Method for reducing torque required to crank engine in hybrid vehicle
First Claim
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1. A hybrid powertrain system for a hybrid vehicle, comprising:
- an internal combustion engine including an engine cylinder compression-reducing device that controls actuation of an engine valve independent of a crankshaft position and an engine output operable to drive the vehicle;
a motor operatively connected to the internal combustion engine and adapted to crank the internal combustion engine in at least one mode of operation, the motor including a motor output operable to drive the vehicle; and
a controller configured to selectively operate the compression-reducing device prior to or during the at least one mode of operation to reduce the torque or power required to crank the engine.
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Abstract
A method of operating a hybrid powertrain system is provided for a vehicle that includes an internal combustion engine having an engine output to drive the vehicle and a motor having a motor output to drive the vehicle. The motor is operatively connected to the engine and operable to crank the engine. The method includes the steps of reducing compression in at least one engine cylinder and operating the motor to crank the engine. A hybrid powertrain system for a hybrid vehicle is also provided.
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Citations
8 Claims
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1. A hybrid powertrain system for a hybrid vehicle, comprising:
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an internal combustion engine including an engine cylinder compression-reducing device that controls actuation of an engine valve independent of a crankshaft position and an engine output operable to drive the vehicle; a motor operatively connected to the internal combustion engine and adapted to crank the internal combustion engine in at least one mode of operation, the motor including a motor output operable to drive the vehicle; and a controller configured to selectively operate the compression-reducing device prior to or during the at least one mode of operation to reduce the torque or power required to crank the engine. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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Specification