Abstract: A drive system for a four-wheel drive vehicle, the drive system being mounted in a four-wheel drive vehicle that includes front wheels serving as main drive wheels and rear wheels serving as auxiliary drive wheels, includes: a propeller shaft that transmits the driving force from the engine side to the rear wheels side; a dog clutch that is able to interrupt torque transmission between the engine and the propeller shaft; a torque coupling that is able to interrupt torque transmission between the propeller shaft and the rear wheels; and an ECU that interrupts both torque transmissions by the dog clutch and the torque coupling when the vehicle speed is higher than or equal to a predetermined speed.

Abstract: A method managing a device distributing engine torque between main and secondary wheel sets of a motor vehicle, the distributing device including an actuator distributing engine torque, a control unit exhibiting plural distribution modes of the engine torque and adopting one distribution mode as a function of a variable and a button selecting a distribution mode delivering an information item representative of the button position, the control unit determining, in regular operation, the variable, as a function of the information item; the method includes: detecting potential failure of the selection button, including verifying consistency of the information item; activation of degraded mode of operation, when a failure of the button is detected, in which a constant value is allocated to the variable; during degraded operation, monitoring end of failure, including verifying consistency of the information item; activation of regular mode of operation, when end of failure is detected.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a fuel burning actuator operable to burn fuel to drive generator means to generate charge to recharge an energy storage means. The apparatus is operable to motor the fuel burning actuator by means of motoring means comprising an electric machine, the fuel burning actuator being operable to pump gas when motored. Brake means comprising a second electric machine is operable to generate charge in a regenerative braking operation in order to recharge the energy storage device. The apparatus is operable automatically to motor the fuel burning actuator by means of the motoring means when the fuel burning actuator is not burning fuel responsive to at least one operating parameter associated with the energy storage means, the apparatus being operable automatically to restrict by means of restrictor means an amount of gas pumped by the fuel burning actuator thereby to increase an amount of work done by the motoring means when the fuel burning actuator is motored.

Abstract: A parking meter includes an access control device to uniquely identify a vehicle based on wireless communication with the vehicle; and a plurality of power connections to distribute electricity to charge in parallel a plurality of battery sets in the vehicle. The battery sets may form an exterior body of the vehicle.

Abstract: A control device for controlling a front wheel drive force and a rear wheel drive force of a vehicle comprises a first controller for controlling a drive force of a main drive wheel and a drive force of an auxiliary drive wheel, the drive force of the main drive wheel being one of the front-wheel drive force and the rear-wheel drive force, and the drive force of the auxiliary drive wheel being another of the front-wheel drive force and the rear-wheel drive force; a second controller for sending to the first controller an auxiliary-drive-wheels-limiting drive force for limiting the drive force of the auxiliary drive wheels in a case that the vehicle is traveling in an unstable state; and a third controller for controlling a motor drive force, which is a source of the drive force of the main drive wheel and the drive force of the auxiliary drive wheel. The third controller reduces the motor drive force on the basis of the auxiliary-drive-wheel-limiting drive force.

Abstract: A driving force distribution control device for a four wheel drive vehicle having a mechanism that distributes the torque of an engine, which is transmitted to a main drive wheel, to a secondary drive wheel determines a first torque to be distributed to the secondary drive wheel on the basis of the engine torque, and corrects the determined first torque on the basis of a yaw rate deviation between a target yaw rate and an actual yaw rate of the vehicle. When an absolute value of the yaw rate deviation is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the mechanism is controlled on the basis of the corrected torque.

Abstract: A control device for a power transmitting device for four-wheel drive hybrid-vehicle is provided capable of preventing the occurrence of negative torque resulting from power generation control of a second electric motor MG2. Drive-force control executes a control such that rear-wheel output torque Tpr of rear wheels falls in a positive torque when first and second electric motors MG1 and MG2execute power generation controls, thereby preventing torques of front and rear wheels from orienting in different directions. Accordingly, the front and rear wheels have torques oriented in the same direction, thereby favorably preventing discomfort feeling during a vehicle running.

Abstract: A driving force distribution control device, which is mounted on a vehicle including an engine configured to generate driving force for the vehicle, a transmission device configured to shift rotation of an output shaft of the engine by transmission ratios, and a driving force transmission system capable of transmitting output of the transmission device to main drive wheels and auxiliary drive wheels, includes: a control device configured to, when a rotational speed of the output shaft of the engine is in a range in which abnormal sound of the driving force transmission system due to pulsation of the driving force can be generated, set a torque value to a value capable of reducing the abnormal sound depending on the driving force; and a driving force transmitting device configured to transmit driving force depending on the set value to the auxiliary drive wheels.

