Method and apparatus for limiting engine torque to protect disconnect clutch in a hybrid vehicle
AssigneeFord Global Technologies, LLC
InventorsMark Steven Yamazaki, Bernard D. Nefcy, Daniel Scott Colvin, Francis Thomas Connolly, Walter Joseph Ortmann
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A powertrain comprising an engine, a motor, a disconnect clutch connected between the engine and the motor, and a transmission. The transmission is connected to the motor by a launch clutch and selectively and indirectly connected to the engine by the disconnect clutch. A controller receives an engine torque output signal and limits the torque output of the engine to the clutch capacity limit value. A system and a method are also provided for controlling a powertrain for a hybrid vehicle.
Claims12
A powertrain comprising:
- an engine;
- a motor;
- a disconnect clutch between the engine and the motor;
- a transmission connected to the motor and selectively connected to the engine;
- a launch clutch between the motor and the transmission;
- and
- a controller receiving an engine torque output signal, limiting engine torque output to a disconnect clutch capacity limit, and reducing motor torque when the launch clutch is open or slipping to a negative disconnect clutch capacity limit.
A method of controlling a powertrain including an engine and a motor that may be separated by a disconnect clutch and that provide torque to a transmission, the method comprising:
- limiting engine torque output to a disconnect clutch capacity limit value, and wherein if a launch clutch between the motor and the transmission is open or slipping, reducing the motor torque to a negative disconnect clutch capacity limit value.
A system for controlling a powertrain comprising:
- an engine;
- a motor connected to the engine;
- a transmission connected to the motor;
- a disconnect clutch that is operatively connected between the engine and the motor and is operable to separate the engine form the motor, wherein the engine and the motor are selectively connectable to the transmission by a launch clutch;
- and
- a controller that limits torque produced by the engine to a disconnect clutch capacity limit, wherein the controller reduces the torque produced by the motor when the launch clutch is open or slipping to a negative disconnect clutch capacity limit value.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.