Abstract: A drivetrain for a motor vehicle, which has a permanently driven rear axle and a front axle which is driven on demand. The drivetrain comprises a drive unit whose output is connected to an input member of a differential of the rear axle and to a clutch arrangement for driving the front axle. The clutch arrangement has a first and a second friction clutch which can be controlled substantially independently of one another. The input members of said friction clutches are connected to the output of the drive unit. The output members of said friction clutches being connected respectively to a left and to a right driveshaft of the front axle.

Abstract: A vehicle can be operated in a first drive mode in which a front differential is set to a non-driven state and a rear differential is set to a differential state, a second drive mode in which the front differential is set to a non-driven state and the rear differential is set to a differential locked state, a third drive mode in which the front differential is set to a differential state and the rear differential is set to a differential locked state, and a fourth drive mode in which the front differential is set to a differential locked state and the rear differential is set to a differential locked state. Transition is allowed only between adjacent drive modes.

Abstract: A vehicle driveline includes a power source, a transmission connected to the power source and including an output driveably connected to primary road wheels, a driveshaft, a synchronizer that opens and closes a drive connection between the output and the driveshaft, and a clutch that alternately opens and closes a drive connection between the driveshaft and secondary road wheels. A control executes synchronization and connection strategies using one of singular, overlapping and sequential activation of the driveline components that produce all-wheel-drive on-demand.

Abstract: A backhoe loader includes a multi-axis transmission that includes: an input shaft to which power is inputted; a front output shaft coupled to a front wheel; a rear output shaft disposed in a position higher than that of the front output shaft and coupled to a rear wheel; an intermediate shaft disposed between the input shaft and the front output shaft; a first power transmission mechanism configured to transmit power from the input shaft to the intermediate shaft; and a second power transmission mechanism configured to transmit power from the intermediate shaft to the front output shaft and to transmit power from the front output shaft to the rear output shaft.

Abstract: A control system or method for a vehicle references a camera and sensors to determine when an offset of a yaw rate sensor may be updated. The sensors may include a longitudinal accelerometer, a transmission sensor, a vehicle speed sensor, and a steering angle sensor. The offset of the yaw rate sensor may be updated when the vehicle is determined to be stationary by referencing at least a derivative of an acceleration from the longitudinal accelerometer. The offset of the yaw rate sensor may be updated when the vehicle is determined to be moving straight by referencing at least image data captured by the camera. Lane delimiters may be detected in the captured image data and evaluated to determine a level of confidence in the straight movement. When the offset of the yaw rate sensor is to be updated, a ratio of new offset to old offset may be used.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission (CVT) is provided for use on a recreational or utility vehicle. The CVT is electronically controlled by at least one control unit of the vehicle. The CVT includes a primary clutch having a first sheave and a second sheave moveable relative to the first sheave. An actuator controls movement of the second sheave.

Abstract: A machine may include a powertrain drivingly connected to left and right front and rear wheels through a torque transfer unit to transfer torque to the front wheels as a function of a desired front torque and to the rear wheels as a function of a desired rear torque. At least one sensor of the machine may detect a value of an operating parameter indicative of a weight distribution of the machine across the wheels, and generate a parameter signal corresponding to the operating parameter. A control unit determines the weight distribution across the wheels as a function of the parameter signal, and the desired front and rear torques as a function of the weight distribution. The control unit also considers the weight and position of a load of material borne by an implement of the machine in determining the weight distribution.

Abstract: An on-demand-type drive state control apparatus for a vehicle is provided. In the case where acceleration slippage occurs at drive wheels (rear wheels) of a vehicle when a drive system is in a two-wheel drive state, the drive system is switched from the two-wheel drive state to a four-wheel drive state. That is, the maximum transmittable torque of a multi-disc clutch mechanism increases from “0” to a predetermined value. In the four-wheel drive state, the maximum transmittable torque decreases stepwise from the present value by a predetermined value every time the vehicle travels over a predetermined distance in a state in which none of the wheels cause acceleration slippages. That is, the clutch drive current supplied to the multi-disc clutch mechanism decreases gradually (stepwise or in a plurality of steps), and the drive torque distributed to the front wheels (rear wheels) decreases (increases) gradually.

