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A hybrid drive unit for vehicles, in which a power distribution device is arranged in a power transmission route between an engine and a wheel, in which the power distribution device has a first to fourth rotary elements capable of rotating differentially with one another, in which a first motor gen

A hybrid drive unit for vehicles, in which a power distribution device is arranged in a power transmission route between an engine and a wheel, in which the power distribution device has a first to fourth rotary elements capable of rotating differentially with one another, in which a first motor generator is connected to the second rotary element and a wheel is connected to the fourth rotary element, and which is capable of steplessly controlling a speed change ratio of the first rotary element and the fourth rotary element of the power distribution device comprising: a second motor generator connected to the third rotary element of the power distribution device; a third motor generator connected to the wheel in a power transmittable manner; and an electric circuit for allowing exchange of electric power among individual motor generators.

대표청구항 ▼

What is claimed is: 1. A hybrid drive unit for vehicles, in which an engine, a first motor generator, and a wheel are connected to a power distribution device constructed of a first planetary gear mechanism and a second planetary gear mechanism and having a plurality of rotary elements capable of r

What is claimed is: 1. A hybrid drive unit for vehicles, in which an engine, a first motor generator, and a wheel are connected to a power distribution device constructed of a first planetary gear mechanism and a second planetary gear mechanism and having a plurality of rotary elements capable of rotating differentially with each other, and which is capable of steplessly controlling a speed change ratio as a speed ratio of the rotary element connected to the engine and the rotary element connected to the wheel by controlling the first motor generator or a second motor generator, wherein: the power distribution device comprises a first rotary element functions as an input element, a second rotary element capable of functioning as a reaction element, a third rotary element capable of functioning as an another reaction element, and a fourth rotary element functions as an output element; the engine is connected to the first rotary element, the first motor generator is connected to the second rotary element, the second motor generator is connected to the third rotary element, and the wheel is connected to the fourth rotary element; and comprising: a third motor generator connected to any of said wheel; an electric circuit for allowing exchange of electric power among individual motor generators; and an electronic control unit for carrying out a control to establish a reactive force against the engine torque by one of the first motor generator and the second motor generator the output of which is lower than that of the other one, and for carrying out a control to supply an electric power generated by the motor generator establishing the reactive force to the third motor generator in case the speed change ratio between the input element and the output element of the power distribution device is set larger than the larger speed change ratio out of the two speed change ratios which correspond to speed change ratios at inflection points where a transmission efficiency of the power transmitted from the engine to the wheel changes from increasing to decreasing. 2. A hybrid drive unit for vehicles, in which an engine, a first motor generator, and a wheel are connected to a power distribution device having a plurality of rotary elements capable of rotating differentially with each other, and which is capable of steplessly controlling a speed change ratio as a speed ratio of the rotary element connected to the engine and the rotary element connected to the wheel, wherein: the power distribution device comprises a first rotary element functions as an input element, a second rotary element capable of functioning as a reaction element, a third rotary element capable of functioning as an another reaction element, and a fourth rotary element functions as an output element; the engine is connected to the first rotary element, the first motor generator is connected to the second rotary element, and the wheel is connected to the fourth rotary element; and comprising: a second motor generator connected to the third rotary element; a third motor generator connected to any of said wheel and an another wheel; an electric circuit for allowing exchange of electric power among individual motor generators; and a first hybrid control means for transmitting engine torque to the fourth rotary element by operating the second motor generator as a motor or a generator to establish reactive force against the engine torque, while transmitting a torque of the third motor generator to the wheel or the another wheel by operating the third motor generator as a motor, in case of controlling the speed of the fourth rotary element lower than that of the first rotary element while transmitting the engine torque to the first rotary element. 3. The hybrid drive unit for vehicles according to claim 2, wherein: the first hybrid control means includes a determining means for determining an amount of the electric power in the electric circuit, in case the second motor generator functions as a motor or a generator to establish the reactive force against the engine torque; and the second motor generator functions as a motor or a generator in case the amount of the electric power in the electric circuit is determined to be reduced. 4. The hybrid drive unit for vehicles according to claim 3, wherein: the determining means includes a means for determining the amount of the electric power in the electric circuit, in case the second motor generator functions as a motor or a generator to establish the reactive force against the engine torque when the engine output is maximum. 