A vehicle and a vehicle control method

Abstract

The application provides a vehicle and a vehicle control method, and relates to the technical field of vehicle control. The vehicle comprises a transfer, a differential lock, an engine controller and a transmission drive controller. The transmission drive controller receives a control signal sent by the engine controller. When the received control signal comprises a motor rotation control signal and a motor drive current control signal, the motor rotation control signal and the motor drive current control signal are used to control the motor of the transfer to rotate to a target position. When the received control signal comprises a differential lock control signal and a differential lock drive current control signal, the differential lock control signal and the differential lock drive current control signal are used to control the drive current in the coil of the differential lock. Through cooperation between the transmission drive controller and the engine controller, the control of the transfer and the differential lock is realized. In this way, the two controllers can be reduced to one controller, thereby reducing the number of control units in the vehicle and simplifying the communication complexity.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of vehicle control technology, and more particularly to a vehicle and a vehicle control method. Background Technology

[0002] The transfer case is a crucial transmission component in longitudinally mounted four-wheel-drive vehicles, enabling four-wheel drive by transmitting torque from the transmission input to the front and rear axles. Current technology uses a transfer case control unit to switch between two-wheel and four-wheel drive. A differential lock is a locking mechanism in the differential of the front or rear axle, allowing the left and right wheels to rotate at different speeds. When turning, the different speeds of the left and right wheels ensure smooth cornering. However, if one wheel spins freely, the other wheel, which is on a good surface, receives no torque, and the vehicle loses power. In this situation, the differential lock control unit locks the differential, allowing torque to be transferred to the wheel that is not slipping, thus helping the vehicle to escape a difficult situation.

[0003] Currently, the transfer case and differential lock are controlled by separate transfer case control units and differential lock control units, which not only increases the number of control units and corresponding wiring harnesses, but also makes the communication between control units more complex.

[0004] Therefore, how to reduce the number of control units in a vehicle and simplify the communication between control units is a technical problem that needs to be solved by those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of this, embodiments of this application provide a vehicle designed to control the transfer case and differential through a single control unit, thereby reducing the number of control units in the vehicle and simplifying communication between control units.

[0006] In a first aspect, this application provides a vehicle, which includes a transfer case, a differential lock, an engine controller, and a transmission drive controller;

[0007] The engine controller is used to acquire a request signal;

[0008] The engine controller is configured to send a control signal to the transmission drive controller according to the request signal. When the request signal is a drive switch request signal, the control signal includes a motor rotation control signal and a motor drive current control signal; when the request signal is a differential lock switch request signal, the control signal includes a differential lock control signal and a differential lock drive current control signal.

[0009] The transmission drive controller is used to control the motor of the transfer case to rotate to the target position according to the motor rotation control signal and the motor drive current control signal when the received control signal includes the motor rotation control signal and the motor drive current control signal;

[0010] The transmission drive controller is further configured to, when the received control signal includes the differential lock control signal and the differential lock drive current control signal, control the drive current in the coil of the differential lock according to the differential lock control signal and the differential lock drive current control signal.

[0011] Optionally, the motor rotation control signal includes a start rotation control signal and a stop rotation control signal;

[0012] The engine controller is specifically used to send the start rotation control signal to the transmission drive controller according to the drive switch request signal;

[0013] The transmission drive controller is specifically used to control the transfer case motor to start rotating according to the start rotation control signal and the motor drive current control signal, and to feed back the rotation position to the engine controller.

[0014] The engine controller is specifically used to send a stop rotation control signal to the transmission drive controller when it determines that the rotation position is the target position corresponding to the target drive mode based on the correspondence between position and drive mode.

[0015] The transmission drive controller is specifically used to control the transfer case motor to stop rotating according to the stop rotation control signal.

[0016] Optionally, the engine controller is also used to acquire the vehicle's speed;

[0017] The engine controller is specifically used to send the start-rotation control signal to the transmission drive controller after receiving the drive switch request signal and determining that the vehicle's driving speed is less than the drive speed threshold.

[0018] Optionally, the vehicle differential lock is in the unlocked state, the differential lock control signal is the differential lock locking control signal, and the differential lock drive current control signal is the differential lock locking current control signal.

[0019] The engine controller is specifically used to send the differential lock locking control signal to the transmission drive controller according to the differential lock switch request signal;

[0020] The transmission drive controller is specifically used to control the drive current in the coil of the differential lock to the current value corresponding to the differential lock locking current control signal, based on the differential lock locking control signal.

[0021] Optionally, the vehicle differential lock is in a locked state, the differential lock control signal is a differential lock unlocking control signal, and the differential lock drive current control signal is a differential lock unlocking current control signal;

[0022] The engine controller is specifically used to send the differential lock unlocking control signal to the transmission drive controller according to the differential lock switch request signal;

[0023] The transmission drive controller is specifically used to control the drive current in the coil of the differential lock to the current value corresponding to the differential lock unlocking current control signal according to the differential lock unlocking control signal.

[0024] Optionally, the engine controller is further configured to start a timer after the vehicle differential lock is in the locked state and when it is determined that the vehicle speed is greater than the maintaining current speed threshold, and after the timer duration reaches a preset duration, send a differential lock adjustment current control signal to the transmission drive controller.

[0025] The transmission drive controller is used to adjust the current control signal according to the differential lock to reduce the drive current in the coil of the differential lock.

[0026] Optionally, the vehicle may also include: an in-vehicle display device;

[0027] The transmission drive controller is also used to send a feedback signal to the engine controller after the transfer case switches to the target drive mode and / or the differential lock switches to the target differential lock mode. The drive mode includes any one of two-wheel drive mode, four-wheel drive mode and low-speed four-wheel drive mode. The target differential lock mode includes any one of front axle unlock, front axle lock, rear axle unlock and rear axle lock.

[0028] The engine controller is also configured to send a display signal of the target drive mode and / or the target differential lock mode to the in-vehicle display device based on the feedback signal;

[0029] The in-vehicle display device is used to display indication information of the target drive mode and / or target differential lock mode according to the display signal of the target drive mode and / or target differential lock mode.

[0030] Optionally, the vehicle may also include: an in-vehicle display device;

[0031] The transmission drive controller is also used to send a fault signal of the transfer case and / or the differential lock to the engine controller when it is determined that there is a fault in the transfer case and / or the differential lock.

[0032] The engine controller is also configured to send a display signal indicating that the transfer case and / or the differential lock is faulty to the in-vehicle display device based on the fault signal of the transfer case and / or the differential lock.

[0033] The in-vehicle display device is used to display indication information indicating that the transfer case and / or the differential lock are faulty, based on the display signal indicating that the transfer case and / or the differential lock are faulty.

[0034] Optionally, the drive controller and the engine controller are connected via a controller area network.

[0035] Secondly, this application provides a vehicle control method applied to a vehicle, the vehicle including a transfer case, a differential lock, an engine controller, and a drive controller, the method comprising:

[0036] The transmission drive controller receives control signals sent by the engine controller based on a request signal; when the request signal is a drive switch request signal, the control signal includes a motor rotation control signal and a motor drive current control signal; when the request signal is a differential lock switch request signal, the control signal includes a differential lock control signal and a differential lock drive current control signal.

[0037] When the transmission drive controller determines that the received control signal includes the motor rotation control signal and the motor drive current control signal, it controls the motor of the transfer case to rotate to the target position according to the motor rotation control signal and the motor drive current control signal.

[0038] When the transmission drive controller determines that the received control signal includes the differential lock control signal and the differential lock drive current control signal, it controls the drive current in the differential lock coil according to the differential lock control signal and the differential lock drive current control signal.

