Method and apparatus for starting an engine in a hybrid vehicle

An apparatus for starting an engine in a hybrid vehicle, comprising:

• a controller configured to communicate with a clutch and an automatic transmission of the hybrid vehicle, the controller operable to:
• generate a first control signal to be communicated to the clutch, the first control signal operable to cause the clutch to couple the engine of the hybrid vehicle to an electric motor of the hybrid vehicle such that a load is applied to the electric motor, the load causing:
• the electric motor to decelerate to a reduced rotational speed over a motor deceleration time period;
• and
• a starting torque to be supplied to the engine for starting the engine;
• and generate, during the motor deceleration time period, a second control signal to be communicated to the automatic transmission of the hybrid vehicle, the second control signal operable to cause the automatic transmission to shift to a target gear ratio selected such that a driving torque supplied by the electric motor at the reduced rotational speed during the motor deceleration time period is sufficient to maintain a desired acceleration of the hybrid vehicle.

A hybrid vehicle, comprising:

• an engine;
• an electric motor;
• a clutch located between the engine and the electric motor;
• an automatic transmission;
• and
• a controller configured to communicate with the clutch and the automatic transmission, the controller operable to:
• generate a first control signal to be communicated to the clutch, the first control signal operable to cause the clutch to couple the engine to the electric motor such that a load is applied to the electric motor, the load causing:
• the electric motor to decelerate to a reduced rotational speed over a motor deceleration time period;
• and
• a starting torque to be supplied to the engine for starting the engine;
• and
• generate, during the motor deceleration time period, a second control signal to be communicated to the automatic transmission, the second control signal operable to cause the automatic transmission to shift to a target gear ratio selected such that a driving torque supplied by the electric motor at the reduced rotational speed during the motor deceleration time period is sufficient to maintain a desired acceleration of the hybrid vehicle.