Vehicle door unlocking device and method and vehicle

Abstract

The invention provides a vehicle door unlocking device and method and a vehicle. The vehicle door unlocking device comprises a charging control circuit, a rechargeable energy storage unit, a main controller, a signal detector, a door lock motor driving circuit, a first switching circuit and a second switching circuit. The rechargeable energy storage unit is arranged and can be charged when the whole vehicle is started, the door lock can be driven to be unlocked through electric quantity provided by the rechargeable energy storage unit when the door lock is out of control in an emergency, people in the vehicle can escape conveniently, and therefore the safety performance is enhanced. Moreover, dangerous postures such as vehicle overturning after collision are avoided through a delayed unlocking mechanism, secondary damage is prevented, control of a fault whole vehicle on a door lock is cut off, associated failure is avoided, and therefore the safety performance of the whole vehicle is further enhanced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of vehicle safety technology, and in particular to a vehicle door unlocking device; furthermore, this invention also relates to a vehicle door unlocking method. Background Technology

[0002] The mainstream unlocking solution for new energy vehicle doors is based on a low-voltage battery and a vehicle control module. The low-voltage battery provides power to the unlocking motor, and the vehicle control module outputs control signals to drive the motor to unlock the door.

[0003] In emergency situations such as fires and collisions involving new energy vehicles, it is common for doors to fail to open due to the failure of the main unlocking system. This is inconsistent with the mandatory requirement in the "Safety Technical Requirements for Automobile Door Handles" that "doors must have reliable opening redundancy in an accident." Specifically, this is reflected in the following three points:

[0004] First, fire or collision can easily damage the low-voltage battery and short-circuit burn the vehicle control module, and may also cause the connection harness to break or short-circuit, causing the unlocking system to lose power and control signals.

[0005] Second, there is no independent backup power supply and control link. If the vehicle control system fails, the electric door lock will be paralyzed, which does not meet the new regulations' requirement of "reinforced design for mechanical or power failure protection".

[0006] Third, the lack of an intelligent delay mechanism means that unlocking immediately after a collision could cause secondary injuries when the vehicle rolls over, violating the new regulations' requirement to "prevent misunderstandings during rollover scenarios." Summary of the Invention

[0007] To address the problems of existing technologies, this invention provides a vehicle door unlocking device that can unlock the door even in emergency situations where the door lock is out of control. A delayed unlocking mechanism prevents secondary damage to the vehicle when it is in a dangerous position, thereby enhancing the overall vehicle safety performance. To this end, this invention also provides a vehicle door unlocking method.

[0008] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a vehicle door unlocking device, comprising:

[0009] The charging control circuit is used to charge the rechargeable energy storage unit through the vehicle's power supply.

[0010] A rechargeable energy storage unit is used to provide power to the door lock motor drive circuit;

[0011] Signal detectors are used to detect and trigger emergency signals;

[0012] A door lock motor drive circuit is used to unlock the door lock motor via a rechargeable energy storage unit;

[0013] The first switching circuit is used to connect or disconnect the rechargeable energy storage unit from the door lock motor drive circuit.

[0014] The second switching circuit is used to connect or disconnect the vehicle control module from the door lock motor.

[0015] The main controller is used to receive emergency signals triggered by the signal detector and to control the charging control circuit, the first switching circuit, the door lock motor drive circuit, and the second switching circuit.

[0016] The vehicle power supply, charging control circuit, rechargeable energy storage unit, first switch circuit, door lock motor drive circuit and door lock motor are connected in sequence. The vehicle power supply, vehicle control module, second switch circuit and door lock motor are connected in sequence. The main controller is connected to the charging control circuit, first switch circuit, second switch circuit, door lock motor drive circuit and signal detector respectively.

[0017] Preferably, the rechargeable energy storage unit of the door unlocking device provided by the present invention is a supercapacitor.

[0018] Preferably, the door unlocking device provided by the present invention includes a rechargeable energy storage unit of a lithium battery and a BMS battery system connected to the lithium battery.

[0019] Preferably, the vehicle door unlocking device provided by the present invention further includes an in-vehicle emergency button, which is connected to the main controller.

[0020] Preferably, in the door unlocking device provided by the present invention, the main controller is further configured to start a preset time for timing when the signal detector detects a triggered emergency signal, and control the second switch circuit to remain on within the preset time; if the door lock motor is not successfully unlocked by the vehicle control module within the preset time, the second switch circuit is controlled to be disconnected, and the first switch circuit is controlled to be on at the same time.

[0021] Secondly, the present invention also provides a vehicle door unlocking method, employing the vehicle door unlocking device of the first aspect, comprising:

[0022] After the vehicle is powered on, the main controller controls the charging control circuit to charge the rechargeable energy storage unit, while controlling the first switch circuit to disconnect and the second switch circuit to conduct so that the vehicle control module can control the door lock motor normally.

