Abstract: Restraining torque TF of an electronic controlled front limited slip differential (5) arranged between right and left front wheels is controlled in accordance with controlling right-left wheel rotational speed difference ?NF, which is the rotational speed difference between the right and left front wheels, while restraining torque TC of an electronic controlled coupling (8) arranged between the front and rear wheels is controlled in accordance with controlling front-rear wheel rotational speed difference ?NC obtained by subtracting ½ of the rotational speed difference between the right and left wheels (|?NF|/2) from the rotational speed difference (?NCT??NCD) between the front and rear wheels.

Abstract: A work vehicle (10) comprises a MFWD (13) and a MFWD switch (16) associated with the MFWD (13). The MFWD switch (16) comprises a momentary-ON position for momentarily activating the MFWD (13).

Abstract: The invention relates to a drive system for a vehicle driveline comprising a pair of interconnected first transverse drive shafts (31a, 31b) extending in opposite directions, each of which supports a ground engaging member, and a first arrangement (101) allowing said pair of first transverse drive shafts to rotate at different speeds. Said arrangement (101) comprises a pair of individually selectively engagable clutches (37a, 37b), one clutch for each transverse drive shaft, and each of said clutches (37a, 37b) is configured for engaging and disengaging, respectively, the associated transverse drive shaft (31a, 31b) to a driving connection with a source of motive power.

Abstract: A power train for a vehicle includes a gearbox with an input shaft and an output shaft and is configured such that the input shaft drives the output shaft at a single speed ratio in a first direction and a single speed ratio in a second direction. The output shaft is coupleable with the front and rear vehicle axles to separately drive each axle. Further, a continuously variable transmission is connected with an engine shaft and with the gearbox input shaft such that the engine shaft drives the input shaft within a range of speed ratios from less than 1 to greater than 3. Front and rear differentials are coupled with each axle and with the output shaft and drive the axles at different speed ratios such that a base surface drives the front axle independently of the front differential when at least one rear wheel rolls upon the surface.

Abstract: A power train for a vehicle includes a gearbox with an input shaft and an output shaft and is configured such that the input shaft drives the output shaft at a single speed ratio in a first direction and a single speed ratio in a second direction. The output shaft is coupleable with the front and rear vehicle axles to separately drive each axle. Further, a continuously variable transmission is connected with an engine shaft and with the gearbox input shaft such that the engine shaft drives the input shaft within a range of speed ratios from less than 1 to greater than 3. Front and rear differentials are coupled with each axle and with the output shaft and drive the axles at different speed ratios such that a base surface drives the front axle independently of the front differential when at least one rear wheel rolls upon the surface.

Abstract: In an automobile of the invention, a cornering drag estimator 61 estimates a cornering drag from measurements of steering angle ? and vehicle speed V. A gain multiplier 62 multiplies the estimated cornering drag by a preset gain K to reduce the estimated cornering drag. A phase adjuster 63 adjusts the phase of the rest of the estimated and reduced cornering drag. An implementation system 70 receives the sum of the output of the gain multiplier 62 and the output of the phase adjuster 63 and regulates the throttle opening of an engine according to the received sum. This adjusts the phase and the degree of reduction of the estimated cornering drag. This arrangement of the invention attains the adequate levels of pitching and rolling, which may be caused in the vehicle in the turning state.

Abstract: The operations of an electric power steering system and a wheel slip control system such as a traction control system or an anti-lock brake system are co-related so as not to undesirably affect one another, by the target assisting steering force for the electric power steering system being modified differently according to whether or not the wheel slip control system is in operation. In doing so, the target value of assisting steering force according to an increase of the steering torque of the steering wheel is increased by a degree increased along with increase of a time based differential of the steering torque of the steering wheel, or the degree of increasing the target value of assisting steering force according to an increase of the steering torque of the steering wheel is decreased along with increase of a time based differential of steering angle of the steering wheel.

