Vehicle and control method

By designing retractable and concealed vehicle pedals, combined with drive structure and sensor control, multifunctionality and intelligence are achieved, solving the problems of pedals having limited functionality and being easily damaged, thus improving user experience and vehicle performance.

CN115742968BActive Publication Date: 2025-11-21ZHEJIANG ZEEKR INTELLIGENT TECH CO LTD +1
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202211542794.5
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2022-12-02
Publication Date
2025-11-21
Estimated Expiration
2042-12-02

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing vehicle pedals have limited functionality, making it difficult to meet the needs of different consumers in different situations, and they are easily damaged by external impacts.

Method used

Design an extendable and retractable pedal equipped with a drive structure and sensors. The pedal can rotate and translate, and combined with a heating component and a charging module, it achieves versatility and intelligent control.

Benefits of technology

The pedal extends when needed for use, and is protected from damage when hidden. It rotates to form an inclined surface to assist in handling, improving the user experience and enhancing the integration of vehicle performance.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The application relates to a vehicle and a control method. The vehicle comprises a vehicle body, a pedal and a driving structure. The vehicle body comprises a bottom. The pedal is arranged on the bottom. The pedal comprises an extended state and a hidden state. When the pedal is in the extended state, the pedal is exposed outside the vehicle body. When the pedal is in the hidden state, the pedal is hidden in the vehicle body. The driving structure is electrically connected with the pedal. The driving structure is used for driving the pedal to move, so that the pedal is switched between the extended state and the hidden state. When the pedal is in the extended state, the driving structure can also drive the pedal to rotate.
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Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of vehicles, in particular to a vehicle and a control method. BACKGROUND

[0002] The pedal of the vehicle can assist people to get on and off the vehicle, especially on the vehicle with high body, the pedal can avoid the problem that people step on the empty or difficult to get on the vehicle when getting off the vehicle. Nowadays, people have higher and higher requirements for the functions and details of the vehicle, and hope that different functions can be integrated on the same vehicle. The vehicle needs to meet the needs of different consumers in different situations, so how to make the vehicle parts have more functions as possible is one of the focuses of manufacturers. SUMMARY

[0003] The present application provides a vehicle and a control method to solve some or all of the deficiencies in the related art.

[0004] The first aspect of the present application provides a vehicle, comprising:

[0005] The body includes a bottom;

[0006] The pedal is arranged on the bottom; the pedal includes an extended state and a hidden state: when the pedal is in the extended state, the pedal is exposed outside the body; when the pedal is in the hidden state, the pedal is hidden in the body; and

[0007] The driving structure is electrically connected with the pedal; the driving structure is used to drive the pedal to move, so as to switch the pedal between the extended state and the hidden state; wherein, when the pedal is in the extended state, the driving structure can also drive the pedal to rotate.

[0008] Further, when the pedal is in the extended state, the side facing the ground is the inner side; the pedal includes a heating component arranged on the inner side; the heating component is used to heat the pedal, so that the temperature of the pedal is maintained between greater than or equal to 30 DEG C and less than or equal to 45 DEG C.

[0009] Further, the driving structure can drive the pedal to rotate until the pedal is in contact with the ground; the pedal is internally provided with a charging module; the charging module is used to match with a power generation module arranged on the ground, so as to charge the vehicle.

[0010] Further, the driving structure includes a first driver, a gear and a rack fixed to the bottom; one end of the pedal close to the inside of the body is provided with a rotating shaft; the rotating shaft is pivotally connected with the gear; the gear cooperates with the rack, and the first driver is connected with the gear.

[0011] Further, the driving structure further comprises a second driver and a sleeve connected with the second driver; the sleeve is arranged between the rotating shaft and the gear and fixedly connected with the rotating shaft.

[0012] Further, the vehicle body further comprises a front wheel group and a rear wheel group; the pedal is arranged between the front wheel group and the rear wheel group; the length of the pedal is less than the distance between the front wheel group and the rear wheel group.

[0013] Further, the pedal comprises a main body and a side wing; the main body and the side wing are slidingly connected; the side wing can slide in the arrangement direction of the front wheel group and the rear wheel group.

[0014] Further, the driving structure further comprises a hydraulic assembly connected with the side wing for driving the sliding of the side wing.

[0015] Further, the vehicle body comprises a head, a tail, a first side and a second side; the number of the pedals comprises a plurality of pedals arranged at at least two of the head, the tail, the first side and the second side.

[0016] Further, the vehicle further comprises:

[0017] a sensor arranged on the vehicle body and at least on one side of the pedal;

[0018] a controller connected with the driving structure; wherein the sensor detects the movement of objects inside and / or outside the vehicle body and sends an operation instruction to the controller; the controller receives the operation instruction and sends a driving signal to the driving structure to drive the movement of the pedal.

[0019] The second aspect of the present application provides a control method applied to the vehicle of the foregoing embodiments, comprising:

[0020] obtaining an instruction signal of the vehicle;

[0021] driving the movement of the pedal.

[0022] Further, the obtaining of the instruction signal of the vehicle comprises: obtaining a starting signal or an off signal of the vehicle;

[0023] the driving of the movement of the pedal comprises: switching the pedal from a hidden state to an extended state.

[0024] Further, after the driving of the pedal from the hidden state to the extended state, further comprising:

[0025] drive the pedal to switch from the hidden state to the extended state after a preset time.

[0026] Further, after the driving the pedal to switch from the hidden state to the extended state, further comprising:

[0027] drive the pedal to rotate away from the vehicle body.

[0028] Further, after the obtaining the start signal or the off signal of the vehicle, further comprising: obtaining a landing position signal of an object.

[0029] after the driving the pedal to switch from the hidden state to the extended state, further comprising: adjusting the extended position of the pedal to match the landing position signal.

[0030] Further, after the obtaining the start signal or the off signal of the vehicle, further comprising: obtaining an object movement signal outside and / or inside the vehicle body.

[0031] Further, the obtaining the instruction signal of the vehicle comprises: obtaining an animal movement signal or an animal smell signal outside the vehicle body.

[0032] The driving the movement of the pedal comprises: driving the pedal to switch from the hidden state to the extended state, and driving the pedal to rotate away from the vehicle body.

[0033] Further, after the driving the pedal to rotate away from the vehicle body, further comprising:

[0034] drive the pedal to extend in the direction of the rotation axis.

[0035] The technical scheme provided by the embodiment of the present application can include the following beneficial effects:

[0036] As can be seen from the above embodiments, the pedal of the present application can be extended from the vehicle body when needed by the user, so as to be stepped on or to place objects by the user. When the pedal is not needed by the user, the pedal can be hidden inside the vehicle body, so as to avoid damage to the pedal caused by external impact. In addition, the pedal can continue to rotate to form an inclined surface in the extended state, so as to facilitate the user to push the stroller, wheelchair and other devices in and out of the vehicle body, so as to meet the use requirements of different users and improve the user experience.

[0037] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are only exemplary and explanatory, and cannot limit the present application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0038] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application, the drawings needed to be used in the embodiments description will be briefly introduced. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments of the present application, and other drawings can be obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort based on these drawings.

[0039] Figure 1 A side view schematic diagram of one embodiment of the vehicle of the present application is shown, with the pedal in a hidden state.

[0040] Figure 2 A back view schematic diagram of one embodiment of the vehicle of the present application is shown, with the pedal in a hidden state.

[0041] Figure 3 A side view schematic diagram of one embodiment of the vehicle of the present application is shown, with the pedal in an extended state.

[0042] Figure 4 A side view schematic diagram of one embodiment of the vehicle of the present application is shown, with the pedal in an extended state, and the pedal is also in an unfolded state.

[0043] Figure 5 A back view schematic diagram of one embodiment of the vehicle of the present application is shown, with the pedal in an extended state.

[0044] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of one embodiment of the drive structure of the vehicle of the present application is shown.

[0045] Figure 7 A flow chart of one embodiment of the control method of the present application is shown.

[0046] Figure 8 A flow chart of another embodiment of the control method of the present application is shown.

[0047] Figure 9 A flow chart of yet another embodiment of the control method of the present application is shown.

[0048] Wherein, 100 vehicle, 1 vehicle body main body, 11 bottom, 12 front wheel group, 13 rear wheel group, 14 vehicle head, 15 vehicle tail, 16 first side, 17 second side, 2 pedal, 21 main body part, 22 side wing, 23 rotating shaft, 24 inner side, 3 drive structure, 31 gear, 32 rack, 33 sleeve, 34 containing space, 35 outlet, L1 pedal length, L2 wheel spacing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] The exemplary embodiments will be described in detail herein with reference to the attached drawings. The following description is made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals represent like elements or similar elements, unless otherwise indicated. The following exemplary embodiments described herein are not intended to be representative of all embodiments consistent with the present disclosure. Rather, they are merely examples consistent with some aspects of the present disclosure as detailed in the appended claims.

[0050] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present application. Unless otherwise defined, technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The use of the terms "first", "second" and "like" in the description and claims herein does not constitute a limitation on the order of these elements, but rather is used to distinguish one element from another. Also, the use of "a" or "an" herein does not constitute a limitation, but rather is used to include one or more. "Multiple" or "a plurality" means two or more. The use of "front", "back", "top", "bottom", and / or "side" and similar terms is for convenience only and is not intended to be limiting. The use of "include", "includes", "including" and / or "comprise", "comprises", "comprising" and similar terms herein is to mean that the item(s) listed after the term is inclusive and does not exclude other items. The use of "connected", "coupled", "in communication with", and similar terms is not limited to a direct connection or coupling, but also includes an indirect connection or coupling, such as through one or more other elements. The use of singular forms herein, such as "a", "an", and "the", is intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "and / or", as used herein, refers to and encompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0051] With reference to Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 5 , a vehicle 100 is provided. The vehicle 100 includes a body main body 1, a step 2, and a driving structure 3. The body main body 1 includes a bottom portion 11, and the step 2 is disposed on the bottom portion 11. The step 2 of the present application includes an extended state and a hidden state: when the step 2 is in the extended state, the step 2 is exposed outside the body main body 1; when the step 2 is in the hidden state, the step 2 is hidden inside the body main body 1. The driving structure 3 is electrically connected with the step 2, so that the driving structure 3 can drive the step 2 to move, so as to switch the step 2 between the extended state and the hidden state. Wherein, when the step 2 is in the extended state, the driving structure 3 can also drive the step 2 to rotate.

