Vehicle trailer hitch control system, method and vehicle

Abstract

This invention discloses a vehicle trailer hitch control system, method, and vehicle. The system includes a trailer hitch, a detection device, a trailer hitch motor, and a trailer hitch controller. The trailer hitch motor is mechanically connected to the trailer hitch, and the trailer hitch controller is electrically connected to both the detection device and the trailer hitch motor. Upon receiving a trailer hitch deployment command, the trailer hitch controller controls the detection device to perform a detection action, and if the detection result meets the trailer hitch deployment conditions, it controls the trailer hitch motor to deploy the trailer hitch. This system improves the ease of use of the trailer hitch.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

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

[0002] With the market demand, the number of users of off-road vehicles is increasing, and with the increase of vehicle users, the probability of off-road vehicles adding trailer hooks or using trailer hooks is increasing.

[0003] However, the trailer hook in the related art is a manual trailer hook, which needs to be manually connected each time, and the convenience is poor. SUMMARY

[0004] The present application aims to at least solve one of the technical problems in the related art. To this end, the first object of the present application is to provide a vehicle trailer hook control system to improve the convenience of using the trailer hook.

[0005] The second object of the present application is to provide a vehicle trailer hook control method.

[0006] The third object of the present application is to provide a vehicle.

[0007] To achieve the above-mentioned objects, the first aspect of the present application provides a vehicle trailer hook control system, which comprises a trailer hook, a detection device, a trailer hook motor and a trailer hook controller, the trailer hook motor is mechanically connected with the trailer hook, and the trailer hook controller is electrically connected with the detection device and the trailer hook motor respectively; wherein the trailer hook controller is used to control the detection device to perform a detection action when a trailer hook unfolding instruction is received, and control the trailer hook motor to unfold the trailer hook when the detection result meets the trailer hook unfolding condition.

[0008] To achieve the above-mentioned objects, the second aspect of the present application provides a vehicle trailer hook control method, which is used in the above-mentioned vehicle trailer hook control system, and the method comprises: when a trailer hook unfolding instruction is received, controlling a detection device to perform a detection action; and when the detection result meets the trailer hook unfolding condition, controlling a trailer hook motor to unfold the trailer hook.

[0009] To achieve the above-mentioned objects, the third aspect of the present application provides a vehicle comprising the above-mentioned vehicle trailer hook control system.

[0010] The vehicle trailer hook control system, method and vehicle according to the embodiments of the present application comprise a trailer hook, a detection device, a trailer hook motor and a trailer hook controller, the trailer hook motor is mechanically connected with the trailer hook, the trailer hook controller is electrically connected with the detection device and the trailer hook motor respectively; wherein the trailer hook controller is used for controlling the detection device to perform a detection action when a trailer hook unfolding instruction is received, and controlling the trailer hook motor to unfold the trailer hook when a detection result meets a trailer hook unfolding condition. Therefore, the trailer hook can be automatically unfolded when the vehicle has a trailer demand, thereby improving the use convenience of the trailer hook.

[0011] Additional aspects and advantages of the present application will be made apparent from the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1 is a structural block diagram of a vehicle trailer hook control system according to one or more embodiments of the present application;

[0013] Figure 2 is a structural block diagram of a vehicle trailer hook control system according to one example of the present application;

[0014] Figure 3 is a flowchart of a vehicle trailer hook control method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0015] Figure 4 is a structural block diagram of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] The vehicle trailer hook control system, method and vehicle according to the embodiments of the present application are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference signs represent the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present application.

[0017] Figure 1 is a structural block diagram of a vehicle trailer hook control system according to one or more embodiments of the present application.

[0018] As shown in Figure 1 , a vehicle trailer hook control system 10 comprises a trailer hook 100, a detection device 200, a trailer hook motor 300 and a trailer hook controller 400, the trailer hook motor 300 is mechanically connected with the trailer hook 100, and the trailer hook controller 400 is electrically connected with the detection device 200 and the trailer hook motor 300 respectively.