Abstract: A driving force distribution control device mounted on a vehicle including an engine, a transmission device, a clutch engaging an output shaft of the engine with an input shaft of the transmission device, and a driving force transmission system capable of transmitting output of the transmission device to main and auxiliary drive wheels, includes: a control device obtaining a torque value to be transmitted to the auxiliary drive wheels, the control device reducing the torque value for a predetermined time when the vehicle is in a stopped state or in a state where a vehicle speed of the vehicle is lower than a predetermined value, and an increasing speed of engaging force of the clutch is equal to or greater than a predetermined value; and a driving force transmitting device transmitting torque depending on the obtained torque value to the auxiliary drive wheels.

Abstract: A road surface frictional coefficient estimation device includes: a first straight travel determination unit configured to determine whether or not a vehicle travels straight based on a rotational speed difference between a plurality of wheels of the vehicle; a second straight travel determination unit configured to determine whether or not the vehicle travels straight based on a steering angle of the vehicle; a selection unit configured to select one of determination results of the first straight travel determination unit and the second straight travel determination unit; and a frictional coefficient estimation unit configured to estimate a frictional coefficient of a road surface on which the vehicle travels when the one of the determination results selected by the selection unit indicates that the vehicle travels straight.

Abstract: A target value for yaw angle velocity gain is computed according to a map expressing a relationship between steering wheel angle and yaw angle velocity gain predetermined such that a direction as seen from a driver of a target destination point for vehicle travel at a predetermined time after a forward gaze and a direction as seen from the driver are caused to match each other, and a steering gear ratio is controlled accordingly. A target value for a steering wheel torque corresponding to the detected steering wheel angle and the acquired yaw angular velocity is set, based on a relationship between yaw angular velocity and resistance-feel level predetermined such that the resistance feel level for a driver monotonically increases with increasing yaw angular velocity. Control is then preformed so as to realize the steering wheel torque target value.

Abstract: Discloses is a method of controlling a four-wheel drive vehicle equipped with a torque distribution device capable of changing a torque distribution amount for secondary driven wheels according to an input current to be applied thereto. This method comprises the steps of: applying, to the torque distribution device, a current value corresponding to a target torque distribution amount; and, performing a current changing control for increasing and reducing the input current to the torque distribution device. The step of performing a current changing control includes causing the input current to the torque distribution device to be temporarily increased to a value greater than the current value corresponding to the target torque distribution amount, and then returned to the current value corresponding to the target torque distribution amount, and repeating the temporary increasing of the input current at least at intervals of a predetermined time.

Abstract: A method of altering a drive parameter of a machine having a drive system that is configured to operate a left side of the machine independently of the right side of the machine. The method includes entering, by a user, a drive parameter alteration mode by actuating a first input, and actuating a second input to alter one or more parameters associated with a controller of the machine.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling torque and/or speed of wheels of a vehicle. The system and method receive one or more vehicle operating signals. Based on the received vehicle operating signals, the system and method determine whether one or more of a vehicle's wheels require torque or speed modification. If it is determined that one or more of the vehicle's wheels requires torque or speed modification, the system and method modifies the torque to drive, or speed of, a wheel or wheels based on the received vehicle operating signals. The modification is automatic and/or independent for each wheel. Some or all wheels can be coupled to respective wheel hubs having incorporated therewith an engagement/disengagement mechanism. The system and method can control the engagement/disengagement mechanism to modify the torque at, or speed of, the associated wheel based on the received vehicle operating signal or signals.

Abstract: A self-propelled vehicle includes a maneuvering unit, a drive unit including first and second drive sections, which are driven and controlled by drive wheel control commands, a drive wheel unit including left and right drive wheels driven by the first and second drive sections, respectively, at least one caster wheel which is controlled by a caster wheel control command, a bank detector for detecting a degree of bank of the vehicle and a control unit including a drive wheel control section for generating the drive wheel control commands. The control unit further includes a caster wheel control section which generates the caster wheel control command for controlling the steering angle of the caster wheel during a bank traversing travel, based on the bank degree so as to resolve a difference between a target travel and the actual travel which occurs during the bank traversing travel.

