Patents Assigned to ZF Friedrichshafen AG
  • Publication number: 20240088889
    Abstract: A method for driving a topological semiconductor switch for a power electronics system, wherein the topological semiconductor switch is split into at least two groups of power semiconductors, wherein, when an active short circuit is identified, switchover from the power semiconductor which conducts the short circuit first to the other power semiconductor takes place.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2023
    Publication date: March 14, 2024
    Applicant: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Fabian Hohmann
  • Patent number: 11928789
    Abstract: A method of processing an image within a vehicle interior with a camera includes acquiring a live image of the vehicle interior. The live image is compared to an ideally aligned image of the vehicle interior having an associated region of interest to generate a homography matrix. The homography matrix is applied to the region of interest to generate a calibrated region of interest projected onto the live image for detecting an object therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Venkateswara Adusumalli, Robert Berg, Santanu Panja, James Oldiges, Sriharsha Yeluri, Radha Sivaraman
  • Patent number: 11920646
    Abstract: A method for operating a friction-locking shift element of a transmission of a motor vehicle includes actuating the friction-locking shift element for engagement according to a pressure versus torque characteristic curve. The pressure versus torque characteristic curve has a first characteristic point (a touch point) and a second characteristic point (a contact point), defines a first characteristic curve range between the touch point and the contact point having a first functional dependence, and defines a second characteristic curve range at or after the contact point having a second functional dependence. Once the touch point is reached, the friction-locking shift element begins to transmit torque mainly due to drag torques. Whereas, once the contact point is reached, the friction-locking shift element begins to transmit torque mainly due to friction between shift-element halves of the friction-locking shift element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Philipp Kölbl, Michael Miller, Jonas Knör
  • Patent number: 11924971
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a printed circuit board arrangement with a printed circuit board with at least two current conducting layers. The current conducting layers extend in an axial direction of the printed circuit board and are arranged in succession in a thickness direction of the printed circuit board. The printed circuit board arrangement has a busbar which is arranged on a lateral surface of the printed circuit board and is in contact with at least one part of the current conducting layers of the printed circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Thomas Maier
  • Patent number: 11919380
    Abstract: A drivable axle for a vehicle, in particular a rigid axle. The drivable axle has an axle body designed to accommodate an axle shaft and a receiving structure for receiving a vehicle element which is integrated into a drive-train of the vehicle. The receiving structure is connected to the axle body and is designed to receive a drive unit of the vehicle and has openings for connection to the axle shaft. The receiving structure has at least one fixing area for fixing the drive unit to the receiving structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Peter Kontermann, Benjamin Bäumer
  • Patent number: 11921343
    Abstract: An optical system includes a substrate. An image sensor is on the substrate. The image sensor has an image plane. A lens barrel defines a mechanical axis that intersects the image sensor and image plane. The lens barrel has a first coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE). A lens mount is integrally formed with the lens barrel. The lens mount is connected to the substrate. The lens mount has a second CTE. At least one lens element is in the lens barrel on the mechanical axis and defines an optical axis. A last powered optical surface of the at least one lens element is spaced along the optical axis from the image plane by a back focal length. At least one of the first and second CTEs limiting a change in the back focal length as a result of a change in temperature of the optical system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Thomas E. Blake, III, Matthew W. Warmuth
  • Patent number: 11920675
    Abstract: A method for determining an actuating-travel range between two shift-element halves of a form-locking shift element (A, F) during an engagement of the shift element (A, F) and in the presence of a tooth-on-tooth position between the two shift-element halves is provided. An actuating movement of the at least one movable shift-element half with respect to the other shift-element half is monitored by a sensor. A tooth-on-tooth position is detected when it is determined, by the sensor, within an actuating-travel range of the at least one movable shift-element half between a disengaged condition and an engaged condition of the shift element, that the actuating movement of the movable shift-element half in the engagement direction is zero.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Daniel Zerlaut, Martina Jehle
  • Patent number: 11923785
    Abstract: Method for measuring an operating temperature of a power module (10) that is used for operating an electric vehicle drive, the power module (10) comprising a plurality of semiconductor switching elements (14) and drive electronics (16), wherein the semiconductor switching elements (14) can be switched by the drive electronics (16) in such a way that the semiconductor switching elements (14) allow or interrupt a drain-source current in order to convert the direct current fed into the power module (10) at the input side into an output-side alternating current, wherein the method comprises measurement of a voltage present at a point located on a side of a diode (22) that is connected in series with the semiconductor switching element (14) and that faces away from the semiconductor switching element (14), wherein the method comprises measurement of a drain-source current of the semiconductor switching element (14) that is generated by a current source (18), wherein the method comprises determination of a mathemat
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Michael Meiler, Johannes Hager, Stefan Hain
  • Publication number: 20240066971
    Abstract: A motor vehicle transmission (1) has a drive input shaft (15), a drive output shaft (16), a first planetary gearset (P1), and a second planetary gearset (P2). The drive input shaft (15) is provided for coupling to a drive machine. In addition, a first shifting element (A) and a second shifting element (B) are provided, at least functionally. Also disclosed is a drive unit (5), a motor vehicle drivetrain, a hybrid or electric vehicle, and a method for operating a motor vehicle transmission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2023
    Publication date: February 29, 2024
    Applicant: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Johannes Kaltenbach, Thomas Martin, Mladjan Radic, Kai Bornträger, Johannes Glückler, Stefan Renner
  • Publication number: 20240068544
    Abstract: A motor vehicle transmission (1) has a drive input shaft (15), a drive output shaft (16) and a first planetary gearset (P1), and a second planetary gearset (P2), where the drive input shaft (15) is provided for coupling to a drive machine. In addition, a first shifting element (A) and a second shifting element (B) are provided, at least functionally. Also disclosed are a drive unit (5), a motor vehicle drivetrain, a hybrid or electric vehicle, and a method for operating a motor vehicle transmission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2023
    Publication date: February 29, 2024
    Applicant: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Johannes Kaltenbach, Thomas Martin, Kai Bornträger, Johannes Glückler, Stefan Renner
  • Publication number: 20240067266
    Abstract: A method is provided for operating an actuator of a steer-by-wire steering system of a motor vehicle in a speed range from standstill to parking and/or maneuvering. In one example, the method includes detecting an instantaneous speed of the motor vehicle, determining a limited steering angle as a function of at least the instantaneous speed, detecting a steering angle demand, and activating an actuator for setting a steering angle of at least one wheel, at least as a function of the steering angle demand and having regard to the limited steering angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2021
    Publication date: February 29, 2024
    Applicant: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Ingo Dasch, Dominik Vogt, Luc Diebold, Magnus Rau, Björn Spangemacher
  • Publication number: 20240072030
    Abstract: A semiconductor power module for an electrical axle drive in an electric vehicle and/or a hybrid vehicle includes a plurality of semiconductor switching elements for generating an output current on the basis of an input current provided by a voltage source by switching the semiconductor switching elements comprising a plurality of diodes which each have an anode and a cathode, a first leadframe, and a second leadframe having a plurality of conductor tracks for electrically connecting the semiconductor switching elements to form a half-bridge having a high side and a low side, wherein the first leadframe is assigned to the high side and the second leadframe is assigned to the low side, wherein electrical contact is made with the diodes between the first leadframe and the second leadframe so that the anode of the diodes faces a cooler mechanically connected and thermally coupled to the semiconductor power module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2023
    Publication date: February 29, 2024
    Applicant: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Yuji Komatsu, Florian Wilhelmi
  • Publication number: 20240066997
    Abstract: A vehicle powertrain has a first electrical machine with first power electronics and a second electrical machine with second power electronics. In symmetrical operation, the first and second electrical machines are loaded or operated with the same torque and with the same torque gradient. In a non-symmetrical operation, the first and second electrical machines are loaded or operated with a different torque and/or with a different torque gradient. If, after non-symmetrical operation the symmetrical operation is resumed, a subsequent modified operation can be used in which the electrical machine that was loaded or operated in non-symmetrical operation with higher torque and/or a higher torque gradient, is loaded or operated with a limited torque and/or with a limited torque gradient or is switched off or decoupled for a defined period of time, thereby at least partially compensating for a different aging of the electrical machines due to non-symmetrical operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2023
    Publication date: February 29, 2024
    Applicant: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Johannes Glückler, Christian Mittelberger, Stefan Spühler, Morten Scherpelz
  • Publication number: 20240067000
    Abstract: A vehicle powertrain has a first electrical machine with first power electronics, a second electrical machine with second power electronics, and a transmission connected between the electrical machines and an output. In symmetrical operation, the first and the second electrical machine are operated with an equal torque and torque gradient. When executing a shift non-symmetrical operation, the first and the second electrical machines are operated with different torque and/or torque gradient. During a symmetrical operation if it is detected that a shift with a non-symmetrical operation is to be executed, the symmetrical operation is exited prior to executing the shift to provide a mode in which the electrical machine operated with higher torque and/or torque gradient, is operated with limited torque and/or torque gradient to reduce a temperature of the electrical machine and the associated power electronics operated with a higher torque and/or torque gradient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2023
    Publication date: February 29, 2024
    Applicant: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Johannes Glückler, Christian Mittelberger, Stefan Spühler, Morten Scherpelz
  • Publication number: 20240072708
    Abstract: An inverter includes at least one phase and two driver boards situated opposite each other, and at least one half-bridge, arranged between the driver boards and contacted electrically and/or by signals, with, in each case, a semiconductor package formed as a high-side switch and a semiconductor package arranged parallel thereto and formed as a low-side switch. A heat sink in the region of the half-bridges and connected to a cooling attachment under each semiconductor package, wherein the heat sink has a split design so that a first cooling branch is arranged in the high-side branch and a second cooling branch is arranged in the low-side branch, wherein the cooling branches are arranged at a distance from each other, and the cooling branches are fluidically interconnected in parallel or in series in a region outside the arrangement of the semiconductor packages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2023
    Publication date: February 29, 2024
    Applicant: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Ake Ewald
  • Publication number: 20240067265
    Abstract: A method is provided for operating an actuator of a steer-by-wire steering system of a motor vehicle at speeds from a standstill up to parking and/or maneuvering speeds. The method includes detecting an instantaneous steering angle of at least one wheel on an axle of the motor vehicle, detecting a steering angle demand, determining a limit value of an acceleration of a drive mechanism of the actuator at least as a function of the instantaneous steering angle, and activating the actuator for setting a steering angle of at least one wheel as a function of the steering angle demand and using the limit value of the acceleration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2021
    Publication date: February 29, 2024
    Applicant: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Ingo Dasch, Dominik Vogt, Luc Diebold, Magnus Rau, Björn Spangemacher
  • Publication number: 20240068559
    Abstract: A vehicle powertrain features a first electrical machine with first power electronics, a second electrical machine with second power electronics, and a transmission connected between the electrical machines and an output. To execute a powershift, the first and second electrical machines are operated so that one of the electrical machines is used as the main drive machine, and the other electrical machine is used for tractive force support during the execution of the powershift. When a temperature of at least one of the electrical machines and/or of at least one of the power electronics exceeds a temperature limit value, and/or when a target electric current flowing through at least one of the electrical machines and/or at least one of the power electronics exceeds a current limit value, a powershift is adapted to limit heating of the respective electrical machine and/or the respective power electronics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2023
    Publication date: February 29, 2024
    Applicant: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Johannes Glückler, Christian Mittelberger, Stefan Spühler, Morten Scherpelz
  • Publication number: 20240074040
    Abstract: A circuit configuration includes a voltage surge protector that is connected in parallel to the link capacitor to protect the link capacitor from voltage overloads. A printed circuit board assembly, an electric axle drive, and a motor vehicle are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2023
    Publication date: February 29, 2024
    Applicant: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Florian Ullrich, Robin Michelberger, Joao Bonifacio, Alexander Büttner, Michael Engel
  • Patent number: 11913527
    Abstract: A gear unit has a differential that comprises two planetary gearsets, a first gearset element of the first planetary gearset is connected to an input shaft and a second gearset element of the first planetary gearset is connected to a first output shaft. A third gearset element of the second planetary gearset is connected to a second output shaft. A first output torque is transmittable to the first output shaft by the first planetary gearset. A reaction torque of the first planetary gearset is transmittable to the second output shaft. Between the first output shaft and second output shaft is an actuation mechanism having a first friction partner and a second friction partner. The friction partners generate a connection between the two output shafts when the actuation mechanism is actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventor: Thomas Kölbl
  • Patent number: 11913538
    Abstract: A wind turbine transmission including a first planetary stage and a second planetary stage, wherein a sun gear of the first planetary stage and a planet carrier of the second planetary stage are interconnected for conjoint rotation by means of a spline joint, the sun gear integrally forms an internal toothing, and a first web of the planet carrier or a sun shaft integrally connected to the first web integrally forms an external toothing of the spline joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignees: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG, ZF WIND POWER ANTWERPEN N.V.
    Inventor: Warren Smook