Abstract: A mechanism of a four-wheel drive vehicle for enabling an engine and a transmission to be arranged compactly by using an empty space within a body frame of the vehicle. The transmission includes a power take-off part for driving the front wheels of the vehicle, and a rear reduction gear mechanism for driving the rear wheels of the vehicle. The transmission and the engine are mounted on a swing arm which is supported on the body frame of the vehicle so as to be able to swing in an up and down direction.

Abstract: A small-sized vehicle, such as an ATV (All Terrain Vehicle), includes an engine having an output shaft, a front gear mechanism including a first shaft on a side of a front wheel to which a drive force from a front output shaft portion of the output shaft is transmitted, and a rear gear mechanism including a first shaft on a side of a rear wheel to which a drive force from a rear output shaft portion of the output shaft is transmitted. The front output shaft portion of the output shaft and the first shaft of the front gear mechanism are arranged substantially coaxial with each other, and the rear output shaft portion of the output shaft and the first shaft of the rear gear mechanism are arranged substantially coaxial with each other. The small-sized vehicle is capable of preventing vibrations and noise from being generated.

Abstract: A method for steering and regulating a driving mechanism in motor vehicles having hybrid drive. A drive torque (M) desired by the driver is distributed to at least one electric motor (Em) and a combustion engine (Vm) so that therewith the driving mechanism of the vehicle can be steered, together with the hybrid functions. In a central digital unit (1), a resulting distribution degree of the torques (M_Em, M_Vm) of at least one electric motor and of the combustion engine is determined, the sum of the torque (M_Em, M_Vm) corresponding to the drive torque (M) desired by the driver. The resulting distribution degree takes into account here requirements according to the needed hybrid and driving mechanism functions.

Abstract: With a drive power distribution control section, limited differential torque correction value TLSDS is estimated and calculated by a limited differential torque correction value calculating section based on input torque TCD. Also, a transfer torque calculating section calculates transfer torque TLSD2 by multiplying input torque sensing transfer torque TLSD1 by vehicle slip angular velocity correction coefficient K(d?/dt). A transfer torque correction/output section then subtracts limited differential torque correction value TLSDS from the transfer torque TLSD2 to calculate and output transfer torque TLSD. In this way, clutch engaging torque for carrying out front and rear drive power distribution is set with good accuracy, and it is possible to have both high cornering performance and high traction performance.

Abstract: A driving mode switching apparatus for a four-wheel-drive vehicle, which switches driving modes of the four-wheel drive vehicle, includes a motor, a reduction mechanism being transmitted with a rotational force of the motor, an output rod connected to the reduction mechanism and switching the driving modes by being displaced, a housing housing the motor and the reduction mechanism, a temperature sensor arranged at a position away from the motor within the housing and detecting ambient temperature in the housing, and a controller varying an output property of the motor in response to a detected temperature by the temperature sensor.

Abstract: In a drive force control method for a four-wheel drive vehicle using an estimated drive torque for the control, a delay element is added to a value for the estimated drive torque at the trailing edge thereof. With this control, the behavior of the four-wheel drive vehicle is stabilized when a depression force applied to an accelerator pedal is removed.

Abstract: The height of the center of gravity of a stacker crane is determined in consideration of a height position of an elevation frame and the inertial force is determined from the travel acceleration and deceleration. Wheel pressures applied to front and rear drive wheels are determined based on the height of the center of gravity, the inertial force, and horizontal distances from the center of gravity to the front and rear drive wheels. Torques are allocated in proportion to the determined wheel pressures.

Abstract: A two or more person RUV (recreational utility vehicle) is provided with a multi-place multi-planar saddle seat assembly, multi-place multi-planar foot board assemblies, and grip handles.

Abstract: A motor vehicle is provided that has an engine, front and rear wheels and a clutch system for selectively distributing engine torque to the front and rear wheels. A controller judges in real time the state of motion of the vehicle and controls the torque distribution by the clutch system according to the judged state.