Abstract: A vehicle device control device includes an automatic drive control device for executing an automatic drive control by controlling at least a driving torque generating device, which applies a driving torque on a vehicle, so that a vehicle speed reaches a preset target vehicle speed, and a shift position determination portion for determining a shift position of a gear lever of the vehicle, wherein in a case where the shift position determination portion determines that the gear lever is set at a neutral position on the basis of a determination result of the shift position determination portion while the automatic drive control is executed, the automatic drive control device controls the driving torque generating device so that the driving torque applied to the vehicle becomes zero while continuously executing the automatic drive control.

Abstract: A system for controlling a power propulsion unit of a hybrid type for a four-wheel-drive automotive vehicle that includes at least one electric motor part and at least one thermal engine part capable of driving the independent front and rear driving axles of the vehicle. The system includes a mechanism determining total torque set point from a request of the driver, a mechanism distributing the total torque set point, and a system optimizing the duty point, to dynamically determine the torques to be applied to each of the two driving axles and to optimize fuel consumption of the power propulsion group according to the drivability requested by the driver and driving conditions.

Abstract: A remote-controlled mobile machine has a pair of flexible shafts (10) formed by inserting torque transmission driving wires (11) into tubes (12). One ends of the flexible shafts (10) are respectively connected to power sources (2), and the other ends thereof are respectively connected to a pair of left and right crawler mechanisms (102). The crawler mechanisms (102) are driven/controlled by remote control via the flexible shafts (10) to make the mobile machine travel.

Abstract: A control device for controlling a front wheel drive force and a rear wheel drive force of a vehicle includes a first controller for controlling a drive force of main drive wheels and a drive force of auxiliary drive wheels, wherein the drive force of the main drive wheel is one of the front-wheel drive force and the rear-wheel drive force, and the drive force of the auxiliary drive wheel is another of the front-wheel drive force and the rear-wheel drive force, and a second controller for sending to the first controller an auxiliary-drive-wheels-limiting drive force for limiting the drive force of the auxiliary drive wheels. The second controller has a preparatory unit for preparing reference drive force, a first limiting unit for limiting a reduction in the auxiliary-drive-wheels-limiting drive force, and a second limiting unit for limiting an increase in the auxiliary-drive-wheels-limiting drive force.

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 trailer sway intervention system. The trailer sway intervention system includes a trailer having a plurality of wheels, each wheel having a brake, and a vehicle towing the trailer. The vehicle includes a plurality of sensors configured to sense operating characteristics of the vehicle, and a controller. The controller receives the sensed operating characteristics from the sensors, determines an error based on a difference between an expected yaw rate and a sensed yaw rate, asymmetrically applies braking forces to one or more trailer wheels based on the difference, and symmetrically applies braking forces to the trailer wheels when the absolute value of the difference between the expected yaw rate and the sensed yaw rate is declining.

Abstract: A feed forward method for controlling the distribution of torque between the front and rear axle in a four wheel drive vehicle where the slope of a hill upon which the vehicle is traveling is calculated based on measured vehicle longitudinal acceleration and estimated longitudinal acceleration. The hill slope estimation is made and implemented before the wheels of the vehicle begin to slip due to the slope and low friction coefficient of the road surface. Under conditions of high vehicle speeds or severe vehicle turning, the change of torque distribution is not implemented because there is a lesser tendency for the vehicle to slip on the hill surface.

Abstract: A motorized wheelchair includes left and right drive wheels, left and right motors, rate-of-turn sensor, first and second speed sensors, and controller arranged to combine signals from the sensors in a manner that detects drift. Alternatively, the motorized wheelchair includes left and right drive wheels, left and right motors, first and second rate-of-turn sensors, and controller arranged to combine signals from the sensors in a manner that compensates for voltage offset errors. In another arrangement, the motorized wheelchair includes left and right drive wheels, left and right motors, first and second rate-of-turn sensors, input device, and controller arranged to combine signals from the sensors and input device in a manner that controls the motors using an integrated turn rate error. Several methods for controlling each wheelchair configuration are also provided. These methods process signals associated with desired, expected, or actual turn rate to determine if the wheelchair is off course.

