US5903113A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Power output apparatus and method of controlling the same
Assignee: Toyota Motor Corp
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Filing: 1996-04-26
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Granted: 1999-05-11
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Expires: 2016-04-26
Abstract
Abstract A power output apparatus (20) of the present invention includes a clutch motor (30), an assist motor (40), and a controller (80) for controlling the clutch motor (30) and the assist motor (40). The clutch motor (30) includes an outer rotor (32) linked with a crankshaft (56) of a gasoline engine (50) and an inner rotor (34) connecting with a drive shaft (22). The assist motor (40) includes a rotor (42) connecting with the drive shaft (22). A control CPU (90) of the controller (80) controls a first driving circuit (91) to enable the clutch motor (30) to carry out the regenerative operation. The clutch motor (30) accordingly regenerates energy corresponding to a slip between the outer rotor (32) and the inner rotor (34) as electric power. The control CPU (90) then controls a second driving circuit (92) to enable the assist motor (40) to carry out the power operation with the electric power regenerated by the clutch motor (30), thereby rotating the drive shaft (22) in the reverse of the rotation of the crankshaft (56). The power output apparatus (20) of the invention thus constructed can transmit or utilize the power generated by the gasoline engine (50) at a high efficiency and enable the drive shaft (22) to rotate in the reverse of the rotation of the crankshaft (56).
Inventors
- 👤 Eiji Yamada
- 👤 Takao Miyatani
- 👤 Yasutomo Kawabata
- 👤 Ryouji Mizutani
- 👤 Tetsuya Miura
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 16:23
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60W; B60W20/00; B60W20/10; B60W20/13; B60K; B60K6/00; B60K6/20; B60K6/22; B60K6/26; B60K17/00; B60K17/34; B60K17/356; B60K6/36; B60K6/365; B60K6/40; B60K6/42; B60K6/44; B60K6/448; B60K6/50; B60K6/52; B60L; B60L50/00; B60L50/10; B60L50/16; B60L50/50; B60L50/60; B60L50/61; B60L7/00; B60L7/003; B60L7/10; B60L7/14; B60W10/00; B60W10/04; B60W10/06; B60W10/08; B60W10/24; B60W10/26; B60W30/00; B60W30/18; H; H02; H02K; H02K51/00; B60K2006/262; B60K23/00; B60K23/08; B60K23/0808; B60L2220/00; B60L2220/50; B60L2220/52; B60L2240/00; B60L2240/40; B60L2240/42; B60L2240/421; B60L2240/423; B60L2240/48; B60L2240/486; B60L2260/00; B60L2260/20; B60L2260/28; B60W2510/00; B60W2510/24; B60W2510/242; B60W2510/244; B60W2710/00; B60W2710/06; B60W2710/0644; B60W2710/0666; B60W2710/08; B60W2710/081; B60W2710/083; B60W2710/10; B60W2710/105; B60W2710/1061; Y; Y02; Y02T; Y02T10/00; Y02T10/60; Y02T10/62; Y02T10/64; Y02T10/70; Y02T10/7072; Y10; Y10S; Y10S903/00; Y10S903/902; Y10S903/903; Y10S903/904; Y10S903/906; Y10S903/909; Y10S903/91; Y10S903/915; Y10S903/916; Y10S903/947; Y10S903/951
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 29
Claim 1
Independent Claim
259 words
A power output apparatus comprising: an output shaft for receiving power from an engine and for being rotated by said engine in a first direction; a drive shaft, for transmitting power to a load; a first motor comprising a first rotor connected with said output shaft and a second rotor connected with said drive shaft, said second rotor being coaxial to and rotatable relative to said first rotor, said first and second rotors being electromagnetically coupled with each other to transmit power between said output shaft and said drive shaft via the electromagnetic coupling of said first and second rotors; a first motor-driving circuit that exchanges electric currents with said first motor to vary the electromagnetic coupling of said first rotor with said second rotor; a second motor comprising a stator and a third rotor connected with said drive shaft, said stator being electromagnetically coupled with said third rotor; a second motor-driving circuit that exchanges electric currents with said second motor to vary the electromagnetic coupling of said stator with said third rotor; a storage device that stores electric power; and a controller that sends signals to said first motor-driving circuit and said second motor-driving circuit to control said first motor-driving circuit to enable said first motor to regenerate electric power, and to control said second motor-driving circuit to supply the regenerated electric power and the electric power stored in said storage device to said second motor to drive said second motor to make said drive shaft rotate in a second direction, which is opposite to said first direction.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
259 words
A power output apparatus comprising: an output shaft for receiving power from an engine and for being rotated by said engine in a first direction; a drive shaft, for transmitting power to a load; a first motor comprising a first rotor connected with said output shaft and a second rotor connected with said drive shaft, said second rotor being coaxial to and rotatable relative to said first rotor, said first and second rotors being electromagnetically coupled with each other to transmit power between said output shaft and said drive shaft via the electromagnetic coupling of said first and second rotors; a first motor-driving circuit that exchanges electric currents with said first motor to vary the electromagnetic coupling of said first rotor with said second rotor; a second motor comprising a stator and a third rotor connected with said drive shaft, said stator being electromagnetically coupled with said third rotor; a second motor-driving circuit that exchanges electric currents with said second motor to vary the electromagnetic coupling of said stator with said third rotor; a storage device that stores electric power; and a controller that sends signals to said first motor-driving circuit and said second motor-driving circuit to control said first motor-driving circuit to enable said first motor to regenerate electric power, and to control said second motor-driving circuit to supply the regenerated electric power and the electric power stored in said storage device to said second motor to drive said second motor to make said drive shaft rotate in a second direction, which is opposite to said first direction.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