Abstract: A drive system for a motor vehicle with a continuously driven primary axle and a selectably driven secondary axle has a differential that acts between the wheels of the secondary axle, and has a torque transmission device for transmitting a drive torque to the differential. The torque transmission device has a clutch and a pump, wherein the pump produces a hydraulic pressure in a first pressure chamber of the clutch when a speed difference occurs between the primary axle and the secondary axle. The first pressure chamber is connected via a connecting line to a second pressure chamber, which is associated with an actuating member of the differential, so that the pressure produced by the pump also permits an at least partial locking of the differential. The first pressure chamber is connected to a low-pressure chamber through a first discharge line, in which is arranged a first control valve.

Abstract: A vehicle driveline comprising a primary drive system including at least one primary drive wheel and an auxiliary drive system including at least one auxiliary drive wheel is disclosed. The vehicle driveline may further comprise a system for idling the auxiliary drive system. The system may include at least one wheel disconnect device for selectively connecting and disconnecting the auxiliary drive wheel from the auxiliary drive system and a power transfer unit for selectively engaging and disengaging the auxiliary drive system from the primary drive system. The power transfer unit may include a multi-plate clutch in series with a dog clutch.

Abstract: A roller frictional transmission unit includes: a first roller; a second roller; an input shaft connected with a driving system of main driving wheels, and connected with one of the first roller and the second roller; an output shaft connected with a driving system of auxiliary driving wheels, and connected with the other of the first roller and the second roller; a thrust bearing arranged to position an input shaft side rotation section including the one of the first roller and the second roller and the input shaft, or an output shaft side rotation section including the other of the first roller and the second roller and the output shaft, with respect to a unit housing in an axial direction; and a low rigidity structure disposed in a thrust transmission path to the thrust bearing, and arranged to buffer a thrust.

Abstract: A traction control system and methodology that utilize a phase-out and phase-in of maximum drive torque and/or a regenerative brake torque based on vehicle speed and road slope.

Abstract: A system for transmitting rotary power to the wheels of a motor vehicle includes an input, a planetary final drive connected driveably to the input and including a first output that is driven at a speed that is slower than a speed of the input, and a inter-wheel planetary differential driveably connected to the first output for splitting torque carried by the first output between a second output connected driveably to a first wheel of a first wheel set and a third output connected driveably to a second wheel of the first wheel set.

Abstract: A method for ascertaining a rotational speed parameter for determining a setpoint torque for driving a drivetrain. The drivetrain comprises a first and at least one second drive assembly for driving a hybrid vehicle. The first drive assembly can be coupled to the drivetrain by means of a clutch. The second drive assembly is mechanically coupled to the drivetrain. When the hybrid vehicle is being driven by means of at least the first drive assembly, the rotational speed parameter corresponds to the value of a shaft rotational speed. When the hybrid vehicle is being driven only by means of the second drive assembly, the rotational speed parameter corresponds to the value of a determined rotational speed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tractor which includes a body frame configured such that a front portion thereof adjacent to a front wheel axle is at a raised position to prevent interference with front wheels, and a medial portion thereof is depressed so that an engine can be located in the medial portion. Thereby, the front wheels can be turned to maximum angles without being impeded by the front wheel axle, and a driver cab provided with a driver seat can be located above an area where the engine is disposed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tractor which is configured such that front wheel axles are disposed above upper portions of front wheels so that the front wheels are prevented from being impeded by the front wheel axles even when the front wheels are steered to maximum angles in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction and turned to an angle over or approximate to a right angle with respect to the longitudinal direction of the tractor, whereby the tractor can be turned in place by manipulating a steering wheel.