5. The hybrid drive unit for vehicles according to claim 2, wherein: the first hybrid control means includes a means for operating the third motor generator as a motor by supplying the electric power generated by the second motor generator to the third motor generator, in case the second motor generator functions as a generator. 6. A hybrid drive unit for vehicles, in which an engine, a first motor generator, and a wheel are connected to a power distribution device having a plurality of rotary elements capable of rotating differentially with each other, and which is capable of steplessly controlling a speed change ratio as a speed ratio of the rotary element connected to the engine and the rotary element connected to the wheel, wherein: the power distribution device comprises a first rotary element functions as an input element, a second rotary element capable of functioning as a reaction element, a third rotary element capable of functioning as an another reaction element, and a fourth rotary element functions as an output element; the engine is connected to the first rotary element, the first motor generator is connected to the second rotary element, and the wheel is connected to the fourth rotary element; and comprising: a second motor generator connected to the third rotary element; a third motor generator connected to any of said wheel and an another wheel; an electric circuit for allowing exchange of electric power among individual motor generators; and a hybrid control means for transmitting at least one of the torque of the second and third motor generators to the wheel or the another wheel, by operating the first motor generator as a generator to establish the reactive force against the engine torque, and by operating at least one of the second and third motor generators as a motor, in case of controlling the speed of the fourth rotary element higher than that of the first rotary element while transmitting the engine torque to the first rotary element. 7. The hybrid drive unit for vehicles according to claim 6, wherein: the hybrid control means includes a determining means for determining the amount of the electric power in the electric circuit, in case the first motor generator functions as a motor or a generator to establish the reactive force against the engine torque; and the first motor generator functions as a motor or a generator, in case the amount of the electric power in the electric circuit is determined to be reduced. 8. The hybrid drive unit for vehicles according to claim 7, wherein: the determining means includes a means for determining the amount of the electric power in the electric circuit, in case the first motor generator functions as a motor or a generator to establish the reactive force against the engine torque when the engine output is maximum. 9. The hybrid drive unit for vehicles according to claim 6, wherein: the hybrid control means includes a means for operating at least one of the second and third motor generators as a motor by supplying the electric power generated by the first motor generator to at least one of the second and third motor generators, in case the first motor generator functions as a generator. 10. A hybrid drive unit for vehicles, in which an engine, a first motor generator, and a wheel are connected to a power distribution device having a plurality of rotary elements capable of rotating differentially with each other, and which is capable of steplessly controlling a speed change ratio as a speed ratio of the rotary element connected to the engine and the rotary element connected to the wheel, wherein: the power distribution device comprises a first rotary element functions as an input element, a second rotary element capable of functioning as a reaction element, a third rotary element capable of functioning as an another reaction element, and a fourth rotary element functions as an output element; the engine is connected to the first rotary element, the first motor generator is connected to the second rotary element, and the wheel is connected to the fourth rotary element; and comprising: a second motor generator connected to the third rotary element; a third motor generator connected to any of said wheel and an another wheel; and an electric circuit for allowing exchange of electric power among individual motor generators, further comprising: a brake for selectively halting revolutions of the first rotary element and the engine; and a hybrid control means for allowing the brake to function as a reaction element against at least one of the second and third motor generators, by using the brake to halt the revolutions of the first rotary element and the engine, in case at least one of the second and third motor generators functions as a motor and the torque thereof is transmitted to the wheel. 11. The hybrid drive unit for vehicles according to claim 10, further comprising: a second hybrid control means for rotating the engine autonomously, by allowing the first motor generator to function as a reaction element against at least one of the second and third motor generators, by operating the first motor generator as a generator, and by reducing the braking force of the brake gradually, by increasing the speed of the engine by controlling the speed of the first motor generator, and by burning fuel, in case of starting the engine when the first rotary member and the engine are halted by the brake. 12. The hybrid drive unit for vehicles according to claim 11, wherein: the second hybrid control means includes a means for reducing the braking force of the brake at an instant when a reaction torque established by the first motor generator is sufficiently raised. 