63 words
The power output apparatus in accordance with claim 1, further including a residual capacity measuring device that measures a residual capacity of electric power stored in said storage device; and an engine control device that increases revolving speed of said output shaft to enhance the electric power regenerated by said first motor when said residual capacity is not greater than a predetermined value.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
The power output apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein said third rotor is mounted on said second rotor connected with said drive shaft.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
262 words
A power output apparatus comprising: an output shaft for receiving power from an engine and for being rotated by said engine in a first direction; a drive shaft, for transmitting power to a load; a first motor comprising a first rotor connected with said output shaft and a second rotor connected with said drive shaft, said second rotor being coaxial to and rotatable relative to said first rotor, said first and second rotors being electromagnetically coupled with each other to transmit power between said output shaft and said drive shaft via the electromagnetic coupling of said first and second rotors; a first motor-driving circuit that exchanges electric currents with said first motor to vary the electromagnetic coupling of said first rotor with said second rotor; a second motor comprising a stator and a third rotor connected with said drive shaft, said stator being electromagnetically coupled with said third rotor; a second motor-driving circuit that exchanges electric currents with said second motor to vary the electromagnetic coupling of said stator with said third rotor; a storage device that stores electric power; and a controller that sends signals to said first motor-driving circuit and said second motor-driving circuit to control said first motor-driving circuit to enable said first motor to regenerate electric power, and to control said second motor-driving circuit to supply the regenerated electric power to said second motor and at least partly to said storage device to be stored, and to drive said second motor to make said drive shaft rotate in a second direction, which is opposite to said first direction.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
262 words
A power output apparatus comprising: an output shaft for receiving power from an engine and for being rotated by said engine in a first direction; a drive shaft, for transmitting power to a load; a first motor comprising a first rotor connected with said output shaft and a second rotor connected with said drive shaft, said second rotor being coaxial to and rotatable relative to said first rotor, said first and second rotors being electromagnetically coupled with each other to transmit power between said output shaft and said drive shaft via the electromagnetic coupling of said first and second rotors; a first motor-driving circuit that exchanges electric currents with said first motor to vary the electromagnetic coupling of said first rotor with said second rotor; a second motor comprising a stator and a third rotor connected with said drive shaft, said stator being electromagnetically coupled with said third rotor; a second motor-driving circuit that exchanges electric currents with said second motor to vary the electromagnetic coupling of said stator with said third rotor; a storage device that stores electric power; and a controller that sends signals to said first motor-driving circuit and said second motor-driving circuit to control said first motor-driving circuit to enable said first motor to regenerate electric power, and to control said second motor-driving circuit to supply the regenerated electric power to said second motor and at least partly to said storage device to be stored, and to drive said second motor to make said drive shaft rotate in a second direction, which is opposite to said first direction.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
63 words
The power output apparatus in accordance with claim 4, further including a residual capacity measuring device that measures a residual capacity of electric power stored in said storage device; and an engine control device that increases revolving speed of said output shaft to enhance the electric power regenerated by said first motor when said residual capacity is not greater than a predetermined value.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
24 words
The power output apparatus in accordance with claim 4, wherein said third rotor is mounted on said second rotor connected with said drive shaft.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
223 words
A power output apparatus comprising: an output shaft for receiving power from an engine and for being rotated by the engine in a first direction; a drive shaft for transmitting power to a load; a motor comprising a first rotor connected with said output shaft and a second rotor connected with said drive shaft, said second rotor being coaxial to and rotatable relative to said first rotor, said first and second rotors being electromagnetically coupled with each other to transmit power between said output shaft and said drive shaft via the electromagnetic coupling of said first and second rotors; a motor-driving circuit that exchanges electric currents with said motor to vary the electromagnetic coupling of said first rotor with said second rotor; a storage device that stores electric power; and a controller that sends signals to said motor-driving circuit to supply the electric power stored in said storage device to said motor to drive said motor and further to enable said motor to produce a torque acting in a second direction, which is opposite to said first direction, and apply the torque to said drive shaft to rotate said drive shaft in said second direction with said torque not being greater than a maximum static friction torque applied by the engine to said output shaft when said output shaft is at a stop.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