[0039] Optionally, the motor rotation control signal includes a start rotation control signal and a stop rotation control signal;

[0040] The drive controller receives control signals sent by the engine controller based on a request signal, including:

[0041] The transmission drive controller receives a start rotation control signal sent by the engine controller based on a drive switch request signal;

[0042] The step of controlling the transfer case motor to rotate to the target position according to the motor rotation control signal and the motor drive current control signal includes:

[0043] The transfer case motor is controlled to start rotating according to the start rotation control signal and the motor drive current control signal, and the rotation position is fed back to the engine controller.

[0044] When the engine controller determines that the rotation position is the target position corresponding to the target drive mode based on the correspondence between position and drive mode, it sends a stop rotation control signal.

[0045] The motor of the transfer case is controlled to stop rotating according to the stop rotation control signal.

[0046] Optionally, the method further includes: the engine controller acquiring the vehicle's driving speed;

[0047] The transmission drive controller receives a start-rotation control signal sent by the engine controller based on a request signal, including:

[0048] The transmission drive controller receives the start-rotation control signal sent by the engine controller after receiving the drive switch request signal and determining that the vehicle's driving speed is less than the drive speed threshold.

[0049] Optionally, the differential lock is in the unlocked state, the differential lock control signal is the differential lock locking control signal, and the differential lock drive current control signal is the differential lock locking current control signal.

[0050] The drive controller receives control signals sent by the engine controller based on a request signal, including:

[0051] The transmission drive controller receives the differential lock locking control signal sent by the engine controller based on the differential lock switch request signal;

[0052] The step of controlling the drive current in the coil of the differential lock according to the differential lock control signal and the differential lock drive current control signal includes:

[0053] According to the differential lock locking control signal, the driving current in the coil of the differential lock is controlled to be the current value corresponding to the differential lock locking current control signal.

[0054] Optionally, the differential lock is in a locked state, the differential lock control signal is a differential lock unlocking control signal, and the differential lock drive current control signal is a differential lock unlocking current control signal.

[0055] The drive controller receives control signals sent by the engine controller based on a request signal, including:

[0056] The transmission drive controller receives the differential lock unlocking control signal sent by the engine controller based on the differential lock switch request signal;

[0057] The step of controlling the drive current in the coil of the differential lock according to the differential lock control signal and the differential lock drive current control signal includes:

[0058] According to the differential lock unlocking control signal, the driving current in the differential lock coil is controlled to be the current value corresponding to the differential lock unlocking current control signal.

[0059] Optionally, the method further includes: after the vehicle differential lock is in the locked state and the vehicle's driving speed is determined to be greater than the maintaining current speed threshold, the engine controller starts timing, and after the timing duration reaches a preset duration, sends a differential lock adjustment current control signal to the transmission drive controller.

[0060] The transmission drive controller adjusts the current control signal according to the differential lock to reduce the drive current in the differential lock coil.

[0061] Optionally, the vehicle further includes: an in-vehicle display device; the method further includes: after the transfer case switches to the target drive mode and / or the differential lock switches to the target differential lock mode, the transmission drive controller sends a feedback signal to the engine controller, wherein the drive mode includes any one of two-wheel drive mode, four-wheel drive mode and low-speed four-wheel drive mode, and the target differential lock mode includes any one of front axle unlock, front axle lock, rear axle unlock and rear axle lock;

[0062] The engine controller sends the target drive mode and / or the target differential lock mode display signal to the in-vehicle display device based on the feedback signal;

[0063] The in-vehicle display device displays indication information of the target drive mode and / or target differential lock mode according to the display signal of the target drive mode and / or target differential lock mode.

[0064] Optionally, the method further includes: when the transmission drive controller determines that there is a fault in the transfer case and / or the differential lock, it sends a fault signal of the transfer case and / or the differential lock to the engine controller;

[0065] The engine controller sends a display signal indicating that the transfer case and / or the differential lock is faulty to the in-vehicle display device based on the fault signal of the transfer case and / or the differential lock.

[0066] The in-vehicle display device displays indication information indicating that the transfer case and / or the differential lock are faulty, based on the display signal indicating that the transfer case and / or the differential lock are faulty.

[0067] Thirdly, this application provides an apparatus comprising a memory and a processor, the memory for storing signals or codes, and the processor for executing the signals or codes to cause the apparatus to perform the method described in any one of the preceding second aspects.

[0068] Fourthly, this application provides a computer storage medium storing code, wherein when the code is executed, a device executing the code implements the method described in any one of the preceding second aspects.

[0069] As can be seen from the above technical solution, this application has the following beneficial effects:

[0070] This application provides a vehicle including a transfer case, a differential lock, an engine controller, and a drive controller. The drive controller is a redesigned controller that integrates the software of the transfer case controller and the differential lock controller, as well as a drive circuit suitable for high current. This reduces the number of control chips, thereby reducing the required wiring harnesses and simplifying communication between the control chips. Specifically, the engine controller is used to acquire a request signal and send a control signal to the transmission drive controller according to the request signal. When the request signal is a drive switch request signal, the control signal includes a motor rotation control signal and a motor drive current control signal; when the request signal is a differential lock switch request signal, the control signal includes a differential lock control signal and a differential lock drive current control signal. The transmission drive controller is used to control the transfer case motor to rotate to a target position according to the motor rotation control signal and the motor drive current control signal when the received control signal includes the motor rotation control signal and the motor drive current control signal; it is also used to control the drive current in the differential lock coil according to the differential lock control signal and the differential lock drive current control signal when the received control signal includes the differential lock control signal and the differential lock drive current control signal. Controlling the transfer case and differential lock through the transmission drive controller eliminates the need to modify the engine controller. Since the engine controller is an integrated chip and difficult to modify, using the transmission drive controller reduces modification costs. Attached Figure Description

[0071] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in this embodiment or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiment or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0072] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of vehicle components provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0073] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of components and devices for another vehicle provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0074] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the control logic provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0075] Figure 4 A flowchart of a vehicle control method provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0076] like Figure 1 As shown in the figure, this is a schematic diagram of the components of a vehicle provided in an embodiment of this application. The vehicle includes a transfer case controller 101, a transfer case 102, a differential lock controller 103, a differential lock 104, an engine controller 105, an engine 106, and wheels 107.

[0077] It should be noted that in other embodiments, the vehicle may include more or fewer components.

[0078] The engine controller 105 is used to send a control signal to the transfer case controller 101 and / or the differential lock controller 103 after receiving a request signal. After receiving the control signal, the transfer case controller 101 controls the transfer case 102 based on the control signal. After receiving the control signal, the differential lock controller 103 controls the differential lock 104 based on the control signal.

[0079] Figure 1 In this configuration, the transfer case 102 and the differential lock 104 are controlled by independent transfer case controller 101 and differential lock controller 103, respectively. This not only increases the number of control units (controllers) and their corresponding wiring harnesses, but also makes communication between control units more complex. Furthermore, due to the current chip supply crisis, the more controllers there are, the more susceptible they are to the crisis, potentially leading to supply disruptions.

[0080] Therefore, this application proposes a solution to integrate the transfer case controller and the differential lock controller into the engine controller. However, since both the transfer case and the differential lock require high current during the driving process, the current engine controller hardware does not have the ability to drive high current. That is, the drive circuit on the engine controller chip can only withstand a limited current. If the engine controller is required to drive, the engine controller chip needs to be modified. However, the engine controller chip is integrated, and it is extremely inconvenient and costly to modify each chip.

[0081] Therefore, this application designs a transmission drive controller that integrates software for the transfer case controller and differential lock controller, as well as a drive circuit capable of withstanding high current (e.g., 50A). It can be seen that in this application, only one control unit is used to control the transfer case and differential, thereby reducing the number of control units in the vehicle and simplifying the communication between control units.

[0082] like Figure 2 As shown, this figure is a schematic diagram of components and devices of another vehicle provided in an embodiment of this application. The vehicle includes a drive controller 201, a transfer case 202, a differential lock 203, an engine controller 204, an engine 205, and wheels 206. The drive controller 201 and the engine controller 204 are connected via a controller area network.