Abstract: A method for the readjustment of an actuator of an all-wheel drive clutch of a motor vehicle that includes determining a clutch slip value corresponding to a difference between the speed of a primary axle and the speed of a secondary axle; determining a reference secondary axle torque corresponding to the proportion of a driving torque which is transmitted to the secondary axle and for which a clutch slip value of substantially zero is expected; and comparing the clutch slip value with a threshold value and comparing a desired clutch torque with the reference secondary axle torque. A desired clutch torque/control signal relationship for the clutch actuator is changed in dependence on the result of these comparisons.

Abstract: A steering operation force detection device for a steering wheel including a steering wheel rim having a right-side rim section and a left-side rim section. The device includes load cells that detect six component forces of the steering operation force acting on the right-side rim section and the left-side rim section consisting of forces in three axial directions and moments about three axes. The device includes a steering angle detection sensor that detects a steering angle of the steering wheel, and an inertial force component correcting unit that derives an inertial force component acting on the right-side rim section and the left-side rim section due to rotation of the steering wheel, based on an amount of displacement of the steering angle detected by the steering angle detection sensor, and that corrects the component force detected by the load cells to eliminate an effect of the derived inertial force component.

Abstract: Described is a battery powered, four-wheel, all-terrain vehicle, with independently operable, variable speed, bi-directional electric motors, one of which may selectively used to drive the front wheels of the vehicle, the other of which may be selectively used to drive the rear wheels of the vehicle. A front differential drive mechanism allows the front wheels to operate at different speeds. Front wheels of the vehicle are steerable through universal joints disposed between the front differential mechanism and each front wheel. A rear differential drive mechanism allow the rear wheels to rotate at different speeds. By selectively choosing whether to engage front and rear wheels and the direction they rotate, the vehicle may be operated as a four-wheel drive vehicle, a front-wheel drive vehicle, a rear wheel drive vehicle, with all four wheels disengaged, or even with front and rear wheels rotating in opposite directions.

Abstract: A drivetrain for an all-wheel-drive vehicle which has a first driven axle and a second driven axle. A drive unit is connected to a multi-stage transmission which has a multiplicity of gear stages for generating different transmission ratios. A transmission output shaft of the multi-stage transmission is connected to the first driven axle. The drive unit is also connected to an activating arrangement, the output element of which is connected to the second driven axle. Thus drive power can be supplied to the first axle permanently via the multi-stage transmission and drive power can be supplied to the second axle on demand via the activating arrangement. The activating arrangement has a first activating friction clutch and a second activating friction clutch which are designed to supply drive power to the second axle via a first and a second transmission ratio stage, respectively. The first transmission ratio stage is assigned to at least one lower gear stage of the multi-stage transmission.

Abstract: A drive train arrangement for a vehicle comprising a main transmission and a transfer box which are both housed within a transmission housing. The transfer box comprises a drive output which is connected to a rear axle differential transmission and connectable, by a torque transmission element and a connecting shaft, to a front axle differential transmission. The connecting shaft is arranged at a predetermined angle relative to the drive output shaft of the main transmission. The end of the connecting shaft, facing toward the front axle differential transmission, is actively connected to the front axle differential transmission. The front axle differential transmission is fixed to the vehicle by at least one adaptor device allowing the front axle differential transmission to be adapted to a variety of arrangement positions along the rotation axis of the connection shaft.

Abstract: A vehicle having a main transmission and a front-axle transmission, the connection of which to the main transmission is effected by a connecting shaft of rigid design, a main axis of the connecting shaft and the center line of the main transmission being positioned in such a way relative to one another that there is a lateral offset angle, a longitudinal offset angle and a rotation angle between the main axis of the connecting shaft and the center line of the main transmission.

Abstract: A transfer case for use in motor vehicles for transferring drive torque from a powertrain to first and second drivelines includes a first output shaft adapted to transmit drive torque from the powertrain to the first driveline. The second output shaft is adapted to transmit drive torque to a second driveline. The transfer case includes a first spiral bevel gear set driven by the first output shaft and a second spiral bevel gear set driven by the first spiral bevel gear set and driving the second output shaft.

