WO2018091455A1

WO2018091455A1 - An apparatus, method and computer program for controlling an electric machine for restarting an engine within a vehicle

Info

Publication number: WO2018091455A1
Application number: PCT/EP2017/079182
Authority: WO
Inventors: Christopher Green; Scott BALDER; Gianmarco Brunetti; Thomas MOURRE
Original assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Limited
Priority date: 2016-11-15
Filing date: 2017-11-14
Publication date: 2018-05-24
Also published as: GB2558405A; GB201718777D0; DE112017005744T5; GB2558405B

Abstract

An apparatus, method, computer program and non-transitory computer readable medium for controlling an electric machine for restarting an engine within a vehicle, the apparatus comprising: means for providing a first control signal, in response to a determination that the engine is entering an off condition, to cause a first level of current to be supplied to the coils; and means for providing a second control signal to cause a second level of current to be supplied to the coils; wherein the first level of current is below a minimum level of current required to enable the coils to cause the rotor to rotate and the second level of current is above the minimum level of current.

Description

AN APPARATUS, METHOD AND COMPUTER PROGRAM FOR CONTROLLING AN ELECTRIC MACHINE FOR RESTARTING AN ENGINE WITHIN A VEHICLE

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an apparatus, method, computer program and non-transitory computer readable medium for controlling an electric machine for restarting an engine within a vehicle. In particular, but not exclusively it relates to an apparatus, method, computer program and non-transitory computer readable medium for controlling an electric machine for restarting an engine within a vehicle when the engine exits an off condition.

Aspects of the invention relate to an apparatus, method, computer program and non-transitory computer readable medium. BACKGROUND

In order to increase fuel efficiency of a vehicle the engine of the vehicle may be arranged into an off condition, in which the engine is stopped, while the vehicle is still moving. This may be known as a stop on the move (SOTM) state. This may increase the fuel efficiency of the vehicle.

An SOTM state may be used if the vehicle is travelling below a threshold speed and the brake pedal is actuated by the driver. This may cause the engine to be stopped. The engine may be restarted and the off condition may be exited if the driver releases the brake pedal and/or actuates the accelerator pedal.

It is an aim of the present invention to improve the transition from an off condition to a driving state. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Aspects and embodiments of the invention provide an apparatus, method, computer program and non-transitory computer readable medium as claimed in the appended claims. According to an aspect of the invention there is provided an apparatus for controlling an electric machine for restarting an engine within a vehicle, the electric machine comprising coils and a rotor, the apparatus comprising means for providing a first control signal, in response to a determination that the engine is entering an off condition, to cause a first level of current to be supplied to the coils; and means for providing a second control signal to cause a second level of current to be supplied to the coils; wherein the first level of current is below a minimum level of current required to enable the coils to cause the rotor to rotate and the second level of current is above the minimum level of current. This provides the advantage that it enables an engine to be restarted quickly. The first and second control signals are provided separately. This enables the coils to be maintained in an energised state without having to operate or cause the electric machine to provide power. Also as the coils of the electric machine are maintained in an energised state this maintains the motor in a magnetised state so that when the engine needs to be restarted there is minimal delay in magnetising the motor. This may enable the electric machine to be restarted quickly which may enable the off condition to be exited quickly.

Further, according to the aspect of the invention the determination that the engine is entering an off condition is capable of being made while the vehicle is moving and without driver actuation of a brake pedal.

The determination that the engine is entering an off condition may be capable of being made regardless of the speed of the vehicle. The determination that the engine is entering an off condition may be dependent on a decision that the engine should enter the off condition, the decision being dependent on a context outside the vehicle. Therefore, the determination that the engine is entering an off condition may be dependent on context information associated with a context outside the vehicle. The determination that the engine is entering an off condition may be dependent on a decision that the engine should enter the off condition, the decision being dependent on machine learning. Therefore, the determination that the engine is entering an off condition may be dependent on machine learning. The determination that the engine is entering an off condition may be dependent on a decision that the engine should enter the off condition, the decision being dependent on a selected operating mode of the vehicle. Therefore, the determination that the engine is entering an off condition may be dependent on a selected operating mode of the vehicle.

The determination that the engine is entering an off condition may be dependent on a decision that the engine should enter the off condition, the decision being dependent on detection of overrun while the vehicle is in cruise control and/or during autonomous driving. Therefore, the determination that the engine is entering an off condition may be dependent on detection of overrun while the vehicle is in cruise control and/or during autonomous driving.

