Patents by Inventor Bernhard Sich

Bernhard Sich has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 10641373
    Abstract: A variator unit is fixed to a rotationally fixed component and has a secondary side rotationally fixed to an input shaft and a primary side rotationally fixed to a first element of a first planetary gear set. The input shaft is rotationally fixable via a second shift element to a second element of a second planetary gear set, which is fixable to the rotationally fixed component via a first shift element, and is rotationally fixed to a first element of a third planetary gear set. A second element of the first planetary gear set is fixed to the rotationally fixed component. A first element of the second planetary gear set is rotationally fixed to a third element of the third planetary gear set. A third element of the first planetary gear set is rotationally fixed to a third element of the second planetary gear set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Stefan Beck, Viktor Warth, Michael Wechs, Bernhard Sich, Fabio Frank, Jens Moraw, Gerhard Niederbrucker, Lara Ruth Turner
  • Publication number: 20190120352
    Abstract: A variator unit is fixed to a rotationally fixed component and has a secondary side rotationally fixed to an input shaft and a primary side rotationally fixed to a first element of a first planetary gear set. The input shaft is rotationally fixable via a second shift element to a second element of a second planetary gear set, which is fixable to the rotationally fixed component via a first shift element, and is rotationally fixed to a first element of a third planetary gear set. A second element of the first planetary gear set is fixed to the rotationally fixed component. A first element of the second planetary gear set is rotationally fixed to a third element of the third planetary gear set. A third element of the first planetary gear set is rotationally fixed to a third element of the second planetary gear set.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2018
    Publication date: April 25, 2019
    Inventors: Stefan Beck, Viktor Warth, Michael Wechs, Bernhard Sich, Fabio Frank, Jens Moraw, Gerhard Niederbrucker, Lara Ruth Turner
  • Patent number: 9810300
    Abstract: A power-split, continuously variable transmission includes a summing planetary transmission, at least one additional planetary gear set and a variator, which are in operative connection with each other a plurality of shafts, the shafts of the plurality of shafts are couplable to each other with a plurality of shift elements in order to provide at least three transmission ratio ranges. The variator is a mechanical friction wheel variator with at least three shafts. The summing planetary transmission, the at least one additional planetary gear and the variator are arranged coaxial to one another. In one of the transmission ratio ranges of the at least three transmission ratio ranges, a total power is guidable between a transmission input shaft and a transmission output shaft by the variator. A friction wheel of the variator is approximately cone-shaped, at least in sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Viktor Warth, Matthias Reisch, Bernhard Sich
  • Publication number: 20160290459
    Abstract: A power-split, continuously variable transmission device (1) with a summing planetary transmission (9), with at least one additional planetary gear set (10) and with one variator (8), which are in operative connection with each other in the area of shafts (11, 12, 13, 14) and can be coupled to each other by means of shift elements (S1 bis S3) for the presentation of at least three transmission ratio ranges in the area of additional shafts (15, 16, 11, 18, 14), is described. A transmission ratio is continuously variable within the transmission ratio ranges by means of the variator (8). The variator (8) is formed as a mechanical friction wheel variator with at least three shafts (11, 15, 17). The summing planetary transmission (9), the at least one additional planetary gear (10) and the variator (8) are arranged in a manner coaxial to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Publication date: October 6, 2016
    Inventors: Viktor Warth, Matthias Reisch, Bernhard Sich
  • Patent number: 9182013
    Abstract: A power-shiftable transmission, in particular an automatic transmission for a vehicle, which comprises a plurality of frictional shifting elements and at least one interlocking shifting element (A, B, C, D, E) and a plurality of gearwheels which can be engaged in a power flow by the shifting elements (A, B, C, D, E). In order to engage a gear step, at least two associated shifting elements (A, B, C, D, E) are engaged and at least one interlocking shifting element (B), as a shifting element (B) to be engaged, is associated with a gear step to be engaged with a supporting gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Gerhard Gumpoltsberger, Bernhard Sich, Matthias Reisch, Manuel Goetz, Mark Mohr, Ralf Dreibholz, Peter Ziemer, Gert Bauknecht
  • Patent number: 8663052
