Patents by Inventor Manfred Hellmann

Manfred Hellmann 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: 11807118
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for operating a voltage converter (1), in particular a DC converter, of a motor vehicle, which voltage converter has at least two parallel-connected converter strands (4, 5) which are connected between a high-voltage side (2) and a low voltage side (3) of the voltage converter (1) for converting the voltage, having at least one cooling device (8) carrying a coolant (9) and assigned to the converter strands (4, 5), wherein each of the converter strands (4, 5) is assigned at least one temperature sensor (6, 7), comprising the following steps: a) detecting an input voltage, an output voltage and an operating current of each converter strand (4, 5), b) detecting a current converter strand temperature by means of the respective temperature sensor (6, 7), c) determining a respective coolant temperature as a function of the values detected in steps a) and b), d) comparing the two determined coolant temperatures (T_1, T_2) with each other and e) determining the serviceability of the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Manfred Hellmann
  • Publication number: 20200353829
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for operating a voltage converter (1), in particular a DC converter, of a motor vehicle, which voltage converter has at least two parallel-connected converter strands (4, 5) which are connected between a high-voltage side (2) and a low voltage side (3) of the voltage converter (1) for converting the voltage, having at least one cooling device (8) carrying a coolant (9) and assigned to the converter strands (4, 5), wherein each of the converter strands (4, 5) is assigned at least one temperature sensor (6, 7), comprising the following steps: a) detecting an input voltage, an output voltage and an operating current of each converter strand (4, 5), b) detecting a current converter strand temperature by means of the respective temperature sensor (6, 7), c) determining a respective coolant temperature as a function of the values detected in steps a) and b), d) comparing the two determined coolant temperatures (T_1, T_2) with each other and e) determining the serviceability of the
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2018
    Publication date: November 12, 2020
    Inventor: Manfred Hellmann
  • Patent number: 9932030
    Abstract: A hybrid drive system for a motor vehicle includes an internal combustion engine and at least one electric motor, each driving wheels of the motor vehicle. The internal combustion engine is coupled to the corresponding wheels via a first multispeed transmission. The electric motor is coupled to the corresponding wheels via a second multispeed transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Frank Steuernagel, Peter Khatchikian, Sasha Dreschmann, Boyke Richter, Manfred Hellmann, Rene Schenk
  • Patent number: 9806383
    Abstract: The invention relates to an energy storage device and a method for operating an energy storage device comprising a plurality of energy storage modules. In order to adjust the output voltage to the energy storage device, one or more energy storage modules is/are connected in series. According to the invention, the series-connected energy storage modules are selected in accordance with the state of charge and at least one other operating parameter in order to be able to use the individual energy storage modules in a particularly efficient manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Manfred Hellmann
  • Publication number: 20160380312
    Abstract: The invention relates to an energy storage device and a method for operating an energy storage device comprising a plurality of energy storage modules. In order to adjust the output voltage to the energy storage device, one or more energy storage modules is/are connected in series. According to the invention, the series-connected energy storage modules are selected in accordance with the state of charge and at least one other operating parameter in order to be able to use the individual energy storage modules in a particularly efficient manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2014
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventor: Manfred Hellmann
  • Patent number: 8897982
    Abstract: A method for driving a hybrid vehicle during a load reversal includes: the application of a first torque on a first hybrid vehicle axle during an acceleration reversal; and the application of a second torque on a second hybrid vehicle axle during the acceleration reversal, a direction of action of the second torque being opposite to a direction of action of the first torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Alexander Maass, Jens-Werner Falkenstein, Markus Vogelgesang, Benjamin Klotz, Manfred Hellmann
  • Patent number: 8862294
    Abstract: A method is described for operating a hybrid drive system which has a first drive unit, in particular an internal combustion engine, and a second drive unit, in particular an electric motor, which includes activating the first drive unit and the second drive unit in such a way that the first drive unit and the second drive unit each provide an output variable for the purpose of providing a total output variable; limiting the output variable provided by the first drive unit to a limiting value which is less than a maximum output variable which may be provided by the first drive unit; canceling the limitation if the output variable provided by the second drive unit corresponds to a maximum output variable which may be provided by the second drive unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Jens-Werner Falkenstein, Manfred Hellmann, Mario Kustosch
  • Patent number: 8712657
    Abstract: A method and a device for operating a vehicle having a hybrid drive are described, in which a first drive unit and a second drive unit contribute jointly or individually to the drive of the vehicle, the first drive unit driving the second drive unit in the manner of a generator for charging an energy storage device, the first drive unit and the second drive unit being separable by a drive train element transferring a torque of the first drive unit. In a method in which it is ensured that the vehicle may continue to drive safely even in the event of a defect in a drive train element between the first drive unit and the second drive unit, the torque portion used for charging the energy storage device is reduced to a minimum torque, while the torque excess, which is reduced in the event of a defect in the drive train element but still exceeds the minimum torque, is utilized to propel the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Khatchikian, Manfred Hellmann, Felix Reber, Mykhaylo Klymenko
  • Patent number: 8612080
    Abstract: A hybrid drive (52) of a motor vehicle (50). In the motor vehicle (50), an electric motor (58) acts as the driving force on a first axle (54) and an internal combustion engine (60) as a driving force on a second axle (56). In an operation, in which only the electric motor (58) acts on the first axle (54), a check is made to determine whether the internal combustion engine (60) is to be started to drive the second axle (56), wherein a first set of conditions for a road start, taking into account first criteria, and a second set of conditions for a starter motor start, taking into account second criteria, are defined and checks are made independently of one another to determine whether the first set of conditions for a road start or the second set of conditions for a starter motor start has been met.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Frank Steuernagel, Peter Deuble, Sascha Dreschmann, Manfred Hellmann, Thorsten Juenemann
  • Patent number: 8571736
    Abstract: A method for operating a drive device of a motor vehicle, which includes at least one internal combustion engine and at least one electric machine, a driving resistance, in particular an uphill gradient, being ascertained and the internal combustion engine being operated as a function thereof. The internal combustion engine is operated as a function of a driving resistance to be expected, which is determined as a function of an instantaneous driving resistance. A drive device for a motor vehicle is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Jens-Werner Falkenstein, Manfred Hellmann
  • Patent number: 8527168
    Abstract: A method for ascertaining a rotational speed parameter for determining a setpoint torque for driving a drivetrain. The drivetrain comprises a first and at least one second drive assembly for driving a hybrid vehicle. The first drive assembly can be coupled to the drivetrain by means of a clutch. The second drive assembly is mechanically coupled to the drivetrain. When the hybrid vehicle is being driven by means of at least the first drive assembly, the rotational speed parameter corresponds to the value of a shaft rotational speed. When the hybrid vehicle is being driven only by means of the second drive assembly, the rotational speed parameter corresponds to the value of a determined rotational speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Alexander Maass, Christian Vienken, Manfred Hellmann, Kai Moegle
  • Patent number: 8447488
    Abstract: A device is described for longitudinally guiding a motor vehicle, including a sensor system for locating preceding vehicles, a controller that regulates the speed of the vehicle to a setpoint speed, either in a following driving mode as a function of the distance from a preceding vehicle or in a free driving mode, an interface to a navigation system which provides information about the traveled route, and a limiting device for limiting the setpoint speed based on the provided information. The limiting device is designed for calculating a limiting value for the setpoint speed for each possible route when the travel route is recognized as being ambiguous and for selecting the greatest of these limiting values for limiting the setpoint speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Manfred Hellmann, Markus Hagemann
  • Publication number: 20120209464
    Abstract: A method for operating a drive device of a motor vehicle, which includes at least one internal combustion engine and at least one electric machine, a driving resistance, in particular an uphill gradient, being ascertained and the internal combustion engine being operated as a function thereof. The internal combustion engine is operated as a function of a driving resistance to be expected, which is determined as a function of an instantaneous driving resistance. A drive device for a motor vehicle is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2010
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Inventors: Jens-Werner Falkenstein, Manfred Hellmann
  • Publication number: 20120158231
