Vehicle side pedal control method, vehicle side pedal control system and vehicle

Abstract

The invention discloses a vehicle side pedal control method, a vehicle side pedal control system and a vehicle, the vehicle is provided with a side pedal maintenance mode, and the control method comprises the steps that a starting instruction of the side pedal maintenance mode is received; controlling a side pedal of the vehicle to be unfolded to a pedal unfolding position; and when a vehicle locking instruction is received, the side pedal does not respond to the vehicle locking instruction and maintains unfolding. According to the control method, the situation that the side pedal collides with the lifting machine when a maintenance worker locks the vehicle key can be prevented, the damage risk of parts and the whole vehicle is reduced, and the maintenance safety is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of vehicles, and in particular to a control method for a vehicle side pedal, a control system for a vehicle side pedal, and a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] With the advancement of intelligent vehicles, more and more vehicles are equipped with electric side steps to enhance their sense of technology and luxury. The electric side steps in current mainstream models mainly focus on functions such as welcome deployment, door activation, and roof luggage storage. However, current electric side step systems have some limitations, particularly regarding maintenance safety.

[0003] In the traditional electric side step control strategy, the dual electric side steps deploy after the user unlocks the vehicle via RKE (Remote Keyless Entry), unlocks the vehicle by touching the door handle, unlocks the vehicle via PKE (Passive Keyless Entry), or unlocks the vehicle using a mobile phone Bluetooth key. Upon receiving a lock signal from RKE, a lock signal from PKE, a lock signal from a mobile phone Bluetooth key, or an automatic return to defense signal, the dual electric side steps retract. When roof mode is on, the electric side steps are deployed, making it convenient for users to wipe the roof and place luggage. However, once maintenance personnel lock the vehicle with the vehicle key, the electric side steps are forcibly retracted. This can cause the side steps to collide with equipment such as a lift, causing damage to components and the entire vehicle, and posing a potential risk of an accident. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention aims to address at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, the first object of the present invention is to provide a method for controlling a vehicle side step. This method can prevent the side step from colliding with the lift when a maintenance worker locks the vehicle with a key, thereby reducing the risk of damage to components and the entire vehicle and improving maintenance safety.

[0005] A second object of the present invention is to provide a control system for a vehicle side pedal.

[0006] A third object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle.

[0007] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, a control method for a vehicle side pedal is provided in an embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, wherein the vehicle is provided with a side pedal maintenance mode, and the control method comprises: receiving an instruction to start the side pedal maintenance mode; controlling the side pedal of the vehicle to unfold to a pedal unfolding position; and receiving a vehicle locking instruction, wherein the side pedal does not respond to the vehicle locking instruction and remains unfolded.

[0008] According to the control method of the vehicle side pedal according to an embodiment of the present invention, based on the opening instruction of the side pedal maintenance mode, the side pedal can be unfolded to the pedal unfolded position. When the vehicle locking instruction is received, the side pedal does not respond to the instruction and maintains the unfolded state. That is, in the side pedal maintenance mode, the unfolded state of the side pedal has the highest priority and will not be interfered with by the vehicle locking instruction. Even if the vehicle locking signal is received, the side pedal will still remain in the unfolded state and will not be forcibly retracted, thereby avoiding collision between the side pedal and equipment such as lifts, reducing the risk of damage to components and the entire vehicle, and improving the safety of maintenance.

[0009] In some embodiments, before receiving the instruction to start the side pedal maintenance mode, the control method further includes: detecting a fault signal indicating that the vehicle needs to be lifted; and entering the side pedal maintenance mode according to the fault signal prompt.

[0010] In some embodiments, before receiving the instruction to start the side pedal maintenance mode, the control method also includes: determining that the system switch of the side pedal is in the on state, the switch of the side pedal maintenance mode is in the on state and the vehicle speed is less than a preset speed value.

[0011] In some embodiments, the control method further includes: receiving a shutdown instruction for the side pedal maintenance mode; and controlling the side pedal of the vehicle to retract to a pedal retracted position.

[0012] In some embodiments, the vehicle is configured with a roof mode, and the control method further includes: in the roof mode, in response to a door opening state signal or a vehicle unlocking signal, controlling the side pedal to deploy to a pedal deployment position.

[0013] In some embodiments, the control method further includes: detecting a vehicle lifting state in response to a vehicle locking signal; if the vehicle is in a lifted state, controlling the side pedal to maintain an extended state; if the vehicle is not in a lifted state, controlling the side pedal to retract to a pedal retracted position.

[0014] In some embodiments, the vehicle is also configured with an off-road mode, and the control method further includes: detecting that the off-road mode is activated; when a door state change signal is received, controlling the side pedal to maintain a retracted state; or, when a vehicle unlocking signal is received, controlling the side pedal position to a retracted state.

[0015] In some embodiments, the control method further includes: determining that a system switch of the side pedal is in an on state, a side pedal disabling switch is in an on state, and a vehicle speed of the vehicle is less than a preset vehicle speed value.

[0016] In some embodiments, the vehicle is also configured with a city mode, and the control method further includes: in the city mode: in response to a vehicle unlocking command, controlling the side pedal to unfold to a pedal unfolding position; or, in response to a vehicle locking command, controlling the side pedal to retract to a pedal retracting position.

[0017] In some embodiments, the control method further includes: in the city mode, if anti-pinch occurs during the process of driving the side pedal to expand, the side pedal is controlled to move in the retraction direction and stop at the pedal retracted position; or, in the city mode, if anti-pinch occurs during the process of driving the side pedal to retract, the side pedal is controlled to move in the expansion direction and stop at the pedal expansion position.

[0018] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the control system of the vehicle side pedal of the second embodiment of the present invention includes: a pressure sensor for detecting the lifting state of the vehicle; a side pedal controller, a body control module and a body electronic stability system, the body control module is connected to the pressure sensor, and the body electronic stability system, the body control module and the side pedal controller are communicatively connected to execute the vehicle side pedal control method described in the above embodiment.

[0019] The control system of the vehicle side pedal according to the embodiment of the present invention ensures that the side pedal always remains in the deployed state in the side pedal maintenance mode by utilizing the coordinated effects of the pressure sensor, the side pedal controller, the body control module and the body electronic stability system, and will not be forced to retract due to the influence of the vehicle locking command, thereby avoiding collision between the side pedal and equipment such as a lift, reducing the risk of damage to parts and the entire vehicle, and improving the safety of maintenance.

[0020] In some embodiments, the pressure sensor is disposed at a lifting point of a vehicle body sheet metal.

[0021] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the vehicle of the third embodiment of the present invention includes: a vehicle body; a side pedal, which is arranged on the side of the vehicle body; at least one processor and a memory communicatively connected to the at least one processor; wherein the memory stores a computer program that can be executed by the at least one processor, and when the at least one processor executes the computer program, it implements the vehicle side pedal control method described in the above embodiment.

[0022] According to the vehicle of the embodiment of the present invention, by adopting the control method of the vehicle side pedal described in the above embodiment, the side pedal can be controlled to always remain in the deployed state after receiving the opening instruction of the side pedal maintenance mode, and will not be forcibly retracted in response to the vehicle locking instruction, thereby avoiding the side pedal from colliding with equipment such as a lift, reducing the risk of damage to parts and the entire vehicle, and improving the safety of maintenance.

[0023] Additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be obvious from the description which follows, or may be learned by practice of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and readily understood from the following description of the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0025] Figure 1 is a flow chart of a method for controlling a vehicle side pedal according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a workflow of a side pedal in a side pedal maintenance mode according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a control strategy for a side pedal in a side pedal maintenance mode according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the working process of the side pedal in the roof mode according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a control strategy for a side pedal in roof mode according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the working process of the side pedal in off-road mode according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a control strategy for a side pedal in off-road mode according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the working process of the side pedal in city mode according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of a control strategy for a side pedal in city mode according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 10 is a block diagram of a control system for a vehicle side pedal according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 11 is a block diagram of a vehicle having a vehicle side step according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Reference numerals:

[0037] Vehicle side pedal control system 1;

[0038] Pressure sensor 10; side pedal controller 20; body control module 30; body electronic stability system 40;

[0039] Vehicle 100;

[0040] Vehicle body 101 ; side pedal 102 ; processor 103 ; memory 104 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below. The embodiments described with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary. The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below.