    Abstract: An infinitely variable transmission device (4) for a vehicle drivetrain (1) which includes a variator (8) and a gearshift transmission device (9), which produce gear ratios in a plurality of ratio ranges with continuous variation. The device has a planetary transmission device (7) in active connection with a transmission input (12), in an area of a first shaft (11), with the gearshift transmission device (9), in an area of a second shaft (14), and with the variator (8), in an area of a third shaft (16). The torque to be transmitted by the transmission device (4) passes, via at least two power paths, between the transmission input (12) and a transmission output (10). The variator (8) is arranged in one of the two power paths and the gearshift transmission device (9) is arranged between the variator (8) and the transmission output (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Bernhard Sich
  • Publication number: 20130196814
    Abstract: A power-shiftable transmission, in particular an automatic transmission for a vehicle, which comprises a plurality of frictional shifting elements and at least one interlocking shifting element (A, B, C, D, E) and a plurality of gearwheels which can be engaged in a power flow by the shifting elements (A, B, C, D, E). In order to engage a gear step, at least two associated shifting elements (A, B, C, D, E) are engaged and at least one interlocking shifting element (B), as a shifting element (B) to be engaged, is associated with a gear step to be engaged with a supporting gear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2011
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Inventors: Gerhard Gumpoltsberger, Bernhard Sich, Matthias Reisch, Manuel Goetz, Mark Mohr, Ralf Dreibholz, Peter Ziemer, Gert Bauknecht
  • Publication number: 20120198963
    Abstract: A drive-train of a vehicle having an internal combustion engine and a continuously variable transmission for driving under internal combustion engine power and having at least one electric machine for driving under electric power. The electric machine can be coupled, on the drive output side, in such manner that electric driving can take place decoupled from the continuously variable transmission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2010
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Uwe Griesmeier, Bernhard Sich
  • Patent number: 7905787
    Abstract: A drive system for a motor vehicle comprises a drive unit with a drive shaft and a torque-transmitting assembly, which is to be connected on the drive side to the drive shaft for rotation in common around an axis of rotation (A) and which is to be connected on the takeoff side to a gearbox. The drive-side connection is accomplished by means of an axial plug-in connection arrangement, and the torque-transmitting assembly is supported in at least one axial direction on the gearbox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Peter Frey, Michael Kühner, Alexander Markow, Michael Heuler, Martin Grumbach, Bernhard Sich, Robert Reiser, Peter Hammer
  • Publication number: 20110021303
    Abstract: An infinitely variable transmission device (4) for a vehicle drivetrain (1) which includes a variator (8) and a gearshift transmission device (9), which produce gear ratios in a plurality of ratio ranges with continuous variation. The device has a planetary transmission device (7) in active connection with a transmission input (12), in an area of a first shaft (11), with the gearshift transmission device (9), in an area of a second shaft (14), and with the variator (8), in an area of a third shaft (16). The torque to be transmitted by the transmission device (4) passes, via at least two power paths, between the transmission input (12) and a transmission output (10). The variator (8) is arranged in one of the two power paths and the gearshift transmission device (9) is arranged between the variator (8) and the transmission output (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventor: Bernhard Sich
  • Publication number: 20080179155
    Abstract: A drive system for a motor vehicle comprises a drive unit with a drive shaft and a torque-transmitting assembly, which is to be connected on the drive side to the drive shaft for rotation in common around an axis of rotation (A) and which is to be connected on the takeoff side to a gearbox. The drive-side connection is accomplished by means of an axial plug-in connection arrangement, and the torque-transmitting assembly is supported in at least one axial direction on the gearbox.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2008
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Applicant: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Peter Frey, Michael Kuhner, Alexander Markow, Michael Heuler, Martin Grumbach, Bernhard Sich, Robert Reiser, Peter Hammer
  • Patent number: 7252608
    Abstract: An automatic transmission (1) is described, having a variator (5) that comprises at least two conical disk sets (2, 3), such that a wrap-around element (4) is guided via the conical disk sets (2, 3) for torque transmission with continuous variation of the transmission ratio. In this, the arrangement of the rotation axes of two conical disks of at least one conical disk set relative to one another can be varied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Matthias Reisch, Olrik Weinmann, Bernhard Sich, Michael Ebenhoch
  • Publication number: 20060178239
    Abstract: An automatic transmission (1) is described, having a variator (5) that comprises at least two conical disk sets (2, 3), such that a wrap-around element (4) is guided via the conical disk sets (2, 3) for torque transmission with continuous variation of the transmission ratio. In this, the arrangement of the rotation axes of two conical disks of at least one conical disk set relative to one another can be varied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Publication date: August 10, 2006
    Inventors: Matthias Reisch, Olrik Weinmann, Bernhard Sich, Michael Ebenhoch
  • Patent number: 6949045
    Abstract: A power distributed 2-range transmission comprising one frictional wheel variator (1), one planetary gear (2) arranged coaxially to the frictional wheel variator (1), detachably connectable therewith via one shifting element (K2) and comprising two shifting elements (Kr, K1) and one lateral shaft (9) which connects the frictional wheel variator (1) with the planetary gear (2), the planetary gear (2) containing two minus planetary gear sets (3, 4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Jürgen Wafzig, Bernhard Sich, Gerhard Gumpoltsberger
  • Patent number: 6935988
    Abstract: An infinitely variable toroidal drive with several drive units wherein each drive unit has an input disc with a toroidal inner surface disposed coaxially in relation to the input shaft and an output disc with a toroidal inner surface disposed coaxially in relation to the input shaft and several friction wheels which are pivotably situated between each pair of input disc and output discs and mounted on a carrier, respectively. The infinitely variable toroidal drive has a device for support of the reaction forces appearing on the friction wheels due to the pressure of the discs, simultaneously synchronizing the pivoting angle of the carriers. The device consists of respective traction elements; one being provided on both the upper ends and the lower ends of the two carriers, and encircling the ends of the carriers and respectively having the shape of an 8.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Bernhard Sich, Axel Matheis
  • Publication number: 20050176534
    Abstract: An automatic transmission (1) with a variator (5) and with at least two conical disk sets (2, 3) is described, such that a wrap-around element (4) is guided over the conical disk sets (2, 3) for torque transmission with continuously variable transmission ratio. In this, the arrangement of the rotation axes of two conical disks (3A, 3B) of a conical disk set (3) relative to one another can be changed, in that at least a first conical disk (3B) can be tilted relative to a second conical disk (3A) of the conical disk set (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Publication date: August 11, 2005
    Inventors: Matthias Reisch, Bernhard Sich, Holger Fahl
  • Publication number: 20050075209
    Abstract: A power distributed 2-range transmission comprising one frictional wheel variator (1), one planetary gear (2) arranged coaxially to the frictional wheel variator (1), detachably connectable therewith via one shifting element (K2) and comprising two shifting elements (Kr, K1) and one lateral shaft (9) which connects the frictional wheel variator (1) with the planetary gear (2), the planetary gear (2) containing two minus planetary gear sets (3, 4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Publication date: April 7, 2005
    Inventors: Jurgen Wafzig, Bernhard Sich, Gerhard Gumpoltsberger
  • Patent number: 6705416
    Abstract: A hybrid drive for a motor vehicle which possesses, in a gear train (1), a first electrical machine (4) located between an internal combustion motor (2) and a multi-gear vehicle transmission (3). The hybrid drive further possesses a second electrical machine (6) permanently connected with an input shaft (5) of the transmission. First and second clutches (7, 8), respectively, are placed between the first and second electrical machines (4, 6) and the internal combustion motor (2) and the first and second electrical machines (4, 6) can be respectively driven as either a motor or a generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen KG
    Inventors: Hans Glonner, Bernhard Sich, Gerhard Gumpoltsberger, Hans-Jörg Domian, Ralf Dreibholz, Markus Kaindl, Jörg Michael
  • Patent number: 6689013
    Abstract: The continuously variable friction gear transmission has one housing and one variator which is inserted therein and which is mounted on a power frame. In order to provide this variator in the form of an operationally capable autarchic unit, the support pistons for the trunnions are integrated in the power frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Jürgen Wafzig, Bernhard Sich
  • Publication number: 20030158013
    Abstract: The invention relates to a stepless friction drive (1) in which friction wheels (2) are mounted. Said friction drive is provided with a system that allows a compensatory displacement of the corresponding friction wheel (2) when the input and output wheels are elastically deformed. Said system is mounted between the lower end of every support (1) and the hydraulic piston (6). The compensation system comprises an upper bearing shell (3), a lower bearing shell (5) and balls (4) that are maintained in a defined arrangement by means of a cage (9).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2003
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventors: Bernhard Sich, Axel Matheis