Patent ID: 6704627
Filing Date: 2004-03-09
Classification: B60K,B60T,B60W,B62D,Y02T,Y10S

Abstract:
A drive force distribution apparatus for a hybrid vehicle having an engine for driving a pair of first drive wheels and an electric motor for driving a pair of second drive wheels, comprising:a first clutch interposed between said electric motor and one of said second drive wheels; a second clutch interposed between said electric motor and the other of said second drive wheels; a battery for supplying electric energy to said electric motor and storing electric energy regenerated by said electric motor; a vehicle speed sensor for detecting a vehicle speed; an accelerator opening sensor for detecting an accelerator opening; a brake depression force sensor for detecting a brake depression force; a steering angle sensor for detecting a steering angle of a steering wheel; a yaw rate sensor for detecting a yaw rate; first means for deciding the distribution between a drive force for driving said first drive wheels and a drive force for driving said second drive wheels according to said vehicle speed detected, said accelerator opening detected, said brake depression force detected, a state of said battery, and a weight distribution of said vehicle; second means for deciding the distribution between a drive force for driving one of said second drive wheels and a drive force for driving the other of said second drive wheels according to said vehicle speed detected, said steering angle detected, and said yaw rate detected; and clutch control means for controlling a degree of engagement of each of said first and second clutches according to the distribution decided by said second means.