Title of Invention

METHOD AND APPARATUS TO PRIORITIZE TRANSMISSION OUTPUT TORQUE AND INPUT ACCELERATION FOR A HYBRID POWER TRAIN SYSTEM

Abstract A powertrain includes an electro-mechanical transmission mechanically-operatively coupled to an internal combustion engine and an electric machine adapted to selectively transmit mechanical power to an output member. A method for controlling the powertrain includes operating the transmission in an operating range state wherein input speed can operate independent of output speed and wherein a reactive torque is transmitted through the transmission. The method further includes monitoring commands affecting a requested output torque, monitoring a calculated output torque, and prioritizing between an input acceleration of the transmission and an output torque of the transmission based upon whether operating the transmission in the operating range state is in transient operation or stable operation.
Full Text METHOD AND APPARATUS TO PRIORITIZE TRANSMISSION
OUTPUT TORQUE AND INPUT ACCELERATION FOR A HYBRID
POWERTRAIN SYSTEM
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application
No. 60/985,281 filed on November 4, 2007 which is hereby incorporated
herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This disclosure pertains to control systems for electro-mechanical
transmissions.
BACKGROUND
[0003] The statements in this section merely provide background
information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.
[0004] Known powertrain architectures include torque-generative devices,
including internal combustion engines and electric machines, which transmit
torque through a transmission device to an output member. One exemplary
powertrain includes a two-mode, compound-split, electro-mechanical
transmission which utilizes an input member for receiving motive torque from
a prime mover power source, preferably an internal combustion engine, and an
output member. The output member can be operatively connected to a
driveline for a motor vehicle for transmitting tractive torque thereto. Electric


machines, operative as motors or generators, generate an input torque to the
transmission, independently of an input torque from the internal combustion
engine. The electric machines may transform vehicle kinetic energy,
transmitted through the vehicle driveline, to electrical energy that is storable in
an electrical energy storage device. A control system monitors various inputs
from the vehicle and the operator and provides operational control of the
powertrain, including controlling transmission operating range state and gear
shifting, controlling the torque-generative devices, and regulating the electrical
power interchange among the electrical energy storage device and the electric
machines to manage outputs of the transmission, including torque and
rotational speed.
[0005] Transmissions within a hybrid powertrain, as described above, serve
a number of functions by transmitting and manipulating torque in order to
provide torque to an output member. In order to serve the particular function
required, the transmission selects between a number of operating range states
or configurations internal to the transmission defining the transfer of torque
through the transmission. Known transmissions utilize operating range states
including fixed gear states or states with a defined gear ratio. For example, a
transmission can utilize four sequentially arranged fixed gear states and allow
selection between the four gear states in order to provide output torque
through a wide range of output member speeds. Additively or alternatively,
known transmissions also allow for continuously variable operating range
states or mode states, enabled for instance through the use of a planetary gear
set, wherein the gear ratio provided by the transmission can be varied across a
range in order to modulate the output speed and output torque provided by a


particular set of inputs. Additionally, transmissions can operate in a neutral
state, ceasing all torque from being transmitted through the transmission.
Additionally, transmissions can operate in a reverse mode, accepting input
torque in a particular rotational direction used for normal forward operation
and reversing the direction of rotation of the output member. Through
selection of different operating range states, transmissions can provide a range
of outputs for a given input.
[0006] Operation of the above devices within a hybrid powertrain vehicle
require management of numerous torque bearing shafts or devices
representing connections to the above mentioned engine, electrical machines.
and driveline. Input torque from the engine and input torque from the electric
machine or electric machines can be applied individually or cooperatively to
provide output torque. However, changes in output torque required from the
transmission, for instance, due to a change in operator pedal position or due to
an operating range state shift, must be handled smoothly. Particularly difficult
to manage are input torques, applied simultaneously to a transmission, with
different reaction times to a control input. Based upon a single control input,
the various devices can change respective input torques at different times,
causing increased abrupt changes to the overall torque applied through the
transmission. Abrupt or uncoordinated changes to the various input torques
applied to a transmission can cause a perceptible change in acceleration or jerk
in the vehicle, which can adversely affect vehicle drivability.
[0007] Various control schemes and operational connections between the
various aforementioned components of the hybrid drive system are known,
and the control system must be able to engage to and disengage the various


components from the transmission in order to perform the functions of the
hybrid powertrain system. Engagement and disengagement are known to be
accomplished within the transmission by employing selectively operable
clutches. Clutches are devices well known in the art for engaging and
disengaging shafts including the management of rotational velocity and torque
differences between the shafts. Engagement or locking, disengagement or
unlocking, operation while engaged or locked operation, and operation while
disengaged or unlocked operation are all clutch states that must be managed in
order for the vehicle to operate properly and smoothly.
[0008] Clutches are known in a variety of designs and control methods. One
known type of clutch is a mechanical clutch operating by separating or joining
two connective surfaces, for instance, clutch plates, operating, when joined, to
apply frictional torque to each other. One control method for operating such a
mechanical clutch includes applying a hydraulic control system implementing
fluidic pressures transmitted through hydraulic lines to exert or release
clamping force between the two connective surfaces. Operated thusly, the
clutch is not operated in a binary manner, but rather is capable of a range of
engagement states, from fully disengaged, to synchronized but not engaged, to
engaged but with only minimal clamping force, to engaged with some
maximum clamping force. Clamping force applied to the clutch determines
how much reactive torque the clutch can carry before the clutch slips.
Variable control of clutches through modulation of clamping force allows for
transition between locked and unlocked states and further allows for managing
slip in a locked transmission. In addition, the maximum clamping force

capable of being applied by the hydraulic lines can also vary with vehicle
operating states and can be modulated based upon control strategies.
[0009] Clutches are known to be operated asynchronously, designed to
accommodate some level of slip in transitions between locked and unlocked
states. Other clutches are known to be operated synchronously, designed to
match speeds of connective surfaces or synchronize before the connective
surfaces are clamped together. This disclosure deals primarily with
synchronous clutches.
[0010] Slip, or relative rotational movement between the connective surfaces
of the clutch when the clutch connective surfaces are intended to be
synchronized and locked, occurs whenever reactive torque applied to the
clutch exceeds actual torque capacity created by applied clamping force. Slip
in a transmission results in unintended loss of torque control within the
transmission, results in loss of engine speed control and electric machine
speed control caused by a sudden change in back-torque from the
transmission, and results in sudden changes to vehicle acceleration, creating
adverse affects to drivability.
[0011] Transmissions can operate with a single clutch transmitting reactive
torque between inputs and an output. Transmission can operate with a
plurality of clutches transmitting reactive torque between inputs and an output.
Selection of operating range state depends upon the selective engagement of
clutches, with different allowable combinations resulting in different operating
range states.
[0012] Output torque and control of input speed through input acceleration
are important properties of powertrain operation. In instances where these


properties conflict, a method to balance or prioritize control of the powertrain
between these properties, in particular depending upon a condition of stable or
transient powertrain operation, would be beneficial.
SUMMARY
[0013] A powertrain includes an electro-mechanical transmission
mechanically-operatively coupled to an internal combustion engine and an
electric machine adapted to selectively transmit mechanical power to an output
member. A method for controlling the powertrain includes operating the
transmission in an operating range state wherein input speed can operate
independent of output speed and wherein a reactive torque is transmitted
through the transmission. The method further includes monitoring commands
affecting a requested output torque, monitoring a calculated output torque, and
prioritizing between an input acceleration of the transmission and an output
torque of the transmission based upon whether operating the transmission in
the operating range state is in transient operation or stable operation.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] One or more embodiments will now be described, by way of
example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0015] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary powertrain
comprising a two-mode, compound-split, electro-mechanical hybrid
transmission operatively connected to an engine and first and second electric
machines, in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0016] FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary distributed
control module system, in accordance with the present disclosure;
[0017] FIG. 3 graphically depicts reaction times of exemplary hybrid
powertrain components to changes in torque request, in accordance with the
present disclosure;
[0018] FIG. 4 demonstrates gear transition relationships for an exemplary
hybrid powertrain transmission, in accordance with the present disclosure;
[0019] FIGS. 5-7 depict exemplary processes combining to accomplish an
exemplary transmission shift, in accordance with the present disclosure;
[0020] FIG. 5 is a graphical representation of torque terms associated with a
clutch through an exemplary transitional unlocking state, in accordance with
the present disclosure;
[0021] FIG. 6 is a graphical representation of torque terms associated with a
clutch through an exemplary transitional locking state, in accordance with the
present disclosure;
[0022] FIG. 7 is a graphical representation of terms describing an exemplary
inertia speed phase of a transmission, in accordance with the present
disclosure;
[0023] FIG. 8 illustrates in tabular form use of an exemplary 2D look-up
table to determine inertia speed phase times, in accordance with the present
disclosure;
[0024] FIG. 9 describes an exemplary inertia speed phase divided into three
sub-phases, in accordance with the present disclosure;
[0025] FIG. 10 shows an exemplary control system architecture for
controlling and managing torque and power flow in a powertrain system

having multiple torque generative devices and residing in control modules in
the form of executable algorithms and calibrations, in accordance with the
present disclosure;
[0026] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram exemplifying data flow through a
shift execution, describing more detail exemplary execution of the control
system architecture of FIG. 10 in greater detail, in accordance with the present
disclosure;
[0027] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram exemplifying data flow through a
control system, determining an input acceleration profile through a transient
EVT mode, in accordance with the present disclosure;
[0028] FIG. 13 graphically illustrates an exemplary application of minimum
and maximum input acceleration values upon an input acceleration profile, in
accordance with the present disclosure;
[0029] FIG. 14 graphically illustrates an exemplary application of minimum
and maximum input acceleration values upon an input acceleration profile, in
accordance with the present disclosure; and
[0030] FIG. 15 graphically depicts an exemplary method to determine
minimum and maximum desired output torques in a stable EVT mode based
upon a requested output torque and a calculated output torque, including
widening the resulting range between the requested output torque and the
calculated output torque according to foot pedal position, in accordance with
the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0031] Referring now to the drawings, wherein the showings are for the
purpose of illustrating certain exemplary embodiments only and not for the
purpose of limiting the same, FIGS. 1 and 2 depict an exemplary electro-
mechanical hybrid powertrain. The exemplary electro-mechanical hybrid
powertrain in accordance with the present disclosure is depicted in FIG. 1,
comprising a two-mode, compound-split, electro-mechanical hybrid
transmission 10 operatively connected to an engine 14 and first and second
electric machines ('MG-A') 56 and ('MG-B') 72. The engine 14 and first and
second electric machines 56 and 72 each generate power which can be
transmitted to the transmission 10. The power generated by the engine 14 and
the first and second electric machines 56 and 72 and transmitted to the
transmission 10 is described in terms of input torques, referred to herein as TI,
TA, and TB respectively, and speed, referred to herein as NI, NA, and NB,
respectively.
[0032] The exemplary engine 14 comprises a multi-cylinder internal
combustion engine selectively operative in several states to transmit torque to
the transmission 10 via an input shaft 12, and can be either a spark-ignition or
a compression-ignition engine. The engine 14 includes a crankshaft (not
shown) operatively coupled to the input shaft 12 of the transmission 10. A
rotational speed sensor 11 monitors rotational speed of the input shaft 12.
Power output from the engine 14, comprising rotational speed and output
torque, can differ from the input speed, NI, and the input torque, TI, to the
transmission 10 due to placement of torque-consuming components on the

input shaft 12 between the engine 14 and the transmission 10, e.g., a hydraulic
pump (not shown) and/or a torque management device (not shown).
[0033] The exemplary transmission 10 comprises three planetary-gear sets
24, 26 and 28, and four selectively engageable torque-transmitting devices,
i.e., clutches C1 70, C2 62, C3 73, and C4 75. As used herein, clutches refer
to any type of friction torque transfer device including single or compound
plate clutches or packs, band clutches, and brakes, for example. A hydraulic
control circuit 42, preferably controlled by a transmission control module
(hereafter 'TCM') 17, is operative to control clutch states. Clutches C2 62 and
C4 75 preferably comprise hydraulically-applied rotating friction clutches.
Clutches C1 70 and C3 73 preferably comprise hydraulically-controlled
stationary devices that can be selectively grounded to a transmission case 68.
Each of the clutches C1 70, C2 62, C3 73, and C4 75 is preferably
hydraulically applied, selectively receiving pressurized hydraulic fluid via the
hydraulic control circuit 42.
[0034] The first and second electric machines 56 and 72 preferably comprise
three-phase AC machines, each including a stator (not shown) and a rotor (not
shown), and respective resolvers 80 and 82. The motor stator for each
machine is grounded to an outer portion of the transmission case 68, and
includes a stator core with coiled electrical windings extending therefrom.
The rotor for the first electric machine 56 is supported on a hub plate gear that
is operatively attached to shaft 60 via the second planetary gear set 26. The
rotor for the second electric machine 72 is fixedly attached to a sleeve shaft
hub 66.

[0035] Each of the resolvers 80 and 82 preferably comprises a variable
reluctance device including a resolver stator (not shown) and a resolver rotor
(not shown). The resolvers 80 and 82 are appropriately positioned and
assembled on respective ones of the first and second electric machines 56 and
72. Stators of respective ones of the resolvers 80 and 82 are operatively
connected to one of the stators for the first and second electric machines 56
and 72. The resolver rotors are operatively connected to the rotor for the
corresponding first and second electric machines 56 and 72. Each of the
resolvers 80 and 82 is signally and operatively connected to a transmission
power inverter control module (hereafter 'TPIM') 19, and each senses and
monitors rotational position of the resolver rotor relative to the resolver stator.
thus monitoring rotational position of respective ones of first and second
electric machines 56 and 72. Additionally, the signals output from the
resolvers 80 and 82 are interpreted to provide the rotational speeds for first
and second electric machines 56 and 72, i.e., NAand NB, respectively.
[0036] The transmission 10 includes an output member 64, e.g. a shaft,
which is operably connected to a driveline 90 for a vehicle (not shown), to
provide output power, e.g., to vehicle wheels 93, one of which is shown in
FIG. 1. The output power is characterized in terms of an output rotational
speed, No and an output torque, TO. A transmission output speed sensor 84
monitors rotational speed and rotational direction of the output member 64.
Each of the vehicle wheels 93, is preferably equipped with a sensor 94 adapted
to monitor wheel speed, VSS-WHL, the output of which is monitored by a
control module of a distributed control module system described with respect

to FIG. 2, to determine vehicle speed, and absolute and relative wheel speeds
for braking control, traction control, and vehicle acceleration management.
[0037] The input torques from the engine 14 and the first and second electric
machines 56 and 72 (TI, TA, and TB respectively) are generated as a result of
energy conversion from fuel or electrical potential stored in an electrical
energy storage device (hereafter 'ESD') 74. The ESD 74 is high voltage DC-
coupled to the TPIM 19 via DC transfer conductors 27. The transfer
conductors 27 include a contactor switch 38. When the contactor switch 38 is
closed, under normal operation, electric current can flow between the ESD 74
and the TPIM 19. When the contactor switch 38 is opened electric current
flow between the ESD 74 and the TPIM 19 is interrupted. The TPIM 19
transmits electrical power to and from the first electric machine 56 by transfer
conductors 29, and the TPIM 19 similarly transmits electrical power to and
from the second electric machine 72 by transfer conductors 31, in response to
torque requests to the first and second electric machines 56 and 72 to achieve
the input torques TA and TB. Electrical current is transmitted to and from the
ESD 74 in accordance with whether the ESD 74 is being charged or
discharged.
[0038] The TPIM 19 includes the pair of power inverters (not shown) and
respective motor control modules (not shown) configured to receive the torque
commands and control inverter states therefrom for providing motor drive or
regeneration functionality to meet the commanded motor torques TA and TB.
The power inverters comprise known complementary three-phase power
electronics devices, and each includes a plurality of insulated gate bipolar
transistors (not shown) for converting DC power from the ESD 74 to AC


power for powering respective ones of the first and second electric machines
56 and 72, by switching at high frequencies. The insulated gate bipolar
transistors form a switch mode power supply configured to receive control
commands. There is typically one pair of insulated gate bipolar transistors for
each phase of each of the three-phase electric machines. States of the
insulated gate bipolar transistors are controlled to provide motor drive
mechanical power generation or electric power regeneration functionality.
The three-phase inverters receive or supply DC electric power via DC transfer
conductors 27 and transform it to or from three-phase AC power, which is
conducted to or from the first and second electric machines 56 and 72 for
operation as motors or generators via transfer conductors 29 and 31
respectively.
[0039] FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of the distributed control module
system. The elements described hereinafter comprise a subset of an overall
vehicle control architecture, and provide coordinated system control of the
exemplary powertrain described in FIG. 1. The distributed control module
system synthesizes pertinent information and inputs, and executes algorithms
to control various actuators to achieve control objectives, including objectives
related to fuel economy, emissions, performance, drivability, and protection of
hardware, including batteries of ESD 74 and the first and second electric
machines 56 and 72. The distributed control module system includes an
engine control module (hereafter 'ECM') 23, the TCM 17, a battery pack
control module (hereafter 'BPCM') 21, and the TPIM 19. A hybrid control
module (hereafter 'HCP') 5 provides supervisory control and coordination of
the ECM 23, the TCM 17, the BPCM 21, and the TPIM 19. A user interface


('UI') 13 is operatively connected to a plurality of devices through which a
vehicle operator controls or directs operation of the electro-mechanical hybrid
powertrain. The devices include an accelerator pedal 113 ('AP') from which
an operator torque request is determined, an operator brake pedal 112 ('BP\), a
transmission gear selector 114 ('PRNDL'), and a vehicle speed cruise control
(not shown). The transmission gear selector 114 may have a discrete number
of operator-selectable positions, including the rotational direction of the output
member 64 to enable one of a forward and a reverse direction.
[0040] The aforementioned control modules communicate with other control
modules, sensors, and actuators via a local area network (hereafter 'LAN') bus
6. The LAN bus 6 allows for structured communication of states of operating
parameters and actuator command signals between the various control
modules. The specific communication protocol utilized is application-specific.
The LAN bus 6 and appropriate protocols provide for robust messaging and
multi-control module interfacing between the aforementioned control
modules, and other control modules providing functionality such as antilock
braking, traction control, and vehicle stability. Multiple communications
buses may be used to improve communications speed and provide some level
of signal redundancy and integrity. Communication between individual
control modules can also be effected using a direct link, e.g., a serial
peripheral interface ('SPP) bus (not shown).
[0041] The HCP 5 provides supervisory control of the powertrain, serving to
coordinate operation of the ECM 23, TCM 17, TPIM 19, and BPCM 21.
Based upon various input signals from the user interface 13 and the
powertrain, including the ESD 74, the HCP 5 generates various commands.