[0083] Figure 2 The vehicle components shown are Figure 1 Compared to the vehicle components shown, the original method of controlling the transfer case via the transfer case controller and the differential lock via the differential lock controller has been changed to controlling both the transfer case and the differential lock through the coordination between the drive controller and the engine controller. Therefore, Figure 2 The number of controllers in the vehicle components shown has been reduced, which means fewer chips are used, thereby reducing the corresponding wiring harnesses and simplifying communication between controllers.

[0084] Specifically, the engine controller 204 is used to receive request signals.

[0085] The request signal can be triggered by the user or by other electronic devices in the vehicle.

[0086] In some examples, users can trigger a request signal by clicking virtual or physical buttons inside the vehicle. Virtual buttons can be buttons displayed on in-vehicle displays (such as the vehicle's infotainment screen), while physical buttons can be actual buttons located inside the vehicle, such as buttons or knobs on the steering wheel.

[0087] In other examples, other electronic devices in the vehicle trigger a request signal after detecting that relevant information (such as vehicle speed, altitude, elevation angle, etc.) meets preset conditions.

[0088] The request signals may include a drive switch request signal and a differential lock switch request signal. The drive switch request signal is a request signal used to change the vehicle's drive mode, for example, to change the vehicle's drive mode to 2WD mode. The differential lock switch request signal is a request signal used to change the state of the vehicle's differential lock, for example, to lock or unlock the vehicle's differential lock. Table 1 is a schematic table of request signals provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0089] Table 1:

[0090]

[0091] Among them, "DrvModSwtReq" represents the drive switch request signal, and its value can be "0x0:Mode2WD" (meaning switch to 2WD mode), "0x1:Mode 4WD" (meaning switch to 4WD mode), and "0x1:Mode 4WD Low" (meaning switch to low-speed 4WD mode).

[0092] “VehSpd” represents the speed signal, and the value it carries can be the vehicle's speed.

[0093] Both “RearLckSwtReq” and “FrntLckSwtReq” are differential lock switch request signals. “RearLckSwtReq” is the rear axle differential lock lock request signal, and “FrntLckSwtReq” is the front axle differential lock lock request signal.

[0094] It should be noted that the above is merely an illustrative description of the request signal; in other embodiments, the request signal may take other forms.

[0095] After receiving the request signal, the engine controller 204 sends a control signal to the transmission drive controller 201 according to the request signal.

[0096] The control signal corresponds to the request signal. For example, when the request signal is a drive switch request signal, the control signal includes a motor rotation control signal and a motor drive current control signal; when the request signal is a differential lock switch request signal, the control signal includes a differential lock control signal and a differential lock drive current control signal.

[0097] Among them, the motor rotation control signal refers to the signal that controls the motor to start and stop rotating, the motor drive current control signal refers to the signal that indicates the magnitude of the drive current provided to the drive motor, the differential lock control signal refers to the signal that controls the differential lock to unlock or lock, and the differential lock drive current control signal refers to the signal that indicates the magnitude of the drive current provided to the differential lock.

[0098] When the transmission drive controller 201 receives control signals including motor rotation control signals and motor drive current control signals, it controls the motor of the transfer case 202 to rotate to the target position according to the motor rotation control signals and motor drive current control signals.

[0099] When the received control signals are a differential lock control signal and a differential lock drive current control signal, the transmission drive controller 201 controls the drive current in the coil of the differential lock 203 according to the differential lock request signal and the differential lock drive current control signal.

[0100] For ease of understanding, the control logic of the technical solution provided in the embodiments of this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 3 As shown in the figure, this figure is a schematic diagram of the control logic provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0101] The user can trigger a drive switch request signal via the drive mode switch 301 inside the vehicle. This drive switch request signal is transmitted to the vehicle control module (BCM) 303 via the LIN bus. The BCM 303 then transmits the drive switch request signal to the engine controller (ECM) 304 via the CAN bus. Based on the received drive switch request signal, the ECM 304 sends a motor rotation control signal and a motor drive current control signal to the drive controller (WD) 305, so that the WD 305 can control the transfer case 306 based on these signals.

[0102] Next, WD 305 can send a feedback signal to ECM 304, for example, a feedback signal indicating that the transfer case has switched to the target drive mode. Upon receiving the feedback signal, ECM 304 sends a display signal to the in-vehicle display device (instrument panel 308), for example, a display signal indicating the target drive mode. The instrument panel then displays indication information of the target drive mode, such as four-wheel drive mode. This indication information can be provided via indicator lights or markers.

[0103] The user can also trigger a differential lock switch request signal via the differential lock switch 302 inside the vehicle. This differential lock switch request signal is transmitted to the BCM 303 via the LIN bus. The BCM 303 then transmits this differential lock switch request signal to the ECM 304 via the CAN bus. Based on the received differential lock switch request signal, the ECM 304 sends a differential lock control signal and a differential lock drive current control signal to the WD 305, so that the WD 305 can control the differential lock 307 based on these signals.

[0104] Next, WD 305 can send a feedback signal to ECM 304, either a differential lock engagement feedback signal or a differential lock unlock feedback signal. Upon receiving the feedback signal, ECM 304 sends a display signal to instrument cluster 308, such as a differential lock engagement display signal. Based on this differential lock engagement display signal, the instrument cluster displays differential lock engagement indication information.

[0105] In this embodiment, the drive controller replaces the original transfer case controller and differential lock controller. The engine controller sends control signals to the drive controller, which then controls the transfer case and differential lock based on these signals. This simplifies the multiple control units while still meeting the needs of high-current drive. This solution does not require modification of the already integrated engine controller. Therefore, it can reduce the number of control units at a lower cost, thereby simplifying the wiring harness and communication between the control units.

[0106] The following sections describe the process of the drive controller controlling the transfer case and the differential lock in two different scenarios.

[0107] Case 1: The drive controller controls the transfer case.

[0108] Understandably, vehicles have multiple drive modes, such as three types: 2WD, 4WD, and low-speed 4WD. Low-speed 4WD refers to amplifying the transmission input torque by a factor of K before distributing it to the front and rear wheels, where K > 1.

[0109] In some embodiments, the motor rotation control signal includes a start rotation control signal and a stop rotation control signal. The start rotation control signal is the signal that controls the transfer case motor to start rotating, and the stop rotation control signal is the signal that controls the transfer case motor to stop rotating.

[0110] The engine controller can send a start-rotation control signal to the drive drive controller based on the drive switch request signal. The drive drive controller controls the transfer case motor to start rotating based on the start-rotation control signal and the motor drive current control signal, and feeds back the rotation position to the engine controller. When the engine controller determines that the rotation position is the target position corresponding to the target drive mode based on the correspondence between the position and the drive mode, it sends a stop-rotation control signal to the drive drive controller.

[0111] The drive controller, based on a stop-rotation control signal, controls the transfer case motor to stop rotating, thereby controlling the transfer case motor to rotate to the target position. The engine controller may have a pre-stored mapping between positions and drive modes; for example, position 1 corresponds to drive mode 1, and position 2 corresponds to drive mode 2. After the drive controller reports the motor's rotation position, it can determine if this position corresponds to the target position for the desired drive mode. If so, a stop-rotation control signal is sent to the drive controller. The target drive mode is the drive mode the user wants to switch to (the drive mode carried in the drive switch request signal). For example, if the user wants to switch to 4WD mode, the target drive mode is 4WD mode.

[0112] It should be noted that the correspondence between position and drive mode is pre-set. For example, a certain position of the motor is set to 0°, and one rotation of the motor is set to 360°. Each 120° rotation corresponds to a different drive mode. For instance, 0° corresponds to 2WD mode, 120° corresponds to 4WD mode, and 240° corresponds to low-speed 4WD mode. When the motor rotates to 120°, the engine controller receives feedback from the drive controller that the motor's rotation position is 120°. Therefore, it determines that the motor has reached the target position corresponding to the 4WD mode and sends a stop-rotation control signal to the drive controller, thus stopping the motor's rotation.

