Abstract: A method and a system for limiting an engine torque of vehicles to a maximum value. In the method, signals representing wheel torques from wheel sensors at the drive train are acquired, the wheel torques, differentiated according to driving situations which can have a harmful influence on the transmission, differential or torque converter, then being checked for a wheel-torque value which is too high. If too high a value is found, the engine torque is limited or reduced.

Abstract: To determine the timing of the electrical brake for completely stopping in electrical braking control, and also to achieve both sure stopping and good riding comfort in an electric vehicle powered by the motor by decreasing the braking force at a prescribed rate of change, the torque of the electric motor is controlled by controlling the power converter which powers the motor using a power converter controller. The deceleration of the motor is computed based on the detected speed of the electric motor which is as an output of the speed detection means, the subsequent speed of the electric motor is estimated based on the detected speed and the deceleration rate of the electric motor at the time the detected rotational speed of the electric motor falls below a prescribed speed, and torque control is carried out using an electric power converter controller, based on the estimated speed.

Abstract: An electric power steering controller and a control method for assisting a driver during handling a steering wheel in a condition of a small road surface reaction torque of a tire by generating an auxiliary return torque for letting the steering wheel return to its original position. A first road surface reaction torque is estimated from a steering torque of a driver detected by a steering torque detector, a motor acceleration detected by a motor acceleration detector, and a motor current detected by a motor current detector. A second road surface reaction torque is estimated from a steering angle detected by a steering angle sensor, and a vehicle speed detected by a vehicle speed detector. Then, first and second auxiliary return torque signals of the steering wheel are computed from a road surface reaction torque, and, based on the computed result, a torque of the motor is controlled in direction so the steering wheel is returned to its original position.

Abstract: This invention is a method and system for a hybrid electric vehicle adaptive fuel strategy to quickly mature an adaptive fuel table. The strategy adaptively alters the amount of fuel delivered to an internal combustion engine to optimize engine efficiency and emissions using engine sensors. Before the adaptive fuel strategy is permitted, an engine “on” idle arbitration logic requires the HEV to be in idle conditions, with normal battery state of charge, normal vacuum in the climate control and brake system reservoir; and, the vapor canister not needing purging. The strategy orders the engine throttle to sweep different airflow regions of the engine to adapt cells within the adaptive fuel table. In the preferred configuration, a generator attached to the vehicle drive train, adds and subtracts torque to maintain constant engine speed during the throttle sweeps.

Abstract: Providing a control apparatus for a variable-cylinder engine or a vehicle control apparatus, which permits a further improvement in the fuel economy of the vehicle

Abstract: A torque control strategy control for management of regenerative braking in a motor vehicle. A first processor (12) processes throttle request data (20) and torque modification data (40) from a second processor (14) to develop motor torque request data (28) for controlling rotary electric machine torque. The second processor processes brake request data (26), the throttle request data, and operating data from the at least one operating data source to develop friction brake torque data (30) for controlling friction brake torque applied to the vehicle and the torque modification data for the first processor.

Abstract: A driving force control apparatus is provided to optimize the acceleration performance and improve the energy efficiency of a vehicle. Preferably, the front wheels are driven by the internal combustion engine, while the rear wheels are driven by the electric motor. The electric motor is driven by electrical power generated by the generator. The generator is driven by the engine. When acceleration slippage occurs in the front wheels, the generator is controlled so as to produce a generation load torque corresponding to the acceleration slippage magnitude.

Abstract: A control apparatus is used to control a hybrid vehicle having an internal combustion engine, a stepwise variable transmission capable of automatic speed shifting, a clutch disposed between the internal combustion engine and the stepwise variable transmission for discontinuing and establishing power transfer to and from the stepwise variable transmission, an electric motor, etc. The control apparatus calculates a timing of the stepwise variable transmission starting an automatic shifting operation, and gradually decreases the torque assist based on the motor torque Tm of the electric motor prior to the start of the shifting operation, so as to reduce the stepped change in the drive torque that occurs when the engine torque Te is eliminated upon disengagement of the clutch during the shifting operation. This operation of the control apparatus also gentles or reduces the gradient of torque change. The shock at the time of shifting is thus reduced.