This may also ensure that the electric motor can be maintained in a magnetised state whenever the off condition is entered. This may also enable the first control signal and the second control signal to be provided at different times.

The second control signal may be provided in response to a determination that the engine is to exit the off condition.

This enables the rotor to be restarted as soon as it is determined that the engine of the vehicle is exiting the off condition. This may ensure that the engine can be restarted quickly once it is determined that the engine of the vehicle is to exit the off condition.

The determination that the engine is to exit an off condition may be dependent on a decision whether the engine should exit the off condition, the decision being dependent on detection of a torque demand while the vehicle is in cruise control and/or during autonomous driving. Therefore, the determination that the engine is to exit the off condition may be dependent on detection of a torque demand while the vehicle is in cruise control and/or during autonomous driving. The first control signal may maintain the coils in an energised state while the engine is in the off condition.

This may ensure that the coils are maintained in the energised state for as long as the engine of the vehicle is in the off condition. As the second control signal is provided at a different time to the first control signal this enables the coils to be maintained in the energised state without actuating the rotor.

The off condition may be entered and exited while the vehicle is moving.

This provides the advantage that it enables a driver to control a vehicle to quickly restart an engine and exit a stop on the move state. This may provide for an improved driver experience as it reduces any perceived lag in the time taken for the engine to restart. The apparatus may comprise means for providing a control signal to de-energise the coils after a predetermined time period.

This may provide the advantage that it prevents the coils from overheating if the engine of the vehicle remains in the off condition for longer than the predetermined time. This may prevent any damage from being caused to the coils and the other parts of the electric machine.

The respective means may be provided by one or more controllers. For example, the means for providing the first control signal can be the same or separate means as the means for providing the second control signal.

According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a vehicle comprising an apparatus as described above.

According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a method of controlling an electric machine for restarting an engine within a vehicle, the method comprising: providing a first control signal in response to a determination that the engine is entering an off condition, to cause a first level of current to be supplied to the coils, wherein the determination that the engine is entering an off condition is capable of being made while the vehicle is moving and without driver actuation of a brake pedal; and providing a second control signal to cause a second level of current to be supplied to the coils; wherein the first level of current is below a minimum level of current required to enable the coils to cause the rotor to rotate and the second level of current is above the minimum level of current. The engine may enter the off condition in dependence on one or more conditions as described above, including but not limited to a context outside the vehicle, machine learning, a selected operating mode of the vehicle, or detection of overrun while the vehicle is in cruise control and/or during autonomous driving.

According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a computer program for providing restarting of an engine within a vehicle, the computer program comprising instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause an apparatus to perform, at least: providing a first control signal in response to a determination that the engine is entering an off condition, to cause a first level of current to be supplied to the coils, wherein the determination that the engine is entering an off condition is capable of being made while the vehicle is moving and without driver actuation of a brake pedal; and providing a second control signal to cause a second level of current to be supplied to the coils; wherein the first level of current is below a minimum level of current required to enable the coils to cause the rotor to rotate and the second level of current is above the minimum level of current.

According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising a computer program as described above. According to an aspect of the invention there is provided an apparatus for controlling an electric machine for restarting an engine within a vehicle, the apparatus comprising; means for maintaining the electric machine in an energised state.

According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a system for controlling an electric machine for restarting an engine within a vehicle, the system comprising:

means for receiving one or more signals indicating that the engine of the vehicle is entering an off condition, wherein a determination that the engine is entering an off condition is capable of being made while the vehicle is moving and without driver actuation of a brake pedal;

means to maintain the electric machine in an energized state by providing a first control signal to energise coils within the electric machine when the engine is in an off condition; means for receiving one or more signals indicating that the engine of the vehicle is to exit an off condition; and means to cause a rotor within the electric machine to rotate by providing a second control signal.

According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a system for controlling an electric machine for restarting an engine within a vehicle as described above, wherein:

said means for receiving one or more signals comprises an electronic processor having an electrical input for receiving said one or more signals; and

an electronic memory device electrically coupled to the electronic processor and having instructions stored therein,

said means to maintain the electric machine in an energized state by providing a first control signal to energise coils within the electric machine when the engine is in an off condition, and said means to cause a rotor within the electric machine to rotate by providing a second control signal comprises the processor being configured to access the memory device and execute the instructions stored therein such that it is operable to detect that the engine of the vehicle is entering or exiting an off condition based on the received signals; and command the first control signal or the second control signal to be provided.

