Patent ID: 7559864

Claim:
An engine starting device for a hybrid motor vehicle, comprising: a differential that includes a differential mechanism having a first rotating element, which is connected to an engine, a second rotating element, which is connected to a first electric motor, and a third rotating element, which is an output shaft connected to a second electric motor and a transfer member in a manner such that a power can be constantly transmitted, wherein the differential mechanism distributes an output power of the engine to the first electric motor and the transfer member, and the differential functions as an electronic differential device; a transmission, serially provided between the output shaft of the differential and driven wheels, that establishes a plurality of transmission ranges by selectively operating a plurality of coupling devices; an irreversible rotation member is provided, and the irreversible rotation member is connected to a non-rotating member against reverse rotation through a one-way clutch provided in the transmission; and an engine start control unit that starts the engine by driving the first electric motor while engaging the coupling devices to directly or indirectly connect the output shaft of the differential to the irreversible rotation member to prevent the output shaft of the differential from rotating in reverse when the second electric motor malfunctions.