Hazard warning light control system of a vehicle

Abstract

Hazard warning light control system of a vehicle, comprising: a torque request module (204) configured to, while a vehicle speed is greater than a predetermined speed, decrease a torque request in response to a first signal from a start / stop switch (104) of the vehicle being in a first state continuously for more than a first predetermined period of time and less than a second predetermined period of time, the second predetermined period of time being greater than the first predetermined period of time; a control module configured to, when the torque request decreases, decrease the torque output of an engine (102) of the vehicle and / or an electric motor (198) of the vehicle; and a lighting control module (272) configured to: selectively turning on and off exterior hazard warning lamps (107) of the vehicle in response to a second signal from a hazard warning lamp switch of the vehicle being in a first state; and selectively turning the exterior hazard warning lights (107) on and off in response to the first signal of the start / stop switch (104) being continuously in the first state for more than the first predetermined period of time; wherein the torque request module (204) is further configured to, while the vehicle speed is greater than the predetermined speed, set the torque request to zero to continuously stop vehicle propulsion for longer than the second predetermined period of time in response to the first signal from the start / stop switch (104) in the first state; and wherein the control module is further configured to stop rotation of the engine (102) and / or the electric motor (198) when the torque request is set to zero.

Description

INTRODUCTION

[0001] The present disclosure relates to vehicles, and more particularly to a hazard warning light control system of a vehicle.

[0002] An example of a hazard warning light control system is shown in US 2017 / 0 008 528 A1.

[0003] Further prior art can also be found in the documents DE 10 2012 001 312 A1, DE 10 2010 044 024 A1 and DE 10 2012 206 725 A1.

[0004] A vehicle includes an internal combustion engine that combusts an air-fuel mixture to produce torque. The engine transfers torque to the transmission. The transmission transfers the torque to one or more of the vehicle's wheels via a drive system. When the engine is off, the vehicle starts the engine in response to user inputs to start the engine. When the engine is on and the transmission is in park, the vehicle shuts off the engine in response to user inputs to shut down the vehicle.

[0005] The vehicle also includes hazard warning lights visible from the exterior of the vehicle. Some vehicles use brake lights or other vehicle lights as hazard warning lights. However, other vehicle types may be equipped with hazard warning lights. The vehicle turns its hazard warning lights on and off in response to user inputs that indicate a request to turn the hazard warning lights on and off. For example, the vehicle may turn its hazard warning lights on and off in response to a signal indicating that a vehicle hazard warning switch has been moved from a first to a second position.

[0006] According to the invention, a hazard warning light control system of a vehicle is presented, which is characterized by the features of claim 1.

[0007] In further features, the lighting control module is further configured to turn the exterior hazard warning lights on and off when the first signal of the start / stop switch is in the first state continuously for longer than the second predetermined period of time.

[0008] In further features, the torque request module is further configured to, while the vehicle speed is greater than the predetermined speed, set the torque request to the predetermined torque to stop vehicle propulsion in response to the first signal from the start / stop switch transitioning from a second state to the first state at least a predetermined number of times within a predetermined period of time.

[0009] In other features, the specified number is an integer greater than two.

[0010] In further features: the torque request module is further configured to increase the torque request in response to the first signal from the start / stop switch transitioning from the first state to a second state before the first signal is continuously in the first state for more than the second predetermined period of time; and the control module is further configured to, as the torque request increases, increase the torque output of the at least one of the motors and the electric motor.

[0011] In further features, the lighting control module is further configured to: turn the exterior hazard warning lights on and off when: the exterior hazard warning lights have been turned on and off before the first signal from the start / stop switch transitions to the first state; and the first signal from the start / stop switch transitions from the first state to the second state before the first signal is continuously in the first state for more than the second predetermined period of time; and keep the exterior hazard warning lights off when: the exterior hazard warning lights transition to the first state before the first signal from the start / stop switch; and the first signal from the start / stop switch transitions from the first state to the second state before the first signal is continuously in the first state for more than the second predetermined period of time.

[0012] In further features, the torque request module is configured to: decrease the torque request by up to a first predetermined torque every first predetermined time period; and increase the torque request by up to a second predetermined torque every second predetermined time period.

[0013] In other features, the specified speed is higher than zero.

[0014] In further features, the lighting control module is configured to selectively turn the exterior hazard warning lights on and off independently of the second hazard warning switch signal when the first start / stop switch signal is in the first state for an extended period of time.

[0015] Further described is a method for controlling hazard warning lights of a vehicle, comprising: while a vehicle speed is greater than a predetermined speed, decreasing a torque request in response to a first signal from a start / stop switch of the vehicle being in a first state that is continuously longer than a first predetermined period of time and less than a second predetermined period of time, the second predetermined period of time being greater than the first predetermined period of time; when the torque request decreases, decreasing the torque output of at least one engine of the vehicle and an electric motor of the vehicle; selectively turning the vehicle's exterior hazard warning lights on and off in response to a second signal from a hazard warning light switch of the vehicle in a first state;and selectively turning on and off the exterior hazard warning lights in response to the first signal from the start / stop switch in the first state continuously for more than the first predetermined period of time.;

[0016] In further features, the method further includes: while the vehicle speed is greater than the predetermined speed, setting the torque request to a predetermined torque to stop vehicle propulsion in response to the first signal from the start / stop switch being in the first state continuously for greater than the second predetermined period of time; and the control module is configured to stop rotation of the at least one engine and the electric motor when the torque request is set to the predetermined torque.

[0017] In further features, the method further includes continuously turning the exterior hazard warning lights on and off in response to the first signal of the start / stop switch being in the first state for a period longer than the second predetermined period.

[0018] In further features, the method further includes, while the vehicle speed is greater than the predetermined speed, setting the torque request to the predetermined torque to stop vehicle propulsion in response to the first signal from the start / stop switch transitioning from a second state to the first state at least a predetermined number of times within a predetermined period of time.

[0019] In other features, the specified number is an integer greater than two.

[0020] In further features, the method further includes: increasing the torque request in response to the first signal from the start / stop switch transitioning from the first state to a second state before the first signal is continuously in the first state for longer than the second predetermined period of time; and as the torque request increases, increasing the torque output of the at least one of the motors and the electric motor.

[0021] In further features, the method further includes: continuing to turn the exterior hazard warning lights on and off if: the exterior hazard warning lights have been turned on and off before the first signal from the start / stop switch transitions to the first state; and the first signal from the start / stop switch transitions from the first state to the second state before the first signal is continuously in the first state for more than the second predetermined period of time; and maintaining a deactivation of the exterior hazard warning lights if: the exterior hazard warning lights have been turned off before the first signal from the start / stop switch transitions to the first state; and the first signal from the start / stop switch transitions from the first state to the second state before the first signal is continuously in the first state for more than the second predetermined period of time.

[0022] In further features: decreasing the torque request includes decreasing the torque request by up to a first predetermined torque every first predetermined period of time; and increasing the torque request includes increasing the torque request by up to a second predetermined torque every second predetermined period of time.

[0023] In other features, the specified speed is higher than zero.

[0024] In further features, selectively turning the exterior hazard warning lamps on and off, independent of the second hazard warning lamp switch signal, includes selectively turning the exterior hazard warning lamps on and off when the first start / stop switch signal is in the first state continuously for longer than the first predetermined period of time.

[0025] Further areas of applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description, claims, and drawings. The detailed description and specific examples are provided for purposes of illustration only. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The present disclosure will become more fully understood with reference to the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a functional block diagram of an exemplary powertrain system of a vehicle; Fig. 2 is a functional block diagram of an exemplary motor and lighting control system; and Fig. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method for controlling an engine and hazard warning lights by actuating a start / stop switch.

[0027] In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used for similar and / or identical elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] A vehicle includes a start / stop button that the driver can press or operate to initiate a request to start or stop a vehicle. For example, while the vehicle is off, the driver can press the start / stop button to request the vehicle to start. While the vehicle is on, the driver can press the start / stop button to request the vehicle to shut down.

[0029] However, actuating the start / stop button while driving may or may not be intentional by the driver. According to the present disclosure, in response to actuating the start / stop button to a predetermined state, a control module of the vehicle continuously reduces the torque output for at least a first predetermined period of time while the vehicle is moving. The decreasing torque results in deceleration of the vehicle. The control module also cycles the vehicle's exterior hazard warning lights on and off while reducing the torque output, without the driver pressing a hazard warning light button.

[0030] Deceleration may cause the driver to release the start / stop button. If the driver continuously presses the start / stop button for at least a second predetermined time, the control module may shut down the vehicle and continue cycling the exterior hazard warning lights. However, if the driver releases the start / stop button before the second predetermined time period has elapsed, the control module will stop reducing torque output. This allows the driver to return to normal operation without shutting down the vehicle. The control module may turn off the hazard warning lights even if the hazard warning lights were off before the driver began pressing the start / stop button.

[0031] Now with reference to Fig. 1, a functional block diagram of an example of a powertrain 100 is presented. The powertrain 100 includes an engine 102 that combusts an air-fuel mixture to generate torque. The vehicle may be a non-autonomous or an autonomous model. The vehicle also includes a start / stop switch 104 that can be activated to input requests to start the engine 102 as well as to shut down the vehicle. The vehicle also includes a hazard warning switch 106 that can be activated to input requests to hold the vehicle's hazard warning lights 107 and requests to turn the hazard warning lights 107 on and off at a predetermined speed. The hazard warning lights 107 are mounted on the exterior of the vehicle.

[0032] Air is drawn into the engine 102 through an intake system 108. The intake system 108 may include an intake manifold 110 and a throttle valve 112. For example only, the throttle valve 112 may include a throttle plate with a rotatable vane. An engine control module (ECM) 114 controls a throttle actuator module 116, and the throttle actuator module 116 regulates the opening of the throttle plate 112 to control airflow into the intake manifold 110.

[0033] Air from intake manifold 110 is drawn into the cylinders of engine 102. Although engine 102 includes multiple cylinders, a single representative cylinder 118 is shown for illustrative purposes. For example only, cylinder 102 may include 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, and / or 12 cylinders. The ECM 114 may instruct a cylinder actuator module 120 to selectively deactivate some of the cylinders under certain circumstances, as discussed below, which may improve fuel efficiency.

[0034] The engine 102 may operate using a four-stroke cycle or other suitable engine cycle. The four strokes of a four-stroke cycle, described below, are referred to as the intake stroke, the compression stroke, the combustion stroke, and the exhaust stroke. During each revolution of a crankshaft (not shown), two of the four strokes occur within the cylinder 118. Accordingly, two revolutions of the crankshaft are required for the cylinder 118 to complete all four strokes. In four-stroke engines, one engine cycle may correspond to two crankshaft revolutions.

[0035] When cylinder 118 is activated, air is drawn from intake manifold 110 through intake valve 122 into cylinder 118 during the intake stroke. The ECM 114 controls a fuel actuator module 124, which regulates fuel injection to achieve a desired fuel / air mixture. Fuel may be injected into intake manifold 110 at a central location or multiple locations, such as near the intake valve 122 of each cylinder. In various implementations (not shown), fuel may be injected directly into the cylinders or into mixing chambers / ports connected to the cylinders. The fuel actuator module 124 may stop injecting fuel into deactivated cylinders.

[0036] The injected fuel mixes with air to form a fuel / air mixture within cylinder 118. During the compression stroke, a piston (not shown) within cylinder 118 compresses the fuel / air mixture. Engine 102 may be a compression-ignition engine, in which case compression causes the ignition of the air / fuel mixture. Alternatively, engine 102 may be a spark-ignition engine, in which case the spark actuator module 126 energizes a spark plug 128 within cylinder 118 based on a signal from the ECM 114, igniting the air-fuel mixture. Some types of engines, such as homogeneous charge diesel (HCCI) engines, are capable of both compression and spark ignition. The timing of the spark may be specified relative to the time when the piston is at its top position, referred to as top dead center (TDC).

[0037] The spark actuator module 126 can be controlled by a timing signal that determines how long before or after TDC the spark should be initiated. Since piston position is directly related to crankshaft rotation, the operation of the spark actuator module 126 can be synchronized with the crankshaft position. The spark actuator module 126 can disable the provision of spark to deactivated cylinders or provide spark to deactivated cylinders.

[0038] During the combustion stroke, the combustion of the air-fuel mixture propels the piston downward, thereby driving the crankshaft. The combustion stroke can be defined as the time between the piston reaching TDC and the piston returning to a lowermost position, known as bottom dead center (BDC).

[0039] During the exhaust stroke, the piston begins to move upward from bottom dead center (BDC), expelling the byproducts of combustion through an exhaust valve 130. The combustion waste products are expelled from the vehicle via an exhaust system 134.

[0040] The intake valve 122 may be controlled by an intake camshaft 140, while the exhaust valve 130 may be controlled by an exhaust camshaft 142. In various applications, multiple intake camshafts (including intake camshaft 140) may control multiple intake valves (including intake valve 122) for the cylinder 118 and / or may control the intake valves (including intake valve 122) of multiple cylinder banks (including the cylinder 118). Similarly, multiple exhaust camshafts (including exhaust camshaft 142) may control multiple exhaust valves for the cylinder 118 and / or may control exhaust valves (including exhaust valve 130) of multiple cylinder banks (including the cylinder 118). Although camshaft-based valve actuation has been illustrated and discussed, camless valve actuators may be implemented.Although separate intake and exhaust camshafts are shown, one camshaft may be used that has lobes for the intake and exhaust valves.

[0041] The cylinder actuator module 120 may deactivate the cylinder 118 by disabling the opening of the intake valve 122 and / or the exhaust valve 130. The time when the intake valve 122 opens may be varied relative to the piston's TDC by an intake cam phaser 148. The time when the exhaust valve 130 opens may be varied relative to the piston's TDC by an exhaust cam phaser 150. A variable timing actuator module 158 may control the intake cam phaser 148 and the exhaust cam phaser 150 based on signals from the ECM 114. In various applications, camshaft timing may be omitted. Variable valve lift (not shown) may also be controlled by the variable timing actuator module 158. In various other implementations, the intake valve 122 and / or the exhaust valve 130 may be controlled by actuators other than a camshaft, such asby electromechanical actuators, electrohydraulic actuators, electromagnetic actuators, etc.

[0042] The engine 102 may include none, one, or more charging devices that supply pressurized air to the intake manifold 110.

[0043] Fig. For example, Figure 1 illustrates a turbocharger with a turbine 160-1 driven by exhaust gases flowing through the exhaust system 134. A supercharger is another type of charging device.

[0044] The turbocharger also includes a turbocharger compressor 160-2, which is driven by the turbocharger turbine 160-1 and compresses the air directed into the throttle body 112. A wastegate 162 controls exhaust gas flow through the turbocharger turbine 160-1 and its bypass. Wastegates may also be referred to as (turbocharger) turbine bypass valves. The wastegate 162 may direct exhaust gases past the turbine 160-1, thereby reducing the boost pressure (the amount of intake air compression) generated by the turbocharger. The ECM 114 may control the turbocharger via a wastegate actuator module 164. The wastegate actuator module 164 may vary the boost of the turbocharger by controlling the opening of the wastegate 162.

[0045] A cooler (e.g., a charge air cooler or intercooler) may dissipate some of the heat contained in the compressed air charge that may be generated when the air is compressed. Although shown separately for illustrative purposes, the turbine 160-1 and the compressor 160-2 may be mechanically linked, positioning intake air very close to hot exhaust gases. The compressed air charge may absorb heat from components of the exhaust system 134.

[0046] The engine 102 may include an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve 170 that selectively recirculates exhaust gases to the intake manifold 110. The EGR valve 170 may receive exhaust gas upstream from the turbine of the turbocharger 160-1 in the exhaust system 134. The EGR valve 170 may be controlled by an EGR actuator module 172.

[0047] Crankshaft position may be measured using a crankshaft position sensor 180. Engine speed may be determined based on the crankshaft position measured using the crankshaft position sensor 180. Engine coolant temperature may be measured using an engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor 182. The ECT sensor 182 may be located within the engine 102 or at other locations where coolant is circulated, such as a radiator (not shown).

[0048] The pressure within the intake manifold 110 may be measured using an intake manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor 184. In various implementations, engine vacuum, consisting of the difference between ambient air pressure and the pressure within the intake manifold 110, may be measured. The mass flow rate of air flowing through the intake manifold 110 may be measured using a mass airflow (MAF) sensor 186. In various implementations, the MAF sensor 186 may be positioned within a housing that also includes the throttle body 112.

[0049] The position of the throttle valve 112 may be measured using one or more throttle position (TPS) sensors 190. A temperature of air drawn into the engine 102 may be measured using an intake air temperature (IAT) sensor 192. One or more sensors 193 may also be implemented. The other sensors 193 include an accelerator pedal position (APP) sensor, a brake pedal position (BPP) sensor, and possibly a clutch pedal position (CPP) sensor (e.g., in a manual transmission), and one or more other types of sensors.

[0050] An APP sensor measures a position of an accelerator pedal within a passenger compartment of the vehicle. A BPP sensor measures a position of a brake pedal within a passenger compartment of the vehicle. A CPP sensor measures a position of a clutch pedal within the passenger compartment of the vehicle. The other sensors 193 may also include one or more acceleration sensors, which can be used to measure the longitudinal acceleration (i.e., along the line from the rear to the front) of the vehicle. An accelerometer is an example of a type of acceleration sensor, although other types of acceleration sensors may be used. The ECM 114 may use signals from the sensors to make decisions for controlling the engine 102.

[0051] For example, the ECM 114 may communicate with a transmission control module 194 to coordinate engine operation with the shifting of gears in a transmission 195. The transmission control module 194 shifts the transmission 195 based, for example, on signals from a transmission range selector switch 197. The transmission range selector switch 197 may include one or more buttons and / or actuators to select, for example, park, reverse, neutral, drive, manual, upshift, downshift, etc. Examples of actuators include, for example, rotary range selectors, levers, joysticks, and other types of actuatable transmission range selectors.

[0052] For example, the ECM 114 may communicate with a hybrid control module 196 to coordinate the operation of the engine 102 and an electric motor 198. While the example uses one electric motor, multiple electric motors may be implemented. The electric motor and the motor-generator unit (MGU) may be interchangeable within the scope of the present application, drawings, and claims. In various implementations, various functions of the ECM 114, the transmission control module 194, and the hybrid control module 196 may be integrated into one or more modules.

[0053] Any system that affects an engine parameter may be referred to as an engine actuator. Each engine actuator has an associated actuator value. For example, the throttle actuator module 116 may be referred to as an engine actuator, and the throttle opening range may be referred to as the actuator value. In the example of Fig. 1, the throttle actuator module 116 achieves the throttle opening range by adjusting an angle of the vane of the throttle valve 112.

[0054] The ignition actuator module 126 may also be referred to as an engine actuator, although the corresponding actuator value may be the degree of spark advance relative to the cylinder's TDC. Other engine actuators may include the cylinder actuator module 120, the fuel actuator module 124, the variable valve actuator module 158, the boost actuator module 164, and the EGR actuator module 172. For these actuators, the actuator values may each correspond to a cylinder activation / deactivation sequence, fueling rate, intake and exhaust cam lobe angles, desired wastegate openings, and EGR valve opening range, respectively.

[0055] The ECM 114 may control the actuator values to cause the engine 102 to produce the requested output torque. For example, the ECM 114 may determine the torque request based on one or more driver inputs, such as an APP, a BPP, a CPP, and / or one or more other appropriate driver inputs. For example, the ECM 114 may determine the torque request based on one or more functions or lookup tables that relate the driver input(s) to the torque requests.

[0056] Under certain circumstances, the hybrid control module 196 controls the MGU 198 to provide output torque, for example, to supplement the engine's output torque. The hybrid control module 196 may also control the electric motor 198 to provide output torque for vehicle propulsion at times when the engine 102 is off.

[0057] The hybrid control module 196 applies electrical power from a battery 199 to the electric motor 198 to cause the electric motor 198 to output positive torque. While the example uses the battery 199, more than one battery may be used to power the electric motor 198. The electric motor 198 may provide output torque to, for example, the engine 102, an input shaft of the transmission 195, an output shaft of the transmission 195, or another torque-transmitting device in the vehicle's drivetrain. The battery 199 may be provided for current flow to and from the electric motor 198, and one or more other batteries may provide power for other vehicle functions.

[0058] Under other circumstances, the hybrid control module 196 may control the electric motor 198 to convert mechanical energy of the vehicle into electrical energy. The hybrid control module 196 may control the electric motor 198 to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy, for example, to charge the battery 199. This may be referred to as regeneration.

[0059] When the engine 102 is off (turned off and not running), the ECM 114 starts the engine 102 when a start / stop (S / S) signal 200 from the start / stop switch 104 is in a first state. The start / stop switch 104 may place the start / stop signal 200 in the first state when the start / stop switch 104 is actuated (e.g., pressed) to a first position. The start / stop switch 104 may place the start / stop signal 200 in a second state when the start / stop switch 104 is not actuated (e.g., not pressed) and is in a second position.

[0060] The ECM 114 may start the engine 102, for example, by connecting a starter motor to the engine 102 and supplying power to the starter motor. The starter motor rotates once the starter motor is supplied with power. The rotation of the starter motor, when the starter motor is engaged with the engine 102, causes the crankshaft of the engine 102 to rotate (crank). As the engine 102 rotates, the ECM 114 selectively supplies fuel to the cylinders for combustion, thus starting the engine 102. In various embodiments, the electric motor 198 may be used to start the engine 102.

[0061] When the engine 102 is running and the transmission 195 is in park, the ECM 114 selectively shuts down the engine 102 if the start / stop signal 200 from the start / stop switch 104 is in the first state for a predetermined period of time. Shutting down the engine 102 involves the ECM 114 disabling fueling of the engine 102 to interrupt combustion within the engine 102. Without combustion, the crankshaft stops and the engine 102 is shut down. While the ECM 114 is starting the engine 102, another control module of the vehicle, such as a body control module (BCM) 201, may start the engine 102.

[0062] However, the driver may not intend to turn off the vehicle when the start / stop signal 200 from the start / stop switch 104 is in the first state while the vehicle is moving. For example, the start / stop switch 104 may be inadvertently activated by an object, the driver, or another vehicle occupant while the vehicle is moving.

[0063] According to the present disclosure, the ECM 114 reduces the torque output of the engine 102 when the start / stop signal 200 from the start / stop switch 104 is in the first state for a first predetermined period of time while the vehicle is moving. The ECM 114 also turns the hazard warning lights 107 on and off at a predetermined speed (independent of the signals from the hazard warning switch 106) when the start / stop signal 200 from the start / stop switch 104 is in the first state for the first predetermined period of time while the vehicle is moving. Although the example of the ECM 114 provides for turning the hazard warning lights 107 on and off, another control module of the vehicle, such as the BCM 201, may control the hazard warning lights 107.Although the example of changing the torque output of the engine 102 and shutting down the engine 102 is presented herein, the present application is generally applicable to adjusting the torque output of a torque generator (e.g., the engine 102, one or more electric motors, etc.) based on actuation of the start / stop switch 104 and shutting down the vehicle.

[0064] The ECM 114 may also generate a predetermined audible and / or visual output so that the driver can continue to operate the start / stop switch 104 to turn off the vehicle. For example, the ECM 114 may display a predetermined message that the driver continues to operate the start / stop switch 104 to turn off the vehicle on a display 202 and / or output the predetermined message that the driver continues to operate the start / stop switch 104 to turn off the vehicle through one or more speakers of the vehicle. Although the example of the ECM 114 generating the predetermined audible and / or visual output, another control module of the vehicle, such as an infotainment module, may control the audible and / or visual output.

[0065] If the start / stop signal 200 remains continuously in the first state for a second predetermined period of time while driving, the ECM 114 shuts down the engine. The second predetermined period of time is longer than the first predetermined period of time. However, if the start / stop signal 200 from the start / stop switch 104 transitions to the second state, the ECM 114 deactivates the torque output reduction. Thus, if the driver releases the start / stop switch 104 before the second predetermined period of time has elapsed, the ECM 114 allows normal engine operation to resume without shutting down the engine 102.

[0066] The ECM 114 may also turn off the hazard warning lights 107 if the hazard warning lights 107 were off before the hazard warning lights 107 were turned on and off because the start / stop signal 200 was in the first state for the first predetermined period of time. If the ECM 114 turned on and off the hazard warning lights 107 before the start / stop signal 200 was in the first state for the first predetermined period of time, the ECM 114 may continue to turn the hazard warning lights 107 on and off at the predetermined rate.

[0067] With reference to Fig. 2, a functional block diagram of an exemplary engine and lighting control system is presented. A torque request module 204 determines a torque request 208 for the engine 102 based on one or more driver inputs 212. The driver inputs 212 may include, for example, an APP, a BPP, a cruise control input, and / or one or more other suitable driver inputs. For example, the torque request 208 may increase as the APP increases (relative to a predetermined APP) and vice versa. The torque request module 204 may additionally or alternatively determine the torque request 208 based on one or more torque requests, such as torque requests generated by the ECM 114 and / or torque requests received from other modules of the vehicle, such as the transmission control module 194, the hybrid control module 196, a body control module, etc.

[0068] One or more engine actuators are controlled by the ECM 114 based on the torque request 208 and / or one or more other parameters. For example, a throttle control module 216 may determine a desired throttle opening 220 based on the torque request 208. For example, a throttle actuator module 116 may adjust the opening of the throttle valve 112 based on the desired throttle opening 220. For example, only the throttle control module 216 may increase the desired throttle opening 220 as the torque request 208 increases, and vice versa.

[0069] A spark control module 224 determines a desired spark timing 228 based on the torque request 208. The ignition actuator module 126 generates an ignition spark based on the desired spark timing 228. A fuel control module 232 determines one or more desired fueling parameters 236 based on the torque request 208. The desired fueling parameters 236 may include, for example, an equivalence ratio (EQR), a number of fuel injections per combustion event, and the timing for each of the injections. The fuel actuator module 124 injects fuel based on the desired fueling parameters 236. Generally, airflow into the cylinders (e.g., a mass of air trapped in each cylinder) increases as the torque request 208 increases, and vice versa. At a particular desired EQR, the fuel control module 232 generally increases fueling (e.g.,a mass of fuel for each cylinder) when the air flow into the cylinders increases and vice versa.

[0070] A phaser control module 237 determines the desired intake and exhaust cam phaser angles 238 and 239 based on the torque request 208. The phaser actuator module 158 may determine the intake and exhaust cam phasers 148 and 150 based on the desired intake and exhaust cam phaser angles 238 and 239, respectively.

[0071] A wastegate control module 240 sets a desired wastegate opening 242 based on the torque request 208. The wastegate actuator module 164 controls the opening of the wastegate 162 based on the desired wastegate opening 242. For example only, the wastegate actuator module 164 may determine a desired duty cycle (DC) for the wastegate 162 from the desired wastegate opening 242 using a function or mapping that relates desired wastegate openings to desired DCs. The wastegate actuator module 164 may apply a signal to the wastegate 162 based on the desired DC.

[0072] A cylinder control module 244 generates a cylinder activation / deactivation command 248 based on the torque request 208. The cylinder actuator module 120 deactivates the cylinder's intake and exhaust valves based on the cylinder activation / deactivation command 248.

[0073] The fuel control module 232 stops supplying fuel to deactivated cylinders. The fuel control module 232 adjusts the desired fueling parameters 236 to supply fuel to activated cylinders. The spark control module 224 can supply spark to activated cylinders and supply or cut off spark to deactivated cylinders.

[0074] Cylinder deactivation is different from fuel cutoff (e.g., overrun fuel cutoff). When a cylinder is deactivated, the intake and exhaust valves are held closed. When fuel supply to a cylinder is cut off, the cylinder's intake and exhaust valves may still open and close. The fuel control module 232 may cut off fuel supply to one, several, or all cylinders of the engine, for example, during vehicle deceleration. This may reduce fuel consumption of the engine 102.

[0075] While the vehicle is moving, a timer module 252 increments a time value when the start / stop signal 200 from the start / stop switch 104 is in the first state and the vehicle is moving. The start / stop switch 104 sets the start / stop signal 200 to the first state when the start / stop switch 104 is actuated (e.g., pressed) to the first position. The timer module 252 resets the time value (e.g., to zero) when at least: the start / stop signal 200 is in the second state; and the vehicle is not moving. The start / stop switch 104 sets the start / stop signal 200 to the second state when the start / stop switch 104 is not actuated (e.g., not pressed) and is in the second position. The timer value thus tracks a period of time in which the start / stop switch 104 has been in the first position since the last actuation of the start / stop switch 104 while the vehicle has been moving.That is, the timer value tracks the period of time during which the start / stop switch 104 was activated while the vehicle was moving. This period is referred to as Hold Time 256.

[0076] If the hold duration 256 is less than a first predetermined period of time, the torque request module 204 determines the torque request 208 based on the driver inputs 212, as described above. If the hold duration 256 is greater than the first predetermined period of time but less than a second predetermined period of time, the torque request module 204 decreases the torque request 208 toward zero at a first predetermined rate (e.g., first predetermined torque per predetermined period of time). The torque request module 204 begins decreasing the torque request at the first predetermined rate when the hold duration 256 becomes greater than the first predetermined period of time. For example, the torque request module 204 may subtract a first predetermined torque for each predetermined period of time, such as each control loop.This allows the torque request 208 to be gradually reduced toward zero at the first predetermined speed. The vehicle decelerates in response to the decrease in the torque request 208. The first predetermined speed may be calibratable and set based on a predetermined deceleration of the vehicle that may be perceived by a driver of the vehicle.

[0077] The second predefined period is greater than the first predefined period, and the first and second predefined periods are calibratable. For example, only the first predefined period can be 100 milliseconds and the second predefined period can be 2 seconds. However, the first and second predefined periods can be other suitable periods.

[0078] When the torque request 208 is zero or less than a predetermined shutdown torque, the hybrid control module 196, the fuel control module 232, the wastegate control module 240, the throttle control module 216, the spark control module 224, and the phaser control module 237 may control the respective engine actuators to shut down the vehicle. The predetermined shutdown torque may be less than a minimum engine torque to keep the engine 102 running and may correspond to zero vehicle propulsion.

[0079] The timer module 252 may determine whether the vehicle is moving based on a vehicle speed (VS) 260. For example, the timer module 252 may determine whether the vehicle is moving if the vehicle speed 260 is greater than a predetermined speed. The timer module 252 may determine whether the vehicle is not moving if the vehicle speed 260 is less than a predetermined speed. The predetermined speed may be calibratable and may, for example, be approximately 5 kilometers per hour (km / h) or another suitable speed.

[0080] A vehicle speed module 264 determines the vehicle speed 260. The vehicle speed module 264 may, for example, determine the vehicle speed 260 based on one or more wheel speeds 268 (WSes) measured by wheel speed sensors. For example, only the vehicle speed module 264 may determine the vehicle speed 260 based on or equal to an average of one or more wheel speeds. A wheel speed sensor may be provided for each wheel of the vehicle.

[0081] If the hold duration 256 is less than the first predetermined period, a light control module 272 controls the illumination of the hazard warning lights 107 depending on whether a hazard warning light signal 276 of the hazard warning light switch 106 is in the first state or the second state. For example, the light control module 272 keeps the hazard warning lights 107 off when the hazard warning light 276 is in the second state, indicating that the hazard warning light switch 106 has not been actuated. The light control module 272 switches the hazard warning lights 107 on and off at a predetermined rate when the hazard warning light 276 is in the first state, thus indicating that the hazard warning light switch 106 has been actuated.

[0082] If the holding time 256 is greater than the first predetermined period but less than the second predetermined period, the light control module 272 switches the hazard warning lights 107 on and off at the predetermined rate. If the holding time 256 is greater than the first predetermined period but less than the second predetermined period, an output control module 280 outputs an audible and / or visual request to the driver to continue operating the start / stop switch 104 to shut down the vehicle. For example, the output control module 280 may display the request on the display 202. Additionally or alternatively, the output control module 280 may output the request audibly via the vehicle's loudspeaker.

[0083] When the start / stop signal 200 transitions from the first state to the second state while the hold duration 256 is greater than the first predetermined period of time and less than the second predetermined period of time, the torque request module 204 increases at a second predetermined rate (e.g., a second predetermined torque per predetermined period of time), with the torque request 208 determined based on the driver inputs 212. The torque request module 204 begins increasing the torque request 208 at the second predetermined rate when the start / stop signal 200 transitions to the second state. For example, the torque request module 204 may add a second predetermined torque for each predetermined period of time, such as each control loop, until the torque request 208 reaches the torque request determined based on the driver inputs 212.This allows the torque request 208 to be increased toward zero at the second specified speed. The second specified speed may be calibrated. The second specified speed may be the same (in magnitude) as or different from the first specified speed.

[0084] If the start / stop signal 200 transitions from the first state to the second state while the hold duration 256 is greater than the first predetermined period and less than the second predetermined period, the output control module 280 may stop issuing the request. If the start / stop signal 200 transitions from the first state to the second state while the hold duration 256 is greater than the first predetermined period and less than the second predetermined period, the light control module 272 may keep the hazard warning lights 107 off if the hazard warning lights 107 were off (based on the hazard warning light 276 in the second state) before the hold duration 256 became greater than the first predetermined period.If the hazard warning lights 107 were cycled on and off (based on the hazard warning light 276 in the first state) before the hold time 256 became greater than the first predetermined period, the light control module 272 may continue to cycle the hazard warning lights 107 on and off at the predetermined rate.

[0085] If the hold duration 256 is greater than the second predetermined period, the torque request module 204 decreases the torque request 208 toward zero or to the predetermined shutoff torque to shut down the vehicle and stop vehicle propulsion. As previously mentioned, the fuel control module 232, the wastegate control module 240, the throttle control module 216, the spark control module 224, and the phaser control module 237 may control the respective engine actuators to shut down the engine 102 when the torque request 208 is zero or equal to the predetermined shutoff torque. For example, the fuel control module 232 may deactivate fueling of the engine 102, and the spark control module 224 may discontinue sparking to stop the crankshaft. Additionally or alternatively, the hybrid control module 196 may block power flow to the electric motor 198 to slow and stop the vehicle.

[0086] If the holding time 256 is greater than the second predefined period, the light control module 272 continues to cycle the hazard warning lights 107 on and off at the predefined rate. Thus, in addition to decelerating the vehicle and / or shutting off the engine 102, operating the start / stop switch 104 also cycles the hazard warning lights 107 on and off, independent of the hazard warning light switch 106.

[0087] While the output control module 280 and the light control module 272 are illustrated and discussed in the context of the example implementation in the ECM 114, the output control module 280 and / or the light control module 272 may be implemented separately or in another module of the vehicle. For example, the light control module 272 may be deployed within the BCM 201. The output control module 280 may be implemented within an infotainment module of the vehicle.

[0088] A counter module 284 may count a number of 288 short actuations of the start / stop switch 104 that occur during a predetermined period of time prior to a current time. The counter module 284 may determine whether a short actuation of the start / stop switch 104 has occurred, for example, when the hold duration 256 increases (e.g., away from zero) and the next reset (e.g., toward zero) occurs before the hold duration 256 becomes greater than the first predetermined period of time. Alternatively, the counter module 284 may determine whether a short actuation of the start / stop switch 104 has occurred, for example, when the start / stop signal 200 is in the first state for less than a third predetermined period of time (i.e., less than the first predetermined period of time) before returning to the second state.

[0089] The torque request module 204 may reduce the torque request 208 toward zero or to the predetermined cut-off torque to shut down the vehicle under other circumstances. For example, while the vehicle is moving and the transmission 195 is not in park, the torque request module 204 may reduce the torque request 208 toward zero or to the predetermined cut-off torque if, at least one of: the number 288 of short actuations is greater than a first predetermined value; and a period of time that the start / stop signal 200 is continuously in the first state is greater than a fourth predetermined period. The first predetermined number and the fourth predetermined period may be calibratable. For example, only the first predetermined number may be approximately 5 or another suitable integer greater than one.The fourth predetermined period of time may be greater than the second predetermined period of time and may, for example, be approximately 3 seconds or another suitable period of time. The torque request module 204 may determine whether or not the transmission 195 is in the park position based on a range select signal 292 from the range selector switch 197.

[0090] Additionally or alternatively, the torque request module 204 may decrease the torque request 208 toward zero or to the predetermined cutoff torque if, while driving, after a period in which the BCM 201 was close to deploying one or more of the vehicle's airbags, at least one of the following conditions is met: the number 288 of short actuations is greater than a second predetermined number; and a period of time in which the start / stop signal 200 is continuously in the first state is greater than a fifth predetermined period. The second predetermined number and the fifth predetermined period may be calibratable. For example, only the second predetermined number may be, for example, 7 or another suitable integer greater than one and greater than the first predetermined number.The fifth predetermined period may be greater than the fourth predetermined period and may be, for example, about 4 seconds or another suitable period.

[0091] The BCM 201 may generate a deployment signal 296 indicating whether the BCM 201 was in proximity to the vehicle's one or more airbags. The BCM 201 may generate the deployment signal 296 after at least one of the following: a lateral acceleration of the vehicle greater than a predetermined acceleration; a longitudinal acceleration of the vehicle greater than a predetermined acceleration; and a roughness value of the road beneath the vehicle greater than a predetermined value.

[0092] Fig.3 is a flowchart depicting an exemplary method for controlling the engine 102 and hazard lights based on actuation of the start / stop switch 104. Control begins at 304 when the engine 102 is running. At 304, the timer module 252 determines whether the vehicle is moving. For example, the vehicle speed module 264 may determine the vehicle speed 260, and the timer module 252 may determine whether the vehicle speed 260 is greater than the predetermined speed. If 304 is false, the timer module 252 may reset the hold duration 256 to a predetermined reset value (e.g., zero) at 308, and control may return to 304. If 304 is true, control continues at 312.

[0093] At 312, the timer module 252 may determine whether the start / stop signal 200 from the start / stop switch 104 is in the first state. The start / stop switch 104 places the start / stop signal 200 in the first state when the start / stop switch 104 is actuated to the first position. The start / stop switch 104 places the start / stop signal 200 in the second state when the start / stop switch 104 is in the second (rest) position and is not actuated. If 312 is false, control transfers to 314.

[0094] If 312 is false, control continues with 336, which is explained in more detail below.

[0095] At 314, the timer module 252 resets the hold duration 256 to the predetermined reset value, and the torque request module 204 determines a torque request based on the driver inputs 212. At 316, the torque request module 204 determines whether the torque request 208 is less than the determined torque request, as a reduction in the torque request 208 occurs in response to the hold duration 256 being greater than the first predetermined period at 352, which is discussed in more detail below. If 316 is false, the torque request module 204 sets the torque request to the determined torque request at 318, and the output control module 280 does not provide an audible and / or visual prompt to the driver to continue holding the start / stop switch 104 in the first position to shut down the vehicle.The throttle control module 216, the spark control module 224, the phaser control module 237, the fuel control module 232, and / or the boost control module 240 control the respective engine actuators based on the torque request 208. Additionally or alternatively, the hybrid control module 196 controls power delivery to the electric motor 198 based on the torque request 208. Control then returns to 304. If 316 is true, control continues to 320.

[0096] At 320, the torque request module 204 increases the torque request 208 to the determined torque request based on the second predetermined speed. More specifically, the torque request module 204 increases the torque request 208 up to the second predetermined torque. If the torque request 208 is less than the determined torque request by less than or equal to the second predetermined torque, the torque request module 204 may set the torque request 208 equal to the determined torque request. If the torque request 208 is less than the determined torque request by more than the second predetermined torque, the torque request module 204 may set the torque request 208 based on or equal to the torque request plus the second predetermined torque.Likewise, at 320, the output control module 280 does not issue an audible and / or visual prompt to the driver to hold the start / stop switch 104 in the first position to shut down the vehicle.

[0097] At 324, the lighting control module 272 may determine whether the hazard warning lamps 107 were cycled on and off in response to the user actuating the hazard warning lamp switch 106 before the torque request reduction 208 in response to the hold duration 256 was greater than the first predetermined period at 352. If 324 is true, the lighting control module 272 stops cycling the hazard warning lamps 107 on and off and holds the hazard warning lamps 107 off at 328. Control may return to 304. If 324 is false, the lighting control module 272 continues cycling the hazard warning lamps 107 on and off until the hazard warning lamp switch 106 is actuated at 332, at which point control may return to 304.

[0098] Referring back to 336, if the start / stop signal 200 is in the first state at 312, the timer module 252 increments the hold duration 256 at 336. For example, the timer module 252 may set the hold duration 256 equal to the hold duration 256 plus a predetermined period of time. At 340, the torque request module 204 may determine if the hold duration 256 is greater than the first predetermined period of time (e.g., 100 milliseconds). If 340 is true, control continues at 344. If 340 is false, the torque request module 204 sets the torque request 208 based on the driver inputs 212, and control returns to 304. The throttle control module 216, the spark control module 224, the phaser control module 237, the fuel control module 232, and / or the boost control module 240 control the respective engine actuators based on the torque request 208.Additionally or alternatively, the hybrid control module 196 controls the power supply to the electric motor 198 based on the torque request 208.

[0099] At 344, the torque request module 204 determines whether the hold duration 256 is less than the second predetermined period (e.g., 2 seconds). If 344 is false, the torque request module 204 sets the torque request 208 to zero or to the predetermined shutdown torque at 348, which shuts down the vehicle, and the lighting control module 272 continues to cycle the hazard warning lamps 107 at the predetermined rate. Control may then end until the next vehicle startup. If 344 is true, control transfers to 352.

[0100] At 352, the torque request module 204 decreases the torque request 208 (relative to the last control loop torque request 208) based on the first predetermined value. More specifically, the torque request module 204 decreases the torque request 208 (relative to the last control loop torque request 208) up to the first predetermined torque. For example, the torque request module 204 may set the torque request 208 equal to the last control loop torque request less the first predetermined torque. Likewise, at 352, the output control module 280 outputs an audible and / or visual prompt to the driver to hold the start / stop switch 104 in the first position to shut down the vehicle. The light control module 272 also cycles the hazard warning lights 107 on and off at the predetermined rate at 352. Control then returns to 304.

[0101] It should be noted that one or more steps within a method may be performed in a different order (or simultaneously) without altering the principles of the present disclosure. Furthermore, although each of the embodiments is described above as having certain features, one or more of the features described with respect to each embodiment of the disclosure may be implemented and / or combined in any of the other embodiments, even if that combination is not explicitly described. In other words, the described embodiments are not mutually exclusive.

[0102] Spatial and functional relationships between elements (e.g., between modules, circuit elements, semiconductor layers, etc.) are described using various terms, including "connected," "interlocked," "coupled," "adjacent," "beside," "on top of," "above," "below," and "disposed." Unless explicitly described as "direct," a relationship may be a direct relationship when a relationship is described between a first and second element in the above disclosure if no other intervening elements are present between the first and second elements, but may also be an indirect relationship if one or more intervening elements (either spatial or functional) are present between the first and second elements.As used herein, the phrase "at least one of A, B, and C" should be understood to mean a logic (A OR B OR C), using a non-exclusive logical OR, and should not be understood to mean "at least one of A, at least one of B, and at least one of C."

[0103] In the figures, the arrow directions, as indicated by the arrowhead, generally indicate the flow of information (such as data or commands) relevant to the context of the representation. For example, if element A and element B exchange a variety of information, but the information being passed from element A to element B is relevant to the representation, the arrow may point from element A to element B. These unidirectional arrows do not imply that no other information is being passed from element B to element A. Furthermore, in the context of information being sent from element A to element B, element B may send requests for or acknowledgments of that information to element A.

[0104] In this application, including the following definitions, the term "circuit" may be replaced with the term "module" or "controller" where appropriate. The term "module" may refer to, be part of, or include: an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC); a digital, analog, or mixed analog / digital discrete circuit; a digital, analog, or mixed analog / digital integrated circuit; a combinational logic circuit; a field-programmable gate array (FPGA); processor circuitry (shared, dedicated, or group) that executes code; memory circuitry (shared, dedicated, or group) that stores code executed by the processor circuitry; other suitable hardware components that provide the described functionality; or a combination of some or all of the above, such as in a system-on-chip.

[0105] The module may include one or more interface circuits. In some examples, the interface circuits may include wired or wireless interfaces connected to a local area network (LAN), the Internet, a wide area network (WAN), or combinations thereof. The functionality of the modules mentioned in this disclosure may be distributed among multiple modules connected via interface circuits. For example, multiple modules may allow for load balancing. In another example, functions determined by a server module (e.g., remote server or cloud) may be assumed by a client module.

[0106] The term code, as used above, may include software, firmware, and / or microcode and may refer to programs, routines, functions, classes, data structures, and / or objects. The term "common processor circuit" refers to a single processor circuit that executes identified or complete code from multiple modules. The term "grouped processor circuit" refers to a processor circuit that, in combination with additional processor circuits, executes identified or complete code from, if applicable, multiple modules. References to multiple processor circuits include multiple processor circuits on discrete arrays, multiple processor circuits on a single disk, multiple cores on a single processor circuit, multiple threads of a single processor circuit, or any combination of the above.The term "shared memory circuit" refers to a single memory circuit that stores the extracted or complete code from multiple modules. The term "grouped memory circuit" refers to a memory circuit that, in combination with additional memory, stores the extracted or complete code from potentially multiple modules.

[0107] The term memory circuit is subordinate to the term computer-readable medium. The term "computer-readable medium," as used herein, does not refer to transient electrical or electromagnetic signals propagated in a medium (e.g., in the case of a carrier wave); the term "computer-readable medium" is therefore to be understood as tangible and non-transitory. Non-limiting examples of a non-transitory tangible computer-readable medium include non-volatile memory circuits (e.g., flash memory circuits, erasable programmable read-only memory (ROM) circuits, or mask ROM circuits), volatile memory circuits (e.g., static or dynamic RAM circuits), magnetic storage media (e.g., analog or digital magnetic tape or a hard disk drive), and optical storage media (e.g., CD, DVD, or Blu-ray).

[0108] The devices and methods described in this application may be implemented, in part or in full, using a dedicated computer configured to execute identified computer program functions. The functional blocks, flowchart components, and elements described above serve as software specifications that can be implemented into computer programs by appropriately trained technicians or programmers.

[0109] The computer programs include processor-executable instructions stored on at least one non-transitory, tangible, computer-readable medium. The computer programs may also include stored data or be based on stored data. The computer programs may include a basic input / output system (BIOS) that interacts with the hardware of the particular computer, device drivers that interact with identified devices of the particular computer, one or more operating systems, user applications, background services, background applications, etc.

[0110] The computer programs may include: (i) descriptive text which is structured, such as: B. HTML (Hypertext Markup Language), XML (Extensible Markup Language) or JSON (JavaScript Object Notation), (ii) assembly code, (iii) object code generated from source code by a compiler, (iv) source code for execution by an interpreter, (v) source code for compilation and execution by a just-in-time compiler, etc. By way of example only, the source code can be written using the syntax of languages including C, C++, C#, Objective-C, Swift, Haskell, Go, SQL, R, Lisp, Java®, Fortran, Perl, Pascal, Curl, OCaml, Javascript®, HTML5 (Hypertext Markup Language 5th version), Ada, ASP (Active Server Pages), PHP (PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor), Scala, Eiffel, Smalltalk, Erlang, Ruby, Flash®, Visual Basic®, Lua, AMTLAB, SIMULINK and Python®.

Claims

[1] A vehicle hazard warning light control system comprising: a torque request module (204) configured to, while a vehicle speed is greater than a predetermined speed, decrease a torque request in response to a first signal from a start / stop switch (104) of the vehicle being in a first state continuously for more than a first predetermined period of time and less than a second predetermined period of time, the second predetermined period of time being greater than the first predetermined period of time; a control module configured to, when the torque request decreases, decrease the torque output of an engine (102) of the vehicle and / or an electric motor (198) of the vehicle; and a lighting control module (272) configured to: selectively turning on and off exterior hazard warning lights (107) of the vehicle in response to a second signal from a hazard warning light switch of the vehicle being in a first state; and selectively turning the exterior hazard warning lights (107) on and off in response to the first signal of the start / stop switch (104) being continuously in the first state for more than the first predetermined period of time; wherein the torque request module (204) is further configured to, while the vehicle speed is greater than the predetermined speed, set the torque request to zero to continuously stop vehicle propulsion for longer than the second predetermined period of time in response to the first signal from the start / stop switch (104) in the first state; and wherein the control module is further configured to stop rotation of the engine (102) and / or the electric motor (198) when the torque request is set to zero. [2] The hazard warning light control system of claim 1, wherein the light control module (272) is further configured to continue to turn the exterior hazard warning lights (107) on and off in response to the first signal of the start / stop switch (104) being in the first state continuously for a period longer than the second predetermined period. [3] Hazard warning light control system according to claim 1, wherein: the torque request module (204) is further configured to increase the torque request in response to the first signal from the start / stop switch (104) transitioning from the first state to a second state before the first signal is continuously in the first state for more than the second predetermined period; and the control module is further configured to increase the torque output of the engine (102) and / or the electric motor (198) as the torque demand increases. [4] The hazard warning light control system of claim 3, wherein the light control module (272) is further configured to: Continue switching the exterior hazard warning lights (107) on and off when: the exterior hazard warning lights (107) were switched on before the first signal from the start / stop switch (104) transitioning to the first state; and the first signal from the start / stop switch (104) transitions from the first state to the second state before the first signal is continuously in the first state for longer than the second predetermined period of time; and Keep the exterior hazard warning lights (107) off when: the exterior hazard warning lights (107) were switched off before the first signal from the start / stop switch (104) transitioning to the first state; and the first signal of the start / stop switch (104) transitions from the first state to the second state before the first signal is continuously in the first state for longer than the second predetermined period of time. [5] The hazard warning light control system of claim 3, wherein the torque request module (204) is further configured to: Reducing the torque request by up to a first predetermined torque in each first predetermined period; and Increasing the torque request by up to a second predetermined torque every other predetermined period. [6] The hazard warning light control system of claim 1, wherein the predetermined speed is greater than zero. [7] The hazard warning light control system of claim 1, wherein the light control module (272) is configured to selectively turn the exterior hazard warning lights (107) on and off independently of the second signal of the hazard warning switch when the first signal of the start / stop switch (104) is in the first state for an extended period of time.

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