including: the operator torque request (T0O_REQ'), a commanded output torque
('TCMD') to the driveline 90, an engine input torque request, clutch torques for
the torque-transfer clutches C1 70, C2 62, C3 73, C4 75 of the transmission
10; and the torque requests for the first and second electric machines 56 and
72, respectively. The TCM 17 is operatively connected to the hydraulic
control circuit 42 and provides various functions including monitoring various
pressure sensing devices (not shown) and generating and communicating
control signals to various solenoids (not shown) thereby controlling pressure
switches and control valves contained within the hydraulic control circuit 42.
[0042] The ECM 23 is operatively connected to the engine 14, and functions
to acquire data from sensors and control actuators of the engine 14 over a
plurality of discrete lines, shown for simplicity as an aggregate bi-directional
interface cable 35. The ECM 23 receives the engine input torque request from
the HCP 5. The ECM 23 determines the actual engine input torque, TI„
provided to the transmission 10 at that point in time based upon monitored
engine speed and load, which is communicated to the HCP 5. The ECM 23
monitors input from the rotational speed sensor 11 to determine the engine
input speed to the input shaft 12, which translates to the transmission input
speed, NI. The ECM 23 monitors inputs from sensors (not shown) to
determine states of other engine operating parameters including, e.g., a
manifold pressure, engine coolant temperature, ambient air temperature, and
ambient pressure. The engine load can be determined, for example, from the
manifold pressure, or alternatively, from monitoring operator input to the
accelerator pedal 113. The ECM 23 generates and communicates command

signals to control engine actuators, including, e.g., fuel injectors, ignition
modules, and throttle control modules, none of which are shown.
[0043] The TCM 17 is operatively connected to the transmission 10 and
monitors inputs from sensors (not shown) to determine states of transmission
operating parameters. The TCM 17 generates and communicates command
signals to control the transmission 10, including controlling the hydraulic
control circuit 42. Inputs from the TCM 17 to the HCP 5 include estimated
clutch torques for each of the clutches, i.e., C1 70, C2 62, C3 73, and C4 75,
and rotational output speed, No, of the output member 64. Other actuators and
sensors may be used to provide additional information from the TCM 17 to the
HCP 5 for control purposes. The TCM 17 monitors inputs from pressure
switches (not shown) and selectively actuates pressure control solenoids (not
shown) and shift solenoids (not shown) of the hydraulic control circuit 42 to
selectively actuate the various clutches C1 70, C2 62, C3 73, and C4 75 to
achieve various transmission operating range states, as described hereinbeiow.
[0044] The BPCM 21 is signally connected to sensors (not shown) to
monitor the ESD 74, including states of electrical current and voltage
parameters, to provide information indicative of parametric states of the
batteries of the ESD 74 to the HCP 5. The parametric states of the batteries
preferably include battery state-of-charge, battery voltage, battery temperature,
and available battery power, referred to as a range PBAT_MIN to PBAT_MAX
[0045] Each of the control modules ECM 23, TCM 17, TPIM 19 and BPCM
21 is preferably a general-purpose digital computer comprising a
microprocessor or central processing unit, storage mediums comprising read
only memory ('ROM'), random access memory ('RAM'), electrically


programmable read only memory ('EPROM'), a high speed clock, analog to
digital ('A/D') and digital to analog ('D/A') circuitry, and input/output
circuitry and devices ('I/O') and appropriate signal conditioning and buffer
circuitry. Each of the control modules has a set of control algorithms,
comprising resident program instructions and calibrations stored in one of the
storage mediums and executed to provide the respective functions of each
computer. Information transfer between the control modules is preferably
accomplished using the LAN bus € and SPI buses. The control algorithms are
executed during preset loop cycles such that each algorithm is executed at
least once each loop cycle. Algorithms stored in the non-volatile memory
devices are executed by one of the central processing units to monitor inputs
from the sensing devices and execute control and diagnostic routines to
control operation of the actuators, using preset calibrations. Loop cycles are
executed at regular intervals, for example each 3.125, 6.25, 12.5, 25 and 100
milliseconds during ongoing operation of the powertrain. Alternatively,
algorithms may be executed in response to the occurrence of an event.
[0046] The exemplary powertrain selectively operates in one of several
operating range states that can be described in terms of an engine state
comprising one of an engine on state ('ON') and an engine off state ('OFF'),
and a transmission state comprising a plurality of fixed gears and continuously
variable operating modes, described with reference to Table 1, below.


[0047] Each of the transmission operating range states is described in the
table and indicates which of the specific clutches C1 70, C2 62, C3 73. and C4
75 are applied for each of the operating range states. A first continuously
variable mode, i.e., EVT Mode 1, or Ml, is selected by applying clutch C1 70
only in order to "ground" the outer gear member of the third planetary gear set
28. The engine state can be one of ON ('Ml_Eng_On') or OFF
('Ml_Eng_Off). A second continuously variable mode, i.e., EVT Mode 2. or
M2, is selected by applying clutch C2 62 only to connect the shaft 60 to the
carrier of the third planetary gear set 28. The engine state can be one of ON
('M2_Eng_On') or OFF ('M2_Eng_Off). For purposes of this description,
when the engine state is OFF, the engine input speed is equal to zero
revolutions per minute ('RPM'), i.e., the engine crankshaft is not rotating. A
fixed gear operation provides a fixed ratio operation of input-to-output speed
of the transmission 10, i.e., NI/No, is achieved. A first fixed gear operation
('Gl') is selected by applying clutches C1 70 and C4 75. A second fixed gear

operation ('G2') is selected by applying clutches C1 70 and C2 62. A third
fixed gear operation ('G3') is selected by applying clutches C2 62 and C4 75.
A fourth fixed gear operation ('G4') is selected by applying clutches C2 62
and C3 73. The fixed ratio operation of input-to-output speed increases with
increased fixed gear operation due to decreased gear ratios in the planetary
gears 24,26, and 28. The rotational speeds of the first and second electric
machines 56 and 72, NA and NB respectively, are dependent on internal
rotation of the mechanism as defined by the clutching and are proportional to
the input speed measured at the input shaft 12.
[0048] In response to operator input via the accelerator pedal 113 and brake
pedal 112 as captured by the user interface 13, the HCP 5 and one or more of
the other control modules determine the commanded output torque, TCMD,
intended to meet the operator torque request, To REQ, to be executed at the
output member 64 and transmitted to the driveline 90. Final vehicle
acceleration is affected by other factors including, e.g., road load, road grade,
and vehicle mass. The operating range state is determined for the transmission
10 based upon a variety of operating characteristics of the powertrain. This
includes the operator torque request, communicated through the accelerator
pedal 113 and brake pedal 112 to the user interface 13 as previously described.
The operating range state may be predicated on a powertrain torque demand
caused by a command to operate the first and second electric machines 56 and
72 in an electrical energy generating mode or in a torque generating mode.
The operating range state can be determined by an optimization algorithm or
routine, initiated for example within a hybrid strategic control module of the
HCP 5, which determines optimum system efficiency based upon operator


demand for power, battery state of charge, and energy efficiencies of the
engine 14 and the first and second electric machines 56 and 72. The control
system manages torque inputs from the engine 14 and the first and second
electric machines 56 and 72 based upon an outcome of the executed
optimization routine, and system efficiencies are optimized thereby, to manage
fuel economy and battery charging. Furthermore, operation can be determined
based upon a fault in a component or system. The HCP 5 monitors the torque-
generative devices, and determines the power output from the transmission 10
required to achieve the desired output torque to meet the operator torque
request. As should be apparent from the description above, the ESD 74 and
the first and second electric machines 56 and 72 are electrically-operatively
coupled for power flow therebetween. Furthermore, the engine 14, the first
and second electric machines 56 and 72, and the electro-mechanical
transmission 10 are mechanically-operatively coupled to transmit power
therebetween to generate a power flow to the output member 64.
[0049] As discussed above, managing output torque in order to maintain
drivability is a priority in controlling a hybrid powertrain. Any change in
torque in response to a change in output torque request applied through the
transmission results in a change to the output torque applied to the driveline,
thereby resulting in a change in propelling force to the vehicle and a change in
vehicle acceleration. The change in torque request can come from operator
input, such a pedal position relating an operator torque request, automatic
control changes in the vehicle, such as cruise control or other control strategy,
or engine changes in response to environmental conditions, such as a vehicle
experiencing an uphill or downhill grade. By controlling changes to various


input torques applied to a transmission within a hybrid powertrain, abrupt
changes in vehicle acceleration can be controlled and minimized in order to
reduce adverse effects to drivability.
[0050] As is known by one having ordinary skill in the art, any control
system includes a reaction time. Changes to a powertrain operating point,
comprising the speeds and torques of the various components to the
powertrain required to achieve the desired vehicle operation, are driven by
changes in control signals. These control signal changes act upon the various
components to the powertrain and create reactions in each according to their
respective reaction times. Applied to a hybrid powertrain, any change in
control signals indicating a new torque request, for instance, as driven by a
change in operator torque request or as required to execute a transmission
shift, creates reactions in each affected torque generating device in order to
execute the required changes to respective input torques. Changes to input
torque supplied from an engine are controlled by an engine torque request
setting the torque generated by the engine, as controlled, for example, through
an ECM. Reaction time within an engine to changes in torque request to an
engine is impacted by a number of factors well known in the art, and the
particulars of a change to engine operation depend heavily on the particulars
of the engine employed and the mode or modes of combustion being utilized.
In many circumstances, the reaction time of an engine to changes in torque
request will be the longest reaction time of the components to the hybrid drive
system. Reaction time within an electric machine to changes in torque request
include time to activate any necessary switches, relays, or other controls and

time to energize or de-energize the electric machine with the change in applied
electrical power.
[0051] FIG. 3 graphically depicts reaction times of exemplary hybrid
powertrain components to changes in torque request, in accordance with the
present disclosure. Components to an exemplary hybrid powertrain system
including an engine and two electric machines are exemplified. Torque
requests and resulting changes in input torque produced by each torque
generating device are illustrated. As described above, the data shows that
electric machines quickly respond to changes in torque requests, whereas the
engine follows changes in torque requests more slowly.
[0052] A method is disclosed wherein reactions times of the engine and of
the electric machine or machines within a hybrid powertrain are utilized to
control in parallel an lead immediate torque request, controlling the engine,
and an immediate torque request, controlling the electric machines, the torque
requests being coordinated by respective reaction times in order to
substantially effect simultaneous changes to input torque.
[0053] Because, as discussed above, changes to input torque from the engine
are known to involve consistently longer reactions times than changes to input
torque from an electric machine, an exemplary embodiment of the disclosed
method can implement changes in torque request to the engine and the electric
machine, acting in parallel as described above, including a lead period to the
more quickly reacting device, the electric motor. This lead period may be
developed experimentally, empirically, predictively, through modeling or
other techniques adequate to accurately predict engine and electric machine
operation, and a multitude of lead periods might be used by the same hybrid


powertrain, depending upon different engine settings, conditions, operating
and ranges and vehicle conditions. An exemplary equation that can be used in
conjunction with test data or estimates of device reaction times to calculate
lead period in accordance with the present disclosure includes the following
Eq. 1:
TLead - TLead Reaction - TImmediate Reaction [1]
wherein TLead equals the lead period for use in methods described herein. This
equation assumes that two torque producing devices are utilized. TLead Reaction
represents the reaction time of the device with the longer reaction time, and
TImmediate Reaction represents the reaction time of the device with the shorter
reaction time. If a different system is utilized, comprising for example, an
engine with a long lead period, a first electric machine with an intermediate
lead period, and a second electric machine with a short lead period, lead
periods can be developed comparing all of the torque generating devices. In
this exemplary system, if all three torque generating devices are involved, two
lead periods, one for the engine as compared to each of the electric machines,
will be utilized to synchronize the responses in each of the devices. The same
system at a different time might be operating with the engine off and
disengaged from the transmission, and a lead period comparing the first
electric machine and the second electric machine will be utilized to
synchronize the responses in the two electric machines. In this way, a lead
period can be developed coordinating reaction times between various torque
generating devices can be developed.


