Controller for a motor vehicle and method

Abstract

A controller for a motor vehicle powertrain, the controller being configured to control the amount of torque generated by each of a plurality of drive torque sources in order to generate a net torquecorresponding to a predetermined torque demand value, the predetermined torque demand value being determined at least in part by reference to a torque demand signal received by the controller, each drive torque source being coupled via a respective torque transfer arrangement to a respective group of one or more wheels, the controller being configured to cause at least one drive torque source to generate positive or negative torque in dependence on the predetermined torque demand value and to cause the drive torque source to undergo a torque reversal operation in which the direction of torquegenerated by the at least one drive torque sources changes from one direction to the other, the controller being configured wherein, during a torque reversal operation, the controller limits the rateof change of torque generated by the at least one of the plurality of drive torque sources as the amount of torque generated passes through zero and attempts to compensate for the reduction in rate ofchange of torque by a corresponding change in the amount of torque generated by one or more other of the plurality of drive torque sources.

Description

technical field [0001] The present disclosure relates to controllers and methods for motor vehicles. Aspects of the invention relate to controllers and methods. Background technique [0002] It is known to provide an electric vehicle in which a battery supplies power to a drive motor through an inverter. The drive motor is typically connected to both wheels of the vehicle through a torque transmitting assembly having a transmission coupled to a differential gearbox via a drive shaft. The differential gearbox sends drive torque to the sideshaft of the assembly, which in turn sends torque to each of the vehicle's two wheels. [0003] Torque transmitting devices, such as gear transmissions and differential gearboxes, have the characteristic that there is backlash in each set of gear meshes of the torque transmitting device and that backlash also exists in the support bearings. When the direction of the torque transmitting device is reversed by the device, the backlash experi...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

When the direction of the torque transmitting device is reversed by the device, the backlash is crossed and this can result in an audible noise and / or chatter experienced by the driver or passenger

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