Patents by Inventor Martin Gotzenberger

Martin Gotzenberger 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: 20210347271
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the teachings herein include a charging circuit for a vehicle-side electrical energy store comprising: an alternating current terminal; at least two smoothing capacitors; a configuration device; and a rectifier connecting the alternating current terminal to the configuration device. The configuration device connects the rectifier to the smoothing capacitors, and the configuration device is programmed to connect the smoothing capacitors to one another in a first parallel connection and a second series connection. The alternating current terminal comprises a neutral conductor terminal connected to the configuration device via a diode circuit. The configuration device comprises a first switch connecting the smoothing capacitors to one another in parallel when closed. The configuration device comprises a diode connecting the smoothing capacitors to one another in series when closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2019
    Publication date: November 11, 2021
    Applicant: Vitesco Technologies GmbH
    Inventors: Franz Pfeilschifter, Martin Götzenberger, Manuel Brunner
  • Publication number: 20210008984
    Abstract: AC charging device for a motor vehicle may include: a neutral conductor; a phase conductor; a rectifier; a smoothing capacitor electrically connected to the rectifier; a mains connection; a precharge circuit arranged between the mains connection and the smoothing capacitor, the precharge circuit precharging the smoothing capacitor; and a second phase conductor electrically connected to the phase conductor by a cross-connection line. The neutral conductor and the phase conductor are connected to the rectifier. The precharge circuit is disposed in the neutral conductor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2019
    Publication date: January 14, 2021
    Applicant: Vitesco Technologies GmbH
    Inventors: Franz Pfeilschifter, Martin Götzenberger, Klaus Mühlbauer
  • Patent number: 10636956
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a circuit arrangement that includes a first DC-DC converter that is connected on the output side to a capacitor. A first terminal of the capacitor is a supply voltage terminal and a second terminal of the capacitor is a reference potential terminal. The circuit arrangement also includes a second DC-DC converter, which is connected on the input side with the capacitor and on the output side to a first terminal of a piezo actuator. The second terminal of the piezo actuator is connected to the first terminal of the capacitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: Vitesco Technologies GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Götzenberger, Walter Schrod
  • Publication number: 20170288119
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a circuit arrangement that includes a first DC-DC converter that is connected on the output side to a capacitor. A first terminal of the capacitor is a supply voltage terminal and a second terminal of the capacitor is a reference potential terminal. The circuit arrangement also includes a second DC-DC converter, which is connected on the input side with the capacitor and on the output side to a first terminal of a piezo actuator. The second terminal of the piezo actuator is connected to the first terminal of the capacitor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2017
    Publication date: October 5, 2017
    Applicant: CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE GMBH
    Inventors: Martin Götzenberger, Walter Schrod
  • Patent number: 9371814
    Abstract: An ignition device for an internal combustion engine includes an ignition coil designed as a transformer, the secondary winding thereof being designed to connect to a spark plug, an actuatable switch element connected in series with the primary winding of the ignition coil, and a controller connected to the primary winding of the ignition coil and the control input of the switching element. The controller has a voltage converter which provides a supply voltage for the ignition coil at the output thereof and which can be connected to a motor vehicle electrical system voltage, a controllable changeover switch for applying the supply voltage at either positive or negative polarity to the series circuit of the primary winding of the ignition coil and the switching element, depending on a control signal, and a control circuit which generates the control signal based on a phase of the ignition process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE GMBH
    Inventors: Sven-Michael Eisen, Stephan Bolz, Harald Schmauβ, Achim Reuther, Martin Götzenberger
  • Patent number: 9255563
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for operating an ignition device for an internal combustion engine, said device having an ignition coil designed as a transformer, an igniter plug connected to the ignition coil secondary winding, a controllable switching element connected in series to the ignition coil primary winding and a control unit connected to the ignition coil primary winding and the control input of the switching element, wherein the control unit provides a supply voltage for the ignition coil and a control signal for the switching element depending upon the flows through the ignition coil primary and secondary winding and the voltage between the connection point of the ignition coil primary winding to the switching element and the negative terminal of the supply voltage, to provide an adjustable alternating current for the igniter plug, to provide a targeted supply of power distributed over the ignition time interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE GMBH
    Inventors: Sven-Michael Eisen, Stephan Bolz, Harald Schmauβ, Achim Reuther, Martin Götzenberger
  • Patent number: 8985090
