Method and apparatus for controlling a powertrain system including multiple torque-generative devices

• Main Authors: Wise Jeremy, Bowman Shaun C, Chin Poh Fong, Conlon Brendan M
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 17.01.2017
• Subjects: CONJOINT CONTROL OF VEHICLE SUB-UNITS OF DIFFERENT TYPE ORDIFFERENT FUNCTION; CONTROL SYSTEMS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR HYBRID VEHICLES; PERFORMING OPERATIONS; ROAD VEHICLE DRIVE CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR PURPOSES NOT RELATED TOTHE CONTROL OF A PARTICULAR SUB-UNIT; TRANSPORTING; VEHICLES IN GENERAL

A powertrain system includes an internal combustion engine having a crankshaft that fixedly couples to an input member of a multi-mode transmission including first and second torque machines. The transmission operates in one of a plurality of fixed-gear modes and variable modes through selective activation of first and second clutches. A control method includes, in response to a command to operate the multi-mode transmission in a fixed-gear mode, activating only the first clutch and commanding the engine to an OFF state. The first torque machine is controlled to generate a first torque output responsive to a drag torque that is offset by an engine reactive torque with the engine in the OFF state. The transmission operates in the fixed-gear mode by controlling the second torque machine to generate a second torque output responsive to an operator torque request and the first torque output of the first torque machine.