[0052] By such arrangement, the pedal 2 can be extended from the vehicle body 1 when needed by the user, so as to be stepped on or to place articles. When the pedal 2 is no longer needed by the user, the pedal 2 can be hidden inside the vehicle body 1, so as to avoid damage of the pedal 2 by external impact, and also can bring a more concise appearance to the vehicle 100, and improve the aesthetic of the vehicle 100. In addition, the pedal 2 can continue to rotate to form an inclined surface in the extended state, so as to facilitate the user to push the stroller, wheelchair and other devices in and out of the vehicle body 1, so as to meet the use requirements of different users and improve the user experience.

[0053] In addition, compared with the technical solution that the pedal 2 can only move in parallel to the horizontal plane or only move at a certain angle with the horizontal plane, the pedal 2 of the present application can be flexibly adjusted according to the use scene, and integrates the auxiliary stepping function and the auxiliary carrying function, so that the vehicle 100 can meet the stepping and carrying requirements of the user at the same time by only setting the pedal 2, thereby improving the performance integration of the vehicle 100.

[0054] In some embodiments, the driving structure 3 can be a hydraulic device which pushes and pulls the pedal 2 in the translation direction of the pedal 2 to realize the translation of the pedal 2. Alternatively, referring to Figure 6 In some embodiments, the driving structure 3 includes a first driver (not shown), a gear 31 and a rack 32 fixed to the bottom 11. The pedal 2 is provided with a rotating shaft 23 at one end close to the inside of the vehicle body 1. The rotating shaft 23 is pivotally connected with the gear 31, the gear 31 cooperates with the rack 32, and the first driver is connected with the gear 31. In this way, when the first driver drives the gear 31 to rotate, the gear 31 can move in the arrangement direction of the rack 32 due to the fixation of the rack 32, so as to push the pedal 2 to move by pushing the rotating shaft 23. The transmission ratio of the gear 31 and the rack 32 is stable, which can improve the stability of the pedal 2 when moving. In addition, compared with the linear motion of the hydraulic device which needs to occupy a large space, the gear 31 and the rack 32 can convert the rotary motion of the first driver into translational motion, so as to further reduce the volume of the driving structure 3, so that the pedal 2 and the driving structure 3 are more compact.

[0055] Figure 6The rack 32 in the embodiment is provided with two racks, which are respectively located on the upper and lower sides of the gear 31, so that the gear 31 can engage with the upper and lower racks, and the stability of the transmission process is improved. In other embodiments, the upper side of the gear 31 can be provided with a rack 32, and the gear 31 only engages with the upper rack 32. This embodiment is suitable for the case that the pedal 2 is arranged at the bottom 11 of the vehicle 100 and is located outside the vehicle body. This embodiment can facilitate the assembly and maintenance of the pedal 2. In other embodiments, the rack 32 can also be provided only below the gear 31. In this embodiment, the driving structure 3 can be simplified, and the rack 32 is arranged below the gear 31, so that the gear 31 can be well matched with the rack 32 due to gravity, which is beneficial to improve the stability of the transmission.

[0056] In the embodiment as shown in the drawings, Figure 6 The driving structure 3 forms an accommodation space 34 inside the vehicle body. When the pedal 2 is in the hidden state, the pedal 2 is accommodated in the accommodation space 34 as a whole. In order to improve the sealing of the vehicle 100 and prevent dust, foreign matter or even small animals from entering the accommodation space 34 and causing damage to the driving structure 3, the vehicle 100 can include a baffle (not shown) arranged at the outlet 35 of the accommodation space 34. The baffle can be arranged as a flexible baffle, so that when the pedal 2 is extended out of the accommodation space 34, the flexible baffle can be pushed open. Alternatively, the baffle can also be arranged as a rigid baffle which is electrically connected with the driving structure 3, and when the pedal 2 needs to be switched to the extended state, the driving structure 3 drives the rigid baffle to move away from the outlet 35, so that the pedal 2 can be extended out of the accommodation space 34.

[0057] Further, the driving structure 3 further includes a second driver (not shown) and a sleeve 33 connected with the second driver. The sleeve 33 is arranged between the rotating shaft 23 and the gear 31 and is fixedly connected with the rotating shaft 23. The second driver can drive the sleeve 33 to rotate, and since the rotating shaft 23 is fixedly connected with the sleeve 33, when the second driver drives the sleeve 33 to rotate, the rotating shaft 23 will also be driven to rotate, thereby realizing the rotary motion of the pedal 2. By such arrangement, the structure for driving the pedal 2 to translate and the structure for driving the pedal 2 to rotate can be integrated together, and the compactness of the driving structure 3 is improved. When the pedal 2 is in the extended state and is parallel to the ground, the second driver can play a locking role to prevent the rotation of the pedal 2, so that when the user steps on the pedal 2, the pedal 2 can keep the position fixed, avoiding personal injury caused by the rotation of the pedal 2 after the user steps on it.

[0058] The application does not limit the way of fixed connection between the sleeve 33 and the rotating shaft 23. For example, the connection can be made by adhesion, welding or the like, so as to improve the connection strength. Or the sleeve 33 can be provided with a key groove, and the rotating shaft 23 can be provided with a protruding key to cooperate, so as to facilitate the assembly and disassembly of the pedal 2 and the driving structure 3, and facilitate maintenance.

