Abstract: A traction control system for a trailing vehicle includes an electric machine, a ground engaging apparatus in contact with a ground surface, a speed sensor measuring the speed of the ground engaging apparatus, and a controller providing a traction control signal to the electric machine. The controller is in communication with a force increase control. The controller provides a temporary increase in tractive force of the electric machine when the force increase control is activated either manually or automatically. The amount of temporary increase in the tractive force can be variable and adjustable.

Abstract: An agricultural method for preventing roll-back of an agricultural vehicle may include receiving a roll-back prevention input from a speed setting device indicative of a command to increase the transmission speed of the hydrostatic transmission while a service brake of the agricultural vehicle is engaged. Further, the method may include adjusting a speed mapping for the speed setting device from a predetermined speed mapping to a roll-back speed mapping in response to the roll-back prevention input, with the roll-back speed mapping being associated with a reduced speed range. Additionally, the method may include determining a transmission control command associated with a current position of the speed setting device based on the roll-back speed mapping and controlling an operation of the hydrostatic transmission to adjust the transmission speed based at least in part on the transmission control command.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for optimizing engine restarts. In one aspect, the system includes an engine, a brake pedal sensor, and a controller. The controller is configured to shut off the engine when a vehicle stops during an Idle Stop and Go (ISG) operation. The controller operates the engine to shut off during the ISG operation in response to detecting the vehicle being stopped. The controller detects a driving condition indicating that the engine is required to be on. The controller operates the engine to turn on based on the driving condition. The controller detects force satisfying a second threshold at the brake pedal based on the brake pedal sensor. The controller operates the engine to maintain an engine-off state in response to detecting force satisfying the second threshold at the brake pedal based on the brake pedal sensor.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a controller for a starter motor operable to receive a first input indicative of an engine shutdown being required, a second input indicative of a change-of-mind event having occurred after initiation of engine shutdown and a third input indicative of the engine position. After receipt of the first input the controller is operable to monitor the third input and to determine an expected engine rotation direction indicative of the expected rotation direction of the engine after a predetermined delay. If the expected engine rotation direction is positive and the second input is received then the controller is configured to control the output means to cause the starter motor of the engine to be actuated upon receipt of the second input.

Abstract: A brake control unit configured to control a brake to a braked state in response to a brake position sensor having detected that a steering lever has been operated to a stop position and to a released state in response to the brake position sensor having detected that the steering lever has been operated from the stop position toward a travel operation pathway and a travel position sensor having detected that the steering lever is at a neutral position, at which the steering lever is placeable to stop travel.

Abstract: The invention provides a system (10) for a motor vehicle (100) that receives drive demand information (161S) indicative of an amount of drive demanded of a powertrain (129) of the vehicle (100), and controls an amount of drive torque applied by the powertrain (129) to one or more road wheels (111, 112, 114, 115) in dependence on the drive demand information (116S). The system also receives gradient information (11GS) relating to the driving surface and vehicle speed information (Sv). The control system, in dependence on the gradient and speed information, automatically causes a braking system (12d) to apply brake force to one or more of the wheels (111, 112, 114, 115) to prevent vehicle rollback, and adjusts the amount of brake force applied in dependence on the drive demand information (161S) to cause the amount of brake force applied to increase progressively as the amount of drive demand decreases.

Abstract: A brake system includes: a friction brake mechanism; a regenerative brake mechanism; and an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit is configured to obtain a target regenerative braking force. The electronic control unit is configured to perform replacement control between the friction brake mechanism and the regenerative brake mechanism when a predetermined replacement condition is satisfied. The replacement control is control in which a shortfall of the required total braking force, which is caused by a decrease in the regenerative braking force, is covered by increasing the front wheel friction braking force and the rear wheel friction braking force while satisfying a set relationship between the front wheel friction braking force and the rear wheel friction braking force or between an increase gradient of the front wheel friction braking force and an increase gradient of the rear wheel friction braking force.

Abstract: In a vehicle, application of hydraulic pressure in a hydraulic braking device is started, when an accelerator is turned on, and the accelerator is predicted to be turned off, and engine braking feeling is predicted to become insufficient, the engine braking feeling being deceleration feeling given to a driver when the accelerator is turned off and an engine brake is operated, and a predetermined condition that prediction time until the accelerator is turned off is shorter than dead time of a hydraulic pressure response of the hydraulic braking device is established. The hydraulic braking device generates a negative jerk in the vehicle when the accelerator is turned off upon lapse of dead time after application of the hydraulic pressure in the hydraulic braking device is started.

Abstract: An engine electronic control unit (ECU) for a vehicle includes a non-volatile memory and a microcontroller. The non-volatile memory is configured to store an indicator of ignition status having an initial off-status. The microcontroller is coupled to the non-volatile memory and is configured to receive a SOC of a battery for the engine ECU. The microcontroller is further configured to determine the SOC is insufficient to power-up the engine ECU following a reset condition. The microcontroller is further configured to disable over-writing the indicator of ignition status in response to determining the SOC is insufficient.

Abstract: A method for operating a drive train of a motor vehicle in an inclined position, in particular an agricultural or municipal utility vehicle. A connection between a prime mover and at least one drive axle of the motor vehicle is automatically disconnected as part of a function upon actuation of a service brake for stopping the motor vehicle monitored by at least one sensor. To avoid uncontrolled backward rolling, provision is made that a maximum brake pressure applied to achieve or maintain the standstill of the motor vehicle is determined and monitored by continually measuring a brake pressure applied by the service brake. Upon the brake pressure falling below the maximum brake pressure minus a pre-definable pressure difference, the function is automatically deactivated and thus the connection is automatically re-established between the prime mover and the at least one drive axle.

Abstract: A brake assembly comprising: (a) a caliper including: (i) one or more pistons, (b) one or more rotary to linear actuators that provides an axial force to move the one or more pistons, (c) a motor gear unit in communication with the one or more rotary to linear actuators, the motor gear unit including: (i) a motor, and (ii) a motor brake that prevents movement of the motor gear unit, the pistons, or both when the motor is turned off so that the brake apply is maintained, the motor brake including: (1) a rotor that is in communication with the motor, (2) a contact pad that is movable into contact with the rotor to prevent movement of the rotor and the motor, and (3) an electromagnet that is in communication with the contact pad and creates a brake retract.

Abstract: Provided is a novel control apparatus for a vehicle which allows the number of stops and restarts to be reduced while performing engine stop and coasting control. The configuration is such that, when there is a high probability of restarting an engine under circumstances where engine stop and coasting control is performed, the engine is maintained in idling operation while only the clutch is disengaged. For example, if it is determined that there is a high probability of restarting due to a change in the acceleration of a host vehicle or a preceding vehicle, the clutch is disengaged and the vehicle is coasted. Since the engine is maintained in an idle state, there is no need for restarting, and the number of restarts can be minimized.

Abstract: An improved selective power assist device includes a controller for controlling a motor selectively coupled to the door and a clutch interposed between a drive shaft and a motor shaft, each having an angular velocity, whereby the motor is operatively coupled with and decoupled from the door. A brake assembly is disposed to synchronize the angular velocities of the drive shaft and the motor shaft allowing the clutch to operatively couple the motor with the door.

Abstract: A method for restarting an engine of a vehicle stopped on a grade, comprising the steps of engaging a gear of a transmission through which the engine and wheels of the vehicle are drivably connected mutually, using brake pressure to engage wheel brakes and produce a road gradient wheel torque that holds the vehicle stationary on the grade, initiating an engine restart, operating the engine to produce wheel torque equal to or greater than the road gradient wheel torque, and releasing the brake pressure.

Abstract: A vehicle stop maintaining system comprises an automatic transmission, an automatic stop-restart mechanism for automatically stopping and restarting an engine, a foot brake mechanism for braking vehicle wheels through hydraulic brake mechanisms, a brake force control mechanism having a pressurizer that increases hydraulic brake pressure applied to the hydraulic brake mechanisms, and for braking the wheels by controlling the pressurizer independently from brake pedal depression, a controller configured to maintain a vehicle stopped state by operating the automatic stop-restart mechanism to stop the engine and operating the brake force control mechanism to keep initial hydraulic brake pressure according to the brake pedal depression, and a drive force state determining module for determining a drive force stabilized timing.

Abstract: An engine of a stop/start vehicle, after the engine has been automatically stopped, may be commanded to automatically restart in response to detecting that the vehicle is in a turn lane based on traffic data in a vicinity of the vehicle such that the engine is automatically restarted before a brake pedal is released and a steering wheel is turned.

Abstract: A steering control device for an eco-run vehicle drives an actuator so that a transfer ratio between a steering angle and an actual rudder angle is variable. The steering control device includes: a control part that controls a drive of the actuator; an eco-run determining part that receives an eco-run signal and notifies the control part that the eco-run signal is received; and a nonvolatile memory in which a control information on the actuator is able to be written. The control part executes a control restriction that restricts a drive of the actuator, and disables a writing of the control information on the nonvolatile memory, when the eco-run determining part receives the eco-run signal.

Abstract: A clutch lever holding assembly includes a bracket and a spring bolt assembly extending through the bracket. The spring bolt assembly includes an elongate housing having a top end, a bottom end, and a through passage extending between the top end and the bottom end. A securing pin extends through the through passage. The securing pin has a thumb portion and a clutch lever engaging portion. A biasing member is disposed in the through passage and biases the securing pin in an upward position. A kit for installing the device and a method for installing the device are also provided.

Abstract: A vehicle control device controls a vehicle that has an electric oil pump, executes idling stop control for stopping a drive source when predetermined conditions are satisfied, and is capable of applying a braking force in a state where a brake pedal is released. The vehicle control device determines whether or not the vehicle is stopped, determines whether or not the electric oil pump is driven, and executes the idling stop control when stop of the vehicle is determined, driving of the electric oil pump is determined, and the braking force is applied to the vehicle. Application of the braking force is started after the vehicle is determined to be stopped and the electric oil pump is determined to be driven.

Abstract: In a vehicle including an engine and a motor generator that are connected to a drive wheel, when a predetermined condition is satisfied during a motor creep mode in which creep torque is generated by the motor generator, an ECU performs motor creep cutoff for decreasing torque of the motor generator. When an engine start request has been issued during the motor creep cutoff, the ECU increases the torque of the motor generator to a target creep torque at a predetermined rate of increase. After the MG torque has reached the target creep torque, the ECU starts the engine. The predetermined rate of increase is set to a rate lower than a rate of increase in engine torque at the start of the engine.

Abstract: A fuel control apparatus for a vehicle, having an electric pump configured to have electric power supplied, to supply fuel from a fuel tank to an injector of an internal combustion engine through a fuel pipe, and a control unit configured to have the internal combustion engine stop automatically when a first predetermined condition is satisfied, and after having the internal combustion engine stop automatically, start automatically when a second predetermined condition is satisfied, includes an operation unit configured, when the control unit has the internal combustion engine stop automatically, to supply electric power from a predetermined electric power supply apparatus to the electric pump, to have the electric pump operate.

Abstract: On a vehicle equipped with a vacuum-assist type of brake booster utilizing the intake air pressure of the vehicle engine, an engine control apparatus automatically stops the engine under certain conditions and subsequently automatically restarts the engine if it is determined that the brake booster pressure has fallen below a predetermined value. The engine control apparatus also effects such automatic restarting if a predetermined maximum time interval has elapsed since the automatic engine stop occurred. This ensures that even when the booster pressure value cannot be reliably obtained after an automatic engine stop has occurred, the engine will be restarted before the booster pressure falls excessively.

Abstract: Various systems and methods are described for controlling an engine in a vehicle, the engine being coupled to a transmission. One example method comprises, under selected braking conditions, shutting-off the engine and spinning-down the engine to rest while the vehicle is traveling, and in response to a foot-off-brake event, restarting the engine by at least partially engaging the transmission and adjusting engine torque control actuators.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle outputs creep torque by output torque of a second MG. A creep control unit controls creep torque when an accelerator pedal is not operated. The creep control unit controls a creep cut amount defined by a decrement of creep torque when the brake pedal is operated relative to creep torque when the brake pedal is not operated such that the creep cut amount when reverse running is selected is smaller than the creep cut amount when forward running is selected.