[0113] In some embodiments, after receiving a drive switch request signal, the engine controller can also acquire the vehicle's driving speed, and when it determines that the vehicle's driving speed is less than a drive speed threshold (a preset value), it sends a start-rotation control signal to the transmission drive controller.

[0114] The following example will illustrate this.

[0115] 1.1 Switch from 2WD mode to 4WD mode.

[0116] The vehicle is in 2WD mode. As mentioned above, when the user or the vehicle itself needs to switch the drive mode, the vehicle itself can trigger a drive switch request signal, or the user can trigger the drive switch request signal via a virtual or physical button. This drive switch request signal can be a request signal to switch to 4WD mode.

[0117] In some examples, the user can trigger a request signal to switch to 4WD mode (e.g., DrvModSwtReq = 0x1:Mode 4WD).

[0118] After receiving the request signal to switch to 4WD mode, the engine controller determines whether the vehicle's speed is lower than a first speed threshold, which can be 80 km / h or another value. If the vehicle's speed is lower than the first speed threshold, it sends a start-rotation control signal (e.g., ShiftMotorCmd = 0x1: Motor DriveToRight) and a motor drive current control signal (e.g., MotorDutyCycle = 100%) to the drive controller via the CAN bus. Here, "ShiftMotorCmd = 0x1: Motor DriveToRight" indicates the start of rightward rotation, and "MotorDutyCycle = 100%" indicates that the drive current ratio is 100%.

[0119] After receiving the start-rotation control signal and the motor drive current control signal, the drive controller drives the motor to rotate to the right with the current value indicated by the motor drive current control signal, and detects the rotation position of the motor. The rotation position is fed back to the engine controller via the CAN bus (for example, it can be position 1, position 2, position 3 or position 4, where MotorEncoder1State represents position 1, MotorEncoder2State represents position 2, MotorEncoder3State represents position 3, and MotorEncoder4State represents position 4. Positions 1 to 4 are obtained by dividing the circumference evenly. Different positions correspond to different drive modes).

[0120] After receiving the rotation position feedback from the drive controller, the engine controller determines whether the position is the target position corresponding to the four-wheel drive mode. If so, it sends a stop rotation control signal (e.g., ShiftMotorCmd = 0x0: Motor Off) and a motor drive current control signal (e.g., MotorDutyCycle = 0) to the drive controller. "ShiftMotorCmd = 0x0: Motor Off" indicates that the rotation has stopped, and "MotorDutyCycle = 0" indicates that the drive current value is 0.

[0121] After receiving "ShiftMotorCmd=0x0:Motor Off" and "MotorDutyCycle=0", the drive controller stops the transfer case motor from rotating.

[0122] Furthermore, the engine controller can also send a four-wheel drive mode display signal (e.g., SystemOperMod=0x1:Mode 4WD) to the in-vehicle display device, which displays the four-wheel drive mode indication information based on "SystemOperMod=0x1:Mode 4WD", such as illuminating the four-wheel drive mode icon.

[0123] It should be noted that the above examples only illustrate the switching from two-wheel drive mode to four-wheel drive mode with right turn as an example. In this embodiment, when the start-rotation control signal is ShiftMotorCmd = 0x1:MotorDriveToRight, the drive mode switching sequence is two-wheel drive mode, four-wheel drive mode, and low-speed four-wheel drive mode; when the start-rotation control signal is ShiftMotorCmd = 0x1:MotorDriveToLeft, the drive mode switching sequence is low-speed four-wheel drive mode, four-wheel drive mode, and two-wheel drive mode. Those skilled in the art can set the motor's rotation direction based on implementation needs.

[0124] 1.2 Switch from 4WD mode to 2WD mode.

[0125] The vehicle is in 4WD mode. Similarly, the user can trigger a drive switch request signal via virtual or physical buttons. This drive switch request signal can be a request signal to switch to 2WD mode (e.g., DrvModSwtReq = 0x0: Mode 2WD).

[0126] In some examples, users can trigger a request signal to switch to 2WD mode.

[0127] After receiving the request signal to switch to 2WD mode, the engine controller sends a start-rotation control signal (e.g., ShiftMotorCmd = 0x2:MotorDriveToLeft) and a motor drive current control signal (e.g., MotorDutyCycle = 100%) to the drive controller via the CAN bus. Here, "ShiftMotorCmd = 0x2:MotorDriveToLeft" indicates that the rotation to the left has started, and "MotorDutyCycle = 100%" indicates that the drive current ratio is 100%.

[0128] After receiving the start-rotation control signal and the motor drive current control signal, the drive controller drives the motor to rotate to the left with the current value indicated by the motor drive current control signal, detects the rotation position of the motor, and feeds back the rotation position to the engine controller via the CAN bus.

[0129] After receiving the rotation position feedback from the drive controller, the engine controller determines whether the position is the target position corresponding to the two-wheel drive mode. If so, it sends a stop rotation control signal (e.g., ShiftMotorCmd = 0x0: Motor Off) and a motor drive current control signal (e.g., MotorDutyCycle = 0) to the drive controller. "ShiftMotorCmd = 0x0: Motor Off" indicates that the rotation has stopped, and "MotorDutyCycle = 0" indicates that the drive current value is 0.

[0130] After receiving "ShiftMotorCmd=0x0:Motor Off" and "MotorDutyCycle=0", the drive controller stops the transfer case motor from rotating.

[0131] Furthermore, the engine controller can also send a two-wheel drive mode display signal (e.g., SystemOperMod=0x1:Mode 2WD) to the in-vehicle display device. The in-vehicle display device displays two-wheel drive mode indication information based on "SystemOperMod=0x1:Mode 2WD", such as illuminating the two-wheel drive mode icon.

[0132] 1.3 Switch from 2WD or 4WD mode to low-speed 4WD mode.

[0133] The vehicle's drive mode is either 2WD or 4WD. Users can trigger a drive switch request signal via virtual or physical buttons. This drive switch request signal can be a request to switch to low-speed 4WD mode.

[0134] In some examples, users can trigger a request signal to switch to low-speed 4WD mode (e.g., DrvModSwtReq = 0x2: Mode 4WD Low Range).

[0135] After receiving the request signal to switch to low-speed 4WD mode, the engine controller determines whether the vehicle's speed is less than a second speed threshold, which can be 3 km / h or other values, such as 5 km / h. If the vehicle's speed is less than the second speed threshold, it sends a start-rotation control signal (e.g., ShiftMotorCmd = 0x1: Motor DriveToRight) and a motor drive current control signal (e.g., MotorDutyCycle = 100%) to the drive controller via the CAN bus. "ShiftMotorCmd = 0x1: Motor DriveToRight" indicates the start of rightward rotation, and "MotorDutyCycle = 100%" indicates that the drive current ratio is 100%.

[0136] After receiving the start-rotation control signal and the motor drive current control signal, the drive controller drives the motor to rotate to the right with the current value indicated by the motor drive current control signal, detects the rotation position of the motor, and feeds back the rotation position to the engine controller via the CAN bus.

[0137] After receiving the rotation position feedback from the drive controller, the engine controller determines whether the position is the target position corresponding to the low-speed four-wheel drive mode. If so, it sends a stop rotation control signal (e.g., ShiftMotorCmd = 0x0: Motor Off) and a motor drive current control signal (e.g., MotorDutyCycle = 0) to the drive controller. "ShiftMotorCmd = 0x0: Motor Off" indicates that the rotation has stopped, and "MotorDutyCycle = 0" indicates that the drive current value is 0.