Abstract: A drive slip control system in which, if a gearshift has been detected, at least one parameter of the drive slip controller is switched over so as to render the drive slip controller less sensitive.

Abstract: A driving force control apparatus is provided to optimize the acceleration performance and improve the energy efficiency of a vehicle. Preferably, the front wheels are driven by the internal combustion engine, while the rear wheels are driven by the electric motor. The electric motor is driven by electrical power generated by the generator. The generator is driven by the engine. When acceleration slippage occurs in the front wheels, the generator is controlled so as to produce a generation load torque corresponding to the acceleration slippage magnitude.

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: A vehicle traction control increases the allowed wheel spin for a driven wheel when (1) sensed vehicle speed is within a predetermined speed range corresponding to near maximum engine speed for the sensed currently used gear of the transmission, (2) sensed vehicle turn curvature is within a predetermined curvature range of zero curvature, (3) sensed vehicle longitudinal acceleration has not been below a predetermined high acceleration for a predetermined time, and (4) sensed vehicle engine speed has not been below a predetermined high engine speed for the predetermined time. The tests are calibrated to provide the increase in a very narrow range of conditions corresponding to high performance operation, and particularly power shifts of a manual shift transmission, on a racetrack with a high coefficient surface.

Abstract: A method and a device are described for controlling a drive train of a vehicle having a gas pedal activated by a driver of the vehicle. A setpoint value is formed for a drive torque or a setpoint value for a drive power as a function of the position of a gas pedal. The drive train is then controlled in a such a way that the drive torque or the drive power is set as a function of the setpoint value formed. An interval with pre-definable interval limits is determined. The interval limits represent maximum and minimum values for the drive torque or the drive power to be set. The setpoint values are formed as a function of the determined interval. The basis for an optimal adaptation of the drive torque or the drive power to be set to the driver's preference and to the prevailing driving condition is made possible.

Abstract: A braking force retaining unit, which retains braking force until driving force for starting a vehicle increases to a certain value such that the braking force continues to act on the vehicle after releasing a brake pedal, wherein said braking force retaining unit having a device for decreasing the braking force in accordance with the increasing driving force.

Abstract: Wheelslip is controlled in an automotive vehicle having at least one wheel for which control is desired. Each wheel is controlled by a corresponding element of a command wheelslip vector. A first wheelslip vector is determined, one element of the first wheelslip vector for each wheel, the first wheelslip vector being operative to optimally minimize the time rate of change of weighted kinetic energy. A second wheelslip vector is determined, one element of the second wheelslip vector for each wheel, the second wheelslip vector being operative to maximize the time rate of change of weighted kinetic energy. The elements of the wheelslip vectors are determined in view of a stability effect determined for each of the at least one wheel.

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 method and an apparatus for estimating a maximally transmissible drive torque in a motor vehicle. The actual drive torque is set as the maximally transmissible drive torque when an average wheel slip of the drive wheels passes through a predefined slip threshold value in the direction of increasing drive slip.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process and a device for engine and transmission control in a motor vehicle with an internal combustion engine controlled by an engine control and a stepped automatic transmission controlled by a transmission control.

Abstract: A method is provided for determining an acceptable torque level to be applied to at least one clutch pack (of an automobile) which includes the requirement of internal slip to transmit torque. The automobile includes a plurality of wheels. A velocity is sensed at each of the plurality of wheels of the automobile. A speed information value is calculated. The speed information value is a function of the sensed velocities at each of the plurality of wheels. The speed information value is then compared with a calibration table. Finally, the acceptable torque level is determined primarily from the calibration table based on the speed information value.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically controlling a work implement of an earthmoving machine, the work implement including a bucket, to capture, lift and dump material, the bucket being controllably actuated by a hydraulic tilt cylinder and at least one hydraulic lift cylinder, based on discrete values of torque is disclosed.

Abstract: A tire slip control device comprises: an engine; a torque converter connected to an output shaft of the engine; a transmission for transmitting a traveling driving force from the torque converter to an axle; an engine rotation detector; an output rotation detector for the transmission; and a control for restricting the traveling driving force, wherein the control for restricting the traveling driving force judges that slip has occurred and restricts the traveling driving force when a rate of change of the ratio of an output speed of the transmission to an engine speed per unit time exceeds a first predetermined value in an initial condition in which the output speed of the transmission is a second predetermined value or smaller in a high-speed rotation area of a predetermined engine speed or larger.

Abstract: A device for high efficiency motor control includes an induction motor and a controller. The induction motor generates a motor torque and has a given rotor resistance and magnetizing inductance at a specific temperature. The controller is coupled to and controls the induction motor. The controller includes control logic operative to maximize the motor torque using a flux current and a torque current. The controller determines the flux current and torque current based upon a requested torque, a requested speed, the magnetizing inductance, the temperature and the rotor resistance.

Abstract: In a method and an apparatus for drive slip control, a switchover is made in the initial vehicle movement (drive-off) range from slip control to reference engine speed control. Additionally or alternatively, a braking intervention is performed, the braking force being controlled (in closed loop) only at the wheel which first exhibits slip, and the braking force control being accomplished in such a way that the other wheel runs in substantially stable fashion.

Abstract: A device for controlling a turning behavior of a vehicle detects running speed of the vehicle, calculate a standard performance of the turning behavior of the vehicle substantially according to a steering angle input by a steering system and the running speed of the vehicle, calculates a deviation of the turning behavior from the standard performance in an amount of decrease of vehicle running speed to be effected with the vehicle for compensating the deviation, calculates a target decrease of engine torque for effecting the vehicle running speed decrease, and decreases the engine torque according to the target engine torque decrease.

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: A control system for adjusting a throttle progression curve to compensate for traction slip calculates a maximum vehicle acceleration value based on wheel torque and vehicle speed conditions, then compares the actual vehicle acceleration to determine if it is greater than the maximum acceleration to determine if slip is detected, and adjust a throttle progression curve based on the results of the comparing step to enable the vehicle to learn the current road conditions and reduce the throttle progression for a given pedal position during slippery conditions to reduce the amount of slip that occurs during future accelerations.

Abstract: A vehicle-behavior control apparatus for the vehicle with a sub-transmission comprising of a control unit. This control unit is adapted to be connected to an engine system and vehicle status sensors, and directs the engine system to suppress a traction in response to spin or driftout moment determined from any outputs of the vehicle status sensors. The control unit limits the suppression of the traction when a position sensor of the sub-transmission indicates that the sub-transmission is at a lower speed range.

Abstract: A driving force control apparatus for vehicles prevents a breakdown of a power train and maintains driving force during running, thereby improving driving performance. The driving force control apparatus is constructed to control the driving force distributed through a differential gear unit to a plurality of wheels. The apparatus is arranged to compute permissible torque that can be permitted to enter the differential gear unit, based on a differential rotational speed of the differential gear unit, compute input torque entered into the differential gear unit, and decrease engine power output so as to keep the input torque into the differential gear unit not more than the permissible torque when the input torque is greater than the permissible torque.

Abstract: A driving force control system for an automotive vehicle using driving torque produced by at least one of an internal combustion engine and an electric motor for propulsion, and including a battery and a power-transmission mechanism having a continuously variable transmission, comprises sensors detecting vehicle speed, engine speed, an accelerator operating amount, a state of charge of the battery.

Abstract: A torque control strategy control for management of regenerative braking in a motor vehicle. A first processor (12) processes throttle request data (20) and torque modification data (40) from a second processor (14) to develop motor torque request data (28) for controlling rotary electric machine torque. The second processor processes brake request data (26), the throttle request data, and operating data from the at least one operating data source to develop friction brake torque data (30) for controlling friction brake torque applied to the vehicle and the torque modification data for the first processor.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for controlling an automotive vehicle are disclosed, in which a control amount for securing safety of the vehicle and the control amount for achieving a state intended for by the driver of the vehicle are switched in such a manner as to reduce the shock due to the change in the torque generated from the power train, thereby accomplishing both safety and maneuverability at the same time. A first target value is set for controlling at least selected one of the driving torque, the driving force and the acceleration/deceleration rate. A second target value is calculated in accordance with the drive mode intended for by the driver or the driving environment ahead of the vehicle. In the case where a deviation exceeding a predetermined value develops between the first target value and the second target value, the fluctuations of at least one of the driving torque, the driving force and the acceleration/deceleration rate are suppressed.

Abstract: The invention concerns a drive control for motor and utility vehicles. The speeds of the wheels and the steering angle are measured by means of sensors. Driving axle slip is determined by comparing the average peripheral wheel speeds of the driven and non driven axles and by taking into account the steering geometry. Driving force and finally chassis efficiency are determined by the slip with the assistance of standard characteristic lines. The efficiencies of all-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive are compared. The drive with the higher degree of efficiency is engaged.

Abstract: A control system for an engine-CVT drive train controls engine torque change against inertia torque that would take place during ratio change due to inertia attached to the CVT input shaft. A target speed is computed from operator power demand and vehicle speed. A target ratio is computed from the target speed and vehicle speed. A ratio command is computed from the target ratio. The control system computes the inertia torque from the ratio command or the target ratio.

Abstract: A traction control apparatus for vehicles according to the present invention has a slip state detector for detecting a slip state of a wheel, a parameter determining device for determining a control parameter for generating braking force according to the slip state detected, a control permitting device for permitting traction control, a parameter changer for changing the control parameter so as to decrease the braking force when the control parameter is one to generate the braking force at the wheel over permissible braking force at the start of control, and a traction control for executing the traction control, based on the control parameter. Thus the apparatus can restrain uncomfortableness during the traction control and can prevent large input from entering the power train.

Abstract: A deviation between a target value of a quantity of state and an actual value of the quantity of state that is caused to follow the target value or a time-integral of the deviation is filtered. Based on the filtered value, a switching surface &sgr; is calculated. Based on a value of the switching surface &sgr;, a control input value u is outputted. The filter is set through comparison in Bode diagrams between a design model of a control system based on an ordinary sliding mode control method and a characteristic variation model of the control system, and by performing compensation in such a direction as to cancel out the variation. The filtering process makes it possible to properly control the control system having a dead time by the sliding mode control method.

Abstract: A system for controlling steering of a vehicle, including an electric motor used for power-steering torque assist control. The system has an navigation system whose output is used to correct the detected steering angle input by the vehicle driver. A desired yaw rate is determined based on the corrected steering angle and the detected vehicle speed using a yaw rate model, thereby enabling to conduct the aforesaid lane-keeping-steering torque assist control in a more appropriate manner. Further, if the vehicle driver expresses a positive intention to steer the vehicle by himself, for example, so as to avoid an obstacle present on the road, the control is discontinue to meet the wishes of the vehicle driver. Furthermore, the system monitors the steering of the vehicle driver to prevent the vehicle driver from relying upon this steering assist control to an excessive extent.

Abstract: In a method and a device for controlling the drag torque of an internal combustion engine, a setpoint for the air supply to the internal combustion engine is held substantially constant during control of the drag torque in case of a tendency to instability of at least one wheel, and the drag torque is controlled by alteration of a second setpoint for the ignition angle and/or the fuel metering.

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: An auto-cruise controller to control the throttle angle of an engine so that the actual vehicle speed is equal to the target vehicle speed. In the controller, the pressure control of a lock-up clutch of an automatic transmission is conducted based on an amount of control of the lock-up pressure calculated corresponding to the traveling conditions of the vehicle when the throttle is fully closed, and when the vehicle is descending a slope during the auto-cruise control.

Abstract: A method and an arrangement for controlling a drive unit of a motor vehicle are suggested wherein the torque change of the drive unit is limited by a motor control system in dependence upon at least one status information of at least one other control system.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission of an automobile which varies the drive ratio arbitrarily between an input axis and an output axis is combined with a traction control device for example which performs braking corresponding to vehicle running conditions and irrespective of the accelerator pedal depression. A microprocessor calculates the vehicle speed from the rotation speed of the output axis, calculates the target drive ratio depending on the vehicle speed, and controls the drive ratio of the continuously variable transmission to be equal to the target ratio. When the brake operation device performs braking, fluctuation of the drive ratio based on the rotation variation of the output axis is prevented by the correction of the drive ratio in the upshift direction.

Abstract: Vehicle control apparatus including a running stability controller for performing a predetermined operation for improving stability of running of the vehicle by reducing engine output, braking the vehicle, holding automatic transmission in a predetermined position or shifting up the transmission, for example, and a device for preventing an interference between the operation of the running stability controller and an operation of a device, such as the automatic transmission, a torque converter lock-up clutch and a differential limiting clutch, which device is provided in a power transmitting system and which is controlled by an appropriate controller.

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 control for preventing damage to a vehicular driveline (10) during attempts to launch a vehicle from a stopped condition while engaged in an inappropriate start ratio. The control involves sensing engaged transmission ratio (GR) and vehicle speed (OS) to determine if the vehicle is being launched while the transmission is engaged in an inappropriate start ratio and, if such conditions are sensed, issuing command signals to the engine controller (36) to cause engine output torque to be limited to a predetermined value, preferably a value less than 50% of maximum engine output torque.

Abstract: An improved traction control system in which a wheel spin condition is detected based on measured vehicle acceleration instead of measured wheel speeds. An electronic controller detects a wheel spin condition by computing the acceleration of the vehicle drive shaft and comparing the computed acceleration to an acceleration threshold stored as function of vehicle speed and wheel torque. If the computed acceleration exceeds the threshold for more than a predetermined time, the engine torque is reduced in relation to the amount by which the computed acceleration exceeds the threshold. When the computed acceleration falls below the threshold, the torque reduction is gradually removed. The wheel torque, vehicle speed and drive shaft acceleration are easily determined and filtered, and the incremental cost of the traction control function is primarily related to the memory requirements to accommodate the acceleration threshold look-up table.

Abstract: A method and device setting a driving torque in a motor vehicle, in particular setting the torque as a part of an anti-slip regulation. At least two triggerable actuators are available for influencing the driving torque, where the actuators have different dynamic responses with regard to the setting of a driving torque. The core of the invention consists of the fact that first a component of the driving torque to be set is determined, and this component thus determined is used for triggering the actuator with the lower dynamics. In addition, the change in the driving torque produced by this triggering of the actuator with the lower dynamics is estimated. The difference between the driving torque to be set and the estimated driving torque is then used for triggering at least one actuator with higher dynamics.

Abstract: A system for controlling motive force of a vehicle having an engine and an automatic transmission connected to the engine to transmit engine torque to a drive shaft of the vehicle, wherein a control mode is selected from among a plurality of predetermined control modes in response to a calculated desired motive force and vehicle speed such that the fuel economy is enhanced and engine torque and speed (gear) ratio are controlled in response thereto. Moreover, the desired motive force is calculated by obtaining a difference between the wide-open-throttle motive force and the full-closed-throttle motive force and by multiplying the difference by a calculated ratio of motive force. Furthermore, the calculated desired output of the engine and the desired gear ratio are controlled such that the desired motive force is generated when the desired motive force is discriminated to be achievable.

Abstract: The invention proceeds from a control of the drive train of a motor vehicle having at least a drive unit and an automatic transmission. During driving operation, a desired value for the drive torque of the vehicle or for the transmission output torque is pregiven by the driver. The different operating points of the drive train are characterized by at least different output torques of the drive unit and rpm ratios and/or different output rpms of the drive unit. The essence of the invention is that, during driving operation, a set of evaluation quantities is determined for each possible operating point. One of the possible operating points is then selected as an optimal operating point via an optimization method based on the determined evaluation quantities. The transmission ratio, which belongs to this selected optimal operating point, is then adjusted on the transmission.

Abstract: A method and a device for controlling traction in a motor vehicle in which a maximum transmittable driving torque is calculated using operating parameters of the vehicle and its drive unit. One of these parameters is a quantity indicating the turning performance of the vehicle in cornering, such as the yaw or transverse acceleration of the vehicle.

Abstract: A traction control system for a vehicle determines a target value of engine output torque. The determined output torque is suitable for a specified target of quantitative slippage based on an effective output torque and quantitative slippage of the drive wheels. the engine is controlled so as to attain the target engine output torque, restraining an excess of driving force during an occurrence of excessive slippage of drive wheels.