[0059] In some embodiments, the pedal 2 can only rotate to be inclined to the ground, so as to help the user push the wheelchair, stroller or the like to get on and off the vehicle. In other embodiments, the pedal 2 can be further rotated to be perpendicular to the ground. The pedal 2 being perpendicular to the ground can block the animals from entering the bottom 11 of the vehicle 100. When the vehicle 100 is parked at night or not used for a long time, wild animals such as cats, mice and the like are easy to enter the bottom 11 of the vehicle 100 and stay in the bottom 11 or even enter the inside of the vehicle 100, so by rotating the pedal 2 to be perpendicular to the ground, the animals can be blocked from entering the bottom 11 of the vehicle 100, which is beneficial to protect the vehicle 100. And it can also avoid that when there are animals in the bottom 11 of the vehicle 100, the user drives the vehicle 100 to hurt the animals.

[0060] The vehicle 100 can include a sensor and a controller. The sensor is arranged on the vehicle body 1, and at least one side of the pedal 2. The controller is connected with the driving structure 3. The sensor can detect the movement of objects inside and / or outside the vehicle body 1, and send operation instructions to the controller. After receiving the operation instructions, the controller sends driving signals to the driving structure 3 to drive the pedal 2 to move. In this embodiment, the sensor can be arranged inside the vehicle body 1, and when it is detected that the passenger needs to get off the vehicle, the operation instructions are sent to the controller, so that the driving structure 3 can drive the pedal 2 to switch from the hidden state to the extended state. Or, it can be arranged outside the vehicle body 1, and when it is detected that there is a passenger ready to enter the inside of the vehicle 100, the operation instructions are sent to the controller, so that the driving structure 3 can drive the pedal 2 to switch from the hidden state to the extended state. Of course, the sensor can be arranged inside and outside the vehicle body 1, which is not limited by the application. In this way, the driver or passenger does not need to operate the vehicle 100, and the vehicle 100 can automatically judge the situation at this time and drive the pedal 2 to extend and retract, which improves the intelligence of the vehicle 100 and also improves the user's experience.

[0061] In addition, in some embodiments, the sensors arranged outside the vehicle 100 can also be used to detect the landing position of the passenger, and then the controller sends operation instructions to the driving structure 3 according to the landing position, so that the step 2 can be moved to the landing position. Since the size of the passenger's feet varies, the landing position varies when the passenger gets out of the vehicle body 1 or enters from the outside of the vehicle body 1. By making the sensor detect the landing position, the step 2 can be moved to the appropriate position, avoiding the phenomenon that the step 2 moves too short and the adult is unstable when stepping on the step 2, or the step 2 moves too long and the child is easily tripped by the step 2.

[0062] In addition, the controller can also send operation instructions to the driving structure 3 according to the landing position and the landing speed, so that the step 2 is driven to move to the landing position at an appropriate speed. For example, in the case of a user in a hurry, the user may get off the vehicle at a faster speed, so the step 2 can be quickly moved to the landing position to avoid the passenger stepping on the empty step 2 or the passenger's feet being injured by the moving step 2 when contacting the ground.

[0063] In order to be able to improve the blocking area of the bottom 11, in some embodiments, the number of steps 2 includes multiple, and multiple steps 2 are arranged at least two of the vehicle head 14, the vehicle tail 15, the first side 16 and the second side 17 of the vehicle body 1. For example, the first side 16 and the second side 17 can be provided with steps 2 respectively, so that the user can get on and off the vehicle through the steps 2 at the first side 16 and the second side 17, and the steps 2 can block the bottom 11 at the first side 16 and the second side 17. Or, the vehicle head 14, the vehicle tail 15, the first side 16 and the second side 17 can be provided with steps 2 at the same time, so that the bottom 11 is blocked by the steps 2 around, and it is difficult for animals to enter the bottom 11. In addition, the step 2 is arranged at the vehicle head 14, when the user or other people need to repair the parts in the engine compartment, the step 2 can be set to the extended state and parallel to the ground, so that the repair tools can be placed, or stepped on the step 2 for repair. The step 2 is arranged at the vehicle tail 15, which can assist in carrying goods in and out of the luggage compartment of the vehicle tail 15.

[0064] Indeed, those skilled in the art can set the number of steps 2 and the arrangement position of the steps 2 according to actual needs, and the present application does not limit this. In addition, the vehicle 100 can include ordinary fixed steps 2, for example, including ordinary fixed steps 2 at the first side 16, and including steps 2 of the present application at the second side 17, and the present application does not limit this.

[0065] In the embodiment where the vehicle 100 is provided with sensors, the sensors can acquire object movement information of the front 14, the rear 15, the first side 16 and the second side 17, and the controller can control the movement of the plurality of steps 2 respectively. For example, the driver's seat is arranged at the first side 16, and the co-driver's seat is arranged at the second side 17. When the sensors detect that there is a person approaching the vehicle 100 at the driver's seat, the controller can control the driving structure 3 to extend the steps 2 at the first side 16, and keep the steps 2 at the second side 17 in a hidden state. When the sensors detect that there are people at the driver's seat and the co-driver's seat who need to get on and off the vehicle 100, the controller can control the driving structure 3 to extend the steps 2 at the first side 16 and the second side 17 at the same time. In this way, the service for the passengers can be targeted, and unnecessary wear and tear of the driving structure 3 and unnecessary loss of electric energy of the vehicle 100 can be avoided.

