Abstract: A traction control for a motor vehicle derives a target delta velocity as the sum of a longitudinal velocity of the vehicle and a target delta velocity derived from one or more of a longitudinal acceleration, a lateral acceleration and a turn curvature. The vehicle has a vehicle stability enhancement system of the type becoming active when a vehicle yaw rate error is sensed for providing braking control of individual wheels of the motor vehicle to reduce the vehicle yaw rate error below a predetermined value. In response to activity of the vehicle stability enhancement system in reducing a vehicle yaw rate error, the target delta velocity, and thus the target velocity, is bounding between a maximum target velocity value and a minimum target velocity value, at least one of which is derived from an estimated coefficient of friction between the vehicle drive wheels and the drive surface.

Abstract: A method and system for avoiding rollovers during braking of motor vehicles using an apparatus, including an arrangement or structure to reduce the braking force at at least one wheel, an apparatus, arrangement or structure to determine an angle of inclination of the vehicle and an apparatus, arrangement or structure to reduce the braking force that is activatable as a function of the angle of inclination.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for estimating a vehicle side slip angle, which includes a monitor for monitoring quantity of motion state of a vehicle including such signals as a vehicle speed, a vehicle lateral acceleration, a yaw rate and a steering angle, and includes a motion model memory for storing a vehicle motion model. A first estimation device estimates a vehicle side slip angle by calculating a vehicle side slip angular velocity on the basis of the vehicle speed, vehicle lateral acceleration and yaw rate, and integrating the vehicle side slip angular velocity in a predetermined calculating cycle. Also, a second estimation device estimates the vehicle side slip angle on the basis of the quantity of motion state monitored by the monitor, and the vehicle motion model stored in the motion model memory. A tire load determination device determines a lateral load to each tire of the vehicle on the basis of the result monitored by the monitor.

Abstract: A target yaw rate setting unit of a control characteristics changing unit computes a first target yaw rate based on the radius of curvature of a curve. A target yaw rate setting unit of a braking force control unit computes a second target yaw rate based on driving conditions. When a cornering decision unit decides a turning intention, if the absolute value of the first target yaw rate is larger than the absolute value of the second target yaw rate, the second target yaw rate is corrected with the first target yaw rate, and the corrected second target yaw rate is outputted to a target yaw rate changing unit. A braking force control unit controls the braking force with the second target yaw rate corrected.

Abstract: An ECU (2) of a vehicle executes under-steering control when a steering wheel is operated in the direction to increase the steering angle under an under-steering state and the yaw rate does not increase. The under-steering control is not executed under such a driven under-steering state that the vehicle is cornering while applying the engine power to the driven wheels. The under-steering control is executed only under such a condition that although the steering wheel is operated in the direction to increase the steering angle, the actual yaw rate &phgr; does not change and not follow the operation. Thus, in the vehicle, when the under-steering control for restraining the under-steering state or the over-steering control for restraining the over-steering state is executed during the cornering motion of the vehicle, the condition for executing the under-steering control or the over-steering control is adequately set.

Abstract: To improve the control behavior of an anti-lock brake system, which also permits active braking intervention when the brake pedal is not applied, braking pressure is introduced into the wheel brake of the bend-outward front wheel, or asymmetrically into the wheel brakes of both front wheels upon identification of a cornering situation and simultaneous deceleration of the vehicle if additionally the slip on the bend-outward rear wheel exceeds the slip on the bend-outward front wheel. ‘Veering’ or overspinning of the vehicle is this way counteracted.

Abstract: In a steering device for a vehicle, the movement of a steering actuator driven by operation of an operating member is transmitted to vehicle wheels, in such a manner that the steering angle changes, without the operating member being coupled mechanically to the vehicle wheels. A first target yaw rate is calculated in accordance with the detected vehicle speed and a first steering angle set value, which corresponds to the detected amount of operation and vehicle speed. A second target yaw rate corresponding to the detected lateral acceleration and vehicle speed is calculated. A second steering angle set value, which corresponds to the difference between the detected yaw rate and a target yaw rate, as which the first target yaw rate or the second target yaw rate whichever has the smaller absolute value is taken, is calculated.