According to some, but not necessarily all embodiments of the disclosure there is provided an apparatus for controlling an electric machine for restarting an engine within a vehicle, the electric machine comprising coils and a rotor, the apparatus comprising means for providing a first control signal, in response to a determination that the engine is entering an off condition, to cause a first level of current to be supplied to the coils; and means for providing a second control signal to cause a second level of current to be supplied to the coils; wherein the first level of current is below a minimum level of current required to enable the coils to cause the rotor to rotate and the second level of current is above the minimum level of current.

According some, but not necessarily all embodiments of the disclosure there is provided a method of controlling an electric machine for restarting an engine within a vehicle, the method comprising: providing a first control signal in response to a determination that the engine is entering an off condition, to cause a first level of current to be supplied to the coils; and providing a second control signal to cause a second level of current to be supplied to the coils; wherein the first level of current is below a minimum level of current required to enable the coils to cause the rotor to rotate and the second level of current is above the minimum level of current. According to some, but not necessarily all embodiments of the disclosure there is provided a computer program for providing restarting of an engine within a vehicle, the computer program comprising instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause an apparatus to perform, at least: providing a first control signal in response to a determination that the engine is entering an off condition, to cause a first level of current to be supplied to the coils; and providing a second control signal to cause a second level of current to be supplied to the coils; wherein the first level of current is below a minimum level of current required to enable the coils to cause the rotor to rotate and the second level of current is above the minimum level of current.

Within the scope of this application it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and/or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and/or combination, unless such features are incompatible. The applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and/or incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in that manner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig 1 illustrates a vehicle;

Fig 2 illustrates an apparatus;

Fig 3 illustrates a system;

Fig 4 illustrates an example method;

Fig 5 illustrates the status of components of the system during an example method; and

Fig 6 illustrates the status of components of the system during an example method.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION The Figures illustrate an apparatus 1 1 for controlling an electric machine 33 for restarting an engine 35 within a vehicle 1 , the apparatus 1 1 comprising: means 21 for providing a first control signal 43 to energise coils 39 within the electric machine 33 when the engine 35 is in an off condition; and means 21 for providing a second control signal 45 to cause a rotor 41 within the electric machine 33 to rotate to enable the engine 35 to exit the off condition.

Fig 1 illustrates an example vehicle 1 which may comprise an apparatus 1 1 according to embodiments of the invention. The vehicle 1 may be a hybrid electric vehicle 1 or any other suitable type of vehicle 1 . The vehicle 1 may comprise an engine 35 such as combustion engine. The vehicle 1 may comprise an electric machine 33 which may be arranged to start the combustion engine.

In embodiments of the invention the engine 35 of the vehicle 1 may be arranged into an off condition in which the engine 35 is stopped. The engine 35 of the vehicle 1 may be arranged into an off condition while the vehicle is moving, known as a stop on the move (SOTM) state, or during any other suitable state. The SOTM state may be entered if the vehicle 1 is travelling below a threshold speed and the brake pedal is actuated by the driver. The SOTM state may be exited if the brake pedal is released and/or if the driver actuates the accelerator pedal. The vehicle 1 may also comprise an apparatus 1 1 which may be used to control the electric machine 33 for restarting the engine 35. Examples of the apparatus 1 1 are described below in relation to Figs 2 and 3. Examples of methods that may be performed by the apparatus 1 1 are described below in relation to Figs 4 to 5. Fig 2 illustrates an apparatus 1 1 which may be provided within the vehicle 1 . The apparatus 1 1 may be arranged to control an electric machine 33 for restarting the engine 35 within the vehicle 1 .

The apparatus 1 1 comprises a controller 21 . The controller 21 may be a chip or a chip set. The controller 21 may form part of one or more systems comprised in the vehicle 1 . The controller 21 may be arranged to control any suitable functions or applications within the vehicle 1 . The controller 21 comprises at least one processor 23, at least one memory 25 and at least one computer program 27.

Implementation of a controller 21 may be as controller circuitry. The controller 21 may be implemented in hardware alone, may have certain aspects in software including firmware alone or may be a combination of hardware and software (including firmware).

As illustrated in Fig 2 the controller 21 may be implemented using instructions that enable hardware functionality, for example, by using executable instructions of a computer program 27 in a general-purpose or special-purpose processor 23 that may be stored on a computer readable storage medium (disk, memory etc) to be executed by such a processor 23.

