Hybrid powertrain with electrically variable transmission having parallel friction launch and method

US7610976B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC · US

Inventors

• Alan G. Holmes · Clarkston, US
• Michael R. Schmidt · Carmel, US
• Donald Klemen · Carmel, US
• Larry T. Nitz · Troy, US
• Grantland I. Kingman · Waterford, US
• Anthony H. Heap · Ann Arbor, US
• Gregory A. Hubbard · Carmel, US
• Brendan M. Conlon · Rochester Hills, US

Key dates

• Filing date: May 3, 2006
• Grant date: Nov 3, 2009
• Expiry date: Sep 26, 2027

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02T10/62
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A hybrid powertrain includes a control unit that regulates electric power interchange an energy storage device and a motor/generator for causing selective torque generation by the motor/generator and for controlling engagement of torque-transmitting mechanisms. The control unit is configured to place the torque-transmitting mechanism in slipping engagement to launch the vehicle and thereby decouple a fixed relationship between engine torque and motor/generator torque or between engine torque and torque at the output member. A method of operating a hybrid vehicle powertrain is also provided.