[0138] After receiving "ShiftMotorCmd=0x0:Motor Off" and "MotorDutyCycle=0", the drive controller stops the transfer case motor from rotating.

[0139] Furthermore, the engine controller can also send a low-speed four-wheel drive mode display signal (e.g., SystemOperMod=0x2:Mode 4WD Low Range) to the in-vehicle display device. The in-vehicle display device displays the low-speed four-wheel drive mode indication information based on "SystemOperMod=0x2:Mode 4WD Low Range", such as illuminating the low-speed four-wheel drive mode icon.

[0140] 1.4 Switch from low-speed 4WD mode to 2WD mode or 4WD mode.

[0141] The vehicle is in low-speed 4WD mode. The user can trigger a drive switch request signal via virtual or physical buttons. This drive switch request signal can be a request signal to switch to 4WD mode.

[0142] It should be noted that, for ease of understanding, section 1.4 only introduces the example of switching to 4WD mode. To switch to 2WD mode, simply control the transfer case motor to rotate to the position corresponding to 2WD mode.

[0143] In some examples, the user can trigger a request signal to switch to 4WD mode (e.g., DrvModSwtReq = 0x1:Mode 4WD).

[0144] After receiving the request signal to switch to 4WD mode, the engine controller determines whether the vehicle's speed is less than a third speed threshold. This third speed threshold can be 3 / h or other values, such as 5. If the vehicle's speed is less than the third speed threshold, it sends a start-rotation control signal (e.g., ShiftMotorCmd = 0x1: Motor DriveToLeft) and a motor drive current control signal (e.g., MotorDutyCycle = 100%) to the drive controller via the CAN bus. "ShiftMotorCmd = 0x1: Motor DriveToLeft" indicates starting to turn left, and "MotorDutyCycle = 100%" indicates that the drive current ratio is 100%. The third speed threshold can be the same as the second speed threshold described in section 1.3.

[0145] After receiving the start-rotation control signal and the motor drive current control signal, the drive controller drives the motor to rotate to the left with the current value indicated by the motor drive current control signal, detects the rotation position of the motor, and feeds back the rotation position to the engine controller via the CAN bus.

[0146] After receiving the rotation position feedback from the drive controller, the engine controller determines whether the position is the target position corresponding to the four-wheel drive mode. If so, it sends a stop rotation control signal (e.g., ShiftMotorCmd = 0x0: Motor Off) and a motor drive current control signal (e.g., MotorDutyCycle = 0) to the drive controller. "ShiftMotorCmd = 0x0: Motor Off" indicates that the rotation has stopped, and "MotorDutyCycle = 0" indicates that the drive current value is 0.

[0147] After receiving "ShiftMotorCmd=0x0:Motor Off" and "MotorDutyCycle=0", the drive controller stops the transfer case motor from rotating.

[0148] Furthermore, the engine controller can also send a four-wheel drive mode display signal (e.g., SystemOperMod=0x1:Mode 4WD) to the in-vehicle display device, which displays the four-wheel drive mode indication information based on "SystemOperMod=0x1:Mode 4WD", such as illuminating the four-wheel drive mode icon.

[0149] Scenario 2: The transmission drive controller controls the differential lock.

[0150] Vehicle differential locks generally include front and rear axle differential locks. Simply put, a differential lock is a locking mechanism mounted on the differential. Its function is to improve a vehicle's ability to traverse rough terrain. When one drive axle is spinning freely, it can quickly lock the differential, making the two drive axles rigidly connected. This allows most, or even all, of the torque to be transferred to the non-slipping drive axle, fully utilizing its traction to generate sufficient force for the vehicle to continue moving. In short, a differential lock connects the left and right drive wheels to prevent one wheel from slipping while the other remains stationary, allowing the vehicle to smoothly traverse rough terrain.

[0151] In some embodiments, the differential lock is in the unlocked state, the differential lock control signal is the differential lock locking control signal, and the differential lock drive current control signal is the differential lock locking current control signal. The differential lock locking control signal is the signal that controls the differential lock to lock, and the differential lock locking current control signal is the signal that controls the current supplied when the differential lock is locked, for example, a current of 7A.

[0152] The engine controller sends a differential lock locking control signal to the drive controller based on the differential lock switch request signal. The drive controller then controls the drive current in the differential lock coil to the current value corresponding to the differential lock locking current control circuit, based on the differential lock locking control signal.

[0153] In some embodiments, after the vehicle is locked, the engine controller can also start a timing mechanism when it determines that the vehicle's speed is greater than the sustaining current speed threshold. Once the timing reaches a preset duration, the engine controller sends a differential lock adjustment current control signal to the drive controller. Based on the differential lock adjustment current control signal, the drive controller reduces the drive current in the differential lock coil (e.g., from 7A to 4A), thereby reducing the duration of high current and reducing power consumption.

[0154] In other embodiments, the differential lock is in a locked state, the differential lock control signal is a differential lock unlock control signal, and the differential lock drive current control signal is a differential lock unlock current control signal. The differential lock unlock control signal is the signal that controls the unlocking of the differential lock, and the differential lock unlock current control signal is the signal that controls the current supplied when the differential lock unlocks, for example, a current of 0A.

[0155] The engine controller sends a differential lock unlocking control signal to the drive controller based on the differential lock switch request signal. The drive controller then controls the drive current in the differential lock coil to the current value corresponding to the differential lock unlocking current control signal based on the differential lock unlocking control signal.

[0156] To facilitate understanding, the control logic of the front axle differential lock and the rear axle differential lock will be introduced below. We will first introduce the control logic of the rear axle differential lock.

[0157] 2.1 The rear axle differential lock is switched from the unlocked state to the locked state.

[0158] The rear axle differential lock of the vehicle is in the unlocked state. If the user or the vehicle itself needs to switch the differential lock state, the user can trigger the differential lock switch request signal via a virtual or physical button, or the vehicle itself can trigger the differential lock switch request signal. This differential lock switch request signal can also be a differential lock locking request signal.

[0159] In some examples, the user can trigger a differential lock locking request signal (e.g., RearLckSwtReq = 0x1:Request).

[0160] After receiving the differential lock lock request signal, the engine controller determines whether the vehicle's speed is less than a fourth speed threshold, which can be 5 km / h or other values. If the vehicle's speed is less than the fourth speed threshold, it sends a differential lock lock control signal (e.g., RearLckReq = 0x1: Lock Req) and a differential lock lock current control signal (e.g., RearlckCurtLvelReq = 0x0: Start up current (7A)) to the drivetrain controller via the CAN bus.

[0161] After receiving the differential lock locking control signal and the differential lock locking current control signal, the transmission drive controller energizes the coil of the rear axle differential lock. As mentioned above, the drive current in the coil of the rear axle differential lock is controlled to be 7A to lock the rear axle differential lock. The controller also sends a feedback signal of the rear axle differential lock locking (e.g., RearLckSts = 0x1: Locked) and a feedback signal of the drive current (e.g., RearlckActCurtLvel = 0x0: Start up current (7A)) to the engine controller.

[0162] Based on the feedback signals from the differential lock engagement and the drive current, the engine controller sends a rear axle lock-up display signal to the instrument cluster. The instrument cluster then displays rear axle lock-up indication information, such as illuminating the rear axle lock-up icon.

[0163] In some embodiments, the engine controller can start timing when it determines that the rear axle differential lock is locked (RearLckActSts = 0X1:lock) and the vehicle speed is greater than the holding current speed threshold (e.g., 5 km / h or other values). After the timing duration reaches a preset duration (e.g., 5 seconds or other values), the engine controller sends a differential lock adjustment current control signal (RearlckCurtLvelReq = 0X1:holding current (4A)) to the drive controller. The drive controller reduces the drive current in the coil of the rear axle differential lock according to the differential lock adjustment current control signal, for example, reducing the drive current in the coil of the rear axle differential lock from 7A to the holding lock current of 4A, and sends a feedback signal of maintaining low current (RearlckActCurtLvel = 0X1:holding current (4A)) to the engine controller.