[0023] When the signal detector detects a triggered emergency signal, the main controller starts timing for a preset period.

[0024] The second switch circuit remains on for a preset time, and the vehicle control module drives the door lock motor to unlock the door.

[0025] If the door lock motor fails to unlock successfully within the preset time, the main controller controls the second switch circuit to disconnect, while the first switch circuit is turned on, allowing the door lock motor drive circuit to unlock the door lock motor through the rechargeable energy storage unit.

[0026] Preferably, the vehicle door unlocking method provided by the present invention, wherein after the vehicle is powered on, the main controller controls the charging control circuit to charge the rechargeable energy storage unit, including:

[0027] When the rechargeable energy storage unit is fully charged, the main controller controls the charging control circuit to stop charging; when the voltage of the rechargeable energy storage unit is lower than a preset threshold, the main controller controls the charging control circuit to start charging.

[0028] Preferably, the emergency signal provided by the present invention includes a vehicle collision signal triggered by a CAN bus, a vehicle collision signal triggered by a hard wire, and a vehicle collision signal triggered by an in-vehicle emergency button.

[0029] Preferably, the vehicle door unlocking method provided by the present invention further includes:

[0030] After the main controller controls the door lock motor drive circuit to unlock the door lock motor, the main controller controls the first switch circuit to disconnect.

[0031] Thirdly, the present invention also provides a vehicle including the door unlocking device of the first aspect.

[0032] As can be seen, the door unlocking device, method, and vehicle provided by this invention are equipped with a rechargeable energy storage unit. This unit charges the vehicle when it starts, and in the event of an emergency where the door locks malfunction, the power supplied by this unit can also drive the door locks to unlock, facilitating escape for occupants and thus enhancing safety. Furthermore, the delayed unlocking mechanism avoids dangerous postures such as vehicle rollover after a collision, preventing secondary injuries, and simultaneously disconnects the malfunctioning vehicle from the door locks, preventing collateral damage, thereby further enhancing the overall vehicle safety. Attached Figure Description

[0033] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0034] Figure 1 The diagram shows a frame schematic of a door unlocking device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 2 The diagram shown is a flowchart of a door unlocking method according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0036] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0037] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used merely to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. In this document, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element.

[0038] Example 1

[0039] In existing technologies, during emergencies such as fires and collisions in new energy vehicles, it is common for doors to fail to open due to the failure of the main unlocking system. This violates the mandatory requirement in the "Safety Technical Requirements for Automobile Door Handles" that "doors must have reliable opening redundancy during accidents." This is mainly due to core component failure, insufficient emergency redundancy, and uncontrolled unlocking timing. Embodiment 1 of this invention provides the following solution:

[0040] like Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment provides a vehicle door unlocking device, including:

[0041] The charging control circuit is used to charge the rechargeable energy storage unit through the vehicle's power supply.

[0042] A rechargeable energy storage unit is used to provide power to the door lock motor drive circuit;

[0043] Signal detectors are used to detect and trigger emergency signals;

[0044] A door lock motor drive circuit is used to unlock the door lock motor via a rechargeable energy storage unit;

[0045] The first switching circuit is used to connect or disconnect the rechargeable energy storage unit from the door lock motor drive circuit.

[0046] The second switching circuit is used to connect or disconnect the vehicle control module from the door lock motor.

[0047] The main controller is used to receive emergency signals triggered by the signal detector and to control the charging control circuit, the first switching circuit, the door lock motor drive circuit, and the second switching circuit.

[0048] The vehicle power supply, charging control circuit, rechargeable energy storage unit, first switch circuit, door lock motor drive circuit and door lock motor are connected in sequence. The vehicle power supply, vehicle control module, second switch circuit and door lock motor are connected in sequence. The main controller is connected to the charging control circuit, first switch circuit, second switch circuit, door lock motor drive circuit and signal detector respectively.

[0049] It should be noted that the charging control circuit is controlled by the main controller. After the vehicle is powered on, it automatically replenishes the rechargeable energy storage unit, stops when fully charged, and restarts charging when the voltage is below the threshold. The rechargeable energy storage unit is used to store backup power and provides power to the door lock motor in emergency situations. The signal detector collects and detects CAN signals and hard-wired signals in real time, and transmits the detected emergency signals to the main controller to achieve dual judgment. In an emergency, the door lock motor drive circuit drives the door lock motor to unlock through the rechargeable energy storage unit. The main controller performs core control of the device. When no emergency signal is received, it controls the first switch circuit to open and the second switch circuit to close and conduct, and the charging control circuit replenishes the rechargeable energy storage unit. When an emergency signal is received, it controls the first switch circuit to close and conduct after a 10-second delay, and the second switch to open, isolating the faulty vehicle control module, and the rechargeable energy storage unit supplies power to drive the door lock motor.