    Abstract: A hybrid drive (52) of a motor vehicle (50). In the motor vehicle (50), an electric motor (58) acts as the driving force on a first axle (54) and an internal combustion engine (60) as a driving force on a second axle (56). In an operation, in which only the electric motor (58) acts on the first axle (54), a check is made to determine whether the internal combustion engine (60) is to be started to drive the second axle (56), wherein a first set of conditions for a road start, taking into account first criteria, and a second set of conditions for a starter motor start, taking into account second criteria, are defined and checks are made independently of one another to determine whether the first set of conditions for a road start or the second set of conditions for a starter motor start has been met.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Frank Steuernagel, Peter Deuble, Sascha Dreschmann, Manfred Hellmann, Thorsten Juenemann
  • Publication number: 20120116623
    Abstract: A method is described for operating a vehicle, in particular a hybrid vehicle, in which at least one of the axles of the vehicle is driven by a drive unit causing the vehicle to be accelerated at a predefined setpoint torque, in that a partial drive torque is transferred to at least one axle and the wheels coupled to it. For the setpoint torque requested by the driver to be converted into the corresponding acceleration of the vehicle, the partial drive torque of the steered axle and/or the unsteered axle is corrected while negotiating a curve in such a way that the vehicle is accelerated at the predefined setpoint torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventors: Alexander Maass, Manfred Hellmann
  • Publication number: 20120022730
    Abstract: A method for driving a hybrid vehicle during a load reversal includes: the application of a first torque on a first hybrid vehicle axle during an acceleration reversal; and the application of a second torque on a second hybrid vehicle axle during the acceleration reversal, a direction of action of the second torque being opposite to a direction of action of the first torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2009
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Inventors: Alexander Maass, Jens-Werner Falkenstein, Markus Vogelgesang, Benjamin Klotz, Manfred Hellmann
  • Publication number: 20110219772
    Abstract: A hybrid drive system for a motor vehicle includes an internal combustion engine and at least one electric motor, each driving wheels of the motor vehicle. The internal combustion engine is coupled to the corresponding wheels via a first multispeed transmission. The electric motor is coupled to the corresponding wheels via a second multispeed transmission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2009
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Inventors: Frank Steuernagel, Peter Khatchikian, Sasha Dreschmann, Boyke Richter, Manfred Hellmann, Rene Schenk
  • Publication number: 20110202215
    Abstract: In a method for operating a hybrid drive of a vehicle, which is driven by a combustion engine and an electric motor, the electric motor is supplied with energy from an energy store having a power reserve and the power of the combustion engine is supplemented by the power of the electric motor during a hybrid drive operation. In a situation in which the vehicle is to be removed as quickly as possible from a dangerous situation, the energy supplied from the energy store to the electric motor is supplied from the power reserve of the energy store when a dangerous situation is detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2009
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Inventors: Jens-Werner Falkenstein, Manfred Hellmann
  • Publication number: 20110180337
    Abstract: A method and a device for operating a vehicle having a hybrid drive are described, in which a first drive unit and a second drive unit contribute jointly or individually to the drive of the vehicle, the first drive unit driving the second drive unit in the manner of a generator for charging an energy storage device, the first drive unit and the second drive unit being separable by a drive train element transferring a torque of the first drive unit. In a method in which it is ensured that the vehicle may continue to drive safely even in the event of a defect in a drive train element between the first drive unit and the second drive unit, the torque portion used for charging the energy storage device is reduced to a minimum torque, while the torque excess, which is reduced in the event of a defect in the drive train element but still exceeds the minimum torque, is utilized to propel the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2009
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Inventors: Peter Khatchikian, Manfred Hellmann, Felix Reber, Mykhaylo Klymenko
  • Patent number: 7925414
    Abstract: A method and device for influencing the longitudinal velocity of a motor vehicle, in which a setpoint minimum distance and/or a setpoint maximum velocity is presettable by the driver, the driver being able to influence the vehicle velocity via the accelerator pedal and/or brake pedal, and in which the distance from a vehicle traveling ahead is measured by a distance-measuring sensor and, if the setpoint minimum distance is undershot and/or the setpoint maximum velocity is exceeded by the vehicle velocity, the vehicle velocity is limited so that the setpoint minimum distance is not undershot and/or the setpoint maximum velocity is not exceeded. This function is provided, in particular, in connection with an adaptive distance and cruise control system, the driver being able to activate either the adaptive distance and cruise control system or the limiting function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Manfred Hellmann, Bernhard Lucas, Thilo Leineweber, Albrecht Irion, Carsten Schroeder