Tow hook control method, vehicle and computer readable storage medium

Abstract

The invention provides a tow hook control method, a vehicle and a computer readable storage medium, and relates to the technical field of chassis, the method comprises the following steps: under the condition that a tow hook is in an unfolding position, if a retraction control signal is received, a motor is controlled to drive a tow hook locking mechanism to rotate, so that an unlocking disc in the tow hook locking mechanism moves in a first direction; the retraction control signal is used for indicating the motor to drive the tow hook to move to reach a retraction position; then, under the condition that an unlocking disc in the tow hook locking mechanism rotates in the first direction so that the tow hook can be unlocked, a first current value of the motor is obtained; if the first current value is larger than a set threshold value, it is indicated that the tow hook carries the load, and the tow hook is controlled to stop moving. According to the technical scheme, the cost of additionally installing a sensor in the tow hook can be saved, and if it is recognized that the tow hook carries a load in the withdrawing process, the tow hook is controlled to stop moving so as to prevent the load from impacting a vehicle and damaging the vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of chassis technology, specifically to a trailer hitch control method, a vehicle, and a computer-readable storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] A trailer hitch, also known as a tow ball, ball-type rear tow hook, or drawbar, is typically installed at the rear of a vehicle. The vehicle can use this rear-mounted trailer hitch to tow a load, providing traction to move it. Loads can include RVs, motorboat trailers, storage boxes, luggage racks, bicycle racks, trucks, etc.

[0003] Currently, the primary method for load identification in trailer hitches is to add a pressure sensor to the trailer hitch. This pressure sensor identifies whether the trailer hitch is carrying a load. However, the pressure sensor installed in the trailer hitch needs to be small in size while withstanding significant pressure, placing high demands on the sensor and resulting in a generally high cost. Adding such a pressure sensor to the trailer hitch increases overall costs. Furthermore, in typical scenarios, the trailer hitch is mounted on the vehicle. When towing a load, the vehicle can extend the trailer hitch; when no load is needed, the vehicle can retract the trailer hitch. Without a pressure sensor to identify the presence of a load, if the trailer hitch is carrying a load, the load could potentially impact and damage the vehicle during retraction. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a trailer hitch control method, a vehicle, and a computer-readable storage medium, which can save the cost of installing sensors in the trailer hitch. Moreover, if the trailer hitch is detected to be carrying a load during the retraction process, the trailer hitch can be controlled to stop moving to avoid the load hitting the vehicle and damaging it.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the embodiments of this application adopt the following technical solutions: Firstly, a trailer hitch control method is provided, applied to a vehicle, wherein a trailer hitch and a trailer hitch control system are installed in the vehicle; wherein the trailer hitch control system includes a motor and a trailer hitch locking mechanism, the motor is used to drive the trailer hitch and the trailer hitch locking mechanism to move, and the trailer hitch locking mechanism is used to lock the trailer hitch in a fixed position under the drive of the motor, including: when the trailer hitch is in the deployed position, if a retraction control signal is received, the motor is controlled to drive the trailer hitch locking mechanism to rotate, causing the unlocking disc in the trailer hitch locking mechanism to move in a first direction; wherein the retraction control signal is used to instruct the motor to drive the trailer hitch to move to the retracted position; when the unlocking disc in the trailer hitch locking mechanism rotates in the first direction to unlock the trailer hitch, a first current value of the motor is acquired; wherein the magnitude of the first current value is used to characterize whether the trailer hitch is carrying a load; if the first current value is greater than a set threshold, it indicates that the trailer hitch is carrying a load, and the trailer hitch is controlled to stop moving.

[0006] In this application, the identification of whether the trailer hook is carrying a load is based on the current value of the motor of the trailer hook itself, eliminating the need to install a separate sensor in the trailer hook, thus saving the cost of installing a sensor in the trailer hook. Moreover, when it is identified that the trailer hook is carrying a load, the trailer hook is controlled to stop moving to avoid the load hitting the vehicle and damaging the vehicle.

[0007] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible design, if the first current value is less than or equal to a set threshold, the motor drives the trailer hook to move to the retracted position.

[0008] In this application, if the first current value is less than or equal to the set threshold, it indicates that the trailer hook is not carrying a load. Then, the motor is controlled to drive the trailer hook to move to the retracted position so that the trailer hook can smoothly reach the retracted position.

[0009] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible design approach, if the first current value is greater than a first set threshold, the trailer hook is controlled to stop moving, including: If the first current value is greater than the set threshold, the trailer hook is controlled to stop moving, and a prompt message is displayed on the vehicle's display screen and / or played using an audio playback device; wherein the prompt message is used to indicate that the trailer hook is carrying a load.

[0010] In this application, the prompt message can inform the user that the trailer hook is carrying a load and explain why the vehicle control trailer hook has stopped moving. This allows the user to take measures upon receiving the prompt message, such as removing the load from the trailer hook, to ensure the vehicle control trailer hook successfully reaches the retracted position, thus improving the success rate of reaching the retracted position. Furthermore, outputting the prompt message visually (displaying the prompt message on a screen) and / or audibly (sound prompts) increases the probability and speed at which the user receives the prompt message, enabling the user to take timely and appropriate measures to ensure the vehicle control trailer hook successfully reaches the retracted position, further improving the success rate of reaching the retracted position.

[0011] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible design, when the unlocking disc in the trailer hook locking mechanism rotates in a first direction to unlock the trailer hook, acquiring the first current value of the motor includes: acquiring the first electrical signal output by the micro switch; wherein, when the trailer hook is not unlocked, the unlocking disc does not press the micro switch, and the first electrical signal is a first value; when the unlocking disc in the trailer hook locking mechanism rotates in the first direction to unlock the trailer hook, the unlocking disc presses the micro switch, and the first electrical signal is a second value; if the value of the first electrical signal is the second value, then the first current value of the motor is acquired.

[0012] In this application, if the trailer hook is not fully unlocked, the motor does not move the trailer hook, and it is impossible to determine whether the trailer hook is carrying a load by the current in the motor at this time. Therefore, the electrical signal output by the microswitch can more accurately determine whether the trailer hook is fully unlocked when the unlocking disc in the trailer hook locking mechanism rotates in the first direction. This improves the accuracy and timeliness of obtaining the current value of the motor used to determine whether the trailer hook is carrying a load, thereby improving the timeliness of trailer hook load determination.

[0013] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible design, when the unlocking disc in the trailer hook locking mechanism rotates in a first direction to unlock the trailer hook, acquiring the first current value of the motor includes: acquiring a second electrical signal output by a sensor connected to a micro switch; wherein, when the trailer hook is not unlocked, the unlocking disc does not press the micro switch, and the second electrical signal is a third value; when the unlocking disc in the trailer hook locking mechanism rotates in the first direction to unlock the trailer hook, the unlocking disc presses the micro switch, and the second electrical signal is a fourth value; if the value of the second electrical signal is the fourth value, then the first current value of the motor is acquired.