[0054] One exemplary method to utilize lead periods to implement parallel
torque requests to distinct torque generating devices in order to effect
substantially simultaneous changes to output torque in response to a change in
operator torque request includes issuing substantially immediately a change to
the engine torque immediate request, initiating within the engine a change to a
new engine output torque. This new engine output torque, in conjunction with
the electric motor operating state, is still managed by the HCP in order to
provide some portion of the total input torque to the transmission required to
propel the vehicle. From the point that the engine torque immediate request
changes, the lead period expires, described above taking into account the
differences in reaction times between the engine and the electric machine.
After the lead period, a change to torque requests issued to the electric
machine or machines, managed by the HCP in order to fulfill a portion of the
operator torque request, is executed, and the electric machine changes the
electric machine operating state, and as described above, the changes to the
input torques provided by the engine and the electric machine change
substantially simultaneously.
[0055] As described in the disclosed method above, engine torque immediate
requests and torque requests to an electric machine are disclosed for use in
parallel to control distinct torque generative devices with different reaction
times to reaction to changes in operator torque request. Changes in operator
torque request can include a simple change in desired output torque within a
particular transmission operating range state, or changes in operator torque
request can be required in conjunction with a transmission shift between
different operating range states. Changes to operator torque requests in


conjunction with a transmission shift are more complex than changes
contained within a single operating range state because torques and shaft
speeds of the various hybrid powertrain components must be managed in order
to transition torque applied from a first clutch and to a second previously not
applied clutch without the occurrence of slip, as described above.
[0056] Shifts within a transmission, such as the exemplary transmission of
FIG. 1, frequently involve unloading a first clutch, transitioning through an
inertia speed phase state, and subsequently loading a second clutch. Within
the transmission of a conventionally powered vehicle utilizing an engine only,
the change within a transmission from one fixed gear state to another fixed
gear state frequently includes unloading a first clutch, allowing the vehicle to
briefly coast, and then loading a second clutch. However, as described in
relation to FIG. 1 and Table 1, above, clutches within a hybrid powertrain
transmission are frequently applied in pairs or groups, and a shift within the
transmission can involve only unloading one of the applied clutches and
subsequently loading another clutch while maintaining engagement of a third
clutch throughout the shift. FIG. 4 demonstrates gear transition relationships
for an exemplary hybrid powertrain transmission, in particular as described in
the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1 and Table 1, in accordance with the
present disclosure. NI is plotted against NO At any fixed gear state. No is
determined by the corresponding NI along the fixed gear state plots. Operation
in either EVT Mode 1 or EVT Mode 2, wherein a continuously variable gear
ratio is utilized to power from a fixed input speed can take place in the
respective zones illustrated on the graph. Clutch states, C1 - C4, as described
in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1, are described in Table 1. For


instance, operation in a second fixed gear state requires clutches C1 and C2 to
be applied or loaded and clutches C3 and C4 to be not applied or unloaded.
While FIG. 4 describes gear transitions possible in the exemplary powertrain
illustrated in FIG. 1, it will be appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the
art that such a description of gear transitions is possible for any transmission
of a hybrid powertrain, and the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the
particular embodiment described herein.
[0057] FIG. 4 can describe operation of an exemplary system in a fixed gear
state or EVT mode, as described above, and it can also be used to describe
shift transitions between the various transmission operating range states. The
areas and plots on the graph describe operation of the operating range states
through transitions. For example, transitions between fixed gear states within
an EVT mode region require transient operation in the EVT mode between the
fixed gear states. Similarly, transition from EVT Mode 1 to EVT Mode 2
requires a transition through the second fixed gear state, located at the
boundary between the two modes.
[0058] In accordance with FIGS. 1 and 4 and Table 1, an exemplary
transmission shift from a third fixed gear state to a fourth fixed gear state is
further described. Referring to FIG. 4, both the beginning and the preferred
operating range states exist within the area of EVT Mode 2. Therefore, a
transition from the third gear state to the fourth gear state requires first a shift
from the third fixed gear state to EVT Mode 2 and then a shift from EVT
Mode 2 to the fourth fixed gear state. Referring to Table 1, a hybrid
powertrain transmission, beginning in a third fixed gear state, will have
clutches C2 and C4 applied. Table 1 further describes operation in EVT


Mode 2, the destination of the first shift, to include clutch C2 applied.
Therefore, a shift from the third fixed gear state to EVT Mode 2 requires
clutch C4 to be changed from an applied to a not applied state and requires
that clutch C2 remain applied. Additionally, Table 1 describes operation in
the fourth fixed gear mode, the destination of the second shift, wherein
clutches C2 and C3 are applied. Therefore, a shift from EVT Mode 2 to the
fourth fixed gear state requires clutch C3 to be applied and loaded and requires
that clutch C2 remain applied. Therefore, clutches C4 and C3 are transitioned
through the exemplary shift, while clutch C2 remains applied and transmitting
torque to the driveline throughout the shift event.
[0059] Applied to the methods disclosed herein, changes in input torque
through a transmission shift can be adjusted to reduce negative effects to
drivability by coordinating signal commands to various torque generative
devices based upon reaction times of the various components. As described
above, many transmission shifts can be broken down into three phases: a first
torque phase, during which an initially applied clutch is changed from a
torque-bearing, locked, and synchronized clutch state to an unlocked and
desynchronized clutch state; an inertia speed phase, during which affected
clutches are unlocked and in transitional states; and a second torque phase,
during which a second previously not applied clutch is changed from an
unlocked and desynchronized clutch state to a torque-bearing, locked, and
synchronized clutch state. As aforementioned, clutch slip is preferably
avoided throughout transmission shifts to avoid adverse effects on drivability,
and clutch slip is created when reactive torque applied across a clutch exceeds
the actual torque capacity of the clutch. Therefore, within a transmission shift


event, input torques must be managed in relation to the actual torque capacity
of the currently applied clutch, such that the transmission shift can be
accomplished without the occurrence of slip.
[0060] While a process can be utilized to perform necessary steps in a clutch
loading or unloading event in sequence, with the torque capacity of the clutch
being maintained in excess of reactive torques, time involved in an unlocking
transition is also important to drivability. Therefore, it is advantageous to
perform associated torque requests and clutch capacity commands in parallel
while still acting to prevent slip. Such parallel implementation of control
changes intending to effect clutch state changes associated with a transmission
shift preferably occur in as short of a time-span as possible. Therefore.
coordination of torque capacity within the clutches involved in the
transmission shift to the torque requests, both to the engine and to the electric
machine, as described in the exemplary embodiment above, is also important
to maintaining drivability through a transmission shift. FIGS. 5-7 depict
exemplary processes combining to accomplish an exemplary transmission
shift, in accordance with the present disclosure.
[0061] FIG. 5 is a graphical representation of torque terms associated with a
clutch through an exemplary transitional unlocking state, in accordance with
the present disclosure. Lines illustrated at the left extreme of the graph depict
clutch operation in a locked state. The graph depicts clutch command torque
by a clutch control system and a resulting estimated torque capacity. Clutch
torque capacity in a clutch resulting from a command torque is a result of
many factors, including available clamping pressure, design and conditional
factors of the clutch, reaction time in the clutch to changes in the clutch


control system. As demonstrated in the exemplary data of the graph in the
initial locked region, it is known to command a torque to a locked clutch in
excess of the clutch capacity and allow the other factors affecting the clutch to
determine the resulting clutch capacity. Also at the left extreme of the graph
depicting clutch operation in a locked state, estimated reactive torque applied
to the clutch as a result of input torque from the engine and electric machine
torques is depicted. At the time labeled "Initiate Unlocking State", logic
within the clutch control system or the TCM, having determined a need to
transition the clutch from locked to unlocked states, changes the command
torque to some level lower than the torque capacity but still higher than the
reactive torque currently applied to the clutch. At this point, mechanisms
within the clutch control system, for example, variable pressure control
solenoids within an exemplary hydraulic clutch control system, change
settings to modulate the clamping force within the clutch. As a result, torque
capacity of the clutch begins to change as the clamping force applied to the
clutch changes. As discussed above, the clutch reacts to a change in command
torque over a reaction time, and reaction time for a particular clutch will
depend upon the particulars of the application. In the exemplary graph of FIG.
5, torque capacity reacts to a reduction in command torque and begins to
reduce accordingly.
[0062] As mentioned above, during the same unlocking state, reactive torque
resulting from input torque and electric machine torques must also be
unloaded from the clutch. Undesirable slip results if the reactive torque is not
maintained below the torque capacity throughout the unlocking state. Upon
initiation of the unlocking state, at substantially the same point on FIG. 5


where the torque capacity is reduced to initiate the unlocking state, limits are
initiated and imposed upon input torques from the engine and the electric
machine in order to accomplish a ramping down of each to zero. As described
in the method disclosed herein and in exemplary embodiments described
above, changes to limits including a engine torque immediate request and an
immediate torque request are executed in a coordinated process, implementing
a lead period calibrated to the reaction times of the various torque providing
devices, such that the resulting input torques from the devices are reduced
substantially simultaneously. FIG. 5 illustrates a method to perform this
coordinated change to torque requests by imposing limits upon torque requests
in the form of a clutch reactive torque lead immediate min/max constraining
the engine torque immediate request and a clutch reactive torque immediate
min/max constraining the torque request to the electric machine. These
maximum reactive torque values represent the maximum torque that is
permitted to be commanded from each torque providing device: the actual
engine torque immediate request and the actual immediate torque request can
be less than the maximum reactive torque values, but as the maximum values
reduce, so the actual torque request values will also eventually reduce. The
input torques from the engine and electric machine together provide, each up
to the defined maximum values, some portion of the overall input torques,
with the portion of each being controlled by the HCP. As a result of the
calibrated lead period, both the clutch reactive torque lead immediate min/max
and the clutch reactive torque immediate min/max reduce applied reactive
torque to the clutch at substantially the same time, resulting in the reduction to
the actual clutch reactive torque as illustrated in FIG. 5. As will be


appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art, other safeguards will
additionally need to be utilized to ensure that the torque capacity remains in
excess of the reactive torque throughout the unloading process. Many such
methods are contemplated, and an exemplary set of terms which might be used
are depicted on FIG. 5. For instance, a calibrated offset term can be used to
ensure that the command setting the clutch capacity remains in excess of the
actual clutch reactive torque until the actual torque passes below some
threshold. An exemplary threshold for such a purpose is defined in FIG. 5 as
the calibrated threshold for reactive torque. In maintaining this torque
capacity request above the actual clutch reactive torque, and remembering that
all devices include a reaction time to request changes, including the clutch
clamping mechanism, the delay in the change to torque capacity in response to
clutch command changes in combination with this offset term will maintain
the torque capacity in excess of the actual clutch reactive torque.
Additionally, another threshold, a calibrated threshold for torque estimate, can
be used to define the end of the torque phase. For instance, if an estimate of
the clutch torque capacity, as determined by an algorithm modeling clutch
operation, stays below this threshold through a calibrated period of time, then
the clutch can be determined to be in an unlocked state.
[0063] FIG. 6 is a graphical representation of torque terms associated with a
clutch through an exemplary transitional locking state, in accordance with the
present disclosure. As described above, within many transmission shift
events, a second clutch is synchronized and locked, and torque is applied to
the clutch. Lines illustrated at the left extreme of the graph depict clutch
operation in an unlocked state. The initiation of locking state requires a series


of subordinate commands necessary to transition the clutch from an unlocked
state to a locked state. As described above in relation to a transition to a
second torque phase within a transmission shift, the clutch, including the shaft
connected to the oncoming torque providing shafts and the shaft connected to
the output member, must be synchronized. Once the clutch connective
surfaces attached to these shafts have been attenuated and are moving at the
same rotational velocity, clamping force can begin to be applied to the clutch
to bring the clutch to a locked state and begin increasing the torque capacity of
the clutch. As described above with regards to avoiding slip during a torque
phase, clutch capacity must be increased before reactive torque to the clutch
can be increased. In order to enable the application of input torques resulting
in a reactive torque across the clutch as rapidly as possible, an increase in
clutch capacity can be commanded anticipatorily to achieve an initial increase
in clutch capacity coincident with the clutch reaching a locked state. Reactive
torques, taking into account reaction times by utilizing a lead period by the
method disclosed herein, can then be timely commanded with a short lag to
follow increasing clutch torque capacity. An exemplary embodiment of this
method, acting in reverse of the limits imposed to torque requests as described
in FIG. 5, imposes limits upon the torque requests which can be issued to the
engine and to the electric machine according to a calibrated ramp rate, selected
to avoid slip. As depicted in FIG. 6, a clutch reactive torque immediate
min/max acting as a constraint upon electric machine torque requests is
increased after a calibrated lead period from the initiation of an increasing
clutch reactive torque lead immediate min/max acting as a constraint upon
engine torque requests. By utilizing the lead period, the increase in input


torques from the engine and the electric machine increase reactive torque
applied to the clutch substantially simultaneously, according to the methods
disclosed herein. As the limits upon the torque generating devices are lifted
according to the calibrated ramp rate applied to each limit, the HCP can
command the engine and the electric machine to fulfill a portion of the
reactive torque required from the clutch, each up to the respective maximum.
In this way, torque requests to the engine and the electric machine are
coordinated in order to compensate for reaction times in order to increase
input torques from each substantially simultaneously through a shift event.
[0064] The calibrated ramp rate utilized in the above exemplary transmission
shift is a selected value which will adjust input torque levels to the desired
range quickly, but also will stay below the torque capacity for the clutch so as
to avoid slip. The ramp rate may be developed experimentally, empirically,
predictively, through modeling or other techniques adequate to accurately
predict engine and electric machine operation, and a multitude of ramp rates
might be used by the same hybrid powertrain, depending upon different engine
settings, conditions, or operating ranges and behavior of the control system
actuating the clutch torque capacity. The ramp rate used to decrease input
torques in an unlocking event can but need not be an inverse of the ramp rate
used to increase input torques in a locking event. Similarly, the lead period
used to coordinate input torques can but need not be the same time span value
utilized in both transmission transitional states and can be varied according to
particular behaviors of a vehicle and its components.
[0065] As described above, during a transmission shift, for example,
between two fixed gear states as defined in the exemplary transmission


described above, the transmission passes through an inertia speed phase
between a first torque phase and a second torque phase. During this inertia
speed phase, the originally applied clutch and the clutch to be applied are in an
unlocked state, and the input is initially spinning with a rotational velocity that
was shared across the first clutch just prior to becoming unsynchronized. In
order to accomplish synchronization within the second clutch to be applied
and loaded in the second torque phase, inputs to be connected to the second
clutch must change Nj to match the driveline attached through the
transmission at some new gear ratio. A number of methods are known in the
art to accomplish this synchronization. However, within a shift in a hybrid
powertrain transmission, shifts usually occur through range operating state
where at least one clutch is still applied while another clutch is in an inertia
speed phase. This means that changes to the various torque generative devices
required to create synchronization in the input speed and output speed of the
second clutch still impact vehicle performance in the inertia speed phase
through the still applied clutch. Therefore, the methods described herein to
utilize a lead period to effect changes to input torques substantially
simultaneously can additionally present advantages to drivability can continue
to be utilized through an inertia speed phase.
[0066] An exemplary method to accomplish this synchronization through an
inertia speed phase of a transmission shift is graphically depicted in FIG. 7, in
accordance with the present disclosure. The effects of the transmission shift
upon two terms descriptive of the shifting process are illustrated in two
sections with a common timescale. The top section depicts NI, initially
connected through the first, initially applied clutch. The upper dotted line


represents the velocity profile of N, while the first clutch is in a locked state
before initiation of the shift. The bottom dotted line represents the velocity
profile of NI that must be achieved to synchronize the input speed with the
output speed of the second clutch. The transition between the two dotted lines
represents the change to input speed that must take place to accomplish the
shift. The bottom section of FIG. 7 depicts input acceleration (NI_DOT), or a
derivative with respect to time of NI. NI_DOT is described in this case as the
input acceleration immediate or the acceleration profile driven with a
relatively quick reaction time by an electric machine or machines, and the
term closely tracks actual NI_ DOT. The input acceleration immediate shows the
change in the rate of speed which must be accomplished in order to transition
the NI from an initial NI at the synchronous state with the first clutch to a
target input speed at the synchronous state with the second clutch. The initial
flat portion describes the acceleration with which the input speed is increased
before the initiation of the shift, and this constant value reflects the slope of
the input speed in the left portion of the top section of the FIG. 7. At the time
of the initiation of the shift, based upon operator input such as pedal position
and algorithms within the transmission control system, including determining
a preferred operating range state, a determination is made regarding target
input speed that will be required to achieve synchronization and the target
input acceleration profile required to accomplish the shift. An input
acceleration rate, calculated to support a target acceleration rate after the shift
is completed, can be termed an input acceleration lead predicted and describes
the NI_DOT that needs to exist after the inertia speed phase is completed. The
input acceleration lead immediate is predicted through an algorithm factoring


in operator requested torque, the preferred operating range state being
transitioned to, and other relevant variables. Because, as described in the top
portion of FIG. 7, NI must be changed through the inertia speed phase to
accomplish the shift and because NI_DOT describes the rate of change of the NI,
the NI_DOT of the device being controlled during the inertia speed phase must
reflect the input speed change to be accomplished through the inertia speed
phase. In the exemplary data displayed in FIG. 7, wherein the input speed
needs to be reduced to accomplish the transmission shift, the NI_DOT of the
device necessarily must change to a negative value representing the change in
NI. Once NI has been reduced to a level enabling transition to the target input
speed needed for synchronizing the input and output speeds, the NI_DOT
changes to match the input acceleration lead predicted. In this way, NI and
NI DOT can be controlled through an inertia speed phase to match a target input
speed and target input acceleration necessary to achieve a smooth transmission
shift.
[0067] As described above, a transmission shift in a hybrid powertrain
transmission requires transition between operating range states, wherein an
inertia speed phase must be accomplished as described above, while at least
one clutch is still applied and transferring torque from the torque producing
devices to the driveline. Changes to input torques, driven by torque requests
to the various torque generating devices, must accomplish both the required NI
and NI_DOT changes and maintain drivability throughout the inertia speed
phase. Therefore, exemplary methods described herein to utilize a lead period
to effect changes to input torques substantially simultaneously can be utilized
through an inertia speed phase to effect torque request changes to the various


torque producing devices in order to effect substantially simultaneous changes
to the input torques. FIG. 7 illustrates coordinating torque producing device
reaction times, and a lead period calibrated to the difference in the related
reaction times, to improve drivability in a transmission shift. An engine, as
described above, includes the greater reaction time among torque generating
devices. In order to adjust the NI and NI_DOT as quickly as possible to achieve
the target speed and acceleration values for the shift, an input acceleration lead
immediate is predicted through an algorithm. This input acceleration lead
immediate includes the reaction time of the engine to changes in torque
requests, and profiles the most rapid change in NI and NI_DOT in the lead
device that can be accomplished to reach the target values. This rapid change
in NI must include the aforementioned reaction time in the engine to changes
in torque requests and the time the engine will take to accelerate or decelerate
through the input acceleration lead immediate. As depicted in FIG. 7, the
input acceleration lead immediate, in anticipation of a pending shift, can
initiate requisite commands to the engine in anticipation of the inertia speed
phase, as the resulting input torque from the engine will not begin to reduce
until later, due to the relatively long engine reaction time. Once the input
acceleration lead immediate has been determined, an input acceleration
immediate, following the input acceleration lead immediate by a lead period,
calibrated to reaction times as described above, can be utilized to control the
electric machine to match changes in NI and NI_DOT at substantially the same
time as the response from the engine. In this way, the engine and the electric
machines are substantially synchronized in affecting the target input speed and
target acceleration.


