Patent ID: 6837329
Filing Date: 2005-01-04
Classification: B60K

Abstract:
1. A power distribution controlling method for a four-wheel drive vehicle, wherein the vehicle has front wheels and rear wheels driven by torque supplied by an engine, wherein the vehicle has a coupling for changing torque distribution to the front wheels and the rear wheels, the method comprising: controlling the coupling in accordance with a torque distribution mode selected from a normal mode and a secondary mode; determining whether engine braking is being applied; temporarily changing the torque distribution mode from the normal mode to the secondary mode when it is determined that engine braking is being applied, wherein the torque distribution to the front wheels and the rear wheels is more equalized in the secondary mode than that immediately before the torque distribution mode is changed to the secondary mode; detecting a speed of the vehicle; and detecting a throttle opening degree, which is the opening degree of a throttle valve located in the engine, wherein the detected vehicle speed and the detected throttle opening degree are used to determine whether engine braking is being applied.