Abstract: In order to prevent a needlessly excessive yaw moment from being applied to the vehicle, thereby improving the running stability of the vehicle when either one of the braking force generation units went wrong, a brake system for vehicles having electric brake units (14) each provided for each of the wheels to generate a braking force by its actuator (22) being driven according to the amount of depression of a brake pedal, and a controller (38) for controlling each of the electric brake units independently of others, is so constructed as to judge if any of the electric brake units went wrong (step 253, 259, 550, 650), and when either one of the electric brake units went wrong, to control the electric brake units other than the wrong unit according to the depression amount of the brake pedal so as to accomplish a best available stability of running of the vehicle.

Abstract: In a vehicle attitude control apparatus, a steering actuator is controlled so that a steering angle matches a target steering angle. In an understeer condition; the braking force on the inside wheels is increased and drive power applied to the outside wheels is larger than applied to inside wheels. In an oversteer condition, the braking force on the outside wheels is increased and drive power applied to the inside wheels is larger than applied to outside wheels. The steering actuator is controlled so that a behavior index value corresponding to the change in the vehicle'behavior, that occurs based on the change in the steering angle, matches a target behavior index value that reflects the amount of operation of an operation member. A vehicle yaw moment and an amount of control of the steering actuator vary due to steer conditions, wheel lateral slip angle and brake force control.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of improving the control , behavior of an electronically regulated and/or controlled driving stability control system, wherein input quantities for the control are derived from the rotational behavior of the wheels and wherein in situations which are critical for driving stability, the driving stability is increased by braking pressure introduction and/or braking pressure modulation. In order to obviate the need for a precharging pump, the present invention proposes that criteria for evaluation of the driving situation and for the early detection of a driving situation inhering an increased risk are derived from the rotational behavior of the wheels, and that the commencement of driving stability control is prepared upon detection of a driving situation inhering an increased risk. A brake system for implementing the method is also an object of the present invention.

Abstract: In an adaptive vehicle speed control system, a method and system for controlling the speed of the vehicle while the vehicle is traversing a curved path. The method and system include determining a yaw acceleration of the vehicle, and determining a maximum allowed speed of the vehicle on the curved path based on the yaw acceleration. The method and system also include limiting the speed of the vehicle on the curved path to a value no greater than the maximum allowed vehicle speed.

Abstract: In an adaptive speed control system for a vehicle, a method and system for controlling vehicle deceleration are provided. The method includes determining a speed of the vehicle, and setting a maximum allowed vehicle deceleration based on the vehicle speed determined. The system includes a receiver capable of receiving an input signal indicative of a speed of the vehicle, and a controller capable of setting a maximum allowed vehicle deceleration based on the vehicle speed.

Abstract: A vehicle motion control system which generates a minimized switching noise when a hydraulic pressure control valve is switched. The vehicle motion control system includes an automatic hydraulic pressure generator generating a hydraulic pressure irrespective of a brake pedal operation and a hydraulic pressure control valve adjusting the hydraulic brake pressure by opening or blocking a connection between the automatic hydraulic pressure generator and a wheel brake cylinder, and performs a motion control by controlling at least the hydraulic pressure control valve in accordance with the motion of a vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling behavior of a vehicle has an ECU (2) which estimates behavior of a yaw rate of the vehicle using a first target yaw rate, a second target yaw rate and an actual yaw rate to control the behavior of the yaw rate. The ECU (2) completes the behavior control if a completion condition is achieved during over-steering control of the vehicle. The completion condition is any one of the following matters. The steering wheel is operated to increase the steering angle. The vehicle is running straight in a stable state. The deviation between the second target yaw rate and the actual yaw rate is stable in a region lower than a preset value. The estimative brake fluid pressure is approximately identical to the fluid pressure of the master cylinder. The slip angle is small. The absolute values of the first and second target yaw rates and the absolute value of the actual yaw rate are smaller and approximately resemble to one another.

Abstract: A vehicle stability apparatus and method with an on-off-switch, to prevent the driving road wheel from applying excessive braking force when the traction control apparatus is off. When a selectable switch is selected off, a control unit does not exert the traction control to decrease the engine output power to restrain the driving wheels slip even if driving wheel slip is generating. Then the control unit exerts the yaw moment control apparatus for optimizing vehicle stability to control wheel braking force of respective road wheels, and the control unit compulsory exerts the traction control during generating wheel slip irrespective of the switch.

