A method and system for operating a transmission that includes two power take off devices is described. In one example, an internal combustion engine and/or an electric machine may supply power to accessory devices via first and second power take off devices. Alternatively, power may be delivered to the transmission via one or both of the first and second power take off devices.

The present invention is a powertrain for a hybrid vehicle, comprising a driving/receiving machine (20), a thermal engine (10) and engine shaft (12), a speed variation device (14) including an engine epicyclic gear train (24) with a sun gear (34) and a crown (42) which are each connected to the engine shaft (12) by an engine controlled coupling (26, 28) and to a fixed part (40) of the powertrain by a one-way automatic coupling (30, 32). A planet gear carrier (46) and a machine epicyclic gear train (60) are arranged on a shaft (62) substantially parallel to engine shaft (12). The planet gear carrier comprises a sun gear (64), a crown (72), a planet gear carrier (68) and an epicyclic gear train controlled coupling (88). The speed variation device (14) comprises a device (94) for connecting/disconnecting electric machine (20) with machine epicyclic gear train (60).

The present invention is a powertrain for a hybrid vehicle, comprising a driving/receiving machine (20), a thermal engine (10) and engine shaft (12), a speed variation device (14) including an engine epicyclic gear train (24) with a sun gear (34) and a crown (42) which are each connected to the engine shaft (12) by an engine controlled coupling (26, 28) and to a fixed part (40) of the powertrain by a one-way automatic coupling (30, 32). A planet gear carrier (46) and a machine epicyclic gear train (60) are arranged on a shaft (62) substantially parallel to engine shaft (12). The planet gear carrier comprises a sun gear (64), a crown (72), a planet gear carrier (68) and an epicyclic gear train controlled coupling (88). The speed variation device (14) comprises a device (94) for connecting/disconnecting electric machine (20) with machine epicyclic gear train (60).

When there is an abnormality in communications between a motor ECU and an HVECU in an automobile, the motor ECU controls a motor such that creep torque or a given torque larger than the creep torque is delivered from the motor. Thus, when there is an abnormality in communications between the HVECU and the motor ECU, the automobile is able to run in a limp home mode.

When there is an abnormality in communications between a motor ECU and an HVECU in an automobile, the motor ECU controls a motor such that creep torque or a given torque larger than the creep torque is delivered from the motor. Thus, when there is an abnormality in communications between the HVECU and the motor ECU, the automobile is able to run in a limp home mode.

A control process including the following steps is executed. The control process includes, at the time of switching from series-parallel mode to series mode, a step of reducing an engine torque, a step of releasing a clutch, a step of reducing a reaction torque of a first rotary electric machine and a step of increasing a torque of a second rotary electric machine, and, when synchronization is started and a step of increasing a positive torque of the first MG, a step of starting engagement of a clutch, and, when a rotation speed of the first rotary electric machine and a rotation speed of an engine are synchronous with each other, a step of engaging the clutch.

A control process including the following steps is executed. The control process includes, at the time of switching from series-parallel mode to series mode, a step of reducing an engine torque, a step of releasing a clutch, a step of reducing a reaction torque of a first rotary electric machine and a step of increasing a torque of a second rotary electric machine, and, when synchronization is started and a step of increasing a positive torque of the first MG, a step of starting engagement of a clutch, and, when a rotation speed of the first rotary electric machine and a rotation speed of an engine are synchronous with each other, a step of engaging the clutch.

A planetary gear mechanism is desired in which pinion gears can be inserted between support portions on both sides in the axial direction of the pinion gears after the support portions on both sides in the axial direction of the pinion gears are coupled together. In this planetary gear mechanism, a coupling inner portion of a carrier coupling portion is located between a first sun gear and a second sun gear in the axial direction, and a carrier and the carrier coupling portion are formed so that each pinion gears can be inserted between a first shaft support portion and a second shaft support portion in the axial direction from the outside in the radial direction.

An electronic control unit stores a vehicle load at the time when the vehicle is switched into an ignition off state, stops operation of an electric oil pump when the vehicle load is small, and operates the electric oil pump when the vehicle load is large. Thus, a decrease in service life due to an increase in the number of times of the start of the electric oil pump is suppressed, and, when it is estimated that the vehicle load is large, the response of the start of a vehicle, which makes a driver experience a feeling of strangeness, is improved by starting the electric oil pump together with switching the vehicle into an ignition on state.

An electronic control unit stores a vehicle load at the time when the vehicle is switched into an ignition off state, stops operation of an electric oil pump when the vehicle load is small, and operates the electric oil pump when the vehicle load is large. Thus, a decrease in service life due to an increase in the number of times of the start of the electric oil pump is suppressed, and, when it is estimated that the vehicle load is large, the response of the start of a vehicle, which makes a driver experience a feeling of strangeness, is improved by starting the electric oil pump together with switching the vehicle into an ignition on state.