Abstract: A stop and start control apparatus of an internal combustion engine prevents fuel supplied in a specific cylinder at the time of stopping the engine from being discharged in an unburned state. When an ignition switch is turned off in a state that the unburned fuel is sealed in the combustion chamber of a specific cylinder during idling stop, the unburned fuel is combusted to prevent the unburned fuel from being discharged. The vibration occurring at that time can be suppressed by rotating the motor generator in the counter direction to the rotation direction of the crankshaft. After the unburned fuel is sealed in the combustion chamber of the specific cylinder, if it is estimated that the unburned fuel is discharged, the exhaust valve corresponding to the specific cylinder is closed at the predetermined timing, or the unburned fuel is combusted, whereby the unburned fuel is prevented from being discharged. Thus, deterioration of emission can be avoided.

Abstract: A method of controlling a vehicle engine involves determining a predetermined start operation, which is usually performed by a driver when the driver starts a parked vehicle, and that is not exclusively performed for starting the vehicle engine, verifying a code with a portable device after determining the predetermined start operation, and starting an engine automatically after successfully verifying the code. An engine control device has a start determining mechanism for determining a predetermined start operation, which is usually performed by a driver when the driver starts a parked vehicle, and that is not exclusively performed for starting a vehicle engine, a verifying mechanism for verifying a code with a portable device after determining the predetermined start operation, and a starting mechanism for controlling an automatic engine start after successfully verifying the code.

Abstract: A bypass passage for bypassing a check valve is connected with a vacuum introducing passage of a brake booster. The bypass passage is provided with a switching valve. Just before the start of an engine, the switching valve temporarily opens the bypass passage whereby to equalize a remaining pressure of the brake booster substantially becomes equal to an atmospheric level. As a result, the pressure in the brake booster at the starting time is set to substantially the atmospheric level so that the airflow to be sucked from the brake booster into the intake pipe at the starting time is made substantially contact every times. Thus, the fuel injection rate can be set considering the airflow to be sucked from the brake booster into the intake pipe at the starting time, even if that airflow cannot be detected.

Abstract: A control apparatus and method of an internal combustion engine performs a predetermined stop control of the engine that includes a control to stop the supply of fuel to the engine upon establishment of a predetermined stop condition, and a re-start control that includes a control to restart the supply of fuel to the engine in response to the establishment of a predetermined re-start condition. The apparatus has a stop control discontinuing device for discontinuing the stop control if the re-start condition is established within a predetermined period between establishment of the stop condition and a stop of the engine.

Abstract: A threshold value related to an engine automatic stop permission-prohibition device is variable in accordance with the cabin temperature or a value related to the cabin temperature. A width of hysteresis of the threshold value is set greater than the width needed to prevent hunting in control.

Abstract: An idle stop-start control method includes initiating a monitoring system, determining if the engine is running, and monitoring the engine to detect a shut-down condition or a sustain condition. The method includes initiating the restarting of an engine based on the condition of input parameters.

Abstract: A threshold value related to an engine automatic stop permission-prohibition device is variable in accordance with the cabin temperature or a value related to the cabin temperature. A width of hysteresis of the threshold value is set greater than the width needed to prevent hunting in control.

Abstract: In an eco-run control, determination of a stop of an internal combustion engine (1) is reliably and promptly made.

Abstract: When a crank angle is controlled to stop at an optimal crank angle stop position by an engine automatic stop control, such as idling stop, or when the crank angle stop position can be estimated with high accuracy, the automatic engine restart is performed by a motor generator serving as an electric motor or an electric generator, at the next time of restarting of the engine. On the other hand, when the crank angle is not controlled to stop at the optimal crank angle stop position, when the crank angle stop position cannot be estimated with the high accuracy, or when the crank angle stop position changes after the stop control, the engine is restarted by a DC starter having an output torque larger than that of a motor generator, at the next time of restarting of the engine.

Abstract: A method for controlling an engine and a belt-driven integrated starter (B-ISG) connected to the engine. The method includes determining engine running indicators and engine stopped indicators. Based on the indicators, the method controls the engine and the B-ISG for coordinating engine stops and starts with a capability of the B-ISG to start the engine.