Abstract: A method for limiting the transverse acceleration of a traveling vehicle consisting of the steps: detection of a driving condition with a critical transverse acceleration, influencing the braking pressure on at least one wheel, and/or influencing the driving torque when the driving condition having a critical transverse acceleration has been detected. A device for limiting the transverse acceleration of a traveling vehicle has a detection device for detecting a driving condition with a critical transverse acceleration, and an influencing device for influencing the braking pressure on at least one wheel and/or for influencing the driving torque when the detection device has detected a driving condition with a critical transverse acceleration.

Abstract: A yaw control system for an automotive drivetrain includes an equal torque differential, an engine-driven hydraulic pump, and hydraulically actuated control brakes operable to apply a resistive torque to either a left or right axle of the driven wheels. An acceleration-responsive control valve actuates one of the control brakes according to the direction of lateral acceleration of the vehicle. The control valve includes an inertial or seismic mass that moves a valve member to connect or disconnect the control brakes from the hydraulic pump. The control brakes are attached to the vehicle chassis so the resistive torque is reacted through the chassis, thereby inducing a yaw moment that coincides with and assists the turning of the vehicle.

Abstract: In a behavior control device of a vehicle adapted to control the brake system according to a calculation based upon vehicle speed detected by a vehicle speed sensor, steering angle detected by a steering angle sensor, and yaw rate detected by a yaw rate sensor such that, when a deviation of the yaw rate detected by the yaw rate sensor relative to a standard yaw rate estimated from the vehicle speed and the steering angle increases beyond a threshold value, at least one of the wheels is braked by the brake system so as to generate a yaw moment in the vehicle body for decreasing the deviation of the yaw rate, the threshold value is temporarily increased until the yaw rate sensor is warmed up.

Abstract: Provided are a yaw moment generating mechanism a which produces a yawing motion at the vehicle, a vehicle behavior detection means b which detects a vehicle behavior, an actual yaw moment detection means a which is included in the vehicle behavior detection means b and detects an actual yaw moment acting on the vehicle, a target yaw moment arithmetic-calculation means d which calculates a target yaw moment necessary for a current vehicle behavior on the basis of an input from the vehicle behavior detection means b, and an operating command means e which operates the yaw moment generating mechanism to output a yaw moment equivalent to the difference between the target yaw moment and the actual yaw moment. Therefore, during the vehicle yaw dynamics control, it is possible to enhance the control quality without the control delay and control hunting and without giving the driver an uncomfortable feeling.

Abstract: The favorable responsiveness and the stability of a vehicle is sought to be achieved even under extreme traveling conditions. A yawing moment which a vehicle is desired to produce is computed according to a dynamic state quantity of the vehicle such as the vehicle speed and the cornering force of each of the wheels, and a braking force or a traction which is applied to each of the wheels is individually controlled so as to achieve the computed yawing moment. Therefore, even under conditions where the gripping force of the tires is close to a limit, it is possible to improve the responsiveness and stability of the behavior of the vehicle. Further, by using the sliding mode control, it is possible to improve the stability and the robustness of the control system.

Abstract: A brake system control for use in a vehicle with four wheels comprising the steps of: determining a desired yaw rate (454); determining a yaw torque command responsive to the desired yaw rate (806); if the vehicle is in an anti-lock braking mode during driver commanded braking, applying the yaw torque command to only one of the four wheels to release brake pressure in said one of the four wheels (258-266, 274, 278, 280, 410-418); if the vehicle is in a positive acceleration traction control mode during driver commanded acceleration, applying the yaw torque command to only one of the four wheels to apply brake pressure in said one of the four wheels (258-266, 288-292, 410-418); and if the vehicle is not in the anti-lock braking mode or in the positive acceleration traction control mode, then: (i) determining whether a vehicle brake pedal is depressed (370); (ii) if the vehicle brake pedal is depressed, applying brake force to the vehicle wheels responsive to the depression of the brake pedal (374, 412, 418), w

Abstract: In a vehicle having an ABS control system, a braking control of a right and left rear wheels can be independently carried out when a lateral acceleration exceeds a lateral acceleration value set beforehand. When the ABS control is operated at one of the right and left rear wheels, the control system executes a stepwise pressure increase control which provides a stepwise pressure increase for the other rear wheel up to a braking pressure to be reached at a start of the control.

