Hybrid vehicle and method of controlling the same

Abstract

In a hybrid vehicle of the present invention, a clutch motor, an assist motor, and an engine are connected via a dual clutch, which includes an inner clutch arranged between an inner shaft and a middle shaft and an outer clutch arranged between the middle shaft and an outer shaft. An inner rotor of the clutch motor and the engine are linked with the inner shaft. The assist motor is linked with the middle shaft. An outer rotor of the clutch motor and an axle are linked with the outer shaft. Changing the coupling state of the middle shaft changes over the connection of the assist motor between the engine and the clutch motor. The connection of the assist motor with the clutch motor in the state of underdrive or in the case of a requirement of abrupt acceleration desirably improves the driving efficiency and ensures the smooth acceleration. Regulation of gradually enhancing the coupling force of the outer clutch in the course of the changeover of the connection of the assist motor enables the rotations of the engine and the outer rotor to be synchronized quickly, thus shortening the time required for completion of the changeover.