Patent ID: 7290636
Filing Date: 2007-11-06
Classification: B60K

Abstract:
1. A driving force distribution control apparatus for a four-wheel drive vehicle which has an engine, front wheels and rear wheels to be driven by torque generated by said engine, a coupling capable of changing torque distribution to the front wheels and rear wheels, and a transmission, the driving force distribution control apparatus comprising: means for controlling torque distribution to the front wheels and rear wheels according to a first mode when the vehicle is not accelerating, and for controlling torque distribution to the front wheels and rear wheels according to a second mode when the vehicle is accelerating; and means for switching from said first mode to said second mode based on factors limited to consideration of a determination that the transmission has been shifted down and a determination that an amount of change in rotational speed of at least one of the front wheels and the rear wheels is greater than a predetermined threshold value, wherein the means for switching switches from said first mode to said second mode based on one of the determination that the transmission has been shifted down or the determination that an amount of change in rotational speed of at least one of the front wheels and the rear wheels is greater than a predetermined threshold value.