[0042] In traditional power side step control strategies, the dual power side steps deploy after the user unlocks the vehicle using the remote key unlock button, touch-on door handle PKE unlock, or mobile phone Bluetooth key unlock. Upon receiving a remote key lock signal (RKE lock signal), PKE lock signal, mobile phone Bluetooth key lock signal, or an automatic return signal, the dual power side steps retract. When roof mode is engaged, the power side steps deploy, making it convenient for users to clean the roof and place luggage. However, if maintenance personnel lock the vehicle using the vehicle key, the power side steps are forcibly retracted. This can cause the side steps to collide with equipment such as a lift, causing damage to components and the vehicle, and potentially posing an accident risk.

[0043] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention proposes a control method for a vehicle side pedal. By controlling the side pedal to always remain in the open state in the side pedal maintenance mode and not responding to the vehicle locking command, it can prevent the side pedal from colliding with the lift when the maintenance personnel locks the vehicle with the vehicle key, thereby reducing the risk of damage to parts and the entire vehicle and improving the safety of maintenance.

[0044] Reference below Figures 1-9 A method for controlling a vehicle side pedal according to an embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention will be described.

[0045] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a flow chart of a method for controlling a vehicle side pedal according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 As shown, the method for controlling a vehicle side pedal according to an embodiment of the present invention includes at least the following steps S1-S3.

[0046] S1, receiving a command to start the side pedal maintenance mode.

[0047] The side pedal maintenance mode may be a mode set to meet special requirements for the side pedal during vehicle maintenance, so as to improve the safety of maintenance operations.

[0048] In some embodiments, the side pedal service mode activation command may be implemented in a variety of ways, such as a button switch inside the vehicle, touchscreen control, a dedicated smartphone application, voice operation, or other methods. The specific implementation method may vary depending on the vehicle manufacturer and model.

[0049] Specifically, when the vehicle is parked in a parking lot or repair shop, and the user is preparing to have the vehicle serviced, they can send a command to the side pedal controller to activate the side pedal maintenance mode. This command will control the vehicle's side pedals to enter the corresponding operating mode. In this mode, the control behavior of the side pedals will change to suit the needs of the maintenance operation.

[0050] S2, controlling the side pedal of the vehicle to unfold to a pedal unfolding position.

[0051] The deployed step position may be a position where the side steps are fully deployed and securely fixed to the side of the vehicle body, allowing maintenance personnel or other operators to easily enter or exit the vehicle. The controller can be used to deploy the side steps along a predetermined path or trajectory, stopping and locking them in the deployed step position.

[0052] In some embodiments, the vehicle side step may be equipped with an electric drive device, and by controlling the operation of the electric drive device, the side step can be automatically or semi-automatically deployed to the step deployment position. This can be achieved by a motor, gears, and transmission mechanism.

[0053] Specifically, the side step controller sends commands to drive the left and right side step motors. These motors are located inside the left and right side steps and mechanically connected to each other to achieve movement. By controlling the operation of the left and right side step motors, the side step controller gradually deploys the left and right side steps outward. The rotational force of the motors causes the side steps to deploy along a predetermined trajectory or mechanical structure to the deployed position. Simultaneously, the side step controller monitors the position and status of the side steps to ensure they deploy stably to the predetermined position.

[0054] S3: After receiving the vehicle locking command, the side pedal does not respond to the vehicle locking command and remains deployed.