[0014] In this application, if the trailer hook is not fully unlocked, the motor does not move the trailer hook, and it is impossible to determine whether the trailer hook is carrying a load by the current in the motor at this time. Therefore, the electrical signal output by the sensor connected to the microswitch (such as the position sensor mentioned above) can be used to determine whether the trailer hook is fully unlocked when the unlocking disc in the trailer hook locking mechanism rotates in the first direction. This improves the accuracy and timeliness of the acquisition time of the motor current value used to determine whether the trailer hook is carrying a load, thereby improving the timeliness of trailer hook load determination.

[0015] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible design, after controlling the trailer hook to stop moving, the method further includes: controlling a motor to drive the trailer hook to move to the deployed position; when the trailer hook is in the deployed position, if a retraction control signal is received, controlling the motor to drive the trailer hook locking mechanism to rotate, causing the unlocking disc in the trailer hook locking mechanism to move in a first direction; when the unlocking disc in the trailer hook locking mechanism rotates in the first direction to unlock the trailer hook, acquiring a second current value of the motor; if the second current value is greater than a set threshold, controlling the trailer hook to stop moving.

[0016] If the trailer hitch stops moving after a load is detected, it will remain in a state of being unlocked and about to move, which could damage the mechanical structure. Therefore, in this application, the motor is reversed after a load is detected to move the trailer hitch to the deployed position, locking it in a fixed position and protecting the trailer hitch locking mechanism. Furthermore, if the trailer hitch is found to be carrying a load, after stopping the trailer hitch, the motor is immediately reversed to return to the deployed position. This way, regardless of whether the user removes the load or not, the system will re-evaluate whether the trailer hitch is carrying a load. If a load is detected, the trailer hitch will stop moving, further preventing the possibility of damage to the vehicle due to the load not being removed from the trailer hitch.

[0017] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible design, after controlling the trailer hook to stop moving, the method further includes: displaying operation instruction information and a preset control corresponding to the operation instruction information; wherein the operation instruction information is used to prompt the user to remove the load from the trailer hook, and after removing the load from the trailer hook, to perform a preset operation on the preset control so that the motor continues to drive the trailer hook to reach the retracted position; in response to the user performing a preset operation on the preset control, the motor is controlled to continue to drive the trailer hook to reach the retracted position.

[0018] In this application, if it is determined that the trailer hook is carrying a load, after controlling the trailer hook to stop moving, the user can be prompted to remove the load from the trailer hook. After the user removes the load from the trailer hook, a preset operation is performed on a preset control to directly control the motor to continue driving the trailer hook to reach the retracted position. This can more clearly instruct the user to perform the corresponding operation, improving the speed of trailer hook removal and return to the retracted position. In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible design, the prompt information also includes information to suggest that the user remove the load from the trailer hook.

[0019] In this application, the prompt message also includes information to suggest that the user remove the load from the trailer hook. This clearly informs the user of the reason why the vehicle control trailer hook has stopped moving, so that after receiving the prompt message, the user can remove the load from the trailer hook and enable the vehicle control trailer hook to successfully reach the retracted position, thereby improving the success rate of the trailer hook reaching the retracted position.

[0020] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a vehicle comprising: a trailer hitch controller and a trailer hitch control system; wherein the trailer hitch control system includes a motor and a trailer hitch locking mechanism, the motor being used to drive the trailer hitch and the trailer hitch locking mechanism to move, and the trailer hitch locking mechanism being used to lock the trailer hitch in a fixed position under the drive of the motor; wherein the trailer hitch controller is used to execute the trailer hitch control method of the first aspect described above.

[0021] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program for performing the trailer hook control method of the first aspect described above.

[0022] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a computer program product, which includes a computer program. When the computer program is executed by the processor of a computer device, it enables the computer device to perform the trailer hitch control method described in the first aspect.

[0023] The technical effects of any of the design methods in the second to fourth aspects can be found in the technical effects of different design methods in the first aspect, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 The diagram shown is an application scenario illustration of the trailer hitch control method provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application.

[0025] Figure 2 The diagram shown is a schematic diagram of the trailer hitch provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application.

[0026] Figure 3 The diagram shown illustrates three states of a trailer hitch provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application.

[0027] Figure 4 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of a vehicle provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application.

[0028] Figure 5 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of a trailer hook electric actuator assembly 20A provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application.

[0029] Figure 6 A schematic diagram is shown of a trailer hitch rotating to the extended or retracted position.

[0030] Figure 7 The diagram shown is an enlarged view of the state of a micro switch and a schematic diagram of the circuit provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application.

[0031] Figure 8 The diagram shown is a flowchart illustrating a trailer hitch control method provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application.

[0032] Figure 9 The diagram shown is a flowchart illustrating a trailer hitch control method provided in another exemplary embodiment of this application.

[0033] Figure 10 The diagram shown is a schematic representation of the trailer hitch control device provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0035] Application Overview In related technologies, installing a pressure sensor on the trailer hitch to identify the load increases costs. Moreover, under normal circumstances, if the trailer hitch is carrying a load while the vehicle is retracting the trailer hitch, the load may damage the vehicle due to dragging and impact.

[0036] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application provides a trailer hitch control method applied to a vehicle, which includes a trailer hitch and a trailer hitch control system. The trailer hitch control system includes a motor and a trailer hitch locking mechanism. The motor drives the trailer hitch and the trailer hitch locking mechanism to move, and the trailer hitch locking mechanism locks the trailer hitch in a fixed position under the drive of the motor. The method includes: when the trailer hitch is in the extended position, if a retraction control signal is received, controlling the motor to rotate the trailer hitch locking mechanism, causing the unlocking disc in the trailer hitch locking mechanism to move in a first direction; wherein the retraction control signal instructs the motor to drive the trailer hitch to reach the retracted position; when the unlocking disc in the trailer hitch locking mechanism rotates in the first direction to unlock the trailer hitch, acquiring a first current value of the motor; wherein the magnitude of the first current value indicates whether the trailer hitch is carrying a load; if the first current value is greater than a set threshold, it indicates that the trailer hitch is carrying a load, and the trailer hitch is controlled to stop moving.

[0037] The principle behind this application's embodiment for determining whether a trailer hitch is carrying a load based on the motor's current value is as follows: When the trailer hitch is carrying a load, the external force (hereinafter referred to as the force) acting on the trailer hitch is transmitted to the motor's output shaft through some mechanical structures inside the trailer hitch. At this time, the motor's movement needs to overcome the force, so the current value will increase, exceeding the set threshold. When the trailer hitch is not carrying a load, i.e., when it is unloaded, because the trailer hitch is not under force, the motor's output shaft is not under force, and the current value is less than the set threshold. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether the trailer hitch is carrying a load based on the motor's current value.

[0038] In this embodiment, the identification of whether the trailer hook is carrying a load is based on the current value of the motor of the trailer hook itself, eliminating the need to install a separate sensor in the trailer hook, thus saving the cost of installing a sensor in the trailer hook. Moreover, if the trailer hook is found to be carrying a load during the retraction process, the trailer hook is controlled to stop moving to avoid the load hitting the vehicle and damaging the vehicle.

[0039] Exemplary scenario The trailer hitch control method provided in this application can be applied to vehicles equipped with trailer hitches. Vehicles include various types, such as sedans, SUVs, buses, and trucks. This application does not impose any special limitations on the specific form of the vehicle.

