CONTROL APPARATUS FOR A HYBRID VEHICLE DRIVE SYSTEM

摘要

The control apparatus includes a clutch release determining portion configured to detect that a clutch is placed in the released state, and an engine starting control portion configured to initiate an engine starting control to start an engine after the clutch release determining portion has detected that the clutch is placed in the released state, when the engine starting control is implemented during an output gear is rotated in a reverse direction with a torque generated by at least one of first and second electric motors MG1 and MG2. The initiation of the engine starting control after the detection of the released state of the clutch permits effective prevention of reversal of the rotating direction of the output gear from the reverse direction to the forward direction and a rise of the rotating speed of the output gear with a rise of the operating speed of the engine.

主权项

1. A control apparatus for a hybrid vehicle drive system including: a differential device which comprises a first differential mechanism and a second differential mechanism and which comprises four rotary components;
an engine, a first electric motor, a second electric motor and an output rotary member which are respectively connected to said four rotary components; and a coupling element configured to be placed in an engaged state to limit a differential function of said first or second differential mechanism, the control apparatus comprising: a detecting portion configured to detect that said coupling element is placed in a released state; and an engine starting control portion configured to initiate an engine starting control to start said engine after said detecting portion has detected that said coupling element is placed in the released state, when said engine starting control is implemented during said output rotary member is rotated in a reverse direction with a torque generated by at least one of said first and second electric motors.