A CONTROL DEVICE FOR CONTROLLING A VEHICLE ENGINE

Abstract

A control device (125) for controlling an engine (102) of a vehicle (103) is disclosed together with a control system (101) comprising a control device (125), a vehicle (103), and a method (200, 500). The control device (125) comprises a control unit configured to cause the power generation of the engine (102) to shut down during movement of the vehicle (103) depending on at least one criterion being met, and to cause the power generation of the engine (102) to restart depending on at least one input signal indicating a need to restart the engine (102) to provide a required power output.The control unit is also configured to receive a target motor speed value that depends on a current drive shaft speed, and causes the motor (102) to maintain a speed not exceeding the target motor speed, which depends on the target motor speed value, for a period after receiving the at least one input signal and until a further signal is received indicating that the motor (102) has been reconnected to a drive shaft (104). The control unit is arranged to allow the motor speed to exceed the target motor speed after receiving the further signal.

Description

AREA OF TECHNOLOGY

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a control device for controlling the engine of a vehicle. In particular, but not exclusively, it relates to a control device for controlling the engine of a passenger car.

[0002] Aspects of the invention relate to a control device, a control system, a vehicle and a method. STATE OF THE ART

[0003] To improve fuel economy and reduce emissions, vehicles have recently been equipped with systems that disengage the powertrain and shut off the engine while the vehicle is in motion when the driver makes no or very few demands on the accelerator pedal. When the driver requests an engine restart by pressing the accelerator pedal, or when a system-induced restart occurs (for example, in response to a request to restart the engine to recharge the battery or HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning)), the transmission sometimes fails to engage because the slippage across the engagement clutch becomes too great. This can happen if a second torque request is received from the engine control system while the transmission is attempting to close the clutch, or because the engine speed increases too rapidly for the transmission to reach the moving clutch and fully engage.

[0004] From DE 102 21 701 A1 is a control method for motor vehicles with an automated clutch device, with a controllable engine with an engine control device, preferably a controllable automated transmission and at least one electronic control unit for controlling the transmission and the clutch device, in which a speed of the motor vehicle (at least representing the speed), actuation of a brake and / or an energy or fuel supply metering element and a state of the engine are detected and, in the event that neither the brake pedal nor the fuel supply metering element is recognized as actuated when the engine is running and the vehicle speed is greater than a limit value, the clutch is opened.

[0005] Furthermore, DE 10 2012 209 067 A1 discloses a method and a system for controlling a motor vehicle during a transition from a coasting phase, wherein the speed of an engine is adjusted to match the input speed of a transmission in order to create a smooth transition from the coasting phase to a normal operating phase. In one embodiment, the input speed of the transmission is calculated based on a composite axle reduction ratio, the transmission ratio selected for the transition, and the speed at which the motor vehicle is traveling.

[0006] The present invention aims to solve this problem of the gearbox not engaging. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Aspects and embodiments of the invention provide a control device, a control system, a vehicle and a method according to the attached claims.

[0008] According to one aspect of the invention, a control device for controlling a vehicle's engine is provided, wherein the control device comprises a control unit configured to cause the engine's power generation to shut down during vehicle movement depending on at least one criterion being met; to restart the engine's power generation depending on at least one input signal indicating a need to restart the engine to provide a required power output; and to receive a target engine speed value depending on a current drive shaft speed.causes the motor to maintain a speed not exceeding a target motor speed for a period of time after receiving the at least one input signal, and indicates that the motor has been reconnected to a drive shaft until a further signal is received, the target motor speed depending on the target motor speed value; and allows the motor speed to exceed the target motor speed after the further signal has been received.

[0009] This offers the advantage of keeping the engine speed sufficiently low to prevent a degree of clutch slippage that could otherwise prevent the transmission from engaging. Furthermore, if the input signal is provided by a system control device, such as a battery charging system or a heating system, it allows the engine to reconnect without subjecting the vehicle's occupants to an unpleasant, sudden surge of acceleration.

[0010] It should be noted that the target engine speed depends on the current drive shaft speed, but the target engine speed does not necessarily have to be determined from the current drive shaft speed. For example, the current drive shaft speed can be determined indirectly from another speed, such as the speed of the wheels, as measured by an ABS (anti-lock braking system).

[0011] In some embodiments, the target motor speed is independent of the required power indicated by the at least one input signal. This offers the advantage that even if the input signal(s) request power that requires the motor to run at a relatively high speed, the target motor speed is not affected by the required power output.

[0012] In some embodiments, the target engine speed value depends on the current drive shaft speed and the gear ratio of a gear to be engaged.

[0013] In some embodiments, the control device is configured to determine the target engine speed from the target engine speed value and the gear ratio of a gear to be engaged.

[0014] In some embodiments, an expected engine speed can be derived from the gear ratio of the gear to be engaged and a vehicle speed or the current drive shaft speed; and the target engine speed is arranged such that it falls within a predefined difference of the expected engine speed. The predefined difference can be between 0 and 60 revolutions per minute.

[0015] In some embodiments, the control device is configured to continuously receive signals from a transmission control module, wherein the signals include a target engine speed value dependent on a current drive shaft speed, and wherein the transmission control module is configured to cause the engine to reconnect to the drive shaft when the engine speed is at or below the target engine speed.

[0016] In some embodiments, the control device is configured, depending on whether the drive shaft speed is at or below a threshold value, to determine a target engine speed that depends on the engine's idle speed. The target engine speed can lie within a predefined range of the engine's idle speed.

[0017] In some embodiments, the control device is configured so that the motor speed increases above the target motor speed and then decreases to the target motor speed before the drive shaft is reconnected to the motor. This offers the advantage that the motor speed can be increased to the target motor speed more quickly.

[0018] In some embodiments, the at least one input signal indicating a need to restart the motor to provide a required power output includes an input signal that is generated in response to user input.

[0019] In some embodiments, this includes at least one input signal indicating a need to restart the motor to provide a required power output, and an input signal indicating that a brake pressure has been reduced below a threshold.

[0020] In some embodiments, this includes at least one input signal indicating a need to restart the engine to provide a required power output, and an input signal indicating a user request to accelerate the vehicle.

[0021] In some embodiments, this includes at least one input signal indicating a need to restart the engine to provide a required power output, and an input signal indicating a user request for a gear change.

[0022] In some embodiments, the control device is configured to restart power generation by the motor and increase the motor speed before reconnecting the motor to the drive shaft at a rate dependent on the at least one input signal. This offers the advantage that the motor speed can be increased more quickly to the target motor speed when required.

[0023] In some embodiments, the at least one input indicating a need to restart power generation by the engine includes a power request from a vehicle system that requires power to perform a function. The function may include at least one from the following group: battery charging; heating; ventilation; and air conditioning.

