Abstract:
The functionality of a “Launch Control” is implemented in a hybrid vehicle, i.e. the hybrid vehicle can be accelerated to a maximum degree by starting the internal combustion engine immediately from the stationary state (S20), and acceleration takes place with the aid of the electric motor with full torque (S22) before a changeover to accelerating the internal combustion engine takes place (S24). The “Launch Control” differs from a further mode in which firstly acceleration takes place from the stationary state using a partial torque of the electric motor (S14), with the result that the internal combustion engine can be tow-started by means of the electric motor (S16) before a changeover to acceleration using the internal combustion engine (S18) occurs.
Abstract:
A secondary controller for controlling the performance of a moving automobile is described. The secondary controller can be configured to communicate with one or more vehicle controllers, such as the engine control unit, while the automobile is being driven. The secondary controller can send control commands to the vehicle controller to effect the operation of the vehicle's power train. The secondary controller can receive power train related data from the engine control unit and based upon the received power train data determine when to send the control commands. In one embodiment, the secondary controller communicates with the vehicle controller via the vehicle's diagnostic port, such as an OBD-II port. In another embodiment, the secondary controller can be configured to control the operational displacement of a variable displacement engine while the vehicle is driven.
Abstract:
Provided is a vehicle control apparatus which can prevent drivability from being deteriorated. The vehicle control apparatus comprises an ECU adapted to determine whether or not a brake is “off” or the state of the hysteresis width of an accelerator opening degree exceeding a predetermined hysteresis width is continued for a predetermined period of time during the execution of an engine torque reduction control process. When the ECU determines that the brake is “off” or that the state of the hysteresis width of an accelerator opening degree exceeding a predetermined hysteresis width is continued for a predetermined period of time, the ECU performs an engine torque restoration process of the engine. Therefore, the vehicle control apparatus can allow the continued execution and non-execution of the reduction control to be switched therebetween in accordance with the driver's travel intention, thereby making it possible to prevent the drivability from being deteriorated.
Abstract:
A method of controlling an Extended Range Electric Vehicle (EREV) or a hybrid vehicle that includes an internal combustion engine (ICE) that is capable of automatically starting in response to a pre-defined event includes determining if the vehicle is within a pre-defined distance of a service station, determining if the ICE is running, determining if the vehicle is in an ignition on mode or in an ignition off mode, and automatically starting the ICE when the vehicle is within the pre-defined distance of the service station, the engine is not running and the ignition is in the ignition on mode to notify a service technician that the ICE is in the ignition on mode.
Abstract:
A control system for a plant e.g. as a non-linear system, which is capable of properly suppressing interaction occurring between a plurality of control inputs and a plurality of controlled variables, thereby making it possible to properly control the controlled variables and easily design the control system. In the control system, each of a plurality of interaction suppression parameters for correcting the control inputs, respectively, such that the interaction is suppressed is calculated using a neural network constructed by using, out of the plurality of control inputs, a control input other than a control input corrected by a calculated interaction suppression parameter, as an input, and the interaction suppression parameter as an output.
Abstract:
Provided is a vehicle control apparatus which can prevent drivability from being deteriorated. The vehicle control apparatus comprises an ECU adapted to determine whether or not a brake is “off” or the state of the hysteresis width of an accelerator opening degree exceeding a predetermined hysteresis width is continued for a predetermined period of time during the execution of an engine torque reduction control process. When the ECU determines that the brake is “off” or that the state of the hysteresis width of an accelerator opening degree exceeding a predetermined hysteresis width is continued for a predetermined period of time, the ECU performs an engine torque restoration process of the engine. Therefore, the vehicle control apparatus can allow the continued execution and non-execution of the reduction control to be switched therebetween in accordance with the driver's travel intention, thereby making it possible to prevent the drivability from being deteriorated.
Abstract:
A system and method for controlling a lean-burning internal combustion engine. The system and method enable a starter carburetor to operate at cold but not at hot temperature, to provide gulp air and counterbalance means for the starter carburetor, together with means to inhibit them at startup and for a brief time thereafter, and to inhibit exhaust gas recirculation when it would be deleterious to smooth operation. The system also provides for continuous accelerator pump operation during acceleration except at high temperatures. The objective is to secure smooth operation at startup, cold, warm or hot, and during transient conditions during engine warmup.
Abstract:
A control system for an engine having a starting motor, a battery, an ignition switch for connecting the battery to the engine, and a fuel valve for controlling the flow of fuel to the engine. The ignition switch is closed a predetermined number of times to crank the engine and start it, and means are provided for terminating the flow of fuel to the engine if it has not been started by the successive crankings. The system also includes means for terminating closure of the ignition switch when the engine begins to run and means which prevent closure of the ignition switch for a predetermined time if the engine is coasting to a halt when an engine start command is applied to the system. A predetermined time after the engine has been started, the engine oil pressure is monitored and low oil pressure causes the fuel valve to be closed, thereby stopping the engine. The water temperature and speed of the engine also operate switches which close the fuel valve if either is excessive.
Abstract:
This application discusses various ways to adjust the performance of a variable input control in accordance with previous use data. In some embodiments, the previous use data can be associated with particular users of the variable input control. In this way, a response provided by the user input control can be adjusted to accommodate particular patterns of use on a user by user basis. In some embodiments, the variable input control can take the form of an accelerator pedal of a vehicle. Performance of the accelerator pedal can be adjusted by changing an amount of engine power provided for a particular accelerator pedal position. The adjustment can arrange commonly utilized power settings in the middle of the accelerator pedal range of motion to make manipulation of the accelerator pedal more comfortable and convenient for each user of the accelerator pedal.