Abstract: A control device for controlling the running behavior of a four wheeled vehicle has a mathematical tire model of each wheel defining a relationship between longitudinal and lateral forces vs. slip ratio, synthesizes the mathematical tire model at zero slip and a control input from an outside running behavior controller such as a spin controller or a driftout controller to generate nominal values of longitudinal force, lateral force and yaw moment of the vehicle body, and controls the slip ratio of the wheels through cyclic adjustment so as to approach the differences between the nominal values and the actual values in the longitudinal force, lateral force and yaw moment of the vehicle body to the corresponding differences of those parameters due to differentiation thereof by the slip ratio based upon the mathematical tire model.

Abstract: In driving force controlling apparatus and method for a vehicle, the driving force controlling apparatus includes: a driver's demanding torque setting device that sets a driver's demanding torque; a slip condition detector to detect a slip condition of vehicular road wheels; a target engine torque setting device that sets a target engine torque in accordance with the slip condition; a driving force control execution determining section that determines whether the driving force control should be executed in accordance with the slip condition; and an engine output torque determining section that gives a determination of an output torque developed by an engine of the vehicle on the basis of the driver's demanding torque and the target engine torque, the engine output torque determining section determining the engines output torque determining section determining the engine output torque in accordance with the driver's demanding torque when the driving force control execution determining secti

Abstract: In a brake system of a four-wheel vehicle having a powered fluid pressure source, fluid flow control circuit including control valves, and an automatic controller for selectively operating the powered fluid pressure source and the control valves so as to supply a controlled fluid pressure based upon the powered fluid pressure source to a selected one or more of the wheel cylinders for an execution of a behavior control of the vehicle according to running conditions of the vehicle, the automatic controller also executes a brake control of supplying a controlled fluid pressure based upon the powered fluid pressure source to at least one of the wheel cylinders according to a depression of a brake pedal by a driver during the execution of the behavior control, the at least one wheel cylinder being one or more of the wheel cylinders not selected for the behavior control.

Abstract: A vehicle speed, an actual steering angle, an actual vehicle yaw rate, and a lateral vehicle acceleration are detected. On the basis of the detected vehicle speed, the detected actual vehicle yaw rate, and the detected lateral vehicle acceleration, the vehicle body slip angular velocity calculating section (32) calculates a vehicle body slip angular velocity. On the basis of the detected actual yaw rate, the detected vehicle speed, and the corrected actual steering angle, the target yaw moment calculating section (34) calculates a target yaw moment. Further, on the basis of the target yaw moment, the target braking force calculating section (35) calculates a target braking force to be applied to the braked wheel. Therefore, even if the driver unavoidably turns the steering wheel excessively on a slippery road, for instance, the target braking force is not set to a large value beyond necessity, with the result that a stable vehicle turning travel can be attained.

Abstract: An integrated vehicle control system including: contact possibility determining means for determining whether a possibility of contact with an obstacle is great, first brake control means for controlling operation of the vehicle brake in response to the possibility of contact, vehicle behavior detecting means for detecting parameters such as the vehicle yaw rate, vehicle behavior control means for calculating a value such as the error between the detected yaw rate and a reference yaw rate and calculating a manipulated variable (braking force difference) such that the veerability of vehicle is enhanced, and second brake control means for controlling operation of the vehicle brake in response to the calculated manipulated variable.

Abstract: It is an object of this invention to provide a method for when and on which wheel to initiate braking force distribution. In a brake hydraulic device for a motor vehicle, a rear wheel subject to control is an inner or outer wheel is checked; if the outer wheel is to be controlled, deceleration threshold value is increased according to the lateral acceleration, and if the absolute value of the vehicle deceleration exceeds the deceleration threshold value, the braking distribution control is operated on the rear wheel; and if the inner wheel is to be controlled, deceleration threshold value is decreased according to the lateral acceleration, and if the absolute value of vehicle deceleration exceeds the deceleration threshold value, the braking distribution control is operated on the rear wheel.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for improving the estimate of vehicle yaw rate in the computer of the brake or traction control system of a vehicle, like a truck or sport utility vehicle, having a relatively high center of gravity and tending to roll during yaw. Yaw is typically estimated by sensing the speed of the non-driven wheels, determining the difference between the wheel velocities and dividing the difference by the track of the wheels. A table of correction factors correlated with vehicle speed is prepared and used to compensate for the effect of roll on yaw rate.

