Patents by Inventor Ferdinand Grob

Ferdinand Grob 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: 6801862
    Abstract: A method of controlling the braking force in a vehicle has the following steps: determining actual values of controlled variables; determining setpoint values of controlled variables; comparing the actual values with the setpoint values, thereby obtaining comparison results; and influencing wheel forces on the basis of the comparison results, wheel forces being used as controlled variables, the actual values of the wheel forces being determined by a sensor system which measures the wheel force, torques having a modulation frequency being generated at the wheels, whereby the slip of the wheels and the wheel force of the wheels are modifiable, the slip of the wheels and the wheel forces of the wheels are analyzed, and the setpoint values of the wheel forces are determined from the analysis of the slip of the wheels and the wheel forces of the wheels. A system for controlling the braking force in a vehicle is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Ferdinand Grob, Dietmar Arndt, Rolf Maier-Landgrebe
  • Patent number: 6712044
    Abstract: A method is provided for starting an internal combustion engine which includes a starter, an ignition, pressure store and injection valves for injecting fuel directly into the engine. An electrical high pressure pump is connected to an electrical fuel pump downstream thereof for pumping the fuel into the pressure store. The electrical fuel pump and the electrical high pressure pump are first switched on together with the ignition in order to generate a pressure in the pressure store adequate for the injection of the fuel. Then, the starter is switched on after a time duration after the electric fuel pump and the electrical high pressure fuel pump are switched on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Helmut Rembold, Ferdinand Grob, Hartmut Bauer, Uwe Maienberg, Klaus Scherrbacher
  • Patent number: 6687592
    Abstract: In a monitoring device for a vehicle including a drive engine, the monitoring device monitors the power train of the vehicle. The monitoring device includes an arrangement configured to generate a first signal which indicates a setpoint drive torque, a sensor system which measures an actual drive torque and generates a second signal which indicates the actual drive torque, and an analyzer which receives the first signal and the second signal in order to identify possible fault conditions in the power train of the vehicle. Furthermore, a method is for monitoring the power train of a vehicle, and a device is for performing the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Ferdinand Grob, Dietmar Arndt, Rolf Maier-Landgrebe
  • Publication number: 20040019422
    Abstract: A method of controlling the braking force in a vehicle has the following steps: determining actual values of controlled variables; determining setpoint values of controlled variables; comparing the actual values with the setpoint values, thereby obtaining comparison results; and influencing wheel forces on the basis of the comparison results, wheel forces being used as controlled variables, the actual values of the wheel forces being determined by a sensor system which measures the wheel force, torques having a modulation frequency being generated at the wheels, whereby the slip of the wheels and the wheel force of the wheels are modifiable, the slip of the wheels and the wheel forces of the wheels are analyzed, and the setpoint values of the wheel forces are determined from the analysis of the slip of the wheels and the wheel forces of the wheels. A system for controlling the braking force in a vehicle is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Ferdinand Grob, Dietmar Arndt, Rolf Maier-Landgrebe
  • Patent number: 6581559
    Abstract: The invention relates to a pulse starting method for an internal combustion engine in which, during a wind-up phase, a flywheel mass is accelerated in a rotary driven fashion and then during a coupling phase, the rotating flywheel mass is coupled to a rotatably supported shaft of the engine, preferably the crankshaft, in order transmit torque, which is distinguished by the fact that during the wind-up phase (15) and/or the coupling phase (21, 22), the rotational speed progression of the flywheel mass (3) is evaluated, that based on this evaluation, a deduction is made as to whether a successful start of the engine (1) is possible, and that if a successful start is not expected, the shaft (2) is used to bring the engine (1) into an operating position that is favorable for a subsequent second starting attempt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Ferdinand Grob, Peter Ahner, Manfred Ackermann
  • Patent number: 6564135
    Abstract: A braking torque regulator for a vehicle includes a braking energy recovery arrangement that is able to generate a first braking torque which may not exceed a maximum first braking torque, and a mechanical brake system that is able to generate a second braking torque. The braking torque regulator is supplied with a setpoint braking torque, and the first braking torque and/or the second braking torque is regulated by the braking torque regulator so that the setpoint braking torque is used to correct an actual braking torque detected by a sensor system. A method is for regulating a braking torque in a vehicle and circuitry for a braking torque regulator for a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Ferdinand Grob, Dietmar Arndt, Rolf Maier-Landgrebe
  • Patent number: 6467255