223 words
A power output apparatus comprising: an output shaft for receiving power from an engine and for being rotated by the engine in a first direction; a drive shaft for transmitting power to a load; a motor comprising a first rotor connected with said output shaft and a second rotor connected with said drive shaft, said second rotor being coaxial to and rotatable relative to said first rotor, said first and second rotors being electromagnetically coupled with each other to transmit power between said output shaft and said drive shaft via the electromagnetic coupling of said first and second rotors; a motor-driving circuit that exchanges electric currents with said motor to vary the electromagnetic coupling of said first rotor with said second rotor; a storage device that stores electric power; and a controller that sends signals to said motor-driving circuit to supply the electric power stored in said storage device to said motor to drive said motor and further to enable said motor to produce a torque acting in a second direction, which is opposite to said first direction, and apply the torque to said drive shaft to rotate said drive shaft in said second direction with said torque not being greater than a maximum static friction torque applied by the engine to said output shaft when said output shaft is at a stop.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
50 words
The power output apparatus in accordance with claim 7, further including a residual capacity measuring device that measures residual capacity of electric power stored in said storage device; and said controller sending said signals when a residual capacity measured by said residual capacity device is greater than a predetermined value.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
269 words
A power output apparatus comprising: an output shaft that receives power from and is rotated by an engine in a first direction; a drive shaft that transmits power to a load; a first motor comprising a first rotor connected with said output shaft and a second rotor connected with said drive shaft, said second rotor being coaxial to and rotatable relative to said first rotor, said first and second rotors being electromagnetically coupled with each other to transmit power between said output shaft and said drive shaft via the electromagnetic coupling of said first and second rotors; a first motor-driving circuit that exchanges electric currents with said first motor to vary the electromagnetic coupling of said first rotor with said second rotor; a second motor comprising a stator and a third rotor connected with said drive shaft, said stator being electromagnetically coupled with said third rotor; a second motor-driving circuit that exchanges electric currents with said second motor to vary the electromagnetic coupling of said stator with said third rotor; and a controller that sends signals to said first and second motor-driving circuits to cause said drive shaft to rotate in a second direction, which is opposite to said first direction, by controlling said second motor-driving circuit to cause said second motor to regenerate electric power and to produce a first torque acting on said drive shaft in said first direction, and by concurrently controlling said first motor-driving circuit to supply the regenerated electric power to said first motor to drive said first motor and to produce a second torque acting on said drive shaft in said second direction.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
269 words
A power output apparatus comprising: an output shaft that receives power from and is rotated by an engine in a first direction; a drive shaft that transmits power to a load; a first motor comprising a first rotor connected with said output shaft and a second rotor connected with said drive shaft, said second rotor being coaxial to and rotatable relative to said first rotor, said first and second rotors being electromagnetically coupled with each other to transmit power between said output shaft and said drive shaft via the electromagnetic coupling of said first and second rotors; a first motor-driving circuit that exchanges electric currents with said first motor to vary the electromagnetic coupling of said first rotor with said second rotor; a second motor comprising a stator and a third rotor connected with said drive shaft, said stator being electromagnetically coupled with said third rotor; a second motor-driving circuit that exchanges electric currents with said second motor to vary the electromagnetic coupling of said stator with said third rotor; and a controller that sends signals to said first and second motor-driving circuits to cause said drive shaft to rotate in a second direction, which is opposite to said first direction, by controlling said second motor-driving circuit to cause said second motor to regenerate electric power and to produce a first torque acting on said drive shaft in said first direction, and by concurrently controlling said first motor-driving circuit to supply the regenerated electric power to said first motor to drive said first motor and to produce a second torque acting on said drive shaft in said second direction.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
24 words
The power output apparatus in accordance with claim 9, wherein said third rotor is mounted on said second rotor connected with said drive shaft.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
278 words
