Multi-axle hybrid vehicle drive system

摘要

A hybrid vehicle 10 comprises an engine 12 driving one axle via a transmission 14 and a drive assembly 20 driving a second axle. The drive assembly 20 comprises an electric motor 28 and a frequency variable generator 24. The engine 12 drives a shaft turning a rotor 54 of the generator 24. A stator 50 of the generator 24 provides power to the motor 28 which typically drives a pair of wheels 18 via a torque distribution mechanism 32 including a differential 34 and a torque biasing actuator 36. An inverter 58 is typically connected to the rotor 54 and may be connected a battery 40. The inverter 58 is connected to a controller 26 which controls the magnitude and frequency of power supplied to the rotor 54 via slip rings and brushes 60. The drive assembly 20 comprises front and rear modules connected by cables 30, and may provide synchronised auxiliary power or a four wheel drive mode for a variety of vehicles.