Vehicle dynamic characteristic control apparatus
First Claim
1. A vehicle dynamic characteristic control apparatus for use with a motor vehicle having a controllable dynamic characteristic, comprising:
- sensor means sensitive to vehicle running conditions for producing sensor signals indicative of sensed vehicle running conditions;
actuator means for controlling the dynamic characteristic of the motor vehicle; and
a control unit coupled between the sensor means and the actuator means, the control unit including means for determining a value for a first setting of the actuator means based on the sensor signals, means for converting the determined value into a second setting of the actuator means, means for producing a start command when braking is applied to said motor vehicle intermittently a predetermined number of times or more in a predetermined period of time, means responsive to the start command for producing an electric signal to operate the actuator means in a self-checking mode, means for producing a termination command when a time has elapsed after the start command is produced, and means responsive to the termination command for terminating the self-checking mode of operation of the actuator means.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A vehicle dynamic characteristic control apparatus for use with a motor vehicle having a controllable dynamic characteristic. The apparatus includes an actuator for controlling the dynamic characteristic of the motor vehicle, and a control unit for calculating a value for a setting of the actuator based on vehicle running conditions and converting the calculated value into a setting of the actuator. The control unit produces a start command when it receives an abnormal signal which does not occur during normal vehicle driving. An electric signal is produced to operate the actuator in a self-checking mode in the presence of the start command. The self-checking operation is terminated when a time has elapsed after the start command is produced. This is effective to avoid troubles which will occur if the self-checking operation continues for a long time.
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Citations
3 Claims
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1. A vehicle dynamic characteristic control apparatus for use with a motor vehicle having a controllable dynamic characteristic, comprising:
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sensor means sensitive to vehicle running conditions for producing sensor signals indicative of sensed vehicle running conditions; actuator means for controlling the dynamic characteristic of the motor vehicle; and a control unit coupled between the sensor means and the actuator means, the control unit including means for determining a value for a first setting of the actuator means based on the sensor signals, means for converting the determined value into a second setting of the actuator means, means for producing a start command when braking is applied to said motor vehicle intermittently a predetermined number of times or more in a predetermined period of time, means responsive to the start command for producing an electric signal to operate the actuator means in a self-checking mode, means for producing a termination command when a time has elapsed after the start command is produced, and means responsive to the termination command for terminating the self-checking mode of operation of the actuator means. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3)
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Specification