In this paper, an application of variable structure systems (VSS)(1) to electromagnetic-clutch (EMC) control for starting vehicles is studied.
Using a conventional open-loop controller, there is the case that changes in EMC dynamics lead to undesirable vehicle vibration though it may be rare.
First, to overcome the above problem, we developed a control strategy based on VSS. The VSS control is robust with respect to changes in EMC dynamics.
Second, we discussed the chattering problem of this controller in application to actual vehicle control.
Finally, we confirmed the validity of the proposed control strategy and the appropriateness of the conditions for reduced chattering derived by simulation. The validity of this control strategy was also confirmed experimentally.