Patent attributes
At speeds of the vehicle lower than a predetermined speed, two rotors (19, 20) of a dual-rotor motor (17), rotating in opposite directions under the action of the same electromagnetic forces, drive the wheels (12, 13, 15, 16) of two drive axles (11, 14) respectively, driving the vehicle in a low-speed/four-wheel-drive mode, while an internal-combustion engine (45) drives an electric generator (52) or rests. The generator powers the dual-rotor motor, or charges an electric battery (56), or both. At speeds higher than the predetermined speed, the engine driving the generator also drives the wheels (12, 13) of the first drive axle (11), whereas under normal load the dual-rotor motor does not operate and the engine alone drives the vehicle in a high-speed/two-wheel drive mode, while under heavy load the dual-rotor motor, powered by the battery, operates and together with the engine drive the vehicle in a high-speed/four-wheel-drive mode. A clutch (51) selectively interrupts the power transmission between the engine and first drive axle. The dual-rotor motor selectively operates as a braking generator during speed retardation and braking of the vehicle. A central electronic controller (64) controls the operation of the clutch, dual-rotor motor, and engine for achieving high fuel efficiency and performance of the vehicle.