[0164] During the timing process of the engine controller, if the vehicle's speed is lower than the aforementioned maintaining current speed threshold and the wheel speed difference between the two rear axles is greater than the first preset speed (e.g., 36 rpm or other values), the timing will restart.

[0165] It should be noted that the above-mentioned holding latch-up current of 4A is merely an illustrative example, and those skilled in the art can design specific values ​​for the holding latch-up current based on actual needs.

[0166] 2.2 The rear axle differential lock is switched from the locked state to the unlocked state.

[0167] The vehicle's rear axle differential lock is in the locked state. If the user or the vehicle itself needs to switch the differential lock's state, the user can trigger the differential lock switch request signal via a virtual or physical button, or the vehicle itself can trigger the differential lock switch request signal. This differential lock switch request signal can also be a differential lock unlock request signal.

[0168] In some examples, the user can trigger a rear axle differential lock unlock request signal, or the vehicle itself can trigger the rear axle differential lock unlock request signal when it detects that the vehicle's speed is greater than the fifth speed threshold (e.g., 38 km / h, or other values).

[0169] After receiving the rear axle differential lock unlock request signal, the engine controller sends a rear axle differential lock unlock control signal (e.g., RearLckReq = 0x0: Unlock Req) to the drive controller via the CAN bus. The drive controller then de-energizes the rear axle differential lock coil based on this unlock control signal, i.e., controls the drive current of the rear axle differential lock coil to 0A. Finally, it sends a rear axle differential lock unlock feedback signal (e.g., RearLckActSts = 0x0: Unlock) to the engine controller.

[0170] After receiving the feedback signal that the rear axle differential lock is unlocked, the engine controller sends a display signal indicating that the rear axle differential lock is unlocked to the instrument panel (e.g., RearLckSts = 0x0: Unlocked). The instrument panel displays the indication information that the rear axle differential lock is unlocked, such as illuminating the indicator light for the rear axle differential lock being unlocked, or extinguishing the indicator light for the rear axle differential lock being locked.

[0171] In some embodiments, the engine controller can also acquire the vehicle's speed when the rear axle differential lock is locked. If the vehicle's speed is in a first preset speed range (e.g., 28 km / h-38 km / h, or other speed ranges), it sends a high speed warning signal (e.g., RearLckSts = 0x2: Over-Speed ​​Warning) to the in-vehicle display device. Based on this high speed warning signal, the instrument panel displays a high speed indication message to alert the user that the vehicle speed is too high.

[0172] In some embodiments, the engine controller can also refuse to lock the differential lock. Specifically, when the rear axle differential lock is unlocked, if the vehicle's speed exceeds a sixth speed threshold (e.g., 5 km / h, or another value) or the wheel speed difference between the two rear axle wheels exceeds a second preset speed (e.g., 50 rpm, or another value), the engine controller will not send a rear axle differential lock control signal to the drive controller, even if a rear axle differential lock lock request signal is triggered. Furthermore, the engine controller sends a non-lockable display signal to the instrument cluster (e.g., RearLckSts = 0x3: Lock Request Deny), and the instrument cluster displays a non-lockable indication based on this signal to inform the user that the differential cannot be locked at this time.

[0173] The control logic of the front axle differential lock is described below.

[0174] 3.1 The front axle differential lock is switched from the unlocked state to the locked state.

[0175] The front axle differential lock of the vehicle is in the unlocked state. The user can trigger the differential lock switch request signal via a virtual button or a physical button. This differential lock switch request signal can also be a differential lock locking request signal.

[0176] In some examples, the vehicle's rear axle differential lock is locked and the vehicle's drive mode is low-speed four-wheel drive module, and the user can trigger a differential lock lock request signal (e.g., FrntLckSwtReq = 0x1:Request).

[0177] After receiving the differential lock lock request signal, the engine controller determines whether the vehicle's speed is less than the seventh speed threshold, which can be 5 km / h or other values. If the vehicle's speed is less than the seventh speed threshold, it sends a differential lock lock control signal (e.g., FrntLckReq = 0x1: Lock Req) and a differential lock lock current control signal (e.g., FrntlckCurtLvelReq = 0x0: Start up current (7A)) to the drivetrain controller via the CAN bus. The seventh speed threshold can be the same as the fourth speed threshold.

[0178] After receiving the differential lock locking control signal and the differential lock locking current control signal, the drive controller energizes the coil of the front axle differential lock. As mentioned above, the drive current in the coil of the front axle differential lock is controlled to be 7A to lock the front axle differential lock. The drive controller also sends a feedback signal of front axle differential lock locking (e.g., FrntLckSts = 0x1: Locked) and a feedback signal of drive current (e.g., FrntlckActCurtLvel = 0x0: Start up current (7A)) to the engine controller.

[0179] Based on the feedback signal of the differential lock and the feedback signal of the drive current, the engine controller sends a front axle lock display signal to the instrument panel (e.g., FrntLckSts = 0x1: Locked). Based on the front axle lock display signal, the instrument panel displays front axle lock indication information, such as illuminating the front axle lock icon.

[0180] It should be noted that the control logic of the drive current in the coil of the front axle differential lock is similar to that in the coil of the rear axle differential lock, as can be found in section 2.1 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0181] 3.2 The front axle differential lock is switched from the locked state to the unlocked state.

[0182] When the front axle differential lock of a vehicle is locked, the differential lock switch request signal can be triggered in several ways. This differential lock switch request signal can also be a differential lock unlock request signal.

[0183] In some examples, the user can trigger a front axle differential lock unlock request signal (e.g., by pressing the front axle differential lock switch button or the rear axle differential lock switch button). The engine controller receives the front axle differential lock unlock request signal and then sends a front axle differential lock unlock control signal (e.g., FrntLckReq = 0x0:Unlock Req) to the drivetrain controller.

[0184] In other examples, the engine controller sends a front axle differential lock unlocking control signal to the drivetrain controller after determining that the vehicle's drive mode has exited low-speed four-wheel drive mode; alternatively, the engine controller sends the front axle differential lock unlocking control signal to the drivetrain controller when it determines that the vehicle's speed is greater than an eighth speed threshold (e.g., 38 km / h, or other values). This eighth speed threshold can be the same as the fifth speed threshold mentioned above.

[0185] After receiving the front axle differential lock unlock control signal, the drive controller de-energizes the front axle differential lock coil according to the signal, i.e., controls the drive current of the front axle differential lock coil to 0A. Then, it sends a feedback signal for front axle differential lock unlock to the engine controller (e.g., FrntLckActSts = 0x0:Unlock).

[0186] After receiving the feedback signal that the front axle differential lock is unlocked, the engine controller sends a display signal of front axle differential lock unlock to the instrument panel (e.g., FrntLckSts = 0x1: Locked). The instrument panel displays the indication information of front axle differential lock unlock, such as illuminating the front axle differential lock unlock indicator light, or extinguishing the front axle differential lock locking indicator light.

[0187] In some embodiments, the engine controller can also acquire the vehicle's speed when the front axle differential lock is locked. If the vehicle's speed is within a second preset speed range (e.g., 28 km / h-38 km / h, or other speed ranges), it sends a high-speed warning signal (e.g., FrntLckSts = 0x2: Over-Speed ​​Warning) to the in-vehicle display device. Based on this high-speed warning signal, the instrument panel displays a high-speed indication to alert the user that the vehicle speed is too high. The second preset speed range and the first preset speed range can be the same.