[0066] In some embodiments, when the steps 2 are in the extended state, the side facing the ground is the inner side 24. The steps 2 comprise a heating assembly (not shown) arranged on the inner side 24. The heating assembly is used to heat the steps 2, so that the temperature of the steps 2 is maintained between greater than or equal to 30°C and less than or equal to 45°C. When the steps 2 are rotated to be perpendicular to the ground, the inner side 24 of the steps 2 faces the bottom 11, and therefore the heating assembly on the inner side 24 can provide a certain amount of heat to the bottom 11. For example, in winter, the heating assembly can prevent the components arranged on the bottom 11 from icing, and therefore it is beneficial to enable the vehicle 100 to operate normally. In addition, in the embodiment where the vehicle 100 is a battery-powered vehicle 100, the heating assembly can provide suitable temperature conditions for the battery (not shown) of the vehicle 100, so that the battery can charge and discharge better. For example, the ideal working temperature of the battery is 40 degrees, and therefore by arranging the heating assembly, the ideal working temperature can be formed for the battery on the bottom 11, so that the battery can operate normally.

[0067] In the embodiment where the front 14, the rear 15, the first side 16 and the second side 17 are all provided with steps 2, when all the steps 2 are perpendicular to the ground, an approximately closed space can be formed on the bottom 11. In this embodiment, the inner side 24 of at least one step 2 can be provided with a heating assembly, and therefore a constant-temperature space can be formed on the bottom 11, which is beneficial to keep the battery in the best operating state. It is true that the inner side 24 of all the steps 2 can be provided with a heating assembly, so as to improve the heating efficiency and help effectively maintain the temperature between 30°C and 45°C when the air temperature is low.

[0068] It should be noted that the heating assemblies of the plurality of steps 2 can be maintained at the same temperature, or can be arranged at different temperatures, and the present application does not limit this.

[0069] In some embodiments, the driving structure 3 is capable of driving the pedal 2 to rotate until the pedal 2 is in contact with the ground, for example, to be perpendicular to the ground or to be 45° to the ground, i.e. to be in contact with the ground. The pedal 2 is internally provided with a charging module (not shown). The charging module is used to match the power generation module provided on the ground to charge the vehicle 100. In this way, the effect similar to "wireless charging" can be formed. When the vehicle 100 is parked in the contact charging space, the battery of the vehicle 100 can be charged by rotating the pedal 2 to be in contact with the ground, without the need to charge through the connection of the charging wire and the charging pile, thereby improving the user experience.

[0070] The vehicle body main body 1 includes a front wheel set 12 and a rear wheel set 13. In the embodiment in which the pedal 2 is provided on the first side surface 16 or the second side surface 17, the pedal 2 can be provided between the front wheel set 12 and the rear wheel set 13, and the length L1 of the pedal 2 is less than the wheel spacing L2 between the front wheel set 12 and the rear wheel set 13, which is specifically shown in Figure 1 . In other words, the pedal 2 is entirely between the front wheel set 12 and the rear wheel set 13. In this way, when the pedal 2 is in the hidden state, it can be completely accommodated in the vehicle body main body 1, thereby achieving complete hiding of the pedal 2.

[0071] In addition, the length L1 of the pedal 2 provided on the tail 15 can be less than the spacing between the two rear wheels of the rear wheel set 13, and the length L1 of the pedal 2 provided on the head 14 can be less than the spacing between the two front wheels of the front wheel set 12, which is not limited in the present application. In the embodiment in which a plurality of pedals 2 are provided, different pedals 2 can be provided with the same or different lengths L1. The pedals 2 with the same length can facilitate processing and assembly, without the need to distinguish the assembly positions of the pedals 2 and process the pedals 2 for different assembly positions, thereby improving the processing efficiency and assembly efficiency. The pedals 2 with different lengths can be set for different assembly positions, so that the pedals 2 can better fit the assembly positions and provide corresponding functions.

[0072] In order to enable the pedal 2 to be completely hidden in the vehicle body main body 1, the length L1 of the pedal 2 needs to be less than the wheel spacing L2, so that the pedal 2 is difficult to cover the gap between the bottom 11 and the ground when the pedal 2 is in the extended state and perpendicular to the ground. As shown in Figure 3 , in this embodiment, the pedal 2 can only cover the gap between the front wheel set 12 and the rear wheel set 13, and the pedal 2 is difficult to cover the positions of the front wheel set 12 and the rear wheel set 13, the position of the front wheel set 12 to the head 14, and the position of the rear wheel set 13 to the tail 15, so that animals can still enter the bottom 11 from these positions.

[0073] Therefore, in combination with the description of the pedal 2 provided on the first side surface 16 or the second side surface 17, the pedal 2 provided on the bottom 11, and the pedal 2 provided on the head 14 or the tail 15, the pedal 2 provided on the first side surface 16 or the second side surface 17 can be provided between the front wheel set 12 and the rear wheel set 13, and the length L1 of the pedal 2 is less than the wheel spacing L2 between the front wheel set 12 and the rear wheel set 13, which is specifically shown in Figure 4In some embodiments, the pedal 2 comprises a main body part 21 and a side wing 22. The main body part 21 and the side wing 22 are slidingly connected, and the side wing 22 is capable of sliding in the arrangement direction of the front wheel set 12 and the rear wheel set 13. Figure 3 The illustrated embodiment can be considered as a state in which the side wing 22 is accommodated in the main body part 21. Figure 4 The illustrated embodiment is a state in which the side wing 22 protrudes from the main body part 21. When the side wing 22 protrudes from the main body part 21, the position of the wheel can be covered. In this way, the corrosion of the wheel tire and hub caused by the excretion of animals such as cats and dogs at the wheel position can be avoided.

