Patent ID: 9719452
Date: 2017-08-01
CPC Classifications: F02D

Claim:
1. A method for controlling an internal combustion engine, comprising the steps of: generating at least one control signal with a first engine control unit to actuate at least one function of the internal combustion engine; passing along the at least one control signal of the first engine control unit to the internal combustion engine by a switchover device for actuating the at least one function of the internal combustion engine; transmitting a sign-of-life signal indicating functionality of the first engine control unit continuously or periodically from the first engine control unit to the switchover device; wherein the first engine control unit does not transmit the sign-of-life signal or does not transmit the signal correctly when an error occurs that puts at risk proper actuation of the at least one function of the internal combustion engine by the first engine control unit; and wherein the switchover device stops passing along the control signal of the first engine control unit to the internal combustion engine and begins passing along at least one control signal generated by a second engine control unit for actuation of the at least one function of the internal combustion engine to the internal combustion engine when the sign-of-life signal of the first engine control unit is not being received or is not being received correctly by the switchover device, wherein, during operation of the internal combustion engine, the second engine control unit continuously generates the at least one control signal, even when the control signal is not being passed along by the switchover device to the internal combustion engine.