Chrysler Corporation

Daimlerchrysler Corporation

Brian P Gebby

Thomas S Moore

Gerald Cilibraise

Evan S Boberg

Robert Rotay

A vehicle powertrain having multiple prime movers including a primary prime mover coupled inline to a transmission and a secondary prime mover selectively coupled to the transmission by a substantially concentric coupling. A method of powertrain control is also disclosed, wherein powertrain torque demand and torque available from the primary prime mover and the transmission within its present gear ratio are determined and compared. Output of the primary prime mover is increased if the powertrain torque demand does not exceed the torque available. Otherwise, the transmission is downshifted to a lower gear ratio. Torque demand is compared to torque available from the primary prime mover and the transmission within its now downshifted gear ratio. Output of the primary prime mover is increased if torque demand does not exceed torque available. Otherwise the secondary prime mover is started, its output increased, and the transmission is shifted to a higher gear ratio.

Control of a vehicle powertrain with multiple prime movers

An engine torque management system of a V-style engine utilizes a cylinder head metal temperature sensor in each cylinder head to detect a temperature. When the sensor temperature rises above a threshold value for a particular time period, the response software shuts down the fuel injection of a bank of cylinders in which the sensor is installed. Cool, uncombusted intake air cools that bank and an external fan blows air over that bank. If the sensor in the second bank of cylinders rises above the threshold, the fuel injection on that bank shuts off to undergo cooling while the fuel injection on the first bank restarts. Alternation between the two banks occurs to maintain the desired level of torque demanded by the vehicle driver.

Method of managing engine torque upon loss of engine coolant

A method for controlling a powertrain in a motor vehicle having a first torque source and a second torque source each providing a torque output to a transmission includes determining a vehicle speed and a current gear selection of the motor vehicle. A threshold value is calculated from the vehicle speed and the current gear selection. An accelerator position of the motor vehicle is then determined. An accelerator position rate of change is calculated from the accelerator position. The accelerator position rate of change is compared to the threshold value. The torque output from the first torque source is increased if the accelerator position rate of change is less than the threshold value. However, the transmission is downshifted if the accelerator position rate of change is greater than the threshold value.

Method for controlling a powertrain having multiple torque sources

A method is provided for controlling a power train system for a hybrid electric vehicle. The method includes a torque distribution strategy for controlling the engine and the electric motor. The engine and motor commands are determined based upon the accelerator position, the battery state of charge and the amount of engine and motor torque available. The amount of torque requested for the engine is restricted by a limited rate of rise in order to reduce the emissions from the engine. The limited engine torque is supplemented by motor torque in order to meet a torque request determined based upon the accelerator position.

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Ferndale, MI, United States of America

Brian P Gebby