[0050] In some embodiments, the rechargeable energy storage unit is a supercapacitor. It should be noted that a supercapacitor is a new type of energy storage device that lies between a traditional capacitor and a rechargeable battery. It has both the rapid charging and discharging characteristics of a capacitor and the energy storage characteristics of a battery, and can meet the power supply requirements for driving the door lock motor to unlock.

[0051] It should be noted that using supercapacitors to store backup energy has advantages such as fast charging, good low-temperature adaptability, no risk of power depletion, and no need for regular maintenance. The supercapacitors automatically replenish power after the vehicle is powered on.

[0052] In other embodiments, the rechargeable energy storage unit is a lithium battery, and the system also includes a BMS (Battery Management System) connected to the lithium battery. It is understood that the lithium battery can increase energy storage capacity, adapt to high-power unlocking motors, and monitor the health status of the lithium battery through the BMS during daily use.

[0053] In some embodiments, the device further includes an in-vehicle emergency button connected to the main controller.

[0054] It should be noted that the signal detector adds an in-vehicle emergency button signal interface, forming a triple judgment of "CAN bus + hard wire + manual button", which can deal with extreme scenarios where the vehicle signal system fails but the personnel are conscious.

[0055] Example 2

[0056] like Figure 2 As shown, this embodiment provides a car door unlocking method, which uses the car door unlocking device in Embodiment 1, including:

[0057] Step 1: After the vehicle is powered on, the main controller controls the charging control circuit to charge the rechargeable energy storage unit and enters the initialization stage. At the same time, it controls the first switch circuit to disconnect and the second switch circuit to turn on so that the vehicle control module can control the door lock motor normally.

[0058] In some embodiments, the rechargeable energy storage unit is a supercapacitor. It should be noted that a supercapacitor is a new type of energy storage device that lies between a traditional capacitor and a rechargeable battery. It has both the rapid charging and discharging characteristics of a capacitor and the energy storage characteristics of a battery, and can meet the power supply requirements for driving the door lock motor to unlock.

[0059] It should be noted that using supercapacitors to store backup energy has advantages such as fast charging, good low-temperature adaptability, no risk of power depletion, and no need for regular maintenance. The supercapacitors automatically replenish power after the vehicle is powered on.

[0060] In other embodiments, the rechargeable energy storage unit is a lithium battery, and the system also includes a BMS (Battery Management System) connected to the lithium battery. It is understood that the lithium battery can increase energy storage capacity, adapt to high-power unlocking motors, and monitor the health status of the lithium battery through the BMS during daily use.

[0061] In some embodiments, when the rechargeable energy storage unit is fully charged, the main controller controls the charging control circuit to stop charging; when the voltage of the rechargeable energy storage unit is lower than a preset threshold, the main controller controls the charging control circuit to start charging.

[0062] Step 2: When the signal detector detects the triggered emergency signal, the main controller starts timing for a preset time.

[0063] In some embodiments, emergency signals include CAN bus-triggered vehicle collision signals and hard-wire-triggered vehicle collision signals.

[0064] In other embodiments, the emergency signal also includes a vehicle collision signal triggered by an in-vehicle emergency button.

[0065] Step 3: The second switch circuit remains on for a preset time, and the vehicle control module drives the door lock motor to unlock.

[0066] It should be noted that the preset time can be set to 10 seconds. When the signal detector detects any emergency signal triggered by the CAN bus signal, hard-wired signal, or in-vehicle emergency button signal, it transmits the signal to the main controller. Once the main controller confirms the emergency situation, it starts a 10-second timer. This ensures that an emergency scenario is confirmed upon receiving any emergency signal, preventing judgment failure due to the loss of a single signal. At this time, the second switch circuit remains open, and the vehicle control module attempts to drive the door lock motor to unlock the door.

[0067] Step 4: If the door lock motor fails to unlock successfully within the preset time, the main controller controls the second switch circuit to disconnect, while the first switch circuit is turned on, allowing the door lock motor drive circuit to unlock the door lock motor through the rechargeable energy storage unit.

[0068] Understandably, time-sharing control can avoid dangerous maneuvers such as vehicle rollover after a collision, preventing secondary injuries. Secondly, it cuts off interference from the faulty vehicle control module, preventing cascading failures. Furthermore, it prioritizes preserving the primary system's unlocking opportunity, reducing the risk of relying solely on the backup system.

