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US 10,473,211 B2Granted
Methods and systems for improving hybrid vehicle cooling
AssigneeFord Global Technologies, LLC
InventorsBernard D. Nefcy, Marvin Paul Kraska, Walter Joseph Ortmann
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Systems and methods for improving hybrid vehicle cooling are presented. In one example, an electric pump may supply transmission fluid to a transmission and a driveline integrated starter/generator to cool, operate, and lubricate driveline components. The electric pump may be selectively operated to conserve energy and to supply driveline cooling when driveline cooling may be desirable.
Claims9
A method for cooling a driveline, comprising:
- operating an electric pump supplying transmission clutches transmission fluid when an electric machine coupled to a transmission is not rotating;
- deactivating the electric pump in response to electric machine rotation when electric machine current output is less than a threshold;
- operating the electric pump while the electric machine is rotating in response to the electric machine current output exceeding a threshold for a predetermined amount of time;
- and
- supplying transmission fluid to the electric machine via a mechanical pump, wherein the mechanical pump is rotated when the electric machine is rotating.
2 more elements
A method for cooling a driveline, comprising:
- operating an electric pump supplying transmission clutches transmission fluid when an electric machine coupled to a transmission is not rotating, wherein the transmission clutches activate one or more gear clutches to tie a transmission shaft to a transmission case;
- deactivating the electric pump in response to electric machine rotation when electric machine current output is less than a threshold;
- operating the electric pump while the electric machine is rotating in response to the electric machine current output exceeding a threshold for a predetermined amount of time;
- and
- supplying transmission fluid to the electric machine via a mechanical pump, wherein the mechanical pump is rotated when the electric machine is rotating.
2 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.