초록 ▼

A method of operating an internal-combustion engine including a plurality of cylinders; cylinder valves for admitting gases into and removing gases from the cylinders; and actuators connected to the valves for reciprocating the valves between open and closed positions. The method includes the follow

A method of operating an internal-combustion engine including a plurality of cylinders; cylinder valves for admitting gases into and removing gases from the cylinders; and actuators connected to the valves for reciprocating the valves between open and closed positions. The method includes the following steps: controlling the actuators of the plurality of cylinders with a first control process as a function of load requirements arising during engine run, as long as the load requirements remain at or above a minimum value; controlling the actuators of at least one first cylinder of the plurality of cylinders with a second control process when the load requirement falls below the minimum value; and simultaneously with controlling the actuators of the first cylinder with the second control process, controlling the actuators of at least one second cylinder of the plurality of cylinders with a third control process. The second and third control processes each may operate in a normal operational mode, a free-flying operational mode or zero-load operational mode or a combination thereof. The operational modes for the second and third control processes are so selected that the second and third control processes are different from one another.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method of operating an internal-combustion engine including a plurality of cylinders; cylinder valves for admitting gases into and removing gases from the cylinders; and actuators connected to the valves for reciprocating the valves between open and closed positions; co

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method of operating an internal-combustion engine including a plurality of cylinders; cylinder valves for admitting gases into and removing gases from the cylinders; and actuators connected to the valves for reciprocating the valves between open and closed positions; comprising the following steps:(a) controlling the actuators of the valves of said plurality of cylinders with a first control process as a function of load requirements arising during engine run, as long as the load requirements remain at or above a minimum value;(b) controlling the actuators of the valves of at least one first cylinder of said plurality of cylinders with a second control process when the load requirement falls below said minimum value; and(c) simultaneously with step (b), controlling the actuators of the valves of at least one second cylinder of said plurality of cylinders with a third control process different from said first control process; said second control process being different from said third control process; and said second and third control processes each being selected from at least one of a normal operational mode, a free-flying operational mode and a zero-load operational mode.