US 6,687,582 B1 · Control of idle speed in a hybrid powertrain configuration

Abstract

The present invention includes an apparatus and a method for controlling the idle speed of a powertrain. The possible idle speed control operating modes detailed are (1) engine-torque-control/motor-speed-control, (2) engine-off/motor-speed-control, and (3) engine-speed-control/motor-torque-control. The engine-off/motor-speed-control mode is used when all conditions to turn the engine off are met. The motor is run at a speed that is determined by the ancillary demands—subject to motor or engine constraints. The engine-torque-control/motor-speed-control operating mode is used when the engine is required to be on to provide torque to various mechanically driven ancillary loads, or to charge the batteries. The engine-speed-control/motor-torque-control operating mode is used when the engine is required to be on because of conditions not related to providing torque to other components.

Claims13

Dependent claims

An idle speed control system for a hybrid vehicle, the idle speed control system comprising:

an internal combustion engine selectively coupled to a transmission by a clutch;
a motor-generator selectively coupled to the transmission by said clutch;
an ancillary device that receives power from at least one of said internal combustion engine or said motor generator;
a controller to control an idle mode of said hybrid vehicle;
whereby said controller receives inputs indicative of a drive state of said hybrid vehicle, calculates a torque demand value in response to said drive state, and selects one of an engine control mode and a motor-generator control mode to regulate an idle speed of the transmission based in part upon said drive state of said hybrid vehicle;
wherein said motor-generator control mode of said controller includes utilizing said motor-generator to provide a transient torque value, and further includes utilizing said internal combustion engine to provide a steady state torque value such that said torque demand value is satisfied.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Control of idle speed in a hybrid powertrain configuration

Life of this patent

Control of idle speed in a hybrid powertrain configuration

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims13