Delay changing on/off state of engine during cruise control in a hybrid vehicle

Abstract

A hybrid vehicle includes an engine and an electric machine selectively coupled to the engine via a disconnect clutch. At least one controller issues commands to control the engine, the electric machine, and the clutch. During cruise control, the controller controls the torque output of the engine and electric machine, as well as the slipping of the clutch, such that the speed of the vehicle is attempted to be maintained at the cruise control set speed. For example, when the engine is off and additional torque is necessary to maintain the speed, the controller can issue a command to change the state of the engine from off to on. When the vehicle experiences oscillations in road load, the controller delays or inhibits changing the on/off state of the engine for an amount of time that is based on the oscillation associated with road load.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.