Abstract: Detection-time torque of a drive source is determined when a value that varies in accordance with depression of an accelerator pedal has exceeded a predetermined value, first torque is determined on the vehicle speed and the transmission gear ratio, second torque is determined on the detection-time torque and the first torque, third torque is determined on the amount of depression of the accelerator pedal and the second torque, and fourth torque is determined on the depression of the accelerator pedal, and the output torque is limited to the third torque as long as the third torque is less than the fourth torque. The third torque is determined such that in the case where the detection-time torque is greater than the first torque, an increase of the third torque is suppressed further than where the detection-time torque is not greater than the first torque.

Abstract: Method for monitoring the state of a tire, in which at least one analysis value (UR i), from which the state of a tire is determined, is formed from wheel speed signals (?rot i) of the vehicle wheels, wherein the analysis value (UR i) is an absolute rolling circumference of a tire or a variable which represents the absolute rolling circumference of a tire, in particular a dynamic tire radius which is determined by evaluating wheel speed signals (?rot i) and signals from at least one sensor in order to measure the speed of the vehicle over an underlying surface, and the analysis value (UR i) is used to determine a loss of pressure and/or working loads of the tire, as well as a device for monitoring the state of the tire.

Abstract: A vehicle drive arrangement is controlled with an actuator arrangement. According to an example embodiment, an actuator arrangement includes a rotatable gear having pins thereon that are applied to a latch and rocker arm to selectively engage and lock a vehicle drive system. In some applications, gear is rotated to apply a first pin to move the latch for selective engagement of the vehicle drive system, and to apply the second pin for selective locking of the engagement, during which selective locking the rotation of the first pin does not cause movement of the latch. Other embodiments are directed to vehicle drive systems and vehicles, such as all-terrain vehicles, employing drive systems and an actuator.

Abstract: A vehicle drive train for transferring torque to first and second sets of wheels includes a first driveline adapted to transfer torque to the first set of wheels and a first power disconnection device. A second driveline is adapted to transfer torque to the second set of wheels and includes a second power disconnection device. A hypoid gearset is positioned within one of the first driveline and the second driveline in a power path between the first and second power disconnection devices. The hypoid gearset is selectively disconnected from being driven by either of the first driveline and the second driveline when the first and second power disconnection devices are operated in a disconnected, non-torque transferring, mode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a drive system for vehicles with at least two drivable vehicle axles (V, H), in particular for utility vehicles and farm tractors. The drive system has an infinitely variable transmission with no intermediate axle differential comprising at least a first (11) and a second (12) motor. The first motor (11) in this case is propulsively connected to a first vehicle axle (H) and the second motor (12) is propulsively connected to a second vehicle axle (V). Furthermore the drive system has a clutch (20), by which a propulsive connection can be made between at least the first (H) and the second (V) vehicle axle, wherein the position of the clutch is adjustable (20) in a range between an engaged position and a disengaged position, and a control unit (30), which actuates the clutch (20) in such a manner that its torque transmission capacity is adjusted as a function of a driving state of the vehicle.

Abstract: A driving force transmission device is for a four-wheel-drive vehicle based on the two-wheel drive of rear wheels or front wheels. In the case of the two-wheel drive of rear wheels, a multi-disc clutch mechanism controls the driving force distribution to a front wheel output shaft, and a disconnection/connection mechanism selectively disconnects and connects a front wheel differential and a left front wheel drive shaft. In the two-wheel drive of the rear wheels, the dragging torque of the multi-disc clutch mechanism is made smaller than the friction torque of a front wheel driving force transmission section, and the front wheel differential and the left front wheel drive shaft are disconnected by the disconnection/connection mechanism, thereby stopping the rotation of the front wheel driving force transmission section.

Abstract: An ATV is disclosed having a frame, a seat supported by the frame, front and rear wheels supporting the frame, a drivetrain supported by the frame, and an operator's compartment extending generally between the seat and a front enclosure. The front enclosure extends forwardly to a position proximate an axial centerline of the front wheels. Front lower alignment arms have an inner end and an outer end. Front struts have a shock absorber and a hub portion, where the front struts are coupled to the front lower alignment arms at a lower end of the front struts and the frame at an upper end. A steering mechanism is positioned forward of the axial centerline of the front wheels and is coupled to the front struts.

Abstract: An engine-propelled monowheel vehicle comprises two wheels, close together, that circumscribe the remainder of the vehicle. When the vehicle is moving forward, the closely spaced wheels act as a single wheel, and the vehicle turns by leaning the wheels. A single propulsion system provides a drive torque that is shared by the two wheels. A separate steering torque, provided by a steering motor, is added to one wheel while being subtracted from the other wheel, enabling the wheels to rotate in opposite directions for turning the vehicle at zero forward velocity. The vehicle employs attitude sensors, for sensing roll, pitch, and yaw, and an automatic balancing system. A flywheel in the vehicle spins at a high rate around a spin axis, wherein the spin axis is rotatable with respect to the vehicle's frame. The axis angle and flywheel spin speed are continually adjustable to generate torques for automatic balancing.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine is mechanically coupled to a hybrid transmission to transmit mechanical power to an output member. A method for controlling the internal combustion engine includes determining an accelerator output torque request based upon an operator input to the accelerator pedal, and determining an axle torque response type. A preferred input torque from the engine to the hybrid transmission is determined based upon the accelerator output torque request. An allowable range of input torque from the engine which can be reacted with the hybrid transmission is determined based upon the accelerator output torque request and the axle torque response type. The engine is controlled to meet the preferred input torque when the preferred input torque is within the allowable range of input torque from the engine. The engine is controlled within the allowable range of input torque from the engine when the preferred input torque is outside the allowable range of input torques from the engine.

Abstract: A method for controlling an input torque provided to a transmission includes executing a first iterative search within a first range of permissible torque values to determine a first torque value based on a first cost value. The first cost value is based on a first set of powertrain measurements measured at a first time. A second cost value based on a second torque value and the first set of powertrain measurements measured at the first time is calculated. The second torque value is determined using a second set of powertrain measurements measured at a second time prior to the first time. One of the first torque value and the second torque value is then selected based on the first cost value and the second cost value.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to suppress the generation of abnormal noise from a transmission system that occurs when a vehicle is turning. A front wheel output shaft is directly linked with the transmission system, and a rear wheel output shaft is linked to the transmission system via a transfer clutch. When the front wheel output shaft rpm Nf and the rear wheel output shaft rpm Nr separate from each other beyond a specified value (?2) while turning a corner, and then the accelerator pedal is released and the engine rpm Ne and turbine rpm Nt approach each other beyond a specified value (?2), and then if vibration at a specified vibration frequency appears in the front wheel output shaft rpm Nf (?2), the duty ratio Rd of the clutch pressure control valve 52 is decreased (?2).

Abstract: A vehicle drivetrain can include a primary pair of drive wheels and a secondary pair of drive wheels and can be selectively switched between a two-wheel drive mode and a four-wheel drive mode. When the drivetrain is in the two-wheel drive mode, the secondary pair of wheels are disconnected from the prime mover and the multi-ratio transmission. Also, when the drivetrain is in the two-wheel drive mode, the components used to drive the secondary pair of drive wheels can be rotationally isolated from each of the secondary pair of wheels, the prime mover and the multi-ratio transmission.

Abstract: A driving force transmission device includes a transfer torque command value calculation section which calculates a transfer torque command value indicating a command value of the transfer torque between two members based on a running state of the vehicle, an energy calculation section which calculates an energy value obtained by multiplying the transfer torque between the two members by a differential rotation rate between the two members at every predetermined sampling time, an energy accumulated value calculation section which calculates an energy accumulated value of accumulating the energy value calculated at every the predetermined sampling time, a map storage section which stores previously a map defining a relationship between the energy accumulated value and a correction torque, and a correction section which acquires the correction torque by applying the energy accumulated value to the map and corrects the transfer torque command value based on the acquired correction torque.