Abstract: A vehicle speed, an actual steering angle, an actual vehicle yaw rate, and a lateral vehicle acceleration are detected. On the basis of the detected vehicle speed, the detected actual vehicle yaw rate, and the detected lateral vehicle acceleration, the vehicle body slip angular velocity calculating section (32) calculates a vehicle body slip angular velocity. On the basis of the calculated vehicle body slip angular velocity, the front wheel steering wheel angle correcting section (33) corrects the actual steering angle. On the other hand, the braked wheel selecting section (36) selects a braked wheel. Further, the braking signal output section (37) outputs a braking signal to the brake driving section (16) so that the target braking force calculated by the target braking force calculating section (35) can be applied to the braked wheel selected by the braked wheel selecting section (36).

Abstract: A moving behavior control device for a vehicle calculates first target braking forces to be applied to the respective wheels for stabilizing the vehicle against a turn instability, second target braking forces to be applied to the respective wheels for stabilizing the vehicle against a roll instability, and target overall braking forces to be applied to the respective wheels by integrating the first and second target braking forces, and applies braking forces to the respective wheels according to the target overall braking forces, wherein the applied braking forces are decreased according to a first rate schedule by which the applied braking forces are decreased at a first rate according to an excess of the applied braking forces relative to the target overall braking forces when the vehicle is running at no probability of rolling beyond a predetermined threshold roll, and according to a second rate schedule by which the braking forces are lowered at a second rate smaller than the first rate according to the

Abstract: A control device for controlling the running behavior of a four wheeled vehicle has a mathematical tire model of each wheel defining a relationship between longitudinal and lateral forces vs.

Abstract: A control device for controlling the running behavior of a four wheeled vehicle has a mathematical tire model of each wheel defining a relationship between longitudinal and lateral forces vs. slip ratio, synthesizes the mathematical tire model at zero slip and a control input from an outside running behavior controller such as a spin controller or a driftout controller to generate nominal values of longitudinal force, lateral force and yaw moment of the vehicle body, and controls the slip ratio of the wheels through cyclic adjustment so as to approach the differences between the nominal values and the actual values in the longitudinal force, lateral force and yaw moment of the vehicle body to the corresponding differences of those parameters due to differentiation thereof by the slip ratio based upon the mathematical tire model.

Abstract: A vehicle speed, an actual steering angle, an actual vehicle yaw rate, and a lateral vehicle acceleration are detected. On the basis of the detected vehicle speed, the detected actual vehicle yaw rate, and the detected lateral vehicle acceleration, the vehicle body slip angular velocity calculating section (32) calculates a vehicle body slip angular velocity. On the basis of the calculated vehicle body slip angular velocity, the front wheel steering wheel angle correcting section (33) corrects the actual steering angle. On the basis of the detected actual yaw rate, the detected vehicle speed, and the corrected actual steering angle, the target yaw moment calculating section (34) calculates a target yaw moment. On the other hand, the braked wheel selecting section (36) selects a braked wheel. Further, on the basis of the target yaw moment, the target braking force calculating section (35) calculates a target braking force to be applied to the braked wheel.

Abstract: In a process and a system for controlling the longitudinal dynamics of a motor vehicle, a drive train actuating signal is determined from actual vehicle condition data, controller-internal desired longitudinal velocity values, and desired longitudinal acceleration values determined by means of fed input data concerning the desired longitudinal acceleration and the actual driving condition. According to the invention, as a function of the controller-internal desired longitudinal velocity values and desired longitudinal acceleration values as well as of actual driving condition data, by means of an inverse characteristic vehicle longitudinal dynamics diagram, a desired drive train actuating signal is determined and the drive train actuating signal is determined therefrom.

Abstract: A vehicle speed, an actual steering angle, an actual vehicle yaw rate, and a lateral vehicle acceleration are detected. On the basis of the detected vehicle speed, the detected actual vehicle yaw rate, and the detected lateral vehicle acceleration, the vehicle body slip angular velocity calculating section (32) calculates a vehicle body slip angular velocity. On the basis of the calculated vehicle body slip angular velocity, the front wheel steering wheel angle correcting section (33) corrects the actual steering angle. On the basis of the detected actual yaw rate, the detected vehicle speed, and the corrected actual steering angle, the target yaw moment calculating section (34) calculates a target yaw moment. On the other hand, the braked wheel selecting section (36) selects a braked wheel. Further, on the basis of the target yaw moment, the target braking force calculating section (35) calculates a target braking force to be applied to the braked wheel.