[0188] In some embodiments, the engine controller can also refuse to lock the differential lock. Specifically, when the front axle differential lock is unlocked, if the vehicle's speed exceeds a ninth speed threshold (e.g., 5 km / h, or other values), or the wheel speed difference between the two front axle wheels exceeds a third preset speed (e.g., 50 rpm, or other values), or the rear axle differential lock is unlocked, or the vehicle's drive mode is not low-speed four-wheel drive (e.g., two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive), then even if a front axle differential lock lock request signal is triggered, the engine controller will not send a front axle differential lock lock control signal to the drive controller. Furthermore, the engine controller sends a non-lockable display signal to the instrument cluster (e.g., FrntLckSts = 0x3: Lock Request Deny), and the instrument cluster displays a non-lockable indication based on this signal to inform the user that the differential cannot be locked. The ninth speed threshold can be the same as the sixth speed threshold, and the third preset speed can be the same as the second preset speed.

[0189] In some embodiments, the drive controller can also detect whether a transfer case is faulty. When a transfer case fault is detected, it can send a transfer case fault signal (MotorFaultState) to the engine controller. The transfer case fault can be an open circuit, short circuit, or other similar fault. The engine controller then sends a transfer case fault indication signal to the in-vehicle display device based on the transfer case fault indication signal (e.g., DiagLmpReq = 0x1: Lamp is being requested). The in-vehicle display device then displays indication information indicating a transfer case fault, such as illuminating the transfer case fault light on the instrument panel.

[0190] In other embodiments, the drive controller can also detect whether a differential fault exists. When a differential fault is detected, it can send a differential fault signal (ELockFaultState) to the engine controller. The differential fault could be an open circuit, short circuit, or other issues with the differential coil. The engine controller then sends a differential fault display signal to the in-vehicle display device based on the differential fault signal (e.g., FrntLckSts = 0x4:Fault). The in-vehicle display device then displays indication information indicating a differential fault, such as illuminating the differential fault light on the instrument panel.

[0191] It should be noted that when both the transfer case and the differential lock are faulty, the drive controller can simultaneously send the aforementioned fault signals, such as "MotorFaultState" and "ELockFaultState", to the engine controller.

[0192] Based on the above description, this application provides a vehicle including a transfer case, a differential lock, an engine controller, and a drive controller. The drive controller is a newly developed controller that integrates the software of the transfer case controller and the differential lock controller, as well as a drive circuit suitable for high current. This reduces the number of control chips, thereby reducing the required wiring harnesses and simplifying communication between the control chips. Specifically, the engine controller acquires request signals and sends control signals to the drive controller based on these signals. When the request signal is a drive switch request signal, the control signals include a motor rotation control signal and a motor drive current control signal; when the request signal is a differential lock switch request signal, the control signals include a differential lock control signal and a differential lock drive current control signal. The drive controller, when receiving control signals including the motor rotation control signal and the motor drive current control signal, controls the transfer case motor to rotate to the target position based on these signals; it also controls the drive current in the differential lock coil based on the differential lock control signal and the differential lock drive current control signal. Controlling the transfer case and differential lock via the drive controller eliminates the need to modify the engine controller, as the engine controller is an integrated chip and difficult to modify. Using the drive controller reduces modification costs.

[0193] This application also provides a vehicle control method, which can be applied to the vehicle in the above embodiments, such as... Figure 4 As shown, this figure is a flowchart of a vehicle control method provided in an embodiment of this application. The method includes:

[0194] S401, The engine controller receives a request signal;

[0195] S402, The engine controller sends a control signal to the drive controller based on the request signal.

[0196] The transmission drive controller receives control signals sent by the engine controller based on a request signal. When the request signal is a drive switch request signal, the control signals include a motor rotation control signal and a motor drive current control signal. When the request signal is a differential lock switch request signal, the control signals include a differential lock control signal and a differential lock drive current control signal.

[0197] S403. When the transmission drive controller determines that the received control signals include motor rotation control signals and motor drive current control signals, it controls the transfer case motor to rotate to the target position according to the motor rotation control signals and motor drive current control signals.

[0198] S404. When the transmission drive controller determines that the received control signals include differential lock control signals and differential lock drive current control signals, it controls the drive current in the differential lock coil according to the differential lock control signals and differential lock drive current control signals.

[0199] Optionally, the motor rotation control signal includes a start rotation control signal and a stop rotation control signal;

[0200] The drive controller receives control signals sent by the engine controller based on a request signal, including:

[0201] The transmission drive controller receives a start rotation control signal sent by the engine controller based on a drive switch request signal;

[0202] The step of controlling the transfer case motor to rotate to the target position according to the motor rotation control signal and the motor drive current control signal includes:

[0203] The transfer case motor is controlled to start rotating according to the start rotation control signal and the motor drive current control signal, and the rotation position is fed back to the engine controller.

[0204] When the engine controller determines that the rotation position is the target position corresponding to the target drive mode based on the correspondence between position and drive mode, it sends a stop rotation control signal.

[0205] The motor of the transfer case is controlled to stop rotating according to the stop rotation control signal.

[0206] Optionally, the method further includes: the engine controller acquiring the vehicle's driving speed;

[0207] The transmission drive controller receives a start-rotation control signal sent by the engine controller based on a request signal, including:

[0208] The transmission drive controller receives the start-rotation control signal sent by the engine controller after receiving the drive switch request signal and determining that the vehicle's driving speed is less than the drive speed threshold.

[0209] Optionally, the differential lock is in the unlocked state, the differential lock control signal is the differential lock locking control signal, and the differential lock drive current control signal is the differential lock locking current control signal.

[0210] The drive controller receives control signals sent by the engine controller based on a request signal, including:

[0211] The transmission drive controller receives the differential lock locking control signal sent by the engine controller based on the differential lock switch request signal;

[0212] The step of controlling the drive current in the coil of the differential lock according to the differential lock control signal and the differential lock drive current control signal includes:

[0213] According to the differential lock locking control signal, the driving current in the coil of the differential lock is controlled to be the current value corresponding to the differential lock locking current control signal.

[0214] Optionally, the differential lock is in a locked state, the differential lock control signal is a differential lock unlocking control signal, and the differential lock drive current control signal is a differential lock unlocking current control signal.

[0215] The drive controller receives control signals sent by the engine controller based on a request signal, including:

[0216] The transmission drive controller receives the differential lock unlocking control signal sent by the engine controller based on the differential lock switch request signal;

[0217] The step of controlling the drive current in the coil of the differential lock according to the differential lock control signal and the differential lock drive current control signal includes:

[0218] According to the differential lock unlocking control signal, the driving current in the differential lock coil is controlled to be the current value corresponding to the differential lock unlocking current control signal.

[0219] Optionally, the method further includes: after the vehicle differential lock is in the locked state and the vehicle's driving speed is determined to be greater than the maintaining current speed threshold, the engine controller starts timing, and after the timing duration reaches a preset duration, sends a differential lock adjustment current control signal to the transmission drive controller.

[0220] The transmission drive controller adjusts the current control signal according to the differential lock to reduce the drive current in the differential lock coil.

[0221] Optionally, the vehicle further includes: an in-vehicle display device; the method further includes: after the transfer case switches to the target drive mode and / or the differential lock switches to the target differential lock mode, the transmission drive controller sends a feedback signal to the engine controller, wherein the drive mode includes any one of two-wheel drive mode, four-wheel drive mode and low-speed four-wheel drive mode, and the target differential lock mode includes any one of front axle unlock, front axle lock, rear axle unlock and rear axle lock;

[0222] The engine controller sends the target drive mode and / or the target differential lock mode display signal to the in-vehicle display device based on the feedback signal;

[0223] The in-vehicle display device displays indication information of the target drive mode and / or target differential lock mode according to the display signal of the target drive mode and / or target differential lock mode.

[0224] Optionally, the method further includes: when the transmission drive controller determines that there is a fault in the transfer case and / or the differential lock, sending a fault signal of the transfer case and / or the differential lock to the engine controller;

[0225] The engine controller sends a display signal indicating that the transfer case and / or the differential lock is faulty to the in-vehicle display device based on the fault signal of the transfer case and / or the differential lock.

