IP Library Granted Patent US 9,174,631
Granted Patent B2
US 9,174,631 · App. 13/925,800 · Granted Nov 3, 2015

Method and apparatus for controlling transmission shifting in a multi-mode powertrain system

View Patent ↗
Loading inventors, assignments & file history…
Monitor This Case
Get email alerts when status or documents change.
Order Certified Copies
Most orders are placed with the USPTO same day — all within 24 business hours.
Order via The Patent Place →
Pre-filled with this patent's details
Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 9,174,631
App. No.
13/925,800
Granted
Nov 3, 2015
Kind
B2
Abstract

A multi-mode transmission is configured to transfer torque among an internal combustion engine, torque machines and an output member. A method for controlling shifting in the transmission includes, in response to a command to execute a range shift in the transmission to a target transmission range: applying mechanical braking torque to reduce output torque from the transmission to off-load torque from an off-going clutch, operating in a pseudo-gear range to synchronize an oncoming clutch, and applying the oncoming clutch to establish the transmission in the target range.

Claims (12)

1. A method for operating a multi-mode transmission configured to transfer torque among an internal combustion engine, torque machines and an output member, the method comprising:

executing powertrain braking responsive to an operator-commanded brake pedal torque, the powertrain braking initially comprising torque transmitted through a first, initially engaged clutch and a second clutch;

during the execution of the powertrain braking, executing a transmission shift comprising:

maintaining the powertrain braking comprising the torque transmitted through the second clutch;

unloading torque from and disengaging the first clutch;

after disengaging the first clutch, engaging and loading torque upon a third, initially disengaged clutch, wherein the powertrain braking after the third clutch is engaged comprises torque transmitted through the second clutch and third clutch; and

at a beginning of the execution of the transmission shift, increasing mechanical braking through an at-wheel friction brake to compensate for a loss in torque transmitted through the first clutch and the third clutch during the transmission shift.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein said transmission shift comprises a transmission range downshift.

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein said transmission shift comprises a transmission range upshift.

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein executing powertrain braking comprises employing regenerative braking.

5. The method of claim 1 , wherein executing powertrain braking comprises employing torque created by the engine.

6. The method of claim 1 , wherein executing powertrain braking comprises employing regenerative braking and employing torque created by the engine.

Assignments (3)
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Nov 7, 2014
From: WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY
To: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
Reel/Frame 034189/0065 →
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Jun 12, 2014
From: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
To: WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY
Reel/Frame 033135/0336 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Jul 18, 2013
From: HEAP, ANTHONY H.; MCGROGAN, SEAN W.; PATEL, KRUNAL P.
To: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
Reel/Frame 030822/0932 →