Abstract: In response to an operation stop instruction of an engine, the technique of the invention carries out control to make the engine stop at a specific position that is far from a first compression stroke at a subsequent start of the engine, for example, at a target stop position &thgr;t set at a top dead center of a piston in a proximate compression stroke, which is immediately before the first compression stroke. In the first compression stroke at the subsequent start of the engine, the revolving speed of the engine stopped at the specific position is significantly higher than the revolving speed of the engine stopped at a position close to the first compression stroke. Such control thus ensures a smooth compression stroke at the subsequent start of the engine.

Abstract: An automatic engine stop and restart system for a vehicle is provided which comprises a controller for controlling an automatic stop and restart of an engine in accordance with a driving condition of the vehicle. The controller includes a control section for automatically restarting the engine when an engine speed is lowered so as to be equal to or lower than a predetermined engine speed under a condition that a vehicle main switch is ON and predetermined automatic engine stop conditions are not satisfied, and a control section for inhibiting an automatic restart of the engine before a first manual engine start after the vehicle main switch has been ON is completed. A method for controlling automatic engine stop and restart in accordance with a driving condition of a vehicle is also provided.

Abstract: In an auxiliary machine drive system of an automatic engine stop-restart system equipped automotive vehicle capable of automatically stopping or restarting an engine depending on vehicle operating conditions, an electromagnetic clutch is disposed between the engine and at least one auxiliary machine for connecting and disconnecting an engine crankshaft to and from the auxiliary machine. An electromagnetic clutch control unit deenergizes the electromagnetic clutch at least in an engine running state, and energizes it only when a predetermined energizing condition is satisfied. The predetermined energizing condition includes at least an engine stopped state. The electromagnetic clutch is comprised of a normally-engaged electromagnetic clutch that is engaged when deenergized, and disengaged when energized.

Abstract: A stop and start control apparatus of an internal combustion engine prevents fuel supplied in a specific cylinder at the time of stopping the engine from being discharged in an unburned state. When an ignition switch is turned off in a state that the unburned fuel is sealed in the combustion chamber of a specific cylinder during idling stop, the unburned fuel is combusted to prevent the unburned fuel from being discharged. The vibration occurring at that time can be suppressed by rotating the motor generator in the counter direction to the rotation direction of the crankshaft. After the unburned fuel is sealed in the combustion chamber of the specific cylinder, if it is estimated that the unburned fuel is discharged, the exhaust valve corresponding to the specific cylinder is closed at the predetermined timing, or the unburned fuel is combusted, whereby the unburned fuel is prevented from being discharged. Thus, deterioration of emission can be avoided.

Abstract: An automatic stop and start control system for a multiple-cylinder internal combustion engine mounted on a vehicle is disclosed. The automatic stop and start control system performs a control for automatically stopping and restarting the engine according to operating conditions of the vehicle and the engine. Fuel is provided to at least one of the cylinders of the engine when an engine stop condition for stopping the engine is satisfied. Subsequently, the fuel supply to all of the cylinders of the engine is stopped. The fuel supply to at least one of the cylinders is immediately carried out at the time an engine restart condition for restarting the engine is satisfied.

Abstract: An automatic stop/start controller for a vehicle having an engine, an electric motor to drive the engine, and an automatic transmission. The automatic stop/start controller permits the engine to stop or start without operation of an ignition key. The controller starts fuel supply to the engine after the engine is started by the electric motor and when it is determined that frictional engaging elements of the automatic transmission are engaged, in a case where the engine is started without the operation of the ignition key.

Abstract: An automatic shutdown control apparatus for a vehicular internal combustion engine, which permits automatic shutdown of an internal combustion engine when a value indicative of vehicle driving history is equal to or greater than a predetermined reference value. The control apparatus automatically shuts down the internal combustion engine when a predetermined shutdown condition including the automatic shutdown permission is satisfied while the internal combustion engine is operating. The control apparatus detects the degree of congestion of the road, and sets the reference value smaller when the degree of congestion is high.

Abstract: An automatic stop/start controller for an engine, having an air conditioner which employs a coolant or driving force of the engine to control the air in a driver's compartment. The engine can be stopped and started without operation of an ignition key. After a predetermined automatic stop condition is satisfied and the engine is automatically stopped, a control unit maintains the engine in a stopped state as long as the duration of an automatic stop of the engine is shorter than an automatic stop maximum time set based on air temperature at an inlet of the air conditioner.