[0055] In some embodiments, the vehicle locking command can be implemented in a variety of ways, such as a remote control key, a touch door handle PKE, or a mobile phone Bluetooth key, which are common vehicle locking systems used to control the locking and unlocking status of the vehicle.

[0056] Specifically, when a vehicle receives a lock command, indicating a need to lock the vehicle, such as when a maintenance technician uses a key to lock the vehicle, the side steps remain unaffected by the vehicle lock command while in the side step maintenance mode. The side step controller can filter and ignore vehicle lock commands through specific software logic, electronic switches, or other means. It also maintains the side steps in their deployed state, ensuring they are securely attached to the side of the vehicle. Maintaining the side steps in their deployed state ensures a more convenient and safer maintenance environment.

[0057] According to the control method of the vehicle side pedal according to an embodiment of the present invention, based on the opening instruction of the side pedal maintenance mode, the side pedal can be unfolded to the pedal unfolded position. When the vehicle locking instruction is received, the side pedal does not respond to the instruction and maintains the unfolded state. That is, in the side pedal maintenance mode, the unfolded state of the side pedal has the highest priority and will not be interfered with by the vehicle locking instruction. Even if the vehicle locking signal is received, the side pedal will still remain in the unfolded state and will not be forcibly retracted, thereby avoiding collision between the side pedal and equipment such as lifts, reducing the risk of damage to components and the entire vehicle, and improving the safety of maintenance.

[0058] In some embodiments, as Figure 2 As shown, before receiving the instruction to start the side pedal maintenance mode, the vehicle side pedal control method of the embodiment of the present invention further includes: detecting a fault signal requiring vehicle lifting, and entering the side pedal maintenance mode according to the fault signal prompt.

[0059] These fault signals may include, but are not limited to, tire pressure signals indicating a flat tire, transmission fault signals, and engine fault signals. The side pedal maintenance mode can be triggered based on a detected fault signal requiring a vehicle lift. Once the vehicle's fault detection system detects a fault signal, the controller interprets it and, based on the signal, prompts the user to enter the side pedal maintenance mode.

[0060] In some embodiments, fault signal notifications can be provided via a central control panel (e.g., a central multimedia screen), audio prompts, or other means. Specifically, using the central multimedia screen as an example, the central multimedia screen can display a fault code, fault description, or warning message in graphical or text form to alert the user to a vehicle fault. The user can interact with the vehicle's control system by manually touching the screen or using voice commands to confirm whether to enter the side pedal maintenance mode.

[0061] It should be noted that the specific fault signal detection and notification methods may vary depending on the vehicle manufacturer and model. Therefore, in actual application, the fault signal detection and notification methods may be customized according to the specific vehicle system and design.

[0062] In the vehicle side step control method of an embodiment of the present invention, before receiving the command to activate the side step maintenance mode, it is necessary to first confirm whether the vehicle side step system switch is in the on state. This ensures that the side step control function is available and that the side step can be deployed or retracted. By confirming that the side step system switch is in the on state, it is possible to verify that the power supply to the side step is normal and ensure that the side step control signal is transmitted to the corresponding controller or electric drive device. Subsequent side step control operations can only be performed when the side step system switch is in the on state.

[0063] In addition to confirming that the side pedal system switch is in the on state, it is also necessary to check whether the side pedal service mode switch is in the on state. The side pedal service mode switch may refer to a switch or button specifically used to enable the service mode. By operating this switch, the side pedal can be triggered to enter the service mode.

[0064] Furthermore, before entering side pedal maintenance mode, the system checks whether the vehicle's current speed is less than a preset speed. This preset speed is a set value (e.g., 5 km / h) that limits the vehicle's speed to a specific speed before entering maintenance mode. By limiting the speed, maintenance operations can be performed at a lower speed, improving safety.

[0065] In some embodiments, the vehicle side pedal control method of the embodiment of the present invention further includes: upon receiving a closing instruction of the side pedal maintenance mode, controlling the vehicle side pedal to retract to a pedal retracted position.