    Abstract: A method is provided for operating an ignition device for an internal combustion engine, which ignition device includes an ignition coil configured as a transformer, a spark plug connected to the secondary winding of the ignition coil, an actuable switching element connected in series to the primary winding of the ignition coil, and a control unit connected to the control input of the switching element, wherein the control unit provides an adjustable supply voltage for the ignition coil and an actuating signal for the switching element as a function of the currents through the primary and the secondary windings of the ignition coil and the voltage between the connecting point of the primary winding of the ignition coil to the switching element and the negative terminal of the supply voltage, as a result of which firstly operation of the spark plug by way of alternating current is possible and secondly regulation of said current is possible, which leads to more reliable ignition with a lower wear of the spark
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Stephan Bolz, Sven Eisen, Martin Götzenberger, Achim Reuther, Harald Schmauβ
  • Patent number: 8614524
    Abstract: An onboard power supply, contains a starter power supply having a high-power load, particularly a starter and a first energy storage, particularly a double-layer capacitor. The onboard power supply further has an intermediate power supply with a second energy storage, particularly a rechargeable lithium polymer battery and a load power supply with at least one electric load. The starter power supply is electrically coupled to the intermediate power supply via a first voltage converter. The intermediate power supply is electrically coupled to the load power supply via a second voltage converter, and the onboard power supply has a controller, which controls or regulates the electric voltage in the intermediate power supply in dependence on a parameter of the second energy storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Stephan Bolz, Carsten Götte, Martin Götzenberger
  • Publication number: 20130291833
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for operating an ignition device for an internal combustion engine, said device having an ignition coil designed as a transformer, an igniter plug connected to the ignition coil secondary winding, a controllable switching element connected in series to the ignition coil primary winding and a control unit connected to the ignition coil primary winding and the control input of the switching element, wherein the control unit provides a supply voltage for the ignition coil and a control signal for the switching element depending upon the flows through the ignition coil primary and secondary winding and the voltage between the connection point of the ignition coil primary winding to the switching element and the negative terminal of the supply voltage, to provide an adjustable alternating current for the igniter plug, to provide a targeted supply of power distributed over the ignition time interval.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventors: Sven-Michael Eisen, Stephan Bolz, Harald Schmauß, Achim Reuther, Martin Götzenberger
  • Publication number: 20130263835
    Abstract: An ignition device for an internal combustion engine includes an ignition coil designed as a transformer, the secondary winding thereof being designed to connect to a spark plug, an actuatable switch element connected in series with the primary winding of the ignition coil, and a controller connected to the primary winding of the ignition coil and the control input of the switching element. The controller has a voltage converter which provides a supply voltage for the ignition coil at the output thereof and which can be connected to a motor vehicle electrical system voltage, a controllable changeover switch for applying the supply voltage at either positive or negative polarity to the series circuit of the primary winding of the ignition coil and the switching element, depending on a control signal, and a control circuit which generates the control signal based on a phase of the ignition process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Inventors: Sven-Michael Eisen, Stephan Bolz, Harald Schmauss, Achim Reuther, Martin Götzenberger
  • Publication number: 20120312285
    Abstract: A method is provided for operating an ignition device for an internal combustion engine, which ignition device includes an ignition coil configured as a transformer, a spark plug connected to the secondary winding of the ignition coil, an actuable switching element connected in series to the primary winding of the ignition coil, and a control unit connected to the control input of the switching element, wherein the control unit provides an adjustable supply voltage for the ignition coil and an actuating signal for the switching element as a function of the currents through the primary and the secondary windings of the ignition coil and the voltage between the connecting point of the primary winding of the ignition coil to the switching element and the negative terminal of the supply voltage, as a result of which firstly operation of the spark plug by way of alternating current is possible and secondly regulation of said current is possible, which leads to more reliable ignition with a lower wear of the spark
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Inventors: Stephan Bolz, Sven Eisen, Martin Götzenberger, Achim Reuther, Harald Schmauss
  • Patent number: 8256691
    Abstract: A nozzle module for an injection valve has a nozzle body with a nozzle body opening extending in the direction of a longitudinal axis, and which can be hydraulically coupled to a fluid feed; a nozzle needle which is movable axially in the nozzle body opening and which in a closed position prevents a flow of fluid through at least one injection opening and otherwise releases the fluid flow; and an induction-heated heating element disposed between the nozzle body and the nozzle needle. The heating element is at least partially spaced a distance away from the nozzle body and from the nozzle needle, and during operation of the injection valve the fluid can flow against a side of the heating element facing the nozzle body and a side of the heating element facing the nozzle needle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Stephan Bolz, Carsten Götte, Martin Götzenberger
  • Patent number: 7825638
    Abstract: A device and a method for balancing charge between individual cells of a double-layer capacitor, in particular in a multi-voltage motor vehicle electrical system. Each individual cell of the double-layer capacitor is associated with a capacitor, the first terminal of which can be connected via a first switch to a first terminal of the associated cell and via a second switch to a second terminal of the associated cell, and the second terminal of which is connected to the second terminals of all of the capacitors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: VDO Automotive AG