[0074] In Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the pedal 2 only covers the wheel part when the side wing 22 protrudes, thereby effectively avoiding excretion of animals at the tire. In other embodiments, when the side wing 22 protrudes, the pedal 2 can completely cover the gap between the bottom 11 and the ground. For example, the pedal 2 completely covers the gap between the bottom 11 and the ground between the front 14 and the rear 15 of the vehicle, so that it is difficult for animals to enter the bottom 11 through the gap on that side.

[0075] The sliding between the main body part 21 and the side wing 22 can be achieved by the user manually pushing and pulling, so that the user can flexibly adjust the protruding length of the side wing 22, thereby adjusting the covering position of the pedal 2. Alternatively, the driving structure 3 can also comprise a hydraulic assembly, and the hydraulic assembly is connected with the side wing 22 for driving the sliding of the side wing 22. The provision of the hydraulic assembly makes the sliding of the side wing 22 more automatic and intelligent, thereby improving the user experience and the technological sense of the vehicle 100.

[0076] In embodiments in which sensors and controllers are provided outside the body 1 of the vehicle 100, the sensors can detect animal information outside the vehicle 100. For example, the movement information of the animals, or the smell information of the animals can be detected. When it is detected that an animal is approaching the vehicle 100, the controller drives the pedal 2 to switch from the hidden state to the protruding state, and rotates the pedal 2 to be perpendicular to the ground, thereby avoiding the animal entering the bottom 11 of the vehicle 100. In embodiments in which the pedal 2 comprises a main body part 21 and a side wing 22, the driving device can further drive the side wing 22 to protrude from the main body part 21 after the pedal 2 is rotated to be perpendicular to the ground, thereby covering the front wheel set 12 and the rear wheel set 13 of the vehicle 100, and avoiding the animal excreting at the wheel. By such a configuration, the intelligence of the vehicle 100 can be improved, and the state of the pedal 2 can be automatically adjusted when needed without human operation.

[0077] With reference to Figure 7 Based on the above-described various embodiments for the vehicle, the second aspect of the present application provides a control method 200, comprising:

[0078] Step 201: obtaining an instruction signal of the vehicle. The instruction signal can be automatically generated by the vehicle, for example, after a certain signal is detected by a sensor of the vehicle, the vehicle automatically generates the instruction signal. Or, the instruction signal can be manually generated, for example, a passenger inside the vehicle clicks a button to make the vehicle send the instruction signal.

[0079] Step 202: driving the movement of the pedal. The movement of the pedal can include translational motion or rotational motion, or first translational motion and then rotational motion, or first rotational motion and then translational motion, which is not limited in the present application.

[0080] This embodiment can control the movement of the pedal by sending an instruction signal by the vehicle, so that the user can adjust the state of the pedal according to the actual needs, so that the pedal can meet various different needs. For example, when the user needs to push the wheelchair to get on and off the vehicle, the sensor can detect the presence of the wheelchair, or the user can click the button manually, so that the pedal can be rotated to an inclined state with the ground to facilitate the pushing of the wheelchair. After the user finishes pushing the wheelchair, the pedal can be automatically or manually adjusted to be parallel to the ground, so as to meet the needs of stepping on the pedal to assist getting on and off the vehicle.

[0081] Reference Figure 8 In order to further optimize the control method 200, based on this embodiment, the present application also provides a control method 300, comprising the following steps:

[0082] Step 301: obtaining an animal movement signal or an animal odor signal outside the vehicle body.

[0083] Step 301 corresponds to the step of obtaining the instruction signal of the vehicle. The animal movement signal can be used to determine whether the animal is approaching the vehicle according to the path of the animal and the distance between the animal and the vehicle. The animal odor signal can be used to determine whether the animal is approaching the vehicle according to the concentration of the odor emitted by the animal. If it is determined that the animal is approaching the vehicle at this time, the next step can be performed.

[0084] Step 302: driving the pedal to switch from a hidden state to an extended state, and driving the pedal to rotate away from the vehicle body.

[0085] Step 302 corresponds to the step of driving the movement of the pedal. The pedal can be rotated to a position of 90 degrees with the ground, so that the pedal can block the gap between the bottom of the vehicle and the ground, avoiding the animal entering the bottom of the vehicle. The animal staying in the bottom can cause harm to the animal when the user drives the vehicle, or the animal can damage the structure and circuit of the bottom of the vehicle, causing damage to the vehicle. The pedal can also be at other angles with the ground, such as 45 degrees, 60 degrees, 80 degrees, etc., which is not limited in the present application.

[0086] The cooperation of step 301 and step 302 can improve the intelligence of the vehicle. When parking at night or when the vehicle is not used for a long time, it is difficult to manually control the vehicle to avoid damage to the vehicle by animals, so by such a setting, the vehicle can actively judge whether there are animals in the current environment and whether the animals are approaching the vehicle, thereby adjusting the state of the pedal. When there are no animals, the pedal can be kept in a hidden state to avoid problems such as corrosion caused by long-term exposure of the pedal to the air.