[0066] Specifically, when the controller receives a command to turn off the side pedal maintenance mode, the command can be sent through a button switch inside the vehicle, a touch screen control, a smartphone application, or other means. The side pedal controller drives the left and right side pedal motors to start retracting the side pedals. The left and right side pedal motors achieve the movement of the side pedals through a mechanical connection, and the side pedals are retracted by rotating the motors in reverse. The left and right side pedal motors drive the side pedals to retract along a predetermined path or mechanical structure until the side pedals are fully retracted to the pedal retracted position. Once the side pedals reach the pedal retracted position, the side pedal controller stops driving the side pedal motors to ensure that the side pedals stop moving and are locked in that position.

[0067] By controlling the vehicle's side pedals to retract from the deployed state to the pedal-retracted position through the side pedal controller, the side pedals can be restored to their original state after the maintenance mode is turned off, ensuring that the vehicle will not be interfered with by the side pedals during normal use.

[0068] Figure 3 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a control strategy of a side pedal in a side pedal maintenance mode according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3As shown, the automatic deployment or retraction of the side step depends on the power mode, side step mode or side step status of the system. The power mode may indicate the power supply mode of the side step, the side step mode may indicate the working mode of the side step, and the side step status may indicate the current status of the side step.

[0069] According to the power mode, side step mode or side step status, the side step can perform functions such as automatic deployment, automatic retraction, overheat protection or jam anti-pinch. Among them, automatic deployment may mean that the side step has an automatic deployment function, and can automatically deploy according to specific conditions or signals. Automatic retraction may mean that the side step has an automatic retraction function, and can automatically retract according to specific conditions or signals. Overheat protection may mean that there is an overheat protection mechanism in the side step system, which is used to prevent the side step from overheating and being damaged during operation. Jam anti-pinch may mean that there is a jam anti-pinch function in the side step system, which is used to prevent the side step from stopping due to jam or clamping during operation, so as to ensure safety.

[0070] In some embodiments, in addition to the side pedal maintenance mode, the vehicle may also be configured with a roof mode, an off-road mode, and a city mode. The side pedal control method in each mode will be described in detail below.

[0071] In some embodiments, the roof mode refers to the vehicle having an expandable roof structure, such as a folding roof or sunroof. In the roof mode, the BCM (Body Control Module) can output a signal to the side step controller, instructing it to automatically expand or close the left and right side steps.

[0072] Specifically, if Figure 4 As shown, when the side step controller receives a door open status signal or a vehicle unlock signal, it responds to the signal and sends a command to start deploying the side steps. The side step controller drives the left and right side step motors to rotate, causing the side steps to deploy along a predetermined trajectory or mechanical structure to the deployed position.

[0073] Furthermore, in roof mode, after the side step controller responds to a vehicle lock signal, it needs to detect the vehicle's lift status to control the deployment or retraction of the side steps. This is achieved using pressure sensors located at the lift points of the body panels. These sensors detect whether the vehicle is in a lifted state by measuring pressure changes at these points. Under normal circumstances, when the vehicle is in contact with the ground or parked, the pressure sensors detect a certain level of pressure. However, when the vehicle is lifted, the ground pressure decreases, and the pressure sensors detect a corresponding change. By monitoring this pressure change, the system can determine whether the vehicle is in a lifted state.

[0074] If the vehicle is lifted, the side steps are controlled to remain deployed to prevent the risk of collision with a lift or other lifting device when the side steps are forcibly retracted, thereby improving vehicle safety. If the vehicle is not lifted, the side steps are controlled to retract to the retracted position to prevent collision with the road or other objects or unnecessary resistance when the vehicle is driving or parked.

[0075] In some embodiments, before entering the roof mode, it is also necessary to determine that the system switch of the side pedal is in the on state, the switch of the side pedal roof mode is in the on state, and the vehicle speed is less than a preset speed value.

[0076] Figure 5 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a control strategy of a side pedal in a roof mode according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 The control strategy shown is similar to that used for the side steps in side step maintenance mode. Automatic deployment or retraction of the side steps depends on the system's power mode, side step mode, or side step status. Depending on the power mode, side step mode, or side step status, the side steps can automatically deploy, retract, provide overheat protection, or prevent pinching due to stalling.

