Patent ID: 8881704

Claim:
A method of a start-stop control for an internal combustion engine in a motor vehicle, comprising: switching off, using an engine control, the internal combustion engine if at least one predetermined switch-off condition is present; after the switching off, monitoring whether an engine start signal is present, wherein the internal combustion engine is restarted in response to the engine start signal using an electric machine as a starter; and within a predefined time period until the internal combustion engine comes to a standstill following the switching off, providing a control operation for the internal combustion engine using a predetermined operating strategy, wherein the predetermined operating strategy has a defined specification regarding the time of actuation of a clutch device associated with the internal combustion engine and the electric machine, wherein the electric machine and the internal combustion engine are mechanically connected by engaging the clutch; wherein upon one of (i) reaching a predetermined non-zero rotational speed of the internal combustion engine after the switching off without detecting the engine start signal, or (ii) expiration of a predefined first time period after the switching off without detecting the engine start signal, the electric machine and the clutch device are acted upon by the predetermined operating strategy in such a way that the electric machine is energized and accelerated, and a check is performed whether the engine start signal is detected within a predefined second time period in which the internal combustion engine is still rotating at a non-zero rotational speed, the second time period being greater than the first time period, in order to actuate the clutch device for engaging the electric machine with the internal combustion engine.