Abstract: A vehicle speed, an actual steering angle, an actual vehicle yaw rate, and a lateral vehicle acceleration are detected. On the basis of the detected vehicle speed, the detected actual vehicle yaw rate, and the detected lateral vehicle acceleration, the vehicle body slip angular velocity calculating section (32) calculates a vehicle body slip angular velocity. On the basis of the calculated vehicle body slip angular velocity, the front wheel steering wheel angle correcting section (33) corrects the actual steering angle. On the basis of the detected actual yaw rate, the detected vehicle speed, and the corrected actual steering angle, the target yaw moment calculating section (34) calculates a target yaw moment. On the other hand, the braked wheel selecting section (36) selects a braked wheel. Further, on the basis of the target yaw moment, the target braking force calculating section (35) calculates a target braking force to be applied to the braked wheel.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine control apparatus is capable of changing between a stratified charge combustion operation and a uniform combustion operation in accordance with the operating condition of an internal combustion engine. If a request for a reduction in the torque of the engine is issued in order to reduce the behavior change of the vehicle or the like, the torque of the engine can be reduced with high responsiveness and high precision by immediately changing the operation of the engine to the stratified charge combustion operation, and then controlling at least one of the amount of fuel to be injected and the fuel injection timing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of adjusting a predetermined, variable braking pressure in the wheel brakes of a brake system, in which the input quantities which determine the braking pressure in the individual wheel brakes are ascertained in a control and data-processing system, and actuation times of hydraulic valves, setting signals of actuators, etc., are established. These input quantities preferably reproduce the pressure, the pressure fluid volume, or the wheel slip. The input quantities and their time derivatives are weighted for the individual wheels and added in a pressure controller. The sum is further processed in a non-linear transmission element.

Abstract: A travel state of a vehicle is detected by a travel-state detecting device. A lateral slip angle of a vehicle body is calculated as a first lateral slip angle in a first lateral slip angle calculating device by integrating a differentiated value of lateral slip angle determined based on a non-linear four-wheel vehicle's motion model. A lateral slip angle of the vehicle body is calculated as a second lateral slip angle in a second lateral slip angle calculating device by a calculation in a linear two-wheel vehicle's motion model. One of the first and second lateral slip angles is selected alternatively in a selecting device in accordance with the travel state detected by the travel-state detecting device such that the second lateral slip angle is selected when the travel-state detecting device detects a state in which the vehicle is traveling straightforwardly at a low speed.

Abstract: A vehicle turn control system has a controller connected to a steer angle detecting section, a vehicle speed sensor and a vehicle turn state detecting section. The controller calculates a target vehicle turn state from a steer angle and a vehicle speed and controls brake pressure supplied to a brake cylinder of each wheel of the vehicle according to a difference between the actual vehicle turn state and the target vehicle turn state. The controller executes a pre-charge control of a brake cylinder of a wheel to be braked next and restricts the pre-charge control according to the vehicle turn condition.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vehicle dynamic control system which alters characteristics of respective vehicle movement controllers so that they can function properly against coming and foreseeable running conditions and current running conditions, recognizing beforehand details of an emerging curve on the road to be traveled. The system comprises a vehicle movement control alterant and at least one among vehicle movement controllers, i.e., a brake controller, a left/right wheel differential limiter controller and power distribution controller. When the vehicle is approaching the curve, the vehicle movement control alterant alters characteristics of a braking controller, the left/right wheel differential limiter controller and the power distribution controller to those favorable to turning for driving through a curve appropriately.

Abstract: In a vehicle with an active brake control system a control method comprising to the steps of: determining individual wheel speeds of the vehicle wheels responsive to sensor output signals (1016, 1018); determining a vehicle reference velocity responsive to the individual wheel speeds (1002-1012); measuring vehicle yaw rate (1128); determining a delta velocity for each wheel responsive to the individual wheel speed for the wheel and the vehicle reference velocity (326); and when the active brake control system is in the active state for at least one of the wheels, (a) setting a base delta velocity for the one wheel equal to the delta velocity for the one wheel immediately prior to the active brake control obtaining the active state for the one wheel (200); (b) determining a control term responsive to the measured vehicle yaw rate (806), wherein the control term represents a desired delta velocity for the one wheel; (c) setting a first target change in delta velocity responsive to the base delta velocity and th