[0068] The above methods describe torque management processes as a
comparison of positive values. It will be appreciated by one having ordinary
skill in the art that clutch torques are described as positive and negative
torques, signifying torques applied in one rotational direction or the other.
The above method can be used in either positive or negative torque
applications, where the magnitudes of the torques are modulated in such a way
that the magnitude of the applied reactive torque does not exceed the
magnitude of the torque capacity for a particular clutch.
[0069] An exemplary method to set total desired speed phase time based
upon accelerator pedal position and initial input speed delta includes use of a
calibrated 2D look-up table. FIG. 8 illustrates in tabular form use of an
exemplary 2D look-up table to determine inertia speed phase times, in
accordance with the present disclosure. Accelerator pedal position and the
initial NI delta allow projection of a change required in NI, as describe above,
which, in turn, allows estimation of an inertia speed phase time. Based upon
the given inputs, an estimated inertia speed phase time can be estimated
Values of the initial NI delta in the look-up table can span positive and
negative values, allowing for different calibrations according to upshifts and
downshifts.
[0070] Once behavior of NI at the initiation of the inertia speed phase,
behavior of a target NI based upon a desired operating range state, and a total
desired speed phase time are established, a transition described by a input
acceleration immediate profile can be described. As will be appreciated based
upon any comparison of NI values versus time, wherein different operating
range states have different projections of NI based upon NO, as is described by


the dotted lines in the NI portions of FIG. 7, inertia speed phase NI curves are
likely to take an S-shape, with transient sub-phases transitioning to and from
the initial and target NI and NI_DOT values and a center sub-phase linking the
sub-phases. By dividing an inertia speed phase into three sub-phases,
necessary transitions to an input acceleration immediate profile can be
described. FIG. 9 describes an exemplary inertia speed phase divided into
three sub-phases, in accordance with the present disclosure. Sub-phase 1
describes a transition from the initial NI and NI_DOT values. A time TI for the
sub-phase 1 or a first phase can be calculated through the following equation:

wherein KI is a calibration between zero and one describing a desired behavior
of NI. KI can be a variable term, set by indications of the context of
powertrain operation describing required properties of the shift, or K| can be a
fixed calibrated value. Sub-phase 3 describes a transition to the target NI and
NI_DOT values. A time T3 for the sub-phase 3 or a third phase can be calculated
through the following equation:

wherein K3 is a calibration between zero and one describing a desired
behavior of NI and can be set by methods similar to KI. Sub-phase 2 describes
a transition between sub-phases 1 and 3. A time T2 or a second phase, as the

remaining portion of the total desired speed phase time to be set after TI and
T3 are defined, can be calculated through the following equation:

Sub-phase 2 is depicted as a straight line in the exemplary data of FIG. 15. It
will be appreciated that a curved transition can be defined in the sub-phase 2
region depending upon the total desired speed phase time and the behavior of
the exemplary powertrain. However, a straight line as depicted can be
preferable. The slope of the NI curve in sub-phase 2 describes the peak speed
phase input acceleration that must be achieved in order to accomplish the
desired inertia speed phase in the total desired speed phase time. In the
exemplary method where NI_DOT through sub-phase 2 is a constant value, this
peak speed phase input acceleration can be calculated through the following
equations:


By describing behavior of NI_DOT required through stages of the inertia speed
phase, an input acceleration immediate profile can be defined to operate NI
changes in an inertia speed phase.
[0071] As described above, reaction times in engines to control commands
tend to be slow relative to reaction times of other components of a powertrain.
As a result, engine commands issued to an engine simultaneously to an input
acceleration immediate profile would include a resulting lag in changes to NI.
Instead, a method is additionally disclosed, wherein an input acceleration lead
immediate profile is defined based upon a lead period describing the reaction
time of the engine. Such a lead period can be the same lead period as
calculated in Equation 1 above or can be calculated separately based upon the
specific behavior of the engine in an inertia speed phase. For instance.
because there is no direct implication of electric machine operation in NI_DOT,
the lead period for the input acceleration lead immediate profile can include a
factor for an electric machine helping to change NI_DOT more quickly than the
engine could in isolation. The input acceleration lead immediate profile
depicted in FIG. 7 includes a portion of the lead profile before the start of the
inertia speed phase. In the case of a shift from a fixed gear state, wherein after
a shift is initiated, an unlocking event in an off-going clutch must occur, the
time period during the unlocking event provides a period wherein commands
can be issued to the engine in advance of a desired change in Nj. This lead in
advance of the inertia speed phase is beneficial in maintaining inertia speed
phases to a total desired speed phase time, in accordance with the
determinations described above. In circumstance where no or an insufficient
lead period is available to allow an input acceleration lead immediate profile


to effect engine changes according to the input acceleration immediate profile,
an adjustment can be made to the inertia speed phase to compensate for the
reaction time of the engine and the resulting lag in changes to N,.
Circumstances where no lead is possible includes a shift starting from an
exemplary EVT mode, wherein only one clutch is initially engaged, and the
inertia speed phase can start immediately upon command. In such a
circumstance, the initiation of the inertia speed phase can be delayed after
commands are issued to the engine in accordance with the determined lead
time.
[0072] FIG. 10 shows a control system architecture for controlling and
managing torque and power flow in a powertrain system having multiple
torque generative devices, described herein below with reference to the hybrid
powertrain system shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and residing in the aforementioned
control modules in the form of executable algorithms and calibrations. The
control system architecture can be applied to any powertrain system having
multiple torque generative devices, including, e.g., a hybrid powertrain system
having a single electric machine, a hybrid powertrain system having multiple
electric machines, and non-hybrid powertrain systems.
[0073] The control system architecture of FIG. 10 depicts a flow of pertinent
signals through the control modules. In operation, the operator inputs to the
accelerator pedal 113 and the brake pedal 112 are monitored to determine the
operator torque request ('TO_REQ')- Operation of the engine 14 and the
transmission 10 are monitored to determine the input speed ('NI') and the
output speed ('No'). A strategic optimization control scheme ('Strategic
Control') 310 determines a preferred input speed ('NIDES') and a preferred


engine state and transmission operating range state ('Hybrid Range State Des')
based upon the output speed and the operator torque request, and optimized
based upon other operating parameters of the hybrid powertrain, including
battery power limits and response limits of the engine 14, the transmission 10,
and the first and second electric machines 56 and 72. The strategic
optimization control scheme 310 is preferably executed by the HCP 5 during
each 100 ms loop cycle and each 25 ms loop cycle.
[0074] The outputs of the strategic optimization control scheme 310 are used
in a shift execution and engine start/stop control scheme ('Shift Execution and
Engine Start/Stop') 320 to command changes in the transmission operation
('Transmission Commands') including changing the operating range state.
This includes commanding execution of a change in the operating range state
if the preferred operating range state is different from the present operating
range state by commanding changes in application of one or more of the
clutches C1 70, C2 62, C3 73, and C4 75 and other transmission commands.
The present operating range state ('Hybrid Range State Actual') and an input
speed profile ('NI_PROF') can be determined. The input speed profile is an
estimate of an upcoming input speed and preferably comprises a scalar
parametric value that is a targeted input speed for the forthcoming loop cycle.
The engine operating commands and the operator torque request are based
upon the input speed profile during a transition in the operating range state of
the transmission.
[0075] A tactical control scheme (Tactical Control and Operation') 330 is
repeatedly executed during one of the control loop cycles to determine engine
commands ('Engine Commands') for operating the engine, including a


preferred input torque from the engine 34 to the transmission 10 based upon
the output speed, the input speed, and the operator torque request and the
present operating range state for the transmission. The engine commands also
include engine states including one of an all-cylinder operating state and a
cylinder deactivation operating state wherein a portion of the engine cylinders
are deactivated and unfueled, and engine states including one of a fueled state
and a fuel cutoff state.
[0076] A clutch torque (TCL') for each clutch is estimated in the TCM 17,
including the presently applied clutches and the non-applied clutches, and a
present engine input torque ('TV) reacting with the input member 12 is
determined in the ECM 23. A motor torque control scheme ('Output and
Motor Torque Determination7) 340 is executed to determine the preferred
output torque from the powertrain ('TO_CMD'), which includes motor torque
commands ('TA', 'TB') for controlling the first and second electric machines
56 and 72 in this embodiment. The preferred output torque is based upon the
estimated clutch torque(s) for each of the clutches, the present input torque
from the engine 14, the present operating range state, the input speed, the
operator torque request, and the input speed profile. The first and second
electric machines 56 and 72 are controlled through the TPIM 19 to meet the
preferred motor torque commands based upon the preferred output torque.
The motor torque control scheme 340 includes algorithmic code which is
regularly executed during the 6.25 ms and 12.5 ms loop cycles to determine
the preferred motor torque commands.
[0077] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram exemplifying data flow through a
shift execution, describing more detail exemplary execution of the control


system architecture such as the system of FIG. 10 in greater detail, in
accordance with the present disclosure. Powertrain control system 400 is
illustrated comprising several hybrid drive components, including an engine
410, an electric machine 420, and clutch hydraulics 430. Control modules
strategic control module 310, shift execution module 450, clutch capacity
control module 460, tactical control and operation module 330, output and
motor torque determination module 340, and clutch control module 490, are
illustrated, processing information and issuing control commands to engine
410, electric machine 420, and clutch hydraulics 430. These control modules
can be physically separate, can be grouped together in a number of different
control devices, or can be entirely performed within a single physical control
device. Module 310, a strategic control module, performs determinations
regarding preferred powertrain operating points and preferred operating range
states as described in FIG. 10. Module 450, a shift execution module,
receives input from strategic control module 310 and other sources regarding
shift initiation. Module 450 processes inputs regarding the reactive torque
currently applied to the clutch and the preferred operating range state to be
transitioned to. Module 450 then employs an algorithm, determining
parameters for the execution of the shift, including hybrid range state
parameters describing the balance of input torques required of the torque
providing devices, details regarding a target input speed and input acceleration
lead predicted required to execute the transition to the preferred operating
range state, an input acceleration lead immediate as previously described, and
clutch reactive torque lead immediate min/max and clutch reactive torque
immediate min/max values as previously described. From module 450, clutch


reactive torque parameters and hybrid range state information are fed to clutch
capacity control module 460, lead control parameters and signals are fed to
tactical control and operation module 330, and immediate control parameters
and signals are fed to output and motor torque determination module 340.
Clutch capacity control module 460 processes reactive torque and hybrid
range state information and generates logic describing clutch reactive torque
limits enabling engine control through module 330, electric machine control
through module 340, and clutch control through module 490, in accordance
with methods described herein. Tactical control and operation module 330
includes means to issue torque requests and execute limits upon input torque
supplied from engine 410, and feed, additionally, describe the input torque
supplied from the engine to module 340 for use in control of electric machine
420. Output and motor torque determination module 340 likewise receives
and processes information to issue electric machine torque requests to electric
machine 420. Additionally, module 340 generates clutch reactive torque
commands for use by clutch control module 490. Module 490 processes
information from module 340 and issues hydraulic commands in order to
achieve the required clutch torque capacity required to operate the
transmission. This particular embodiment of data flow illustrates one possible
exemplary process by which a vehicular torque generative devices and related
clutches can be controlled in accordance with the method disclosed herein. It
will be appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art that the particular
process employed can vary, and this disclosure is not intended to limited to the
particular exemplary embodiment described herein.

[0078] When a powertrain is operated in a fixed gear operating range state,
NI is a function of No- Under this fixed relationship, no active control of NI
independent of No is possible. Under a variable relationship of NI to NO, for
example in a transmission operating range state wherein NI and No can be
controlled independently, such as is described in relation to EVT Mode 1 and
Mode II above, NI can vary compared to a fixed No profile. Operation in EVT
modes can be in either transient or stable. Transient EVT mode operation
occurs when a synchronous shift is performed, for example, in an inertia speed
phase, as described above, in order to transition NI from an initial speed to a
target speed for the purpose of facilitating a synchronous shift. Stable EVT
mode operation occurs with the powertrain operating at or tracking to a
calibrated optimal mode input speed. Priorities within the operation of the
powertrain through these EVT modes depend upon whether the operation is
transient or stable.
[0079] As described above, maintaining a stable To and tracking TO-REQ are
important to drivability. Interruptions or instabilities in To result in jerky
operation of the powertrain. Failures to closely track TO_REQ results in poor
powertrain performance. Also as described above, control of NI_DOT is
important to orderly and efficient transmission shifts. Additionally, as NI is
directly related to engine speed, control of NI_DOT impacts drivability,
protection of components sensitive to NI, and satisfaction of the operator.
While control of To and NI_DOT are sometimes compatible, depending upon
powertrain operation, control of these two properties can be in competition.
To and NI_DOT can be related to powertrain operation through the following
equation:



TI_ACT is a determined actual TI based upon engine operation. A method is
disclosed to prioritize between To and NI_DOT based upon powertrain
operation.
[0080] While operating in a transient EVT mode, an input acceleration
profile is generated in order to control the engine to a target speed within a
given desired shift time. Input acceleration can be prioritized, emphasizing
tracking an input speed profile through the shift event, while still protecting
powertrain performance by defining ranges of To values through the shift and
defining an input acceleration profile based upon the ranges of To values.
[0081] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram exemplifying data flow through a
control system, determining an input acceleration profile through a transient
EVT mode, in accordance with the present disclosure. Information flow 451
comprises a shift execution module 450, output and motor torque
determination module 340, engine 410, and electric machine 420. Inputs
regarding input and output torques are monitored by shift execution module
450, and an input acceleration immediate profile is determined in order to
execute a transmission shift. Output and motor torque determination module
340 receives the input acceleration profile as an input, and along with input
regarding TI_ACT and TO_REQ, issues control commands to electric machine 420.
Additionally, module 340 provides a determined output torque ('TO_REQ').


Shift execution module 450 comprises an output torque prioritization module
452, an input acceleration limits module 454, and an in put speed profiling
module 456. TOREQ is input to shift execution module 450, and TI_ACT and
TO_CALC are fed back within information flow 451 to shift execution module
450. Output torque prioritization module 452 monitors TQ_REQ and TO_CALC
and outputs ranges of To values in the form of a maximum desired output
torque and a minimum desired output torque. These minimum and maximum
desired output torques and TI_ACT are monitored by input acceleration limits
module 454, and minimum and maximum input accelerations are determined.
These minimum and maximum input accelerations are input to input speed
profiling module 456, and the input acceleration immediate profile is
developed based upon the minimum and maximum input accelerations. In this
way, a range of To values can be defined and utilized to constrain an input
acceleration profile.
[0082] The exemplary information flow of FIG. 12 describes TO_REQ and
TO_CALC being used as inputs to output torque prioritization module 452 in
order to develop minimum and maximum desired output torques. FIG. 13
graphically illustrates an exemplary method in a transient EVT mode to
determine minimum and maximum desired output torques based upon TO_REQ
and TO_CALC, in accordance with the present disclosure. TO_REQ is depicted,
including an initially positive value transitioning to a smaller magnitude,
negative value. To_CALC, describing a determined actual output torque
generated by the powertrain, is also depicted, describing T0 through the
depicted time span. Minimum and maximum desired output torque values,
according to this exemplary method, are defined according to the maximum of


TO_REQ, TOCALC, and zero and the minimum of TO_REQ, TO_CALC, and zero.
The method also includes permissible inclusion of a calibratable reserve in
torque added to both the minimum and maximum values. The range of output
torque values, for a transient EVT mode, can therefore be expressed by the
following equations:

[0083] Based upon an range of output torque values, as expressed by the
minimum and maximum desired output torques, constraints upon input
acceleration can be determined based upon the relationship between NI_DOT
and To, expressed for example in Equation 8. These constraints upon input
acceleration based upon minimum and maximum desired output torques can
define boundaries, within which input acceleration can be controlled without
causing To to violate the minimum and maximum desired output torques.
FIG. 14 graphically illustrates an exemplary application of minimum and
maximum input acceleration values upon an input acceleration profile, in
accordance with the present disclosure. FIG. 14 includes a top portion
describing input speed and a bottom portion describing input acceleration
against a common timescale. A shift is initiated from one fixed gear state to
another. As described above, an inertia speed phase including transient
operation in an EVT mode is utilized to change input speed from an initial

input speed defined by a initial fixed gear ratio to a target input speed defined
by a destination fixed gear ratio and a shift time. An input acceleration
immediate profile is developed in order to create the necessary transition in
input speeds. Minimum and maximum input acceleration profiles are depicted
in the bottom portion of the graph describing constraints upon input
acceleration imposed according to methods described herein. When the
constraints, such as the minimum input acceleration profile in the exemplary
graph, interact with the intended input acceleration immediate profile, the
input acceleration immediate is modified according to the constraint. As
depicted in the top portion of the graph, this change to input acceleration
changes the normal "S-shaped" input speed profile, causing a delay in changes
to input speed. As a result, based upon a changing target speed caused by
changes in No as the shift time increases, the input acceleration immediate
profile must be adjusted to compensate. The shift time, in particular the flat
portion of the input acceleration profile associated with time T2 described
above, is extended such that the transition to the new target speed can be
recovered. In this way, constraints upon input acceleration based upon
minimum and maximum desired output torques can be imposed, allowing a
prioritized input acceleration profile to be enacted while protecting a certain
range of To values through the shift.
[0084] By contrast, while the powertrain operates in a stable EVT mode
according to an exemplary control method, NI is preferably maintained at or
tracked to an optimal input speed. However, operating in a stable EVT mode
condition, delivering To based upon To REQ can be prioritized within
reasonable limits over maintaining NI at the optimal input speed. The


exemplary information flow of FIG. 12 can be utilized in a stable EVT mode
to utilize ranges of To values to determine an input acceleration profile. The
process differs in a stable EVT mode from a transient EVT mode in the
defining of the range in To values in the information flow, for example, the
processing occurring within exemplary module 452. Described above, an
range of To values for a transient EVT mode is described including minimum
and maximum desired output torque values including To REQ, TO_CALC and
zero as likely defining boundaries to the range. This wide range of To values
results in a wide range of input acceleration values fitting between resulting
minimum and maximum input acceleration values. For a stable EVT mode, a
range of To values is instead described including minimum and maximum
desired output torque values based upon only TO_REQ and TO_CALC. The space
between TO_REQ and TO_CALC and a calibratable reserve above and below the
range set by TO_REQ and TO_CALC, for example, can define a range of T0 values
for use in setting input acceleration constraints. This resulting narrower band
of To values, in comparison to the range defined for a transient EVT mode
wherein a zero torque level is included, results in more narrow resulting
minimum and maximum input acceleration values. While input speed and
input accelerations in a stable EVT mode remain configured to the calibrated
optimal input speed for the EVT mode, interaction with the minimum and
maximum input accelerations can move input speed away from the optimal
input speed in order to prioritize T0. As mentioned above, NI and NI_DOT can
vary from the optimal input speed in this way in order to prioritize T0, but a
measure of reasonable deviation for NI can be enforced. For example, a band
of allowable input speeds above and below the optimal input speed can be


adopted. In the alternative, a minimum and maximum input speed in the EVT
mode can be enforced based upon preferential operation in that EVT mode.
Additionally, static minimum and maximum input acceleration limits can be
defined to describe how much input acceleration can change based upon To,
limiting how much input speed and input acceleration can be sacrificed in
order to prioritize To.
[0085] The above described exemplary method to define a range of T0
values for use in a stable EVT mode defines a band based upon TO_REQ and
TO_CALC- However, one having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that To
in a driving condition changes with foot pedal position. Greater depression of
foot pedal position describes a greater expectation for changes in powertrain
operation. As a result, greater range of input acceleration terms can
foreseeably be required to support the greater expectation for changes in
powertrain operation. A wider range of To values in response to foot pedal
position generating a wider range of allowable input acceleration values
between the minimum and maximum input accelerations can be beneficial.
Such a result can be achieved by widening the range of To values based upon
foot pedal position. This widening can be accomplished, for example, by
modulating or expanding TO_CALC away from TO_REQ based upon foot pedal
position. Additionally, widening of the range of To values can be
accomplished by expanding the calibrated reserves added to the range set by
TO_REQ and TO_CALC. The minimum and maximum desired output torque
values for a stable EVT mode, including terms to widen the resulting range
according to foot pedal position, can be expressed by the following equations:


Calibratable Scalar =/Foot Pedal Position) [ 13 J
Calibratable Reserve =/Foot Pedal Position) f 14]
[0086] FIG. 15 graphically depicts an exemplary method to determine
minimum and maximum desired output torques in a stable EVT mode based
upon TOREQ and TOCALC, including widening the resulting range between
TO_REQ and To CALC according to foot pedal position, in accordance with the
present disclosure. The graph includes a top portion, depicting torque terms,
and a bottom portion, depicting accelerator pedal position, depicted against a
common timeline. TO_REQ and TO_CALC are depicted illustrating torque
requested through the timeline and resulting output torque. As described
above, a range of To values is defined including the range between TO_REQ and
TO_CALC and calibratable reserves above and below TO_REQ and TO_CALC • When
the pedal position is at zero, the resulting range of To values defined by TO_REQ
and TO_CALC and the calibratable reserves is unaffected. However, as the
accelerator pedal is depressed, both TO_CALC and the calibratable reserves are
modulated to widen the range of To values. Resulting minimum and
maximum input acceleration values will correspondingly include a greater

range of input acceleration values therebetween. In this way, a widening of a
range of To values based on foot pedal position and utilized to define input
acceleration constraints can be determined.
[0087] It is understood that modifications are allowable within the scope of
the disclosure. The disclosure has been described with specific reference to
the preferred embodiments and modifications thereto. Further modifications
and alterations may occur to others upon reading and understanding the
specification. It is intended to include all such modifications and alterations
insofar as they come within the scope of the disclosure.

CLAIMS
1. Method for controlling a powertrain comprising an electro-mechanical
transmission mechanically-operatively coupled to an internal combustion
engine and an electric machine adapted to selectively transmit
mechanical power to an output member, the method comprising:
operating said transmission in an operating range state wherein input
speed can operate independent of output speed and wherein a
reactive torque is transmitted through said transmission;
monitoring commands affecting a requested output torque;
monitoring a calculated output torque; and
prioritizing between an input acceleration of said transmission and an
output torque of said transmission based upon whether said operating
said transmission in said operating range state is in transient
operation or stable operation.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein prioritizing between said input
acceleration of said transmission and said output torque of said
transmission comprises:
when said operating range state includes transient operation, prioritizing
said input acceleration over said output torque based upon said
requested output torque, said calculated output torque, and a zero
torque.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein prioritizing said input acceleration of
said transmission over said output torque of said transmission comprises:
determining a range of output torques spanning said requested output
torque, said calculated output torque, and said zero torque;
determining a minimum input acceleration and a maximum input
acceleration based upon said range of output torques; and
controlling said powertrain based upon said minimum input acceleration
and said maximum input acceleration.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein controlling said powertrain based upon
said minimum input acceleration and said maximum input acceleration
comprises:
determining an input acceleration profile based upon said minimum
input acceleration and said maximum input acceleration; and
controlling said powertrain based upon said input acceleration profile.

5. The method of claim 2, wherein prioritizing said input acceleration of
said transmission over said output torque of said transmission comprises:
determining a range of output torques spanning said requested output
torque, said calculated output torque, and said zero torque and
including calibratable reserves at either end of said range;
determining a minimum input acceleration and a maximum input
acceleration based upon said range of output torques; and
controlling said powertrain based upon said minimum input acceleration
and said maximum input acceleration.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein controlling said powertrain based upon
said minimum input acceleration and said maximum input acceleration
comprises:
determining an input acceleration profile based upon said minimum
input acceleration and said maximum input acceleration; and
controlling said powertrain based upon said input acceleration profile.

7 The method of claim 1, wherein prioritizing between said input
acceleration of said transmission and said output torque of said
transmission comprises:
when said operating range state includes stable operation, prioritizing
said output torque of said transmission over said input acceleration of
said transmission based upon said requested output torque and said
calculated output torque.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein prioritizing said output torque of said
transmission over said input acceleration of said transmission comprises:
determining a range of output torques spanning said requested output
torque and said calculated output torque;
determining a minimum input acceleration and a maximum input
acceleration based upon said range of output torques; and
controlling said powertrain based upon said minimum input acceleration
and said maximum input acceleration.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein controlling said powertrain based upon
said minimum input acceleration and said maximum input acceleration
comprises:
determining an input acceleration profile based upon said minimum
input acceleration and said maximum input acceleration; and
controlling said powertrain based upon said input acceleration profile.

10. The method of claim 7, wherein prioritizing said output torque of said
transmission over said input acceleration of said transmission comprises:
determining a range of output torques spanning said requested output
torque and said calculated output torque and including calibratable
reserves at either end of said range;
determining a minimum input acceleration and a maximum input
acceleration based upon said range of output torques; and
controlling said powertrain based upon said minimum input acceleration
and said maximum input acceleration.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein controlling said powertrain based upon
said minimum input acceleration and said maximum input acceleration
comprises:
determining an input acceleration profile based upon said minimum
input acceleration and said maximum input acceleration; and
controlling said powertrain based upon said input acceleration profile.
12. The method of claim 10, wherein determining a range of output torques
includes scaling said calibratable reserves based upon an accelerator
pedal position.
13. The method of claim 10, wherein determining a range of output torques
includes scaling said calculated output torque based upon an accelerator
pedal position.

14. Method for controlling a powertrain comprising an electro-mechanical
transmission mechanically-operatively coupled to an internal combustion
engine and an electric machine adapted to selectively transmit
mechanical power to an output member, the method comprising:
operating said transmission in an operating range state wherein input
speed can operate independent of output speed and wherein a
reactive torque is transmitted through said transmission;
monitoring commands affecting a requested output torque;
monitoring a calculated output torque;
when said operating range state includes transient operation, prioritizing
an input acceleration of said transmission over an output torque of
said transmission based upon said requested output torque, said
calculated output torque, and a zero torque; and
when said operating range state includes stable operation, prioritizing
said output torque of said transmission over said input acceleration of
said transmission based upon said requested output torque and said
calculated output torque.

15. Apparatus for controlling a powertrain comprising an electro-mechanical
transmission mechanically-operatively coupled to an internal combustion
engine and an electric machine adapted to selectively transmit
mechanical power to an output member, the apparatus comprising:
said transmission including a gear configuration operating in an
operating range state wherein input speed can operate independent of
output speed and wherein a reactive torque is transmitted through
said transmission; and
a shift execution module, including programming to
monitor commands affecting a requested output torque,
monitor a calculated output torque,
when said operating range state includes transient operation,
prioritize an input acceleration of said transmission over an
output torque of said transmission based upon said requested
output torque, said calculated output torque, and a zero torque,
and
when said operating range state includes stable operation, prioritize
said output torque of said transmission over said input
acceleration of said transmission based upon said requested
output torque and said calculated output torque.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said programming to prioritize said
input acceleration of said transmission over said output torque of said
transmission comprises programming to
determine a range of output torques spanning said requested output
torque, said calculated output torque, and said zero torque,
determine a minimum input acceleration and a maximum input
acceleration based upon said range of output torques spanning said
requested output torque, said calculated output torque, and zero
torque, and
control said powertrain through said operating range state including
transitory operation based upon said minimum input acceleration and
said maximum input acceleration.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein said programming to control said
powertrain through said operating range state including transient
operation based upon said minimum input acceleration and said
maximum input acceleration comprises programming to
determine an input acceleration profile based upon said minimum input
acceleration and said maximum input acceleration, and
control said powertrain based upon said input acceleration profile.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein said programming to prioritize said
output torque of said transmission over said input acceleration of said
transmission comprises programming to
determine a range of output torques spanning said requested output
torque and said calculated output torque,
determine a minimum input acceleration and a maximum input
acceleration based upon said range of output torques spanning said
requested output torque and said calculated output torque, and
control said powertrain through said operating range state including
stable operation based upon said minimum input acceleration and
said maximum input acceleration.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein said programming to control said
powertrain through said operating range state including stable operation
based upon said minimum input acceleration and said maximum input
acceleration comprises programming to
determine an input acceleration profile based upon said minimum input
acceleration and said maximum input acceleration, and
control said powertrain based upon said input acceleration profile.
20. The method of claim 18, wherein said programming to determine a range
of output torques spanning said requested output torque and said
calculated output torque includes modulating said calculated output
torque based upon an accelerator pedal position.

A powertrain includes an electro-mechanical transmission
mechanically-operatively coupled to an internal combustion engine and an
electric machine adapted to selectively transmit mechanical power to an output
member. A method for controlling the powertrain includes operating the
transmission in an operating range state wherein input speed can operate
independent of output speed and wherein a reactive torque is transmitted
through the transmission. The method further includes monitoring commands
affecting a requested output torque, monitoring a calculated output torque, and
prioritizing between an input acceleration of the transmission and an output
torque of the transmission based upon whether operating the transmission in
the operating range state is in transient operation or stable operation.

Documents:

http://ipindiaonline.gov.in/patentsearch/GrantedSearch/viewdoc.aspx?id=LqNp4PmiWwQV+AvWu9rVZA==&loc=wDBSZCsAt7zoiVrqcFJsRw==


Patent Number 270615
Indian Patent Application Number 1949/KOL/2008
PG Journal Number 02/2016
Publication Date 08-Jan-2016
Grant Date 04-Jan-2016
Date of Filing 04-Nov-2008
Name of Patentee GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC
Applicant Address 300 GM RENAISSANCE CENTER, DETROIT, MICHIGAN 48265-3000
Inventors:
# Inventor's Name Inventor's Address
1 LAWRENCE A KAMINSKY 4361 BERKSHIRE DRIVE, STERING HEIGHTS, MICHIGAN 48314
2 ANTHONY H. HEAP 2969 LESLIE PARK CIRCLE ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN 48105
3 JY JEN F. SAH 1915 BLOOMFIELD OAKS DRIVE, WEST BLOOMFIELD, MICHIGAN 48324
PCT International Classification Number F16H61/00; F16H59/14;B60W20/00
PCT International Application Number N/A
PCT International Filing date
PCT Conventions:
# PCT Application Number Date of Convention Priority Country
1 60/985281 2007-11-04 U.S.A.