The processor 23 may be arranged to read from and write to the memory 25. The processor 23 may also comprise an output interface via which data and/or commands are output by the processor 23 and an input interface via which data and/or commands are input to the processor 23.

The memory 25 may be arranged to store a computer program 27 comprising computer program instructions 29 (computer program code) that controls the operation of the controller 21 when loaded into the processor 23. The computer program instructions 29, of the computer program 27, provide the logic and routines that enables the controller 21 to detect that the engine 35 of the vehicle 1 is in an off condition and control the provision of one or more control signals. The controller 21 may also be arranged to detect that the engine 35 of the vehicle 1 is exiting an off condition and control the provision of one or more control signals in response to the exiting of the off condition. The processor 23 by reading the memory 25 is able to load and execute the computer program 27.

As illustrated in Fig 2, the computer program 27 may arrive at the controller 21 via any suitable delivery mechanism 31 . The delivery mechanism 31 may be, for example, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, a computer program product, a memory device, a record medium such as a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or digital versatile disc (DVD), an article of manufacture that tangibly embodies the computer program 27. The delivery mechanism may be a signal arranged to reliably transfer the computer program 27. The controller 21 may propagate or transmit the computer program 27 as a computer data signal. Although the memory 25 is illustrated as a single component/circuitry it may be implemented as one or more separate components/circuitry some or all of which may be integrated/removable and/or may provide permanent/semi-permanent, dynamic/cached storage.

Although the processor 23 is illustrated as a single component/circuitry it may be implemented as one or more separate components/circuitry some or all of which may be integrated/removable. The processor 23 may be a single core or multi-core processor.

Fig 3 schematically illustrates an example system 31 which comprises an apparatus 1 1 as described above. The system 31 may be provided within vehicles 1 as described above.

The example system 31 of Fig 3 comprises an apparatus 1 1 , an electric machine 33, an engine 35 and a power source 37. It is to be appreciated that only components relevant to the following description have been shown in Fig 3. Other components may be provided in other embodiments of the invention.

The apparatus 1 1 may be as described above in relation to Fig 2. The apparatus 1 1 may comprise one or more controllers 21 . The controller 21 may be as described above. In some examples the controller 21 may be dedicated to controlling the electric machine 33 and may solely control functions relating to the electric machine 33. In other examples the controller 21 may be arranged to control functions of the other systems of the vehicle 1 . This may enable the same controller 21 to be used for different systems. This may reduce the number of controllers 21 needed within the vehicle 1 .

The system 31 is arranged so that the apparatus 21 is coupled to the electric machine 33. The apparatus 1 1 may be coupled to the electric machine 33 so that the controller 21 can provide control signals 43, 45 to the electric machine 33.

The electric machine 33 may comprise any means which may be used to start and restart the engine 35. The electric machine 33 may be coupled to a power source 37. The power source 37 may comprise any suitable means such as a battery. The electric machine 33 may comprise means for converting the electrical energy from the battery into rotary motion that can be used to start the engine 35.

In the example of Fig 3 the electric machine 33 comprises one or more coils 39 and a rotor 41 . It is to be appreciated that the electric machine may also comprise other components that are not illustrated in Fig 3.

The one or more coils 39 may comprise conductive windings. The coils 39 may be connected to the power source 37 so that electric current provided by the power source 37 may be used to energise the coils 39. When the coils 39 are energised an electromagnetic field is provided by the coils 39.

In the example of Fig 3 the electric machine 33 also comprise one or more rotors 41 . The rotors may comprise any means which may be arranged to rotate to convert the electrical energy from the coils 39 into rotational motion. The rotors 41 may be positioned relative to the coils 39 so that an alternating current provided to the coils 39 causes the rotation of the rotor 41 . In some embodiments of the invention the one or more coils 39 may be wound around the rotor 41 . The rotor 41 may be coupled to the engine 35 so that rotation of the rotor 41 enables cranking of the engine 35. The rotor 41 may be coupled to the engine 35 by a belt or any other suitable means. The engine 35 may be an internal combustion or any other suitable type of engine.

The apparatus 1 1 is arranged to control the system 31 . The controller 21 of the apparatus 1 1 is arranged to provide control signals 43, 45 to the electric machine 33. The controller 21 may also be arranged to provide control signals 43, 45 to other parts of the system 31 .

