Method and apparatus for starting an engine of a modular hybrid transmission based upon demanded torque
AssigneeFord Global Technologies, LLC
InventorsFelix Nedorezov, Hong Jiang, Matthew John Shelton, Bernard D. Nefcy, Daniel Scott Colvin, Zhengyu Dai, Roger Lyle Huffmaster
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A control system including a method and apparatus for operating a hybrid vehicle. A disconnect clutch selectively separates an electric machine from a combustion engine. If a wide open throttle or high torque command is requested and the combustion engine is shut down, a 12 volt starter may be used to start the combustion engine while disconnected from the electric machine and all of the electric machine torque available may be used for traction.
Claims10
A vehicle comprising:
- an engine having a starter;
- a stepped gear ratio automatic transmission operatively connected to the engine by a clutch;
- a motor operatively connected to the transmission;
- and
- a controller that provides an engine start signal when the engine is stopped to:
- the starter when a torque demand request signal exceeds a threshold, and to the motor when the clutch is applied and the torque demand request signal does not exceed the threshold.
A method of operating a vehicle having a motor between a stepped gear ratio automatic transmission and an engine, the motor and the engine being connected through a clutch that selectively connects the motor and the engine, the method comprising:
- actuating a starter to start the engine when a torque demand request signal is greater than a threshold;
- and
- actuating the motor to start the engine when the clutch is applied and the torque demand request signal does not exceed the threshold.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.