Abstract: When a crank angle is controlled to stop at an optimal crank angle stop position by an engine automatic stop control, such as idling stop, or when the crank angle stop position can be estimated with high accuracy, the automatic engine restart is performed by a motor generator serving as an electric motor or an electric generator, at the next time of restarting of the engine. On the other hand, when the crank angle is not controlled to stop at the optimal crank angle stop position, when the crank angle stop position cannot be estimated with the high accuracy, or when the crank angle stop position changes after the stop control, the engine is restarted by a DC starter having an output torque larger than that of a motor generator, at the next time of restarting of the engine.

Abstract: In an engine-starting and stopping system in a vehicle, a crank pulley for driving auxiliary parts by an endless belt is mounted at an end of a crankshaft protruding from a cylinder block of an engine, and a starter motor for cranking the crankshaft is accommodated in an internal space in the crank pulley. The starter motor includes a rotor having a permanent magnet fixed to an inner peripheral surface of a peripheral wall of the crank pulley, and a stator having a coil fixed to an outer surface of a chain cover. Thus, the starter motor for automatically carrying out the restarting of the engine after stopping of the engine can be laid out compactly.

Abstract: An engine operation controller for a hybrid electric automobile is equipped at least with a motor and an engine. The engine operation controller is provided with a speed detection section for detecting the speed of the vehicle, a control section for controlling operation of the engine, and a decision section for deciding whether or not a stop of the vehicle is a stop at a stopping place. If it is detected by the speed detection section that the speed is less than a predetermined value, operation of the engine is prohibited by the control section. Furthermore, a delay section is provided for delaying removal of the operation prohibition of the engine when it is decided by the decision section that the stop of the vehicle is a stop at a stopping place.

Abstract: An idle stop-start control method includes initiating a monitoring system, determining if the engine is running, and monitoring the engine to detect a shut-down condition or a sustain condition. The method includes initiating the restarting of an engine based on the condition of input parameters.

Abstract: The electronic control unit sets an initial value of an inertia torque equivalent flow rate Qmg as an air flow equivalent to an inertia torque that acts on rotational elements related to a crankshaft 26, and a diminishing rate thereof, based on a shift position SP and coolant temperature Tw after the engine is cranked by a motor generator and the engine speed reaches an idle speed. The electronic control unit controls an the engine speed using an idle speed maintaining flow rate Qisc which is obtained by subtracting the inertia torque equivalent flow rate Qmg from a target idle speed maintaining flow rate Qisc*.

Abstract: A system and method for reducing idle times of a vehicle wherein circuitry determines whether a vehicle is occupied and upon detection that the vehicle is occupied, disabling a timer that generates a signal to shut off an engine of the vehicle.

Abstract: A control system for automatically stopping and starting the vehicle's engine is disclosed, which performs the automatic engine-stop and start control while the negative pressure of the fuel tank is maintained at a suitable level. The system comprises a canister for absorbing evaporating fuel generated in the fuel tank and purging the absorbed evaporating fuel into an air intake system of the engine; a pressure control section for controlling the inner pressure of the fuel tank in a manner such that the internal pressure is maintained at a predetermined level lower than the atmospheric pressure at least while the engine is operated; and an engine stop/start determining section for stopping or starting the vehicle according to the driving state of the vehicle, wherein the engine stop/start determining section determines to prohibit an engine stopping operation when the internal pressure of the fuel tank is higher than the predetermined level.

Abstract: An engine-starting apparatus includes an electric motor and an overrunning clutch that transmits a rotational torque of the electric motor to an internal combustion engine. A coupling speed for re-coupling the clutch for re-cranking the engine while it is still rotating by the inertia is set to a point where an inertial speed of the engine becomes equal to or a little higher than an inertial speed of the electric motor. The electric motor is switched on again when its speed decreases to the coupling speed or lower. In this manner, shocks and noises generated in the re-coupling of the clutch are avoided, and the engine can be smoothly re-cranked while it is still rotating by its inertia.