    Inventors: Stephan Bolz, Martin Götzenberger, Rainer Knorr
  • Patent number: 7825637
    Abstract: A capacitive load is controlled by charging and respectively discharging by way of a load current, which is allowed to oscillate between a maximum default and a minimum default. The maximum default increases monotonously in a first step, remains essentially constant in a second step, and decreases monotonously in a third step during a charging process. The minimum default decreases monotonously in a first step, remains essentially constant in a second step, and increases monotonously in a third step during a discharging process. A variable temporal overlap of the third step of the charging process and the first step of the subsequent discharging process is provided to set a required degree of charging. This results in a high level of resolution and reproducibility of the control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens AG
    Inventors: Christian Augesky, Martin Götzenberger
  • Patent number: 7812572
    Abstract: A device and a method equalize a charge of series-connected individual cells of an energy accumulator with a DC/DC converter. The DC/DC converter draws energy from the energy accumulator or from another power source for charging an intermediate circuit capacitor whose voltage is inverted in a DC/AC converter and the alternating voltage is converted into an intermittent direct current by a rectifier via an AC bus and a coupling element. A switch is placed between the AC bus and each cell thereby enabling the cell to be coupled to the AC bus or disconnected therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Stephan Bolz, Martin Götzenberger, Rainer Knorr
  • Publication number: 20100244556
    Abstract: An onboard power supply, contains a starter power supply having a high-power load, particularly a starter and a first energy storage, particularly a double-layer capacitor. The onboard power supply further has an intermediate power supply with a second energy storage, particularly a rechargeable lithium polymer battery and a load power supply with at least one electric load. The starter power supply is electrically coupled to the intermediate power supply via a first voltage converter. The intermediate power supply is electrically coupled to the load power supply via a second voltage converter, and the onboard power supply has a controller, which controls or regulates the electric voltage in the intermediate power supply in dependence on a parameter of the second energy storage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE GMBH
    Inventors: Stephan Bolz, Carsten Götte, Martin Götzenberger
  • Patent number: 7800346
    Abstract: A device and method for equalizing the charges of series-connected individual cells of an energy storage device with a DC/DC converter, which draws energy from the energy storage device or from another energy source, charges an intermediate circuit capacitor whose voltage is inverted in a DC/AC converter, converts the alternating voltage via AC bus lines and coupling transformers by way of a rectifier into a pulsating direct current, and charges the cell having the lowest cell voltage with the pulsating direct current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Stephan Bolz, Martin Götzenberger, Rainer Knorr, Günter Lugert
  • Patent number: 7739024
    Abstract: To simplify reliable detection of operating faults in a control unit for operating an electrical component (for example, a fuel injector), an end stage is provided on the output side and is provided with a first line section and a second line section for supplying current in a synchronized manner to an electrical consumer which can be connected to the two line sections via an external line pair. A detection coil configuration is provided for detecting operating faults on the basis of an evaluation of a current that is induced at the detection coil configuration. The detection coil configuration is flowed through by a magnetic flux that is composed of magnetic flow components which are caused by the current flows in the two line sections, and wherein mutual compensation of the magnetic flow components is provided in a normal mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Augesky, Martin Götzenberger
  • Patent number: 7732946
    Abstract: A current source includes a first switching element configured to adjust an output current according to a control signal received at a control input. The current source also includes a reference resistance, which is electrically coupled to the first switching element such that the output current flows through the reference resistance. The latter includes first and second individual reference resistors, connected in series, and a diode connected in parallel to the first reference resistor. The first reference resistor has a higher impedance than the second reference resistor. A controller receives a predetermined reference potential and an actuating signal that constitutes the control signal of the first switching element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: VDO Automotive AG
    Inventor: Martin Götzenberger
  • Patent number: 7729848
    Abstract: A device for controlling at least one piezoactuator for an injection valve of an internal combustion engine, including a microcontroller that controls an output stage which generates the load current for charging and discharging the piezoactuator. The microcontroller controls the output stage through an integrated circuit. A discharge circuit interacts with the integrated circuit to reliably discharge the piezoactuator in case of a failure of the output stage and/or of a safety path of the microcontroller. The load current during the discharge is controlled by a control circuit having a controller which is part of the integrated circuit. The discharge circuit has emergency discharge elements that are activated in case of a failure of the controller or of the integrated circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: VDO Automotive AG
    Inventor: Martin Götzenberger