[0024] In some embodiments, the at least one criterion includes at least one of falling below a first threshold value due to the vehicle speed and exceeding a second threshold value due to a brake pressure.

[0025] According to a further aspect of the invention, a control device is provided comprising: an electronic processor with an electrical input for receiving at least one input signal and a further signal; and an electronic storage device electrically coupled to the electronic processor and containing instructions stored therein, wherein the instructions are configured to cause the electronic processor to: cause the motor to shut down power generation during vehicle movement depending on at least one criterion being met; cause the motor to restart power generation depending on at least one input signal indicating a need to restart the motor to provide a required power output; and receive a target motor speed value depending on a current drive shaft speed.to cause the motor to maintain a speed not exceeding a target motor speed for a period after receiving the at least one input signal and until a further signal is received indicating that the motor has been reconnected to a drive shaft, the target motor speed depending on the target motor speed value; and to allow the motor speed to exceed the target motor speed after the further signal has been received.

[0026] According to a further aspect of the invention, a control system is provided for controlling a vehicle's motor and for controlling the connection and disconnection of the motor to / from a drive shaft, wherein the control system is configured to allow the motor to be disconnected from the drive shaft and the motor's power generation to be switched off while the vehicle is in motion; and, depending on at least one input indicating a need to restart the motor to provide a required power output, to cause the motor's power generation to restart and the motor to be reconnected to the drive shaft, wherein the control system is configured to limit the motor speed so that it does not exceed a target motor speed when the motor is reconnected to the drive shaft, and wherein the target motor speed depends on a current drive shaft speed.

[0027] This offers the advantage of keeping the engine speed sufficiently low to prevent any degree of clutch slippage that could otherwise prevent the transmission from engaging. Furthermore, if the input signal is provided by a system control device of a system such as a battery charging or heating system, it allows the engine to reconnect without subjecting the vehicle's occupants to an unpleasant, sudden surge of acceleration.

[0028] In some embodiments, the target motor speed is independent of the input indicating the required power output.

[0029] In some embodiments, the target engine speed depends on the current drive shaft speed and the gear ratio of a gear to be engaged.

[0030] In some embodiments, the control system is configured, depending on whether the drive shaft speed is at or below a threshold, to determine the target engine speed depending on the engine's idle speed.

[0031] In some embodiments, this includes at least one input signal indicating a need to restart the motor to provide a required power output, an input signal generated in response to a user request.

[0032] In some embodiments, the at least one input indicating a need to restart power generation by the engine includes a request for power from a system of the vehicle that requires power to perform a function.

[0033] In some embodiments, the control system comprises a control device as described in one of the preceding paragraphs and a transmission control module, wherein the transmission control module is configured to continuously provide signals to the control device, the signals being dependent on a current drive shaft speed, and to cause the reconnection of the engine to the drive shaft when the engine speed is at or below the target engine speed.

[0034] According to another aspect of the invention, a vehicle is provided which includes a control system according to one of the preceding paragraphs.

[0035] According to yet another aspect of the invention, a method for controlling a vehicle's engine is provided, the method comprising: causing the engine's power generation to shut down during the vehicle's movement depending on at least one criterion being met; causing the engine's power generation to restart depending on the receipt of at least one input signal indicating a need to restart the engine to provide a required power output; receiving a target engine speed value that depends on a current drive shaft speed;To cause the motor to maintain a speed not exceeding a setpoint speed, the setpoint speed depending on the setpoint speed value, for a period after receiving at least one input signal and until receiving another signal indicating that the motor has been reconnected to a drive shaft; and to allow the motor speed to exceed the setpoint speed after the motor has been reconnected to the drive shaft.

[0036] According to yet another aspect of the invention, a non-volatile storage medium is provided in which a program is stored which, when running on a processor, causes the processor to: cause the motor's power generation to shut down during vehicle movement, depending on at least one criterion being met; cause the motor's power generation to restart, depending on the receipt of at least one input signal indicating a need to restart the motor to provide a required power output; receive a target motor speed value that depends on a current drive shaft speed;Causing the motor to maintain a speed not exceeding a set motor speed for a period after receiving at least one input signal and until a further signal is received indicating that the motor has been reconnected to a drive shaft, where the set motor speed depends on the set motor speed value; and allowing the motor speed to exceed the set motor speed after the motor has been reconnected to the drive shaft.

[0037] According to a further aspect of the invention, a method for controlling a motor and a transmission of a vehicle is provided, wherein the method comprises: enabling the motor to be disconnected from a drive shaft and the motor's power generation to be switched off during the vehicle's movement; and, depending on at least one input indicating a need to restart the motor to provide a required power output, causing the motor to restart its power generation and reconnect the motor to the drive shaft, wherein the motor speed is limited so as not to exceed a target motor speed when the motor is reconnected to the drive shaft, and wherein the target motor speed depends on a current drive shaft speed.

[0038] According to yet another aspect of the invention, a control system is provided comprising: an electronic processor with an electrical input for receiving at least one input signal and one further signal; and an electronic storage device electrically coupled to the electronic processor and containing instructions stored therein, wherein the instructions are configured to cause the electronic processor to enable the motor to be disconnected from the drive shaft and to shut off the motor's power generation during the movement of the vehicle;and, depending on at least one input indicating a need to restart the motor to provide a required power output, to cause the motor to restart power generation and reconnect the motor to the drive shaft, wherein the control system is configured to limit the motor speed so that it does not exceed a target motor speed when the motor is reconnected to the drive shaft, and wherein the target motor speed depends on a current drive shaft speed.

[0039] Within the scope of this application, it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples, and alternatives presented in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims, and / or in the following description and drawings, and in particular their individual features, may be considered independently of one another or in any combination. This means that all embodiments and / or features of any embodiment may be combined in any way and / or in any combination, provided that these features are not incompatible.The applicant reserves the right to amend any originally filed patent claim or to file any new patent claim accordingly, including the right to amend any originally filed patent claim to depend on and / or incorporate any feature of any other patent claim, even if it was not previously claimed in this manner. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described exclusively by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Fig. Figure 1 schematically shows a vehicle 103 comprising an engine 102 and a control system 101 for controlling the power output of the engine 102; Fig. 2 shows a flowchart outlining a procedure 200 that can be executed by the control system 101; Fig. Figure 3 shows a flowchart that provides an example of the processes within the process of Block 205 of Fig. 2 may be included, provides; Fig. Figure 4 schematically shows a vehicle 103 comprising an engine 102 and a control device 125 for controlling the power output of the engine 102; Fig. 5 shows a flowchart outlining an example of a process 500 that can be executed by the control device 125; Fig. Figure 6 shows a flowchart that provides an example of the processes that take place within block 504 of Fig. 5 can be carried out, provides; Fig. Figure 7 shows a graph illustrating an example of the operation of the control device 125 during process blocks 502 to 505 of Fig. 5 represents; Fig. Figure 8 shows a second graph, which provides a second example of the operation of the control device 125 during process blocks 502 to 505 of Fig. 5 represents; Fig. Figure 9 shows a third graph, which provides a third example of the operation of the control device 125 during process blocks 502 to 505 of Fig. 5 represents; Fig. 10 schematically an example of the tax system 101 of Fig. 1 shows; and Fig. 11 schematically an example of the control device 125 of Fig. 4 shows. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] The figures illustrate a control system 101 for controlling a motor 102 of a vehicle 103 and for controlling the connection and disconnection of the motor 102 with / from a drive shaft 104, wherein the control system 101 is configured to allow the disconnection of the motor 102 from the drive shaft 104 and the switching off of the power generation of the motor 102 during the movement of the vehicle 103; and depending on at least one input indicating a need to restart the motor 102 to provide a required power output, to cause the motor 102 to restart power generation and to reconnect the motor 102 to the drive shaft 104, wherein the control system 101 is configured to limit the speed of the motor 102 so that it does not exceed a target motor speed when the motor 102 is reconnected to the drive shaft 104, and wherein the target motor speed depends on a current drive shaft speed.

[0042] In some embodiments, the control system comprises a control device 125 and a transmission control module 126, wherein the transmission control module 126 is configured to continuously provide signals to the control device 125, the signals being dependent on a current drive shaft speed, and to cause the motor 102 to reconnect to the drive shaft 104 when the motor speed is at or below the target motor speed.

[0043] The figures also illustrate a control device 125 for controlling a motor 102 of a vehicle 103, wherein the control device 125 is configured to cause the power generation by the motor 102 to be switched off during the movement of the vehicle 103 depending on whether at least one criterion is met; to cause the power generation by the motor 102 to be restarted depending on at least one input signal indicating a need to restart the motor 102 to provide a required power output; to receive a target motor speed value depending on a current drive shaft speed;to cause the motor 102 to maintain a speed not exceeding a target motor speed, the target motor speed depending on the target motor speed value, for a period after receiving the at least one input signal and until receiving a further signal indicating that reconnection of the motor 102 to a drive shaft 104 has been achieved; and to allow the motor speed to exceed the target motor speed after the further signal has been received.

[0044] A vehicle 103, comprising an engine 102 and a control system 101 for controlling the power output of the engine 102, is in Fig. Figure 1 is shown schematically. The engine 102 comprises an internal combustion engine and can form a hybrid engine, which, for example, has an integrated starter generator 121, such as a belt-driven integrated starter generator. The starter generator 121 is arranged to generate electrical energy during the operation of the engine 102 and to rotate the engine 102 in order to restart it. Alternatively, the engine 102 can be provided with a separate starter motor and an alternator for generating electrical energy.

[0045] In the present example, the motor 102 has an output shaft 105 connected to a torque converter 107 of an automatic transmission 123. The torque converter has an output shaft 122 connected to a clutch mechanism 106 of a transmission 108. The clutch mechanism 106 is arranged to open and close in response to instructions received from the control system 101 to engage and disengage gears within the transmission 108. In the closed position, the clutch mechanism 106 allows the torque supplied by the motor 102, via the torque converter 107 and the transmission 108, to be transmitted to a drive shaft 104 of a drive train 124. In the open position, the clutch mechanism 106 disconnects the motor 102 from the drive shaft 104.

[0046] The drive shaft 104 is arranged to provide torque to the rear wheels 109A via a differential 110 and rear axles 113. In the present example, the vehicle 103 is a rear-wheel-drive vehicle, and therefore only the rear wheels 109A are driven by the engine 102. However, it is understood that in an alternative embodiment, the vehicle 103 can be a front-wheel-drive vehicle, in which only the front wheels 109B are driven by the engine 102 via separate drive shafts (or half-shafts). Similarly, in another alternative embodiment, the vehicle 103 can be an all-wheel-drive vehicle, in which the rear wheels 109A are driven by a first drive shaft and the front wheels 109B are driven by a second drive shaft.

[0047] The vehicle 103 may also include an ABS (anti-lock braking system) of a known type, comprising an ABS control device 111 and sensors 112 on both the rear axles 113 and the front axles 114. The sensors 112 may be arranged to provide the ABS control device 111 with signals indicating the rotational speed of each wheel 109A, 109B and / or the applied brake pressure. The ABS control device 111 may be arranged to provide the control system 101 with information indicating the brake pressure and the vehicle speed.

[0048] The vehicle 103 may also include various other electronic control units (ECUs) for control systems within the vehicle 103 that are not directly related to the control of the engine 102 or the transmission of power to the wheels 109A. These other electronic control units are located in Fig. 1 are shown as system control devices 115. The system control devices 115 can be arranged to control functions performed by various systems of the vehicle 103, such as controlling the recharging of batteries or controlling the heating, air conditioning and / or ventilation. Energy required by the systems to perform the functions can be generated by the motor 102.

[0049] The vehicle 103 also includes several input devices 116 that enable the control system 101 to receive inputs for controlling the speed of the vehicle 103. The input devices 116 may include manual input devices, such as: a foot pedal for increasing engine torque (which may be referred to as the "accelerator pedal" or "gas"); a brake pedal; a shift paddle actuator to enable a driver of the vehicle 103 to force a gear change in an automatic vehicle; a mode selection device, such as a button or switch, to enable the control system 101 to change the driving mode, for example, to switch from an energy-saving mode (or an "ECO mode") to a "Sport mode".

[0050] The ABS control device 111, the system control devices 115 and the input devices 116 can be arranged to communicate with the control system 101 via one or more communication buses 117.

[0051] The control system 101 may comprise a single electronic control unit, or it may, as below with reference to Fig. As described in section 4, they comprise several electronic control units, and the necessary processing and control functions can be distributed across the different ECUs.

[0052] An example of the 101 control system, which includes an electronic control unit (ECU), is shown schematically in Fig. Figure 10 shows the electronic control unit 101 comprising a control device which may include an electronic processor 1002 and an electronic storage device 1003 which is electrically coupled to the electronic processor 1002 and in which program instructions 1004 are stored which, when executed by the processor 1002, configure it to perform the procedure described below.

[0053] The ECU 101 can include a transceiver 1005 to enable communication via bus 117. The ECU 101 can include additional input and output interfaces 1006 to allow signals from sensors such as sensors 118 and 119 to be received and to supply signals to the motor 102 and / or the starter generator 121 for starting the motor and controlling power output and motor speed.

[0054] The instructions 1004 can be provided to the electronic storage device 1003 via a computer-readable storage medium 1007, such as a CD-ROM on which the instructions 1004 are stored.

[0055] Returning to Fig. The control system 101 is configured to control the power output of the engine 102, for example by controlling the amount of fuel injected. The control system 101 is also configured to control the clutch mechanism 106 to enable the connection and disconnection of the engine 102 with the drive shaft 104 and to select appropriate gears of the transmission 108.

[0056] To enable fuel savings, the control system 101 is configured to allow the engine 102 to be disconnected from the drive shaft 104 and to shut off the engine 102's power generation when the vehicle 103 is stationary, and also while the vehicle 103 is in motion, if one or more criteria are met indicating that the vehicle 103 is coming to a standstill. For example, the criteria may include the brakes being applied and the vehicle 103's speed being below a threshold speed, and these two criteria may have to be met to allow the engine 102 to be disconnected and shut off.

[0057] Additionally, the control system 101 is configured to cause a restart of power generation by the motor 102 and a reconnection of the motor 102 to the drive shaft 104 depending on at least one input indicating a need to restart the motor 102 in order to provide a required power output.For example, if the motor 102 was previously disconnected from the drive shaft 104 and switched off, the control system 101 can receive an input signal from an input device 116, such as an accelerator pedal, a shift paddle actuator or a mode selector switch, indicating that an increase in vehicle speed is required, or an input signal from the ABS control device 111, indicating that braking is no longer taking place or that the vehicle speed is no longer below a threshold, or an input signal from one or more of the system control devices 115, indicating that power is required to perform a function controlled by it.

[0058] The control system 101 is configured to limit the speed of the motor 102 to no more than a target motor speed when the motor 102 is reconnected to the drive shaft 104. The target motor speed is determined by the control system 101 and depends on the current drive shaft speed, i.e., the speed of the drive shaft 104. This allows the motor 102 to reconnect smoothly to the drive shaft 104 and minimizes vehicle noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) caused by the reconnection. This prevents, for example, the occupants of the vehicle 103 from experiencing a sudden acceleration of the vehicle 103 at the moment of reconnection.

[0059] An overview of a procedure 200 that can be executed by the control system 101 is given in the flowchart of Fig. Figure 2 illustrates this. Procedure 200 can be executed while the vehicle 103 is moving, i.e., while the vehicle speed relative to the ground / road is not zero. Block 201 of procedure 200 determines whether all criteria for shutting down power generation by engine 102 have been met. The criteria may include one or more of the following: (i) the vehicle speed, i.e. the speed of the vehicle in relation to the ground / road, is less than a threshold speed, for example 5 kilometers per hour, 10 kilometers per hour, 20 kilometers per hour or another value; (ii) a measured brake pressure is greater than a threshold pressure; (iii) reverse gear is not engaged; (iv) a user-selectable mode that prevents the motor from shutting off power generation was not selected; and (v) the accelerator pedal input is lower than a threshold value.

[0060] In one embodiment, all criteria (i) to (v) must be met to enable the switching off of power generation by the motor 102 during the movement of the vehicle.

[0061] If the required criteria at block 201 of procedure 200 are met, the control system 101 at block 202 enables the motor 102 to be disconnected from the drive shaft 104 by disengaging the clutch mechanism 106 and the power generation by the motor 102 itself to be switched off while the vehicle 103 is in motion. When the vehicle 103 is moving with the motor 102 switched off and in a disconnected state, the control system 101 at block 203 repeatedly determines whether an input signal has been received indicating a need to restart the motor 102 to provide the required power output. When such an input signal is received, the control system 101 causes the motor 102 at block 204 to restart, and at block 205 the speed of the motor 102 is limited to no more than a target motor speed, which depends on a current drive shaft speed during the reconnection of the motor 102 to the drive shaft 104.

[0062] The target motor speed can be independent of the input signal indicating the required power output. That is, the target motor speed can be independent of the power output required by the system or device that provided the input signal.

[0063] The motor speed, i.e., the speed of the output shaft 105 of the motor 102, can be determined from a signal received by a sensor 118 located on the output shaft 105 of the motor 102. The current drive shaft speed can be determined similarly from a signal received by a sensor 119 configured to measure the speed of the drive shaft 104. Alternatively, the drive shaft speed can be determined from the vehicle speed, the wheel radius, and the gear ratio provided by the differential 110. The vehicle speed can be obtained, for example, from signals provided by the ABS control device 111, or alternatively from a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) unit, such as a GPS (Global Positioning System) unit (not shown), installed in the vehicle 103.

[0064] The control system 101 can be configured to adjust the target engine speed so that it is dependent on the idle speed of the engine 102 when the drive shaft speed is at or below a threshold. That is, when the speed of the drive shaft 104 is very low or zero, the control system 101 can be configured to adjust the target engine speed to the idle speed of the engine 102 or within a predetermined idle speed range. When the drive shaft speed is above a threshold, the target engine speed can be determined from the drive shaft speed. For example, the target engine speed can be determined to be within a predefined difference of an expected engine speed derived from the current drive shaft speed and the gear ratio of a gear to be engaged when the engine 102 is reconnected via the clutch mechanism 106.This means that the target motor speed can be determined so that it lies within a predefined difference of the speed that motor 102 would have at the current speed of drive shaft 104 if motor 102 were connected to drive shaft 104 (and without clutch slippage). The predefined difference can be between 0 and 60 revolutions per minute.

[0065] Therefore, the target motor speed can be selected such that, when the motor 102 operates at the target motor speed, it would cause the input side of the clutch mechanism 106 to rotate at the same speed or within a predefined difference of an output side of the clutch mechanism 106. The speed difference can depend on whether the clutch mechanism 106 is designed to allow clutch slippage during re-engagement.

[0066] Examples of the processes that may be included in the process of Block 205 are shown in the flowchart of Fig. Figure 3 illustrates this. Block 301 can determine whether the drive shaft speed is below a threshold value, and if so, the target engine speed at block 302 can be made dependent on the idle speed of engine 102. Alternatively, if block 301 determines that the drive shaft speed is not below a threshold value, a target engine speed can be determined from a measured speed value, such as the current drive shaft speed or vehicle speed, and the gear ratio of a gear to be engaged at block 303. If the target engine speed is determined from the vehicle speed, the determination can also take into account the gear ratio provided by differential 110.

[0067] In block 304, the control system 101 ensures that the motor 102 does not exceed the target motor speed and causes the clutch mechanism 106 to close, reconnecting the motor 102 to the drive shaft 104 when the motor speed is below the target motor speed. As described in more detail below, the motor 102 may reach a speed higher than the target motor speed before reconnection is enabled, but the control system 101 ensures that at the moment of reconnection, the motor speed is at or below the target motor speed.

[0068] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the control system 101 can be embodied in a single electronic control unit comprising several different software modules, each assigned a corresponding function. Thus, the control system 101 can include a control device 125 or a powertrain control module (PCM) 125, which is arranged to control the operation of the engine 101, and a transmission control module (TCM) 126, which is arranged to control the operation of the clutch mechanism 106 and the gear selection in the transmission 108. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the control device 125 and the TCM 126 can alternatively each be provided in a corresponding electronic control unit, arranged to communicate via the communication bus 117. All other features of the vehicle 103 are shown below. Fig. 4 can be the same as in vehicle 103 from Fig. 1, and therefore the features were given the same reference numerals.

[0069] An example of the control device 125 from Fig. 4 is schematically in Fig. 11 shown. The control device 125 of Fig. 11 comprises an electronic control unit (ECU) 125 with a control device which may include an electronic processor 1102 and an electronic storage device 1103 which is electrically coupled to the electronic processor 1102 and contains stored program instructions 1104 which, when executed by the processor 1102, configure it to perform the procedure described below.

[0070] The ECU 125 can include a transceiver 1105 to enable communication via bus 117. The ECU 125 can also include additional input and output interfaces 1006 to allow signals from sensors such as sensor 118 to be received and to supply signals to motor 102 and / or starter generator 121 for starting the motor and controlling power output and motor speed.

[0071] The instructions 1104 can be provided to the electronic storage device 1103 via a computer-readable storage medium 1107, such as a CD-ROM on which the instructions 1104 are stored.

[0072] In relation to Fig. 1 and Fig. 4. The control device 125 can be configured to receive input signals from the ABS control device 111 regarding the applied brake pressure and the current speed of the vehicle 103; from the system control devices 115, indicating whether power is required from the engine 102; from the input devices 116, indicating whether the respective criteria are met, for example, whether the accelerator pedal input is less than a threshold; from the sensor 118, indicating the current engine speed; and from the TCM 126.

[0073] In one embodiment, when the engine 102 is switched off while the vehicle 103 is in motion, signals are continuously supplied from the TCM 126 to the control device 125, containing a target engine speed value that indicates the engine speed required for the clutch mechanism to re-engage. ("Continuously supplied signals ..." means that the signals are supplied continuously or repeatedly.)

[0074] The target engine speed value can be the actual target engine speed that the engine 102 must reach for the clutch mechanism to re-engage. In this case, the TCM 126 determines the target engine speed, for example, from the drive shaft speed and the gear ratio to be used when re-engaging occurs, or from the vehicle speed, the radius of the wheels 109A, and the gear ratios provided by the transmission 123 and the differential 110. Alternatively, the target engine speed value provided to the control device 125 can indicate a speed, such as the drive shaft speed, which can be provided along with the gear ratio to be used when re-engaging occurs, and the control device 125 is then configured to determine the target engine speed from the information received by the TCM 126.

[0075] The TCM 126 can also be configured to provide signals to the control device 125 indicating the status of the clutch mechanism 106, i.e., whether the clutch mechanism is engaged or disengaged.

[0076] The control device 125 is configured to provide output signals to the engine 102 to start it and to control its speed. For example, if the engine 102 is a hybrid engine, it can be started via its integrated starter generator 121. The control device 125 is also configured to provide signals to the TCM 126 indicating that the clutch mechanism 106 needs to be disengaged when the engine 102 is to be stopped.

[0077] An example of a procedure 500 that can be executed by the control device 125 is outlined in the flowchart of Figure 5. In block 501, the motor 102 is caused to shut down power generation during the movement of the vehicle 103, depending on whether at least one criterion is met. The at least one criterion can be any of the criteria described above, designated (i) to (v). Before the motor 102 is shut down, the control device 125 can provide a signal to the TCM 126 instructing it to disengage the clutch mechanism 106. The control device 125 can then wait for confirmation from the TCM 126 that the clutch mechanism is disengaged before shutting down the motor 102.

[0078] When engine 102 is switched off, engine 102 is started at block 502, depending on the receipt of at least one input signal indicating a need to restart engine 102 and provide the required power output. This can be achieved by supplying signals to the integrated starter generator 121 and to the fuel injection system of engine 102.

[0079] In block 503, a target engine speed value is received, for example, from the TCM 126, which depends on the current drive shaft speed. It should be noted that—although block 503 is shown after block 502—the process of block 503 can be performed before block 502.

[0080] In block 504, the motor 102 is caused to maintain a speed of no more than a target motor speed for a period after receiving the at least one input signal and until another signal is received, for example, from the TCM 126, indicating that the drive shaft 104 has been reconnected to the motor 102. The target motor speed depends on the target motor speed value received in block 503, and in one embodiment, the target motor speed value can actually be the target motor speed. However, the target motor speed value can be a different speed, for example, a drive shaft speed or a vehicle speed, and the target motor speed can be determined from the target motor speed value, for example, using the gear ratio of the gear to be engaged.

[0081] After block 504, in which the reconnection is confirmed by receiving the next signal, the motor speed may exceed the target motor speed in block 505. The speed of motor 102 can be varied as required by the input devices 116.

[0082] An example of the processes described in Block 504 of Fig. 5 can be executed, is shown in a flowchart in Fig. Figure 6 shows that in block 601, the speed of motor 102 is increased to a target engine speed at a rate that depends on at least one input signal. For example, if an input signal is received from an accelerator pedal indicating that rapid acceleration of the vehicle is required, the engine speed can be increased at a higher rate than if an input signal is received from the accelerator pedal indicating that relatively slower acceleration is required.

[0083] In block 602, the motor 102 is caused to maintain a speed not higher than the target motor speed for a period of time after receiving at least one input signal and until the further signal is received indicating that the drive shaft 104 has been reconnected to the motor 102.

[0084] Fig. Figure 7 shows a graph illustrating an example of the operation of the control device 125 during process blocks 502 to 505 of Fig. Figure 5 illustrates the response to receiving an input signal from a user-operated input device 116, such as an accelerator pedal. A first line 701 represents the expected engine speed given the current speed of the vehicle 103 and the currently selected gear. That is, the first line 701 represents the speed that the engine 102 would have at the current speed of the vehicle 103 if the engine 102 were connected to the drive shaft 104 (and without clutch slippage). A second line 702 represents the actual engine speed, for example, as measured by the sensor 118 on the output shaft 105 of the engine 102. A third line 703 represents the target engine speed value provided by the TCM 126 to the control device 125.

[0085] In the present example and the examples of the Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 The target engine speed value provided by the TCM 126 is set to zero if no control of the engine speed is required with regard to reconnecting the engine to the drive shaft, and the control device 125 is configured to interpret the zero value accordingly.

[0086] To simplify the description, it is also assumed that in the present example, if motor speed control is required, the target motor speed value is equal to the target motor speed. (i.e., no additional processing of the target motor speed value by the control device 125 is required to determine the target motor speed.)

[0087] In the first period 704, the motor 102 is in a switched-off state, and therefore line 702 indicates that the motor speed is zero. Line 701 indicates that the expected motor speed is positive, as the vehicle is moving. Line 703 is zero because the motor 102 is not reconnected to the drive shaft 104 during the first period 704. At the end of the first period 704, at time t1, an input signal is received from a user-operated input device 116, for example, an accelerator pedal, causing the target motor speed (line 703) to rise to a new value. In this example, the vehicle 103's transmission does not have the possibility of slipping the clutch mechanism 106, so the target motor speed corresponds to the expected motor speed (line 701).In response to the receipt of the input signal from the input device 116 at time t1, the motor 102 is started in a second period 705, for example by the integrated starter generator 121. Therefore, the motor speed (line 702) increases during the second period 705.

[0088] When the engine starts at time t2, the speed of engine 102 begins to increase more rapidly during a third period 706. However, the control device 125 only allows the engine speed (line 702) to increase until it reaches the target engine speed (line 703). When the engine speed is approximately equal to, but not exceeding, the target engine speed, a fourth period 707 begins at time t3, during which the reconnection occurs. At time t3, the control device 125 can provide a signal to the TCM 126 indicating that the closing of the clutch mechanism 106 can begin. During this fourth period 707, the engine speed is held at or below the target engine speed, and the clutch mechanism 106 closes to reconnect engine 102 to the drive shaft 104.

[0089] Once the reconnection is complete, the TCM 126 can send another signal to the control device 125 at time t4 to confirm that the reconnection by the clutch mechanism 106 is complete, and the target engine speed value again indicates that no engine speed control by the TCM 126 is required with respect to reconnecting the engine to the drive shaft. Consequently, the control device 125 can then increase the engine speed (and vehicle speed) as required by the input signal from the user input device 116 in a fifth period 708.

[0090] Fig. Figure 8 shows a second graph, which provides a second example of the operation of the control device 125 during process blocks 502 to 505 of Fig. Figure 5 illustrates the response to receiving an input signal from a user-operated input device 116, such as an accelerator pedal. A first line 801 represents the expected engine speed given the current speed of the vehicle 103 and the currently selected gear. A second line 802 represents the engine speed, for example, as measured by the sensor 118 on the output shaft 105 of the engine 102. A third line 803 represents the target engine speed value provided by the TCM 126 to the control device 125.

[0091] In this example, the motor 102 is switched off during the first period 804, and therefore line 802 indicates that the motor speed is zero. Line 801 shows that the expected motor speed is positive because the vehicle 103 is moving. Line 803 is zero because the motor 102 is not reconnected to the drive shaft 104 during the first period 804. At the end of the first period 804, at time t1, an input signal is received from a user-operated input device 116, for example, an accelerator pedal, causing the target motor speed value (line 803) to rise to a new value. In this example, the clutch mechanism 106 may slip, and the user input indicates that acceleration is required. Consequently, in a second period 805 after time t1, the target motor speed value (line 803) is set so that it is above the expected motor speed (line 801).This allows the motor 102 to achieve a higher speed and higher torque, which subsequently enables the clutch mechanism 106 to slip in order to transmit torque to the wheels 109B earlier ( . Fig. 1 and Fig. 4) to create.

[0092] During the second period 805, the motor 102 is started, for example, by the integrated starter generator 121, and therefore the motor speed (line 802) increases. At time t2, when the motor 102 starts, a third period 806 begins, in which the motor speed (line 802) increases more rapidly towards the target motor speed (line 803). However, the control device 125 only allows the motor speed (line 802) to increase to approximately the same level as the target motor speed (line 803) and not to exceed the target motor speed.

[0093] When the engine speed (line 802) is approximately equal to, but not exceeding, the target engine speed (line 803), a fourth period 807 begins at time t3, during which the reconnection takes place. During the fourth period 807, the engine speed (line 802) is held at or below the target engine speed (line 803), and the clutch mechanism 106 closes to reconnect the engine 102 to the drive shaft 104. However, during the closing process, the clutch mechanism 106 slips to allow a certain amount of engine torque to be applied to the wheels 109A, and consequently, the speed of the vehicle 103 may increase during this period.During the fourth period 807, the target engine speed (line 803) is continuously updated, and therefore increasing the vehicle speed leads to an increase in the target engine speed (line 803), which in turn allows a corresponding increase in the engine speed (line 802) while maintaining it at or below the target engine speed.

[0094] The fourth period ends at time t4, when the reconnection of the motor 102 to the drive shaft 104 is complete, and the TCM 126 sets the target motor speed value to indicate that motor speed control is no longer required for reconnection. A further signal can then be provided by the TCM 126 to the control device 125 to confirm that the clutch mechanism 106 is engaged. Consequently, after time t4, the control device 125 can increase the motor speed (and vehicle speed) upon request by the input signal from the user input device 116.

[0095] Fig. Figure 9 shows a third graph, which provides a third example of the operation of the control device 125 during process blocks 502 to 505 of Fig. Figure 5 illustrates the response to receiving an input signal from a system control unit 115, such as the ECU arranged to control battery charging. A first line 901 represents the expected engine speed given the current speed of the vehicle 103 and the currently selected gear. A second line 902 represents the engine speed, for example, as measured by the sensor 118 on the output shaft 105 of the engine 102. A third line 903 represents the target engine speed value provided by the TCM 126 to the control device 125.

[0096] In this example, motor 102 is switched off in the first period 904, and therefore line 902 indicates that the motor speed is zero. Line 901 shows that the expected motor speed is positive, as the vehicle is moving. Line 903 is zero because motor 102 is not reconnected to the drive shaft 104 in the first period 904. At the end of the first period 904, at time t1, an input signal is received from a system control device 115, for example, an ECU arranged to control battery charging, which causes the target motor speed value (line 903) to increase to a new value. In a second period 905, after time t1, the target motor speed value (line 903) is adjusted to equal the expected motor speed (line 901).

[0097] During the second period 905, the motor 102 is started, and therefore the motor speed (line 902) increases. At time t2, when the motor 102 starts, a third period 906 begins, in which the motor speed (line 902) increases towards the target motor speed (line 903). In the present example, the control device 125 causes the motor speed (line 902) to increase more rapidly than in the previous examples and to potentially exceed the target motor speed (line 903). However, the motor speed is reduced to equal the target motor speed (line 903) before a fourth period 907 begins at time t3, in which the clutch mechanism 106 is re-engaged to reconnect the motor 102 to the drive shaft 104.

[0098] Allowing the engine speed (line 902) to exceed the target engine speed (line 903) can also be permitted when the engine restart is triggered by an input signal received from an input device 116. This may allow the engine speed to reach the target engine speed more quickly, which may be necessary, for example, to achieve rapid acceleration of the vehicle 103. However, the engine speed is controlled to be reduced to a value not higher than the target engine speed before the connection of the engine 102 to the drive shaft 104 begins.

[0099] In the fourth period 907 of the graph of Fig. 9 the engine speed (line 902) is kept at the same level as the expected engine speed (line 901), and consequently the occupants of vehicle 103 experience no acceleration when reconnected.

[0100] The fourth period ends at time t4, when the reconnection of the motor 102 to the drive shaft 104 is completed, the TCM 126 sets the target motor speed value to zero, indicating that control of the motor speed is no longer required for reconnection, and another signal can be provided by the TCM 126 to the control device 125 to confirm that the clutch mechanism 106 is engaged.

[0101] In a fifth period 908 after completion of the reconnection at time t4, the motor speed can be controlled by user inputs received by the input devices 116.

[0102] For the purposes of this disclosure, it is understood that the control device(s) described herein may each comprise a control unit or a computer device having one or more electronic processors. A vehicle and / or a system thereof may comprise a single control unit or electronic control device, or alternatively, different functions of the control device(s) may be implemented or hosted in different control units or devices. A set of instructions may be provided which, when executed, cause the control device(s) or control unit(s) to implement the control techniques (including the procedures) described herein.The set of instructions can be embedded in one or more electronic processors, or alternatively, the set of instructions can be provided as software to be executed by one or more electronic processors. For example, a first control device can be implemented in the software running on one or more electronic processors, and one or more other control devices can likewise be implemented in the software running on one or more electronic processors, optionally the same processor(s) as the first control device. It is understood, however, that other arrangements are also usable, and the present disclosure is therefore not limited to any particular arrangement. In any case, the set of instructions described above can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium (e.g.,embedded in a non-volatile storage medium) which may include a mechanism for storing information in a form readable by a machine or electronic processor / computing device, including, but not limited to: a magnetic storage medium (e.g., floppy disk); an optical storage medium (e.g., CD-ROM); a magneto-optical storage medium; a read-only memory (ROM); a read / write memory (RAM); a erasable programmable memory (e.g., EPROM and EEPROM); flash memory; or electrical or other types of media for storing such information / instructions.

[0103] The in Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 5 and Fig.The six illustrated blocks can represent steps in a procedure and / or sections of code in computer program 1004. The representation of a particular order for the blocks does not necessarily imply that there is a required or preferred order for the blocks, and the order and arrangement of the blocks can be varied. Furthermore, it is possible that some steps may be omitted.

[0104] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in the preceding paragraphs with reference to various examples, it should be understood that changes can be made to the examples shown without deviating from the scope of the invention as claimed in the accompanying claims.

[0105] The features described in the preceding description can be used in combinations that differ from the combinations explicitly described.

[0106] Although functions have been described with reference to certain features, these functions can be performed by other features, regardless of whether they have been described or not.

[0107] Although features have been described with reference to specific embodiments, these features may also be present in other embodiments, whether described or not.

[0108] Although the applicant has endeavored in the foregoing description to draw attention to the features of the invention to which he attaches particular importance, it is understood that he claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or any patentable combination of features referred to above and / or shown in the drawings, whether or not he attaches particular importance to them.

[0109] Further examples of implementation: 1. Control device for controlling an engine of a vehicle, wherein the control device comprises a control unit configured to: to cause the engine's power generation to be switched off during vehicle movement, depending on whether at least one criterion is met; to initiate a restart of power generation by the engine depending on the fact that at least one input signal indicates a need for the engine to restart in order to provide a required power output; to receive a target motor speed value as a function of a current drive shaft speed; to cause the motor to maintain a speed not exceeding a target motor speed, where the target motor speed depends on the target motor speed value, for a period after receiving the at least one input signal and until a further signal is received indicating that the motor has been reconnected to a drive shaft; and After receiving the next signal, allow the engine to exceed the target engine speed. 2. Control device according to embodiment 1, wherein the control device is configured to determine a target engine speed depending on whether the drive shaft speed is at or below a threshold value, as a function of the engine's idle speed. 3. Control device according to embodiment 1, wherein the target motor speed lies within a predefined speed of the engine's idle speed. 4. Control device according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the control device is configured to allow the motor speed to rise above the target motor speed and fall back to the target motor speed before the drive shaft is reconnected to the motor. 5. Control device according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the target motor speed is independent of the required power indicated by the at least one input signal. 6. Control device according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the target motor speed value depends on the current drive shaft speed and the gear ratio of a gear to be engaged. 7. Control device according to one of embodiments 1 to 5, wherein the control device is configured to determine the target engine speed from the target engine speed value and the gear ratio of a gear to be engaged. 8. Control device according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein: an expected engine speed can be derived from the gear ratio of the gear to be engaged and a speed of the vehicle or the current drive shaft speed; and the target engine speed is arranged such that it lies within a predefined difference of the expected engine speed. 9. Control device according to embodiment 8, wherein the predefined difference comprises a difference between 0 and 60 revolutions per minute. 10. Control device according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the control device is configured to continuously receive signals from a transmission control module, wherein the signals include a target engine speed value dependent on a current drive shaft speed, and wherein the transmission control module is configured to cause the engine to reconnect to the drive shaft when the engine speed is at or below the target engine speed. 11. Control device according to one of embodiments 1 to 10, wherein the at least one input signal indicating a need to restart the motor to provide a required power output comprises an input signal generated in response to user input. 12. Control device according to one of embodiments 1 to 11, wherein the at least one input signal indicating a need to restart the motor to provide a required power output includes an input signal indicating that a brake pressure has been reduced below a threshold value. 13. Control device according to one of embodiments 1 to 12, wherein the at least one input signal indicating a need to restart the engine to provide a required power output includes an input signal indicating a user request to accelerate the vehicle. 14. Control device according to one of embodiments 1 to 13, wherein the at least one input signal indicating a need to restart the engine to provide a required power output includes an input signal indicating a user request for a gear change. 15. Control device according to one of embodiments 1 to 14, wherein the control device is configured to cause the motor to restart power generation and to increase the motor speed before reconnecting the motor to the drive shaft at a rate that depends on the at least one input signal. 16. Control device according to one of the preceding embodiments 1 to 15, wherein the at least one input indicating a need to restart power generation by the motor comprises a request for power from a system control device of the vehicle which requires power to perform a function. 17. Control device according to embodiment 16, wherein the function comprises at least one of the group comprising charging the battery; heating; ventilation; and air conditioning. 18. Control device according to one of embodiments 1 to 17, wherein the at least one criterion comprises at least one of the following: falling below a first threshold value due to the vehicle speed; exceeding a second threshold value due to a brake pressure. 19. Control device comprising an electronic processor having an electrical input for receiving at least one input signal and a further signal; and an electronic storage device electrically coupled to the electronic processor and in which instructions are stored, the instructions being configured to cause the electronic processor to: to cause the engine's power generation to be switched off during vehicle movement, depending on whether at least one criterion is met; to initiate a restart of power generation by the engine depending on the fact that at least one input signal indicates a need for the engine to restart in order to provide a required power output; to receive a target motor speed value as a function of a current drive shaft speed; to cause the motor to maintain a speed not exceeding a target motor speed, where the target motor speed depends on the target motor speed value, for a period after receiving the at least one input signal and until a further signal is received indicating that the motor has been reconnected to a drive shaft; and After receiving the next signal, allow the engine to exceed the target engine speed. 20. Control system for controlling a vehicle engine and for controlling the connection and disconnection of the engine to / from a drive shaft, wherein the control system is configured to to enable the engine to be disconnected from the drive shaft and to switch off the engine's power generation while the vehicle is in motion; and Depending on at least one input indicating a need to restart the motor to provide a required power output, to cause the motor to restart power generation and reconnect the motor to the drive shaft, wherein the control system is configured to limit the motor speed so that when the motor is reconnected to the drive shaft, it does not exceed a target motor speed, and wherein the target motor speed depends on a current drive shaft speed. 21. Control system according to embodiment 20, wherein the target motor speed is independent of the input indicating the required power output. 22. Control system according to embodiment 20 or embodiment 21, wherein the target engine speed depends on the current drive shaft speed and the gear ratio of a gear to be engaged. 23. Control system according to one of embodiments 20 to 22, wherein, depending on whether the drive shaft speed is at or below a threshold value, the control system is configured to determine the target engine speed as a function of the engine's idle speed. 24. Control system according to one of embodiments 20 to 23, wherein the at least one input signal indicating a need to restart the motor to provide a required power output comprises an input signal generated in response to a user input. 25. Control system according to one of embodiments 20 to 24, wherein the at least one input indicating a need to restart power generation by the engine comprises a request for power from a system of the vehicle that requires power to perform a function. 26. Control system according to embodiment 20, comprising a control device according to one of embodiments 1 to 18 and a transmission control module, wherein the transmission control module is configured to continuously supply signals to the control device, wherein the signals depend on a current drive shaft speed, and to cause the reconnection of the motor to the drive shaft when the motor speed reaches or falls below the target motor speed. 27. Vehicle comprising a control system according to one of the embodiments 20 to 26. 28. Method for controlling an engine of a vehicle, the method comprising: Causing the engine's power generation to shut down while the vehicle is in motion, provided that at least one criterion is met; Initiating the restart of power generation by the engine depending on the receipt of at least one input signal indicating a need to restart the engine in order to provide a required power output; Receiving a target motor speed value that depends on a current drive shaft speed; To cause the motor to maintain a speed not exceeding a target motor speed, the target motor speed depending on the target motor speed value, for a period after receiving the at least one input signal and until a further signal is received indicating that the motor has been reconnected to a drive shaft; and Allow the engine speed to exceed the target engine speed after reconnecting the engine to the drive shaft.

Claims

Control device for controlling a vehicle engine, wherein the control device comprises a control unit configured to: cause the engine's power generation to shut down during vehicle movement depending on at least one criterion being met; cause the engine's power generation to restart depending on at least one input signal indicating a need for the engine to restart in order to provide a required power output; receive a target engine speed value depending on a current drive shaft speed;to cause the motor to maintain a speed not exceeding a setpoint speed, the setpoint speed depending on the setpoint speed value, for a period after receiving the at least one input signal and until a further signal is received indicating that the motor has been reconnected to a drive shaft; and, after receiving the further signal, to allow the motor to exceed the setpoint speed, the control device being configured to cause the motor to restart power generation and to increase the motor speed before reconnecting the motor to the drive shaft at a rate dependent on the at least one input signal. Control device according to claim 1, wherein the target motor speed is independent of the required power indicated by the at least one input signal. Control device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the target motor speed value depends on the current drive shaft speed and the gear ratio of a gear to be engaged. Control device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control device is configured to determine the target engine speed from the target engine speed value and the gear ratio of a gear to be engaged. Control device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: an expected engine speed can be derived from the gear ratio of the gear to be engaged and a speed of the vehicle or the current drive shaft speed; and the target engine speed is arranged such that it lies within a predefined difference of the expected engine speed. Control device according to claim 5, wherein the predefined difference comprises a difference between 0 and 60 revolutions per minute. Control device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device is configured to continuously receive signals from a transmission control module, wherein the signals include a target engine speed value dependent on a current drive shaft speed, wherein the transmission control module is configured to cause the engine to reconnect to the drive shaft when the engine speed is at or below the target engine speed. Control system for controlling a vehicle's engine and for controlling the connection and disconnection of the engine to / from a drive shaft, wherein the control system is configured to allow the engine to be disconnected from the drive shaft and to shut off the engine's power generation while the vehicle is in motion;and, depending on at least one input indicating a need to restart the motor to provide a required power output, to cause the motor to restart power generation and reconnect the motor to the drive shaft, wherein the control system is configured to limit the motor speed so that, upon reconnection of the motor to the drive shaft, it does not exceed a target motor speed, and wherein the target motor speed depends on a current drive shaft speed, wherein the control system is configured to cause the motor to restart power generation and to increase the motor speed before reconnecting the motor to the drive shaft at a rate that depends on the at least one input signal. Vehicle comprising a control system according to claim 8. A method for controlling a vehicle engine, comprising: causing the engine to shut down during vehicle movement depending on at least one criterion being met; causing the engine to restart power generation depending on the receipt of at least one input signal indicating a need to restart the engine to provide required power output; receiving a target engine speed value dependent on a current drive shaft speed; causing the engine to maintain a speed not greater than a target engine speed, the target engine speed being dependent on the target engine speed value, for a period after receiving the at least one input signal and until another signal is received indicating that the engine has been reconnected to a drive shaft.Allowing the motor speed to exceed the target motor speed after reconnecting the motor to the drive shaft; causing the motor to restart power generation and increasing the motor speed before reconnecting the motor to the drive shaft at a rate dependent on the at least one input signal.

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