[0087] In embodiments in which the pedal includes a main body portion and side wings, the control method 300 can further include:

[0088] Step 303: driving the pedal to extend in the direction of the rotation axis.

[0089] For example, in embodiments in which the pedal is arranged on the first side of the vehicle, the rotation axis of the pedal is in the direction of the connecting line of the front wheel set and the rear wheel set, so the pedal can extend in the direction of the connecting line of the front wheel set and the rear wheel set. After driving the pedal to rotate in place, the pedal can cover the wheels (such as the front wheels and the rear wheels) by driving the extension movement of the pedal. In this way, it can be avoided that animals excrete in the position of the wheels to cause corrosion to the tires and the hubs.

[0090] Reference Figure 9 Based on the control method 200, the present application also provides a control method 400, comprising the following steps:

[0091] Step 410: obtaining a start signal or an off signal of the vehicle.

[0092] Step 410 corresponds to the step of obtaining the instruction signal of the vehicle. The start signal and the off signal can be used to determine whether a user is ready to get on or off the vehicle at this time. The start signal should be understood as the signal when the user unlocks the vehicle by clicking the vehicle key, the user touches the unlocking device of the door handle, etc. The off signal should be understood as the signal when the user clicks the off button, the user opens the door, etc.

[0093] Step 420: obtaining an object movement signal outside and / or inside the vehicle body.

[0094] The object movement signal outside the vehicle body can be used to determine whether a passenger needs to get on the vehicle at this time, and to determine the specific getting-on position of the passenger. The object movement signal inside the vehicle body can be used to determine whether a passenger gets off the vehicle, and the specific getting-off position of the passenger.

[0095] In some embodiments, after step 420, the following steps can be performed:

[0096] Step 431: obtaining a landing position signal of the object.

[0097] The landing position signal can be the distance between the landing position and the vehicle body, so that the moving distance of the step plate can be determined. The landing position signal can also include the speed of the passenger landing, so that the moving speed of the step plate can be determined. For example, when the user is in a hurry to get off the vehicle, the step plate can be quickly moved to the accurate landing position, so as to avoid the user stepping on the empty step plate or the collision between the body and the step plate.

[0098] Step 441: driving the step plate to switch from the hidden state to the extended state.

[0099] Step 441 corresponds to the step of driving the movement of the step plate. After obtaining the above-mentioned signal, the corresponding step plate movement is driven, so as to provide the corresponding function for the user.

[0100] Step 451: adjusting the extended position of the step plate to match the landing position signal.

[0101] In this embodiment, according to the distance between the landing position and the vehicle body, the step plate is driven to move a certain distance to the landing position. According to the landing speed, the moving speed of the step plate can also be driven. For example, when the landing speed exceeds a certain preset value, the step plate is driven to move at a faster speed. If the landing speed is lower than the preset value, the step plate is driven to move at a default speed. In this way, the problem of stepping on the empty step plate or the collision between the body and the step plate caused by the step plate not being moved to the position when the user is in a hurry to get off the vehicle can be avoided.

[0102] Step 461: driving the step plate to switch from the extended state to the hidden state after a preset time.

[0103] In other words, after the user gets on or off the vehicle, that is, after the use of the step plate is ended, the step plate can be switched from the extended state to the hidden state by default, so as to avoid the problem of, for example, rain corrosion and collision with external objects caused by the long-term exposure of the step plate to the outside, and to improve the service life of the step plate.

[0104] It should be noted that in some embodiments, step 441 can be directly executed after step 410, that is, the step plate is directly switched from the hidden state to the extended state when the vehicle is started or turned off, without the need to obtain other information such as the object movement signal, and the present application does not limit this. Based on this embodiment, since the landing position signal does not need to be obtained, step 461 can be further executed after step 441, and the present application does not limit this.

[0105] In addition, only the object movement signal can be obtained without obtaining the landing position signal, or only the landing position signal can be obtained without obtaining the object movement signal, and the present application does not limit this.

[0106] In other embodiments, after step 420, the following steps can be executed:

[0107] Step 432: driving the step plate to switch from the hidden state to the extended state.

[0108] Step 432 corresponds to a step of driving the movement of the step plate. When the start signal or the off signal is detected, it is defaulted that the user needs to get on or off the vehicle at this time, and thus the step plate is switched from the hidden state to the extended state, so as to be used by the user to step on. The object movement signal can be used to determine the specific position of the user getting on or off the vehicle, so as to facilitate the operation of the step plate on this side. In addition, the object movement signal can also be used to determine whether the object approaching the vehicle or preparing to get out of the vehicle is a wheelchair, a baby carriage or the like.

[0109] Step 442: driving the step plate to rotate towards the direction away from the vehicle body.

[0110] After detecting that the object approaching the vehicle or preparing to get out of the vehicle is a wheelchair, a baby carriage or the like, the step plate is rotated towards the direction away from the vehicle body, so as to form a slope for facilitating the getting on and off the vehicle, and the user can push the wheelchair or the like to get on and off the vehicle without lifting and carrying.

[0111] Step 452: driving the step plate to rotate towards the direction close to the vehicle body.

