When an engine start command is generated to an engine that is in a stopped state, engine start control for cranking the engine and starting fuel combustion after increasing the engine speed is performed. In the engine start control, one of a first start pattern in which an initial combustion speed is higher than a resonance speed of the engine, and a second start pattern in which the initial combustion speed is lower than the resonance speed of the engine is selected according to the speed ratio (gear position) of a transmission. Cranking torque in the second start pattern is lower than the cranking torque in the first start pattern.

A transmission device for a hybrid vehicle including: a plurality of shift dog clutches each arranged to selectively engage the movable side gear of one of the shift gear rows with the other of the main shaft and the counter shaft; a main clutch disposed between the internal combustion engine and the main shaft; a first motor gear disposed to be raced with respect to a motor output shaft connected to the motor, and constantly interlocked with the main shaft; a second motor gear disposed to be raced with respect to the motor output shaft, and constantly interlocked with the counter shaft; a motor dog clutch arranged to selectively engage one of the first and second motor gears with the motor output shaft; and a controller configured to control actuations of the shift dog clutch, the main clutch, and the motor dog clutch.

A transmission device for a hybrid vehicle including: a plurality of shift dog clutches each arranged to selectively engage the movable side gear of one of the shift gear rows with the other of the main shaft and the counter shaft; a main clutch disposed between the internal combustion engine and the main shaft; a first motor gear disposed to be raced with respect to a motor output shaft connected to the motor, and constantly interlocked with the main shaft; a second motor gear disposed to be raced with respect to the motor output shaft, and constantly interlocked with the counter shaft; a motor dog clutch arranged to selectively engage one of the first and second motor gears with the motor output shaft; and a controller configured to control actuations of the shift dog clutch, the main clutch, and the motor dog clutch.

A hybrid rear axle provides a variety of functionality in addition to the functionality of a non-hybrid axle. The axle transmits power from an electric motor to the drive wheels at two selectable speed ratios to propel the vehicle. One of the two ratios is usable to propel the vehicle electrically with the engine stopped. With the drive wheels stationary, the axle transmits power from the driveshaft to the motor to charge a battery or from the motor to the driveshaft to start the engine.

A hybrid rear axle provides a variety of functionality in addition to the functionality of a non-hybrid axle. The axle transmits power from an electric motor to the drive wheels at two selectable speed ratios to propel the vehicle. One of the two ratios is usable to propel the vehicle electrically with the engine stopped. With the drive wheels stationary, the axle transmits power from the driveshaft to the motor to charge a battery or from the motor to the driveshaft to start the engine.

A control system for a hybrid vehicle configured to avoid a sudden and significant reduction in a drive torque generated by a motor during high load operation. A controller comprises a determiner that determines a satisfaction of a predetermined condition, and a power limiter that restricts an upper limit of an output power of an electric storage device supplied to the motor upon satisfaction of the predetermined condition, to a restricted upper limit value which is smaller than a normal upper limit value set in a case that the predetermined condition is not satisfied.

A control system for a hybrid vehicle configured to avoid a sudden and significant reduction in a drive torque generated by a motor during high load operation. A controller comprises a determiner that determines a satisfaction of a predetermined condition, and a power limiter that restricts an upper limit of an output power of an electric storage device supplied to the motor upon satisfaction of the predetermined condition, to a restricted upper limit value which is smaller than a normal upper limit value set in a case that the predetermined condition is not satisfied.

A transmission for a hybrid vehicle includes a planetary gear set including at least three rotary members of which one is connected to an engine. A first anti-rotator selectively restricts rotation of the rotary member connected to the engine. A first motor generator is connected to another one of the rotary members of the planetary gear set. A second motor generator is connected to the remaining one of the rotary members of the planetary gear set. An output shaft has a first output gear thereon, which is externally engaged with the rotary member connected to the first motor generator. A second anti-rotator selectively restricts rotation of the rotary member connected to the second motor generator.

A transmission for a hybrid vehicle includes a planetary gear set including at least three rotary members of which one is connected to an engine. A first anti-rotator selectively restricts rotation of the rotary member connected to the engine. A first motor generator is connected to another one of the rotary members of the planetary gear set. A second motor generator is connected to the remaining one of the rotary members of the planetary gear set. An output shaft has a first output gear thereon, which is externally engaged with the rotary member connected to the first motor generator. A second anti-rotator selectively restricts rotation of the rotary member connected to the second motor generator.

A hybrid vehicle comprising: a pair of drive wheels; an internal combustion heat engine; an electrically controlled transmission; a control unit of the heat engine; a control unit of the transmission; a passenger compartment having a driver's seat provided with a plurality of controls that can be operated by the driver and comprise a steering wheel, an accelerator pedal, a brake pedal and transmission control means; and an electronic control unit of the transmission control means that is physically installed in the passenger compartment close to the transmission control means, fulfils the function of acquiring the current position of the transmission control means and also fulfils the function of vehicle management unit by receiving the orders given by the driver and by providing the control unit of the heat engine and the control unit of the transmission with the corresponding objectives to meet the driver's needs.