Abstract: An adaptable electrical braking system for an electrical propulsion system of a traction vehicle is provided. The electrical braking system is configured to dissipate electrical energy in a plurality of resistor grids. The braking system includes a braking system assembly including a baseline chopper circuit topology. The baseline chopper circuit topology includes a first semiconductor-based circuitry in an enclosure for accommodating the first semiconductor-based circuitry. The braking system further includes a second semiconductor-based circuitry electrically coupled to the first semiconductor-based circuitry to produce a chopper including a chopper circuit topology fully contained in the enclosure. The second semiconductor-based circuitry includes a circuit topology selectable to adapt the baseline chopper circuit topology to meet distinct operational requirements to be fulfilled by the braking system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlled braking of an electrically powered lifting action in the event of a failure, such that at least one of the nominal values for “rotational direction” and/or “operating speed” and/or “door position” and/or “motor capacity” and/or “motor current” is ascertained and compared with an actual value, and such that a motorized braking process or motorized stopping process is triggered by a departure of the actual value from the nominal value that lies outside a predetermined range. In addition the invention relates to a device for applying said method.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling multiple cooling fans is presented. The circuitry for directly driving each of the motors is removed from the motor casings, thus increasing air flow and reducing replacement costs should a motor fail. The system includes a common processor for centrally controlling the speeds of the motors and monitoring the performance of each of the multiple motors.

Abstract: A cooling system for a retarding system of an electric drive machine (100) includes a direct current (DC) link having first and second rails. A first resistor grid (214) is selectively placed in circuit between the rails by an automatic switch (216) in response to a switch (216) signal. A second resistor grid (218) is selectively placed in circuit between the rails by a chopper circuit (220) connected in series with the second resistor grid (218). The chopper modulates a current passing therethrough based on a duty cycle. A motor (336) is in parallel electrical connection across a portion of the first resistor grid (214) and operates in response to a motor (336) signal. An electronic controller (400) calculates a net energy during operation and adjusts the switch (216) signal, the duty cycle, and the motor (336) signal to close the automatic electrical switch (216) and operate the motor (336) when the net energy exceeds a threshold value.

Abstract: To stop, in an emergency, a revolving superstructure quickly from rotating while preventing damage of a mechanical brake. A revolving superstructure is driven swiveling using a permanent magnetic-type swiveling electric motor; in an emergency, such as a malfunction in a drive or control system for the swiveling electric motor, allowing electric power generated in the electric motor due to inertial rotation to be consumed in an external braking resistor so as to make an electric braking action; and a mechanical brake is activated to stop the rotation and hold the stopped revolving superstructure when a rotation speed of the revolving superstructure becomes equal to or lower than a preset value.

Abstract: A kit and method for reconfiguring an electrical braking system for a traction vehicle are provided. The kit may include a braking system assembly including a chopper having a first chopper circuit topology. The first chopper circuit topology includes a first semiconductor-based circuitry having a footprint that defines at least one cavity in an enclosure for accommodating the first semiconductor-based circuitry. This enclosure constitutes the enclosure for accommodating the semiconductor-based circuitry in the chopper having electromechanical-based circuitry and semiconductor based circuitry. A second semiconductor-based circuitry is arranged in the at least one cavity in the enclosure for accommodating the first semiconductor-based circuitry. The second semiconductor-based circuitry when electrically coupled to the first semiconductor-based circuitry produces a chopper comprising a second chopper circuit topology fully contained in the enclosure.

Abstract: A reverse current detection unit detects the direction of the motor current during the synchronous rectifier period based on the polarity of the on voltage of a switching device contained in the motor current path, and outputs a reverse current detection signal representing the result of this detection to the PWM control unit. Change in the output of the PWM control unit that generates the drive signal for a particular switching device in the drive unit is controlled based on the reverse current detection signal and the energizing pattern of the drive unit is changed when motor current is detected in the synchronous rectifier period to be flowing in the opposite direction as in the urging period. The flow of motor current to the power supply is thus reduced and a rise in the power supply voltage can be prevented.

Abstract: A motor driving device includes a brake mode control section for starting, when a brake instruction for a motor, braking of the motor in a reverse brake mode and then switching the reverse brake mode to a short brake mode; a cycle start detection section for receiving a rotation signal and detecting a start of a cycle of the rotation signal for each cycle; and a counter for performing, when the start of the cycle of the rotation signal is detected by the cycle start detection section, a count operation from an initial value. In the motor driving device, the brake mode control section detects that a value of the counter exceeds a threshold and performs switching from the reverse brake mode to the short brake mode with a delay from the detection.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method of servo controlling an electric motor during its start-up, comprising at least one step of measuring the speed after a determined duration counting from the commencement of start-up. During a first start-up, the servo control system determines the deviation between the value of the measured speed and a preset value. During a second start-up, the servo control system modifies at least one duration parameter of the commands applied to the motor as a function of the deviation determined during the first start-up, so as to reduce this deviation in the course of this second step. Advantageously, the start-up comprises three phases making it possible to start the motor while avoiding making it too noisy. The invention also relates to an apparatus implementing the method.

Abstract: A regenerative braking method for a vehicle having an electric motor. During an initial stage of a regenerative braking operation related to the vehicle having the electric motor, a flow rate of brake liquid as much as the amount of regenerative braking is delivered into a reservoir through opened exit valves of non-driving wheels, so as to generate a hydraulic braking force needed after subtracting the amount of regenerative braking from the amount of braking desired by a vehicle operator. When the amount of regenerative braking increases, exit valves of driving wheels are controlled to fulfill the total amount of braking desired by the vehicle operator. Also, when the amount of regenerative braking decreases, wheel pressures have to be increased to fulfill the vehicle operator's desire to brake.

Abstract: A motor for driving a movable body includes a cylinder portion that holds a field magnet, a coil holder disposed rotatably to the cylinder portion, a conducting coil wound on the coil holder and generates a rotational force between the same and the cylinder portion when a current flows in the conducting coil, a brake coil provided on the coil holder, where an electromotive force for generating magnetic field that suppresses relative rotation between the coil holder and the cylinder portion is induced between both ends of brake coil when a current flows in the conducting coil, and a switch interposed between the both ends of the brake coil.

Abstract: When surplus power not charged to an electric storage is generated at the time of regenerative braking of a vehicle, a voltage is generated across first and second neutral points using a zero-voltage vector each of first and second inverters and the generated surplus power is consumed by a resistance connected across the first and second neutral points. The voltage generated across the first and second neutral points is calculated in accordance with the surplus voltage, using a resistance value of the resistance.

Abstract: An adaptable electrical braking system for an electrical propulsion system of a traction vehicle is provided. The electrical braking system is configured to dissipate electrical energy in a plurality of resistor grids. The braking system includes a braking system assembly including a baseline chopper circuit topology. The baseline chopper circuit topology includes a first semiconductor-based circuitry in an enclosure for accommodating the first semiconductor-based circuitry. The braking system further includes a second semiconductor-based circuitry electrically coupled to the first semiconductor-based circuitry to produce a chopper including a chopper circuit topology fully contained in the enclosure. The second semiconductor-based circuitry includes a circuit topology selectable to adapt the baseline chopper circuit topology to meet distinct operational requirements to be fulfilled by the braking system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle electric drive system. There is a need for a brake responsive vehicle electric drive system. A vehicle electric drive system includes an internal combustion engine, an electric motor/generator driven by the engine, and drive wheels driven by a traction motor/generator. The motor/generators are controlled by a control system which receives signals from an operator speed control member, wheel speed sensors, and a pair of brake pedal position sensors, each connected to a corresponding left or right brake pedal. In response to operation of the brake pedals, the controller coordinates operation of the electric drive system with operation of the brake pedals.

Abstract: A drive, including at least a brake and an electromotor, is connected to an output stage with the aid of supply lines, the brake being supplied from a brake control, the brake control being connected to the supply lines for its supply, via capacitors.

Abstract: A mechanical braking system is provided for a vehicle having an electric propulsion system which is utilized for retard speed regulation. While the retard speed regulation is normally performed via electric braking, in some conditions the electric braking is not able to maintain a desired speed for the vehicle. In this condition, upon receipt of a signal from the electric propulsion system, the mechanical braking system is automatically activated so as to maintain the vehicle at the desired speed.

Abstract: A method for emulating induction motor operation using an electronically commutated motor (ECM) is described herein. The method includes receiving, at the ECM, a desired operating torque, accessing induction motor operating characteristics stored within the ECM, and calculating a new torque demand if a speed associated with the desired operating torque is greater than a breakdown speed of the induction motor. The method also includes setting an output torque for the motor substantially equal to the torque demand for the motor if the speed associated with the desired operating torque is less than the breakdown speed of the induction motor, moving the output torque toward the demanded torque if not substantially equal, and operating the motor at the output torque.

Abstract: In a method for operating a fuel pump of a motor vehicle, the fuel pump is driven by an EC electric motor for conveying fuel in a direction of an internal combustion engine. Accordingly, when no more fuel is required, the EC electric motor of the fuel pump is switched off in such a way that a rotor of the EC electric motor slows down in a defined manner, so that the rotor of the EC electric motor assumes a defined relative position with respect to the stator of the EC electric motor after slowing down.

Abstract: In such a product that torque of a motor is continuously generated when a rotation number of the motor is nearly equal to zero, since an output voltage is kept at a constant value in accordance with a rotation position of the motor, such a condition that currents are concentrated in a specific element are maintained. As a result, a temperature of the specific element is increased, so that there are problems that a temperature fail of an inverter apparatus may readily occur, and thus, lifetimes of elements are lowered. In a power converter of a motor drive apparatus, windings are energizing-controlled in such a manner that only 1 phase of a switching circuit is pulse-width-controlled when the motor is under motor locking condition.

Abstract: The invention relates to an adjustable brake device that can be used in conjunction with a hinge mechanism of a folding electronic device, e.g. a clamshell mobile phone. The adjustable brake device comprises a brake actuator that is able to generate a braking force responsive to a magnetic flux directed to the brake actuator and a magnetic circuit that has a magnetizing device arranged to generate the magnetic flux and a magnetic path arranged to conduct the magnetic flux from the magnetizing device to the brake actuator. At least two elements of the magnetic circuit are movable with respect to each other. A mutual position of the at least two elements can be used for determining strength of the magnetic flux directed to the brake actuator. The braking force can be adjusted in a relatively simple way by adjusting the mutual position of the movable parts of the magnetic circuit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an activation circuit and a method for operating such an activation circuit for a DC motor (04) having electrically actuated stopping brake (07), in particular for adjusting a rotor blade of a wind or water power facility. The activation circuit comprises an emergency operation supply unit (03) and a three-phase bridge inverter (01). The emergency operation supply unit (03) is connected so it is disconnectable via an emergency operation network switching element (12) to the intermediate circuit (16, 17) of the three-phase bridge inverter (01), the DC motor (04) is connected via an emergency operation motor changeover element (13) either to the three-phase bridge inverter (01) or to the emergency operation supply unit (03), and the stopping brake (07) is connected via an emergency operation brake changeover element (14) either to the three-phase bridge inverter (01) or to the emergency operation supply unit (03).

Abstract: A method for controlling stopping of a vibration generating stepping motor is a method for controlling the stopping of an vibration generating stepping motor by a control unit, characterized in that the method includes: stopping a supply of a driving pulse to the vibration generating stepping motor while applying a driving voltage to the vibration generating stepping motor; applying the driving voltage to the stepping motor, which does not completely stop, for an optimum braking time according to a motor configuration of the stepping motor, so as to brake the stepping motor; and stopping the applying of the driving voltage to the stepping motor which is rotating under inertia after the elapse of the optimum braking time.

Abstract: A brake system and method for a direct current brushed motor without a Hall sensor are provided. After the system is activated, the motor is pre-braked in order to detect and record the stationary armature current while the motor is in a stationary state. As the motor is required to be braked, a reverse control voltage is generated and then the armature current value is detected. When the detected armature current value is equal to the stationary armature current value, the operation of braking the DC brush motor is accomplished. The invention can achieve the goal of braking the motor to a stop quickly, no matter which state the motor is in. Besides, it can be applied to different kinds of motors.

Abstract: A reverse torque, forward commutation motor driver system for a phased motor rapidly decelerates or “brakes” the motor by exciting, in sequence, a complementary excitation signal in each normal commutation state of the forward state machine, thereby providing an active braking effect. After active braking reduces the rotational velocity of the motor below a threshold, a dynamic braking technique can replace the active braking, wherein high-side drivers are set to an opposite voltage as compared to low-side drivers.