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine (1) especially for a motor vehicle is described. The engine is provided with an injection valve (10) with which the fuel is injected for a combustion, can be injected directly into a combustion chamber (4) of a cylinder (3) in a first operating mode during an induction phase and in a second operating mode during a compression phase. A spark plug (11) is provided with which the fuel, which is injected in both operating modes, is ignited. A catalytic converter (13) is provided for storing nitrous oxides arising during the combustion. With a control apparatus (12), the operating variables of the engine (1) can be controlled (open-loop and/or closed-loop) in both operating modes. A gear change into another gear stage and a switchover into the first operating mode can be carried out approximately simultaneously by the control apparatus (12). The switchover into the first operating mode is provided for discharging the nitrous oxides stored in the catalytic converter (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Ferdinand Grob, Uwe Maienberg
  • Publication number: 20020143456
    Abstract: A braking torque regulator for a vehicle includes a braking energy recovery arrangement that is able to generate a first braking torque which may not exceed a maximum first braking torque, and a mechanical brake system that is able to generate a second braking torque. The braking torque regulator is supplied with a setpoint braking torque, and the first braking torque and/or the second braking torque is regulated by the braking torque regulator so that the setpoint braking torque is used to correct an actual braking torque detected by a sensor system. A method is for regulating a braking torque in a vehicle and circuitry for a braking torque regulator for a vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2002
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Inventors: Ferdinand Grob, Dietmar Arndt, Rolf Maier-Landgrebe
  • Patent number: 6458059
    Abstract: To avoid unnecessary energy consumption and to improve king performance, in a transmission unit for a motor vehicle, having a drive train (4, 8, 5) which is intended for coupling to an internal combustion engine (1) on the one hand and wheels (6) of the vehicle on the other, and having an electrical machine (9) and a transmission (7), which constructed for torque transmission from the electrical machine (9) to the drive train (4, 8, 5) and vice versa, it is provided that the transmission (7) has an idling switching state, in which no torque transmission from the electrical machine (9) to the drive train (4, 8, 5) occurs. For controlling the switching states, a control circuit (11) is provided, which preferably operates by an automatic method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Ferdinand Grob, Juergen Loeffler, Martin-Peter Bolz, Holger Huelser
  • Publication number: 20020116108
    Abstract: In a monitoring device for a vehicle including a drive engine, the monitoring device monitors the power train of the vehicle. The monitoring device includes an arrangement configured to generate a first signal which indicates a setpoint drive torque, a sensor system which measures an actual drive torque and generates a second signal which indicates the actual drive torque, and an analyzer which receives the first signal and the second signal in order to identify possible fault conditions in the power train of the vehicle. Furthermore, a method is for monitoring the power train of a vehicle, and a device is for performing the method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventors: Ferdinand Grob, Dietmar Arndt, Rolf Maier-Landgrebe
  • Patent number: 6409622
    Abstract: The synchronous or asynchronous electrical machine for an internal combustion engine can operate alternately in a starter mode during engine starting and a generator mode during engine operation in order to eliminate the need for a separate starter and generator. The electrical machine includes a two-stage planetary gear device coupled to a shaft of the internal combustion engine. The two-stage planetary gear device includes two stages with ring gears and respective braking devices assigned to the two stages that prevent the ring gears of those stages from rotating when engaged therewith. The two-stage planetary gear device operates with different gear ratios in the starter mode and the generator mode. The gear ratio in the starter mode is between 4 and 60 and between 1.6 and 4 in the generator mode. The ratio of the gear ratios in the starter mode and the generator mode must be at least two.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Martin-Peter Bolz, Ferdinand Grob, Stefan Tumback
  • Patent number: 6408822
    Abstract: A fuel supply system (1) for an internal combustion engine, especially of a motor vehicle, is described which is provided with an accumulator (2) and a pump (6, 10). Fuel can be supplied to the accumulator (2) with the pump (6, 10). A control apparatus (16) is provided for controlling (open loop and/or closed loop) the pressure in the accumulator (2) by a pressure control valve (4). With the control apparatus (16), the pressure control valve (4) can be closed when the engine is intended to be started but no rotational movement is yet present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Helmut Rembold, Ferdinand Grob, Hartmut Bauer, Uwe Maienberg, Klaus Scherrbacher
  • Patent number: 6298831
    Abstract: A fuel supply system for an internal combustion engine, in particular of a motor vehicle, is equipped with a pressure accumulator and a high-pressure pump with which fuel can be delivered to the pressure accumulator. Also provided is a control device with which at least the pressure in the pressure accumulator can be controlled. When the internal combustion engine is in coastdown (overrun) mode, the pump output of the high-pressure pump can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Helmut Rembold, Ferdinand Grob, Hartmut Bauer, Uwe Maienberg, Klaus Scherrbacher
  • Patent number: 6209521
    Abstract: A fuel-supply system for an internal combustion engine, particularly of a motor vehicle. The fuel-supply system is provided with a pump for delivering fuel into a storage chamber and for producing a pressure in the storage chamber. In addition, provision is made for a pressure sensor for measuring an actual value of the pressure in the storage chamber, as well as a pressure-control valve for influencing the pressure in the storage chamber. A control unit is provided with means by which the pressure in the storage chamber is controllable to a setpoint value. In addition, the control unit is provided with means by which the closed-loop control of the pressure in the storage chamber is able to be superseded by an open-loop control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Helmut Rembold, Ferdinand Grob, Dirk Mentgen, Heinz Stutzenberger
  • Patent number: 6202614
    Abstract: The invention relates to a drive assembly of a motor vehicle, having a internal combustion engine and an electrical machine coupled or capable of being coupled to a crankshaft of the engine, wherein the electrical machine can be switched to motor and generator modes, and having an electronic control unit for controlling direct injection and ignition of the engine. It is provided that at the start of the engine (12) the crankshaft (16) can be put in a predeterminable starting position via the electrical machine (22) switched for motor operation, and upon attaining the starting position of the crankshaft (16), the ignition of the fuel injected into a starting cylinder (14) is effected, and via the electrical machine (22), a torque can be exerted on the crankshaft (16) during the entire starting operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Ferdinand Grob, Gerhard Koelle, Peter Ahner, Klaus Harms, Manfred Ackermann
  • Patent number: 6050232
    Abstract: A method is provided for starting an internal combustion engine for a motor vehicle, and an internal combustion engine is provided which employs such method. The internal combustion engine includes a piston which can move in a cylinder and can execute an intake stroke, a compression stroke, a power stroke and an exhaust stroke. In addition, a control unit is provided with which fuel can be injected directly into a combustion chamber, which is delimited by the cylinder and the piston either during a compression stroke in a first operating mode or during an intake stroke in a second operating mode. The control unit is designed so that for starting, fuel can be injected in a first injection directly into the combustion chamber whose respective piston is in the power stroke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Ferdinand Grob, Dieter Volz, Klaus Scherrbacher
  • Patent number: 5947863
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for controlling the input torque of a transmission mounted downstream of an internal combustion engine during a gear ratio changing operation of the transmission. The input torque is increased or decreased by pregiven measures beyond the value thereof present at the start of the shifting operation in dependence upon mode of shifting present. The method includes performing at least one of the following steps to realize at least one of the measures: actuating a device for changing the geometric characteristics of the exhaust-gas system of the engine; actuating the electromagnetic brake controlling the input torque of the transmission; switching in or switching out ancillary equipment driven by the engine; actuating the intake or exhaust valves of the engine to generate a negative combustion torque; and, if the engine is an engine having externally supplied ignition, advancing the ignition time point of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Ferdinand Grob, Martin-Peter Bolz, Christian Schwientek, Holger Huelser
  • Patent number: 5832886
    Abstract: An apparatus for adjusting a camshaft of an internal combustion engine, having first and second shafts, of which the first shaft is driven to rotate at least indirectly by the engine and of which at least the second shaft is embodied as a camshaft for actuating a gas exchange valve of the engine, and the transmission of the rotary motion of the driven first shaft to the driven second shaft is effected by means of a coupling gear, by way of which moreover the relative rotary position of the shafts to one another can be varied. For the freest possible adjustment of the phase location of the shafts to one another, the coupling gear is embodied between the shafts as a planetary gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Ferdinand Grob, Udo Sieber
  • Patent number: 5755198
    Abstract: A control device for a direct-injection gasoline engine with sensors for operating parameters, a signal processing unit, as well as metering and actuating devices for at least fuel mass, fuel pressure, air mass, and ignition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Ferdinand Grob, Hartmut Bauer, Uwe Maienberg, Klaus Scherrbacher
  • Patent number: 5739417
    Abstract: A method and a device for controlling an internal combustion engine, in particular a diesel gasoline engine. The output signal from at least one structure-borne noise sensor is supplied to at least one first and one second filter means, which exhibit different response characteristics. On the basis of the output signals from the filmer means, at least two quantities that characterize the combustion and/or the injection in the internal combustion engine are able to be determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Ferdinand Grob, Uwe Reuter, Uwe Maienberg, Klaus Scherrbacher