Abstract: A hydraulic system for a work vehicle including a manifold assembly configured to prioritize hydraulic fluid flow to priority functions over a wide range of engine speeds.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a sensor sensing external temperature, a 2WD/4WD switch operated to input an instruction to switch a two-wheel drive state and a four-wheel drive state, a transfer switching mechanical power transfer for the two-wheel drive state and that for the four-wheel drive state, an actuator actuating the transfer, and an ECU controlling the actuator. The ECU determines from a value detected by the sensor a current supplied to the actuator. Preferably, the transfer includes a synchronizer mechanism driven by power generated by the actuator to transfer a drive shaft's rotation to a driven shaft and engage the shafts together when they achieve synchronous rotation.

Abstract: An integrated heat exchanger and engine mount for a snowmobile that reinforces the snowmobile chassis is disclosed. The heat exchanger is formed with an internal passage through which a vehicle fluid may be circulated and cooled. The heat exchanger is also formed with increased rigidity to strengthen the chassis and support an engine mount.

Abstract: An IG-off-timer measures the time t_off from when an engine is stopped, or an ignition is turned off. An ECU sequentially memorizes an estimated temperature of each of heat generating portions as a memorized temperature. Immediately after the engine is re-started, the ECU sets an initial value of the estimated temperature of each heat generating portion in such a manner that the initial value reflects a temperature drop of the heat generating portion in the deactivation period of the engine. The temperature of the heat generating portion is thus accurately estimated even after re-starting of the engine. The heat generating portions are thus appropriately protected.

Abstract: The present invention relates to all terrain vehicles having at least a pair of laterally spaced apart seating surfaces. More particularly, the present invention relates to trail compliant side-by-side all terrain vehicles.

Abstract: The drive train of an all-wheel drive vehicle comprises a transfer case that is connected to the motor block, a driven front axle, a driven rear axle, drive shafts and a control device. To vary the torque distribution between the axles from 0 to 100% the transfer case has a drive-through shaft that has a drive connection both with the motor block and the drive shaft that leads to the rear axle. The drive-through shaft includes a drive connection with the drive shaft that leads to the front axle by a first friction clutch that determines the torque applied to the front axle. The rear axle is equipped with an additional adjustable drive unit comprising a second friction clutch, which is used to control the torque applied to the rear axle.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a wheel speed sensor sensing a vehicle speed V, a 2WD/4WD switch operative to input an instruction to switch between a two-wheel driving state and a four-wheel driving state, a transfer and an actuator switching the two-wheel driving state and the four-wheel driving state, and an ECU driving the actuator. The ECU instructs the actuator to switch from the four-wheel driving state to the two-wheel driving state regardless of the switching instruction from the 2WD/4WD switch if the vehicle tows a trailer and runs in the four-wheel driving state when the vehicle speed exceeds a predetermined value. Consequently, it is possible to provide a four-wheel drive vehicle capable of running while towing an object and also avoiding an increase in the size of the peripheral parts of driving wheels.

Abstract: A transaxle apparatus for a four-wheel drive vehicle, comprises: a hydraulic pump; a housing; a hydraulic motor disposed in the housing so as to be driven in response to fluid from the hydraulic pump; an axle extended outward from the housing; a drive train disposed in the housing so as to drivingly connect the hydraulic motor to the axle; and a power take-off shaft disposed in the housing perpendicularly to a rotary axis of the hydraulic motor so as to be drivingly connected to the drive train and extended outward from the housing.

Abstract: A vehicle may have an engine that provides power for locomotion; a plurality of ground engaging wheels; a clutch assembly connected to the engine and connected to at least one of the ground engaging wheels; and a turbocharger assembly connected to the engine and connected to the clutch assembly. The turbocharger assembly is operated to engage the clutch assembly to connect, for locomotion, the engine to the ground engaging wheel.