Abstract: A drive system with an electric motor is described, which includes an integrated armature short-circuit brake and a mechanical brake. If the electric motor cannot be controllably slowed down, a control signal is applied at an activation time to the integrated armature short-circuit brake and the mechanical brake, and the armature short-circuit brake is switched off when reaching a thermal load limit for the electric motor or the control electronics.

Abstract: A control unit for a moveable barrier, such as a garage door, includes a microcontroller connected to a motor speed detector, motor current sensor or a sensor for determining forces exerted on or by the barrier. A user interface includes user actuatable switches for setting a first maximum force value to be exerted on or by the barrier when moving in one direction and the microcontroller automatically sets the value of a second maximum force to be exerted on or by the barrier when moving in the opposite direction. The second force value may be based on the force value set by the user or the second force value may be a preset value. Both force limits may be automatically set as a function of a maximum force exerted on said barrier during movement thereof, during a force learning operation.

Abstract: A motor has built therein a brake for stopping the rotation of the motor and a brake controlling circuit for controlling the brake. The motor is further provided with a bypass circuit for supplying an electric power directly to the brake and a terminal for connecting a power source to the bypass circuit. When the brake controlling circuit develops a fault, the brake is directly released by an external power source.

Abstract: A traction control system for controlling an electric traction motor drivingly coupled to a wheel of a tractive vehicle. The traction control system includes means for determining speed of the wheel, means for determining tractive effort of the wheel and a control circuitry for controlling drive signals to the motor based upon the wheel speed and tractive effort.

Abstract: In such a product that torque of a motor is continuously generated when a rotation number of the motor is nearly equal to zero, since an output voltage is kept at a constant value in accordance with a rotation position of the motor, such a condition that currents are concentrated in a specific element are maintained. As a result, a temperature of the specific element is increased, so that there are problems that a temperature fail of an inverter apparatus may readily occur, and thus, lifetimes of elements are lowered. In a power converter of a motor drive apparatus, windings are energizing-controlled in such a manner that only 1 phase of a switching circuit is pulse-width-controlled when the motor is under motor locking condition.

Abstract: A saw is disclosed having a detection system adapted to detect a dangerous condition between a person and a saw blade, and a brake adapted to stop the saw blade in response to detection of the dangerous condition. The saw further includes a brake positioning system that allows the brake to be positioned in at least two different operable positions to accommodate at least two different blade diameters. The saw may include a system to detect brake-to-blade spacing.

Abstract: A method for controlling an electrically actuable parking brake is described. In this method the cutoff current of the electric motor is varied to compensate for example for changes in the application force associated with aging or wear or for changes in the application force due to changes in the resistance and/or temperature of an electric motor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a propeller drive arrangement for vessels used in water-borne traffic, and specifically to a propeller drive arrangement containing a propulsion unit, and to such an arrangement, which contains a propulsion unit, which is turnable relative the hull of the vessel. Particularly the present invention relates to a system and a method for braking a motor of a propulsion unit. The solution for braking the propulsion unit according to the present invention is based on short-circuiting a permanently magnetized motor.

Abstract: A motor drive circuit includes a first transistor. The collector of a second transistor is connected to the emitter of the first transistor in series. A motor is connected to a connection point between the first and second transistors. A first brake control circuit turns off the first transistor and turns on the second transistor in accordance with a brake operation instruction signal. A second brake control circuit forces the first transistor to be turned OFF in accordance with the brake operation instruction signal independently from the first brake control circuit.

Abstract: A motor power supply including a DC supply part having a pair of supply terminals; an inverter having a pair of connection terminals respectively connected to the supply terminals thereof to receive DC power therefrom and to supply AC power to a motor, a breaking resistor and a control switching element disposed in parallel in an additional line connecting the pair of connection terminals to each other, a control switching element disposed with the breaking resistor in the additional line, a breaking switch disposed to one of the connection terminals and switched to either a normal position or a breaking position connecting the one connection terminal to a corresponding supply part or to the additional line, a speed detector detecting a motor speed and a control part controlling the breaking switch to switch to the breaking position and controlling the control switching element so that an on-off interval of the control switching element is controllable depending on the detected speed.

Abstract: A motor control apparatus supplying braking power to brake a motor comprises a braking power providing unit to receive input power having an input power voltage lower than a braking power voltage and to boost the input power voltage up to the braking power voltage to brake the motor; a switching unit closing to allow the braking power providing unit to store the input power and opening to allow the braking power providing unit to output the braking power by boosting the input power voltage and a stored power voltage up to the braking power voltage; and a controller to control the switching unit to close and to open. With this configuration, a motor control apparatus is provided, in which an additional braking power supply supplying braking power to brake a motor is not needed, thereby decreasing a production cost and a size of a product.

Abstract: A braking system is disclosed that includes a brake (22), a ram (20) shiftable in a linear direction relative to the brake (22) for actuating the brake (22), and a stop (24) for limiting movement of the ram (20). The system further includes a motor (12) for moving the ram (20) which motor (12) includes a stator and a rotor (13) and a commutation sensor (14) producing an output. A motor controller (28) receives a commutation signal based on the output and controls the motor (12) based on the commutation signal. A processor (31) also uses the commutation signal to generate a position signal indicative of the position of the ram (20) relative to the stop (24). Methods of using this system are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and system for retracting a read/write head (13) to a landing position of a disk (11) in a disk drive system (10) which includes an actuator (33) coupled with the head (13) for retracting in a first direction toward an outside diameter of the disk (11) and a second direction toward an inside diameter of the disk (11) in response to corresponding signals. A control device (32) coupled with the actuator (33) which is adapted for determining a retract direction for the read/write head (13), wherein a first signal indicative of a first direction and a second signal indicative of a second direction is provided to the actuator (33), the control device (32) further providing the first signal following a loss of power which energizes the disk drive motor (38) of the disk drive system and providing the second signal subsequent to providing the first signal for retracting the read/write head (13) to the landing position.

Abstract: This invention is a system and a method that uses the braking resistor, commonly used and available in electrically or hybrid-electrically propelled vehicles, to limit the precharge current during the startup of a high power ultracapacitor pack energy storage device and/or safely and rapidly discharge an ultracapacitor pack for maintenance work or storage to lengthen the life of the individual ultracapacitor cells and, correspondingly, the whole pack. The use of the braking resistor for precharging an ultracapacitor energy storage pack is an effective and less expensive method compared to other methods such as a separate DC-to-DC converter. This method includes the control logic sequence to activate and deactivate switching devices that perform the connections for the charging and discharging current paths.

Abstract: A vehicle driving force control apparatus is configured to prevent co-rotation of the motor caused by rotation of a pair of wheels when a clutch connecting the wheels and the motor is released (disconnected). When the clutch is released, the motor is braked by short circuiting the armature. The motor is then braked again by setting the field current of the motor to 0 when the rotational speed of the motor reaches 0. After the clutch is released, a braking-direction field current is applied to the motor in accordance with the decreasing rotational speed of the motor such that the braking force is decreased as the rotational speed of the motor decreases.

Abstract: A braking device for an electric motor of a power tool has a short circuit switch for short circuiting an armature winding of the electric motor during a braking process, the short circuit switch for controlling its switch condition having a control input, a control unit connected with the control input of the short circuit switch for performing a phase control of the short circuit switching during the braking process in order to avoid brush fire; also an electrical device with such a braking device and a braking method are proposed as well.

Abstract: A control circuit operates a dual directional DC motor from an AC power source. A controller has first and second position indication inputs adapted to receive respective first and second position indications. The controller also has first and second direction outputs, which respectively energize one of two first relay coils having contacts outputting respective AC voltages responsive to the direction outputs. A full wave bridge rectifier receives the AC voltage and responsively outputs a DC voltage, which energizes a second relay coil. A contact thereof directs that voltage to two sets of first relay contacts, which are also responsive to the direction outputs, and which respectively provide a positive or negative DC voltage to the motor. Another second relay coil contact provides a braking action to the motor responsive to removal of the DC voltage from the rectifier output following removal of the AC voltage to the rectifier.

Abstract: A reluctance force brake device applies the coupling and combining concept of the reluctance braking unit to the original rotating source or say mechanical rotation axle for kinetic energy output. The reluctance braking unit, utilizing electrical energy from forward electrical energy source or brake reverse recover energy, generates the reverse reluctance force to reduce the speed of rotating source to operate brake action. The driving design can be extended to absorb the brake reverse recovery energy for recycling in motives related applications, which can help to upgrade or replace the bake system of traditional mechanical vehicles or electrical vehicles, and improve the applicability for drive-by-wire development trend.

