OFF-ROAD VEHICLE WITH ELECTROMOTIVE DRIVE

摘要

A drive system is provided for an off-road vehicle that moves across unprepared terrain such as snow, tundra or ice. A plurality of n flexible airbag tires are in contact with the terrain and are driven by n top drive rollers carried by the chassis of the vehicle which frictionally engage and drive the airbag tires. A novel electromotive drive system is provided which includes a plurality of n electromotive drive motors connected to each of the n top drive rollers. Separate controllers having speed sensors and torque sensors are provided for sensing and controlling the instantaneous rotational speed and torque of each independent electromotive drive motor. A central, cab mounted computer based controller responsive to the independent motor controllers and various other inputs controls the instantaneous speed and torque of each of the individual drive motors. The independent speed and torque control of each drive motor is used to increase traction, assist steering, provide braking and regenerative electrical power.