Abstract: A vehicle drivetrain (110) includes an engine (122) with a vertical crankshaft (124), a first transmission (126) below the engine and driven by the crankshaft, a second transmission (128) above the first transmission and horizontally adjacent the engine and having an input driven by the first transmission and having an output providing vehicle propulsion. A module pre-assembled unit is ready for drop-in mounting to a vehicle.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention include a vehicle having a chassis and an engine supported by the chassis, the engine coupled to a drive train useful for propelling the vehicle. The vehicle may be convertible between a first seating configuration having a first seat disposed generally along the longitudinal centerline of the vehicle and a second seating configuration having a lateral seat disposed laterally of the longitudinal centerline of the vehicle.

Abstract: A drive force control method for a four-wheel drive vehicle including a torque distributing mechanism capable of changing a drive force distribution ratio between front and rear wheels and a drive force distribution ratio between right and left front wheels or between right and left rear wheels. This method includes the steps of increasing the drive force distribution ratio of the rear wheels to the front wheels according to an increase in absolute value of a lateral G signal, and increasing the drive force distribution ratio of a turning outer wheel as one of the right and left front wheels or one of the right and left rear wheels to a turning inner wheel as the other. A lateral G sensor signal is corrected by an estimated lateral G signal calculated according to a steering angle and a vehicle speed to obtain a control lateral G signal, which is used as the lateral G signal.

Abstract: A power transmission device includes a rotary input member receiving drive torque from a source of torque, a rotary output member for providing drive torque to an output device and a torque transfer mechanism for transferring drive torque between the input member and the output member. The torque transfer mechanism includes a friction clutch assembly operably disposed between the input member and the output member and a hydraulic clutch actuation system operable for applying a clutch engagement force to the friction clutch assembly. The hydraulic clutch actuation system includes an electromagnet and a piston operable to supply pressurized fluid and provide the clutch engagement force.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described to automatically lock and unlock a front axle disconnect mechanism in an all-wheel drive (AWD) system responsive to driving conditions to reduce parasitic losses and increase fuel efficiency. A control algorithm is described which automatically determines whether the front axle disconnect mechanism should lock or unlock responsive to various sensor readings throughout the vehicle. The sensor readings relate to the driving conditions. Advantageously, the present disclosure automatically decides the best mode for optimum fuel economy while safely responding to driving conditions, and therefore removes the requirement for a driver to select the operating mode.

Abstract: A control device is provided for electrically controlling a drive power transmission device arranged on a driving power transmission path of a front-and rear wheel drive vehicle thereby to switch the drive mode of the vehicle selectively to either of a two-wheel drive mode and a four-wheel drive mode. The control device inhibits the drive mode from being switched to that commanded to be switched to when the vehicle is traveling at a slower speed than a predetermined speed and when the rotational speed difference between front and rear wheels is larger than a predetermined value. Further, the control device gradually decreases a present torque which the driving power transmission device is transmitting before the switching of the drive mode, to a target torque which the drive power transmission device is to transmit after the switching of the drive mode, when the difference between the present and target torques is more than another predetermined valve at the time of the switching of the drive mode.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle is provided with means for setting a four-wheel drive condition which is a condition for switching from two-wheel drive to four-wheel drive, and an EV switch which, when turned on by an occupant of the vehicle, places the vehicle in an EV driving mode in which only an electric motor is used as the power source. The four-wheel drive condition setting means changes the four-wheel drive condition to reduce a region in which the vehicle operates in four-wheel drive when the EV switch is on as compared to when the EV switch is off. As a result, the vehicle operates in two-wheel drive more frequently, thus reducing power consumption.

Abstract: An ecologically friendly sub frame system that is mounted onto a pre-purchased car, van, truck, emergency vehicle or heavy equipment, said system comprising a modified rectangular hollow metal frame, an outside access frame to access all parts of the vehicle, large tires, at least two independently moving axles, and coupling mechanisms to the axles that can be attached to a vehicle to be used in areas of ecological fragility, such as the tundra, desert, or beaches. The sub frame and the large tires re-distribute the weight of the vehicle across a large surface area, which minimizes the impact of the vehicle when it travels over terrain that can easily be destroyed.

