Engine starting control system for hybrid vehicle

An engine starting control system for a hybrid vehicle, comprising:

• a differential mechanism including a first rotary element connected to an engine, a second rotary element connected to a first motor, and a third rotary element delivering torque to drive wheels;
• and
• a stopping member that selectively stops a rotation of the first rotary member,
• wherein an output torque of the first motor is applied to the third rotary element while stopping the rotation of the first rotary element by the stopping member,
• the engine starting control system comprising:
• a switching mechanism including an input member rotated integrally with the third rotary element and an output member connected to the drive wheels, in which an operating mode is switched between a first mode in which the input member and the output member are rotated in the same direction, and a second mode in which the input member and the output member are rotated in opposite directions;
• and
• a controller that controls the engine, the first motor, and the switching mechanism,
• wherein the controller is configured to:
• maintain the operating mode of the switching mechanism when starting the engine by the first motor, in a case that the hybrid vehicle is propelled in the forward direction by a torque of the first motor and that the switching mechanism is in the second mode, or in a case that the hybrid vehicle is propelled in the reverse direction by the torque of the first motor and that the switching mechanism is in the first mode,
• increase a rotational speed of the engine to a level at which combustion of the engine can be maintained, and
• switch the operating mode of the switching mechanism by reversing a rotation of the input member when the rotational speed of the engine is increased to the level at which combustion of the engine can be maintained.