Device for measuring the tire pressure of any wheel on a motor vehicle and method for operating the device

• US 20030065458A1
• Filed: 09/10/2002
• Published: 04/03/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 09/10/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Siemens AG
• Original Assignee: Siemens AG
• Inventors: Fischer, Martin, Fischer, Frank, Hillenmayer, Franz, Prenninger, Martin, Fuessel, Dominik
• Granted Patent: US 7,024,318 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 702/47
• CPC Class Codes: B60C 23/0401 characterised by the type of alarm
• CPC Class Codes: B60C 23/0408 transmitting the signals by non-mechanical means from the wheel or tyre to a vehicle body mounted receiver

Abstract

In a tire pressure measurement system a display indicating whether a tire (1) has an inadmissible or incorrect tire pressure and which tire (1) has inadequate tire pressure, is only activated when the driver stops to refuel. One or more sensors (6) are located near to the tank for this purpose and these identify a fuel stop.

Claims

1. Device for measuring the tire pressure of any wheel on a vehicle with

a tire pressure measurement device in each tire, each of which has sensors which measure the tire pressure directly or physical variables dependent on the tire pressure,

an analysis unit in the motor vehicle, which communicates in a wireless fashion with the tire pressure measurement de-vices, by means of which the measured tire pressure or the physical variables are sent to the analysis unit, in which it is determined using the measured variables whether the pressure in one or more tires is inadmissible or in-correct, which then causes a display signal to be generated, and

a display unit, by means of which an inadmissible or in-correct tire pressure is displayed to the driver by means of the display signal, wherein

a sensor is connected to the analysis unit, which for its part identifies whether a fuel stop has been made and re-ports this to the analysis unit, as a result of which the display of the inadmissible or incorrect tire pressure is activated.

2. Device according to claim 1, wherein the sensor is a fuel level sensor, which identifies when the vehicle is refueled.

3. Device according to claim 1, wherein the sensor is an electromechanical sensor near to the fuel cap, which identifies an open filler neck or an open fuel compartment flap.

4. Method for operating a tire pressure monitor system, comprising the steps of

monitoring the tire pressure of any tire continuously,

determining from the tire pressures measured whether the tire pressure is inadmissible or incorrect, and

identifying a fuel stop and in case of an inadmissible or incorrect tire pressure generating a warning signal.

5. Method according to claim 4, wherein the warning signal is a display message.

6. Method according to claim 4, wherein the warning signal is an acoustic message.

7. Method according to claim 4, wherein an identified inadmissible or incorrect tire pressure in at least one tire is displayed visually and wherein an identified fuel stop results in an acoustic display if the tire pressure is inadmissible or incorrect.

8. Method according to claim 4, wherein the respective wheel position of the tire or tires with an inadmissible or incorrect tire pressure is displayed.

9. Device for measuring the tire pressure of any wheel on a vehicle with

a tire pressure measurement device in each tire, each of which has sensors which measure the tire pressure,

an analysis unit in the motor vehicle, which communicates in a wireless fashion with the tire pressure measurement de-vices, by means of which the measured tire pressure is sent to the analysis unit, in which it is determined using the measured variables whether the pressure in one or more tires is inadmissible or in-correct, which then causes a signal to be generated, wherein

a sensor is connected to the analysis unit, which for its part identifies whether a fuel stop has been made and re-ports this to the analysis unit, as a result of which the inadmissible or incorrect tire pressure is signaled.

10. Device according to claim 9, further comprising a display for displaying said inadmissible or incorrect tire pressure.

11. Device according to claim 9, further comprising an acoustic output device for signaling said inadmissible or incorrect tire pressure.

12. Device according to claim 9, wherein the sensor is a fuel level sensor, which identifies when the vehicle is refueled.

13. Device according to claim 9, wherein the sensor is an electromechanical sensor near to the fuel cap, which identifies an open filler neck or an open fuel compartment flap.