[0040] The following is an illustrative diagram illustrating an application scenario of a trailer hitch control method. For example, Figure 1 The diagram illustrates an application scenario of the trailer hitch control method provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application. Figure 1 As shown, the scene includes vehicle 100, metal link 200 and vehicle 300; vehicle 100 includes tow hook 30.

[0041] With the trailer hitch 30 in the deployed position (described below), one end of the metal link 200 can be fixedly connected to the trailer hitch 30, and the other end can be fixed to the vehicle 300. The vehicle 100 can tow the vehicle 300 based on the trailer hitch 30 and the metal link 200, providing traction to the vehicle 300 to move it. In other scenarios, the load carried by the trailer hitch 30 can also be a motorboat, but it is not limited to this.

[0042] To facilitate the following... Figure 1 The application scenario described below introduces the trailer hook control method. The terminology involved in the embodiments of this application will be briefly introduced below.

[0043] 1a. Trailer hook: A trailer hook typically consists of two parts: a trailer arm and a trailer ball. One end of the trailer arm is secured inside the vehicle, and the other end has a trailer ball for connecting the load. For example, Figure 2 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of a trailer hitch provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application. Figure 2 As shown, the trailer hitch 30 includes a trailer arm 21 and a trailer ball 22. One end of the trailer arm 21 is used to fix it inside the vehicle 100, and the other end of the trailer arm 21 is provided with a trailer ball 22. The trailer ball 22 is used to connect a load, such as a metal link 200.

[0044] 1b. The motor in the trailer hitch is mainly used to drive the trailer hitch to extend or retract onto the vehicle. The movement of the motor driving the trailer hitch to extend onto the vehicle can be simply referred to as the extension movement, and the movement of the motor driving the trailer hitch to retract into the vehicle can be simply referred to as the retraction movement.

[0045] The trailer hitch has three states: deployed, retracted, and in motion. A brief description of these three states follows.

[0046] 2a. Extended Position: The trailer hitch extends from the vehicle and is locked in a fixed position. In this position, a load can be mounted on the trailer hitch. For example, Figure 3 The diagram shows three states of a trailer hitch provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application. Figure 3 As shown in Figure (a), a trailer hitch 30 is provided in the vehicle 100. The trailer hitch 30 extends out of the vehicle body of the vehicle 100 and is in the deployed position.

[0047] 2b. Retracted Position: The retracted position refers to the trailer hitch being fully retracted onto the vehicle. In this position, the trailer hitch will not interfere with vehicle movement and can prevent damage to the vehicle due to accidental extension of the trailer hitch. For example, please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 3 ,like Figure 3As shown in Figure (b), a trailer hitch 30 is provided in the vehicle 100. The trailer hitch 30 is on the vehicle 100 and does not extend outside the vehicle, that is, the trailer hitch is in the retracted position.

[0048] 2c. During operation, the movement of the trailer hitch extending outside the vehicle is called the extension movement, and the movement of the trailer hitch retracting onto the vehicle is called the retraction movement. The states of the trailer hitch performing both the extension and retraction movements can be collectively referred to as the states during the trailer hitch's operation. For example, please continue reading... Figure 3 ,like Figure 3 As shown in Figure (c), a trailer hitch 30 is provided in the vehicle 100. The movement of the trailer hitch 30 extending out of the vehicle is called the extension movement. Specifically, in one example, the extension movement can be the movement of the trailer hitch 30 changing from the retracted position to the extended position. The movement of the trailer hitch 30 retracting into the vehicle is called the retraction movement. Specifically, in one example, the retraction movement can be the movement of the trailer hitch changing from the extended position to the retracted position.

[0049] Please continue reading. Figure 1 If vehicle 100 tows vehicle 300 to its destination and detaches vehicle 300 from metal link 200, and vehicle 100 may not need to use trailer hook 30, vehicle 100 can control trailer hook 30 to retract in response to trailer hook retraction operation.

[0050] If the user forgets to detach the metal link 200 from the trailer hitch 30, the load may cause the trailer hitch 30 to collide with the vehicle 2100 and damage the vehicle 100 during the retraction process. Therefore, when the vehicle 100 receives the retraction control signal, it checks whether the trailer hitch 30 is under load. If a load is detected, the trailer hitch 30 is stopped to avoid colliding with and damaging the vehicle 100; if no load is detected, the trailer hitch 30 continues to retract.

[0051] Specifically, when the trailer hook 30 is in the extended position, if a retraction control signal is received, the motor is controlled to rotate the trailer hook locking mechanism, causing the unlocking disc in the trailer hook locking mechanism to move in the first direction. The retraction control signal instructs the motor to move the trailer hook 30 to the retracted position. When the unlocking disc in the trailer hook locking mechanism rotates in the first direction to unlock the trailer hook 30, a first current value of the motor is acquired. The magnitude of the first current value indicates whether the trailer hook 30 is carrying a load. If the first current value is greater than a set threshold, it indicates that the trailer hook 30 is carrying a load, and the trailer hook 30 is controlled to stop moving. If the first current value is less than or equal to the set threshold, it indicates that the trailer hook 30 is not carrying a load, and the motor moves the trailer hook 30 to the retracted position.

[0052] It should be understood that the above application scenario examples are only shown to facilitate understanding of the spirit and principles of this application, and the embodiments of this application are not limited thereto. Rather, the embodiments of this application can be applied to any applicable scenario.

[0053] Exemplary vehicle The following is an example of a structure in a vehicle 100. For example, Figure 4 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of a vehicle provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application.

[0054] like Figure 4 As shown, the vehicle 100 includes a vehicle control unit 10A, a lighting controller 10B, a display screen 10C, a trailer hitch control system 20, and a trailer hitch 30. The trailer hitch control system 20 includes a trailer hitch electric actuator assembly 20A and a trailer hitch controller 20B. The trailer hitch electric actuator assembly 20A includes a drive motor assembly 20A-1-1, a trailer hitch locking mechanism assembly 20A-1-2, a data acquisition unit 20A-1-3, and a microprocessor unit 20A-2. The drive motor assembly 20A-1-1 is the motor referred to in this embodiment. The trailer hitch locking mechanism assembly is the trailer hitch locking mechanism referred to in this embodiment.

[0055] In some embodiments, the trailer hitch controller 20B can interact with the user interface and vehicle interface through a Customer Experience Management (CEM) network interface (not shown) to control the trailer hitch based on acquired vehicle signals.

[0056] For example, the retraction control can be displayed on the display screen 10C in the vehicle 100. When the user performs a preset operation on the retraction control (e.g., a click operation), the vehicle control unit 10A can respond to this preset operation by sending a retraction control signal to the trailer hook controller 20B via the CEM network interface. Then, the trailer hook controller 20B sends the received retraction control signal to the drive motor assembly 20A-1-1 to control the drive motor assembly 20A-1-1 to drive the trailer hook locking mechanism assembly 20A-1-2 to rotate, causing the unlocking disc in the trailer hook locking mechanism assembly 20A-1-2 to move in the first direction. When the unlocking disc in the trailer hook locking mechanism assembly 20A-1-2 rotates in the first direction to unlock the trailer hook 30, the drive motor assembly 20A-1-1 drives the trailer hook 30 to perform a retraction movement to reach the retracted position. Then, the trailer hook electric actuator assembly 20A can feed back the current value of the drive motor assembly 20A-1-1 to the trailer controller 10-2. The trailer controller 10-2 can then identify the load on the trailer hook 30 and control the trailer hook 30 based on this current value. Specifically, if the current value is greater than a set threshold, it indicates that the trailer hook 30 is carrying a load, and the trailer controller 10-2 controls the trailer hook 30 to stop moving; if the current value is less than or equal to the set threshold, it indicates that the trailer hook 30 is not carrying a load, and the trailer controller 10-2 controls the trailer hook 30 to continue performing the retraction movement.

[0057] In this embodiment, the identification of whether the trailer hook is carrying a load is based on the current value of the motor of the trailer hook itself, eliminating the need to install a separate sensor in the trailer hook, thus saving the cost of installing a sensor in the trailer hook. Moreover, when it is identified that the trailer hook is carrying a load, the trailer hook is controlled to stop moving to avoid the load hitting the vehicle and damaging the vehicle.

[0058] In some embodiments, please continue reading Figure 4 During the retraction movement of the tow hook 30 while carrying a load, in order to alert those nearby that the vehicle is towing a load, the vehicle lights 100 can be controlled to illuminate in a warning manner (e.g., hazard lights). Specifically, during the retraction movement of the tow hook 30 while carrying a load, the vehicle control unit 10A generates a warning light illumination command and sends the command to the lighting controller 10B. Upon receiving the command, the lighting controller 10B can control the vehicle lights to illuminate in a warning manner.

[0059] The structure of a trailer hitch electric actuator assembly 20A is described below by way of example. For example, Figure 5 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of a trailer hook electric actuator assembly 20A provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application.

[0060] like Figure 5As shown, the trailer hook electric actuator assembly 20A includes: a drive motor assembly 20A-1-1, a trailer hook locking mechanism assembly 20A-1-2, a data acquisition unit 20A-1-3, a microprocessor unit 20A-2, and a C1 interface. The microprocessor unit 20A-2 includes a wiring harness 20A-2-1, a position sensor 20A-2-2, a microswitch 20A-2-3, and a Hall sensor (inside the motor). The wiring harness 20A-2-1 includes a wiring harness bus 20A-2-1a, a microswitch wiring harness 20A-2-1b, and a motor control wiring harness 20A-2-1c.

[0061] like Figure 5 As shown, the wire harness bus 20A-2-1a connects to the CI interface. Figure 4 The trailer hook controller 20 is connected to the drive motor assembly 20A-1-1 via the wiring harness bus 20A-2-1a. This allows the trailer hook controller 20B to interact with the drive motor assembly 20A-1-1, exchanging information (e.g., control commands, motor current values). Furthermore, the trailer hook controller 20 can be connected to the trailer hook locking mechanism assembly 20A-1-2 via the wiring harness bus 20A-2-1a, position sensor 20A-2-2, microswitch wiring harness 20A-2-1b, and microswitch 20A-2-3. This allows the trailer hook controller 20 to interact with the position sensor 20A-2-2. Specifically, in one example, the trailer hook controller 20 can determine the state of the microswitch 20A-2-3 based on the electrical signal output by the position sensor 20A-2-2. In some embodiments, Figure 5 As not shown in the diagram, the trailer hook controller 20 can be connected to the micro switch 20A-2-3 in sequence via the wiring harness bus 20A-2-1a and the micro switch wiring harness 20A-2-1b. Thus, the trailer hook controller 20 can realize information interaction with the micro switch 20A-2-3.

[0062] The trailer hook locking mechanism assembly 20A-1-2 includes an unlocking disc 20A-1-2-1 and a rotating shaft 20A-1-2-2. The rotating shaft 20A-1-2-2 can rotate under the drive of the drive motor assembly 20A-1-1 to rotate the trailer hook to the extended or retracted position.

[0063] Specifically, the process of the trailer hook moving from the extended position to the retracted position is described in detail below. The trailer hook controller 20B sends the received retraction control signal to the drive motor assembly 20A-1-1 to control the drive motor assembly 20A-1-1 to drive the trailer hook locking mechanism assembly 20A-1-2 to rotate, causing the unlocking disc 20A-1-2-1 in the trailer hook locking mechanism assembly 20A-1-2 to move in the first direction; when the unlocking disc 20A-1-2-1 in the trailer hook locking mechanism assembly 20A-1-2 rotates in the first direction to unlock the trailer hook 30, the drive motor assembly 20A-1-1 can drive the trailer hook 30 to perform a retraction movement to reach the retracted position, and when the trailer hook 30 is unlocked, the unlocking disc 20A-1-2-1 presses the micro switch 20A-2-3. When the unlocking disc 20A-1-2-1 moves in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the trailer hitch 30 can be locked. In this case, the trailer hitch 30 is fixed in its current position (extended or retracted), the unlocking disc 20A-1-2-1 moves away from the micro switch 20A-2-3, and the unlocking disc 20A-1-2-1 no longer presses against the micro switch 20A-2-3. For example... Figure 6 A schematic diagram is shown of a trailer hitch rotating to the extended or retracted position, as follows: Figure 6 As shown, after the trailer hook controller 20B receives the retraction control signal, it can control the unlocking disk 20A-1-2-1 to move in the first direction so that the trailer hook 30 can be unlocked. In this case, the drive motor assembly 20A-1-1 can drive the trailer hook 30 to rotate so that the trailer hook 30 moves from the deployed position (position A) to the retracted position (position B).

[0064] During the process of the trailer hook 30 moving from the extended position to the retracted position, if the trailer hook 30 is carrying a load, the starting moment when the trailer hook 30 actually starts to rotate while carrying a load is when the unlocking disc 20A-1-2-1 in the locking mechanism of the trailer hook 30 rotates in the first direction to unlock the trailer hook 30. Therefore, when the unlocking disc 20A-1-2-1 in the locking mechanism of the trailer hook 30 rotates in the first direction to unlock the trailer hook 30, the first current value of the drive motor assembly 20A-1-1 is obtained to determine whether the trailer hook 30 is carrying a load.

[0065] The following is an example of an enlarged view of a microswitch state and a schematic diagram of the circuit. For example, Figure 7 The diagram shows an enlarged view of the state of a microswitch and a schematic diagram of the circuit provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application. Figure 7 As shown, the micro switch 20A-2-3 includes a common terminal pin (com), a normally open pin (NO), a normally closed pin (NC), a reed 20A-2-3-1, and a contact 20A-2-3-2; wherein, the input level of the common terminal pin (com) is a high level.

[0066] After the trailer hook controller 20B receives the retraction control signal, it controls the unlocking disc 20A-1-2-1 to move in the first direction to unlock the trailer hook 30. In this case, the unlocking disc 20A-1-2-1 presses the micro switch 20A-2-3, and the spring 20A-2-3-1 of the micro switch 20A-2-3 contacts the contact 20A-2-3-2. The normally open pin (NO) is connected to the common terminal pin (com), and the normally closed pin (NC) is not connected to the common terminal pin (com). The electrical signal output by the micro switch is the level signal (high level signal) corresponding to the normally open pin (NO), and outputs a second value (e.g., 1), which is greater than the first value. In this case, the state of the micro switch is normally open, and the state of the micro switch is called state E, which can be called state E1.

[0067] When the trailer hitch 30 is in the extended or retracted position, the unlocking disc 20A-1-2-1 does not press against the micro switch 20A-2-3. The spring 20A-2-3-1 of the micro switch 20A-2-3 does not contact the contact 20A-2-3-2. The normally open pin (NO) is not connected to the common terminal pin (com), while the normally closed pin (NC) is connected to the common terminal pin (com). The electrical signal output by the micro switch is the level signal (low level signal) corresponding to the normally open pin (NO), outputting the first value. In this case, the micro switch is in the normally closed state, which can be referred to as the E2 state.

[0068] The following describes the status of the microswitch when the trailer hook 30 is unlocked and locked in three different states: extended position, retracted position, and during movement. See Table 1 below for details.

[0069] Table 1 As the above analysis shows, when the trailer hook is not fully unlocked (i.e., locked), the unlocking disc does not press the microswitch, and the electrical signal is the first value. When the unlocking disc in the trailer hook locking mechanism rotates in the first direction to unlock the trailer hook, the unlocking disc presses the microswitch, and the electrical signal is the second value. Therefore, the unlocking status of the trailer hook can be determined based on the electrical signal output by the microswitch. Specifically, the electrical signal output by the microswitch is obtained; if the signal value is the second value, it indicates that the trailer hook has unlocked, and the first current value of the motor is then obtained.

[0070] In some other embodiments, the micro switch has a normally open pin (NO), a common pin (COM), and a normally closed pin (NC), which are connected one-to-one with the three pins of the first sensor 501. Thus, the trailer hook controller 20 can determine the state of the micro switch 20A-2-3 based on the electrical signal output by the position sensor 20A-2-2.

[0071] The drive motor assembly 20A-1-1 has a multi-stage permanent magnet mounted on its motor shaft, which, together with the brushes on the rotor, forms a potentiometer. When the drive motor assembly 20A-1-1 rotates, the Hall sensor outputs a regular change in position pulse width, which is then sent to the trailer hook controller 20B. The trailer hook controller 20B determines the state of the trailer hook, and the determination of the state of the trailer hook will be described in detail below.

[0072] Please continue reading. Figure 6 Upon receiving a status detection command, the trailer hook controller 20B controls the drive motor assembly 20A-1-1 to operate and acquires the motor current and rotation angle of the drive motor assembly 20A-1-1 during operation. The motor current can be obtained through a sampling resistor, and the rotation angle can be obtained based on a Hall sensor within the drive motor assembly 20A-1-1. Then, the current state of the trailer hook is determined based on the motor current and rotation angle, where the rotation angle is used to assess the operating stroke of the drive motor assembly 20A-1-1, and the motor current is used to assess the load size of the drive motor assembly 20A-1-1. For example, the current drive position of the tow hook can be determined when the motor current is greater than or equal to the target current. Then, based on the rotation angle when reaching that position, the travel distance of the drive motor assembly 20A-1-1 can be determined. The travel distance of the drive motor assembly 20A-1-1 can be matched with the drive position corresponding to the state of the trailer hook 30 to determine the current position of the trailer hook 30. For example, if the rotation angle is greater than a preset angle, the trailer hook 30 can be determined to be in the deployed position; otherwise, it can be considered to be in the retracted position. Alternatively, the drive position can be determined when the rotation angle of the drive motor assembly 20A-1-1 reaches a preset angle. When the drive motor assembly 20A-1-1 runs to a preset position (the drive position corresponding to one of the states of the towing hook can be used as the preset position), if the motor current is greater than or equal to the target current, the trailer hook 30 is considered to be in the state corresponding to the preset position; otherwise, the trailer hook 30 is considered to be in another state. For example, the preset position is determined based on the retracted position. When the drive motor assembly 20A-1-1 runs and the rotation angle determines that it has run to the preset position, if the motor current is greater than or equal to the target current, the trailer hook 30 is considered to be in the retracted position; otherwise, the trailer hook 30 is considered to be in the extended position.

[0073] Furthermore, in practical applications, the mapping relationship between various states of the trailer hook and rotation angle and motor current can be stored in advance. During the state detection process, the state of the trailer hook is judged based on the preset mapping relationship.

[0074] The status detection command for the trailer hook is used to trigger the status detection action. The status detection command for the trailer hook can be automatically triggered when the trailer hook controller 20B is powered on, or it can be received through the CEM network interface from the user interface or the vehicle interface. There are no specific restrictions.

[0075] The following describes a trailer hook controller 20B that uses the rotating current of the motor and the signal from the Hall sensor to identify the extended position (position A) and retracted position (position B) of the trailer hook.

[0076] Trailer hook deployment position (position A) identification: The drive motor assembly 20A-1-1 rotates forward to drive the trailer hook locking mechanism assembly 20A-1-2 to rotate clockwise. The position pulse width signal of the drive motor assembly 20A-1-1 is fed back by the Hall sensor. The trailer hook controller 20B collects the motor current of the drive motor assembly 20A-1-1 and the position pulse width signal of the Hall sensor. When the motor current reaches the target current set inside the trailer hook controller 20B, and the number of pulses of the position pulse width signal of the Hall sensor is lower than the target number of pulses set by the trailer hook controller 20B (i.e., the rotation angle is less than the target angle), the trailer hook state is confirmed to be in the retracted position (B position).

[0077] Trailer hook retraction position (B position) identification: The drive motor assembly 20A-1-1 reverses to drive the trailer hook locking mechanism assembly 20A-1-2 to rotate counterclockwise. The position pulse width signal of the drive motor assembly 20A-1-1 is fed back by the Hall sensor. The controller 10-2 collects the motor current of the drive motor assembly 20A-1-1 and the position pulse width signal of the Hall sensor. When the motor current is lower than the target current set inside the trailer hook controller 20B, and the number of pulses of the position pulse width signal of the Hall sensor reaches the target number of pulses set by the controller 10-2, that is, when the rotation angle reaches the target angle requirement, the trailer hook state is confirmed to be in the deployed position (position A). At this time, the drive motor assembly 20A-1-1 can be directly controlled to stop, or it can be stopped before the drive motor assembly 20A-1-1 runs to the working angle, that is, before the micro switch 20A-2-3 switches from state E2 to state E1.

[0078] Exemplary methods Figure 8 The diagram shown is a flowchart illustrating a trailer hitch control method provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application. Figure 8The method can be performed by a vehicle, such as Figure 1 The vehicle 100 is equipped with a trailer hitch and a trailer hitch control system. The trailer hitch control system includes a motor and a trailer hitch locking mechanism. The motor drives the trailer hitch and the trailer hitch locking mechanism to move, and the trailer hitch locking mechanism locks the trailer hitch in a fixed position under the drive of the motor. Figure 8 As shown, the trailer hitch control method may include the following: 810: When the trailer hook is in the extended position, if a retraction control signal is received, the control motor drives the trailer hook locking mechanism to rotate, causing the unlocking disc in the trailer hook locking mechanism to move in the first direction.

[0079] The retraction control signal is used to instruct the motor to move the trailer hook to the retracted position. The retraction control signal can be generated by the vehicle 100 in response to a user pressing the retraction physical button or using the retraction control. The retraction control can be displayed on the vehicle's screen. When the user performs a preset operation on the retraction control, this operation controls the motor to move the trailer hook to the retracted position.

[0080] 820: When the unlocking disc in the trailer hook locking mechanism rotates in the first direction to unlock the trailer hook, the first current value of the motor is obtained.

[0081] The magnitude of the first current value is used to characterize whether the trailer hitch is carrying a load. The load can refer to an object being carried on the trailer hitch. For example, please continue reading... Figure 1 The load could be the metal link 200 and the vehicle 300. Alternatively, the load could be a bicycle frame and the bicycle on the frame.

[0082] If the first current value is greater than the set threshold, it indicates that the trailer hook is carrying a load, and the trailer hook is controlled to stop moving, i.e., step 830 is executed; if the first current value is less than or equal to the set threshold, it indicates that the trailer hook is not carrying a load, and the motor is controlled to drive the trailer hook to move to the retracted position, i.e., step 840 is executed.

[0083] 830: If the first current value is greater than the set threshold, control the trailer hook to stop moving.

[0084] 840: If the first current value is less than or equal to the set threshold, control the motor to drive the trailer hook to move to the retracted position.

[0085] In this embodiment, the identification of whether the trailer hook is carrying a load is based on the current value of the motor of the trailer hook itself, eliminating the need to install a separate sensor in the trailer hook, thus saving the cost of installing a sensor in the trailer hook. Moreover, when it is identified that the trailer hook is carrying a load, the trailer hook is controlled to stop moving to avoid the load hitting the vehicle and damaging the vehicle.

[0086] During the retraction of the trailer hitch into the vehicle body, if the trailer hitch is carrying a load, the load may damage the vehicle due to dragging and impact, or it may be too large to retract completely. Therefore, to address this issue, besides stopping the trailer hitch when the first current value exceeds a set threshold, some embodiments may also output a prompt message in this situation. This prompt message indicates that the trailer hitch is carrying a load. The prompt message informs the user that the trailer hitch is carrying a load, explaining why the vehicle control of the trailer hitch has stopped, allowing the user to take measures such as removing the load from the trailer hitch to ensure successful retraction and improve the success rate of reaching the retracted position.

[0087] The method of outputting prompt messages can include any of the following: (1) Display a prompt message on the vehicle's display screen; (2) Play the prompt message using an audio playback device; (3) Display the prompt information on the vehicle's display screen and play the prompt information using an audio playback device.

[0088] In some other embodiments, the prompt message also includes information advising the user to remove the load from the trailer hitch. This clearly informs the user why the vehicle-controlled trailer hitch has stopped moving, so that upon receiving the prompt message, the user can remove the load from the trailer hitch, allowing the vehicle-controlled trailer hitch to successfully reach the retracted position, thus improving the success rate of the trailer hitch reaching the retracted position.

[0089] In this embodiment of the application, by outputting prompt information through visual (displaying prompt information on the screen) and / or auditory (sound prompts), the probability and speed at which the user receives the prompt information can be increased, making it easier for the user to take corresponding measures in a timely manner so that the vehicle controls the trailer hook to successfully reach the retracted position, thereby increasing the success rate of the trailer hook reaching the retracted position.

[0090] In some embodiments, after the vehicle receives the retraction control signal, it instructs the motor to rotate to drive the trailer hook to move. However, the motor may fail to drive the trailer hook to unlock and move for various reasons, such as motor stall, gear breakage, or insufficient power. Therefore, the electrical signal output by the microswitch can more accurately determine whether the trailer hook has unlocked when the unlocking disc in the trailer hook locking mechanism rotates in the first direction. This improves the accuracy and timeliness of obtaining the current value of the motor used to determine whether the trailer hook is carrying a load, thereby improving the timeliness of trailer hook load determination.

[0091] Specifically, the vehicle can acquire the first electrical signal output by the micro switch; wherein, when the trailer hook is not fully unlocked, the unlocking disc does not press the micro switch, and the first electrical signal is a first value; when the unlocking disc in the trailer hook locking mechanism rotates in the first direction to unlock the trailer hook, the unlocking disc presses the micro switch, and the first electrical signal is a second value; if the value of the first electrical signal is the second value, it indicates that the trailer hook is fully unlocked, and the first current value of the motor is acquired.

[0092] For example, the electrical signal output by the micro switch is a digital signal, with a first value of 0 and a second value of 1. The second value represents a high level, and the first value represents a low level.

[0093] In some other embodiments, the electrical signal output by a sensor (such as the position sensor mentioned above) connected to a micro switch can be used to determine whether the trailer hook is unlocked when the unlocking disc in the trailer hook locking mechanism rotates in the first direction. This improves the accuracy and timeliness of the acquisition time of the current value of the motor used to determine whether the trailer hook is carrying a load, thereby improving the timeliness of the trailer hook load determination.

[0094] Specifically, the vehicle can acquire a second electrical signal output by a sensor connected to a micro switch; wherein, when the trailer hook is not fully unlocked, the unlocking disc does not press the micro switch, and the second electrical signal is a third value; when the unlocking disc in the trailer hook locking mechanism rotates in the first direction to unlock the trailer hook, the unlocking disc presses the micro switch, and the second electrical signal is a fourth value; if the value of the second electrical signal is the fourth value, it indicates that the trailer hook is fully unlocked, and the first current value of the motor is acquired.

[0095] In some embodiments, after the trailer hook stops moving, the vehicle can directly control the motor to drive the trailer hook to move to the deployed position. When the trailer hook is in the deployed position, if a retraction control signal is received, the motor is controlled to drive the trailer hook locking mechanism to rotate, causing the unlocking disc in the trailer hook locking mechanism to move in a first direction. When the unlocking disc in the trailer hook locking mechanism rotates in the first direction to unlock the trailer hook, a second current value of the motor is obtained. If the second current value is greater than a set threshold, the trailer hook is controlled to stop moving.

[0096] In one example, after the trailer hook stops moving, the vehicle can control the motor to reverse so that the unlocking disc in the trailer hook locking mechanism rotates in a second direction, thereby locking the trailer hook and returning it to the deployed position.

[0097] If the trailer hitch stops moving after a load is detected, it will remain in a state of being unlocked and about to move, which could damage the mechanical structure. Therefore, in this embodiment, the motor is reversed after a load is detected to move the trailer hitch to the deployed position, locking it in a fixed position and protecting the locking mechanism. Furthermore, if a load is detected on the trailer hitch, after stopping its movement, the motor is immediately reversed to return to the deployed position. This ensures that regardless of whether the user removes the load or not, the load status is reassessed, and if a load is detected, the trailer hitch stops moving, further preventing damage to the vehicle due to the load not being removed.

[0098] In other embodiments, after the trailer hitch stops moving, the vehicle will also display operation instructions and a preset control corresponding to the operation instructions. The operation instructions are used to prompt the user to remove the load from the trailer hitch and to perform a preset operation on the preset control after the load is removed, so that the motor continues to drive the trailer hitch to the retracted position. In response to the user performing a preset operation on the preset control, the motor is controlled to continue to drive the trailer hitch to the retracted position.

[0099] For example, the displayed operation instructions could be: Instruct the user to remove the load from the trailer hook, and after removing the load, perform a preset operation on a pre-defined control to ensure the motor continues to drive the trailer hook to the retracted position, preventing damage to the vehicle from the load on the trailer hook. The preset operation could be a click or other pre-set action. The preset control could be a "Confirm" icon.

[0100] In this application, if it is determined that the trailer hook is carrying a load, after controlling the trailer hook to stop moving, the user can be prompted to remove the load from the trailer hook. After the user removes the load from the trailer hook, a preset operation is performed on the preset control to directly control the motor to continue driving the trailer hook to reach the retracted position. This can more clearly instruct the user to perform the corresponding operation and improve the speed of trailer hook removal and return to the retracted position.

[0101] In other embodiments, after the trailer hitch stops moving, the user may unload or remove any load from the trailer hitch. To control the trailer hitch to retract, an extension control signal is first received, and the trailer hitch extends to the deployed position. Then, upon receiving a retraction control signal, the system first checks if the trailer hitch is loaded. If a load is detected, the trailer hitch stops retracting. If no load is detected, the trailer hitch continues retracting. This ensures that the retraction can only be performed when the vehicle is unloaded, thus preventing a load from impacting and damaging the vehicle.

[0102] For example, after the vehicle stops moving, both the physical button and the virtual button (retraction control) on the display screen will change from a button state controlling the trailer hitch retraction to a button state controlling the trailer hitch extension. In response to the user clicking the physical or virtual button in the current button state, the motor is controlled to rotate the trailer hitch locking mechanism, causing the unlocking disc in the trailer hitch locking mechanism to move in the first direction. The physical button can be located on the car key.

[0103] If the user wants to control the trailer hook to retract again, after controlling the trailer hook to stop moving, the method further includes: receiving an extension control signal and controlling the motor to drive the trailer hook to move to the extended position; when the trailer hook is in the extended position, if a retraction control signal is received, the motor drives the trailer hook locking mechanism to rotate, causing the unlocking disc in the trailer hook locking mechanism to move in a first direction; when the unlocking disc in the trailer hook locking mechanism rotates in the first direction to unlock the trailer hook, a second current value of the motor is obtained; if the second current value is greater than a set threshold, the trailer hook is controlled to stop moving.

[0104] For example, please continue reading Figure 1 ,like Figure 1 As shown, after the vehicle 100 stops moving due to the trailer hook 30 carrying a load, it receives an extension control signal and controls the motor to move the trailer hook to the extended position. When the trailer hook 30 is in the extended position (trailer hook 2B), if a retraction control signal is received again, the motor drives the trailer hook locking mechanism to rotate, causing the unlocking disc in the trailer hook locking mechanism to move in the first direction. When the unlocking disc in the trailer hook locking mechanism rotates in the first direction to unlock the trailer hook, it first checks whether the trailer hook 30 is loaded. If a load is detected, the trailer hook 30 stops retraction; if no load is detected, the trailer hook 30 continues retraction.

[0105] Figure 9The diagram shown is a flowchart illustrating a trailer hitch control method provided in another exemplary embodiment of this application. Figure 9 The example is Figure 8 Examples of the embodiments are provided below; to avoid repetition, the similarities can be referred to the descriptions in the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here. For example... Figure 9 As shown, the trailer hitch control method may include the following: 910: When the trailer hook is in the extended position, if a retraction control signal is received, the control motor drives the trailer hook locking mechanism to rotate, causing the unlocking disc in the trailer hook locking mechanism to move in the first direction.

[0106] 920: When the unlocking disc in the trailer hook locking mechanism rotates in the first direction to unlock the trailer hook, the first electrical signal output by the micro switch is acquired.

[0107] 930: Determine whether the first electrical signal is the first value or the second value.

[0108] 940: If the value of the first electrical signal is the second value, then obtain the first current value of the motor. If the value of the first electrical signal is the first value, then repeat step 930.

[0109] 950: Determine whether the first current value is the second value.

[0110] 960: If the first current value is greater than the set threshold, control the trailer hook to stop moving.

[0111] 970: If the first current value is less than or equal to the set threshold, control the motor to drive the trailer hook to move back to the retracted position.

[0112] Exemplary device Figure 10 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of a trailer hitch control device provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application. Figure 9 As shown, the trailer hitch control device 1000 includes: a control module 1010, an acquisition module 1020, and a control module 1030.

[0113] The control module 1010, when the trailer hook is in the extended position, controls the motor to rotate the trailer hook locking mechanism upon receiving a retraction control signal, causing the unlocking disc in the trailer hook locking mechanism to move in a first direction; wherein the retraction control signal is used to instruct the motor to move the trailer hook to the retracted position; the acquisition module 1020, when the unlocking disc in the trailer hook locking mechanism rotates in the first direction to unlock the trailer hook, acquires a first current value of the motor; wherein the magnitude of the first current value is used to characterize whether the trailer hook is carrying a load; the control module 1030, if the first current value is greater than a set threshold, controls the trailer hook to stop moving.

[0114] This application provides a trailer hitch control device that identifies whether the trailer hitch is carrying a load based on the current value of the motor of the trailer hitch itself. This eliminates the need to install a separate sensor in the trailer hitch, saving the cost of installing a sensor in the trailer hitch. Moreover, when the trailer hitch is identified as carrying a load, the device controls the trailer hitch to stop moving to avoid the load hitting the vehicle and damaging it.

[0115] According to one embodiment of this application, the control module 1030 is further configured to control the motor to drive the trailer hook to move to the retracted position if the first current value is less than or equal to a set threshold.

[0116] According to one embodiment of this application, if the first current value is greater than a set threshold, the trailer hook is controlled to stop moving, and a prompt message is displayed on the vehicle's display screen and / or played using an audio playback device; wherein the prompt message is used to indicate that the trailer hook is carrying a load.

[0117] According to one embodiment of this application, the acquisition module 1020 is used to acquire a first electrical signal output by a micro switch; wherein, when the trailer hook is not fully unlocked, the unlocking disc does not press the micro switch, and the first electrical signal is a first value; when the unlocking disc in the trailer hook locking mechanism rotates in a first direction to enable the trailer hook to be fully unlocked, the unlocking disc presses the micro switch, and the first electrical signal is a second value; if the value of the first electrical signal is the second value, then the first current value of the motor is acquired.

[0118] According to one embodiment of this application, the acquisition module 1020 is used to acquire a second electrical signal output by a sensor connected to a micro switch; wherein, when the trailer hook is not fully unlocked, the unlocking disc does not press the micro switch, and the second electrical signal is a third value; when the unlocking disc in the trailer hook locking mechanism rotates in a first direction to enable the trailer hook to be fully unlocked, the unlocking disc presses the micro switch, and the second electrical signal is a fourth value; if the value of the second electrical signal is the fourth value, then the first current value of the motor is acquired.

[0119] According to one embodiment of this application, after controlling the trailer hook to stop moving, the method further includes: receiving an extension control signal and controlling the motor to drive the trailer hook to move to the extended position; when the trailer hook is in the extended position, if a retraction control signal is received, controlling the motor to drive the trailer hook locking mechanism to rotate, causing the unlocking disc in the trailer hook locking mechanism to move in a first direction; when the unlocking disc in the trailer hook locking mechanism rotates in the first direction to unlock the trailer hook, acquiring a second current value of the motor; if the second current value is greater than a set threshold, controlling the trailer hook to stop moving.

[0120] According to one embodiment of this application, the prompting information also includes information for advising the user to remove the load from the trailer hook.

[0121] According to one embodiment of this application, the system further includes: displaying operation instruction information and a preset control corresponding to the operation instruction information; wherein the operation instruction information is used to prompt the user to remove the load from the trailer hook, and after removing the load from the trailer hook, to perform a preset operation on the preset control so that the motor continues to drive the trailer hook to reach the retracted position; in response to the user performing a preset operation on the preset control, the motor is controlled to continue to drive the trailer hook to reach the retracted position. This application also provides a vehicle, including: a trailer hook controller and a trailer hook control system; wherein the trailer hook control system includes a motor and a trailer hook locking mechanism, the motor is used to drive the trailer hook and the trailer hook locking mechanism to move, and the trailer hook locking mechanism is used to lock the trailer hook in a fixed position under the drive of the motor; wherein the trailer hook controller is used to execute the trailer hook control method provided in any of the above embodiments.

[0122] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program for executing the trailer hook control method provided in any of the above embodiments.

[0123] This application also provides a computer program product, which includes a computer program. When the computer program is executed by the processor of a computer device, it enables the computer device to execute the trailer hitch control method provided in any of the above embodiments.

[0124] All of the above-mentioned optional technical solutions can be combined in any way to form the optional embodiments of this application, and will not be described in detail here.

[0125] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0126] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0127] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0128] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0129] In addition, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit.

[0130] If a function is implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or a part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods of the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program verification codes, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0131] It should be noted that in the description of this application, the terms "first," "second," "third," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. Furthermore, in the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0132] It should be noted that the user information (including but not limited to user device information, user personal information, etc.) and data (including but not limited to data used for analysis, data stored, data displayed, etc.) involved in this application are all information and data authorized by the user or fully authorized by all parties. Furthermore, the collection, use and processing of the relevant data must comply with the relevant laws, regulations and standards of the relevant countries and regions, and corresponding operation entry points are provided for users to choose to authorize or refuse.

[0133] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit this application. Any modifications or equivalent substitutions made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A trailer hitch control method, characterized in that, The method is applied to a vehicle equipped with a trailer hitch and a trailer hitch control system. The trailer hitch control system includes a motor and a trailer hitch locking mechanism. The motor drives the trailer hitch and the trailer hitch locking mechanism to move. The trailer hitch locking mechanism locks the trailer hitch in a fixed position under the drive of the motor, including: When the trailer hook is in the extended position, if a retraction control signal is received, the motor is controlled to drive the trailer hook locking mechanism to rotate, causing the unlocking disc in the trailer hook locking mechanism to move in the first direction; wherein, the retraction control signal is used to instruct the motor to drive the trailer hook to move to the retracted position; When the unlocking disc in the trailer hook locking mechanism rotates in a first direction to unlock the trailer hook, a first current value of the motor is obtained; wherein, the magnitude of the first current value is used to characterize whether the trailer hook is carrying a load. If the first current value is greater than the set threshold, the trailer hook is controlled to stop moving.

2. The trailer hitch control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: if the first current value is less than or equal to the set threshold, then controlling the motor to drive the trailer hook to move to the retracted position.

3. The trailer hitch control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of controlling the trailer hook to stop moving if the first current value is greater than a first preset threshold includes: If the first current value is greater than a set threshold, the trailer hook is controlled to stop moving, and a prompt message is displayed on the vehicle's screen and / or played using an audio playback device; wherein the prompt message is used to indicate that the trailer hook is carrying a load.

4. The trailer hitch control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the unlocking disc in the trailer hook locking mechanism rotates in a first direction to unlock the trailer hook, the first current value of the motor is obtained, including: The first electrical signal output by the micro switch is obtained; wherein, when the trailer hook is not fully unlocked, the unlocking disc does not press the micro switch, and the first electrical signal is a first value; when the unlocking disc in the trailer hook locking mechanism rotates in a first direction to enable the trailer hook to be fully unlocked, the unlocking disc presses the micro switch, and the first electrical signal is a second value. If the value of the first electrical signal is the second value, then the first current value of the motor is obtained.

5. The trailer hitch control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the unlocking disc in the trailer hook locking mechanism rotates in a first direction to unlock the trailer hook, the first current value of the motor is obtained, including: Acquire a second electrical signal output by a sensor connected to the micro switch; wherein, when the trailer hook is not fully unlocked, the unlocking disc does not press the micro switch, and the second electrical signal is a third value; when the unlocking disc in the trailer hook locking mechanism rotates in the first direction to enable the trailer hook to be fully unlocked, the unlocking disc presses the micro switch, and the second electrical signal is a fourth value. If the value of the second electrical signal is the fourth value, then the first current value of the motor is obtained.

6. The trailer hitch control method according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that, After the method controls the trailer hook to stop moving, it further includes: Control the motor to drive the trailer hook to move to the deployed position; When the trailer hook is in the deployed position, if a retraction control signal is received, the motor is controlled to drive the trailer hook locking mechanism to rotate, causing the unlocking disc in the trailer hook locking mechanism to move in the first direction. When the unlocking disc in the trailer hook locking mechanism rotates in the first direction to unlock the trailer hook, the second current value of the motor is obtained; If the second current value is greater than the set threshold, the trailer hook is controlled to stop moving.

7. The trailer hitch control method according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that, After the method controls the trailer hook to stop moving, it further includes: The system displays operation instructions and a preset control corresponding to the operation instructions. The operation instructions are used to prompt the user to remove the load from the trailer hook and to perform a preset operation on the preset control after the load is removed, so that the motor continues to drive the trailer hook to reach the retracted position. In response to a user performing a preset operation on the preset control, the motor is controlled to continue driving the trailer hook to reach the retracted position.

8. The trailer hitch control method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The prompt message also includes information to advise the user to remove the load from the trailer hook.

9. A vehicle, characterized in that, include: A trailer hitch controller and a trailer hitch control system; wherein the trailer hitch control system includes a motor and a trailer hitch locking mechanism, the motor being used to drive the trailer hitch and the trailer hitch locking mechanism to move, and the trailer hitch locking mechanism being used to lock the trailer hitch in a fixed position under the drive of the motor; wherein the trailer hitch controller is used to execute the trailer hitch control method according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The storage medium stores a computer program for executing the trailer hook control method according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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