In the example system 31 of Fig 3 the controller 21 is arranged to provide a first control signal 43 and a second control signal 45 to the electric machine 33. The first control signal 43 and the second control signal 45 may be provided at different times. The first control signal 43 and the second control signal 45 may be provided in response to different trigger events.

The first control signal 43 may be provided in response to a determination that the engine 35 is entering an off condition such as an SOTM state. The controller 21 may be arranged to determine that the engine 35 is entering an off condition. The controller 21 may determine that the engine 35 is entering the off condition if the vehicle 1 is travelling below a threshold speed and the brake pedal is pressed by the driver. The first control signal 43 may cause the coils 39 within the electric machine 33 to become energised. In response to receiving the first control signal 43 the electric machine 33 may be arranged to provide power from the power source 37 to the coils 39 to energise the coils 39. The power that is provided to the coils 39 may be sufficient to enable the electric coils 39 to be energised but might not be sufficient to enable the rotor 41 to rotate.

The second control signal 45 may be provided in response to a determination that the engine 35 is exiting an off condition such as an SOTM state. The controller 21 may be arranged to determine that the engine 35 is exiting an off condition. The controller 21 may determine that the engine 35 is exiting the off condition if the driver releases the brake pedal and/or if the driver actuates an accelerator pedal.

The second control signal 45 may cause the rotor 41 within the electric machine 33 to start rotating. In some embodiments of the invention the electric machine 33 may be arranged so that, in response to receiving the second control signal 45, the electric machine 33 may be arranged to increase the power provided from the power source 37 to the coils 39. The power provided to the coils 39 may be increased to a level which enables the rotor 41 to start rotating.

The rotation of the rotor 41 may cause the rotation of a belt or any other suitable means which may enable the cranking of the engine 35. This enables the electric machine 33 to be used to start the engine 35.

Fig 4 illustrates an example method which may be implemented using the example apparatus 1 1 and systems 31 as described above. In some examples the method may be implemented by a controller 21 provided within an apparatus 1 1 .

At block 51 the method comprises providing a first control signal 43 to energise coils 39 within an electric machine 33 when the engine 35 of the vehicle 1 is in an off condition. The off condition could be a SOTM state or any other suitable off condition. The first control signal 43 may be provided in response to a determination that the engine 35 is entering an off condition. For example the first control signal 43 could be provided if it is determined that the vehicle 1 is travelling below a threshold speed and the driver has actuated the brake pedal. The first control signal 43 may ensure that the coils 39 are kept in an energised state when the engine 35 is the off condition.

At block 53 the method comprises providing a second control signal 45 to cause a rotor 41 within the electric machine 33 to rotate to enable the engine 35 to exit the off condition. The second control signal 45 may be provided in response to a determination that the engine 35 is exiting an off condition. For example, the first control signal 43 could be provided if it is determined that the driver has stopped actuating the brake pedal and/or if it is determined that the driver has actuated the accelerator pedal. The second control signal 45 may be provided after the first control signal 43.

As the coils 39 are maintained in an energized state while the engine 35 is the off condition the rotor 41 can begin to rotate as soon as the second control signal 45 is received. There is minimal delay incurred waiting for the coils 39 to become energized before the rotor 41 begins to rotate. This may reduce the amount of time it takes for the engine 35 to be restated when exiting an idle mode. In some examples this may reduce the time taken to restart the engine 35 by 80ms or more. This may reduce any lag the driver perceives when exiting the off condition.

Figs 5 and 6 illustrate the status of components of the system 31 when embodiments of the invention are implemented. The system 31 may be as shown in Fig 3. Figs 5 and 6 show the status of the engine 35, the status of the coils 39 within the electric machine 33, the status of the rotor 41 within the electric machine 33 and the torque within the belt between the rotor 41 and the engine 35. In the example system 31 the coils 39 are provided around the rotor 41 . At time ti it is determined that the engine 35 is entering an off condition. In the examples of Figs 5 and 6 the off condition is a SOTM state. Other off conditions may be used in other examples of the disclosure. Prior to time ti the engine 39 is powered on. When the engine 35 enters the off condition the engine 35 is turned off. When the engine 35 is turned off no power is provided from the engine 35 to the drive train of the vehicle 1 . At time ti the engine 35 is turned off and a first control signal 43 is sent from the controller 21 to the electric machine 33 to energise the coils 39 within the electric machine 33. In the examples of Figs 5 and 6 the control signal 43 is sent at the same time as the engine 35 is turned off. This may minimize any delays in energising the coils 39. In other examples the control signal 43 is sent after the engine 35 is turned off. This may allow the coils 39 to de- energise temporarily. This saves energy in scenarios in which the controller 21 anticipates that an engine restart will not be required for a long time period. At time t₂ a current is provided to the coils 39 in response to the first control signal 43. The current which is provided to the coils 39 may be sufficient to enable the coils 39 to be maintained in a magnetised state. As shown in Fig 6, the current which is provided to the coils 39 may be lower than the current which is provided before time h when the electric machine 33 is being used to provide rotary motion. In other examples, such as the example shown in Fig 5, the current which is provided to the coils 39 may be higher than the current which is provided before time t₂. In the examples of Figs 5 and 6 the current that is provided to the coils 39 may be 3A. Other levels of current may be used in other embodiments of the invention.