Abstract: A controller in a stop/start vehicle may anticipate a vehicle stop and engine shutdown event in response to detecting a vehicle approach to an intersection. The controller may disable a power steering system or otherwise prepare vehicle subsystems for shutdown prior to the anticipated shutdown event. The controller may also enable the power steering system in response to anticipating an automatic restart event.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a vehicle are presented. In one example, automatic engine stopping is inhibited in response to a driver communicating a desire to not automatically stop an engine. The driver communicates intentions to allow or inhibit automatic engine stopping via a brake pedal.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided with an engine that is configured for automatic shutdown and restart. The vehicle is also provided with a controller that is configured to shutdown the engine in response to brake effort exceeding a first threshold and to restart the engine in response to brake effort decreasing below a second threshold. The first threshold and the second threshold are based on an estimated vehicle mass and a road gradient.

Abstract: A control system to generate a yaw torque of an all-wheel drive vehicle comprises a brake control module 18. The brake control module 18 determines the desired powertrain torque 44 for the vehicle 10 based upon a plurality of factors including available torque from the powertrain. The brake control module 18 determines a first torque 44 and a second torque 26, wherein the first torque 44 and the second torque 26 are combined to provide the total desired yaw torque 49 of the vehicle 10. The first torque 44 is generated between wheels of the vehicle 10 by applying torque 44 from the powertrain 14 to different wheels 21 of the vehicle 10 and the second torque 26 is generated by applying different braking torque from a braking system 16 of the vehicle 10.

Abstract: A vehicular engine automatic stop control apparatus has a coast stop controller that performs a coast stop control of stopping an engine in response to a situation where driver's brake pedal operation is above a predetermined threshold value while a vehicle is traveling, a road surface gradient sensor that senses a road surface gradient, and a coast stop control cancellation unit that cancels the coast stop control in response to a situation where a first sensed value of the road surface gradient is above a predetermined cancellation threshold value in absolute value. The first sensed value of the road surface gradient is obtained at a first time instant when the vehicle becomes stationary in a situation where the engine has been stopped by the coast stop controller.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and power delivery system for controlling creep torque in a hybrid or electric vehicle. More specifically, a brake signal is detected and a creep torque output is controlled based on the brake signal. The creep torque is outputted for a predetermined time from a point when a brake on signal is first generated. Accordingly, a creep torque is generated for a predetermined time when a brake is being operated and backlash is eliminated between gears so as to prevent a backlash shock from the gears when the brake is released. Additionally, the vehicle may be propelled forward or backward by the creep torque in the creep torque control method of a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine configured for automatic shutdown and restart. The vehicle is provided with a controller that is configured to restart the engine when a difference between an actual brake pressure and a filtered brake pressure is greater than a threshold value. The filtered brake pressure is dependent upon a magnitude of the actual brake pressure and a rate of change of the actual brake pressure.

Abstract: A vehicle control device includes: an erroneous operation determination unit that determines whether erroneous operation of an accelerator pedal is performed; an increase suppression unit that suppresses an increase in driving force of a vehicle in response to the erroneous operation of the accelerator pedal; a position measuring unit that measures the depressed position of a brake pedal; a tendency determination unit that determines a deviation tendency of the depressed position of the brake pedal; and a suppression amount varying unit that varies a suppression amount of the increase in the driving force on the basis of the deviation tendency.

Abstract: There is provided an output control device for a vehicle. The device includes an accelerator operator to receive an output adjustment operation of a drive power of a vehicle; a brake operator to receive a braking operation of a braking device; an accelerator operation amount detection unit for detecting an operation amount of the accelerator operator; a brake operation force estimation unit for estimating an operation force of the brake operator; and an output suppression control unit for suppressing an output of the drive power regardless of a state of the accelerator operator, in the case where for a predetermined time or longer, a state continues in which the operation amount of the accelerator operator is greater than or equal to a predetermined accelerator threshold value, and the operation force estimated by the brake operator is greater than or equal to a predetermined brake threshold value.

Abstract: A powered vehicular interlock system includes a powered vehicle with a propulsion means, a final drive means, a braking means, and a vehicle operator's chamber having a floor and a seat. The system includes an automatic transmission, a braking activation interface located close to the floor on the floor first side section, and a propulsion activation interface located close to the floor on a floor second side section. The system includes a propulsion deactivation interlock system having a braking activation sensor, a deactivation module, and a power supply. In a first position, the propulsion deactivation interlock system is adapted to allow the powered vehicle to be propelled. For operation, upon activation of the braking activation interface to a second position, the propulsion deactivation interlock system adapted to prohibit the powered vehicle from being propelled.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in turning steerable vehicle wheels includes a power steering motor assembly connected with the steerable vehicle wheels. An engine driven pump connected with the power steering motor assembly is driven by an engine of the vehicle to supply fluid under pressure to the power steering motor assembly. A controller increases engine speed when the vehicle is motionless and a steering wheel is rotated. A method for controlling the speed of an engine to provide a predetermined steering assist to a steering apparatus includes determining if the vehicle is motionless and determining if the steering wheel is being rotated. The speed of the engine is increased if the vehicle is motionless and the steering wheel is being rotated to provide the predetermined steering assist to the steering apparatus.

Abstract: A vehicle comprises an acceleration command input device operated by a driver to input an acceleration command; a braking command input device operated by the driver to input a braking command; and an engine controller for controlling a plurality of engine control components to change an engine driving power in response to the acceleration command and executing a deceleration control for reducing the engine driving power when a predetermined deceleration condition is met; the engine controller executing driving power increasing preparation for changing a controlled amount of at least one of the engine control components to increase the engine driving power while maintaining the deceleration control state when inputting of the braking command stops during the deceleration control, and changing a controlled amount of at least one of the engine control components to increase the engine driving power when the acceleration command is input thereafter.

Abstract: An engine control apparatus includes a first operation member and a second operation member for braking a front wheel and a rear wheel of a saddle-type vehicle, and an engine controller that automatically stops and restarts an engine mounted in the saddle-type vehicle in response to the operational state of the first operation member and the second operation member. When a prescribed amount of time has passed while the first operation member and the second operation member are both in an operated state, the engine controller automatically stops the engine; when the first operation member and the second operation member are both released, the engine controller restarts the engine; and when either one of the first operation member and the second operation member is operated after the engine has automatically been stopped, the engine controller allows the engine to continue in the automatically stopped state.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for controlling engine using height information capable of preventing an engine from stopping according to a position of a vehicle. An apparatus for controlling an engine of a vehicle using height information includes: a height information management unit storing a plurality of height information; and an idling controller that extracts one or more height information according to a position of the vehicle from the height information management unit to determine a slope of the vehicle and controls the idling of the vehicle according to the determination result.

Abstract: An engine control apparatus capable of performing engine automatic stop includes an engine automatic stop inhibition means configured to inhibit the engine automatic stop after engine restart conditions are satisfied and the engine is restarted until a vehicle speed exceeds a predetermined speed, a brake operation detection means configured to detect a presence of increase of the amount of a brake operation in a state of the brake operation being performed after the vehicle has been stopped, and an engine stop control means configured to release inhibition of the engine automatic stop to allow the engine to be automatically stopped, if the brake operation detection means detects presence of increase of the amount of the brake operation while the engine automatic stop is inhibited by the engine automatic stop inhibition means.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided with an engine that is configured for automatic shutdown and restart. The vehicle is also provided with a controller that is configured to shutdown the engine in response to brake effort exceeding a first threshold and to restart the engine in response to brake effort decreasing below a second threshold. The first threshold and the second threshold are based on an estimated vehicle mass and a road gradient.

Abstract: A method of operating a drive-train of a motor vehicle which comprises a hybrid drive with a combustion engine and an electric machine, a clutch connected between the combustion engine and the electric machine, a transmission connected between the electric machine and a drive output, and either a primary retarder connected between the electric machine and the transmission or a secondary retarder connected between the transmission and the drive output. In order to warm up hydraulic oil, when the clutch between the combustion engine and the electric machine is disengaged and a transmission gear is engaged, a braking torque is produced by either the primary or secondary retarder, in the drive-train, and the electric machine is operated in a torque-controlled manner such that it delivers a torque equal to the sum of a target torque determined in accordance with the driver's wish and the braking torque produced by either the primary or secondary retarder.

Abstract: An engine with a fast vacuum recovery brake booster system is disclosed. In one example, an actuator is adjusted in response to a flow between the brake booster and an engine intake manifold. Operation of the engine and vehicle brakes may be improved especially when the engine is boosted.

Abstract: Providing a control apparatus for a vehicle having a parking lock device 50 which is placed in its released state with a hydraulic pressure generated by an oil pump 58 operated by an engine 26, which control apparatus permits reduction of a risk of unintended releasing of the parking lock device 50 upon occurrence of an operating failure of an ON-OFF switching valve 72 or a switching valve 70 of a hydraulic device 69 provided to supply the hydraulic pressure.

Abstract: In a vehicle brake system, which starts an engine-for recovering a brake negative pressure of a servo unit connected to an intake pathway of the engine, a valve opening of a throttle valve of the engine is controlled in an opening direction when the engine is started for recovering the brake negative pressure during running. It is desired that recovery control of the brake negative pressure by valve opening control of the throttle valve is performed during brake pressing operation by a driver.

Abstract: A control method and a control system for deceleration of a vehicle including a continuous valve lift apparatus (CVVL) may include determining whether fuel cutting condition is satisfied, determining whether brake pedal input signal is detected and controlling deceleration according to brake pedal input signal by at least one of controlling throttle opening angle and controlling valve lift of the CVVL.

Abstract: In a vehicle that generates creep torque using an electric motor, a controlling means that causes, on the basis of the results of the detecting by the vehicle speed detecting means and the braking operation detecting means, the electric motor to generate the creep torque, wherein if the brake is operated when the creep torque is generated, the controlling means decreases the creep torque by a first level, if the brake is not operated when the creep torque is generated, the controlling means increases or decrease the creep torque in a level range on the basis of the speed of the vehicle detected by the vehicle speed detecting means, and the first level is a decreasing level larger than a possible maximum decreasing level in the level range.

Abstract: A control method for an engine of a vehicle includes generating a brake value indicative of an operating condition of a brake system of the vehicle, and selectively adjusting one of a fuel control value of the engine and a fuel adjustment diagnostic value for the engine based on the brake value. In the method, a mass of fuel delivered to the engine is based on the fuel control value, and a diagnostic result indicative of lean operation of the engine is based on the fuel adjustment diagnostic value. The brake operating condition is selected from a group including a state of operation, a pedal displacement, an actuation period, a fluid operating pressure, and a power assist pressure. The fuel control value is provided.

Abstract: A method of operating a drivetrain of a motor vehicle such that the drivetrain comprises a drive aggregate (1), an accelerator pedal (5) and a brake pedal (6). According to the invention, when the accelerator pedal (5) and the brake pedal (6) are not actuated and the drivetrain is operated in a crawling mode, thereafter if actuation of the brake pedal (6) is then detected and such actuation is by less than a defined limit amount, a crawling torque supplied for crawling operation is reduced without calling for any auxiliary braking energy to assist with braking. In contrast, if during the crawling operation, the brake pedal (6) is actuated by more than the defined limit amount, a crawling torque supplied for crawling operation is reduced and auxiliary braking energy is also called for to assist with braking.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and power delivery system for controlling creep torque in a hybrid or electric vehicle. More specifically, a brake signal is detected and a creep torque output is controlled based on the brake signal. The creep torque is outputted for a predetermined time from a point when a brake on signal is first generated. Accordingly, a creep torque is generated for a predetermined time when a brake is being operated and backlash is eliminated between gears so as to prevent a backlash shock from the gears when the brake is released. Additionally, the vehicle may be propelled forward or backward by the creep torque in the creep torque control method of a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Abstract: A method for controlling a creeping process of a motor vehicle with an internal combustion engine, a torque converter with a pump shell driven by the internal combustion engine and a turbine shell driving an automated transmission and a separation clutch disposed in the torque flow between the internal combustion engine and the torque converter, wherein a creeping process is initiated when a gas pedal for driver control of the internal combustion engine and a brake pedal are not actuated and a driving velocity of the motor vehicle is less than a predetermined value. In order to be able to perform the creeping process with converter slippage and also with slippage of the separation clutch a creep torque transmitted through the separation clutch is adjusted as a function of the slippage of the torque converter for initiating the creeping process and during the creeping process.