Abstract: A vehicle speed, an actual steering angle, an actual vehicle yaw rate, and a lateral vehicle acceleration are detected. On the basis of the detected vehicle speed, the detected actual vehicle yaw rate, and the detected lateral vehicle acceleration, the vehicle body slip angular velocity calculating section (32) calculates a vehicle body slip angular velocity. On the basis of the calculated vehicle body slip angular velocity, the front wheel steering wheel angle correcting section (33) corrects the actual steering angle. On the basis of the detected actual yaw rate, the detected vehicle speed, and the corrected actual steering angle, the target yaw moment calculating section (34) calculates a target yaw moment. On the other hand, the braked wheel selecting section (36) selects a braked wheel. Further, on the basis of the target yaw moment, the target braking force calculating section (35) calculates a target braking force to be applied to the braked wheel.

Abstract: A vehicle stability control apparatus calculates a desired yaw rate from the angle of the steering wheel and vehicle's velocity and always executes control so as to have the actual yaw rate correspond to the desired yaw rate. Both of the front wheels' braking force and the rear wheels' braking force are operated according to the amendment momentum calculated by a control in response to the yaw rate difference. However, the actual yaw rate cannot be accurately corresponded to the desired yawing moment without delay when the driver operates a steering wheel rapidly in the emergency evasion condition, the control unit increases the amendment momentum right after the emergency evasion condition. Furthermore, the control unit decreases the amendment momentum when the vehicle is converging on straight-ahead driving.

Abstract: An improved vehicle yaw control that does not require a yaw sensor, wherein the validity of an estimate of vehicle yaw is determined and used to select an appropriate control methodology. The vehicle yaw is estimated based on the measured speeds of the un-driven wheels of the vehicle, and various other conditions are utilized to determine if the estimated yaw rate is valid for control purposes. When it is determined that the estimated yaw rate is valid, a closed-loop yaw rate feedback control strategy is employed, whereas in conditions under which it is determined that the estimated yaw rate is not valid, a different control strategy, such as an open-loop feed-forward control of vehicle yaw, is employed. The validity of the estimated yaw rate is judged based on a logical analysis of the measured wheel speed information, braking information, and steering wheel angle. The measured speeds of the un-driven wheels are used to compute an average un-driven wheel speed and an average un-driven wheel acceleration.

Abstract: A slip of drive wheels of a vehicle driven via a continuously variable transmission is suppressed due to fuel cut of a multi-cylinder engine. The speed change response characteristics of the transmission are made to vary according to the engine rotation speed when fuel cut is performed. A speed change ratio command value is calculated from a target speed change ratio based on a first-order delay due to a predetermined time-constant. The response of the transmission is thus delayed for low engine rotation speed than for high rotation speed, and undesirable fluctuation of the speed change ratio when the drive wheels slip is prevented.

Abstract: A method for detecting an erroneous travel direction or a defective yaw rate sensor 12 is disclosed. Two estimates of the vehicle yaw rate are gathered from separate criteria and are compared with one another as well as the measured vehicle yaw rate. Using these comparisons along with other information regarding vehicle travel, a conclusion of whether a travel direction signal is erroneous is made. This determination can then be used to modify the vehicle's brake control strategy.

Abstract: An improved active brake control method which compensates for the effects of a banked road surface under both steady state and transient operating conditions of the vehicle. The control includes an observer for estimating the lateral velocity of the vehicle as a means of determining vehicle slip angle, and a time derivative of the estimated lateral velocity is used along with measured values of lateral acceleration, vehicle speed and yaw rate to compute the lateral acceleration component due to the banked road surface, referred to as the bank acceleration. The bank acceleration, in turn, is then used to correct the values of measured steering angle and the measured lateral acceleration used (1) to develop the desired yaw rate, slip angle and lateral acceleration, and (2) to estimate the surface coefficient of adhesion and slip angle. Partial compensation can be achieved by applying suitable gain factors to the computed bank acceleration, if desired.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for controlling vehicle motion. More specifically, the invention relates to an apparatus for improving vehicle stability by controlling the brake torque of a vehicle during, for example, cornering manuevers. In accordance with the present invention, vehicle stability is improved by independently controlling brake torque in response to sensed yaw rate.