Abstract: A vehicle with a primary driveline that is configured to distribute rotary power to a first set of vehicle wheels and a power transmitting device that can be selectively operated to transmit rotary power to a secondary driveline. The power transmitting device has an input member, which is driven by the primary driveline, and an output member that is selectively coupled to the input member to receive rotary power therefrom.

Abstract: A method for predicting the dynamics of a vehicle using information about the path on which the vehicle is travelling that has particular application for enhancing active safety performance of the vehicle, to improve driver comfort and to improve vehicle dynamics control. The method includes generating a preview of a path to be followed by the vehicle where the preview of the path is generated based on actual values of a plurality of vehicle parameters. The method further includes obtaining a corrected value of at least one of the plurality of vehicle parameters corresponding to the actual values of each of the plurality of vehicle parameters, wherein the corrected value of the at least one of the vehicle parameters is obtained based on a target path to be followed by the vehicle on the road, and wherein the target path is obtained on the basis of a plurality of road parameters.

Abstract: A vehicle control device for executing the following control are provided. When a driving mode is input, a CPU of an ECU outputs an instruction for shifting a power transfer mechanism in accordance with the input driving mode, and controls a power control mechanism in accordance with a stored driving mode. When it is determined that shifting of the power transfer mechanism has been completed, the CPU switches the characteristic of the power control mechanism in accordance with the input driving mode. On the other hand, when it is determined that a predetermined period of time has elapsed without completing the shifting from when the instruction for shifting the power transfer mechanism is issued, the CPU maintains the characteristic of the power control mechanism at a characteristic corresponding to the stored driving mode.

Abstract: An oil pan (20) includes: a pair of oil pan rail portions (21a, 21b), which are spaced apart from each other under an engine body (10a), and are fastened to the engine body (10a); a pair of side wall portions (22a, 22b), facing each other, which are formed integrally with the oil pan rail portions (21a, 21b); and a cylindrical portion (23), which surrounds a driving axle (19L, 19R) passed through the oil pan (20), and is integrally joined with the pair of side wall portions (22a, 22b) near the pair of oil pan rail portions (21a, 21b). At least one axial end (23a, 23b) of the cylindrical portion (23), an upper half portion (23c) of the cylindrical portion (23) positioned over the driving axle (19L, 19R) is thickened upward up to the level near the upper surface of the oil pan rail portion (21a, 21b).

Abstract: A drive train arrangement for a vehicle comprising a main transmission and a transfer box which are both housed within a transmission housing. The transfer box comprises a drive output which is connected to a rear axle differential transmission and connectable, by a torque transmission element and a connecting shaft, to a front axle differential transmission. The connecting shaft is arranged at a predetermined angle relative to the drive output shaft of the main transmission. The end of the connecting shaft, facing toward the front axle differential transmission, is actively connected to the front axle differential transmission. The front axle differential transmission is fixed to the vehicle by at least one adaptor device allowing the front axle differential transmission to be adapted to a variety of arrangement positions along the rotation axis of the connection shaft.

Abstract: Disclosed is an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) engine power output conversion mechanism, which is characterized primarily by linking a first transmission assembly to the output terminal of the engine, where the central shaft of the first transmission assembly is provided with a first gear at its one end which connects to the output terminal of the engine, while the other end of the central shaft to a first bevel gear; having a second transmission assembly, where its central shaft is provided with a second bevel gear at its one end which gears to the first bevel gear, while the other end of the central shaft to a second gear, and the central shaft is joined to the rear wheel axle to drive the rear wheels; having a third transmission assembly, where its central shaft is provided with a third gear which gears to the second gear, and the third gear gears to a reduction gear, where the output terminal of the reduction gear is used to drive the front wheels; and having a switch set up at the handle bar of the ATV or whe

Abstract: A power transmitting apparatus for performing switching between 2-wheel and 4-wheel drive modes and locking and unlocking of a differential by an operational shaft can comprise a reversible motor, a driving shaft rotationally driven by the motor and adapted to be engaged by the operational shaft for transmitting a rotational force therebetween, a sub case for containing the motor and the driving shaft therein and mounted on the main case, an opening formed in the sub case and having a size permitting the operational shaft to be inserted and an end face of the driving shaft for engaging an end face of the operational shaft to be exposed, and a first sealing arranged on the inner circumferential surface of the opening at a position away from the driving shaft for sealing off the inside of the sub case with forming a seal between the inner circumferential surface of the opening and the outer circumferential surface of the operational shaft when the operational shaft is engaged with the driving shaft.