A power output apparatus comprising: an output shaft for receiving power from an engine and for being rotated by the engine in a first direction; a drive shaft that transmits power to a load; a first motor comprising a first rotor connected with said output shaft and a second rotor connected with said drive shaft, said second rotor being coaxial to and rotatable relative to said first rotor, said first and second rotors being electromagnetically coupled with each other to transmit power between said output shaft and said drive shaft via the electromagnetic coupling of said first and second rotors; a first motor-driving circuit that exchanges electric currents with said first motor to vary the electromagnetic coupling of said first rotor with said second rotor; a second motor comprising a stator and a third rotor connected with said output shaft, said stator being electromagnetically coupled with said third rotor; a second motor-driving circuit that exchanges electric currents with said second motor to vary the electromagnetic coupling of said stator with said third rotor; a storage device that stores electric power; and a controller that sends signals to said first and second motor driving circuits to cause said first motor-driving circuit to drive said first motor to make said drive shaft rotate in a second direction, which is opposite to said first direction, and to cause said second motor-driving circuit to supply the electric power stored in said storage device to said second motor and cause said second motor to fix said output shaft and prevent said output shaft from rotating with said first motor-driving circuit supplying the electric power stored in said storage device to said first motor.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
278 words
A power output apparatus comprising: an output shaft for receiving power from an engine and for being rotated by the engine in a first direction; a drive shaft that transmits power to a load; a first motor comprising a first rotor connected with said output shaft and a second rotor connected with said drive shaft, said second rotor being coaxial to and rotatable relative to said first rotor, said first and second rotors being electromagnetically coupled with each other to transmit power between said output shaft and said drive shaft via the electromagnetic coupling of said first and second rotors; a first motor-driving circuit that exchanges electric currents with said first motor to vary the electromagnetic coupling of said first rotor with said second rotor; a second motor comprising a stator and a third rotor connected with said output shaft, said stator being electromagnetically coupled with said third rotor; a second motor-driving circuit that exchanges electric currents with said second motor to vary the electromagnetic coupling of said stator with said third rotor; a storage device that stores electric power; and a controller that sends signals to said first and second motor driving circuits to cause said first motor-driving circuit to drive said first motor to make said drive shaft rotate in a second direction, which is opposite to said first direction, and to cause said second motor-driving circuit to supply the electric power stored in said storage device to said second motor and cause said second motor to fix said output shaft and prevent said output shaft from rotating with said first motor-driving circuit supplying the electric power stored in said storage device to said first motor.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
24 words
The power output apparatus in accordance with claim 11, wherein said third rotor is mounted on said first rotor connected with said output shaft.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
248 words
A power output apparatus comprising: an output shaft for receiving power from an engine and for being rotated by the engine in a first direction; a drive shaft that transmits power to a load; a first motor comprising a first rotor connected with said output shaft and a second rotor connected with said drive shaft, said second rotor being coaxial to and rotatable relative to said first rotor, said first and second rotors being electromagnetically coupled with each other to transmit power between said output shaft and said drive shaft via the electromagnetic coupling of said first and second rotors; a first motor-driving circuit that exchanges electric currents with said first motor to vary the electromagnetic coupling of said first rotor with said second rotor; a second motor comprising a stator and a third rotor connected with said output shaft, said stator being electromagnetically coupled with said third rotor; a second motor-driving circuit that exchanges electric currents with said second motor to vary the electromagnetic coupling of said stator with said third rotor; and a controller that sends signals to said first and second motor driving circuits to cause said first motor-driving circuit to drive said first motor to make said drive shaft rotate in a second direction, which is opposite to said first direction, and to cause said second motor-driving circuit to cause said second motor to regenerate electric power and to cause said first motor-driving circuit to supply the regenerated electric power to said first motor.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
248 words
A power output apparatus comprising: an output shaft for receiving power from an engine and for being rotated by the engine in a first direction; a drive shaft that transmits power to a load; a first motor comprising a first rotor connected with said output shaft and a second rotor connected with said drive shaft, said second rotor being coaxial to and rotatable relative to said first rotor, said first and second rotors being electromagnetically coupled with each other to transmit power between said output shaft and said drive shaft via the electromagnetic coupling of said first and second rotors; a first motor-driving circuit that exchanges electric currents with said first motor to vary the electromagnetic coupling of said first rotor with said second rotor; a second motor comprising a stator and a third rotor connected with said output shaft, said stator being electromagnetically coupled with said third rotor; a second motor-driving circuit that exchanges electric currents with said second motor to vary the electromagnetic coupling of said stator with said third rotor; and a controller that sends signals to said first and second motor driving circuits to cause said first motor-driving circuit to drive said first motor to make said drive shaft rotate in a second direction, which is opposite to said first direction, and to cause said second motor-driving circuit to cause said second motor to regenerate electric power and to cause said first motor-driving circuit to supply the regenerated electric power to said first motor.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
24 words
The power output apparatus in accordance with claim 13, wherein said third rotor is mounted on said first rotor connected with said output shaft.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
263 words
A power output apparatus comprising: an output shaft for receiving power from an engine and for being rotated by the engine in a first direction; a drive shaft that transmits power to a load; a first motor comprising a first rotor connected with said output shaft and a second rotor connected with said drive shaft, said second rotor being coaxial to and rotatable relative to said first rotor, said first and second rotors being electromagnetically coupled with each other to transmit power between said output shaft and said drive shaft via the electromagnetic coupling of said first and second rotors; a first motor-driving circuit that exchanges electric currents with said first motor to vary the electromagnetic coupling of said first rotor with said second rotor; a second motor comprising a stator and a third rotor connected with said output shaft, said stator being electromagnetically coupled with said third rotor; a second motor-driving circuit that exchanges electric currents with said second motor to vary the electromagnetic coupling of said stator with said third rotor; a storage device that stores electric power; and a controller that sends signals to said first and second motor-driving circuits to cause said first motor-driving circuit to drive said first motor to make said drive shaft rotate in a second direction, which is opposite to said first direction, and to cause said second motor-driving circuit to cause said second motor to regenerate electric power and to cause said first motor-driving circuit to supply the regenerated electric power and the electric power stored in said storage device to said first motor.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
263 words
A power output apparatus comprising: an output shaft for receiving power from an engine and for being rotated by the engine in a first direction; a drive shaft that transmits power to a load; a first motor comprising a first rotor connected with said output shaft and a second rotor connected with said drive shaft, said second rotor being coaxial to and rotatable relative to said first rotor, said first and second rotors being electromagnetically coupled with each other to transmit power between said output shaft and said drive shaft via the electromagnetic coupling of said first and second rotors; a first motor-driving circuit that exchanges electric currents with said first motor to vary the electromagnetic coupling of said first rotor with said second rotor; a second motor comprising a stator and a third rotor connected with said output shaft, said stator being electromagnetically coupled with said third rotor; a second motor-driving circuit that exchanges electric currents with said second motor to vary the electromagnetic coupling of said stator with said third rotor; a storage device that stores electric power; and a controller that sends signals to said first and second motor-driving circuits to cause said first motor-driving circuit to drive said first motor to make said drive shaft rotate in a second direction, which is opposite to said first direction, and to cause said second motor-driving circuit to cause said second motor to regenerate electric power and to cause said first motor-driving circuit to supply the regenerated electric power and the electric power stored in said storage device to said first motor.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
24 words
The power output apparatus in accordance with claim 15, wherein said third rotor is mounted on said first rotor connected with said output shaft.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
265 words
A power output apparatus comprising: an output shaft for receiving power from an engine and for being rotated by the engine in a first direction; a drive shaft that transmits power to a load; a first motor comprising a first rotor connected with said output shaft and a second rotor connected with said drive shaft, said second rotor being coaxial to and rotatable relative to said first rotor, said first and second rotors being electromagnetically coupled with each other to transmit power between said output shaft and said drive shaft via the electromagnetic coupling of said first and second rotors; a first motor-driving circuit that exchanges electric currents with said first motor to vary the electromagnetic coupling of said first rotor with said second rotor; a second motor comprising a stator and a third rotor connected with said output shaft, said stator being electromagnetically coupled with said third rotor; a second motor-driving circuit that exchanges electric currents with said second motor to vary the electromagnetic coupling of said stator with said third rotor; a storage device that stores electric power; and a controller that sends signals to said first and second motor-driving circuits to cause said first motor-driving circuit to drive said first motor to make said drive shaft rotate in a second direction, which is opposite to said first direction, and to cause said second motordriving circuit to cause said second motor to regenerate electric power and to cause said first motor-driving circuit to supply the regenerated electric power to said first motor and at least partly to said storage device to be stored.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
