Trailer mode control method and system of electric vehicle and vehicle
By acquiring the fault status of electric vehicles and user input, combined with real-time steering and fault monitoring, safe and stable towing mode control of electric vehicles was achieved, solving the problems of heavy-duty vehicle towing and high hardware costs.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- YANGZHOU YAXING MOTOR COACH
- Filing Date
- 2026-03-16
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-05
AI Technical Summary
Existing technologies have failed to effectively solve the problem of towing vehicles with large load capacities in electric vehicle towing mode, and the hardware costs are high, and there is a lack of real-time control and stability assurance during the towing process.
By acquiring vehicle fault status information and combining user input with vehicle status information to determine the towing mode, and by monitoring steering signals and fault status in real time, towing mode control without additional hardware investment can be achieved, including oil pump speed control and fault alarm.
It enables safe and stable entry and exit from trailer mode without additional hardware investment, avoids accidental triggering, provides lateral assist control and real-time fault monitoring, and ensures the safety of the trailer process.
Smart Images
Figure CN121973631A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention belongs to the field of automotive technology, specifically relating to a method, control system, and vehicle for controlling the trailer mode of an electric vehicle. Background Technology
[0002] With the continuous growth of electric vehicle ownership, the demand for roadside assistance due to low-voltage battery depletion, high-voltage system failure, or drive motor failure is increasing.
[0003] Traditional towing methods include lifting the front wheels or using a flatbed truck. These methods are usually not feasible for vehicles with large load capacities and can only be towed. In this towing mode, existing research on electric vehicle towing modes focuses on powertrain protection, motor enabling, and speed control, without considering the actual control needs during towing. At the same time, the current way to enter towing mode is basically through a dedicated physical button on the dashboard. Considering that the probability of breakdown towing scenarios in daily use is low, a dedicated physical button for towing will increase hardware costs.
[0004] Therefore, how to activate and deactivate the towing mode without additional hardware investment, and how to coordinate control during towing to ensure the vehicle's maneuverability under passive towing conditions, has become a key technical problem that urgently needs to be solved in the field of electric vehicle breakdown rescue. Summary of the Invention
[0005] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, a method, control system, and vehicle for controlling the trailer mode of an electric vehicle are provided to solve the problem of lack of real-time monitoring during and after entering trailer mode.
[0006] In a first aspect, the technical solution of the present invention to solve the above-mentioned technical problems is as follows: a method for controlling the trailer mode of an electric vehicle, comprising the following steps: Obtain vehicle fault status information and determine whether the vehicle enters normal mode or fault mode based on the fault status information. Based on user input confirmation or vehicle status information confirmation, determine whether the vehicle has entered towing mode and towing-prohibited mode from normal mode and fault mode, respectively. After entering trailer mode, the steering signal status is monitored in real time. If the steering status is satisfactory, the oil pump is controlled to maintain the first speed. When in towing mode, the vehicle's fault status is monitored in real time. Based on the fault status, it is determined whether to enter the towing prohibition mode. If so, an alarm message is issued.
[0007] Compared with existing technologies, the above technical solutions have the following beneficial effects: Before entering towing mode, the vehicle is first classified into normal mode and fault mode based on its fault status. After a preliminary judgment, it is determined whether the vehicle can enter towing mode. Then, the vehicle can enter towing mode by user input or by monitoring the vehicle status information to ensure that the conditions are met. User input can avoid accidental triggering. After entering towing mode, the steering is monitored in real time to facilitate steering and achieve lateral power assist control even without longitudinal driving force. Furthermore, after entering towing mode, the fault status is monitored in real time and a warning is issued to prevent accidents during towing.
[0008] Based on the above technical solution, the embodiments of this application can be further improved as follows: In one embodiment, the user input information confirmation includes the following steps: The activation status of the first switch and the activation status of the second switch are monitored sequentially. If the first and second switches are activated, the vehicle will send a first-stage signal and broadcast the preset voice message. And within the first time threshold, the third switch is activated to complete the confirmation of user input information.
[0009] In one embodiment, the sequential monitoring of the first switch activation state and the second switch activation state includes: Monitor whether the opening degree of the first switch is greater than the first opening threshold, while the opening degree of the first switch does not fall below the second opening threshold and remains there for a duration exceeding the second time threshold. Within the third time threshold, the number of times the second switch is opened and closed reaches the first quantity threshold, and at the same time, the opening and closing interval of the second switch is greater than the fourth time threshold.
[0010] In one embodiment, the method further includes: when in trailer mode, monitoring in real time whether the low voltage circuit is below a first voltage threshold; if not, enabling the low voltage circuit to supply power to the emergency lighting and hazard warning lights. Real-time monitoring of whether the brake air pressure is lower than the first air pressure threshold; otherwise, the brake cylinder is activated.
[0011] In one embodiment, obtaining vehicle fault status information and determining whether the vehicle has entered normal mode or fault mode based on the fault status information includes: Real-time acquisition of fault code information from the monitoring BMS, air pump controller, oil pump controller, and all-in-one controller; If no fault code is found, the system is determined to enter normal mode. If the fault code is determined to be serious, the system will enter fault mode and simultaneously activate the brake cylinder.
[0012] In one embodiment, the real-time monitoring of the steering signal status, and controlling the oil pump to maintain a first speed if the steering status is satisfied, includes: Real-time monitoring of steering wheel angle signal, turn signal, gear position signal and handbrake signal; If the steering wheel angle signal and / or turn signal are triggered, but the gear position signal and handbrake signal are not triggered, the steering state is determined to be satisfied, and the oil pump is controlled to maintain the first speed.
[0013] In one embodiment, the real-time monitoring of the vehicle's fault status, determining whether towing is prohibited based on the fault status, and issuing an alarm message if so, includes: Classify vehicle malfunctions into at least two levels; When a Level 1 fault is detected, the vehicle is determined to enter the no-towing mode, and a Level 1 alarm message is issued simultaneously. When a level 2 fault is detected, the vehicle is determined to be in a no-towing mode, and a level 2 alarm message is issued.
[0014] Secondly, this embodiment also discloses a trailer mode control system for an electric vehicle, which includes: The first judgment module is used to obtain the vehicle's fault status information and determine whether the vehicle has entered normal mode or fault mode based on the fault status information. The second judgment module is used to combine user input information confirmation and vehicle status information confirmation to determine whether the vehicle has entered towing mode and towing-prohibited mode from normal mode and fault mode respectively. The first real-time monitoring module is used to monitor the steering signal status in real time. If the steering status is satisfied, it controls the oil pump to maintain the first speed. The second real-time monitoring module is used to monitor the vehicle's fault status in real time and determine whether to enter the no-towing mode based on the fault status. If so, it will issue an alarm message.
[0015] Thirdly, this embodiment also discloses a vehicle that includes the trailer mode control system as described above. Attached Figure Description
[0016] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.
[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the process of the present invention.
[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the state of the present invention. Detailed Implementation
[0019] The embodiments of the technical solution of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. These embodiments are merely illustrative of the technical solution of the present invention and are therefore intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. It should be noted that, unless otherwise stated, the technical or scientific terms used in this application should have the ordinary meaning as understood by those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains.
[0020] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting the present invention.
[0021] Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly defined.
[0022] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.
[0023] Example 1 like Figure 1 As shown, the present invention provides a trailer mode control method for an electric vehicle, which includes the following steps: Obtain vehicle fault status information and determine whether the vehicle enters normal mode or fault mode based on the fault status information. Specifically, obtaining vehicle fault status information and determining whether the vehicle enters normal mode or fault mode based on the fault status information includes: Real-time acquisition and monitoring of fault code information from BMS, air pump controller, oil pump controller and multi-function controller, mainly fault status that affects the normal operation of auxiliary equipment, internally classifying fault levels, specifically into no fault, minor fault and serious fault; If no fault code is found, the vehicle will enter normal mode; if the fault code is deemed serious, the vehicle will enter fault mode and the brake cylinders will be activated to ensure that the vehicle is in an effective braking state.
