Abstract: A hybrid module for a drive train of a vehicle having an internal combustion engine and a transmission. The hybrid module operates between the internal combustion engine and the transmission and has an electric drive, a clutch, and a freewheel, and the clutch and the freewheel are provided parallel to each other in order to transmit torque from the internal combustion engine toward the transmission, the freewheel transmits torque coming from the internal combustion engine to the transmission and opens for torque directed in the opposite direction, and a portion of the torque produced by the internal combustion transmitted by the freewheel can be set by setting a torque that can be transmitted by the clutch so that the vehicle can be driven by the internal combustion engine or the electric drive or both at the same time.

Abstract: A control method of measuring an internal resistance of an electric power accumulator 19 of a hybrid-type construction machine 100 comprises: a pattern generating step of generating an internal resistance measurement pattern in a non-operation status in which there is no operation for the hybrid-type construction machine from an operator; an output changing step of changing an output of a generator 12 based on the pattern generated in the pattern generating step in the non-operation status; an electric current, etc., detecting step of detecting electric current values and voltage values in the electric power accumulator 19 before and after the change of the output of the generator 12 in the output changing step; and an internal resistance measuring step of measuring the internal resistance of the electric power accumulator 19 based on the electric current values and the voltage values detected before and after the change of the output of the generator 12 in the electric current, etc., detecting step.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, an engine is started and idled before engine torque is required so that driveline torque response may be improved.

Abstract: A transmission system of a hybrid electric vehicle may include: an input shaft connected to an engine; first and second motor/generators disposed on a transmission housing; a first planetary gear set disposed on the input shaft and having three rotation elements, wherein one rotation element is connected to the transmission housing, another rotation element is connected to the first motor/generator, and the other rotation element is connected to the input shaft; a second planetary gear set disposed on the input shaft and having three rotation elements, wherein one rotation element is connected to the transmission housing, another rotation element is connected to the second motor/generator, and the other rotation element is operated as an output element; an output gear connected to the other rotation element of the second planetary gear set; and a first clutch selectively connecting the input shaft to the output gear.

Abstract: An output shaft is arranged to be lateral and parallel to engine input shafts and a motor input shaft. An engine side gear mechanism for transmitting a power of the engine input shafts to the output shaft is provided. A motor side gear mechanism for transmitting a power of the motor input shaft to the output shaft is provided. An input side clutch engages and disengages the engine input shafts and the motor input shaft. When the input side clutch is engaged, the power transmission between a position where the engine side gear mechanism is arranged on the engine input shafts and a position where the motor side gear mechanism is arranged on the motor input shaft is invariably possible.

Abstract: An output shaft is arranged to be lateral and parallel to engine input shafts and a motor input shaft. An engine side gear mechanism for transmitting a power of the engine input shafts to the output shaft is provided. A motor side gear mechanism for transmitting a power of the motor input shaft to the output shaft is provided. An input side clutch engages and disengages the engine input shafts and the motor input shaft. When the input side clutch is engaged, the power transmission between a position where the engine side gear mechanism is arranged on the engine input shafts and a position where the motor side gear mechanism is arranged on the motor input shaft is invariably possible.

Abstract: A transmission system of a hybrid electric vehicle may include an input shaft connected to an engine, first and second motors/generators disposed on a transmission housing, a planetary gear set disposed on the input shaft and having three rotation elements, of which one rotation element is connected to the transmission housing, another rotation element is connected to the input shaft, and the other rotation element is connected to the first motor/generator and operated as an output element, a first output gear disposed on the input shaft without rotational interference therebetween and connected to the second motor/generator, a second output gear disposed on the input shaft without rotational interference therebetween, and a first clutch selectively connecting the second output gear to the input shaft.

Abstract: An assembly includes a transmission and an electric machine for a hybrid drive of a motor vehicle, and the transmission is a multi-stage standard transmission with first and second subtransmissions, each of which has a separate input shaft and shares an output shaft. Both input shafts are coupled to the shared output shaft via form locking shift elements of the subtransmissions. The assembly includes a first shiftable clutch which is allocated to a first input shaft such that the internal combustion engine is coupled to the first input shaft via the first shiftable clutch, and a second shiftable clutch which is allocated to the second input shaft such that the electric machine is coupled to the second input shaft via the second shiftable clutch. The electric machine is coupled to the internal combustion engine via a third shiftable clutch, and to the first input shaft via a fourth shiftable clutch.

Abstract: A variable speed drive system for a driven equipment includes a fixed speed prime mover, a differential, and a variable speed prime mover. The differential includes a power output component, a first input component, and a second input component. The power output component is coupled to the driven equipment. The first input component is coupled to the fixed speed prime mover and disposed in rotational engagement with the power output component. The second input component is disposed in rotational engagement with the first input component and the power output component. The variable speed prime mover is coupled to the second input component. The variable speed prime mover is configured to modulate a rotational speed of the power output component by modulating a speed of the second input component.

Abstract: A method and a system for reducing driveline speed oscillations related to a driveline resonance frequency are described. Driveline speed oscillations may be reduced via slipping a driveline clutch or adjusting torque of a driveline motor/generator. The method and system may be activated during select vehicle operating conditions.

Abstract: A power transmission system may include: an input shaft receiving engine torque; a first planetary gear set disposed on the input shaft and including a first sun gear selectively connected to a transmission housing, a first ring gear directly connected to the input shaft, and a first planet carrier; a second planetary gear set disposed on the input shaft and including a second sun gear, a second ring gear selectively connected to the first ring gear and selectively connected to the transmission housing, and a second planet carrier directly connected to the first planet carrier and directly connected to an output gear; a first motor/generator directly connected to the first sun gear; and a second motor/generator directly connected to the second sun gear.

Abstract: A gear-change device includes a primary shaft, a secondary shaft, and a third shaft, which bears both a gear of the reverse and an output pinion meshing with a gear of a differential. The third shaft is connected via a gear reducer to the shaft of an electrical machine, the casing of which is rigidly connected to the easing of the gear-change device.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle drive unit including a first planetary gear mechanism; a second planetary gear mechanism; a clutch; and a brake, wherein a first sun gear that is a sun gear of the first planetary gear mechanism is connected to a first rotating electric machine, a first ring gear that is a ring gear of the first planetary gear mechanism is connected to an engine, and a first carrier that is a carrier of the first planetary gear mechanism is connected to a second rotating element of the second planetary gear mechanism and to driving wheels, a first rotating element of the second planetary gear mechanism is connected to the engine and the first ring gear via the clutch, and a third rotating element is connected to a second rotating electric machine, the first rotating element is a sun gear of the second planetary gear mechanism, and the brake regulates a rotation of the first rotating element.

Abstract: A control device that controls a vehicle drive device in which a first engagement device, a rotating electrical machine, a second engagement device, and an output member are sequentially arranged in this order from an input member side on a power transmission path that connects the input member drivingly coupled to an internal combustion engine to the output member drivingly coupled to wheels. The control device controls both the first engagement device and the second engagement device to a slip engaged state, and causes the rotating electrical machine to generate electric power.

Abstract: A power transmission system of a hybrid electric vehicle may include an input and output shaft. A first planetary gear set disposed on the input shaft includes a first rotation element connected to a first motor/generator, a second rotation element operated as an output element, and a third rotation element connected to the input shaft. A second planetary gear set includes a fourth rotation element connected to a second motor/generator, a fifth rotation element connected to the second rotation element and the output shaft, and a sixth rotation element connected to the first rotation element. A direct-coupling device connects two rotation elements of the second planetary gear set, and transfer gears connect two rotation elements of the first planetary gear set with the two rotation elements of the second planetary gear set. Friction elements connect a selected rotation element to a transfer gear or to the transmission housing.

Abstract: A hybrid powertrain has an engine, a starter motor, and a gear train that connects the starter motor with the engine, and a motor/generator. A belt drive train connects the motor/generator with the engine. The powertrain has a first energy storage device with a first operating range of voltage and a second energy storage device with a second operating range of voltage at least partially in common with the first operating range of voltage. A controller places a switching device in an on-state so that the first energy storage device is connected with the second energy storage device or in an off-state in which the first energy storage device is disconnected from the second energy storage device. The controller causes the switching device to be in the off-state and the starter motor and the motor/generator to be powered with energy from the first energy storage device to restart the engine.

Abstract: A control device for a hybrid motor constituted by an internal combustion engine and an electric motor, which are connected via a clutch, stops the internal combustion engine when a predetermined deceleration condition is established, and prohibits stoppage of the internal combustion engine when the temperature of an exhaust gas purification catalyst interposed in an exhaust system of the internal combustion engine is higher than a first predetermined temperature, which is higher than an activity start temperature of the exhaust gas purification catalyst, even if the predetermined deceleration condition is established.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an arrangement for controlling a vehicle with a hybrid drive, wherein during the driving mode an internal combustion engine (1) and a second drive unit (12) contribute individually or in tandem to the drive torque of the vehicle. In a method for controlling a vehicle with a hybrid drive, according to which the toxic emissions are kept to the minimum level possible, the control and regulation behaviour of the internal combustion engine (1) is set in accordance with the operating mode of the second drive unit (12).

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for improving engine restarts in a hybrid vehicle. In response to a wide-open pedal tip-in, maximum torque is rapidly provided by cranking an engine while advancing intake cams and while discharging compressed air from an accumulator into the engine intake. Motor torque can be transitioned out faster since maximum engine torque output is enabled earlier.

Abstract: A method for operating a vehicle system is provided. The method includes activating a starter-generator rotationally coupled to a crankshaft output in an internal combustion engine while combustion operation in the internal combustion engine is inhibited, operating the starter-generator to drive the crankshaft in a predetermined speed range while combustion operation in the internal combustion engine is inhibited, and activating combustion operation in a cylinder of the internal combustion engine in response to a combustion activation trigger.

Abstract: A power transmission system of a hybrid electric vehicle may include a first shaft and a second shaft. A first planetary gear set includes a first rotation element connected to a first motor/generator, a second rotation element operated as an output element, and a third rotation element connected to the first shaft. A second planetary gear set includes a fourth rotation element connected to the third rotation element and a second motor/generator, a fifth rotation element connected to the second rotation element and an output gear, and a sixth rotation element connected to a transmission housing. A direct-coupling device connects two rotation elements among the fourth, fifth, and sixth rotation elements of the second planetary gear set. Transfer gears form the externally-meshing gears, and friction elements connect a selected rotation element to a selected transfer gear or to the transmission housing.

Abstract: A vehicle drive device configured with reduced axial dimensions, while still having appropriate lubrication. The vehicle drive device is configured with an input shaft coupled to an engine, a rotary electric machine, and an output shaft coupled to wheels. A power transfer mechanism couples input shaft, the rotary electric machine, and the output shaft. A case houses at least the rotary electric machine and the power transfer mechanism. An oil reserving portion capable of reserving oil supplied by rotation of the power transfer mechanism is provided above the rotor shaft inside the case. A communication oil passage is oriented between the oil reserving portion and an inner circumferential space formed inside the rotor shaft. The rotor shaft is disposed to be inserted into the inside housing space, and has a supply communication hole that communicates between the inner circumferential space and the inside housing space.

Abstract: A power transmission system of a hybrid electric vehicle includes: an input shaft; a first shaft; a first planetary assembly on the first shaft, and including a first element connected to a first motor/generator, a second element connected to an output gear through a second shaft without rotational interference with the first shaft, and a third element connected to the input shaft; a second planetary assembly on the first shaft including a fourth element connected to a second motor/generator through the first shaft and selectively connected to the input shaft, a fifth element connected to the second element, and a sixth element selectively connected to a housing; transfer gears; and frictional elements selectively connecting one element of the second planetary assembly to the input shaft, directly coupling the second planetary assembly, or selectively connecting another element of the second planetary assembly to the housing.

Abstract: A vehicle control system is configured to include a motive power unit that includes an engine and a rotating electrical machine, a power supply device that is connected to the rotating electrical machine, a pump unit that includes an electric oil pump and a mechanical oil pump for cooling the rotating electrical machine, and a control device. The control device is configured to include a carrier frequency determination unit, a rotating electrical machine determination unit, a vehicle required traveling state determination unit, a motive power unit operation mode determination unit that makes a determination on the operation mode of the motive power unit, and an EOP operation control unit that controls the operation of the electric oil pump on the basis of these determinations.

Abstract: HV-ECU executes a program including a step of executing rattling noise avoidance control when an engine operating point falls within a rattling noise producing range and when a requested torque Treq2 falls within the rattling noise producing range, and a step of executing normal control when the engine operating point does not fall within the rattling noise producing range or when the requested torque Treq2 does not fall within the rattling noise producing range.

Abstract: A control device of a hybrid vehicle has an electric shift mechanism including a differential mechanism having a first rotating element coupled to an engine in a power transmittable manner, a second rotating element coupled to a differential electric motor in a power transmittable manner, and a third rotating element that is an output rotating member coupled to an electric motor for running in a power transmittable manner, and a mechanical shift mechanism, and makes a differential torque smaller between an output torque of the engine and an engagement torque of the engagement devices involved in a shift of the mechanical shift mechanism on the same shaft in a case of a shift with a smaller rotation speed change in the engine as compared to a case of a shift with a larger rotation speed change in the engine in the same type of shift in the mechanical shift mechanism.

Abstract: The transmission includes an input shaft rotatable about a first axis of rotation, and a countershaft arranged substantially parallel with the input shaft and rotatable about a second axis of rotation. An output member is operatively connected to rotate in unison with the countershaft. Multiple pairs of intermeshing gears are included, each having a respective synchronizable gear that rotates about one of the input shaft and the countershaft, and a respective fixed gear mounted to the other one of the input shaft and the countershaft to rotate in unison therewith. An electric motor has a rotor concentric with and rotatable about the first axis of rotation. A first synchronizer is selectively engageable to synchronize rotation of the rotor with the input shaft. A second synchronizer is selectively engageable to synchronize rotation of the rotor with one of the synchronizable gears that rotates about the input shaft.

Abstract: A powertrain includes a planetary gearset including an input connected to a shaft driveably connected to an engine, a second input driveably connected to an electric machine, and an output driveably connected to a countershaft, a clutch for releaseably connecting the countershaft and the input shaft through a first pair of meshing gears, and a brake for releaseably holding the input shaft and the input against rotation.

Abstract: A method of controlling a hybrid automobile is provided. Only a drive force of the motor is outputted to wheels by stopping the engine while operating the motor when a required drive force is below a predetermined switch value, and at least a drive force of the engine is outputted to the wheels by operating at least the engine when the required drive force is above the switch value. The method includes estimating, when the required drive force is below the switch value, a switching possibility of the required drive force increasing above the switch value, operating the engine so that a temperature of a catalyst becomes a first temperature when the estimated switching possibility is above a predetermined level, and operating the engine so that the temperature of the catalyst becomes a second temperature lower than the first temperature when the estimated switching possibility is below the predetermined level.

Abstract: A method of controlling a hybrid vehicle having a step ratio transmission is disclosed. The method utilizes terrain data to reduce the number of shift events. The method comprises receiving data indicative of a grade profile of an anticipated route, identifying a forecast shift sequence comprising a forecast downshift event and an adjacent forecast upshift event, and adjusting the shift criteria based on the time between the forecast shift events, the road grade between the forecast shift events, and the state of a storage battery.

Abstract: A method is applied to regenerate particulate matter in a particulate filter of a hybrid electric vehicle having a combination of a combustion engine and an electric motor for propelling the vehicle, the hybrid electric vehicle having an electrically heated catalyst disposed in flow communication with the particulate filter in an exhaust system of the vehicle. The method determines whether the combustion engine is or is not combusting fuel, and under a condition where the combustion engine is not combusting fuel, the catalyst is electrically heated until it has reached a temperature suitable to cause ignition of the particulate matter. The electric motor is used to facilitate rotation of the combustion engine at a rotational speed suitable to draw air into and be exhausted out of the combustion engine into the exhaust system, across the catalyst, and into the particulate filter to facilitate ignition of the particulate in the filter.

Abstract: A control device of a vehicle drive device having an electric motor coupled to a power transmission path between an engine and drive wheels, the control device providing fuel cut electric motor drive control of increasing a rotation speed of the engine with a drive force of the electric motor and interrupting fuel supply to the engine at the time of acceleration operation of a vehicle, and the fuel cut electric motor drive control being terminated if a rotational angular acceleration of the engine becomes equal to or less than a predetermined engine rotational angular acceleration determination value after starting provision of the fuel cut electric motor drive control.

Abstract: A multi-mode powertrain system includes a transmission configured to transfer torque among an internal combustion engine, torque machines and an output member. A method for controlling the powertrain system includes operating the multi-mode powertrain system to execute an engine intake manifold pump down mode, and aborting the engine intake manifold pump down mode and fueling the engine, wherein aborting is based upon intake manifold pressure and system constraints.

Abstract: A hybrid drive of a motor vehicle has an internal combustion engine, an electric machine, and a transmission. The transmission is a multi-stage shifting transmission including two subtransmissions, each of which has a separate input shaft and a common output shaft. The first input shaft of a first subtransmission can be coupled and decoupled to the internal combustion engine. The second input shaft of a second subtransmission is rigidly coupled to the electric machine. Both input shafts can be coupled selectively to the common output shaft via form-locking shift elements. The first input shaft can be attached to multiple clutches in such a way that when a first friction-locking or form-locking clutch and a second friction-locking clutch connected in series are both engaged, the internal combustion engine is coupled to the first input shaft and to the first subtransmission.

Abstract: A transmission for a motor vehicle, having a transmission input shaft, to which a drive assembly can be coupled, having a transmission output shaft, to which an axle drive can be coupled, having numerous planetary gear sets disposed coaxially behind one another, and having numerous form-locking shift elements, wherein a first element of a first planetary gear set is permanently coupled to a first element of a second planetary gear set via a shiftable intermediate shaft between the transmission input shaft and the transmission output shaft, wherein an electric machine is permanently coupled to this intermediate shaft, wherein a second element of the second planetary gear set is permanently coupled to the transmission output shaft, wherein, in a first shifting setting of a first form-locking shift element, the transmission input shaft is coupled directly to the transmission output shaft, while in a second shifting setting of the first form-locking shift element, the transmission input shaft is coupled to a seco

Abstract: A power transmission device for a hybrid vehicle includes a series-parallel type power transmission path capable of varying an engine output for each driving mode, using a Ravigneaux gear train and two or more clutches, to improve the fuel efficiency of the hybrid vehicle. The power transmission device includes two or more kinds of engine fixing gear stages capable of distributing the output of the engine to a driving wheel, which are implemented using the Ravigneaux gear train, in which a single pinion planetary gear is integrally configured with a double pinion planetary gear including a carrier obtained by combining two pinion gears with the two or more clutches.

Abstract: A control method of a hybrid vehicle that includes engages a second clutch and in response outputs a torque through an output shaft that is connected to the second carrier via torque supplied from an engine and a first and second motor-generators. Accordingly, the speed of the engine is controlled via the first motor-generator, and a torque of an output shaft is control via the second motor-generator. Accordingly, the second motor-generator is used to control an operating point of the engine so that a base motor torque is effectively set.

Abstract: The present invention is a powertrain for a hybrid type motor vehicle comprising an electric machine (22), a thermal engine (10), a speed variation device (14) including an engine epicyclic gear train (26) with a sun gear (36) and a crown (50), each connected to shaft (12) of thermal engine (10) by a controlled clutch (28, 30) and to a fixed portion (48) of the vehicle by a one-way coupling (32, 34), and a motion transmission track (120, 122) for motion transmission to a drive axle (16). The powertrain comprises another epicyclic gear train (96) connecting engine epicyclic gear train (26) to said motion transmission track (120, 122).

Abstract: A power transmission system of a hybrid electric vehicle may include an input shaft receiving engine torque, a first planetary gear set disposed on the input shaft, and including a first sun gear selectively connected to a transmission housing, a first ring gear, and a first planet carrier directly connected to the input shaft, a second planetary gear set disposed on the input shaft, and including a second sun gear, a second ring gear directly connected to the first ring gear and directly connected to an output gear, and a second planet carrier selectively connected to the first planet carrier and selectively connected to the transmission housing, a first motor/generator directly connected to the first sun gear, and a second motor/generator directly connected to the second sun gear.

Abstract: A power transmission device of a hybrid vehicle comprises: an electric differential portion having a first rotating element coupled to an engine, a second rotating element coupled to a first rotator, and a third rotating element coupled to a second rotator, the second rotator being disposed in a power transmission path including the third rotating element between the engine and drive wheels, the second rotator having a rotor shaft interposed in series in the power transmission path, a rotor of the second rotator being fixed, and making up a portion of the power transmission path.

Abstract: A countershaft-type dual clutch transmission for a vehicle has two clutches having input sides connected to a driveshaft (AN) and output sides connected respectively to one of two transmission input shafts arranged coaxial to a mainshaft axis. A sub-transmission is associated in each instance with the transmission input shafts, at least two countershafts, a plurality of gear planes to which are assigned gear ratio steps, and at least one output shaft which can be connected to the sub-transmissions via an output gear plane. Only six gear planes with at least nine assigned gear ratio steps can be realized via only four double shift elements and at least one single shift element. Each countershaft can be coupled with four gear ratio steps via double shift elements, and one of the transmission input shafts can be coupled with a gear ratio step via a single shift element.

Abstract: The hybrid vehicle control device of the invention suppresses the decrease of the output torque and the increase of the fuel consumption when the engine operation is started as possible in case that the temperature of the engine compartment is increased by the heat radiating from the engine and the like while the engine operation is stopped during the intermittent engine operation. The device performs an engine motoring without performing a fuel injection in the engine in case that the intake temperature increases when the engine operation is required to be started during the intermittent engine operation.

Abstract: A drive control device for a hybrid vehicle is provided with: a first differential mechanism having a first rotary element connected to a first electric motor, a second rotary element connected to an engine, and a third rotary element connected to an output rotary member; a second differential mechanism having a first rotary element connected to a second electric motor, a second rotary element, and a third rotary element, one of the second rotary element and the third rotary element being connected to the third rotary element of said first differential mechanism; a clutch configured to selectively couple the second rotary element of said first differential mechanism, and the other of the second and third rotary elements of said second differential mechanism which is not connected to the third rotary element of said first differential mechanism, to each other; and a brake configured to selectively couple said other of the second and third rotary elements of said second differential mechanism which is not conne

Abstract: To provide a vehicle control apparatus which can suppress a shock in a clutch from being generated at a time of starting an engine by a motor in a vehicle having the clutch provided therein between the engine and the motor, thereby improving a drivability of the vehicle. Provided is a vehicle control apparatus, comprising: an engine, a motor generator connected to vehicle wheels of a vehicle, and a clutch that switches a transmission state between a disengaging state and an engaging state, in which the vehicle control apparatus switches the clutch in the engaging state to start the engine by the motor generator. When the engine is started by the motor generator, the vehicle control apparatus constantly keeps the compensation torque of the motor generator smaller than the clutch torque of the clutch.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, an engine is accelerated to a speed of a driveline integrated starter/generator before the engine is coupled to the driveline integrated starter/generator.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, negative torque of an electric machine is adjusted to mimic negative torque of an engine during engine braking so that the vehicle may transition from regenerative braking to engine braking in a seamless manner.

Abstract: A drive device includes an engine, a first motor/generator, and a first planetary gear set group having at least four rotatable members and disposed between the input shaft and the output shaft. Four vertical axes corresponding to the first to fourth rotatable members are arranged in order at intervals corresponding to gear ratios of the group in a common velocity-axis diagram to correspond to a first member to a fourth member, respectively. The first member is connectable with the input shaft. The second member is connectable with the output shaft. The third member is fixable to a stationary part. The fourth member is connected with the first motor/generator. The input shaft is connectable with the engine.

Abstract: A powertrain includes an engine that has a crankshaft. A first motor-generator is drivingly connected to the crankshaft via an endless rotatable device. The powertrain includes a transmission that has a transmission input member driven by the crankshaft and a transmission output member. A front differential is operatively connected with front half shafts. A transfer case has a gearing arrangement configured to distribute torque of the transmission output member to the front differential and to a driveshaft. A rear differential is operatively connectable with the driveshaft, and is configured to transfer torque from the driveshaft to rear half shafts. A second motor-generator is drivingly connected to the rear differential. A controller is operatively connected to the second motor-generator, and controls the second motor-generator to function as a motor that provides torque to the rear wheels through the rear differential. A modular rear drive unit operatively connects to the vehicle body.

Abstract: A method of operating a drive train of a motor vehicle comprising a drive assembly which has at least a combustion engine and an automatic transmission with frictional shift elements positioned between the drive assembly and an output. When executing a traction downshift in which at least one frictional shift element of the automatic transmission is engaged and at least one shift element of the automatic transmission is disengaged, the method comprising the steps of engaging at least a first frictional shift element of the automatic transmission, disengaging at least a second frictional shift element of the automatic transmission, and reducing torque, provided by the combustion engine, while reducing the transfer ability of the second frictional shift element for executing the traction downshift.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, external data are a basis for operating a driveline disconnect clutch. For example, a vehicle destination may be a basis for opening a driveline disconnect clutch and beginning to discharging an energy storage device so that fewer hydrocarbons may be consumed by the vehicle.