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).
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Publication number: 20230010451Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2022Publication date: January 12, 2023Inventors: Christian Kuhmann, Falko Platzer, Tobias Brand, Florian Hannemann, Alexander Jungaberle
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Patent number: 11254299Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 11, 2020Date of Patent: February 22, 2022Assignee: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AGInventors: Alexander Jungaberle, Falko Platzer, Werner Wolfgang
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Patent number: 10793154Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 22, 2017Date of Patent: October 6, 2020Assignee: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AGInventors: Felix Bühle, Falko Platzer, Thomas Lemp
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Publication number: 20200254991Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2020Publication date: August 13, 2020Inventors: Alexander Jungaberle, Falko Platzer, Werner Wolfgang
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Patent number: 10309529Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 20, 2017Date of Patent: June 4, 2019Assignee: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AGInventors: Felix Bühle, Falko Platzer, Thomas Lemp
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Publication number: 20190143976Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 22, 2017Publication date: May 16, 2019Inventors: Felix Bühle, Falko Platzer, Thomas Lemp
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Patent number: 10274029Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 20, 2017Date of Patent: April 30, 2019Assignee: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AGInventors: Felix Bühle, Falko Platzer, Thomas Lemp
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Patent number: 10173665Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 5, 2016Date of Patent: January 8, 2019Assignee: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AGInventors: Thomas Lemp, Christoph Hess, Falko Platzer
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Publication number: 20170307071Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 20, 2017Publication date: October 26, 2017Inventors: Felix Bühle, Falko Platzer, Thomas Lemp
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Publication number: 20170307030Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 20, 2017Publication date: October 26, 2017Inventors: Felix Bühle, Falko Platzer, Thomas Lemp
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Publication number: 20160325736Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 5, 2016Publication date: November 10, 2016Inventors: Thomas Lemp, Christoph Hess, Falko Platzer
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Patent number: 8858390Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 22, 2010Date of Patent: October 14, 2014Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Peter Schiele, Falko Platzer, Michael Sohler
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Patent number: 8423230Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 20, 2010Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Klaus Steinhauser, Michael Sohler, Falko Platzer, Peter Schiele
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Publication number: 20120238404Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2010Publication date: September 20, 2012Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AGInventors: Peter Schiele, Falko Platzer, Michael Sohler
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Publication number: 20100312423Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2010Publication date: December 9, 2010Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AGInventors: Klaus STEINHAUSER, Michael SOHLER, Falko PLATZER, Peter SCHIELE