[0019] The trailer hook controller 400 is used for controlling the detection device 200 to perform a detection action when a trailer hook unfolding instruction is received, and controlling the trailer hook motor 300 to unfold the trailer hook 100 when a detection result meets a trailer hook unfolding condition.

[0020] Specifically, the vehicle is provided with a detection device 200, a trailer hook motor 300 and a trailer hook controller 400. When the user has a trailer demand, the user issues a trailer hook unfolding instruction, such as the user can click the trailer hook through the car machine. The trailer hook controller 400 drives the detection device 200 to work after receiving the trailer hook unfolding instruction issued by the user.

[0021] The detection device 200 detects the preset detection position when working, and the trailer hook controller 400 obtains the detection result and judges whether the detection result meets the trailer hook unfolding condition. For example, the trailer hook unfolding condition can be set as that the trailer hook motor 300 is normal and there is no obstacle in the unfolding direction of the trailer hook 100, and then the trailer hook controller 400 controls the detection device 200 to perform corresponding detection.

[0022] When the detection result meets the trailer hook unfolding condition, the trailer hook controller 400 controls the trailer hook motor 300 to work and unfolds the trailer hook 100.

[0023] Therefore, the trailer hook 100 can be automatically unfolded when the vehicle has a trailer demand, thereby improving the use convenience of the trailer hook 100.

[0024] Correspondingly, when the user determines that the vehicle has no trailer demand, the user issues a trailer hook retracting instruction to the trailer hook controller 400, such as issuing a locking instruction or clicking a car machine retracting button. The trailer hook controller 400 drives the trailer hook motor 300 to work to retract the unfolded trailer hook 100 after receiving the trailer hook retracting instruction, such as receiving a signal that the vehicle successfully performs remote locking or a car machine retracting signal.

[0025] In one or more embodiments of the present application, a trailer hook cover is arranged corresponding to the trailer hook 100, and the system further comprises a trailer hook cover motor mechanically connected with the trailer hook cover. The trailer hook controller 400 is further electrically connected with the trailer hook cover motor, and the trailer hook controller 400 is further used for: before controlling the trailer hook motor 300 to unfold the trailer hook 100, controlling the trailer hook cover motor to open the trailer hook cover.

[0026] Correspondingly, after receiving the trailer hook retracting instruction issued by the user, the trailer hook controller 400 drives the trailer hook motor 300 to work to retract the unfolded trailer hook 100, and then drives the trailer hook cover motor to work to close the opened trailer hook cover.

[0027] In one or more embodiments of the present application, the vehicle trailer hook control system 10 further comprises a locking motor mechanically connected with the trailer hook 100, and the trailer hook controller 400 is further connected with the locking motor, and the trailer hook controller 400 is further configured to: after controlling the trailer hook motor 300 to deploy the trailer hook 100, control the locking motor to lock the trailer hook 100.

[0028] Correspondingly, after receiving the trailer hook retracting instruction issued by the user, the trailer hook controller 400 first drives the locking motor to unlock the trailer hook 100, and then drives the trailer hook motor 300 to work to retract the deployed trailer hook 100.

[0029] In one or more embodiments of the present application, the detection device 200 comprises a radar sensor, and the detection device 200 is configured to perform obstacle detection in front of the trailer hook 100 according to a radar signal collected by the radar sensor, and the trailer hook controller 400 is configured to determine that the detection result satisfies the trailer hook deployment condition when there is no obstacle in front of the trailer hook 100.

[0030] Specifically, the radar sensor is arranged on the outer surface of the vehicle, and when the vehicle has a trailer demand, the trailer hook controller 400 controls the radar sensor to emit ultrasonic waves in a specified direction and receive the echo of the ultrasonic waves to determine whether there is an obstacle in a preset detection area, thereby determining whether there is an obstacle in front of the trailer hook 100. The preset detection area can be determined according to the deployment length of the trailer hook 100, for example. When there is no obstacle in the preset detection area, it is determined that the detection result satisfies the trailer hook deployment condition. For example, the radar sensor can emit ultrasonic waves outward at an angle of 30° after receiving the working request of the trailer hook controller 400; then the radar sensor receives the echo of the ultrasonic waves to calculate that there is no obstacle in front of the trailer hook 100 through the time difference between the emitted wave and the echo.

[0031] In one or more embodiments of the present application, the vehicle trailer hook control system 10 further comprises a first Hall sensor arranged at the trailer cover and electrically connected with the trailer hook controller 400, and the trailer hook controller 400 is configured to: control the trailer cover motor to open the trailer cover to a preset opening degree according to a Hall signal collected by the first Hall sensor.

[0032] Specifically, the first Hall sensor is arranged at the trailer cover, and the trailer hook controller 400 acquires Hall information collected by the first Hall sensor when controlling the trailer cover motor to open the trailer cover, determines whether the trailer cover is deployed to the preset opening degree according to the Hall information, and controls the trailer cover motor to stop opening the trailer cover when the trailer cover is deployed to the preset opening degree.

[0033] In one or more embodiments of the present application, the vehicle trailer hook control system 10 further comprises a second Hall sensor, which is arranged at the trailer hook motor 300 and electrically connected with the trailer hook controller 400, and the trailer hook controller 400 is configured to: according to the Hall signal collected by the second Hall sensor, control the trailer hook motor 300 to deploy the trailer hook 100 to a preset length.

[0034] Specifically, the second Hall sensor is arranged at the trailer hook motor 300, and when the trailer hook controller 400 controls the trailer hook motor 300 to deploy the trailer hook 100, the trailer hook controller 400 acquires the Hall information collected by the second Hall sensor, judges whether the trailer hook 100 is deployed to the preset length according to the Hall information, and when the trailer hook 100 is deployed to the preset length, controls the trailer hook motor 300 to stop deploying the trailer hook 100.

[0035] In one or more embodiments of the present application, the vehicle trailer hook control system 10 further comprises a trailer power take-off, and the detection device 200 further comprises a trailer hook sensor, the trailer hook controller 400 is electrically connected with the trailer power take-off and the trailer hook sensor respectively, and the trailer hook controller 400 is further configured to: when the vehicle has no trailer demand, acquire the connection state of the trailer power take-off and the vehicle speed, and judge whether the trailer hook 100 is in the connection state according to the signal collected by the trailer hook sensor; when the vehicle speed is less than a preset vehicle speed threshold, the connection state of the trailer power take-off is not connected, and the trailer hook 100 is not in the connection state, drive the trailer hook motor 300 to retract the trailer hook 100.

[0036] Specifically, the trailer hook 100 is provided with a corresponding trailer power take-off, and whether the trailer hook motor is in the connection state can be detected by whether there is an output current of the trailer power take-off. After an object is connected to the trailer hook 100, the trailer hook sensor is activated. After receiving the trailer hook retraction instruction, the vehicle speed is first judged, and when the vehicle speed is less than a preset vehicle speed threshold, the connection state of the trailer power take-off and the trailer hook 100 is judged, and when the trailer power take-off and the trailer hook 100 are not in the connection state, the trailer hook motor 300 is driven to retract the trailer hook 100.

[0037] In one or more embodiments of the present application, the number of the trailer hooks 100, the detection devices 200 and the trailer hook motors 300 is multiple, and one-to-one correspondence, and the controller is configured to: when the vehicle has a trailer demand, determine a target trailer hook, and control the detection device 200 and the trailer hook motor 300 corresponding to the target trailer hook.

[0038] The specific examples shown in the following Figure 2 will be used to illustrate the embodiments of the present application in detail.

[0039] Specifically, in the vehicle trailer hook control system 10, Figure 2In the specific example shown, the vehicle includes two trailer hooks 100, a front trailer hook and a rear trailer hook, and two trailer hook motors 300, a front trailer hook motor and a rear trailer hook motor, and a front trailer hook cover motor, a rear trailer hook cover motor, a front trailer hook locking motor, a rear trailer hook locking motor, a front trailer power supply port, a rear trailer power supply port, a front trailer hook sensor, and a rear trailer hook sensor.

[0040] When the user has a trailer demand, the user selects any trailer port through the vehicle machine to issue a trailer hook unfolding instruction for the selected trailer hook, thereby activating the corresponding trailer hook.

[0041] After the trailer hook controller 400 receives the corresponding trailer port work request of the multimedia host HUT, the radar sensor at the corresponding position is driven to work to detect the surrounding obstacles.

[0042] After the radar sensor receives the work request of the trailer hook controller 400, the radar sensor emits ultrasonic waves outward at an angle of 30°; then the radar sensor receives the echo of the ultrasonic waves, and calculates that there is no obstacle in front of the trailer hook through the time difference between the emitted waves and the echo.

[0043] The trailer hook controller 400 controls the corresponding side trailer port cover to open, and collects the Hall information of the trailer port cover to determine whether the trailer port cover is opened to the right position.

[0044] The trailer hook controller 400 drives the corresponding side trailer hook motor to unfold the trailer hook, and judges whether the trailer port is extended to the right position through the Hall information.

[0045] The trailer hook controller 400 drives the locking motor to lock the trailer hook.

[0046] When the user locks or clicks the vehicle machine to retrieve the button, the trailer hook controller 400 receives the signal that the vehicle successfully executes remote control locking or the vehicle machine retrieves the signal, then judges whether the vehicle speed is less than a certain value and the trailer power supply port is in an unconnected state, and then judges whether the corresponding side trailer hook sensor signal is valid (the corresponding side sensor will be activated after an object is inserted into the trailer hook), if not, the trailer hook will be retracted in the reverse order of the above sequence and the reverse driving of the corresponding motor.

[0047] To sum up, the vehicle trailer hook control system of the embodiment of the present application comprises a trailer hook, a detection device, a trailer hook motor and a trailer hook controller, the trailer hook motor is mechanically connected with the trailer hook, and the trailer hook controller is electrically connected with the detection device and the trailer hook motor; wherein the trailer hook controller is used for controlling the detection device to perform a detection action when the vehicle has a trailer demand, and controlling the trailer hook motor to deploy the trailer hook when the detection result meets the trailer hook deployment condition. Therefore, the trailer hook can be automatically deployed when the vehicle has a trailer demand, thereby improving the use convenience of the trailer hook. Moreover, the trailer hook can be automatically retracted when the vehicle has no trailer demand, thereby further improving the use convenience of the trailer hook. When the trailer hook extends outward, an ultrasonic sensor is needed to detect and judge whether there is an obstacle around, so as to prevent the trailer hook from failing to deploy. When the trailer hook is retracted, a position sensor is needed to judge whether there is a towed object on the trailer hook and whether the trailer power supply port is in a connected state, so as to avoid damaging the object or wire harness. The trailer hook can be retracted through a latching mode, thereby reducing manual operation. The trailer port can be opened through a car machine or similar equipment, thereby reducing manual operation.

[0048] Further, the present application provides a vehicle trailer hook control method.

[0049] Figure 3 is a flowchart of the vehicle trailer hook control method of the embodiment of the present application.

[0050] The vehicle trailer hook control method of the embodiment of the present application is used for the vehicle trailer hook control system of the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0051] As shown in Figure 3 , the vehicle trailer hook control method comprises:

[0052] S31, when receiving a trailer hook deployment instruction, controlling the detection device to perform a detection action.

[0053] S32, when the detection result meets the trailer hook deployment condition, controlling the trailer hook motor to deploy the trailer hook.