Abstract: In a four-wheel drive motor vehicle with a primary drive axle and a secondary drive axle, at least one secondary drive axle coupling of the limited slip type is provided in the powertrain between the engine of the vehicle and the secondary drive axle. A primary drive axle coupling of the limited slip type is provided for the primary drive axle.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for improving cornering performance. From a given vehicle speed and lateral acceleration, in instances of a decrease in drive torque, individual wheel torque is shifted from inside wheels to outside wheels to increase vehicle yaw forces and counteract the understeer phenomenon. Similarly, in instances of increasing drive torque, individual wheel torque is shifted from outside wheels to inside wheels on a common axle to reduce vehicle yaw forces and counteract the oversteer phenomenon. Actual implementation of side-to-side torque shifting is done using a correction factor multiplied by other factors within a general torque shift equation.

Abstract: A drive force distribution system for a four wheel independent drive vehicle is configured to suppress changes in longitudinal and lateral accelerations and change in yaw moment about the center of gravity of the vehicle that occur when the brake/drive force of one wheel changes or is changed deliberately. The drive force distribution system is configured such that when the brake forces and the drive forces determined by the brake/drive force determining section based on the motion requirements of the vehicle are to be changed, the drive force revising section revises the brake/drive forces of the left front wheel, the right front wheel, the left rear wheel, and the right rear wheel by amounts, respectively, based on the sensitivities of the tire lateral forces of each of the wheels estimated by the tire lateral force sensitivity estimating section so as to satisfy the motion requirements of the vehicle.

Abstract: A drive unit (1) for continuously, variably controlling rotational speed and reversing the rotational direction of at least one output shaft. The drive unit (1) having two identical transmission modules (2, 3) with a common input (4) and a way for power splitting a continuously variable rotational speed and reversing the rotational direction.

Abstract: A power train for a vehicle includes a gearbox with an input shaft and an output shaft and is configured such that the input shaft drives the output shaft at a single speed ratio in a first direction and a single speed ratio in a second direction. The output shaft is coupleable with the front and rear vehicle axles to separately drive each axle. Further, a continuously variable transmission is connected with an engine shaft and with the gearbox input shaft such that the engine shaft drives the input shaft within a range of speed ratios from less than 1 to greater than 3. Front and rear differentials are coupled with each axle and with the output shaft and drive the axles at different speed ratios such that a base surface drives the front axle independently of the front differential when at least one rear wheel rolls upon the surface.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle drive system that is capable of appropriately continuing four-wheel drive according to driver's intention and road conditions. The vehicle drive system includes a motor 5 which drives rear wheels 15R and 15L, and a 4WDCU 6 for controlling the electric energy inputted to the motor to control the motor drive. When the driver issues a request command for continuing four-wheel drive or when the road condition of the vehicle changes, a control logic 200 of the 4WDCU 6 continues a four-wheel drive mode in which the rear wheels are driven by the motor 5 and the front wheels by an internal combustion engine 1.

Abstract: A drive axle and suspension assembly for a vehicle having a power source and wheels including a torsionally compliant twist beam suspension and a driveline assembly. The twist beam includes a twist element defining a first lateral axis and arm portions adapted to rotatably support the wheels of the vehicle along a second axis extending substantially parallel to the first axis. The driveline assembly is adapted to receive torque from the power source and drive the wheels. The driveline assembly includes a plurality of power transmission rotatably supported by arm portions.

Abstract: An all-terrain vehicle that permits adjustment of rider supports to ergonomically accommodate both a single rider and multiple riders.

Abstract: In a drive system switching control method of an automotive four-wheeled vehicle for switching two drive systems comprising a two-wheel drive and a four-wheel drive. The method has a step of detecting a steering angle, and a step of inhibiting the drive system switching if the detected steering angle is over a predetermined angle.

Abstract: A vehicle drive device includes: an electric motor that drives wheels of a vehicle; a speed reducer that reduces a driving rotation rate of the electric motor; a differential device that distributes an output of the speed reducer to a left wheel and a right wheel of the vehicle; and an engager that is provided between either one of the left wheel or the right wheel of the vehicle and the differential device, and performs an engagement and a disengagement of a drive power therebetween.

Abstract: In an all-wheel drive train for a motor vehicle wherein the drive torque of the engine of the motor vehicle is transmitted from the transmission output shaft partially to the rear axle and partially to the front axle via an offset transmission structure and a laterally arranged drive shaft extending from the offset transmission structure past the transmission to the front axle of the motor vehicle extends from the offset transmission forwardly at a certain opening angle in close proximity to the transmission structure which narrows down toward the rear so that the rear end of the lateral drive shaft is relatively close to the center axis of the transmission.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle comprises an internal combustion engine, a traction motor, a starter motor, and a battery bank, all controlled by a microprocessor in accordance with the vehicle's instantaneous torque demands so that the engine is run only under conditions of high efficiency, typically only when the load is at least equal to 30% of the engine's maximum torque output. In some embodiments, a turbocharger may be provided, activated only when the load exceeds the engine's maximum torque output for an extended period; a two-speed transmission may further be provided, to further broaden the vehicle's load range. A hybrid brake system provides regenerative braking, with mechanical braking available in the event the battery bank is fully charged, in emergencies, or at rest; a control mechanism is provided to control the brake system to provide linear brake feel under varying circumstances.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mechanism of a four-wheel drive vehicle, for enabling an engine and a transmission to be arranged compact by using an empty space within a body frame of the vehicle. The transmission includes a power take-off part for driving front wheels of the vehicle, and a rear reduction gear mechanism for driving rear wheels of the vehicle. The transmission and the engine are mounted on a swing arm which is supported on the body frame of the vehicle so as to be able to swing in an up and down direction.

Abstract: A power train for a vehicle includes a gearbox with an input shaft and an output shaft and is configured such that the input shaft drives the output shaft at a single speed ratio in a first direction and a single speed ratio in a second direction. The output shaft is coupleable with the front and rear vehicle axles to separately drive each axle. Further, a continuously variable transmission is connected with an engine shaft and with the gearbox input shaft such that the engine shaft drives the input shaft within a range of speed ratios from less than 1 to greater than 3. Front and rear differentials are coupled with each axle and with the output shaft and drive the axles at different speed ratios such that a base surface drives the front axle independently of the front differential when at least one rear wheel rolls upon the surface.

Abstract: A power take-off unit for a transaxle is provided with a unique double enveloping worm/worm gear transmission which has a ratio of the number of gear teeth on the worm gear to the number of threads on the worm which is low. The worm/worm gear transmission is more compact than conventional bevel gear systems which have typically been used in power take-off unit applications. The worm and worm gear transmission of the present invention also is quieter in operation and has a higher torque capacity than standard bevel gears of comparable size.

Abstract: An operation control system for a small-sized vehicle is capable of reducing an electric power consumption of a battery used for a power steering apparatus. The operation control system includes a main switch configured to turn on/off an engine, and a power switch function configured to turn on/off an electric motor-driven power steering apparatus supplying an assisting steering force to a steering shaft.

Abstract: A vehicle power transmission system comprises: a prime mover mounted on a vehicle body frame; a first axle and a first transaxle for driving the first axle disposed at one of front and rear portions of a vehicle, the first transaxle having a first input part projecting outward therefrom, and the first transaxle having a power take-off shaft projecting outward therefrom opposite to the first input part; a speed-changing transmission drivingly interposed between the prime mover and the first input part; a second axle and a second transaxle for driving the second axle disposed at the other rear or front portion of the vehicle, the second axle having a second input part; and a power take-off train extended from a leading part to an ending part. The prime mover is disposed between the first transaxle and the second transaxle in a fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle.