The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Dec. 11, 2012
Filed:
Sep. 16, 2008
Johannes Kaltenbach, Friedrichshafen, DE;
Stefan Wallner, Friedrichshafen, DE;
Johannes Kaltenbach, Friedrichshafen, DE;
Stefan Wallner, Friedrichshafen, DE;
ZF Friedrichshafen AG, Friedrichshafen, DE;
Abstract
A method of operating a drive train of a motor vehicle whereby the drive train comprises at least a hybrid drive with a combustion engine and an electric motor, a transmission, positioned between the hybrid drive and an output, and a clutch, positioned between the combustion engine and the electric motor. When the electric motor is exclusively driving, the combustion engine can be started by engaging a clutch positioned between the combustion engine and the electric motor. In accordance with the invention, when there is an exclusive electromotive drive and the electric motor is operated in a deceleration mode and, when a request by a driver is interpreted as a desired change from a deceleration mode to a traction mode, the combustion engine is started, by using the deceleration/traction change, in a way that the clutch, positioned between the combustion engine and the electric motor, is at least partially engaged so that the clutch transfers the required torque which is needed for starting the combustion engine.