Patent ID: 8602933
Filing Date: 2013-12-10
Classification: B60K,F16H,Y02T,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A power transmission apparatus comprising: a power split mechanism equipped with a first, a second, and a third rotor which are operable to interlock with each other to split power to be outputted among the first, second, and third rotors and to output the power in the form of rotational energy, the first rotor being connected to a power source to receive input of power, as produced by the power source in the form of torque, the second rotor being connected to a power-driven member to output the power to the power driven member, said power transmission mechanism being so designed that a rotational speed of one of the first, second, and third rotors is dependent on those of remaining two of the first, second, and third rotors; a first clutch which works to establish a mechanical connection between the first and second rotors through a first power transmission path bypassing the first, second, and third rotors, the first clutch additionally working to establish a mechanical connection of the second rotor to the power source; a second clutch which works to establish a mechanical connection between the second and third rotors through a second power transmission path bypassing the first, second, and third rotors, the second clutch additionally working to establish a mechanical connection of the second rotor to the third rotor; and a controller which works to control transmission of power between the power source and the power-driven member, said controller being operable selectively in a first operation mode and a second operation mode, in the first operation mode, said controller establishing the mechanical connection through said first clutch while blocking the mechanical connection through the second clutch, thereby connecting the first and second rotors together through the first clutch, in the second operation mode, said controller establishing the mechanical connection through the second clutch while blocking the mechanical connection through the first clutch, thereby connecting the second and third rotors together through the second clutch,