Power output apparatus, control method thereof, vehicle equipped with power output apparatus, and driving system

Abstract

When a vehicle speed V is out of a non-rotational synchronizing range, V≦Vrefor Vref≦V, in a neutral state of a transmission set in response to an operation of a gearshift lever to an N (neutral) position during operation of an engine, the engine and a motor MGare controlled to make a ring gear shaft rotate at a target rotation speed Nr*, which is expected in response to an operation of the gearshift lever to a D (drive) position or an R (reverse) position, and to enable self-sustained operation of the engine at the greater rotation speed between an idle speed Nidl and a minimum engine speed Nmin calculated from a minimum rotation speed Nmmin of the motor MG. Such control effectively reduces a potential shock occurring in the case of the operation of the gearshift lever from the N position to the D position or the R position without causing negative overspeed of the motor MG