 from the outer diameter of the rear wheels 12 and the speed of the vehicle 10, or may calculate the rotation period of the rear wheels 12 using data that associates the rotation period of the rear wheels 12 with the speed of the vehicle 10.

[0036] Next, in step S13, the specific device control device 51 acquires the transmission data demodulated by the receiving circuit 55 receiving the transmission signal. Next, in step S14, the identifying device control device 51 calculates the reception interval [msec] of the transmission signal for each ID code. When the identifying device control device 51 acquires an ID code from the transmission data, it calculates the elapsed time since the previous acquisition of transmission data containing the same ID code. This makes it possible to calculate the reception interval of the transmission signal for each ID code. When acquiring transmission data containing a first code, the identifying device control device 51 calculates the elapsed time since the previous acquisition of transmission data containing the first code, thereby calculating the reception interval of the first transmission signal. When acquiring transmission data containing a second code, the identifying device control device 51 calculates the elapsed time since the previous acquisition of transmission data containing the second code, thereby calculating the reception interval of the second transmission signal.

[0037] Next, in step S15, the identifying device control device 51 determines the transmitter 31 attached to the front wheel 11. If the difference between the reception interval of the first transmission signal and the rotation period of the front wheel 11 is smaller than the difference between the reception interval of the second transmission signal and the rotation period of the front wheel 11, the identifying device control device 51 determines that the transmitter 31 that transmitted the first transmission signal is attached to the front wheel 11. In other words, the identifying device control device 51 determines that, of two types of transmission signals with different reception intervals, the transmission signal with the smaller difference between the reception interval and the rotation period of the front wheel 11 is the first transmission signal transmitted from the transmitter 31 attached to the front wheel 11. This allows the identifying device control device 51 to identify the transmitter 31 attached to the front wheel 11 and associate the first code with the front wheel 11.

[0038] Next, in step S16, the identifying device control device 51 determines the transmitter 31 attached to the rear wheel 12. If the difference between the reception interval of the second transmission signal and the rotation period of the rear wheel 12 is smaller than the difference between the reception interval of the first transmission signal and the rotation period of the rear wheel 12, the identifying device control device 51 determines that the transmitter 31 that transmitted the second transmission signal is attached to the rear wheel 12. In other words, of two types of transmission signals with different reception intervals, the identifying device control device 51 determines that the transmission signal with the smaller difference between the reception interval and the rotation period of the rear wheel 12 is the second transmission signal transmitted from the transmitter 31 attached to the rear wheel 12. This allows the identifying device control device 51 to identify the transmitter 31 attached to the rear wheel 12 and associate the second code with the rear wheel 12.

[0039] Next, in step S17, the identifying device control device 51 stores the correspondence between the ID code and the wheel assemblies 11, 12 in the identifying device storage unit 53. After completing the processing of step S17, the identifying device control device 51 ends the wheel position identification processing.

[0040] [Operation of the first embodiment] If the outer diameters of the front wheel 11 and the rear wheel 12 are different, the rotational period of the front wheel 11 and the rear wheel 12 will also be different. In the specific position transmission process, the transmitter 31 transmits a transmission signal at a specific rotational position of the wheel assemblies 11 and 12. The time it takes for the transmitter 31 to move from a state where it is located at a specific rotational position of the wheel assemblies 11 and 12 to a state where it is located at the next specific rotational position of the wheel assemblies 11 and 12 matches the rotational period of the wheel assemblies 11 and 12. If the transmitter 31 is mounted on the front wheel 11, the time it takes for the transmitter 31 to move from a state where it is located at a specific rotational position of the front wheel 11 to a state where it is located at the next specific rotational position of the front wheel 11 matches the rotational period of the front wheel 11. Therefore, the transmission interval of the first transmission signal depends on the rotational period of the front wheel 11. Similarly, the transmission interval of the second transmission signal depends on the rotational period of the rear wheel 12. By utilizing this, the control device 51 for a specific device can determine whether each of the transmitters 31 is mounted on the front wheel 11 or the rear wheel 12 from the reception interval of the first transmission signal and the reception interval of the second transmission signal.