[0054] It should be noted that other specific embodiments of the vehicle trailer hook control method of the embodiment of the present application can refer to the vehicle trailer hook control system of the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0055] The vehicle trailer hook control method of the embodiment of the present application controls the detection device to perform a detection action when the vehicle has a trailer demand, and controls the trailer hook motor to deploy the trailer hook when the detection result meets the trailer hook deployment condition. Therefore, the trailer hook can be automatically deployed when the vehicle has a trailer demand, thereby improving the use convenience of the trailer hook.

[0056] Further, the present application provides a vehicle.

[0057] Figure 4 is a structural block diagram of a vehicle of an embodiment of the present application.

[0058] As shown in Figure 4 , the vehicle 1000 comprises the vehicle trailer hook control system 10 described above.

[0059] The vehicle of an embodiment of the present application, through the vehicle trailer hook control system described above, can realize automatic unfolding of the trailer hook when the vehicle has a trailer demand, thereby improving the use convenience of the trailer hook.

[0060] It should be understood that the steps and / or logic represented in the flowcharts and / or otherwise described herein can be considered as a list of executable instructions for implementing logic functions, which can be embodied in any computer-readable medium for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device, such as a computer-based system, processor- containing system, or other system that can fetch the instructions from the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device and execute the instructions, or a combination of the above. For purposes of this specification, a "computer-readable medium" can be any apparatus that can contain, store, communicate, propagate, or transport the program for use by or in connection with the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of the computer-readable medium include the following: an electrical connection (electronic) having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette (magnetic), a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), an optical fiber, and a portable compact disc read-only memory (CDROM). In addition, the computer-readable medium can even be paper or another suitable medium upon which the program is printed, as the program can be electronically captured, for example, via the optical scanner of a device or other suitable device and then compiled, interpreted, or processed in a suitable manner, if necessary, and then stored in a computer memory.

[0061] It should be understood that portions of the present application can be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof. In the above embodiments, multiple steps or methods can be implemented in software or firmware stored in a memory and executed by a suitable instruction execution system. If implemented in hardware, and in another embodiment, any of the following technologies known in the art or a combination thereof can be used: discrete logic circuitry having logic gates for implementing logic functions on data signals, application specific integrated circuits having appropriate combinational logic gates, programmable gate arrays (PGA), field programmable gate arrays (FPGA), etc.

[0062] In the description of the specification, the description of the terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "example", "specific example", or "some examples" and the like means that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in connection with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present application. In the description of the specification, the illustrative description of the above terms does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described can be combined in any one or more embodiments or examples in a suitable manner.

[0063] In the description of the specification, the orientation or positional relationship indicated by the terms "center", "longitudinal", "transverse", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" and the like is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, and does not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a particular orientation, be constructed and operated in a particular orientation, and cannot be understood as a limitation of the present application.

[0064] In addition, the terms "first", "second" are only for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of the technical features indicated. Therefore, the features defined with "first", "second" can explicitly or implicitly include at least one of the features. In the description of the present application, the meaning of "a plurality of" is at least two, for example, two, three, etc., unless otherwise specifically limited.

[0065] In the description of the specification, unless otherwise specified, the terms "mounting", "connection", "connection", "fixing" and the like should be broadly understood, for example, it can be fixed connection, or detachable connection, or integral; it can be mechanical connection, or electrical connection; it can be directly connected, or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, it can be the internal communication of two elements or the interaction relationship of two elements, unless otherwise explicitly limited. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in the present application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0066] In the present application, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the first feature is "on" or "under" the second feature can be that the first and second features are in direct contact, or the first and second features are indirectly in contact through an intermediate medium. Moreover, the first feature "above", "above" and "above" the second feature can be that the first feature is directly above or obliquely above the second feature, or only indicates that the horizontal height of the first feature is higher than that of the second feature. The first feature "below", "below" and "below" the second feature can be that the first feature is directly below or obliquely below the second feature, or only indicates that the horizontal height of the first feature is less than that of the second feature.

