Patent ID: 8210294
Filing Date: 2012-07-03
Classification: B60K,B60L,B60W,Y02T

Abstract:
1. A method for shutting down an internal combustion engine in a hybrid vehicle that includes at least one of a motor and a generator operatively connected to an engine crankshaft, the method comprising the steps of: initiating a shutdown of the engine; reducing compression in at least one engine cylinder; and selectively operating only the at least one of the motor and the generator to primarily influence motion of the engine crankshaft during engine shutdown to attenuate oscillations in and expedite reduction of engine crankshaft speed, wherein the selectively operating step includes selectively operating the motor or the generator to apply a predetermined torque to the engine crankshaft or a target torque profile that varies with respect to time, wherein the duration of the engine shutdown is greater than 2 seconds; and wherein the reducing step includes continuously opening at least one engine valve during the entire duration of the engine shutdown.