[0077] In some embodiments, off-road mode can be a vehicle mode designed to handle complex terrain and road conditions, providing improved maneuverability and handling. The system monitors whether off-road mode is active and, upon receiving a door status change signal, controls the side steps to remain retracted, meaning they remain retracted regardless of whether the doors are closed. Alternatively, upon receiving a vehicle unlock signal, the side steps are controlled to retract. This means that even when the vehicle is unlocked in off-road mode, the side steps remain retracted and do not automatically deploy, preventing damage or interference during off-road driving.

[0078] Specifically, if Figure 6 As shown, when the user turns on the side step disable mode through the multimedia system, the side step module disables the automatic deployment function of the side step after receiving the signal from the ESP (Electronic Stability Program) that the current sports mode is in off-road mode. When the side step controller receives a door status change signal, the side step controller will prohibit the drive motor from deploying the side step, that is, the automatic deployment function of the side step is disabled. Similarly, when the side step controller receives a remote control key (PKE) or Bluetooth key unlock signal, if the side step disable mode is on and the vehicle's current operating mode is off-road mode, the side step controller will also prohibit the drive motor from deploying the side step to ensure that the automatic deployment function of the side step is not triggered.

[0079] In some embodiments, before entering the off-road mode, it is necessary to ensure that the side pedal system switch is in the on state, the side pedal disabling switch is in the on state, and the vehicle speed is less than a preset speed value.

[0080] Figure 7 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a control strategy of a side pedal in off-road mode according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 As shown, the automatic deployment or retraction of the side steps depends on the system's power mode, vehicle speed, side step mode, door status, or side step status. Depending on the system's power mode, vehicle speed, side step mode, door status, or side step status, the side steps can automatically deploy, retract, provide overheat protection, or prevent pinching due to stalling.

[0081] In some embodiments, the city mode can be a specific driving mode designed to provide driving settings adapted to urban traffic environments. In the city mode, the side pedals are controlled in response to a vehicle unlock command or a vehicle lock command, thereby enabling the side pedals to be deployed and retracted.

[0082] Specifically, upon receiving a vehicle unlock command, the side step controller controls the side steps to deploy to the deployed position, facilitating passenger entry and exit. Upon receiving a vehicle lock command, the side step controller controls the side steps to retract to the retracted position, preventing unnecessary deployment of the side steps during parking or docking.

[0083] In some embodiments, if an anti-pinch situation occurs during the deployment or retraction of the driving side pedal in city mode, appropriate control measures will be taken. Specifically, if an anti-pinch situation occurs during the deployment of the driving side pedal, that is, an obstacle or barrier is detected that prevents the side pedal from fully deploying, the side pedal controller can control the side pedal to move in the retraction direction and stop at the pedal retracted position. If an anti-pinch situation occurs during the retraction of the driving side pedal, the side pedal is controlled to move in the deployment direction and stop at the pedal deployed position. This anti-pinch function is designed to ensure the safe operation of the side pedal in city mode. When the side pedal contacts an obstacle, the system can react immediately and take measures to prevent further collision or damage, helping to protect the safety of pedestrians, vehicles and the side pedal itself.

[0084] Specifically, if Figure 8As shown, when the user unlocks the vehicle using the remote control key, touches the door handle to unlock, or unlocks the entire vehicle via the mobile phone Bluetooth key, the dual electric side steps will automatically deploy. This means that users can enter the vehicle conveniently. When receiving the locking signal from the remote control key, the locking signal from the mobile phone Bluetooth key, or the automatic return defense signal, the dual side steps will automatically retract. During the process of deploying or retracting the side steps, if an anti-pinch situation is detected, the side step controller will execute an abnormal process. If anti-pinch occurs during the deployment process, the side step controller will reverse the motor and stop the side step to the retracted position. Similarly, if anti-pinch occurs during the retraction process, the side step controller will reverse the motor and stop the side step to the deployed position. If the anti-pinch situation continues to occur, the system will try to retract the side step up to three times.