[0041] [Effects of the first embodiment] (1-1) By utilizing the difference in the reception interval of the transmission signal that occurs due to the difference in the outer diameter between the front wheel 11 and the rear wheel 12, the control device 51 for the specific device can determine whether each of the transmitters 31 is attached to the front wheel 11 or the rear wheel 12.

[0042] (1-2) The control device 51 for the specific device determines that, of two types of transmission signals with different reception intervals, the transmission signal with the smaller difference between the reception interval and the rotation period of the front wheel 11 is the first transmission signal. The transmission interval of the transmission signal from the transmitter 31 attached to the front wheel 11 depends on the rotation period of the front wheel 11. Therefore, the difference between the reception interval of the transmission signal from the transmitter 31 attached to the front wheel 11 and the rotation period of the front wheel 11 is smaller than the difference between the reception interval of the transmission signal from the transmitter 31 attached to the rear wheel 12 and the rotation period of the front wheel 11. This allows the control device 51 for the specific device to determine that, of two types of transmission signals with different reception intervals, the transmission signal with the smaller difference between the reception interval and the rotation period of the front wheel 11 is the first transmission signal.

[0043] [Second embodiment] A second embodiment of a wheel position identifying device, a wheel position identifying system, and a wheel position identifying method will be described. In the second embodiment, the processing performed by the identifying device control device is different from that in the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, the wheel position identifying process of the first embodiment and the wheel position identifying process using ABS are used in combination.

[0044] The wheel position identification process using the ABS 20 will be described. As shown in FIG. 5, in step S21, the specific device control device 51 acquires the pulse count values ​​of the wheel speed sensors 21, 22 from the ABS controller 23 every time it acquires transmission data, in other words, every time it receives a transmission signal.

[0045] Next, in step S22, the identifying device control device 51 performs position determination. The position determination involves determining whether each transmitter 31 is attached to the front wheel 11 or the rear wheel 12. The position determination is performed by acquiring a pulse count value each time transmission data is acquired. When the transmitter 31 transmits a transmission signal at a specific rotational position, the rotational angles of the two wheel assemblies 11, 12 are synchronized with the rotational angle at which the transmission signal is transmitted from either of the two transmitters 31. Therefore, when each transmitter 31 transmits a transmission signal at a specific rotational position, if a pulse count value is acquired in response to reception of the transmission signal, there is a wheel speed sensor 21, 22 corresponding to each transmitter 31 with a small variation in pulse count value. The identifying device control device 51 determines to which of the wheel assemblies 11, 12 each transmitter 31 is attached based on the variation in the pulse count value acquired each time transmission data is acquired. That is, the control device 51 for a specific device determines to which of the wheel assemblies 11, 12 each transmitter 31 is attached based on the variation in the rotation angle of the front wheel 11 when the transmission signal is received and the variation in the rotation angle of the rear wheel 12 when the transmission signal is received.

[0046] The identifying device control device 51 collects pulse count values ​​for each wheel speed sensor 21, 22 each time the receiving circuit 55 receives a transmission signal. When the collected pulse count value falls within a predetermined range, the identifying device control device 51 associates the wheel assembly 11, 12 corresponding to the wheel speed sensor 21, 22 that detected the pulse count value with the transmitter 31. The predetermined range is set in consideration of variations in pulse count values ​​and is used to identify wheel speed sensors 21, 22 with small variations in pulse count values. This allows the identifying device control device 51 to determine whether each transmitter 31 is attached to the front wheel 11 or the rear wheel 12 using the ABS 20. For example, suppose the identifying device control device 51 collects pulse count values ​​for the wheel speed sensors 21, 22 each time it acquires transmission data including a first code. In this case, the variation in pulse count values ​​for the first wheel speed sensor 21 is smaller than the variation in pulse count values ​​for the second wheel speed sensor 22. Therefore, it can be determined that the transmitter 31 of the first code is attached to the front wheel 11.

[0047] The specific device control device 51 repeats the processes of steps S21 and S22 until the association of the ID codes of the transmitters 31 with the wheel assemblies 11 and 12 is completed.

[0048] 6, the identifying device control device 51 determines whether each of the transmitters 31 is attached to a front wheel 11 or a rear wheel 12 by performing the processes of steps S11 to S17, as in the first embodiment. The process of steps S11 to S17 provides a determination result of the wheel position identifying process based on the reception interval of the first transmission signal and the reception interval of the second transmission signal. The wheel position identifying process based on the reception interval of the first transmission signal and the reception interval of the second transmission signal is referred to as the first wheel position identifying process.

[0049] After completing the processes of steps S11 to S17, the specific device control device 51 performs the process of step S18. If the processes of steps S11 to S17 fail to determine whether each of the transmitters 31 is attached to the front wheel 11 or the rear wheel 12, the specific device control device 51 may perform the process of step S18.

[0050] In step S18, the identifying device control device 51 determines whether the wheel position identification process using the ABS 20 has been completed. If the determination result of step S18 is negative, the identifying device control device 51 performs the determination of step S18 again. If the determination result of step S18 is positive, the identifying device control device 51 performs the process of step S19. It can be said that the identifying device control device 51 repeats the determination of step S18 until the determination result of step S18 becomes positive. The wheel position identification process using the ABS 20 is referred to as the second wheel position identification process.

[0051] In step S19, the identifying device control device 51 updates the correspondence between the ID codes and the wheel assemblies 11, 12. The identifying device control device 51 identifies whether each of the transmitters 31 is attached to the front wheel 11 or the rear wheel 12 based on the determination result of the first wheel position determination process and the determination result of the second wheel position determination process.

[0052] In this embodiment, the identifying device control device 51 prioritizes the determination result of the second wheel position identification process. That is, the identifying device control device 51 updates the correspondence between the ID code and the wheel assemblies 11, 12 based on the determination result of the second wheel position identification process, regardless of the determination result of the first wheel position identification process.

[0053] When the determination result of the first wheel position identification process and the determination result of the second wheel position identification process match, the identifying device control device 51 may update the correspondence between the ID code and the wheel assemblies 11, 12 based on the matching determination result. When the determination result of the first wheel position identification process and the determination result of the second wheel position identification process do not match, the identifying device control device 51 may execute the first wheel position identification process and the second wheel position identification process again.

[0054] [Effects of the second embodiment] (2-1) The control device 51 for the identification device determines whether each of the transmitters 31 is attached to the front wheel 11 or the rear wheel 12 based on the determination result of the first wheel position identification process and the determination result of the second wheel position identification process.

[0055] The second wheel position identification process has higher accuracy in determining which wheel assembly 11, 12 the transmitter 31 is attached to than the first wheel position identification process. When the determination result of the second wheel position identification process is given priority over the first wheel position identification process, it is possible to accurately determine which wheel assembly 11, 12 the transmitter 31 is attached to. The first wheel position identification process takes less time to determine which wheel assembly 11, 12 the transmitter 31 is attached to than the second wheel position identification process. In the second embodiment, the determination result of the first wheel position identification process is used until the second wheel position identification process is completed, and then the determination result of the second wheel position identification process is used after the second wheel position identification process is completed. This makes it possible to achieve both a reduction in the time required to determine which wheel assembly 11, 12 the transmitter 31 is attached to and an improvement in the accuracy of determining which wheel assembly 11, 12 the transmitter 31 is attached to.

[0056] Furthermore, by replacing at least one of the front wheel 11 and the rear wheel 12, the outer diameter of the front wheel 11 and the outer diameter of the rear wheel 12 may become the same. In this case, the first wheel position identification process cannot determine whether each of the transmitters 31 is attached to the front wheel 11 or the rear wheel 12. By performing the first wheel position identification process and the second wheel position identification process, even if the first wheel position identification process cannot determine whether each of the transmitters 31 is attached to the front wheel 11 or the rear wheel 12, it is possible to determine whether each of the transmitters 31 is attached to the front wheel 11 or the rear wheel 12 by the second wheel position identification process.

[0057] [Example of change] The embodiment can be modified as follows: The embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that they are not technically inconsistent.

[0058] In each embodiment, the ABS 20 may include wheel speed sensors 21, 22 corresponding to one of the front wheel 11 and the rear wheel 12. For example, the ABS 20 may include a first wheel speed sensor 21 corresponding to the front wheel 11, but may not include a second wheel speed sensor 22 corresponding to the rear wheel 12. In this case, in the second embodiment, the identifying device control device 51 can determine only which of the two transmitters 31 is attached to the front wheel 11 by the second wheel position identification process. After determining which of the two transmitters 31 is attached to the front wheel 11, the identifying device control device 51 may determine that the remaining transmitter 31 is attached to the rear wheel 12.

[0059] In each embodiment, it is not necessary to determine which transmitter 31 is attached to the rear wheel 12 based on the rotation period of the rear wheel 12. The processing in step S15 can determine which of the two transmitters 31 is attached to the front wheel 11. Therefore, the specific device control device 51 may determine that the remaining transmitter 31 is attached to the rear wheel 12. Similarly, the specific device control device 51 may determine which transmitter 31 is attached to the rear wheel 12 based on the rotation period of the rear wheel 12, and determine that the remaining transmitter 31 is attached to the front wheel 11.

[0060] In each embodiment, the identifying device control device 51 may determine whether each of the transmitters 31 is attached to the front wheel 11 or the rear wheel 12 by comparing the reception interval of the first transmission signal with the reception interval of the second transmission signal. If the outer diameter of the front wheel 11 is larger than the outer diameter of the rear wheel 12, the reception interval of the first transmission signal will be longer than the reception interval of the second transmission signal. In this case, the identifying device control device 51 can determine that the transmitter 31 that transmitted the transmission signal with the longer reception interval is attached to the front wheel 11. The identifying device control device 51 can determine that the transmitter 31 that transmitted the transmission signal with the shorter reception interval is attached to the rear wheel 12. If the outer diameter of the front wheel 11 is smaller than the outer diameter of the rear wheel 12, the reception interval of the first transmission signal will be shorter than the reception interval of the second transmission signal. In this case, the identifying device control device 51 can determine that the transmitter 31 that transmitted the transmission signal with the shorter reception interval is attached to the front wheel 11. The specific device control unit 51 can determine that the transmitter 31 that transmitted the transmission signal with a long reception interval is attached to the rear wheel 12. Whether the outer diameter of the front wheel 11 is larger or smaller than the outer diameter of the rear wheel 12 can be stored in the specific device memory unit 53.

[0061] In each embodiment, the vehicle 10 may be a four-wheel vehicle as long as the outer diameters of the front wheels 11 and rear wheels 12 are different. If the vehicle 10 is a four-wheel vehicle, "two types of transmission signals with different reception intervals" refers to two types of transmission signals with a substantial difference in reception interval due to the difference in the outer diameter of the wheel assemblies. There may be some difference in the reception intervals of transmission signals transmitted from two wheel assemblies with substantially the same outer diameter, but such a difference is within the range of tolerance and is not included in the substantial difference in reception interval.

[0062] In the second embodiment, the identifying device control device 51 may prioritize the determination result of the first wheel position identification process. In this case, if the identifying device control device 51 is unable to make a determination through the first wheel position identification process, it may use the determination result of the second wheel position identification process. [Explanation of symbols]

[0063] 10...vehicle, 11...front wheel, 12...rear wheel, 30...wheel position determination system, 31...transmitter, 50...wheel position determination device, 51...control device for determination device, 55...receiving circuit

Claims

1. A wheel position identifying device mounted on a two-wheeled vehicle having a front wheel and a rear wheel, The outer diameter of the front wheel and the outer diameter of the rear wheel are different, The wheel position identifying device is a receiving circuit configured to receive a first transmission signal transmitted from a transmitter mounted on the front wheel, the first transmission signal being transmitted at a specific rotational position of the front wheel, and a second transmission signal transmitted from a transmitter mounted on the rear wheel, the second transmission signal being transmitted at a specific rotational position of the rear wheel; a specific device control device; a receiving interval of the first transmission signal and a receiving interval of the second transmission signal are different from each other; The specific device control device includes: calculating a rotation period of the front wheel from an outer diameter of the front wheel and a speed of the two-wheeled vehicle; determining that, of two types of transmission signals having different reception intervals, the transmission signal having a smaller difference between the reception interval and the rotation period is the first transmission signal transmitted from the transmitter attached to the front wheel; A wheel position identifying device configured to determine that, of two types of transmission signals having different reception intervals, a transmission signal that is not determined to be the first transmission signal is the second transmission signal transmitted from a transmitter attached to the rear wheel.