At time t₃ the energising of the coils 39 is completed. The energising of the coils 39 may be completed once the current provided to the coils reaches a threshold level. In the example of Figs 5 and 6 the threshold level is 3A. Other thresholds may be used in other embodiments of the invention. In some examples the energising of the coils 39 may be completed once the magnetic field generated by the coils 39 reaches a predetermined level. In embodiments of the invention the coils 39 are not energised instantaneously so there is some time delay between the receipt of the first control signal 43 and the coils 39 becoming energised. In the examples of Figs 5 and 6 the time taken to energise the coils 39 could be between 50 and 90ms. Other ranges of times may be taken in other systems 31 and embodiments of the invention.

Once the energising of the coils 39 has been completed the coils 39 are maintained in the energised state. The energised state may last for the duration of time period t₄. During time period t₄ the current to the coils 39 may be maintained so that the coils 39 are kept in a magnetized state. In the examples of Figs 5 and 6 the control signal 43 is provided to the electric machine 33 for the duration of time period t₄ to ensure that coils 39 are maintained in the energised state.

In the examples of Figs 5 and 6 the time period t₄ lasts until it is determined that the engine 35 is exiting the off condition. In the examples of Figs 5 and 6 it may be determined that the engine 35 is exiting the off condition when the driver releases the brake pedal at time t₅.

Once is has been determined that the engine 35 is to exit the off condition the second control signal 45 is provided from the controller 21 to the electric machine 33. The second control signal 45 enables the rotor 41 to rotate within the electric machine 33. In embodiments of the invention the second control signal 45 may cause the current provided to the coils 39 to be increased so as to cause rotation of the rotor 41 . In the examples of Figs 5 and 6 the current provided to the coils 39 has increased from 3A to 10A. It is to be appreciated that other increases in current may be used in other embodiments of the invention.

Once the rotor 41 begins to rotate this increases the torque in the belt between the rotor and the engine 35 and enables the engine 35 to be cranked. At time t₆ the engine 35 is cranked and can be restarted so that the engine 35 has exited the off condition. In the examples of Figs 5 and 6 the time taken to crank the engine 35 is 50ms. This is the time between the driver releasing the brake pedal and the engine 35 restarting. The time taken to energise the coils is between 50ms and 90ms. As the energising of the coils 39 occurs before the driver releases the brake pedal this does not form part of the delay in the restart of the engine 35. Therefore the time to restart the engine 35 is reduced. This may provide an improved driving experience for the driver.

The time period t₄ may last for a maximum pre-determined time period. If it is not determined that the engine 35 is exiting the off condition before the end of the maximum pre-determined time period then the controller 21 may be arranged to send a further control signal to the electric machine 33 to de-energise the coils 39. In response to the further control signals the coils 39 may be disconnected from the power source 37 so that no energy is provided from the power source 37 to the coils 39. The further control signal may ensure that the coils 39 are de-energised before they overheat or before any damage is caused to the coils 39 or other components of the electric machine 33. In the examples of Figs 5 and 6 the maximum predetermined time period may be between 6 to 10s. Other predetermined time periods may be used in other embodiments of the invention. The duration of the predetermined time periods may depend on factors such as the size and shape of the coils 39, the materials used for the coils 39 and any other suitable factors.

Braking to a halt as described above is an example of an 'overrun' scenario suitable for implementing (entering) SOTM. An overrun occurs when the combustion engine enters fuel cut-off due to a lack of demand for torque from the engine/powertrain at least for maintaining or increasing vehicle speed. In an overrun state, fuelling of the engine is stopped so that only un-burnt air is passed through the engine. While no driver request for torque from the engine for maintaining or increasing vehicle speed is detected, for example via an accelerator pedal or cruise control/autonomous driving interface (if installed), the engine may be operated in overrun.

SOTM may be used in a variety of overrun scenarios, not limited to the vehicle travelling below a threshold speed and the brake pedal being actuated by the driver. Another overrun scenario could arise while the vehicle is traversing a long downhill section of a route in which no engine torque is required to maintain a desired vehicle speed or accelerate the vehicle. SOTM could be used in such a scenario to provide a form of 'glide mode' (also referred to as 'coasting' or 'sailing' mode). In some, but not necessarily all examples implementing SOTM comprises opening the clutch of known type (not shown) separating the engine from the transmission during overrun to reduce pumping losses.

The determination that the engine is entering an off condition may be dependent on a decision that the engine should enter the off condition, in other words a decision whether to enter SOTM. The decision could be made by the apparatus or could be made by another controller, the result being obtained by the apparatus. The decision may be dependent on one or more conditions. A similar decision may be employed as to whether to exit SOTM. In some, but not necessarily all examples a condition for entering SOTM could comprise detecting vehicle overrun (no driver request for torque from the engine for maintaining or increasing vehicle speed). In some, but not necessarily all examples SOTM could be entered during glide mode while the vehicle is moving and without driver actuation of a brake pedal. The determination that the engine is entering an off condition may be capable of being made regardless of (independently of) the speed of the vehicle. In some examples, the determination that the engine is entering an off condition may be capable of being made regardless of the speed of the vehicle at least up to 50kph or at least up to 10Okph or at least up to 160kph. In other words, there may be no threshold speed or the threshold speed may be higher than these speeds. In some, but not necessarily all examples SOTM could be entered and then deactivated while the vehicle is still moving. Control of the electric machine in accordance with aspects of the present invention to control engine restart while the vehicle is still moving allows a smooth engine restart. This reduces the likelihood of an engine restart causing sudden and/or unexpected engine braking that could destabilise the fast-moving vehicle.

An optional further condition for entering SOTM could require detecting that a driver request for torque has not been received for a threshold time, for example a few seconds.

An optional further condition(s) for entering SOTM could be dependent on context information associated with a context outside the vehicle. In some examples, context information may indicate one or more of terrain information or traffic information, indicative of terrain or traffic ahead of the vehicle. Terrain information may include information indicative of a gradient. Traffic information may include information indicative of a traffic speed and/or a queue ahead of the vehicle. The context information could be obtained from a navigation system of the vehicle such as a Global Positioning System module, and/or could be obtained from one or more sensors on the vehicle such as a forward-facing camera or a lidar sensor. In some example implementations, the context information could be used to predict an overrun. In some example implementations, the context information could be used to predict how long a detected/predicted overrun is likely to last for, and SOTM could be inhibited if the prediction indicates that a minimum threshold duration of the overrun will not occur. In some example implementations, the terrain information could be used to predict whether a vehicle cruising speed will be maintained and/or will not increase during SOTM implementation, despite the reduction in pumping loss associated with de-clutching the engine, and SOTM may be inhibited if a gradient is too shallow or steep.

Alternatively or in addition to context information, satisfaction of the further condition(s) could be dependent on machine learning. For example, stored machine learning data indicating when overrun has previously been used at which locations or times in similar past journeys can be interrogated to predict information about an overrun.

An optional condition for SOTM could be dependent on a selected operating mode of the vehicle. In particular, a condition for inhibiting SOTM could be dependent on the selected operating mode. For example, SOTM functionality may be inhibited if the vehicle is in an 'off- road' mode. Examples of such modes include 'off road', and/or more specific modes such as 'rock crawl', 'sand', or 'wading' modes. Vehicle operating modes define one or more of the following parameters: steering response; accelerator pedal response; engine mapping; brake mapping; output torque; differential settings; four-wheel drive settings; anti-lock braking control; wheel slip parameters.

Conditions for exiting SOTM and therefore sending the second control signal to restart the engine may be dependent on, for example, at least one of: torque demand (via accelerator pedal, cruise control or autonomous driving module); brake pedal use; increasing vehicle speed; or decreasing vehicle speed. In other words, SOTM could be interrupted if additional acceleration or engine braking is required.

The blocks illustrated in Fig 4 may represent steps in a method and/or sections of code in the computer program 27. The illustration of a particular order to the blocks does not necessarily imply that there is a required or preferred order for the blocks and the order and arrangement of the block may be varied. Furthermore, it may be possible for some steps to be omitted.

Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in the preceding paragraphs with reference to various examples, it should be appreciated that modifications to the examples given can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed.

Features described in the preceding description may be used in combinations other than the combinations explicitly described. Although functions have been described with reference to certain features, those functions may be performable by other features whether described or not. Although features have been described with reference to certain embodiments, those features may also be present in other embodiments whether described or not.

Whilst endeavoring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims

1 . An apparatus for controlling an electric machine for restarting an engine within a vehicle, the electric machine comprising coils and a rotor, the apparatus comprising:

means for providing a first control signal, in response to a determination that the engine is entering an off condition, to cause a first level of current to be supplied to the coils, wherein the determination that the engine is entering an off condition is capable of being made while the vehicle is moving and without driver actuation of a brake pedal; and

means for providing a second control signal to cause a second level of current to be supplied to the coils; wherein

the first level of current is below a minimum level of current required to enable the coils to cause the rotor to rotate and the second level of current is above the minimum level of current.

2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the determination that the engine is entering an off condition is capable of being made regardless of the speed of the vehicle.

3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein the determination that the engine is entering an off condition is dependent on context information associated with a context outside the vehicle.

4. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the determination that the engine is entering an off condition is dependent on machine learning.

5. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the determination that the engine is entering an off condition is dependent on a selected operating mode of the vehicle.

6. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the determination that the engine is entering an off condition is dependent on detection of overrun while the vehicle is in cruise control and/or during autonomous driving.

7. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the second control signal is provided in response to a determination that the engine is to exit the off condition.

8. An apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein the determination that the engine is to exit the off condition is dependent on detection of a torque demand while the vehicle is in cruise control and/or during autonomous driving.

9. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the first control signal maintains the coils in an energised state while the engine is in the off condition.

10. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the off condition is exited while the vehicle is moving.

1 1 . An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the apparatus comprises means for providing a control signal to de-energise the coils after a predetermined time period.

12. A vehicle comprising an apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 1 1 .

13. A method of controlling an electric machine for restarting an engine within a vehicle, the method comprising:

providing a first control signal in response to a determination that the engine is entering an off condition, to cause a first level of current to be supplied to the coils, wherein the determination that the engine is entering an off condition is capable of being made while the vehicle is moving and without driver actuation of a brake pedal; and

providing a second control signal to cause a second level of current to be supplied to the coils; wherein

14. A method as claimed in claim 13 wherein the determination that the engine is entering an off condition is capable of being made regardless of the speed of the vehicle.

15. A method as claimed in claim 13 or 14 wherein the determination that the engine is entering an off condition is dependent on context information associated with a context outside the vehicle;

16. A method as claimed in claim 13, 14 or 15, wherein the determination that the engine is entering an off condition is dependent on machine learning

17. A method as claimed in any of claims 13 to 16, wherein the determination that the engine is entering an off condition is dependent on a selected operating mode of the vehicle.

18. A method as claimed in any of claims 13 to 17, wherein the determination that the engine is entering an off condition is dependent on detection of overrun while the vehicle is in cruise control and/or during autonomous driving.

19. A method as claimed in any of claims 13 to 18 wherein the second control signal is provided in response to a determination that the engine is to exit the off condition.

20. An apparatus as claimed in claim 19, wherein the determination that the engine is to exit the off condition is dependent on detection of a torque demand while the vehicle is in cruise control and/or during autonomous driving.

21 . A method as claimed in any of claims 13 to 20 wherein the first control signal maintains the coils in an energised state while the engine is in the off condition.

22. A method as claimed in any of claims 13 to 21 wherein the off condition is exited while the vehicle is moving.

23. A method as claimed in any of claims 13 to 22 wherein the method comprises providing a control signal to de-energise the coils after a predetermined time period.

24. A computer program for providing restarting of an engine within a vehicle, the computer program comprising instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause an apparatus to perform, at least:

providing a first control signal in response to a determination that the engine is entering an off condition, to cause a first level of current to be supplied to the coils, wherein the determination that the engine is entering an off condition is capable of being made while the vehicle is moving and without driver actuation of a brake pedal; and providing a second control signal to cause a second level of current to be supplied to the coils; wherein

25. A non-transitory computer readable medium comprising a computer program as claimed in claim 24.

26. A method and/or apparatus and/or vehicle and/or computer program and/or non- transitory computer readable medium substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings and/or as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.