Importance

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Abstract

A clutch (3) which can be engaged and released by a controllable clutch drive (11) is arranged in the torque transmission path between an engine (1) and a gear transmission (5) of a motor vehicle. By means of a control switch (15) the clutch (3) is released whereby the vehicle can coast free-wheeling, saving fuel, with the engine (1) working in idling rate. On actuation of a brake pedal (15) a control circuit (13) engages the clutch (3) and at the same time shuts off the fuel supply to the engine (1) by means of a fuel valve (23). The engine (1) thus brakes the vehicle without additional fuel consumption. Alternatively the control circuit (13) can have constantly shut off the fuel supply of the engine (1) in free-wheeling operation. Under control of a pressure detector (45) detecting the suction in a servo-brake unit (41) the control circuit (13) engages the clutch (3) when the pressure rises to values which no longer guarantee operation of the brake unit. The engine (1), normally stationary in free-wheeling operation, is rotated with the fuel supply shut off and generates the suction necessary for the working of the brake unit (41). Before the clutch (3) is engaged the control circuit (13) switches on a starter motor (47) which makes the drive-output rotation rate of the engine (1) equal to the rotation rate at the input shaft (25) of the gear transmission (5).

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First Claim