Abstract: When engine shutdown conditions are satisfied while an engine 1 is running, a controller 10 automatically shuts down the engine 1 (idling stop state). When the engine 1 is automatically shut down and engine restart conditions are satisfied, the engine 1 is driven by a motor 2 and the engine 1 is restarted. At this time it is determined that the vehicle is in a deterioration state when the increase rate of the rotation speed of the engine 1 after starting driving the engine 1 with the motor 2 is low. Thereafter idling stop is prohibited. Furthermore when it is determined that the vehicle is on an up-slope, determination of deterioration state is not performed. The engine 1 is driven by the motor 2 and the engine 1 is immediately restarted.

Abstract: A temporary increase in an amount of fuel at start of an engine is controlled on the basis of an estimated amount of fuel that has adhered to the perimeter of intake ports at start of the engine. If the engine is restarted soon after being stopped, the increase in the amount of fuel is reduced by a correction amount that is reduced gradually with the lapse of time. If only a considerably short length of time has elapsed, the amount of fuel is not increased. If the engine is started twice within a short period, the increase in the amount of fuel at the latter start of the engine changes continuously from the increase in the amount of fuel at the former start of the engine.

Abstract: An automatic start/stop system for locomotive engines which takes into account operator needs and concerns by enabling operators to locally prevent automatic shutdowns of their locomotives without disabling their AESS systems. Thus, operators can maintain their lead (and/or other) units running (i.e., for peace of mind, climate control, etc.) without prohibiting other locomotives in consist from automatically shutting down. The system preferably includes an inhibit switch located in each locomotive control cabin which, when actuated by an operator, prevents that locomotive (and only that locomotive) from automatically shutting down within a predefined duration of time. Techniques for reminding and prompting an operator to enable an AESS system include sounding an alarm, displaying and recording fault data, and inhibiting motoring of the locomotive when the AESS system is disabled and the operator calls for braking or motoring capability.

Abstract: A locomotive emissions reduction kit and method of earning emission credits enables an auxiliary power unit dedicated to a locomotive diesel engine allowing shutdown of such engine in all weather conditions, thereby significantly reducing exhaust emissions. An auxiliary power unit made up of a secondary engine with substantially lower exhaust emissions coupled to an electrical generator is provided. An automatic control system shuts down the locomotive engine after a period of idling and the auxiliary power unit provides electrical power for heating and air conditioning. In cold weather, the auxiliary power unit maintains the locomotive engine coolant and lube oil warm to facilitate engine restart. The coolant system is kept warm using a heat exchanger and electrical heaters. The lube oil system is kept warm using a recirculating pump and electrical heaters. A geographic position determination unit generates locomotive location information.

Abstract: An engine control device is provided, capable of restarting the engine when starting the vehicle rapidly and without giving any feeling of unease to the driver at the time of starting the vehicle by restarting the engine from the idle stop state.

Abstract: A vehicle engine starting apparatus that allows a driver to start an engine easily. The apparatus has a plurality of operation modes. The apparatus includes a starter motor, an ignition switch, and a control circuit. The ignition switch is pressed to generate an operation signal. The control circuit is connected to the starter motor and the ignition switch. The control circuit changes the current operation mode or activates the starter motor to start the engine depending on the nature of the operation signal.

Abstract: An automatic engine start and stop system for vehicles automatically stops and then starts an engine of a vehicle when predetermined automatic stop condition and start condition are satisfied, respectively. The system determines whether a fuel tank is being refueled after the engine is automatically stopped. If the refueling is detected, the engine is prohibited from being automatically started even if the predetermined automatic start condition is satisfied.

Abstract: A method of controlling a vehicle engine involves determining a predetermined start operation, which is usually performed by a driver when the driver starts a parked vehicle, and that is not exclusively performed for starting the vehicle engine, verifying a code with a portable device after determining the predetermined start operation, and starting an engine automatically after successfully verifying the code. An engine control device has a start determining means for determining a predetermined start operation, which is usually performed by a driver when the driver starts a parked vehicle, and that is not exclusively performed for starting a vehicle engine, a verifying means for verifying a code with a portable device after determining the predetermined start operation, and a starting means for controlling an automatic engine start after successfully verifying the code.