[0085] In some embodiments, before entering the city mode, it is necessary to determine that the system switch of the side pedal is in the on state and the vehicle speed is less than a preset speed value.

[0086] Figure 9 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a control strategy of a side pedal in city mode according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 The control strategy shown is similar to that used for the side steps in off-road mode. The automatic deployment or retraction of the side steps depends on the system's power mode, vehicle speed, side step mode, door status, or side step status. Depending on the system's power mode, vehicle speed, side step mode, door status, or side step status, the side steps can automatically deploy, retract, provide overheat protection, or perform stall protection.

[0087] Reference below Figure 10 A control system for a vehicle side pedal according to an embodiment of a second aspect of the present invention will be described.

[0088] Figure 10 FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a control system for a vehicle side pedal according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10 As shown, the vehicle side pedal control system 1 includes a pressure sensor 10 , a side pedal controller 20 , a vehicle body control module 30 and a vehicle body electronic stability system 40 .

[0089] The pressure sensor 10 is used to detect the vehicle's lift status. It can sense whether the vehicle is in a lifted state, that is, whether it is lifted or suspended on a support. The side step controller 20 is the core component that controls the deployment and retraction of the side steps. It receives signals from other systems and sensors and performs corresponding operations based on the control method, such as deployment, retraction, and stopping. The body control module 30 is connected to the pressure sensor 10 and is responsible for receiving and processing the lift status information from the pressure sensor 10. This module provides corresponding signals to the side step controller 20 based on the vehicle's lift status to control the side steps in the lifted state. The electronic stability system 40 is connected to the body control module 30 and the side step controller 20 through communication. The electronic stability system 40 monitors and controls the vehicle's dynamic state to improve vehicle stability and handling. In terms of side step control, the electronic stability system 40 can provide an off-road mode signal to influence the behavior of the side steps in off-road mode.

[0090] According to the control system 1 of the vehicle side pedal according to the embodiment of the present invention, by utilizing the coordinated action of the pressure sensor 10, the side pedal controller 20, the body control module 30 and the body electronic stability system 40, it is ensured that the side pedal always remains in the deployed state in the side pedal maintenance mode and will not be affected by the vehicle locking command and forced to retract, thereby avoiding the side pedal from colliding with equipment such as a lift, reducing the risk of damage to parts and the entire vehicle, and improving the safety of maintenance.

[0091] In some embodiments, pressure sensor 10 is positioned at a vehicle body lift point. This point can be a support point used during vehicle repair and maintenance to lift and stabilize the vehicle. Installing pressure sensor 10 at this location accurately detects whether the vehicle is in a lifted state.

[0092] Reference below Figure 11 A vehicle according to an embodiment of a third aspect of the present invention will be described.

[0093] Figure 11 is a block diagram of a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention, as shown Figure 11 As shown, the vehicle 100 includes a body 101 , side pedals 102 , at least one processor 103 and a memory 104 .

[0094] The side pedal 102 is disposed on the side of the vehicle body 101. At least one processor 103 is in communication with a memory 104. The memory 104 stores a computer program executable by the at least one processor 103. When the at least one processor 103 executes the computer program, the vehicle side pedal control method described in the above embodiments is implemented.

[0095] According to the vehicle 100 of the embodiment of the present invention, by adopting the control method of the vehicle side pedal 102 described in the above embodiment, the side pedal 102 can be controlled to always remain in the deployed state after receiving the opening instruction of the side pedal maintenance mode, and will not be forcibly retracted in response to the vehicle locking instruction, thereby avoiding the side pedal 102 from colliding with equipment such as a lift, reducing the risk of damage to parts and the entire vehicle, and improving the safety of maintenance.

[0096] Throughout this specification, reference to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples" means that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in conjunction with the embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example.

