Patents Assigned to ZF Friedrichshafen
  • Publication number: 20240049417
    Abstract: An inverter includes a heat sink having a cooling plate, and at least one phase, wherein each phase includes a half-bridge arranged on an upper side of the cooling plate and DC and AC busbars stacked on the half-bridge and electrically insulated from one another, wherein taps of the DC and AC busbars are provided on mutually opposite sides of the power electronics module. A first conduction element including a thermally conductive material is arranged on the side of the DC busbars and between the DC busbars and the cooling plate and is conductively connected to the DC busbar closer to the cooling plate, and/or a second conduction element comprising a thermally conductive material arranged on the side of the AC busbar and between the AC busbar and the cooling plate and is conductively connected to the AC busbar and the cooling plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2023
    Publication date: February 8, 2024
    Applicant: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Ake Ewald
  • Patent number: 11892075
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for determining a position of a motor vehicle by means of a location device of the motor vehicle. First, a first position (x1) related to an installation point of the location device in the motor vehicle is determined. In order to determine a position suitable for controlling the motor vehicle, with reference to the said first position (x1) a second position (x2) related to a center of gravity of the vehicle is determined, in that the first position (x1) is offset by a distance (a) between the said installation point of the location device and the center of gravity of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Rachid Mansour, Thomas Ascher, Freddy Josef Frombach, Maik Würthner, Robert Gronner
  • Patent number: 11892066
    Abstract: A transmission may include an input shaft, a first output shaft, a second output shaft, a first planetary gearset, and a second planetary gearset connected to the first planetary gearset. Optionally, the input shaft is connected to a first element of the first planetary gearset for conjoint rotation, the first output shaft is connected to a second element of the first planetary gearset for conjoint rotation, and the second output shaft is connected to a third element of the second planetary gearset for conjoint rotation. A third element of the first planetary gearset may be connected to a first element of the second planetary gearset via a shaft for conjoint rotation, and a second element of the second planetary gearset may be fixed in place on a non-rotating component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Matthias Reisch, Stefan Beck
  • Publication number: 20240035519
    Abstract: Torsional damper (34), with an input element (E), an output element (A), an elastic element (16), and a friction device (36). The input element (E) and the output element (A) are rotatable to a limited extent with respect to one another against a restoring force of the elastic element (16). The friction device (36) has a friction disk (24), a holding element (28) and a preloading element (26), wherein the holding element (28) is connected to the friction disk (24) for conjoint rotation therewith. The holding element (28) is connected to the output element (A) for conjoint rotation therewith. The holding element (28) is arranged axially between the friction disk (24) and the preloading element (26). A clutch disk having a torsional damper as described above is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2023
    Publication date: February 1, 2024
    Applicant: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Andreas ECK, Luc Jonckheere, Dominik Bühl, Philipp Günster, Edmont Hofmann, Benedikt Kolb, Andreas Kubisch, Tim Schindler, Fabian Liebst, Andreas Krönert, Michael Bullinger, Andreas Gidt
  • Publication number: 20240035929
    Abstract: A tire test stand includes a frame, a tire holder on which a tire can be mounted, a hexapod arrangement with six linear drive elements, and a rolling surface unit with a rolling surface. In a starting configuration, the linear drive elements are arranged so that at least one of the linear drive elements is arranged such that, when the at least one linear drive element exerts a force on the tire, the greatest force component of this force is oriented in the direction of a lateral force component. At least one linear drive element is arranged such that the greatest force component is oriented in the direction of a tangential force component. At least one linear drive element is arranged such that the greatest force component is oriented in the direction of a radial force component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2021
    Publication date: February 1, 2024
    Applicant: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Thomas Dwolinski
  • Publication number: 20240038638
    Abstract: A power electronics module, having a PCB having power semiconductors arranged on connecting regions of an uppermost layer of said PCB, wherein the PCB has a preset dimension to arrange a preset maximum number of power semiconductors thereon. A lead frame arranged above the power semiconductors provides three-dimensional power and control routing, and includes a drain-source connection to connect to a drain-source contact of the PCB, and a load-source connection opposite the drain-source connection via the power semiconductors that is formed from a plurality of subregions, each of which can be brought into electrical contact with the power semiconductors, and a gate- and kelvin-source terminal, which are arranged above the load-source connection and have been brought into electrical contact with the power semiconductors. At least one dummy chip consisting of an electrically nonconductive material is arranged on each of the connecting regions that are not populated by power semiconductors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2023