2. The specific device control device includes: acquiring information indicating a rotation angle of the front wheels and information indicating a rotation angle of the rear wheels each time the first transmission signal and the second transmission signal are received, respectively; determining whether each of the transmitters is attached to the front wheel or the rear wheel based on the variation in the rotation angle of the front wheel and the variation in the rotation angle of the rear wheel; 2. The wheel position identifying device according to claim 1, configured to identify whether each of the transmitters is attached to the front wheel or the rear wheel based on a determination result based on a reception interval of the first transmission signal and a reception interval of the second transmission signal, and a determination result based on a variation in the rotation angle of the front wheel and a variation in the rotation angle of the rear wheel.

3. A wheel position identification system mounted on a two-wheeled vehicle having a front wheel and a rear wheel, The outer diameter of the front wheel and the outer diameter of the rear wheel are different, The wheel location system comprises: a transmitter attached to each of the front and rear wheels; a wheel position identifying device; The wheel position identifying device is a receiving circuit configured to receive a first transmission signal transmitted from a transmitter mounted on the front wheel, the first transmission signal being transmitted at a specific rotational position of the front wheel, and a second transmission signal transmitted from a transmitter mounted on the rear wheel, the second transmission signal being transmitted at a specific rotational position of the rear wheel; a specific device control device; a receiving interval of the first transmission signal and a receiving interval of the second transmission signal are different from each other; The specific device control device includes: calculating a rotation period of the front wheel from an outer diameter of the front wheel and a speed of the two-wheeled vehicle; determining that, of two types of transmission signals having different reception intervals, the transmission signal having a smaller difference between the reception interval and the rotation period is the first transmission signal transmitted from the transmitter attached to the front wheel; A wheel position identification system configured to determine that, of two types of transmission signals having different reception intervals, a transmission signal that is not determined to be the first transmission signal is the second transmission signal transmitted from a transmitter attached to the rear wheel.

4. A wheel position determination method for a two-wheeled vehicle having a front wheel and a rear wheel, comprising: The outer diameter of the front wheel and the outer diameter of the rear wheel are different, The wheel position identification method includes: receiving a first transmission signal transmitted from a transmitter attached to the front wheel, the first transmission signal being transmitted at a specific rotational position of the front wheel; receiving a second transmission signal transmitted from a transmitter attached to the rear wheel at a specific rotational position of the rear wheel, wherein a reception interval of the first transmission signal and a reception interval of the second transmission signal are different from each other; determining a rotation period of the front wheel from an outer diameter of the front wheel and a speed of the two-wheeled vehicle; determining that, of two types of transmission signals having different reception intervals, the transmission signal having a smaller difference between the reception interval and the rotation period is the first transmission signal transmitted from the transmitter attached to the front wheel; and determining that one of two types of transmission signals having different reception intervals that is not determined to be the first transmission signal is the second transmission signal transmitted from a transmitter attached to the rear wheel.

5. A wheel position identifying device mounted on a two-wheeled vehicle having a front wheel and a rear wheel, The outer diameter of the front wheel and the outer diameter of the rear wheel are different, The wheel position identifying device is a receiving circuit configured to receive a first transmission signal transmitted from a transmitter mounted on the front wheel, the first transmission signal being transmitted at a specific rotational position of the front wheel, and a second transmission signal transmitted from a transmitter mounted on the rear wheel, the second transmission signal being transmitted at a specific rotational position of the rear wheel; a specific device control device; a receiving interval of the first transmission signal and a receiving interval of the second transmission signal are different from each other; The specific device control device includes: calculating a rotation period of the rear wheel from an outer diameter of the rear wheel and a speed of the two-wheeled vehicle; determining that, of two types of transmission signals having different reception intervals, the transmission signal having a smaller difference between the reception interval and the rotation period is the second transmission signal transmitted from the transmitter attached to the rear wheel; A wheel position identification device configured to determine that, of two types of transmission signals having different reception intervals, a transmission signal that is not determined to be the second transmission signal is the first transmission signal transmitted from a transmitter attached to the front wheel.

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