Abstract: A vehicle motion control device and method computes a size of a using friction circle in each of wheels by multiplying a size of an each wheel friction circle indicating a maximum generating force in each of the wheel tires by a previously computed each wheel using percentage, computes the each wheel tire generating force and the each wheel using percentage indicating a rate with respect to an upper limit value of a ?-using efficiency in each of the wheels, and controls a vehicle motion in such a manner that the computed each wheel tire generating force is obtained on the basis of the computed each wheel tire generating force, thereby minimizing an upper limit of the ?-using efficiency in each of the wheels.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for propelling an articulated tracked vehicle (1) provided with at least a front and rear vehicle portion (2, 4), comprising a front drive shaft (6), which rotates a front track (8) on the front vehicle portion (2); a rear drive shaft (10), which rotates a rear track (12) on the rear vehicle portion (4), the front drive shaft (6) being disposed in the front vehicle portion (2) and the rear drive shaft (10) being disposed in the rear vehicle portion (4). At least one motor (20, 34, 36) rotates the respective front and rear drive shaft (6, 10) in order thus to propel the vehicle (1) at a speed in relation to a ground surface (16). The front drive shaft (6) is rotated at a first speed and the rear drive shaft (10) is rotated at a second speed, which first and second speeds are different, so that the front and rear tracks (8, 12) rotate at different speeds.

Abstract: A brake control system includes a first wheel cylinder that applies braking force to a first wheel according to hydraulic pressure; a second wheel cylinder that applies braking force to a second wheel according to hydraulic pressure; a brake actuator that receives current and individually controls the hydraulic pressure of the first wheel cylinder and the hydraulic pressure of the second wheel cylinder; a power supply that supplies the current to the brake actuator; and a control portion which sets a braking force distribution between the first wheel and the second wheel based on the state-of-charge of the power supply, and controls the brake actuator according to the braking force distribution.

Abstract: In a method for operating a vehicle which has a first axle, a second axle, a unit for determining slipping of at least one wheel of the second axle on a ground surface, and a braking device associated with the wheel, a drive torque is applied to the first axle and the second axle via a central differential, and, in the event of slipping of the wheel, a braking torque required to prevent the slipping being determined. A setpoint braking torque is set on the braking device, which is less than the required braking torque, and the part of the drive torque supplied to the first axle is increased.

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: A control device for controlling a front wheel drive force and a rear wheel drive force of a vehicle includes a first controller for controlling a drive force of main drive wheels and the drive force of auxiliary drive wheels wherein the drive force of the main drive wheel is one of a front-wheel drive force and a rear-wheel drive force, and the drive force of the auxiliary drive wheel is another of the front-wheel drive force and the rear-wheel drive force, and a second controller for sending to the first controller an auxiliary-drive-wheels-limiting drive force for limiting the drive force of the auxiliary drive wheels in a case that the vehicle is traveling in an unstable state. The second controller has a calculation unit for calculating the auxiliary-drive-wheel-limiting drive force on the basis of a vehicle instability parameter.

Abstract: A control device for controlling a drive force that operates on a vehicle includes a first controller for controlling the drive force, and a second controller for sending to the first controller a limit of the drive force. The second controller has an input unit for inputting the drive force outputted from the first control means, and a calculation unit for computing in a first mode a limiting drive force for limiting the drive force. In a case that a first difference between the drive force and the limiting drive force is equal to or greater than a threshold value, the calculation unit calculates the limiting drive force in a second mode instead of the first mode so that the first difference is limited from becoming greater.

Abstract: A drive force-limiting device for limiting a drive force that acts on a drive wheel of a vehicle includes an acceleration correction unit for correcting a first acceleration of the vehicle and obtaining a corrected second acceleration, a first calculation unit for calculating a first speed of the vehicle on the basis of a wheel speed of the drive wheel and the first acceleration, a second calculation unit for calculating a second speed of the vehicle on the basis of the wheel speed and the second acceleration, a request unit for requesting a limiting drive force for limiting the drive force in a case that a difference between the first speed and the second speed is equal to or greater than a first threshold value, and an estimation unit in which the second speed is used as an estimated speed of the vehicle.

Abstract: A control device for controlling a front wheel drive force and a rear wheel drive force of a vehicle comprises a first controller for controlling a drive force of a main drive wheel and a drive force of an auxiliary drive wheel, the drive force of the main drive wheel being one of the front-wheel drive force and the rear-wheel drive force, and the drive force of the auxiliary drive wheel being another of the front-wheel drive force and the rear-wheel drive force; a second controller for sending to the first controller an auxiliary-drive-wheels-limiting drive force for limiting the drive force of the auxiliary drive wheels in a case that the vehicle is traveling in an unstable state; and a third controller for controlling a motor drive force, which is a source of the drive force of the main drive wheel and the drive force of the auxiliary drive wheel. The third controller reduces the motor drive force on the basis of the auxiliary-drive-wheel-limiting drive force.