[0024] Secondly, based on user input confirmation or vehicle status information confirmation, determine whether the vehicle has entered towing mode and towing-prohibited mode from normal mode and fault mode, respectively. Specifically, the user input information is used to manually control the entry into trailer mode, while the vehicle status information is confirmed by the vehicle determining whether it can automatically enter trailer mode by detecting the current status. The specific entry method is as follows: when the vehicle is in normal mode, if it is determined that it can enter the towing mode, then it enters the towing mode. When the vehicle is in fault mode, even if the other conditions of the vehicle meet the requirements for entering the towing mode, it enters the towing prohibition mode and issues an alarm message to clearly remind that it cannot enter the towing mode. This reminder method can be maintained by displaying "The vehicle has a serious fault, please use the platform towing method" through the HMI, while the buzzer alarm is sounded and the display duration is not less than 5 seconds.
[0025] After entering trailer mode, the steering signal status is monitored in real time. If the steering status is satisfactory, the oil pump is controlled to maintain the first speed. Specifically, the vehicle controller monitors the steering wheel angle signal, turn signal, gear position signal, and handbrake signal in real time. If the steering wheel angle signal and / or turn signal are triggered, but the gear position signal and handbrake signal are not triggered, it is determined that the vehicle is in a turning position and needs steering assistance. If the steering condition is met, the oil pump is controlled to maintain the first speed to help the vehicle solve the problem of excessive steering force when being towed, so as to provide constant assistance to meet the minimum requirements and ensure safe cornering under unstable towing conditions. At the same time, the vehicle controller and the thermal management system operate at low power to prevent the risk of overheating of high-voltage system components.
[0026] When in towing mode, the vehicle controller monitors the vehicle's fault status in real time and determines whether to enter the prohibited towing mode based on the fault status. If so, an alarm message is issued. Specifically, vehicle malfunctions are classified into at least two levels; When a Level 1 fault is detected, the vehicle is determined to enter the no-towing mode, and a Level 1 alarm message is issued simultaneously. When a level 2 fault is detected, the vehicle is determined to enter the no-towing mode, and a level 2 alarm message is issued simultaneously. Among them, if a fault occurs in the braking system, it is judged as a level one fault, while other faults such as battery management system faults, steering system faults, and vehicle controller power supply faults are judged as level two faults. In the event of a Level 1 malfunction, the entire vehicle will issue an alarm signal, and the HMI will display "Towing mode prohibited" and remain so until the key is turned to OFF to exit the mode. In the event of a Level 2 fault, the entire vehicle will issue an alarm signal, and the HMI will display "Towing mode prohibited" for at least 5 seconds.
[0027] Before entering towing mode, the vehicle is first classified into normal mode and fault mode based on its fault status. After a preliminary judgment, it is determined whether the vehicle can enter towing mode. Then, the vehicle can enter towing mode by user input or by monitoring the vehicle status information to ensure that the conditions are met. User input can avoid accidental triggering. After entering towing mode, the steering is monitored in real time to facilitate steering and achieve lateral power assist control even without longitudinal driving force. Furthermore, after entering towing mode, the fault status is monitored in real time and a warning is issued to prevent accidents during towing.
[0028] In this embodiment, the user input information confirmation includes the following steps: The activation status of the first switch and the activation status of the second switch are monitored sequentially. In this embodiment, the first and second switches are both directly adopted from the existing switches on the vehicle cab. The first and second switches are respectively adopted as brake pedal switches and hazard light switches, and the third switch is implemented by key switches. If the first and second switches are activated, the vehicle will provide a first-stage signal, such as the instrument panel backlight flashing once or the buzzer making a short confirmation, and will play a preset voice message. The preset voice message can be a built-in voice message like "First stage completed". At the same time, the operation reminder for the next stage can be added to the voice reminder, such as "Please turn the key within 5 seconds".
[0029] Then, within the first time threshold, activate the third switch, that is, turn the key to START within 5 seconds to complete the confirmation of user input information.
[0030] By gradually activating the first and second switches, combined with phased feedback, a human-machine interaction is formed, reminding the operator that the current operation is valid. After that, activating the third switch completes the confirmation of the user's input information, and the vehicle can enter trailer mode.