    Publication date: February 1, 2024
    Applicant: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Ake Ewald, Stefan Hain
  • Publication number: 20240038639
    Abstract: A power electronics module, having a continuous DBC PCB having power semiconductors arranged on connecting regions of an uppermost layer of said DBC PCB and a lead frame arranged above the power semiconductors for three-dimensional power and control routing, wherein the lead frame has a drain-source connection, which can be brought into electrical contact with a drain-source contact of the PCB, and a load-source connection which is opposite the drain-source connection via the power semiconductors and which is formed from a plurality of subregions, each of which can be brought into electrical contact with one of the power semiconductors, and at least one gate-source terminal and at least one kelvin-source terminal, and a carrier element including an electrically insulating material on which conductor tracks are provided, wherein the carrier element is routed between the power semiconductors in a region between the load-source connection and the drain-source connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2023
    Publication date: February 1, 2024
    Applicant: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Ake Ewald
  • Patent number: 11884146
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a transmission comprising an input shaft, a first output shaft, a second output shaft, a first planetary gear set, and a second planetary gear set which is connected to the first planetary gear set. Each of the planetary gear sets comprises multiple elements. The input shaft, the two output shafts, the planetary gear sets, as well as the elements thereof are arranged and designed such that—a torque introduced via the input shaft is converted and is distributed to the two output shafts in a defined ratio, and the development of a sum torque is prevented. At least one element of the first planetary gear set is rotationally fixed to another element of the second planetary gear set. Another element of the second planetary gear set is secured to a rotationally fixed component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Matthias Reisch, Stefan Beck
  • Patent number: 11888425
    Abstract: Method for controlling operation of an electrical machine, in particular of an electrical machine of a motor vehicle, an operating state of the electrical machine being switched between an active short circuit mode and at least one further operating mode. When switching between the short circuit mode and the at least one further operating mode, a duty factor of an operating signal, in particular of a PWM signal, of the electrical machine is changed in a ramp-shaped manner at least in sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Felix Dorband, Alfred Tareilus, Hans-Dieter Endres
  • Patent number: 11885254
    Abstract: A method for controlling a vehicle device (10) configured to cool of a vehicle unit (20) includes reading in temperature information which is functionally related to an operation of the vehicle unit (20) and determining a temperature gradient. The method also includes checking whether the information read in exceeds a threshold value for the information read in, checking whether the temperature gradient determined exceeds a threshold value, and emitting a signal for the control of the vehicle device (10) as a function of check results of the checking steps, in order to bring about the cooling of the vehicle unit (20) by the vehicle device (10). In addition, a control unit (100) for carrying out the method and a vehicle (200) with a control unit (100) of that type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Alexander Oguz
  • Patent number: 11885396
    Abstract: A transmission arrangement for an at least partially electrically driven vehicle includes a first electric machine defining a first central longitudinal axis and having a first gear stage and a second gear stage. The arrangement further includes a second electric machine defining a second longitudinal axis and having a first gear stage and a second gear stage. Further, the arrangement includes a transmission housing, with the first and second electric machines being arranged in the transmission housing. Additionally, the arrangement includes a differential drivingly connected to the second gear stages of the first and second electric machines. The first and second central longitudinal axes are axially parallel to each other on a circular path, the circular path being perpendicular to an output axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Timo Wehlen, Stephan Scharr, Eckhardt Lübke, Manfred Till
  • Patent number: 11885380
    Abstract: Claw-type shifting mechanism (5) with a first sliding sleeve (17) and a fixed coupling element (19). In order to produce a passage, the first sliding sleeve (17) and the coupling element (19) each respectively have at least one recess (31, 35) and at least one web section (32, 36), in which the first sliding sleeve (17) and the coupling element (19) can be arranged together radially on the outside on a first shaft. The first sliding sleeve (17) can be displaced along the first shaft and the coupling element (19) can be connected firmly to the first shaft. The drive arrangement (1) comprises at least one drive machine, a transmission with a first shaft, a second shaft and a third shaft, a housing, and a claw-type shifting mechanism (5) of this type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Stefan Renner, Martin Weiss
  • Patent number: 11885395
    Abstract: An electric transmission (10) for a motor vehicle drive train (12) with a first electric prime mover (14) and a second electric prime mover (18), includes a first transmission input shaft (30) having a first transmission connection for drivingly connecting the electric transmission to the first electric prime mover, a second transmission input shaft (32) having a second transmission connection for drivingly connecting the electric transmission to the second electric prime mover, a countershaft (36), gearwheel pairs of idler gears (42, 44, 50, 52, 62) and fixed gears (46, 48, 54, 65, 64) for forming gear steps and arranged in multiple gear set planes, a plurality of shift elements (38, 40) for engaging the gear steps, a planetary gear set (22) with a sun gear (24), a planet gear carrier, and a ring gear (28), and a third transmission input shaft (34) drivingly connected to the planet gear carrier of the planetary gear set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventor: Max Bachmann
  • Patent number: 11885401
    Abstract: A dual clutch transmission (1) includes a breather assembly (7) with a breather element (9). The breather element (9) includes at least one entry opening (24) facing a transmission interior and an outwardly facing exit opening (40). The breather assembly (7) also includes at least one oil collection element (8) arranged between the breather element (9) and an oil spray source (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Niko Zwerger, Michael Obergasser, Steffen Barth
  • Patent number: 11884362
    Abstract: A drive arrangement for a bicycle or pedelec includes a manual drive shaft (1) in a housing (2). A rotor (3) of a first electric drive (EM 1) is arranged axially parallel to the manual drive shaft (1), and a rotor (4) of a second electric drive (EM2) is arranged coaxially to the manual drive shaft (1). The rotor (3) of the first electric drive (EM 1) is coupled to a first planetary gear set (PS 1) as a superposition gearbox via a first fixed ratio. The rotor (4) of the second electric drive (EM 2) is coupled to the manual drive shaft (1) via a second fixed ratio. The manual drive shaft (1) is coupled to the first planetary gear set (PS 1) as the superposition gearbox, and the first planetary gear set (PS 1), as the superposition gearbox, is coupled to an output (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Johannes Kaltenbach, Uwe Griesmeier
  • Publication number: 20240026961
    Abstract: A continuously variable power-branched transmission has a shaft (4) that can be coupled to a drive motor, where the drive motor is connected to at least one variator (1). In order to obtain forward and reverse driving operation, the drive motor is coupled by way of spur gear pairs that can be engaged by means of driving direction clutches (KV, KR) to a drive output (13). The driving direction clutches (KV, KR) are arranged a distance apart.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2023
    Publication date: January 25, 2024
    Applicant: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Gerhard Milbradt, Christian Kreutle, Rainer Hildebrand, Taras Bidenko, Rudolf Zentsch, Jan Baudis, Stefan Dirnberger, Johannes Ziegler, Wiebke Breil, Giuseppe Muro
  • Publication number: 20240029935
    Abstract: A storage choke assembly for a multi-phase DC-to-DC converter for converting a DC input voltage to a DC charging voltage for charging a vehicle battery in an electric vehicle, fuel cell vehicle, or hybrid vehicle, includes a storage choke that has one or more coils, and a housing in which the storage choke is accommodated, wherein the housing has a first housing section and a second housing section, wherein the first housing section is made of a first thermosetting plastic and is in direct contact with one or more coils, wherein the second housing section is made of a second thermosetting plastic, wherein the first thermosetting plastic has a higher thermal conductivity than the second thermosetting plastic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2023
    Publication date: January 25, 2024
    Applicant: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Ivonne Trenz, Stefan Schaub, Rico Zeiler, Udo Zöllner
  • Publication number: 20240032260
    Abstract: A power electronics module includes a printed circuit board populated with numerous components of the power electronics module. Power semiconductors and DC and AC connecting elements are either placed adjacently to one another on an organic insulator, and each thermally and mechanically connected to a heat sink through the organic insulator, or the DC and AC connecting elements are placed between the power semiconductors and the heat sink and are thermally and mechanically connected to the heat sink and to the power semiconductors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2023
    Publication date: January 25, 2024
    Applicant: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Manuel Raimann, Pengshuai Wang
  • Publication number: 20240029934
    Abstract: An inductor includes a winding that has a predefined inductance, a soft magnetic winding core, and a housing that has a cooling surface for discharging heat from the inductor. This housing encases the winding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2023
    Publication date: January 25, 2024
    Applicant: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Ivonne Trenz, Pengshuai Wang
  • Publication number: 20240030773
    Abstract: An electric machine for driving a motor vehicle has a rotor with a rotor shaft (3), an axially fixed bearing, an axially floating bearing (5), a machine housing (7), a securing pin (19) and a protective element (24). The axially fixed bearing is fitted into the electric machine (1) rotationally fixed and not able to move in an axial direction (x) of the electric machine (1), whereas the axially floating bearing (5) is fitted in the machine housing (7) so that it can move in the axial direction (x). The securing pin (19) is designed to prevent an outer ring (10) of the floating bearing (5) from rotating in its circumferential direction (U) relative to the machine housing (7). The protective element (24) is designed to prevent the securing pin (19) from being driven into the machine housing (7) and blocking the floating bearing (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2021
    Publication date: January 25, 2024
    Applicant: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Vyacheslav Brushkivskyy, Gerhard Höring