Abstract: A method of regulating an axle disconnect device that is operable in an axle assembly of a vehicle drivetrain includes monitoring a plurality of parameters, determining whether an occurrence of at least one of a traction event and a stability event is imminent based on at least one of the parameters, the stability event being determined based on a first set parameters, and the traction event being determined based on a second set of parameters that includes less parameters than the first set of parameters, and regulating the axle disconnect device to an engaged position if the occurrence of the at least one of the traction event and the stability event is imminent.

Abstract: An inverted pendulum type moving body according to the present invention includes: first actuators that rotationally drive wheels each disposed on an axle; and a turning motion control portion that controls the first actuators when the inverted pendulum type moving body comes into contact with an obstacle so as to allow the inverted pendulum type moving body to perform a turning motion.

Abstract: A right-left driving force control system includes: a selecting unit which: selects an adjusting unit adjusting distribution of a driving force between right and left wheels, when a shifting direction in which the driving force is shifted between the wheels and which is related to a control amount is the same as a first direction towards one of the wheels which has a larger speed; selects a limiting unit adjusting a differential action limiting force, when the shifting direction is the same as a second direction towards one of the wheels which has a smaller speed, and a difference between the wheel speeds is equal to or larger than a threshold value; and maintains the adjusting unit or the limiting unit, which has been selected, when the shifting direction is the same as the second direction, and the difference between the wheel speeds is less than the threshold value; and a control unit which controls the adjusting unit or the limiting unit, which is selected or maintained by the selecting unit, based on the

Abstract: An electronic traction optimization system includes a control unit adapted to produce a corner speed estimate signal for each wheel of a machine, produce an ideal target speed signal for each wheel having a value at least partially responsive to the corner speed estimate signals, produces a practical target speed signal for each wheel, generates an actual target speed signal having a value responsive to a comparison of the ideal target speed signal and the practical target speed signal for each wheel. The control unit compares each actual target speed signal to an associated wheel speed signal to obtain a wheel speed error signal for each wheel and converts each wheel speed error signal to a clutch control signal, wherein each differential clutch actuator is responsive to an associated clutch control signal.

Abstract: An electronic traction optimization system includes a control unit adapted to produce a corner speed estimate signal for each wheel of a machine, produce an ideal target speed signal for each wheel having a value at least partially responsive to the corner speed estimate signals, produces a practical target speed signal for each wheel, generates an actual target speed signal having a value responsive to a comparison of the ideal target speed signal and the practical target speed signal for each wheel. The control unit compares each actual target speed signal to an associated wheel speed signal to obtain a wheel speed error signal for each wheel and converts each wheel speed error signal to a clutch control signal, wherein each differential clutch actuator is responsive to an associated clutch control signal.

Abstract: A slip suppression control system for a vehicle includes a monitored value detecting device for detecting a monitored value corresponding to a difference between a rotational speed of a front wheel and a rotational speed of a rear wheel of the vehicle, a threshold determiner unit configured to determine a relationship between the monitored value detected by the monitored value detecting device and a threshold; and a controller configured to initiate traction control for reducing a driving power of a drive wheel when the threshold determiner unit determines that the monitored value exceeds a predetermined start threshold, wherein the threshold determiner unit is configured to count a return time which lapses from when the monitored value exceeds the start threshold until the monitored value becomes smaller than second threshold; and wherein the controller is configured to determine whether or not to terminate the traction control based on the return time.

Abstract: A method for operating a vehicle drive train comprising a drive unit, a transmission, and an all-wheel splitter having a clutch. The all-wheel splitter is positioned between the transmission and the output and splits a transmission output torque to vary the torque distribution to driven axles of the output. The split of the output torque to the driven axles is performed by a control unit in such a way that the transmission output torque, less a predetermined nominal torque set by the all-wheel drive strategy, is transferred to a first axle while the nominal torque is transferred to a second axle. When defined operating conditions are met, a clutch monitoring function is activated and the nominal torque is replaced by a torque definition of the clutch monitoring function so that the torque which is transferred by clutch to the second driven axle, is increased, then kept constant, and thereafter reduced.

Abstract: A method of altering a drive parameter of a machine having a drive system that is configured to operate a left side of the machine independently of the right side of the machine. The method includes entering, by a user, a drive parameter alteration mode by actuating a first input, and actuating a second input to alter one or more parameters associated with a controller of the machine.

Abstract: When determining that a vehicle is not skidding, the ECU carries out tight corner control if vehicle speed is smaller than the upper limit value of the vehicle speed range corresponding to the starting state of the vehicle and the steering wheel turning angle of a steering wheel is greater than or equal to the minimum value of the steering wheel turning angle at which the tight corner braking phenomenon may occur. When determining that the vehicle is skidding, the ECU inhibits the tight corner control even if the vehicle speed is smaller than the upper limit value and the steering wheel turning angle is greater than or equal to the minimum value of the steering wheel turning angle at which the tight corner braking phenomenon may occur.

Abstract: A first chassis and second chassis hingedly connects to the first chassis, wherein each of the first and second chassis includes a plurality of wheels which are operably connected to a hydraulic motor. The hydraulic motor operably connects to an engine which is operably connected to the first chassis. A transmission pump operably interconnects the hydraulic motor and the engine and a flow divider operably interconnects the transmission pump and the hydraulic motor to regulate hydraulic flow to the hydraulic motor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to control an electro-mechanical transmission is provided, selectively operative in a plurality of fixed gear modes and continuously variable modes, and comprising first and second electrical machines and hydraulically-actuated clutches. Included is launching a vehicle so equipped, comprising operating the electro-mechanical transmission in a continuously variable mode to transmit motive torque from the first electrical machine to the driveline, and, selectively increasing an operating speed of the engine and selectively actuating a second clutch to transmit motive torque generated by the second electrical machine when an operator torque request exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A control module and method for controlling vehicle systems, including a possible acceleration module determining possible vehicle acceleration, an actual acceleration module determining actual vehicle acceleration, and a vehicle system control module controlling or providing input to the vehicle systems in response to the difference between possible vehicle acceleration and actual vehicle acceleration.

Abstract: A control device for controlling a front wheel drive force and a rear wheel drive force of a vehicle comprises a first controller for controlling a drive force of main drive wheels and the drive force of auxiliary drive wheels; and a second controller for sending to the first controller an auxiliary-drive-wheels-limiting drive force for limiting the drive force of the auxiliary drive wheels in a case that the vehicle is traveling in an unstable state. The second controller has a first calculation unit for calculating a first limiting drive force on the basis of lateral acceleration of the vehicle, and a second calculation unit for calculating a second limiting drive force on the basis of longitudinal acceleration of the vehicle. The second controller sends to the first controller a maximum limiting drive force among the first limiting drive force and the second limiting drive force as the auxiliary-drive-wheel-limiting drive force.

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: When a rear wheel total drive force is smaller than a rear wheel drive force difference and the rear wheel drive force difference cannot be realized by setting a left-right distribution of the rear wheel total drive force, an inside wheel target drive force is set unconditionally to a minimum initial drive force required to prevent a three-wheel drive state and an outside wheel target drive force is set to a value equal to the sum of the initial drive force and the rear wheel drive force difference, which is a value with which the rear wheel drive force difference can be realized while the inside wheel target drive force is set to the initial drive force. In this way, a drive force distribution control apparatus gives priority to realizing the rear wheel drive force difference and emphasizes achieving a target behavior over achieving a four-wheel drive performance.

Abstract: A drive control apparatus for a vehicle that improves vehicle maneuverability. The control apparatus performs control so as to reduce total drive torque of all wheels while maintaining a distribution difference, which is the difference between the drive torques of the left and right wheels during turning of the vehicle.

Abstract: A front wheel differential lock control system for a straddle-ride type four-wheeled vehicle is provided that can reliably switch a differential locking mechanism into a lock state in a low vehicle-speed state. In an engine provided with a manual transmission having forward five-speed and reverse gears, only in a low gear ratio state (1st through 3rd gears) is actuation of a diff-lock actuator permitted to switch a front wheel differential mechanism into a differential lock state. When a diff-lock operation is operated on the time of selection of third-, fourth- or fifth-speed gear, engine rotation number control is exercised to allow an engine rotation number to converge on a predetermined upper limit value. In an engine provided with a start clutch or a torque converter, actuation of the diff-lock actuator is permitted only in a low engine rotation number state where drive force is not transmitted to the front wheels.

Abstract: An electropneumatic control arrangement for an automatic vehicle level control system, particularly of a commercial vehicle, includes at least; a solenoid valve unit having at least two electropneumatic solenoid valves, a compressed air inlet for infeeding compressed air, at least one compressed air connection for at least one air bellows and electrical control inputs, and an electronic control unit for actuating the solenoid valve unit. The electronic control unit comprises control outputs for electrically connecting to the control inputs of the solenoid valve unit. A plug connector is configured on the housing of the solenoid valve unit, in which the electrical control inputs are disposed, and a plug connector is provided on the housing of the electronic control unit, in which the control outputs are disposed. The plug connectors are mechanically plugged into each other.