[0031] Specifically, the sequential monitoring of the first switch activation state and the second switch activation state includes: Monitor whether the opening degree of the first switch is greater than the first opening threshold, while the opening degree of the first switch does not fall below the second opening threshold and remains there for a duration exceeding the second time threshold. In this embodiment, by monitoring the depth of the brake pedal, the first opening threshold is specifically set to 50%. That is, after the brake pedal is pressed more than 50%, the vehicle controller monitors the real-time pedal lift status. If the pedal falls back more than the second opening threshold, such as 5%, it is determined to be disengaged. At the same time, the time of pressing the pedal must exceed the second time threshold, such as 5 seconds, to determine that the operation of the first switch meets the requirements. At the same time, the monitoring shows that the number of times the second switch is opened and closed reaches the first quantity threshold within the third time threshold, and the opening and closing interval of the second switch is greater than the fourth time threshold.
[0032] Specifically, the second switch, such as the hazard light switch, starts operating after the brake pedal is pressed. It needs to reach the first quantity threshold, such as 3 times, within a third time threshold, such as 3 seconds. That is, after the duration of pressing the brake pedal, the opening degree, and the opening degree return time are all satisfied, the operation of the second switch simultaneously meets the requirements. At this time, it is determined that the operation of the second switch meets the requirements. Specifically, it is necessary to determine that the opening and closing interval of the second switch is greater than the fourth time threshold, that is, the interval between two double flashes must be greater than 200ms. This is used to filter out the instantaneous spike signal due to the short circuit in the line and the failure of three consecutive trigger attempts. After that, the vehicle controller is forced to enter a 30-second "cooling-off period" during which it does not respond to any mode switching.
[0033] Thus, once both the first and second switches are operated in accordance with the requirements, the first stage is completed, the preset voice message confirming the first stage is played, and then the second stage judgment is initiated. The third switch is activated within the first time threshold, which means turning the key within 5 seconds to confirm the user's input information. If all of the above operations are met, the system triggers the towing mode.
[0034] In this embodiment, the method further includes: when in trailer mode, monitoring in real time whether the low voltage circuit is lower than the first voltage threshold; if not, enabling the low voltage circuit to supply power to the emergency lighting and hazard lights, and continuously providing power to the hazard lights during vehicle operation. Real-time monitoring of whether the brake air pressure is lower than the first air pressure threshold; otherwise, the brake cylinder is activated.
[0035] Example 2 This embodiment also discloses a trailer mode control system for an electric vehicle, which includes: The first judgment module is used to obtain the vehicle's fault status information and determine whether the vehicle has entered normal mode or fault mode based on the fault status information. The second judgment module is used to combine user input information confirmation and vehicle status information confirmation to determine whether the vehicle has entered towing mode and towing-prohibited mode from normal mode and fault mode respectively. The first real-time monitoring module is used to monitor the steering signal status in real time. If the steering status is satisfied, it controls the oil pump to maintain the first speed. The second real-time monitoring module is used to monitor the vehicle's fault status in real time and determine whether to enter the no-towing mode based on the fault status. If so, it will issue an alarm message.
[0036] The first determination module further includes: The first monitoring module is used to acquire and monitor fault code information from the BMS, air pump controller, oil pump controller and all-in-one controller in real time. The first control module is used to determine whether to enter normal mode if there is no fault code information; if the fault code information is determined to be serious, it will enter fault mode and start the brake cylinder at the same time.
[0037] The second judgment module also includes: The second monitoring module is used to sequentially monitor the start-up status of the first switch and the start-up status of the second switch. The stage feedback module is used to provide a first-stage signal and broadcast preset voice content when the first switch and the second switch are activated. The third monitoring module is used to activate the third switch within the first time threshold to confirm the user input information.
[0038] Also includes: The first comparison module is used to monitor whether the opening degree of the first switch is greater than the first opening degree threshold, while the opening degree of the first switch does not fall below the second opening degree threshold and remains there for a duration exceeding the second time threshold. The second comparison module is used to monitor that the number of times the second switch is turned on and off reaches the first quantity threshold within the third time threshold, and at the same time, the opening and closing interval of the second switch is greater than the fourth time threshold.
[0039] The first real-time monitoring module also includes: The fourth monitoring module is used to monitor the steering wheel angle signal, turn signal, gear position signal, and handbrake signal in real time. The second control module is used to determine that the steering state is satisfied if the steering wheel angle signal and / or turn signal are triggered, but the gear signal and handbrake signal are not triggered, and then control the oil pump to maintain the first speed.