265 words
A power output apparatus comprising: an output shaft for receiving power from an engine and for being rotated by the engine in a first direction; a drive shaft that transmits power to a load; a first motor comprising a first rotor connected with said output shaft and a second rotor connected with said drive shaft, said second rotor being coaxial to and rotatable relative to said first rotor, said first and second rotors being electromagnetically coupled with each other to transmit power between said output shaft and said drive shaft via the electromagnetic coupling of said first and second rotors; a first motor-driving circuit that exchanges electric currents with said first motor to vary the electromagnetic coupling of said first rotor with said second rotor; a second motor comprising a stator and a third rotor connected with said output shaft, said stator being electromagnetically coupled with said third rotor; a second motor-driving circuit that exchanges electric currents with said second motor to vary the electromagnetic coupling of said stator with said third rotor; a storage device that stores electric power; and a controller that sends signals to said first and second motor-driving circuits to cause said first motor-driving circuit to drive said first motor to make said drive shaft rotate in a second direction, which is opposite to said first direction, and to cause said second motordriving circuit to cause said second motor to regenerate electric power and to cause said first motor-driving circuit to supply the regenerated electric power to said first motor and at least partly to said storage device to be stored.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
24 words
The power output apparatus in accordance with claim 17, wherein said third rotor is mounted on said first rotor connected with said output shaft.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
243 words
A power output apparatus comprising: an output shaft for receiving power from an engine and for being rotated by said engine in a first direction; a drive shaft, for transmitting power to a load; a first motor comprising a first rotor connected with said output shaft and a second rotor connected with said drive shaft, said second rotor being coaxial to and rotatable relative to said first rotor, said first and second rotors being electromagnetically coupled with each other to transmit power between said output shaft and said drive shaft via the electromagnetic coupling of said first and second rotors; a first motor-driving circuit that exchanges electric currents with said first motor to vary the electromagnetic coupling of said first rotor with said second rotor; a second motor comprising a stator and a third rotor connected with said drive shaft, said stator being electromagnetically coupled with said third rotor; a second motor-driving circuit that exchanges electric currents with said second motor to vary the electromagnetic coupling of said stator with said third rotor; and a controller that sends signals to said first motor-driving circuit and said second motor-driving circuit to control said first motor-driving circuit to enable said first motor to regenerate electric power, and to control said second motor-driving circuit to supply the regenerated electric power to said second motor to drive said second motor to make said drive shaft rotate in a second direction, which is opposite to said first direction.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
243 words
A power output apparatus comprising: an output shaft for receiving power from an engine and for being rotated by said engine in a first direction; a drive shaft, for transmitting power to a load; a first motor comprising a first rotor connected with said output shaft and a second rotor connected with said drive shaft, said second rotor being coaxial to and rotatable relative to said first rotor, said first and second rotors being electromagnetically coupled with each other to transmit power between said output shaft and said drive shaft via the electromagnetic coupling of said first and second rotors; a first motor-driving circuit that exchanges electric currents with said first motor to vary the electromagnetic coupling of said first rotor with said second rotor; a second motor comprising a stator and a third rotor connected with said drive shaft, said stator being electromagnetically coupled with said third rotor; a second motor-driving circuit that exchanges electric currents with said second motor to vary the electromagnetic coupling of said stator with said third rotor; and a controller that sends signals to said first motor-driving circuit and said second motor-driving circuit to control said first motor-driving circuit to enable said first motor to regenerate electric power, and to control said second motor-driving circuit to supply the regenerated electric power to said second motor to drive said second motor to make said drive shaft rotate in a second direction, which is opposite to said first direction.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
33 words
The power output apparatus in accordance with claim 19, further including an engine control device that increases revolving speed of said output shaft to enhance the electric power regenerated by said first motor.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
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| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2002-05-10 | 2002-11-09 | 2003-05-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2006-05-10 | 2006-11-09 | 2007-05-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2010-05-10 | 2010-11-09 | 2011-05-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |