Title of Invention

CONTROL METHOD FOR A VEHICULAR HYBRID POWERTRAIN SYSTEM

Abstract A control method for vehicular hybrid powertrain system includes monitoring operator inputs to an accelerator pedal and a transmission gear selector, and determining an operator torque request based upon the operator inputs to the accelerator pedal and the transmission gear selector. Torque output from the electric machine is commanded based upon the operator torque request. Engine output is controlled based upon the operator torque request and the commanded torque output from the electric machine. Vehicle hood position is monitored and the engine output is controlled correlative to the operator input to the accelerator pedal when the monitored position of the vehicle hood is open and the operator input to the transmission gear selector is one of a PARK and a NEUTRAL position.
Full Text METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING A HYBRID
POWERTRAIN SYSTEM
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application
No. 60/986,073 filed on 11/07/2007 which is hereby incorporated herein by
reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This disclosure pertains generally to control systems for powertrain
systems utilizing 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. The output is operatively
connected to a driveline for a motor vehicle. 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 for delivering motive torque from the transmission to the vehicle
driveline. Electric machines, operable as motors or generators, generate a
torque input to the transmission, independently of a torque input from the
internal combustion engine. The electric machines may transform vehicle
kinetic energy, transmitted through the vehicle driveline, to electrical energy
potential 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 system, including controlling
transmission operating state and gear shifting, controlling the torque-
generative devices, and regulating the electrical power interchange between
the electrical energy storage device and the electric machines. A control
system monitors various inputs from the vehicle and the operator and provides
operational control of the powertrain system, including controlling
transmission operating state and gear shifting, controlling the torque-
generative devices, and regulating the electrical power interchange between
the electrical energy storage device and the electric machines. Known system
torques that can vary during powertrain operation include hydraulic pumps
supplying pressurized hydraulic fluid to actuate various clutch devices in the
transmission and provide system cooling. Known transmission gears and
other rotating components generate momentums and inertias which affect
torque output. Known electrically-powered accessories generate varying
electrical loading which affect operation.
(0005] Known control systems monitor various inputs from the vehicle
and the operator and provide operational control of the powertrain system,
including controlling transmission operating state and gear shifting,
controlling the torque-generative devices, and regulating the electrical power
interchange between the electrical energy storage device and the electric
machines. Known control systems for hybrid powertrains interactively control
the internal combustion engine and the electric machines to transmit
mechanical torque and electric power to meet an operator torque request for
tractive torque. Such systems act to simultaneously optimize vehicle fuel
economy, minimize vehicle exhaust emissions, and meet design life goals for
an electric energy storage device, e.g., a high voltage battery pack, and take
into consideration other requirements related to driveability, system
robustness, and accessory loading. The systems operate by accurately
measuring vehicle load demands, determining the capability of the energy
storage devices, determining desired propulsion system operating conditions
for optimal fuel economy, and implementing the desired propulsion system
operating conditions.
[0006] A powertrain may have a need for service, including diagnostic
analysis related to vehicle operation and engine operation. Operation of the
engine independently of the hybrid powertrain is useful during diagnostic
analysis in order to identify and isolate a fault and verify any subsequent
repair.
SUMMARY
[0007] A vehicular hybrid powertrain system includes an engine and an
electric machine selectively operatively coupled to a transmission device to
transmit torque therebetween. A control method for the system includes
monitoring operator inputs to an accelerator pedal and a transmission gear
selector, and determining an operator torque request based upon the operator
inputs to the accelerator pedal and the transmission gear selector. Torque
output from the electric machine is commanded based upon the operator
torque request. Engine output is controlled based upon the operator torque
request and the commanded torque output from the electric machine. Vehicle
hood position is monitored and the engine output is controlled correlative to
the operator input to the accelerator pedal when the monitored position of the
vehicle hood is open and the operator input to the transmission gear selector is
one of a PARK and a NEUTRAL position.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] One or more embodiments will now be described, by way of
example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which
[0009] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary vehicle and
powertrain; and
[0010] Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of an algorithmic flowchart.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0011] 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, Fig. 1 schematically depicts a vehicle 100
including a powertrain and control system comprising an engine 14, two-
mode, compound-split electro-mechanical transmission 10 including first and
second electric machines ('MG-A') 56 and ('MG-B') 72, and a plurality of
control modules, which has been configured to execute the control scheme
described and depicted herein. The vehicle 100 includes a hood 102 by which
the hybrid powertrain can be accessed when opened. Opening and closing of
the hood 102 is monitored by a hood switch 112 ('HS').
[0012] 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 has a crankshaft (not shown)
which is operatively connected to the input shaft 12. The crankshaft is
monitored by a sensing device adapted to monitor rotational position and
speed ('NE'). Output of the engine is characterized in terms of the rotational
speed and an engine output torque ('TE'). The exemplary engine includes a
device to control flow rate of intake air to the engine 14, depicted in this
embodiment as an electronically controlled throttle device ('ETC') 15, which
correspondingly controls rotational speed of the engine 14 when the engine 14
comprises a spark-ignition engine. Operation of the engine, including the
electronically controlled throttle device 15, is controlled by an engine control
module (hereafter 'ECM') 23. Other devices can be utilized to effectively
control engine intake air. Rotational speed of the engine 14 can be controlled
by other control mechanisms (not shown) including, e.g., control of fuel
injection timing and mass when the engine 14 comprises a compression-
ignition engine.
[0013] The transmission 10 preferably includes one or more planetary-
gear sets (not shown) and one or more selectively appliable torque-
transmitting clutches (not shown), the input shaft 12, and an output shaft 64.
The transmission 10 is selectively operative in one of a plurality of gear/mode
operating states, comprising one or more fixed gear operating states and one or
more continuously variable mode operating states, by selective actuation of
the torque-transmitting clutches. Each of the first and second electric
machines 56 and 72 is preferably operatively connected to the transmission via
one of the planetary gear sets. The first and second electric machines 56 and
72 comprise three-phase AC electric machines operative as motor/generator
devices, and each includes a stator (not shown) and a rotor (not shown). The
motor stator for each machine is grounded to an outer transmission case (not
shown), and the motor rotor connects to one or more of the planetary gear sets
and/or the output shaft 64. The transmission is controlled in one of the
gear/mode operating states by a transmission control module (hereafter
'TCM') 17. The first and second electric machines 56 and 72 are controlled
by first and second motor control modules ('MCP-A') 22 and ('MCP-B') 33,
described hereinbelow. Operation of the first and second electric machines 56
and 72 is monitored using sensing systems comprising resolvers (not shown)
which provide rotational speeds, referred to as NA and NB respectively. The
output shaft 64 is operably connected to a vehicle driveline (not shown) to
provide an output torque ('TO') to vehicle wheels (not shown). There is a
transmission output speed sensor (not shown) adapted to monitor rotational
speed and rotational direction of the output shaft 64.
[0014] An electrical energy storage device (hereafter 'ESD') 74 comprises
a high-voltage device adapted to store electric energy, and can comprise a
battery system, an ultracapacitor system, or other device. The ESD 74 is high
voltage DC-coupled to the first and second motor control modules 22 and 33
via DC transfer conductors 27. The first motor control module 22 transmits
electrical power to and from the first electric machine 56 by transfer
conductors 29, and the second motor control module 33 similarly transmits
electrical power to and from the second electric machine 72 by transfer
conductors 31. Electrical power is transmitted to and from the ESD 74 in
accordance with whether the ESD 74 is being charged or discharged. The first
and second motor control modules 22 and 33 comprise power inverters (not
shown) and respective motor control modules configured to receive motor
control commands and control inverter states therefrom for providing motor
drive or regeneration functionality. The power inverters of the first and
second motor control modules 22 and 33 comprise known complementary
three-phase power electronics devices, and each includes controlled insulated
gate bipolar transistors ('IGBT') (not shown) for converting DC power from
the ESD 74 to AC power for powering one of the first and second electric
machines 56 and 72, by switching at high frequencies. There is one pair of
IGBTs for each phase of each of the three-phase first and second electric
machines 56 and 72.
[0015] The transmission 10 receives input torque from torque-generative
devices including the engine 14, and the first and second electric machines 56
and 72 as a result of energy conversion from fuel or electrical potential stored
in the ESD 74. The transmission 10 transmits the input torque from the engine
14 and the first and second electric machines 56 and 72 to the output, e.g., the
driveline, via the planetary gears through selective application of the torque
transfer clutches.
[0016] The control system for the powertrain system comprises an
architecture consisting of distributed control modules. The elements described
hereinafter comprise a subset of a control module architecture for overall
control of the vehicle 100, and provide coordinated system control of the
powertrain system described herein. The control system synthesizes pertinent
information and inputs, and executes algorithms to control various actuators to
achieve control targets, including such parameters as fuel economy, emissions,
performance, driveability, and protection of hardware, including batteries
contained within the ESD 74 and the first and second electric machines 56 and
72. The distributed control module architecture includes ECM 23, TCM 17, a
battery pack control module (hereafter 'BPCM') 21, and a transmission power
inverter module (hereafter 'TPIM') 19, which includes a hybrid control
module (hereafter 'HCP') 5 and the first and second motor control modules 22
and 33 in the embodiment described. This control module configuration
includes a full-duplex synchronous serial data link (not shown) thus permitting
direct communication between the HCP 5 and the first and second motor
control modules 22 and 33 for high-speed communications without
communications delays. Furthermore, data and messages are communicated
between the HCP 5 and first and second motor control modules 22 and 33 over
a local area network (hereafter 'LAN') bus 6.
[0017] The HCP 5 provides supervisory control and coordination of the
ECM 23, TCM 17, TPIM 19, and BPCM 21. A user interface ('UP) 13 is
operatively connected to a plurality of devices through which a vehicle
operator controls and directs operation of the powertrain. Based upon inputs
from the user interface 13 and the powertrain including the ESD 74, the HCP
5 generates commands to control operation of the hybrid powertrain,
including: an operator torque request ('TOREQ'), a commanded output
torque to driveline 90, the engine input torque, clutch torques for the various
transmission clutches; and motor torque commands ('TA' and 'TB'
respectively) for first and second motor control modules 22 and 33 to control
first and second electric machines 56 and 72, respectively.
[0018] The ECM 23 is directly connected to the engine 14, and functions
to acquire data from a variety of sensors and control a variety of actuators of
the engine 14 over a plurality of discrete lines collectively shown as aggregate
line 35. For simplicity, the ECM 23 is shown bi-directionally interfacing with
engine 14 via the aggregate line 35. Engine parameters monitored by the
ECM 23 include engine coolant temperature, the engine input speed to the
input shaft 12, intake manifold pressure, ambient air temperature, ambient
pressure, and states of engine actuators. Various actuators that may be
controlled by the ECM 23, while not separately shown, include fuel injectors,
ignition modules, the electronically controlled throttle device 15, EGR valves,
turbocharger devices, and others. The ECM 23 receives the engine input
torque from the HCP 5, and generates a desired axle torque, and an indication
of actual engine input torque to the transmission 10, which is communicated to
the HCP 5. The HCP 5 can command a positive engine input torque, a
negative engine input torque, or zero engine input torque including a
command to shut the engine off during operation of the vehicle 100.
[0019] The TCM 17 is operably connected to the transmission 10 and
functions to acquire data from a variety of sensors and provide command
signals to the transmission 10 over a plurality of discrete lines collectively
shown as aggregate line 41. Inputs from the TCM 17 to the HCP 5 include
estimated clutch torques for each clutch and a rotational output speed of the
output shaft 64 from a transmission output sensor (not shown). 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 and selectively actuates pressure control solenoids and
shift solenoids to actuate the clutches (not shown) to achieve various
transmission operating states.
[0020] The BPCM 21 is signally connected one or more sensors (not
shown) operable to monitor electrical current and voltage parameters of the
ESD 74 to provide information about states of the ESD 74 to the HCP 5. Such
information includes ESD state-of-charge, electrical current flow between the
ESD 74 and TPIM 19 in terms of amp-hour throughput, ESD 74 voltage, and
minimum and maximum available electrical power from the ESD 74, referred
to herein as Pbat_min and Pbat_max.
[0021] The user interface 13 is signally connected to a plurality of devices
through which a vehicle operator controls and directs operation of the
powertrain, including the transmission 10. The devices include an accelerator
pedal ('AP') 113, an operator brake pedal ('BP') 115, transmission gear
selector ('PRNDL') 114, hood switch 112, and, a vehicle speed cruise control
(not shown). The accelerator pedal 113 preferably comprises foot pedal
device depressible by the vehicle operator. The accelerator pedal 113
generates a signal output that varies linearly based upon operator depression of
the pedal. When there is no depression of the accelerator pedal 113, the signal
output is readable as 0%, and when the accelerator pedal 113 is fully
depressed, the signal output is readable as 100%. The HCP 5 determines the
operator torque request based upon the input from the accelerator pedal 113.
The brake pedal 115 preferably comprises a foot pedal device depressible by
the vehicle operator. The brake pedal 115 generates a signal output that varies
based upon magnitude of operator force in depressing the pedal. When there
is no depression of the brake pedal 115, the signal output is readable as 0%,
and when the brake pedal 115 is fully depressed, the signal output is readable
as 100%. The HCP 5 determines a braking command and an electrical
regeneration command based upon the input from brake pedal 115. The
transmission gear selector 114 preferably comprises a known device having a
discrete number of operator-selectable positions. The transmission gear
selector 114 generates a signal correlative to each of operator-selectable
positions, comprising PARK ('P'), REVERSE ('R'), NEUTRAL ('N'),
DRIVE ('D'), and, LOW ('L'), based upon position. The hood switch 112
preferably comprises a known device comprising any one of a plurality of
electro-mechanical or solid state devices operative to generate a first discrete
signal output indicating the hood 102 is closed and a second discrete output
indicating the hood 102 is open. When the hood switch 112 indicates that the
hood 102 is opened, a control scheme in the HCP 5 adapts operation of the
powertrain control system to modify operation of the powertrain, as is
described herein with reference to Fig. 2.
[0022] The aforementioned control modules communicate with other
control modules, sensors, and actuators via the LAN bus 6. The LAN bus 6
allows for structured communication of control parameters and commands
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 brakes, traction control, and vehicle stability
Multiple communications buses may be used to improve communications
speed and provide some level of signal redundancy and integrity.
[0023] 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, electrically programmable read only memory, random access
memory, a high speed clock, analog to digital and digital to analog circuitry,
and input/output circuitry and devices and appropriate signal conditioning and
buffer circuitry. Each control module has a set of control algorithms,
comprising resident program instructions and calibrations stored in ROM and
executed to provide the respective functions of each computer. Information
transfer between the various computers is preferably accomplished using the
aforementioned LAN bus 6.
[0024] Algorithms for control and state estimation in each of the control
modules 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 and are
operable to monitor inputs from the sensing devices and execute control and
diagnostic routines to control operation of the respective device, 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 engine and vehicle
operation. Alternatively, algorithms may be executed in response to
occurrence of an event.
[0025] In response to an operator's action, as captured by the user interface
13, the HCP 5 and one or more of the other control modules determine the
commanded torque output to be effected at the output shaft 64 to meet the
operator torque request. Final vehicle acceleration is affected by other
factors, including, e.g., road load, road grade, and vehicle mass. The
transmission 10 is controlled to a preferred one of the gear/mode operating
states based upon a variety of operating characteristics of the powertrain. This
includes the operator torque request, communicated through the inputs to the
user interface 13 as previously described. The preferred operating state may
be predicated on a powertrain torque demand caused by a control module
command to operate the electric machines in an electrical power generating
mode or in a torque generating mode.
[0026] The preferred operating state can be determined by an optimization
algorithm or routine operable to determine optimum system efficiency based
upon the operator torque request, the state-of-charge of the ESD 74, and
energy efficiencies of the engine 14 and the first and second electric machines
56 and 72. During normal operation, the HCP 5 manages the torque output by
monitoring and managing input torques from the engine 14 and the first and
second electric machines 56 and 72. The HCP 5 uses the operator torque
request to calculate an optimum input torque to the transmission 10, including
a preferred transmission gear/mode operating state and a preferred engine
input speed to the transmission 10. The HCP 5 determines a constrained
operating space for operating the engine 14, transmission 10, and the first and
second electric machines 56 and 72 based upon the optimum input torque and
torque output potential of the first and second electric machines 56 and 72, the
minimum and maximum available electrical power from the ESD 74, the state-
of-charge of the ESD 74, and related system equations. This includes the
HCP 5 identifying available transmission gear/mode operating states and a
region comprising engine and motor torques usable to achieve the commanded
output torque at the output shaft 64 based upon the operator inputs determined
from the user interface 13. Cost functions are used to determine the preferred
gear/mode operating state and engine input speed to the transmission within
the operating state and the usable engine and motor torque region. The HCP 5
commands the ECM 23 to control the engine 14 and commands first and
second motor control modules 22 and 33 to control the first and second
electric machines 56 and 72 to provide outputs to meet the operator torque
request. The HCP 5 arbitrates the commanded engine torque and motor torque
commands against torque interventions, including transmission shift torque
management and engine start/stop torque control. Final arbitrated torque
commands for the engine 14 and the first and second electric machines 56 and
72 are output, limited by the system constraints of power and torque. The
control system manages the torque inputs from the engine 14 and the first and
second electric machines 56 and 72 to the transmission 10 based upon an
outcome of the executed optimization routine, with the system efficiencies
optimized to improve fuel economy and manage battery charging.
Furthermore, system operation can be controlled based upon a fault in a
component or system. The HCP 5 monitors the parametric states of the
torque-generative devices and determines the output of the transmission 10
required to arrive at the output torque to meet the operator torque request.
Thus during ongoing operation of the powertrain, the HCP 5 controls
operation of the engine 14, the first and second electric machines 56 and 72,
and the transmission 10 to generate output which meets the operator inputs as
determined through the user interface 13.
[0027] Fig. 2 depicts a flowchart 200 for monitoring and controlling
operation of the vehicle 100 and the powertrain system, which is executed as
machine code, preferably in the HCP 5. When the flowchart 200 is
completely executed, the HCP 5 effects operating the engine 14 specifically
responsive to the operator input through the user interface 13, independently
of the first and second electric machines 56 and 72 and the transmission 10.
The user interface 13 regularly monitors inputs from the hood switch 112, the
accelerator pedal 113, the transmission gear selector 114, and, the brake pedal
115, preferably during one of the loop cycles described above (202). During
ongoing operation, the HCP 5 determines the operator torque request based
upon the operator input to the user interface 13, comprising position of the
accelerator pedal 113 and the position of the transmission gear selector 114
(204). The HCP 5 controls oversees operation of the engine 14 and the first
and second electric machines 56 and 72 to generate and transmit the torque
output via the transmission 10 to the output shaft to achieve the operator
torque request, as described above (206). This operation is ongoing during
operation of the vehicle 100.
[0028] When the transmission gear selector 114 is in either the PARK
position or the NEUTRAL position the HCP 5 controls the operation to
optimize torque and achieve predetermined goals related to fuel efficiency and
overall energy management. Thus, powertrain operation can include the HCP
5 commanding the ECM 23 to shut off the engine 14 or operate the engine 14
in a cylinder deactivation mode to conserve fuel. Powertrain operation can
include the HCP 5 commanding the TCM 17 to selectively actuating one or
more of the clutches to transmit torque from the engine 14 to one of the first
and second electric machines 56 and 72 to generate electric power to increase
the state-of-charge of the ESD 74 and to support accessory loading from the
vehicle 100.
[0029] When there is an input indicating an intent to service the vehicle
100, the HCP 5 changes operation. The input indicating an intent to service
the vehicle 100 comprises the input signal from the hood switch 112 indicating
that the hood 102 is opened, and the input from the transmission gear selector
114 indicating an operator request for one of the PARK position and the
NEUTRAL position (208). Subsequently and in response thereto, a control
scheme in the HCP 5 adapts operation of the powertrain control system to
modify operation of the powertrain. The HCP 5 adapts operation of the
powertrain to control engine output linearly correlative to the operator input to
the accelerator pedal 113. This operation comprises inducing a change in the
engine output speed based upon operator input to the accelerator pedal 113.
When there is no operator input to the accelerator pedal 113, e.g., no
depression of the accelerator pedal 113 by the operator, the accelerator pedal
113 signal output is readable as 0%, and the engine operates at an idle
condition. Similarly, when the operator input to the accelerator pedal 113
consists of the accelerator pedal 113 fully depressed by the operator, the signal
output is readable as 100%, and the engine operates at a maximum engine
speed (210). The engine speed ranges linearly between the idle speed and the
maximum engine speed as the operator input to the accelerator pedal 113
varies from no operator depression to full depression. In the embodiment
described, the HCP 5 commands the ECM 23 to induce change in the engine
speed by controlling opening position of the electronically controlled throttle
device 15 to control the intake airflow. Thus, when the output of the
accelerator pedal 113 is 0%, the electronically controlled throttle device 15 is
controlled to a substantially closed position, yet open sufficiently to operate
the engine at idle speed. When the output of the accelerator pedal 113 is
100%, the electronically controlled throttle device 15 is controlled to a
substantially wide-open position, permitting and causing the rotational speed
of the engine 14 to increase and approach maximum speed, with the engine
speed limited by operating characteristics of the engine (212).
[0030] The system operation further comprises operation to control torque
outputs, TA and TB respectively, from the first and second electric machines
56 and 72 when the hood switch 112 is open and the transmission gear selector
114 is in one of the PARK and the NEUTRAL position (214). Torque outputs
from the first and second electric machines 56 and 72 are controlled by
controlling electric loading and electric power flow in the system between
ESD 74 and either of the first and second electric machines 56 and 72. This is
accomplished by controlling torque outputs from both the first and second
electric machines 56 and 72, i.e., TA and TB, to zero torque, including
controlling torque output from both the first and second electric machines 56
and 72 to a net-zero torque by applying a positive torque to one of the electric
machines and an equivalent magnitude of negative torque to the other of the
electric machines. A preferred method to accomplish the zero torque output in
the exemplary embodiment is to constrain a change in the state-of-charge of
the ESD 74, by limiting electric loading, e.g., limiting operation of
electrically-powered accessories, and limiting increases in the state-of-charge
of the ESD 74 by limiting the electrical current flow. Constraining changes in
the state-of-charge of the ESD can also be accomplished by constraining the
minimum and maximum battery powers, PBat_min, Pbat_max, to
predetermined levels that are less than the calibrated minimum and maximum
battery power occurring when the hood 102 is closed (214).
[0031] System operation to control torque output from the first and second
electric machines 56 and 72 can include controlling electric power flow to a
predetermined electric load, which is applied to the engine to induce a torque
load thereon. For example, the input shaft 12 from the engine 14 can be
operatively connected to the first electric machine 56 such that power output
from the engine is directly transmitted to the first electric machine 56 and
decoupled from the driveline when the electro-mechanical transmission 10
operates in a gear/mode operating state comprising an input-split operating
state. Thus torque generated in the first electric machine 56, i.e., TA, is
applied to the engine based upon the operator input to the brake pedal 115
(216).
[0032] The disclosure has described certain preferred embodiments and
modifications thereto. Further modifications and alterations may occur to
others upon reading and understanding the specification. Therefore, it is
intended that the disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment(s)
disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this disclosure, but
that the disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the
appended claims.
CLAIMS
1. Control method for a vehicular hybrid powertrain system including an
engine and an electric machine selectively operatively coupled to a
transmission device to transmit torque therebetween, the method
comprising:
monitoring operator inputs to an accelerator pedal and a transmission
gear selector;
determining an operator torque request based upon the operator inputs to
the accelerator pedal and the transmission gear selector;
commanding a torque output from the electric machine based upon the
operator torque request;
controlling engine output based upon the operator torque request and the
commanded torque output from the electric machine;
monitoring position of a vehicle hood; and
controlling the engine output correlative to the operator input to the
accelerator pedal when the monitored position of the vehicle hood is
open and the operator input to the transmission gear selector is one of
a PARK and a NEUTRAL position.
2. The control method of claim 1, wherein controlling engine output
comprises controlling engine speed correlative to the operator input to
the accelerator pedal.
3. The control method of claim 2, wherein controlling engine speed
comprises controlling engine speed to an idle speed when the operator
input to the accelerator pedal is substantially 0%, and controlling engine
speed to a maximum engine speed when the operator input to the
accelerator pedal is substantially 100%.
4. The control method of claim 1, wherein controlling the engine output
comprises inducing a change in engine speed correlative to a change in
the operator input to the accelerator pedal.
5. The control method of claim 2, wherein controlling engine speed
comprises controlling flow rate of engine intake air.
6. The control method of claim 5, wherein controlling flow rate of engine
intake air comprises controlling open position of an engine throttle
device based upon the operator input to the accelerator pedal.
7. The control method of claim 1, further comprising controlling torque
output from the electric machine when the monitored position of the
vehicle hood is open and the transmission gear selector is in one of the
PARK and the NEUTRAL positions.
8. The control method of claim 7, further comprising controlling electric
loading from the electric machine based upon an operator input to a
brake pedal.
9. The control method of claim 7, wherein controlling torque output from
the electric machine comprises controlling torque output from the
electric machine to zero torque.
10. The control method of claim 7, further comprising constraining changes
in state-of-charge of an electric energy storage device operative to
transmit power to the electric machine.
11. The control method of claim 1, wherein the hybrid powertrain system
operates in an input-split operating state.
12. The control method of claim 1, wherein the hybrid powertrain system
comprises a compound-split hybrid configuration.
13. Control method for a hybrid powertrain system including an engine and
an electric machine selectively operatively coupled to a transmission
device to transmit torque therebetween and an electric energy storage
device configured to transmit power to the electric machine, the method
comprising:
monitoring an accelerator pedal position and a transmission gear selector
position;
monitoring an input from a hood switch; and
constraining a change in a state-of-charge of the electric energy storage
device and to control engine speed correlative to the accelerator
pedal position when the input from the hood switch indicates the
hood is open and the transmission gear selector is one of a PARK
position and a NEUTRAL position.
14. The control method of claim 13, wherein constraining the change in a
state-of-charge of the electric energy storage device comprises limiting
change in available power from the electric energy storage device.
15. The control method of claim 14, wherein controlling engine speed
comprises controlling intake air flow to the engine to induce a change in
engine speed correlative to a change in the operator input to the
accelerator pedal.
16. Control system for a vehicular powertrain system including an engine
and an electro-mechanical transmission and an electric machine arranged
in an input-split hybrid configuration and selectively operatively
controllable to transmit torque therebetween and to a driveline, the
control system comprising:
a control module signally connected to a plurality of input devices and
configured to execute program code stored on a computer readable
medium to control the powertrain, the program code comprising:
code to monitor operator inputs;
code to determine an intent to service the vehicle based upon the
operator inputs;
code to command the electric machine to generate a net torque output
of zero; and,
code to control the engine speed correlative to an operator depression
of an accelerator pedal.
17. The control system of claim 16, wherein the operator inputs comprise a
hood switch and a transmission gear selector, wherein intent to service is
determined by the hood switch indicating a open vehicle hood and the
transmission gear selector indicating one of a PARK position and a
NEUTRAL position.
18. The control system of claim 17, wherein the operator inputs further
comprise an accelerator pedal, further comprising code to control the
engine speed ranging substantially linearly from an idle speed correlated
to the accelerator pedal indicating 0% depression to a maximum engine
speed correlated to the accelerator pedal indicating 100% depression.
19. The control system of claim 18, wherein the code to control the engine
speed comprises code to control intake air flow based upon the
accelerator pedal position.
20. The control system of claim 19, wherein the operator inputs further
comprise a brake pedal, further comprising code to decouple the electric
machine from the driveline and to control the electric machine to induce
a torque load on the engine based upon brake pedal depression.

A control method for vehicular hybrid powertrain system includes
monitoring operator inputs to an accelerator pedal and a transmission gear
selector, and determining an operator torque request based upon the operator
inputs to the accelerator pedal and the transmission gear selector. Torque
output from the electric machine is commanded based upon the operator
torque request. Engine output is controlled based upon the operator torque
request and the commanded torque output from the electric machine. Vehicle
hood position is monitored and the engine output is controlled correlative to
the operator input to the accelerator pedal when the monitored position of the
vehicle hood is open and the operator input to the transmission gear selector is
one of a PARK and a NEUTRAL position.

Documents:

http://ipindiaonline.gov.in/patentsearch/GrantedSearch/viewdoc.aspx?id=gvbjT4bY0qhiATR36twnjA==&loc=wDBSZCsAt7zoiVrqcFJsRw==


Patent Number 272609
Indian Patent Application Number 1922/KOL/2008
PG Journal Number 16/2016
Publication Date 15-Apr-2016
Grant Date 12-Apr-2016
Date of Filing 03-Nov-2008
Name of Patentee GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, LLC
Applicant Address 300 RENAISSANCE CENTER, DETROIT, MICHIGAN 48265-3000
Inventors:
# Inventor's Name Inventor's Address
1 MATTHEW LEONARD 13084 N. HOLLY RD. HOLLY, MI. 48442
2 MICHAEL BOLTON 9701 PENNFIELD RD. BATTLE CREEK, MI 49014-8107
3 MAREK L. WILMANOWICZ 9215 FORESTLAWN, PINCKNEY, MI 48169
4 MARK J. POTTER 11684 ELY ROAD, DAVISBURG, MI
5 ANTHONY H. HEAP 2969 LESLIE PARK CIRCLE, ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN 48105
6 WILLIAM R. CAWTHORNE 595 RIVER OAKS DRIVE, MILFORD, MICHIGAN 48381
PCT International Classification Number B60K41/28;B60W20/00
PCT International Application Number N/A
PCT International Filing date
PCT Conventions:
# PCT Application Number Date of Convention Priority Country
1 60/986,073 2007-11-07 U.S.A.