[0069] In some embodiments, after the main controller controls the door lock motor drive circuit to unlock the door lock motor, the main controller controls the first switch circuit to disconnect, thereby stopping the rechargeable energy storage unit from supplying power. After receiving a reset signal, the main controller restarts and restores initialization.

[0070] Example 3

[0071] This embodiment provides a vehicle, including the door unlocking device of Embodiment 1.

[0072] In summary, embodiments 1-3 of the present invention provide a vehicle door unlocking device, method, and vehicle. A rechargeable energy storage unit is incorporated, which charges the vehicle upon startup. In the event of an emergency where the door locks malfunction, the unit provides power to unlock the locks, facilitating escape for occupants and enhancing safety. Furthermore, a delayed unlocking mechanism avoids dangerous situations such as vehicle rollover after a collision, preventing secondary injuries. Simultaneously, it disconnects the malfunctioning vehicle from the door locks, preventing collateral damage and further enhancing overall vehicle safety.

[0073] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, and the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art can make changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this application, and all such changes or substitutions should be within the scope of protection of this application.

[0074] Those skilled in the art will understand that although some embodiments described herein include certain features included in other embodiments but not others, combinations of features from different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention and form different embodiments.

[0075] Although embodiments of the invention have been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and such modifications and variations all fall within the scope defined by the appended claims.

[0076] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, and the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art can make changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this application, and all such changes or substitutions should be within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A vehicle door unlocking device, characterized in that, include: The charging control circuit is used to charge the rechargeable energy storage unit through the vehicle's power supply. A rechargeable energy storage unit is used to provide power to the door lock motor drive circuit; Signal detectors are used to detect and trigger emergency signals; A door lock motor drive circuit is used to unlock the door lock motor through the rechargeable energy storage unit; The first switching circuit is used to connect or disconnect the rechargeable energy storage unit from the door lock motor drive circuit. The second switching circuit is used to connect or disconnect the vehicle control module from the door lock motor. The main controller is used to receive the emergency signal triggered by the signal detector and to control the charging control circuit, the first switching circuit, the door lock motor drive circuit, and the second switching circuit. The vehicle power supply, charging control circuit, rechargeable energy storage unit, first switch circuit, door lock motor drive circuit and door lock motor are connected in sequence. The vehicle power supply, vehicle control module, second switch circuit and door lock motor are connected in sequence. The main controller is connected to the charging control circuit, first switch circuit, second switch circuit, door lock motor drive circuit and signal detector respectively.

2. The door unlocking device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rechargeable energy storage unit is a supercapacitor.

3. The door unlocking device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rechargeable energy storage unit is a lithium battery, and also includes a BMS battery system connected to the lithium battery.

4. The door unlocking device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The device also includes an in-vehicle emergency button, which is connected to the main controller.

5. The door unlocking device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main controller is also used to start a preset time for timing when the signal detector detects a triggered emergency signal, and control the second switch circuit to remain on within the preset time; if the door lock motor is not successfully unlocked by the vehicle control module within the preset time, the second switch circuit is controlled to be disconnected, and the first switch circuit is controlled to be turned on at the same time.

6. A method for unlocking a car door, characterized in that, The vehicle door unlocking device as described in any one of claims 1-5 is characterized in that it comprises: After the vehicle is powered on, the main controller controls the charging control circuit to charge the rechargeable energy storage unit, while controlling the first switch circuit to disconnect and the second switch circuit to conduct so that the vehicle control module can normally control the door lock motor. When the signal detector detects a triggered emergency signal, the main controller starts timing for a preset period of time; During the preset time, the second switching circuit remains on, and the vehicle control module drives the door lock motor to unlock the door. If the door lock motor fails to unlock successfully within the preset time, the main controller controls the second switch circuit to disconnect, while the first switch circuit is turned on, enabling the door lock motor drive circuit to unlock the door lock motor through the rechargeable energy storage unit.

7. The door unlocking method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The process of the main controller controlling the charging control circuit to charge the rechargeable energy storage unit after the vehicle is powered on includes: When the rechargeable energy storage unit is fully charged, the main controller controls the charging control circuit to stop charging; when the voltage of the rechargeable energy storage unit is lower than a preset threshold, the main controller controls the charging control circuit to start charging.

8. The vehicle door unlocking method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The emergency signals include vehicle collision signals triggered by the CAN bus, vehicle collision signals triggered by hard wires, and vehicle collision signals triggered by the in-vehicle emergency button.

9. The door unlocking method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The method further includes: After the main controller controls the door lock motor drive circuit to unlock the door lock motor, the main controller controls the first switch circuit to disconnect.

10. A vehicle, characterized in that, Includes the door unlocking device as described in any one of claims 1-5.

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