Abstract: A motor driving apparatus including a regeneration control function and a power storage device for accumulating a regenerative current and for supplying an inverter section with electric power during acceleration. The inverter section is connected to a converter section by a DC link to which regeneration start detecting means and the power storage device are connected. When the regeneration start detecting means detects that a voltage at the DC link reaches a regeneration control start voltage, a controller controls switching elements and starts regeneration control. The regenerative current is accumulated in the capacitor through a diode. When a motor is in a power running state, the switching elements are turned on to apply the voltage at the power storage device to the DC link, and the charged power is utilized for motor acceleration.

Abstract: A method for reducing engine fuel consumption of an electro-motive vehicle during braking, the method including steps for providing an engine for the vehicle, generating primary electric power at a primary electric power generator connected to the engine, generating primary electric power at a secondary electric power generator connected to the engine, operating a plurality of electric traction motors each coupled in driving relationship to a respective one of a plurality of driven wheels to propel the vehicle during motoring operations and to generate electricity upon braking operations of the vehicle, electrically connecting a braking switch between the traction motors and the primary electric power generator, applying braking, closing the braking switch, and transmitting power generated by the traction motors to the primary electric power generator to operate as a motor to rotate the engine and drive the secondary electric power generator to power the auxiliary equipment without fueling the engine.

Abstract: The invention is a motor stop control device for a rotating reel type gaming machine 1 which includes a stepping motor 70 having two pairs of excitation phases as a driving source of reels 3 having a plurality of symbols drawn thereon and in which the stepping motor is stopped in accordance with an operational instruction from outside. The device includes a deceleration transmission mechanism 700 for transmitting the rotation of the stepping motor 70 to rotating shafts for rotating the reels 3 at a predetermined reduction ratio and a main CPU 40 for performing control for reducing the rotating speed of the stepping motor 70 when a stop command for the stepping motor 70 is generated according to an operational instruction from the outside and for performing stop control of the stepping motor 70 through two-phase excitation.

Abstract: A retarded electric motor designed as a series motor or an asynchronous motor having a squirrel cage rotor. A valve is provided for switching between motor operation and braking operation. During motor operation the motor is operated in a known configuration as series motor or as asynchronous motor. If configured as a series motor, the valve (S1, S2, S3) allows to bypass the armature and to operate the motor as an externally excited direct current generator when switching into braking operation. If configured as an asynchronous motor, a switch is utilized to disconnect at least two field windings from mains. A valve is utilized to excite the motor externally from mains with a pulsating direct current during braking.

Abstract: The regenerative braking method and system for an electric vehicle in which regeneration current is calculated and controlled using control of an air conditioning system to consume a portion or all of the surplus regeneration power, thereby enhancing braking performance and feel. Control includes calculation of a regeneration current and comparison of the regeneration current to battery current to calculate the surplus regeneration power.

Abstract: A driving system for driving a brushless motor effects a rotation control of a rotor by sequentially switching application of a current to magnetic coils disposed in a stator in response to a detection signal from a pole-position detector. The driving system comprises a controlling circuit for generating a driving signal, an inverter control circuit for controlling application of the current to the coils by adjusting opening and closing of switching devices in response to the driving signal, and a rotational speed sensor. The controlling circuit generates a braking signal when a rotational speed of the rotor is beyond a predetermined value, and transmits the braking signal to the inverter control circuit. The inverter control circuit effects a braking control in response to the braking signal by application of the current to at least one coil except those coils being excited upon reception of the braking signal.

Abstract: A protective device includes a signal input intended for connection to a sensor, a signal output intended for connection to an evaluation unit, and an isolation element for galvanically separating the signal input from the signal output. The provision of the protective device prevents a transmission of overvoltages from the sensor to the evaluating unit.

Abstract: While a ring gear shaft 126 linked with a drive shaft rotates, a power output apparatus 110 applies a torque to a first motor MG1 attached to a sun gear shaft 125, thereby abruptly increasing a revolving speed of an engine 150, to which a fuel injection is stopped. A torque generated by a frictional force of, for example, a piston in the engine 150 and working as a reaction is applied as a braking torque to the ring gear shaft 126 via a planetary gear 120. The magnitude of the braking torque depends upon the frictional force of, for example, the piston and can be controlled by regulating the revolving speed of the engine 150 by means of the first motor MG1. This control procedure enables the energy consumed by the engine 150 to be output as a braking force to the drive shaft.