Abstract: An engine has variable-valve mechanisms. An engine control system has an engine control unit for executing automatic stop and start control. At an automatic-stop, the variable-valve mechanisms are controlled to obtain a valve operation characteristic suitable for a restart of the engine. When a catalyst is in an inactivated state, the variable-valve mechanisms are controlled to reduce the amount of residual gas leaking out from cylinders. At an automatic-start, the control of the variable-valve mechanism is prohibited and an intake air is adjusted by using a throttle valve. At an automatic-stop, the engine speed is abruptly reduced so that the engine speed passes through a resonant revolution speed area in a short period of time. When the voltage of a battery is low, the control of the variable-valve mechanism may be prohibited.

Abstract: A system for automatically stopping and starting an engine of a vehicle which enables proper determination of whether the stopping of the engine is possible, in accordance with the state of a battery. A power brought out from the battery by auxiliaries is subtracted from a power generated by a generator, thereby calculating a difference corresponding to a power for actually charging the battery. By sequentially adding the value, an integrated value of power charged in the battery is calculated. Meanwhile, a value of a known power WBRK consumed by a brake lamp plus a current power consumed by the auxiliaries is multiplied by a beforehand determined target value of idling-stoppage duration, thereby evaluating an evaluated integrated value of power consumed by the battery during stoppage of an idling. If the integrated value is not less than the evaluated integrated value, the stopping of the engine E is permitted.

Abstract: An automatic engine stop and restart system for a vehicle is provided which comprises a controller for controlling an automatic stop and restart of an engine in accordance with a driving condition of the vehicle. The controller includes a control section for automatically restarting the engine when an engine speed is lowered so as to be equal to or lower than a predetermined engine speed under a condition that a vehicle main switch is ON and predetermined automatic engine stop conditions are not satisfied, and a control section for inhibiting an automatic restart of the engine before a first manual engine start after the vehicle main switch has been ON is completed. A method for controlling automatic engine stop and restart in accordance with a driving condition of a vehicle is also provided.

Abstract: A system and a method of controlling an engine during and after a temporary fueling shut-off during idling, deceleration or a switch to auxiliary power generating device is presented. According to this method, maintaining power to the heater of an exhaust gas sensor during the temporary shut-off, and thus keeping the sensor operational shortly following resumption of fueling can eliminate a delay in closed loop air-fuel ratio control. This method provides improvements to fuel economy and emission control.

Abstract: An engine automatic start stop control apparatus for controlling an engine of a vehicle to be automatically stopped or started in response to driving conditions of a vehicle, which is equipped with a manual transmission, an automatic transmission or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The apparatus makes a determination whether or not to allow stop (or idle stop) of the engine in consideration of a relationship between outside air temperature and engine water temperature. This prevents a catalyst from being deteriorated in performance as a result of a temperature reduction of the catalyst occurs when the engine idling is carelessly stopped. Thus, it is possible to effectively reduce discharge gas of the vehicle. The outside air temperature can be estimated based on intake air temperature which is detected after the vehicle runs for a prescribed time. The idle stop of the engine is inhibited in response to a request from an air conditioner or to avoid cool-down of the engine to be restarted.

Abstract: A control apparatus and method of an internal combustion engine performs a predetermined stop control of the engine that includes a control to stop the supply of fuel to the engine upon establishment of a predetermined stop condition, and a re-start control that includes a control to restart the supply of fuel to the engine in response to the establishment of a predetermined re-start condition. The apparatus has a stop control discontinuing device for discontinuing the stop control if the re-start condition is established within a predetermined period between establishment of the stop condition and a stop of the engine.

Abstract: An automatic stop and start control system for a multiple-cylinder internal combustion engine mounted on a vehicle is disclosed. The automatic stop and start control system performs a control for automatically stopping and restarting the engine according to operating conditions of the vehicle and the engine. Fuel is provided to at least one of the cylinders of the engine when an engine stop condition for stopping the engine is satisfied. Subsequently, the fuel supply to all of the cylinders of the engine is stopped. The fuel supply to at least one of the cylinders is immediately carried out at the time an engine restart condition for restarting the engine is satisfied.

Abstract: Method for controlling the thermal engine of a motor vehicle according to which the said thermal engine is cut off and automatically restarted at the beginning and end of temporary immobilisation periods, according to which the automatic cutting off of the thermal engine is inhibited when the vehicle battery is discharged below a given inhibition threshold, characterised in that the thermal engine is automatically restarted when the vehicle battery is discharged below the said inhibition threshold.

