Patents by Inventor Falko PLATZER

Falko PLATZER 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).

  • Publication number: 20230010451
    Abstract: A method for operating a hybrid vehicle includes, determining a shift element to be utilized for decoupling of slip and a decoupling differential speed depending on whether a starting process is carried out, depending on whether the transmission is transferred from a torque-transmitting state into a non-torque-transmitting state or from a non-torque-transmitting state into a torque-transmitting state, depending on whether a gear ratio change is carried out, and depending on whether the hybrid vehicle includes a hydrodynamic starting component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2022
    Publication date: January 12, 2023
    Inventors: Christian Kuhmann, Falko Platzer, Tobias Brand, Florian Hannemann, Alexander Jungaberle
  • Patent number: 11254299
    Abstract: A method for operating a drive train of a motor vehicle may include, for a starting process of an internal combustion engine, transferring the separating clutch from a disengaged condition into an engaged condition or a slip state such that the electric machine accelerates the internal combustion engine to a starting speed. The method may further include actuating a torque-transmitting element between the electric machine and the output shaft to enter a slip state. The method may also include increasing the torque of the electric machine to reliably reach and hold the slip state of the torque-transmitting element. Additionally, the method may include operating the electric machine as a generator or as a motor depending on an expected load direction of the drive train during the starting process to reliably reach and hold the torque-transmitting element in the slip state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Alexander Jungaberle, Falko Platzer, Werner Wolfgang
  • Patent number: 10793154
    Abstract: A method for operating a drive train of a motor vehicle, the drive train having at least one transmission (2) for carrying out different transmission gear ratios between an input shaft (21) and an output shaft (22) of the transmission (2) by selectively engaging hydraulically actuatable shift elements of the transmission (G), the drive train further having an electric machine as a drive source (1), and a hydraulically actuatable or bridgeable starting component (3) in the power path between the drive source (1) and the output shaft (22). The method includes performing a starting process of the motor vehicle driven solely by the drive source (1) with an engaged or bridged starting component (3). The method further includes limiting a drive source torque (1t) during the starting process to a maximum value dependent on a current system pressure (2p) of a hydraulic system of the transmission (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Felix Bühle, Falko Platzer, Thomas Lemp
  • Publication number: 20200254991
    Abstract: A method for operating a drive train of a motor vehicle may include, for a starting process of an internal combustion engine, transferring the separating clutch from a disengaged condition into an engaged condition or a slip state such that the electric machine accelerates the internal combustion engine to a starting speed. The method may further include actuating a torque-transmitting element between the electric machine and the output shaft to enter a slip state. The method may also include increasing the torque of the electric machine to reliably reach and hold the slip state of the torque-transmitting element. Additionally, the method may include operating the electric machine as a generator or as a motor depending on an expected load direction of the drive train during the starting process to reliably reach and hold the torque-transmitting element in the slip state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2020
    Publication date: August 13, 2020
    Inventors: Alexander Jungaberle, Falko Platzer, Werner Wolfgang
  • Patent number: 10309529
    Abstract: A method for operating a drivetrain of a motor vehicle, includes, when the motor vehicle is at a standstill and upon demand for a drive torque of the motor vehicle, increasing power (25p) supplied to a separate electric pump drive (25) such that a pressure chamber whose pressurization effects a complete closure or lock-up of a launch element (3) is fast charged with hydraulic pressure from a pump (24). The method also includes performing a launch process of the motor vehicle with the drive source (1) and with a closed or locked-up launch element (3) and reducing the power (25p) supplied to the separate electric pump drive (25) after fast charging the pressure chamber. A related drive train module is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Felix Bühle, Falko Platzer, Thomas Lemp
  • Publication number: 20190143976
    Abstract: A method for operating a drive train of a motor vehicle, the drive train having at least one transmission (2) for carrying out different transmission gear ratios between an input shaft (21) and an output shaft (22) of the transmission (2) by selectively engaging hydraulically actuatable shift elements of the transmission (G), the drive train further having an electric machine as a drive source (1), and a hydraulically actuatable or bridgeable starting component (3) in the power path between the drive source (1) and the output shaft (22). The method includes performing a starting process of the motor vehicle driven solely by the drive source (1) with an engaged or bridged starting component (3). The method further includes limiting a drive source torque (1t) during the starting process to a maximum value dependent on a current system pressure (2p) of a hydraulic system of the transmission (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2017
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventors: Felix Bühle, Falko Platzer, Thomas Lemp
  • Patent number: 10274029
    Abstract: A method for operating a drive train of a motor vehicle includes performing a startup operation of the motor vehicle or a stopping operation of the motor vehicle. A starting component (3) is engaged or bridged during the startup operation or the stopping operation of the motor vehicle. The startup operation is driven by a drive source (1). The method also includes comparing an actual value of an output shaft (22) based variable with a target value of the output shaft (22) based variable during the startup operation or the stopping operation and, on reaching or exceeding a specific deviation of the actual value from the target value, moving the starting component (3) into a slipping state. The starting component (3) transmits torque in the slipping state. A related drive train module for a motor vehicle is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Felix Bühle, Falko Platzer, Thomas Lemp
  • Patent number: 10173665
    Abstract: A method for operating a drive train of a motor vehicle is provided, the drive train featuring a first drive assembly formed as an internal combustion engine a second drive assembly formed as an electric motor, a start-up element and a transmission). The start-up element features a converter and a lock-up clutch and is connected between the electric motor and the transmission. The electric motor is connected between the internal combustion engine and the start-up element. If a decoupling of the lock-up clutch is requested, the lock-up clutch of the start-up element is initially brought into slip. If the slip at the lock-up clutch of the start-up element reaches a threshold or is greater than the threshold, a target rotational speed is subsequently predetermined for the electric motor and the rotational speed of the electric motor is adjusted to such target rotational speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Thomas Lemp, Christoph Hess, Falko Platzer
  • Publication number: 20170307071
    Abstract: A method for operating a drivetrain of a motor vehicle, includes, when the motor vehicle is at a standstill and upon demand for a drive torque of the motor vehicle, increasing power (25p) supplied to a separate electric pump drive (25) such that a pressure chamber whose pressurization effects a complete closure or lock-up of a launch element (3) is fast charged with hydraulic pressure from a pump (24). The method also includes performing a launch process of the motor vehicle with the drive source (1) and with a closed or locked-up launch element (3) and reducing the power (25p) supplied to the separate electric pump drive (25) after fast charging the pressure chamber. A related drive train module is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2017
    Publication date: October 26, 2017
    Inventors: Felix Bühle, Falko Platzer, Thomas Lemp
  • Publication number: 20170307030
    Abstract: A method for operating a drive train of a motor vehicle includes performing a startup operation of the motor vehicle or a stopping operation of the motor vehicle. A starting component (3) is engaged or bridged during the startup operation or the stopping operation of the motor vehicle. The startup operation is driven by a drive source (1). The method also includes comparing an actual value of an output shaft (22) based variable with a target value of the output shaft (22) based variable during the startup operation or the stopping operation and, on reaching or exceeding a specific deviation of the actual value from the target value, moving the starting component (3) into a slipping state. The starting component (3) transmits torque in the slipping state. A related drive train module for a motor vehicle is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2017
    Publication date: October 26, 2017
    Inventors: Felix Bühle, Falko Platzer, Thomas Lemp
  • Publication number: 20160325736
    Abstract: A method for operating a drive train of a motor vehicle is provided, the drive train featuring a first drive assembly formed as an internal combustion engine a second drive assembly formed as an electric motor, a start-up element and a transmission). The start-up element features a converter and a lock-up clutch and is connected between the electric motor and the transmission. The electric motor is connected between the internal combustion engine and the start-up element. If a decoupling of the lock-up clutch is requested, the lock-up clutch of the start-up element is initially brought into slip. If the slip at the lock-up clutch of the start-up element reaches a threshold or is greater than the threshold, a target rotational speed is subsequently predetermined for the electric motor and the rotational speed of the electric motor is adjusted to such target rotational speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2016
    Publication date: November 10, 2016
    Inventors: Thomas Lemp, Christoph Hess, Falko Platzer
  • Patent number: 8858390
    Abstract: A method of operating a drive train having a hybrid drive including a combustion engine and electric motor, a clutch located between the engine and the motor, a transmission, a starting element and a brake pedal. For electric crawling from a state in which the clutch is disengaged, the brake pedal is activated and the combustion engine is turned off, initially the starting element is brought to or maintained at a filling pressure. Next, the rotational speed of the electric motor is adjusted to be higher, by a defined slippage rotational speed, than a transmission side rotational speed. When this slippage is reached, the starting element is further engaged to create a crawl torque at the output. The electric motor continues at rotational speed control so that the slippage is maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Peter Schiele, Falko Platzer, Michael Sohler
  • Patent number: 8423230
    Abstract: An method for controlling a parallel hybrid drive-train of a vehicle comprising an automatic transmission and a combustion engine which is connected, via a first shifting device, to an electrical machine, which is connected, via a drive shaft, a starting clutch positioned in the transmission. To guarantee safety and high drive comfort of the vehicle during failure of the starting clutch, shifting failures of the starting clutch are monitored. If a shifting failure is recognized, predetermined contingency procedures are initiated and executed in which either continued drive of the vehicle or slowing down of the vehicle to a stop is possible. A device comprises a monitor with a sensor and parts for analyzing and recognizing shifting failures of the starting clutch. Control parts initiate and execute contingency procedures such that a continued drive operation or slowing down of the vehicle to a stop is possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Klaus Steinhauser, Michael Sohler, Falko Platzer, Peter Schiele
  • Publication number: 20120238404
    Abstract: A method of operating a drive train having a hybrid drive including a combustion engine and electric motor, a clutch located between the engine and the motor, a transmission, a starting element and a brake pedal. For electric crawling from a state in which the clutch is disengaged, the brake pedal is activated and the combustion engine is turned off, initially the starting element is brought to or maintained at a filling pressure. Next, the rotational speed of the electric motor is adjusted to be higher, by a defined slippage rotational speed, than a transmission side rotational speed. When this slippage is reached, the starting element is further engaged to create a crawl torque at the output. The electric motor continues at rotational speed control so that the slippage is maintained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Peter Schiele, Falko Platzer, Michael Sohler
  • Publication number: 20100312423
    Abstract: An method for controlling a parallel hybrid drive-train of a vehicle comprising an automatic transmission and a combustion engine which is connected, via a first shifting device, to an electrical machine, which is connected, via a drive shaft, a starting clutch positioned in the transmission. To guarantee safety and high drive comfort of the vehicle during failure of the starting clutch, shifting failures of the starting clutch are monitored. If a shifting failure is recognized, predetermined contingency procedures are initiated and executed in which either continued drive of the vehicle or slowing down of the vehicle to a stop is possible. A device comprises a monitor with a sensor and parts for analyzing and recognizing shifting failures of the starting clutch. Control parts initiate and execute contingency procedures such that a continued drive operation or slowing down of the vehicle to a stop is possible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Klaus STEINHAUSER, Michael SOHLER, Falko PLATZER, Peter SCHIELE