[0226] The in-vehicle display device displays indication information indicating that the transfer case and / or the differential lock are faulty, based on the display signal indicating that the transfer case and / or the differential lock are faulty.

[0227] In this application, the drive controller is a redesigned controller that integrates the software of the transfer case controller and the differential lock controller, as well as a drive circuit suitable for high current. This reduces the number of control chips, thereby reducing the need for wiring harnesses and simplifying communication between the control chips. Specifically, the engine controller receives a request signal and sends a control signal to the drive controller based on the request signal. When the request signal is a drive switch request signal, the control signal includes a motor rotation control signal and a motor drive current control signal; when the request signal is a differential lock switch request signal, the control signal includes a differential lock control signal and a differential lock drive current control signal. When the drive controller receives the control signal including the motor rotation control signal and the motor drive current control signal, it controls the transfer case motor to rotate to the target position based on the motor rotation control signal and the motor drive current control signal; when the received control signal includes the differential lock control signal and the differential lock drive current control signal, it controls the drive current in the differential lock coil based on the differential lock control signal and the differential lock drive current control signal. The transfer case and differential lock are controlled by a drive controller, eliminating the need to modify the engine controller. Since the engine controller is an integrated chip that is difficult to modify, using a drive controller can reduce modification costs.

[0228] This application also provides corresponding computing devices and computer storage media for implementing the solutions provided in this application.

[0229] The computing device includes a memory and a processor. The memory is used to store signals or code, and the processor is used to execute the signals or code to cause the computing device to perform the method described in any embodiment of this application.

[0230] The computer storage medium stores code, and when the code is executed, the computing device running the code implements the method described in any embodiment of this application.

[0231] In the embodiments of this application, the terms "first" and "second" (if they exist) are used only as name identifiers and do not represent the order of first and second.

[0232] As can be seen from the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that all or part of the steps in the methods of the above embodiments can be implemented by means of software plus a general-purpose hardware platform. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product can be stored in a storage medium, such as a read-only memory (ROM) / RAM, magnetic disk, optical disk, etc., including several signals to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, a server, or a network communication device such as a router) to execute the methods described in various embodiments or some parts of the embodiments of this application.

[0233] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner. Similar or identical parts between embodiments can be referred to mutually. Each embodiment focuses on its differences from other embodiments. In particular, the apparatus embodiments are basically similar to the method embodiments, so the description is relatively simple; relevant parts can be referred to the descriptions in the method embodiments. Some or all of the modules can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs. Those skilled in the art can understand and implement this without creative effort.

[0234] The above description is merely an exemplary implementation of this application and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A vehicle, characterized in that, The vehicle includes a transfer case, a differential lock, an engine controller, and a drive controller. The engine controller is used to acquire a request signal; The engine controller is configured to send a control signal to the transmission drive controller according to the request signal. When the request signal is a drive switch request signal, the control signal includes a motor rotation control signal and a motor drive current control signal; when the request signal is a differential lock switch request signal, the control signal includes a differential lock control signal and a differential lock drive current control signal. The transmission drive controller is used to control the motor of the transfer case to rotate to the target position according to the motor rotation control signal and the motor drive current control signal when the received control signal includes the motor rotation control signal and the motor drive current control signal; The transmission drive controller is further configured to, when the received control signal includes the differential lock control signal and the differential lock drive current control signal, control the drive current in the coil of the differential lock according to the differential lock control signal and the differential lock drive current control signal.

2. The vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The motor rotation control signal includes a start rotation control signal and a stop rotation control signal; The engine controller is specifically used to send the start rotation control signal to the transmission drive controller according to the drive switch request signal; The transmission drive controller is specifically used to control the transfer case motor to start rotating according to the start rotation control signal and the motor drive current control signal, and to feed back the rotation position to the engine controller. The engine controller is specifically used to send a stop rotation control signal to the transmission drive controller when it determines that the rotation position is the target position corresponding to the target drive mode based on the correspondence between position and drive mode. The transmission drive controller is specifically used to control the transfer case motor to stop rotating according to the stop rotation control signal.

3. The vehicle according to claim 2, characterized in that, The engine controller is also used to obtain the vehicle's driving speed; The engine controller is specifically used to send the start-rotation control signal to the transmission drive controller after receiving the drive switch request signal and determining that the vehicle's driving speed is less than the drive speed threshold.

4. The vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The differential lock is in the unlocked state, and the differential lock control signal is the differential lock locking control signal. The differential lock drive current control signal is the differential lock locking current control signal. The engine controller is specifically used to send the differential lock locking control signal to the transmission drive controller according to the differential lock switch request signal; The transmission drive controller is specifically used to control the drive current in the coil of the differential lock to the current value corresponding to the differential lock locking current control signal, based on the differential lock locking control signal.

5. The vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The differential lock is in a locked state, and the differential lock control signal is a differential lock unlocking control signal. The differential lock drive current control signal is a differential lock unlocking current control signal. The engine controller is specifically used to send the differential lock unlocking control signal to the transmission drive controller according to the differential lock switch request signal; The transmission drive controller is specifically used to control the drive current in the coil of the differential lock to the current value corresponding to the differential lock unlocking current control signal according to the differential lock unlocking control signal.

6. The vehicle according to claim 4, characterized in that, The engine controller is also used to start timing after the vehicle differential lock is locked and when it is determined that the vehicle speed is greater than the maintaining current speed threshold, and after the timing duration reaches the preset duration, send a differential lock adjustment current control signal to the transmission drive controller. The transmission drive controller is used to adjust the current control signal according to the differential lock to reduce the drive current in the coil of the differential lock.

7. The vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The vehicle also includes: an in-vehicle display device; The transmission drive controller is also used to send a feedback signal to the engine controller after the transfer case switches to the target drive mode and / or the differential lock switches to the target differential lock mode. The drive mode includes any one of two-wheel drive mode, four-wheel drive mode and low-speed four-wheel drive mode. The target differential lock mode includes any one of front axle unlock, front axle lock, rear axle unlock and rear axle lock. The engine controller is also configured to send a display signal of the target drive mode and / or the target differential lock mode to the in-vehicle display device based on the feedback signal; The in-vehicle display device is used to display indication information of the target drive mode and / or target differential lock mode according to the display signal of the target drive mode and / or target differential lock mode.

8. The vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The vehicle also includes: an in-vehicle display device; The transmission drive controller is also used to send a fault signal of the transfer case and / or the differential lock to the engine controller when it is determined that there is a fault in the transfer case and / or the differential lock. The engine controller is also configured to send a display signal indicating that the transfer case and / or the differential lock is faulty to the in-vehicle display device based on the fault signal of the transfer case and / or the differential lock. The in-vehicle display device is used to display indication information indicating that the transfer case and / or the differential lock are faulty, based on the display signal indicating that the transfer case and / or the differential lock are faulty.

9. The vehicle according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The drive controller and the engine controller are connected via a controller area network.

10. A vehicle control method, characterized in that, Applied to a vehicle, the vehicle including a transfer case, a differential lock, an engine controller, and a drivetrain controller, the method includes: The transmission drive controller receives control signals sent by the engine controller based on a request signal; when the request signal is a drive switch request signal, the control signal includes a motor rotation control signal and a motor drive current control signal; when the request signal is a differential lock switch request signal, the control signal includes a differential lock control signal and a differential lock drive current control signal. When the transmission drive controller determines that the received control signal includes the motor rotation control signal and the motor drive current control signal, it controls the motor of the transfer case to rotate to the target position according to the motor rotation control signal and the motor drive current control signal. When the transmission drive controller determines that the received control signal includes the differential lock control signal and the differential lock drive current control signal, it controls the drive current in the differential lock coil according to the differential lock control signal and the differential lock drive current control signal.

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