[0112] After the carrying is completed, the step plate can be driven to rotate towards the direction of the vehicle body, that is, to restore the function of being stepped on by the user. After the wheelchair is carried, for example, the family members, caregivers or the like can get on and off the vehicle conveniently.

[0113] Step 462: after a preset time, the step plate is switched from the extended state to the hidden state.

[0114] In other words, after the user gets on or off the vehicle, that is, after the use of the step plate is completed, the step plate can be switched from the extended state to the hidden state by default, so as to avoid the problems such as rain corrosion and collision with external objects caused by the long-time exposure of the step plate to the outside, and to improve the service life of the step plate.

[0115] It should be noted that in some embodiments, steps 452 and 462 can not be automatically performed. For example, the user can manually adjust the pivoting and movement of the step plate after completing the carrying, so that the user can have sufficient time to carry.

[0116] The specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the spirit of the present application. Those skilled in the art of the present application can make various modifications, supplements or use similar methods to replace the described specific embodiments, without departing from the spirit of the present application or exceeding the scope defined by the appended claims.

[0117] Any technical features in the above embodiments can be combined, and for the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations are described, however, any combination of the technical features is considered to be within the scope of the present specification.

Claims

1. A vehicle, characterized in that, include: The main body of the vehicle, including the bottom; A pedal is located at the bottom; the pedal has an extended state and a retracted state: when the pedal is in the extended state, the pedal is exposed outside the vehicle body; When the pedal is in a hidden state, the pedal is hidden inside the vehicle body; as well as A drive structure is electrically connected to the pedal; the drive structure is used to drive the pedal to move so that the pedal switches between an extended state and a retracted state; wherein, when the pedal is in the extended state, the drive structure can also drive the pedal to rotate toward the ground until it is perpendicular to the ground; When the pedal is in the extended state, the side facing the ground is the inner side. The pedal includes a heating element disposed on the inner side; the heating element is used to heat the pedal to keep the pedal temperature between 30°C and 45°C.

2. The vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive structure can drive the pedal to rotate until the pedal contacts the ground; the pedal is equipped with a charging module; the charging module is used to match the power generation module set on the ground to charge the vehicle.

3. The vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive structure includes a first driver, a gear, and a rack fixed to the bottom; a pivot is provided at one end of the pedal near the interior of the vehicle body; the pivot is pivotally connected to the gear. The gear engages with the rack, and the first driver is connected to the gear.

4. The vehicle according to claim 3, characterized in that, The drive structure further includes a second driver and a sleeve connected to the second driver; the sleeve is disposed between the rotating shaft and the gear and is fixedly connected to the rotating shaft.

5. The vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The vehicle body also includes a front wheel assembly and a rear wheel assembly; the pedal is disposed between the front wheel assembly and the rear wheel assembly; the length of the pedal is less than the distance between the front wheel assembly and the rear wheel assembly.

6. The vehicle according to claim 5, characterized in that, The pedal includes a main body and a side wing; the main body and the side wing are slidably connected; the side wing is slidable in the arrangement direction of the front wheel assembly and the rear wheel assembly.

7. The vehicle according to claim 6, characterized in that, The drive structure also includes a hydraulic assembly connected to the side wing for driving the sliding of the side wing.

8. The vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The vehicle body includes a front end, a rear end, a first side end, and a second side end; the number of pedals includes multiple pedals, and the multiple pedals are disposed at at least two of the front end, the rear end, the first side end, and the second side end.

9. The vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The vehicle also includes: The sensor is disposed on the main body of the vehicle body, and at least on one side of the pedal; A controller is connected to the drive structure; wherein the sensor detects the movement of objects inside and / or outside the vehicle body and sends an operation command to the controller; after receiving the operation command, the controller sends a drive signal to the drive structure to drive the pedal to move.

10. A control method applied to a vehicle as described in any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, include: Obtain command signals from the vehicle; Drive the movement of the pedal.

11. The control method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The acquisition of vehicle command signals includes: acquiring the vehicle's start signal or stop signal; The movement of the pedal includes: driving the pedal to switch from a hidden state to an extended state.

12. The control method according to claim 11, characterized in that, After the pedal is switched from a hidden state to an extended state, the method further includes: After a preset time, the pedal is driven to switch from the extended state to the hidden state.

13. The control method according to claim 11, characterized in that, After the pedal is switched from a hidden state to an extended state, the method further includes: Drive the pedal to rotate in a direction away from the vehicle body.

14. The control method according to claim 11, characterized in that, After acquiring the vehicle's start signal or stop signal, the method further includes: acquiring the object's landing position signal; After the pedal is switched from a hidden state to an extended state, the method further includes: adjusting the extended position of the pedal according to the landing position signal.

15. The control method according to claim 11, characterized in that, After acquiring the start signal or stop signal of the vehicle, the method further includes: acquiring the movement signal of an object outside and / or inside the vehicle body.

16. The control method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The command signal for acquiring the vehicle includes: acquiring animal movement signals or animal odor signals outside the vehicle body; The movement of the pedal includes: driving the pedal to switch from a hidden state to an extended state, and driving the pedal to rotate in a direction away from the vehicle body.

17. The control method according to claim 16, characterized in that, After the pedal is rotated away from the vehicle body, the following is also included: Drive the pedal to extend along the rotation axis.

Citation Information

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