[0097] While embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions, and variations may be made to the embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, and that the scope of the invention is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A method for controlling a vehicle side pedal, characterized in that: The vehicle is equipped with a side pedal maintenance mode, and the control method includes: receiving a start instruction of the side pedal maintenance mode; Controlling the side pedal of the vehicle to unfold to a pedal unfolding position; Upon receiving a vehicle locking command, the side pedal does not respond to the vehicle locking command and remains deployed.

2. The method for controlling a vehicle side pedal according to claim 1, characterized in that: Before receiving the start instruction of the side pedal maintenance mode, the control method further includes: A fault signal requiring vehicle lifting is detected; Enter the side pedal maintenance mode according to the fault signal prompt.

3. The vehicle side pedal control method according to claim 1, characterized in that: Before receiving the start instruction of the side pedal maintenance mode, the control method further includes: It is determined that the system switch of the side pedal is in an on state, the switch of the side pedal maintenance mode is in an on state, and the vehicle speed of the vehicle is less than a preset vehicle speed value.

4. The method for controlling a vehicle side pedal according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control method further comprises: receiving a shutdown instruction of the side pedal maintenance mode; The side pedal of the vehicle is controlled to be retracted to a pedal retracted position.

5. The method for controlling a vehicle side pedal according to claim 1, characterized in that: The vehicle is configured with a roof mode, and the control method further comprises: In the roof mode, in response to a door opening state signal or a vehicle unlocking signal, the side step is controlled to be deployed to a step deployment position.

6. The method for controlling a vehicle side pedal according to claim 5, characterized in that: The control method further comprises: In response to a vehicle locking signal, detecting a vehicle lifting state; If the vehicle is in a lifted state, controlling the side pedal to maintain an unfolded state; If the vehicle is not in a lifted state, the side pedal is controlled to be retracted to a pedal retracted position.

7. The method for controlling a vehicle side pedal according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The vehicle is also configured with an off-road mode, and the control method further comprises: detecting that the off-road mode is activated; When receiving a door state change signal, controlling the side pedal to maintain a retracted state; Alternatively, when a vehicle unlocking signal is received, the side pedal position is controlled to be retracted.

8. The method for controlling a vehicle side pedal according to claim 7, characterized in that: The control method further comprises: It is determined that a system switch of the side pedal is in an on state, a side pedal disabling switch is in an on state, and a vehicle speed of the vehicle is less than a preset vehicle speed value.

9. The vehicle side pedal control method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The vehicle is also configured with a city mode, and the control method further comprises: In the city mode described: In response to a vehicle unlocking instruction, controlling the side step to be deployed to a step deployment position; Alternatively, in response to a vehicle locking command, the side pedal is controlled to be retracted to a pedal retracted position.

10. The method for controlling a vehicle side pedal according to claim 9, characterized in that: The control method further comprises: In the city mode, if anti-pinch occurs during the process of driving the side pedal to unfold, the side pedal is controlled to move in a retracting direction and stop at the pedal retracted position; Alternatively, in the city mode, if anti-pinch occurs during the process of driving the side pedal to retract, the side pedal is controlled to move in the deployment direction and stop at the pedal deployment position.

11. A control system for a vehicle side pedal, characterized in that: include: Pressure sensor, used to detect vehicle lifting status; A side pedal controller, a body control module and a body electronic stability system, wherein the body control module is connected to the pressure sensor, and the body electronic stability system, the body control module and the side pedal controller are communicatively connected to execute the vehicle side pedal control method described in any one of claims 1-10.

12. The vehicle side pedal control system according to claim 11, characterized in that: The pressure sensor is arranged at the lifting point of the vehicle body sheet metal.

13. A vehicle, characterized in that: include: Car body; A side pedal, arranged on the side of the vehicle body; at least one processor and a memory communicatively coupled to the at least one processor; Wherein, the memory stores a computer program that can be executed by the at least one processor, and when the at least one processor executes the computer program, the vehicle side pedal control method according to any one of claims 1-10 is implemented.

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