Systems and methods for operating an engine that may be selectively automatically stopped and started are described. In one example, the method adjusts an amount of time that the engine may be inhibited from automatically stopping based on driver inputs such as driver demand pedal position, vehicle speed, and braking torque.

A control system is intended for a vehicle having an automatic stop-restart function that automatically stops an engine when a predetermined automatic stop condition is satisfied and restarts the engine when a predetermined restart condition is satisfied during an automatic engine stop. The control system has an automatic stop restricting function that, when the host vehicle is located in a first predetermined area before a temporary stop sign, prohibits an automatic stop of the engine. When a preceding vehicle is located in the first predetermined area, the automatic stop restricting function is deactivated.

A hybrid power transmission mechanism includes an engine; a motor/generator having a rotor and a stator; a driven machine; a planetary gear mechanism having a sun gear, an internal gear drivingly connected to the rotor, a planetary gear, and a planetary carrier shaft including first and second extension shaft parts extending from the planetary gear in opposite directions; a first clutch switchable between a state of allowing transmission of power between the first shaft and the internal gear and a state of not allowing transmission of power therebetween; and a second clutch switchable between a state of allowing rotation of the sun gear and a state of not allowing rotation thereof. A first shaft that outputs power of the engine and a second shaft that inputs power to the driven machine are drivingly connected to the first and second extension shaft parts of the planetary carrier shaft, respectively.

Aspects of the present invention relate to a method and to a control system for controlling an engine and an electric traction motor of a vehicle, the control system comprising one or more controllers, wherein the control system is configured to: receive an indication of engine speed during engine idling; and control the electric traction motor to reduce a difference between the engine speed and an engine idle speed target

A fuel supply system includes an electronic control unit that outputs a target fuel pressure for controlling a low-pressure pump and an engine status, and a fuel pump controller (FPC) that generates a drive signal for driving the low-pressure pump based on the target fuel pressure. The FPC is configured to obtain an actual fuel pressure, to set a duty ratio and to perform a feedback control for the actual fuel pressure to follow the target fuel pressure, and to set a lower limit guard value based on the engine status. The lower limit guard setter sets a duty ratio of 0% as the lower limit guard value when the engine status indicates a stop of the engine.

Systems and methods for starting an engine that may be started via an electric machine and a driveline disconnect clutch are described. In one example, the method estimates a maximum motor propulsive torque during engine starting. The maximum motor propulsive torque may be based on an estimated speed that a torque converter impeller speed will be when an engine cranking period ends.

To prolong a lifetime of a starter battery, a starting system (5) for an internal combustion engine (3) includes: a starter battery (22) constituted of a lithium-ion battery and configured to supply electric power to a starter motor (21); and a controller (51) configured to drive the starter motor (21) by the electric power from the starter battery (22) to perform cranking operations of the engine (3) intermittently, wherein the controller (51) is configured to prohibit the cranking operations for a first time interval before the cranking operations are performed a prescribed number of times within a prescribed time window, and to prohibit the cranking operations for a second time interval longer than the first time interval right after the cranking operations are performed the prescribed number of times within the prescribed time window.

An engine unit includes a cylinder, a crankshaft, a crankcase, a generator, a sensor, and a coolant passage. The crankshaft is connected to a piston in the cylinder. The crankcase accommodates the crankshaft therein. The generator includes a rotor that rotates together with the crankshaft and a stator facing the rotor. The generator generates electric power by rotation of the rotor. The sensor detects a rotation position of the rotor. The coolant passage includes an ejection port, guides a coolant to the ejection port, and ejects the coolant from the ejection port toward the sensor.

An electrically powered truck and system for charging or easily changing the internal rechargeable battery. The truck has an internal rechargeable electric battery which is exposed when a hatch on the truck is opened. The replacement rechargeable battery is inserted into the holding frame once the original rechargeable battery has been removed. The new rechargeable battery is then secured within the truck.

A control unit is provided for a vehicle having an internal combustion engine with a shaft, which can be coupled to an electric machine or decoupled from the electric machine. The control unit is designed to couple the electric machine to the internal combustion engine during an engine stop of the internal combustion engine. The control unit causes the electric machine to guide the shaft of the internal combustion engine. The control unit determines that a speed of the guided shaft is equal to or less than a speed threshold value and, in response thereto, decouples the electric machine from the internal combustion engine, such that the internal combustion engine stops without being guided by the electric machine.