13. The hybrid drive unit for vehicles according to claim 11, wherein: the second hybrid control means includes a means for operating at least one of the second and third motor generators as a motor, by supplying the electric power generated by the first motor generator functioning as a generator to at least one of the second and third motor generators. 14. The hybrid drive unit for vehicles according to claim 11, wherein: the second hybrid control means includes a means for operating the first motor generator as a generator when it rotates in the reverse direction, and for operating the first motor generator as a motor when it rotates in the forward direction. 15. A hybrid drive unit for vehicles, in which an engine, a first motor generator, and a wheel are connected to a power distribution device having a plurality of rotary elements capable of rotating differentially with each other, and which is capable of steplessly controlling a speed change ratio as a speed ratio of the rotary element connected to the engine and the rotary element connected to the wheel, wherein: the power distribution device comprises a first rotary element functions as an input element, a second rotary element capable of functioning as a reaction element, a third rotary element capable of functioning as an another reaction element, and a fourth rotary element functions as an output element; the engine is connected to the first rotary element, the first motor generator is connected to the second rotary element, and the wheel is connected to the second rotary element; and comprising: a second motor generator connected to the third rotary element; a third motor generator connected to any of said wheel and an another wheel; an electric circuit for allowing exchange of electric power among individual motor generators; and a hybrid control means for operating at least one of the first and second motor generators as a generator to establish the reactive force against the engine torque, in case the engine torque is inputted to the first rotary element and transmitted to the wheel through the fourth rotary element. 16. The hybrid drive unit for vehicles according to claim 15, wherein: the hybrid control means includes a means for operating at least one of the first and second motor generators as a generator to establish the reactive force against the engine torque, when the engine output is less than maximum. 17. The hybrid drive unit for vehicles according to claim 16, wherein: the hybrid control means includes a means for selecting one of the first and second motor generators to be operated as a generator, whose output necessary for establishing the reactive force against the engine torque is relatively lower than that of the other one. 18. The hybrid drive unit for vehicles according to claim 1, wherein: the power distribution device comprises a combined planetary gear mechanism, which is composed of two sets of planetary gear mechanisms, and in which four rotary elements of the planetary gear mechanisms are individually connected with each other; and in a connection status of the four rotary elements are as illustrated in a nomographic diagram, lines representing the first to fourth rotary elements are situated in a different position on a baseline, lines representing the first rotary element and the second rotary element are situated next to each other, and lines representing the second rotary element and the third rotary element are situated both outer ends. 19. A hybrid drive unit for vehicles, in which an engine, a first motor generator, and a wheel are connected to a power distribution device having a plurality of rotary elements capable of rotating differentially with each other, and which is capable of steplessly controlling a speed change ratio as a speed ratio of the rotary element connected to the engine and the rotary element connected to the wheel, wherein: the power distribution device comprises a first rotary element functions as an input element, a second rotary element capable of functioning as a reaction element, a third rotary element capable of functioning as an another reaction element, and a fourth rotary element functions as an output element; the engine is connected to the first rotary element, the first motor generator is connected to the second rotary element, and the wheel is connected to the second rotary element; and comprising: a second motor generator connected to the third rotary element; a third motor generator connected to any of said wheel and an another wheel; and an electric circuit for allowing exchange of electric power among individual motor generators, wherein: the power distribution device comprises two sets of planetary gear mechanisms having an input element, an output element, and a reaction element capable of rotating differentially with one another; the engine is connected to the input element of each planetary gear mechanism; the front wheel is connected to the output element of each planetary gear mechanism; the first motor generator is connected to the reaction element of one of the planetary gear mechanism; and the second motor generator is connected to the reaction element of the other planetary gear mechanism. 20. A hybrid drive unit for vehicles, in which an engine, a first motor generator, and a wheel are connected to a power distribution device having a plurality of rotary elements capable of rotating differentially with each other, and which is capable of steplessly controlling a speed change ratio as a speed ratio of the rotary element connected to the engine and the rotary element connected to the wheel, wherein: the power distribution device comprises a first rotary element functions as an input element, a second rotary element capable of functioning as a reaction element, a third rotary element capable of functioning as an another reaction element, and a fourth rotary element functions as an output element; the engine is connected to the first rotary element, the first motor generator is connected to the second rotary element, and the wheel is connected to the second rotary element; and comprising: a second motor generator connected to