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:
Mar. 29, 2016
Filed:
Apr. 09, 2014
Ford Global Technologies, Llc, Dearborn, MI (US);
Walter Joseph Ortmann, Saline, MI (US);
Francis Thomas Connolly, Ann Arbor, MI (US);
Todd McCullough, Bloomfield Hills, MI (US);
Brandon R. Masterson, Dexter, MI (US);
FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC, Dearborn, MI (US);
Abstract
A hybrid vehicle includes an engine and an electric machine selectively coupled to one another via a clutch. In one mode of operation, the vehicle can be propelled by only the electric machine while the engine is off. When additional torque is required from the engine, at least one controller transmits an engine start request. In order to start the engine, the clutch can be prestroked such that it fills with pressure prior to the engine to start the engine. While the vehicle is on, at least one controller is programmed to prestroke the clutch prior to the engine start request based at least upon the electric machine and the engine generating substantially zero torque. This reduces the overall engine start time.