Abstract: A cooperative traction control system that integrates throttle control and torque distribution. The system also uses dual slip controllers and methods that involve controlling the distribution of torque between wheels in the front and rear axles of a vehicle and a relatively small or no adjustment of the engine throttle (or, more generally, engine torque output) to reduce wheel slip. The control is cooperative in the sense that two controllers—a front axle torque controller and a rear axle torque controller—work together (or are controlled together) to reduce wheel slip and thereby achieve improved straight-line movement of a vehicle from a standstill.

Abstract: Vehicular drive system which is small-sized and/or improved in its fuel economy. A power distributing mechanism 16, which is provided with a differential-state switching device in the form of a switching clutch C0 and a switching brake B0, is switchable by the switching device between a differential state (continuously-variable shifting state) in which the mechanism is operable as an electrically controlled continuously variable transmission, and a fixed-speed-ratio shifting state in which the mechanism is operable as a transmission having a fixed speed ratio or ratios. The power distributing mechanism 16 is placed in the fixed-speed-ratio shifting state during a high-speed running of the vehicle or a high-speed operation of engine 8, so that the output of the engine 8 is transmitted to drive wheels 38 primarily through a mechanical power transmitting path, whereby fuel economy of the vehicle is improved owing to reduction of a loss of conversion of a mechanical energy into an electric energy.

Abstract: In a four-wheel drive vehicle, front wheels 14L and 14R are driven by an engine 1, and rear wheels 15L and 15R are driven by an electric motor 5. A high-power alternator 2 is driven by the engine 1, and electric power generated from the alternator 2 drives the motor 5. In addition to controlling the power generation of the high-power alternator 2 and the driving of the motor 5, a 4WD CU 100 estimates an induced voltage E of the motor 5 from a voltage MHV of the motor and from an output current Ia of the high-power alternator, and estimates a rotating speed Nm of the motor from estimation results on the induced voltage E.

Abstract: An all-terrain or utility vehicle having various combinations of left and right front wheels, left and right rear wheels, a differential rotationally variably coupling the left and right front wheels together with a variable coupling torque and a source of motive power being selectively coupled to the left and right rear wheels in one configuration and coupled to the left and right front wheels as well as to the left and right rear wheels in a second configuration. The coupling torque is relatively stronger when a speed of the vehicle is relatively slower and is relatively weaker when the speed of the vehicle is relatively faster.

Abstract: A drive axle assembly includes first and second axleshafts and a drive mechanism coupling a driven input shaft to the axleshafts. The drive mechanism includes a differential assembly, a planetary gear assembly operably disposed between the differential assembly and the first axleshaft, a brake and first and second mode clutches. The first clutch is operable with the brake and the planetary gear assembly to increase the rotary speed of the first axleshaft which, in turn, causes a corresponding decrease in the rotary speed of the second axleshaft. The second clutch is operable with the brakes and the planetary gear assembly to decrease the rotary speed of the first axleshaft so as to cause an increase in the rotary speed of the second axleshaft. A control system controls actuation of both mode clutches.

Abstract: A control system for a vehicle having first and second wheels is provided that includes a differential apparatus adapted to distribute torque between the first and second wheels and a traction controller for controlling operation of the differential apparatus from vehicle launch up to a predetermined vehicle speed. The traction controller is configured to engage the differential apparatus in a first operating state according to at least one vehicle operating parameter indicative of a low traction operating condition and to further control engagement of the differential apparatus in a second vehicle operating state during the low traction operating condition according to a difference between an actual vehicle yaw rate and a predetermined target vehicle yaw rate. The control system also includes a stability controller for controlling engagement of the differential apparatus at or above the predetermined vehicle speed.

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.