Retarder braking moment adaptation during clutching and gear changing

A control apparatus for a drivetrain of a motor vehicle, comprising:

• a primary retarder having a braking torque being one of increased and reduced;
• at least one sensor configured for sensing at least one shifting event with a time duration and transmitting at least one sensor signal indicative thereof;
• a recognition device configured for receiving said at least one sensor signal and recognizing said at least one shifting event therefrom;
• at least one actuator configured for controlling the braking torque of said primary retarder;
• and
• at least one control/regulator unit electrically connected to each of said recognition device and said at least one actuator, said at least one control/regulator unit being configured for controlling said at least one actuator in response to said at least one sensor signal such that the braking torque of said primary retarder is reduced substantially throughout said time duration of said at least one shift event;
• wherein said at least one control/regulator unit is configured for controlling said at least one actuator in response to a fuel delivery state signal and at least one clutch state signal such that the braking torque of the primary retarder is reduced substantially throughout a time duration of fuel delivery and a clutch disengagement;
• and
• said recognition device is configured for recognizing at least one of:
• gearshift positions including a neural position;
• a state of a clutch;
• a fuel delivery state;
• and
• an engine speed.