the third rotary element; a third motor generator connected to any of said wheel and an another wheel; and an electric circuit for allowing exchange of electric power among individual motor generators, wherein: the power distribution device is constructed of: a single pinion type planetary gear mechanism comprising a first sun gear as an external gear, a first ring gear as an internal gear arranged concentrically with the first sun gear, and a first carrier holding a pinion gear meshing with the first sun gear and the first ring gear; and a double pinion type planetary gear mechanism comprising a second sun gear as an external gear, a second ring gear as an internal gear arranged concentrically with the second sun gear, and a second carrier holding at least one pair of a pinion gear which is meshing with each other and which placed between the second sun gear and the second ring gear; and the first motor generator is connected with the first sun gear, the second motor generator is connected with the second sun gear, the engine is connected with the first and second carriers, and both first and second ring gears are connected with the wheel. 21. A hybrid drive unit for vehicles, in which an engine, a first motor generator, and a wheel are connected to a power distribution device having a plurality of rotary elements capable of rotating differentially with each other, and which is capable of steplessly controlling a speed change ratio as a speed ratio of the rotary element connected to the engine and the rotary element connected to the wheel, wherein: the power distribution device comprises a first rotary element functions as an input element, a second rotary element capable of functioning as a reaction element, a third rotary element capable of functioning as an another reaction element, and a fourth rotary element functions as an output element; the engine is connected to the first rotary element, the first motor generator is connected to the second rotary element, and the wheel is connected to the second rotary element; and comprising: a second motor generator connected to the third rotary element; a third motor generator connected to any of said wheel and an another wheel; an electric circuit for allowing exchange of electric power among individual motor generators; and a first hybrid control device for transmitting engine torque to the second rotary element by operating the second motor generator as a motor or a generator to establish reactive force against the engine torque, while transmitting a torque of the third motor generator to the wheel or the another wheel by operating the third motor generator as a motor, in case of controlling the speed of the second rotary element lower than that of the first rotary element while transmitting the engine torque to the first rotary element. 22. The hybrid drive unit for vehicles according to claim 21, wherein: the first hybrid control device includes a determining device for determining an amount of the electric power in the electric circuit, in case the second motor generator functions as a motor or a generator to establish the reactive force against the engine torque; and the second motor generator functions as a motor or a generator in case the amount of the electric power in the electric circuit is determined to be reduced. 23. The hybrid drive unit for vehicles according to claim 22, wherein: the determining device determines the amount of the electric power in the electric circuit, in case the second motor generator functions as a motor or a generator to establish the reactive force against the engine torque when the engine output is maximum. 24. The hybrid drive unit for vehicles according to claim 21, wherein: the first hybrid control device operates the third motor generator as a motor, by supplying the electric power generated by the second motor generator to the third motor generator, in case the second motor generator functions as a generator. 25. A hybrid drive unit for vehicles, in which an engine, a first motor generator, and a wheel are connected to a power distribution device having a plurality of rotary elements capable of rotating differentially with each other, and which is capable of steplessly controlling a speed change ratio as a speed ratio of the rotary element connected to the engine and the rotary element connected to the wheel, wherein: the power distribution device comprises a first rotary element functions as an input element, a second rotary element capable of functioning as a reaction element, a third rotary element capable of functioning as an another reaction element, and a fourth rotary element functions as an output element; the engine is connected to the first rotary element, the first motor generator is connected to the second rotary element, and the wheel is connected to the second rotary element; and comprising: a second motor generator connected to the third rotary element; a third motor generator connected to any of said wheel and an another wheel; an electric circuit for allowing exchange of electric power among individual motor generators; and a hybrid control device for transmitting at least one of the torque of the second and third motor generators to the wheel or the another wheel, by operating the first motor generator as a generator to establish the reactive force against the engine torque, and by operating at least one of the second and third motor generators as a motor, in case of controlling the speed of the second rotary element higher than that of the first rotary element while transmitting the engine torque to the first rotary element. 26. The hybrid drive unit for vehicles according to claim 25, wherein: the hybrid control device includes a determining device for determining the amount of the electric power in the electric circuit, in case the first motor generator functions as a motor or a generator to establish the reactive force against the engine torque; and the first motor generator functions as a motor or a generator, in case the amount of the electric power in the electric circuit is determined to be reduced. 27. The hybrid drive unit for vehicles according to claim 26, wherein: the determining device determines the amount of the electric power in the electric circuit, in case the first motor generator functions as motor or a generator to establish the reactive force against the engine torque when the engine output is maximum. 28. The hybrid drive unit for vehicles according to claim 25, wherein: the hybrid control device operates at least one of the second and third motor generators as a motor by supplying the electric power generated by the first motor generator to at least one of the second and third motor generators, in case the first motor generator functions as a generator. 29. A hybrid drive unit for vehicles, in which an engine, a first motor generator, and a wheel are connected to a power distribution device having a plurality of rotary elements capable of rotating differentially with each other, and which is capable of steplessly controlling a speed change ratio as a speed ratio of the rotary element connected to the engine and the rotary element connected to the wheel, wherein: the power distribution device comprises a first rotary element functions as an input element, a second rotary element capable of functioning as a reaction element, a third rotary element capable of functioning as an another reaction element, and a fourth rotary element functions as an output element; the engine is connected to the first rotary element, the first motor generator is connected to the second rotary element, and the wheel is connected to the second rotary element; and comprising: a second motor generator connected to the third rotary element; a third motor generator connected to any of said wheel and an another wheel; and an electric circuit for allowing exchange of electric power among individual motor generators, further comprising: a brake for selectively halting revolutions of the first rotary element and the engine; and a hybrid control device for allowing the brake to function as a reaction element against at least one of the second and third motor generators, by using the brake to halt the revolutions of the first rotary element and the engine, in case at least one of the second and third motor generators functions as a motor and the torque thereof is transmitted to the wheel. 30. The hybrid drive unit for vehicles according to claim 29, further comprising: a second hybrid control device for rotating the engine autonomously, by allowing the first motor generator to function as a reaction element against at least one of the second and third motor generators, by operating the first motor generator as a generator, and by reducing the braking force of the brake gradually, by increasing the speed of the engine by controlling the speed of the first motor generator, and by burning fuel, in case of starting the engine when the first rotary member and the engine are halted by the brake. 31. The hybrid drive unit for vehicles according to claim 30, wherein: the second hybrid control device reduces the braking force of the brake at an instant when a reaction torque established by the first motor generator is sufficiently raised. 32. The hybrid drive unit for vehicles according to claim 30, wherein: the second hybrid control device operates at least one of the second and third motor generators as a motor, by supplying the electric power generated by the first motor generator functioning as a generator to at least one of the second and third motor generators. 33. The hybrid drive unit for vehicles according to claim 30, wherein: the second hybrid control device operates the first motor generator as a generator when it rotates in the reverse direction, and for operating the first motor generator as a motor when it rotates in the forward direction. 34. A hybrid drive unit for vehicles, in which an engine, a first motor generator, and a wheel are connected to a power distribution device having a plurality of rotary elements capable of rotating differentially with each other, and which is capable of steplessly controlling a speed change ratio as a speed ratio of the rotary element connected to the engine and the rotary element connected to the wheel, wherein: the power distribution device comprises a first rotary element functions as an input element, a second rotary element capable of functioning as a reaction element, a third rotary element capable of functioning as an another reaction element, and a fourth rotary element functions as an output element; the engine is connected to the first rotary element, the first motor generator is connected to the second rotary element, and the wheel is connected to the second rotary element; and comprising: a second motor generator connected to the third rotary element; a third motor generator connected to any of said wheel and an another wheel; an electric circuit for allowing exchange of electric power among individual motor generators; and a hybrid control device for operating at least one of the first and second motor generators as a generator to establish the reactive force against the engine torque, in case the engine torque is inputted to the first rotary element and transmitted to the wheel through the fourth rotary element. 35. The hybrid drive unit for vehicles according to claim 34, wherein: the hybrid control device operates at least one of the first and second motor generators as a generator to establish the reactive force against the engine torque, when the engine output is less than maximum. 36. The hybrid drive unit for vehicles according to claim 35, wherein: the hybrid control device includes a selecting device for selecting one of the first and second motor generators to be operated as a generator, whose output necessary for establishing the reactive force against the engine torque is relatively lower than that of the other one.