Abstract: A control system of an internal combustion engine controls the starting of an internal combustion engine, which has been stopped, based on the establishment of a predetermined starting condition. The control system is provided with at least two power sources, a low-voltage power source and a high-voltage power source, a starting mechanism that is driven by the power source so as to operate the internal combustion engine, and a switching mechanism for switching between a connection, of the starting mechanism, to the low-voltage power source and a connection, of the starting mechanism, to the high-voltage power source.

Abstract: An arrangement for automatically switching on and switching off an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle includes a first sensor system for detecting an operating state of at least one of the internal combustion engine and the motor vehicle; a second sensor system for detecting a traffic situation in the surroundings of the motor vehicle; and, a control apparatus for switching the internal combustion engine on and/or off in dependence upon the operating state and the traffic situation.

Abstract: A method for regulating the load in a thermal engine having a power generator in order to keep the voltage or the frequency at the terminals of the power generator constant during load changes using constantly even power usage. Load regulation during load changes by maintaining a constant voltage or frequency in the terminals of the power generator, an electronic system determining the difference between maximum power capacity and present electrical load and this difference being conducted back to the thermal energy process as high-temperature heat by a variable load resistor.

Abstract: An automatic start/stop system for locomotive engines which takes into account operator needs and concerns by enabling operators to locally prevent automatic shutdowns of their locomotives without disabling their AESS systems. Thus, operators can maintain their lead (and/or other) units running (i.e., for peace of mind, climate control, etc.) without prohibiting other locomotives in consist from automatically shutting down. The system preferably includes an inhibit switch located in each locomotive control cabin which, when actuated by an operator, prevents that locomotive (and only that locomotive) from automatically shutting down within a predefined duration of time. Techniques for reminding and prompting an operator to enable an AESS system include sounding an alarm, displaying and recording fault data, and inhibiting motoring of the locomotive when the AESS system is disabled and the operator calls for braking or motoring capability.

Abstract: A direct injection type internal combustion engine control apparatus is capable of increasing the frequency of performing the compression-stroke fuel injection following an automatic start of the engine by maintaining a sufficient fuel pressure for the compression-stroke injection even after the engine has been stopped by an automatic stop function. When an immediately-before-automatic-stop flag is “ON”, the control apparatus sets the control duty of an electromagnetic spill valve to 100 (%) to raise the fuel pressure immediately before the automatic stop. As a result, after the engine stops, the fuel pressure starts to decrease from a high pressure, so that there will be a long time before the fuel pressure decreases to a level that makes it impossible to perform appropriate fuel injection into the combustion chamber during the compression stroke.

Abstract: An idling stop signal display apparatus is connected to traffic relating equipment for prompting a running automobile to stop. The idling stop signal display apparatus comprises display means for prompting an automobile driver to stop an engine and to restart the stopped engine, and control means, including said display apparatus, which prompts engine stop by determining a preferable period of time based on an input signal from the traffic relating equipment and functions to prompt the stopped engine to restart by determining a preferable timing.

Abstract: This invention provides an apparatus for stopping the idling of an automobile engine, a system for relating the apparatus to a traffic signal device and further a signal display apparatus for supplying a driver information such as idling stop of the automobile engine and the like in relation to the system in order to prevent generation of exhaust gases caused by unnecessary engine idling when an automobile is stopped at a traffic signal and the like. A period of time tS corresponding to the period of time until the traffic signal of a traffic signal device is changed to green is calculated based on a signal received from by the traffic signal device. A period of time T, which serves as a base for determining whether idling is to be stopped or not, is determined based on the calculated period of time tS. The idling of the automobile engine is stopped only when the period of time T satisfies a predetermined condition.

Abstract: A start control system for an internal combustion engine which is capable of automatically restarting the engine while ensuring excellent startability and fuel economy of the engine, and permits reduction of the size of the system, to reduce the weight and manufacturing costs of the system. An electric motor drives an oil pump. An accumulator accumulates oil pressure delivered from the oil lamp. A hydraulic motor is connected to the accumulator via oil passage and driven by the oil pressure accumulated in the accumulator, for starting the engine. An electromagnetic valve is arranged across the oil passage, for controlling supply of oil pressure to the hydraulic motor. An ECU controls operation of the oil pressure supply control valve to thereby cause the hydraulic motor to start the engine.