[0067] Although the embodiments of the present application have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above-described embodiments are exemplary and are not to be construed as limiting the present application, and that variations, modifications, substitutions and changes can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A vehicle trailer hitch control system characterized by, The system comprises a trailer hook, a detection device, a trailer hook motor and a trailer hook controller, the trailer hook motor is mechanically connected with the trailer hook, and the trailer hook controller is electrically connected with the detection device and the trailer hook motor respectively; The trailer hook controller is configured to control the detection device to perform a detection action when a trailer hook unfolding instruction is received, and control the trailer hook motor to unfold the trailer hook when a detection result meets a trailer hook unfolding condition. The detection device comprises a radar sensor, and the detection device is configured to perform obstacle detection in front of the trailer hook according to a radar signal collected by the radar sensor, wherein the trailer hook controller is configured to determine that the detection result meets the trailer hook unfolding condition when there is no obstacle in front of the trailer hook. The system further comprises a trailer power taking port, the detection device further comprises a trailer hook sensor, the trailer hook controller is electrically connected with the trailer power taking port and the trailer hook sensor respectively, and the trailer hook controller is further configured to: When the vehicle receives a trailer hook retracting instruction, acquire a connection state of the trailer power taking port and a vehicle speed of the vehicle, and determine whether the trailer hook is in a connected state according to a signal collected by the trailer hook sensor; When the vehicle speed is less than a preset vehicle speed threshold, the connection state of the trailer power taking port is not connected, and the trailer hook is not in the connected state, drive the trailer hook motor to retract the trailer hook.

2. The vehicle trailer hitch control system of claim 1, wherein, A trailer port cover corresponding to the trailer hook is provided, the system further comprises a trailer port cover motor, the trailer port cover motor is mechanically connected with the trailer port cover, the trailer hook controller is further electrically connected with the trailer port cover motor, and the trailer hook controller is further configured to: Before controlling the trailer hook motor to unfold the trailer hook, control the trailer port cover motor to open the trailer port cover.

3. The vehicle trailer hitch control system of claim 2, wherein, The system further comprises a locking motor, the locking motor is mechanically connected with the trailer hook, the trailer hook controller is further connected with the locking motor, and the trailer hook controller is further configured to: After controlling the trailer hook motor to unfold the trailer hook, control the locking motor to lock the trailer hook.

4. The vehicle trailer hitch control system of claim 2, wherein, The system further comprises a first Hall sensor, the first Hall sensor is arranged at the trailer port cover and electrically connected with the trailer hook controller, and the trailer hook controller is configured to: According to a Hall signal collected by the first Hall sensor, control the trailer port cover motor to open the trailer port cover to a preset opening degree.

5. The vehicle trailer hitch control system of claim 1, wherein, The system further comprises a second Hall sensor, the second Hall sensor is arranged at the trailer hook motor and electrically connected with the trailer hook controller, and the trailer hook controller is configured to: According to a Hall signal collected by the second Hall sensor, control the trailer hook motor to unfold the trailer hook to a preset length.

6. The vehicle trailer hitch control system of claim 1, wherein, The number of the trailer hook, the detection device and the trailer hook motor is multiple, and each of them corresponds to one, and the controller is configured to determine a target trailer hook when the vehicle has a trailer demand, and control the detection device and the trailer hook motor corresponding to the target trailer hook.

7. A method of controlling a vehicle trailer hitch, characterized by, The method is used for the vehicle trailer hook control system as claimed in any one of claims 1-6, and the method comprises: When the trailer hook unfolding instruction is received, the detection device is controlled to perform a detection action; When the detection result meets the trailer hook unfolding condition, the trailer hook motor is controlled to unfold the trailer hook.

8. A vehicle characterized by comprising: The vehicle trailer hook control system as claimed in any one of claims 1-6.

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