Methods and apparatus for operating a motor vehicle

US7062986B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG · DE

Inventors

• Jorg Metzger · Bühlertal, DE
• Alexander Schweizer · Laufenburg (Baden), DE
• Frank Bast · Bühl, DE
• Christian Rieger · Malsch, DE
• Johannes Moosheimer · Bogen, DE
• Michael Gallion · Hamilton, BM
• Florian Strack · Strasbourg, FR

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 9, 2003
• Grant date: Jun 20, 2006
• Expiry date: Oct 21, 2023

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T74/20085
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

Methods and apparatus are taught for controlling the operation of a power train in a motor vehicle (1), which may include controlling a clutch actuating mechanism (20) so as to open a clutch (3) in a vehicle pull mode. Then, a transmission (4) may be changed from a first gear position to a second gear position via a neutral position by moving a transmission actuator. At or about the same time, the ignition angle of a spark-ignited combustion engine (2) is preferably shifted during the gear change step to cause the combustion engine to generate a negative engine torque. As a result, engine speed is decreased when the transmission is disposed in the neutral position and a desired engine torque can be rapidly realized as soon as the transmission actuator is disposed in the second gear position. Thereafter, the clutch is closed again.