Patents by Inventor Klaus Steinhauser

Klaus Steinhauser 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: 9845841
    Abstract: A method of operating a transmission which is shifted to various operating conditions by engaging shifting elements. At least one of the shifting elements is an interlocking shifting element which has to be engaged to obtain at least one defined operating condition of the transmission during which force flows between an input and an output shaft. When a command is received to engage the interlocking shifting element, a rotational speed of the transmission input shaft is displaced in the direction toward a synchronous rotational speed produced in the engaged operating condition of the interlocking shifting element at least as a function of the rotational speed of the transmission output shaft. When the variation of the rotational speed of the transmission input shaft crosses a predefined rotational speed threshold, the interlocking shifting element is actuated in its engaging direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Jorg Arnold, Klaus Steinhauser
  • Patent number: 9593769
    Abstract: A method for operating a drive train that includes a converter as the start-up element, an automatic transmission, and an output, whereas, after start of the drive unit, the rotational speed of a turbine of the converter is monitored, whereas, if it is determined that, within a defined first time frame after the start of the drive unit, the rotational speed of the turbine reaches or exceeds a first threshold value, a properly filled converter is inferred. If, within the defined first time frame, the rotational speed of the turbine falls short of the first threshold value, an improperly filled converter or a converter that has run empty is inferred.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Jörg Arnold, Klaus Steinhauser, Thilo Schmidt
  • Patent number: 9574585
    Abstract: A method is provided for the operation of an assembly of a vehicle, whereas the assembly is transferable from an unactuated position into an actuated position by a pressure medium-actuated actuator if two redundant pressure medium valves both occupy a pressure supply position. For the functional test of one of the valves, a first valve is controlled to occupy the pressure supply position, and the second valve is controlled so as not to occupy the pressure supply position. If, upon this control of the two valves at the pressure medium-actuated actuator or at the assembly to be operated by the pressure medium-actuated actuator, no reaction is detected, there is a correct operation at a proper second valve. If, despite this control of the two valves, at the pressure medium-actuated actuator or at the assembly to be operated by the pressure medium-actuated actuator, a reaction is detected, there is an improper operation at a defective second pressure medium valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Jörg Arnold, Thilo Schmidt, Klaus Steinhauser
  • Patent number: 9534664
    Abstract: A method of operating a transmission which is shifted to various operating conditions by engaging shifting elements. At least one of the shifting elements is an interlocking shifting element which has to be engaged to obtain at least one defined operating condition of the transmission during which power flows between an input and an output shaft. When a command is received to engage the interlocking shifting element, a rotational speed of the transmission input shaft is displaced in the direction toward a synchronous rotational speed produced in the engaged operating condition of the interlocking shifting element at least as a function of the rotational speed of the transmission output shaft. When the variation of the rotational speed of the transmission input shaft crosses a predefined rotational speed threshold, the interlocking shifting element is actuated in its engaging direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Jorg Arnold, Klaus Steinhauser
  • Patent number: 9500262
    Abstract: A method of operating a transmission device having gears that are engaged by actuating shifting elements. At least one of the shifting elements is an interlocking shifting element which has to be engaged in at least one gear to transmit drive between an input and an output shaft. When a command is received to engage the interlocking shifting element, a rotational speed of the input shaft is displaced in the direction toward a synchronous rotation speed produced in the engaged operating condition of the interlocking shifting element at least as a function of the rotational speed of the output shaft. The engagement process of the interlocking shifting element from its disengaged operating condition is discontinued if, before reaching the synchronous rotational speed, the variation of the rotational speed of the input shaft crosses a predefined rotational speed threshold without initiating engagement of the interlocking shifting element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Jorg Arnold, Klaus Steinhauser
  • Patent number: 9476503
    Abstract: In a method for operating an automatic transmission having multiple frictional-locking shifting elements and at least one positive-locking shifting element, for the representation of a transmission ratio stage, at least three shifting elements are closed. For a shifting process between two specified transmission ratio stages, at least two shifting elements are opened and at least two shifting elements, including at least one positive-locking shifting element and at least one frictional-locking shifting element, are closed. In the chronological sequence of the shifting process, the closing of the positive-locking shifting element takes place only after all frictional-locking shifting elements are closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Klaus Steinhauser, Valentine Vincent
  • Patent number: 9354140
    Abstract: A method of determining a fill current value of a converter lock-up clutch of an automatic transmission. The automatic transmission comprises a hydrodynamic converter, at which a speed ratio arises, and an output shaft. In a control sequence with the output shaft being stationary, the speed ratio is influenced by changing the control current, and the fill current value is determined from the progression of the speed ratio arising, during the control sequence, in conjunction with the progression of the control current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Jörg Arnold, Thilo Schmidt, Valentine Herbeth, Klaus Steinhauser
  • Patent number: 9328820
    Abstract: A method for detecting a malfunctioning shift element in an automatic transmission is provided. The method includes operating the automatic transmission in an intermediate gear. A selected shift element of the automatic transmission is commanded to a disengaged configuration in the intermediate gear. The method also includes measuring a gear ratio of the automatic transmission while the automatic transmission is operating in the intermediate gear, and determining whether the selected shift element of the automatic transmission is malfunctioning based at least in part on the gear ratio of the automatic transmission in the intermediate gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Klaus Steinhauser, Jens Weller, Georg Mihatsch, Jörg Arnold
  • Publication number: 20160102758
    Abstract: A method for detecting a malfunctioning shift element in an automatic transmission is provided. The method includes operating the automatic transmission in an intermediate gear. A selected shift element of the automatic transmission is commanded to a disengaged configuration in the intermediate gear. The method also includes measuring a gear ratio of the automatic transmission while the automatic transmission is operating in the intermediate gear, and determining whether the selected shift element of the automatic transmission is malfunctioning based at least in part on the gear ratio of the automatic transmission in the intermediate gear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2014
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Inventors: Klaus Steinhauser, Jens Weller, Georg Mihatsch, Jörg Arnold
  • Publication number: 20150260282
    Abstract: Method for operating a drive train, which includes a drive unit (1), a converter (5) as the start-up element, an automatic transmission (2) and an output (3), whereas, after the start of the drive unit (1), the rotational speed of a turbine (7) of the converter (5) is monitored, whereas, if it is thereby determined that, within a defined first time frame after the start of the drive unit (1), the rotational speed of the turbine (7) of the converter (5) reaches or exceeds a first threshold value, a properly filled converter (5) is inferred, whereas, if, within the defined first time frame after the start of the drive unit (1), the rotational speed of the turbine (7) of the converter (5) does not reach or exceed a first threshold value, an improperly filled converter (5) or a converter that has run empty (5) is inferred.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2015
    Publication date: September 17, 2015
    Inventors: Jörg Arnold, Klaus Steinhauser, Thilo Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20150167838
    Abstract: In a method for operating an automatic transmission (1), comprising multiple frictional-locking shifting elements (B, C, D, E) and at least one positive-locking shifting element (A, F), whereas, for the representation of a transmission ratio stage and thus a power flow through the automatic transmission (1), at least three shifting elements are closed, whereas, for a shifting process between two specified transmission ratio stages (“7” and “3”), at least two shifting elements (D, E) are opened and at least two shifting elements (B, F), including at least one positive-locking shifting element (F) and at least one frictional-locking shifting element (B), are closed, in the chronological sequence of the shifting process, the closing of the positive-locking shifting element (F) takes place only after all frictional-locking shifting elements (B) are closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2013
    Publication date: June 18, 2015
    Inventors: Klaus Steinhauser, Valentine Vincent
  • Patent number: 9002598
    Abstract: A method of determining a fill current value of at least one frictionally engaging shift element of an automatic transmission. The automatic transmission includes a hydrodynamic converter at which a speed ratio arises and an output shaft. In a control sequence, with a stationary output shaft, the speed ratio is influenced by changing a control current, and the fill current value is determined from the progression of the speed ratio arising during the control sequence, in conjunction with the progression of the control current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Thilo Schmidt, Valentine Herbeth, Klaus Steinhauser, Jorg Arnold
  • Publication number: 20150040549
    Abstract: Method for the operation of an assembly of a vehicle, whereas the assembly is transferable from an unactuated position into an actuated position by a pressure medium-actuated actuator, if two redundant pressure medium valves both occupy a pressure supply position, whereas, for the functional test of one of the redundant pressure medium valves, a first pressure medium valve is controlled in such a manner that the same occupies the pressure supply position, whereas a second pressure medium valve is controlled in such a manner that the same does not occupy the pressure supply position, and whereas if, upon this control of the two pressure medium valves at the pressure medium-actuated actuator or at the assembly to be operated by the pressure medium-actuated actuator, no reaction is detected, there is a closing at a proper second pressure medium valve, whereas if, despite this control of the two pressure medium valves at the pressure medium-actuated actuator or at the assembly to be operated by the pressure mediu
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Jörg Arnold, Thilo Schmidt, Klaus Steinhauser
  • Publication number: 20140230589
    Abstract: A method of operating a transmission device having gears that are engaged by actuating shifting elements. At least one of the shifting elements is an interlocking shifting element which has to be engaged in at least one gear to transmit drive between an input and an output shaft. When a command is received to engage the interlocking shifting element, a rotational speed of the input shaft is displaced in the direction toward a synchronous rotation speed produced in the engaged operating condition of the interlocking shifting element at least as a function of the rotational speed of the output shaft. The engagement process of the interlocking shifting element from its disengaged operating condition is discontinued if, before reaching the synchronous rotational speed, the variation of the rotational speed of the input shaft crosses a predefined rotational speed threshold without initiating engagement of the interlocking shifting element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Jorg ARNOLD, Klaus STEINHAUSER
  • Publication number: 20140230590
    Abstract: A method of operating a transmission which is shifted to various operating conditions by engaging shifting elements. At least one of the shifting elements is an interlocking shifting element which has to be engaged to obtain at least one defined operating condition of the transmission during which power flows between an input and an output shaft. When a command is received to engage the interlocking shifting element, a rotational speed of the transmission input shaft is displaced in the direction toward a synchronous rotational speed produced in the engaged operating condition of the interlocking shifting element at least as a function of the rotational speed of the transmission output shaft. When the variation of the rotational speed of the transmission input shaft crosses a predefined rotational speed threshold, the interlocking shifting element is actuated in its engaging direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Jorg ARNOLD, Klaus STEINHAUSER
  • Publication number: 20140230588
    Abstract: A method of operating a transmission which is shifted to various operating conditions by engaging shifting elements. At least one of the shifting elements is an interlocking shifting element which has to be engaged to obtain at least one defined operating condition of the transmission during which force flows between an input and an output shaft. When a command is received to engage the interlocking shifting element, a rotational speed of the transmission input shaft is displaced in the direction toward a synchronous rotational speed produced in the engaged operating condition of the interlocking shifting element at least as a function of the rotational speed of the transmission output shaft. When the variation of the rotational speed of the transmission input shaft crosses a predefined rotational speed threshold, the interlocking shifting element is actuated in its engaging direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Jorg ARNOLD, Klaus STEINHAUSER
  • Patent number: 8788163
    Abstract: A method of operating a vehicle drive-train with an engine and a transmission during a gearshift in which an interlocking shift element is disengaged and a frictional shift element is engaged. Upon a shift command, the shifting time and a transmission input speed are monitored. If the input speed deviates from a synchronous speed equivalent to the gear ratio being disengaged, recognizing disengagement of the interlocking shifting element. If an engaged operating condition of the interlocking shifting element to be disengaged is detected, after the lapse of a time interval beginning with the shift command, a current drive torque of the drive machine is brought by motor actuation to a level that corresponds to a difference between the current transmission input torque and a torque that can be transmitted by the frictional shifting element to be engaged, operating with slip, plus a torque offset value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Jorg Arnold, Klaus Steinhauser, Valentine Herbeth, Christian Popp
  • Patent number: 8775042
    Abstract: A method of controlling the system pressure in an automatic transmission having interlocking shifting elements in which, during shifts and gear engagement and gear disengagement processes involving interlocking shifting elements, as a function of the engagement and disengagement times of the interlocking shifting elements involved and the shift conditions of the frictional shifting elements involved, the system pressure is increased to an elevated pressure that enables rapid engagement or disengagement of the interlocking shifting elements, in such manner that the system pressure is increased in at least two phases whose timing depends on the shift conditions of at least one of the shifting elements involved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichschafen AG
    Inventors: Klaus Steinhauser, Andreas Schmidt, Christian Villing
  • Patent number: 8762016
    Abstract: A method of actuating a form-locking shift element of a transmission. To shift from a current gear to a target gear, an actuation time is determined for the locking shift element to be engaged during a gear shift depending on a reaction time of the assemblies participating during actuation of the locking shift element, an engaging time of the locking shift element, and at least one filtered signal such that the locking shift element is engaged within a specified rotational speed window encompassing a specified differential rotational speed. It is verified whether the locking shift element can be engaged within the specified rotational speed window depending on at least one unfiltered signal, and, if the locking shift element can be engaged within the specified rotational speed window, the actuation is unaffected; conversely, if the locking shift element cannot be engaged within the specified rotational speed window, the actuation is affected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Klaus Steinhauser
  • Patent number: 8751122
    Abstract: A method of monitoring an emergency condition in an automatic transmission, with which, by comparing a theoretical with an actual rotational speed, measured on the transmission input side, overlap of the activated emergency condition, with a gear engagement process called for during the normal condition, is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Jorg Arnold, Michael Sohler, Klaus Steinhauser, Thilo Schmidt