[0040] Also includes: The third real-time monitoring module is used to monitor whether the low voltage circuit is lower than the first voltage threshold in real time when in trailer mode. If not, it enables the low voltage circuit to supply power to the emergency lighting and hazard lights. The fourth real-time monitoring module is used to monitor in real time whether the brake air pressure is lower than the first air pressure threshold; otherwise, it enables the brake cylinder.
[0041] Example 3 This embodiment also discloses a vehicle, which includes a trailer mode control system as described in Embodiment 2 above.
[0042] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.
Claims
1. A method for controlling the trailer mode of an electric vehicle, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Obtain vehicle fault status information and determine whether the vehicle enters normal mode or fault mode based on the fault status information. Based on user input confirmation or vehicle status information confirmation, determine whether the vehicle has entered towing mode and towing-prohibited mode from normal mode and fault mode, respectively. After entering trailer mode, the steering signal status is monitored in real time. If the steering status is satisfactory, the oil pump is controlled to maintain the first speed. When in towing mode, the vehicle's fault status is monitored in real time. Based on the fault status, it is determined whether to enter the towing prohibition mode. If so, an alarm message is issued.
2. The trailer mode control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The confirmation of user input information includes the following steps: The activation status of the first switch and the activation status of the second switch are monitored sequentially. If the first and second switches are activated, the vehicle will send a first-stage signal and broadcast the preset voice message. And within the first time threshold, the third switch is activated to complete the confirmation of user input information.
3. The trailer mode control method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The sequential monitoring of the first switch activation status and the second switch activation status includes: Monitor whether the opening degree of the first switch is greater than the first opening threshold, while the opening degree of the first switch does not fall below the second opening threshold and remains there for a duration exceeding the second time threshold. Within the third time threshold, the number of times the second switch is opened and closed reaches the first quantity threshold, and at the same time, the opening and closing interval of the second switch is greater than the fourth time threshold.
4. The trailer mode control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: when in trailer mode, monitoring in real time whether the low voltage circuit is below a first voltage threshold; if not, enabling the low voltage circuit to supply power to the emergency lighting and hazard warning lights. The brake air pressure is monitored in real time to see if it is lower than the first air pressure threshold; otherwise, the brake cylinder is activated.
5. The trailer mode control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of obtaining vehicle fault status information and determining whether the vehicle enters normal mode or fault mode based on the fault status information includes: Real-time acquisition of fault code information from the monitoring BMS, air pump controller, oil pump controller, and all-in-one controller; If no fault code is found, the system is determined to enter normal mode. If the fault code is determined to be serious, the system will enter fault mode and simultaneously activate the brake cylinder.
6. The trailer mode control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The real-time monitoring of the steering signal status, and controlling the oil pump to maintain the first speed if the steering status is satisfied, includes: Real-time monitoring of steering wheel angle signal, turn signal, gear position signal and handbrake signal; If the steering wheel angle signal and / or turn signal are triggered, but the gear position signal and handbrake signal are not triggered, the steering state is determined to be satisfied, and the oil pump is controlled to maintain the first speed.
7. The trailer mode control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The system monitors the vehicle's fault status in real time and determines whether to enter the no-towing mode based on the fault status. If so, it issues an alarm message including: Classify vehicle malfunctions into at least two levels; When a Level 1 fault is detected, the vehicle is determined to enter the no-towing mode, and a Level 1 alarm message is issued simultaneously. When a level 2 fault is detected, the vehicle is determined to be in a no-towing mode, and a level 2 alarm message is issued.
8. A trailer mode control system for an electric vehicle, characterized in that, include: The first judgment module is used to obtain the vehicle's fault status information and determine whether the vehicle has entered normal mode or fault mode based on the fault status information. The second judgment module is used to combine user input information confirmation and vehicle status information confirmation to determine whether the vehicle has entered towing mode and towing-prohibited mode from normal mode and fault mode respectively. The first real-time monitoring module is used to monitor the steering signal status in real time. If the steering status is satisfied, it controls the oil pump to maintain the first speed. The second real-time monitoring module is used to monitor the vehicle's fault status in real time and determine whether to enter the no-towing mode based on the fault status. If so, it will issue an alarm message.
9. A vehicle, characterized in that, The vehicle includes the trailer mode control system as described in claim 8.