Patents by Inventor Martin Leibbrandt

Martin Leibbrandt 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: 8510001
    Abstract: A method for reaching a neutral position N located between two end positions of a gearshift fork in a shift transmission in a motor vehicle from a starting position of the gearshift fork. The method allows finding the neutral position of the gearshift fork without a sensor determining the position of the gearshift fork or in the alternative in case such the sensor is defect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Getrag Ford Transmissions GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Leibbrandt, Stefan Huepkes, Helmuth Bosch
  • Patent number: 8459390
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle having a drive train, which comprises at least one first engine and a wheel, wherein a torque can be transmitted from the first engine to the wheel by the drive train, and wherein at least one first unit of the drive train is connected to an interface, by which rapid and simple replaceability of said unit is possible, wherein the interface is designed to be connected to a second unit, which is different from the first unit, wherein both units are designed to store electricity, to convert chemically bound energy into energy of rotation and/or to convert electricity into energy of rotation and/or to convert rotation energy of rotation into electricity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Getrag Ford Transmissions GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Brings, Lutz Kather, Harald Schmitz, Stefan Kniesburges, Martin Leibbrandt, Rolf Najork, Roland Nasdal, Ingo Steinberg, Stefan Huepkes
  • Patent number: 8346445
    Abstract: A method for reaching a neutral position N located between two end positions of a gearshift fork in a shift transmission in a motor vehicle from a starting position of the gearshift fork. The method allows finding the neutral position of the gearshift fork without a sensor determining the position of the gearshift fork or in the alternative in case such the sensor is defect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Getrag Ford Transmissions GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Leibbrandt, Stefan Huepkes, Helmuth Bosch
  • Patent number: 8235865
    Abstract: An automated gear shift transmission and method of controlling the same are described. The transmission is installed in a motor vehicle comprising several forward gears and at least one reverse gear and that allows choosing from several different driving modes by means of a driving mode selector lever. A forward gear is maintained in engagement in case of an uphill orientation of the motor vehicle when the parking mode is chosen. Instead of the forward gear, a reverse gear is maintained in engagement in case of a downhill orientation of the motor vehicle when the parking mode is chosen. This allows taking specific driving conditions or driving situations into account with relatively simple means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Getrag Ford Transmissions GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Leibbrandt, Ulrich Eggert
  • Patent number: 8177685
    Abstract: A method for shifting gears in a dual clutch transmission within a motor vehicle and a motor vehicle implementing said method are suggested providing a smooth transition between gears particularly in the starting phase. The dual clutch transmission comprises a first clutch and a second clutch as well as a first partial transmission having a first and other gears and a second partial transmission having a second and other gears. The clutches are controlled to a) decrease a torque transmitting capacity of the first clutch; b) increase a torque transmitting capacity of the second clutch; c) adapt the rotational speed of the motor in direction of a rotational speed of an input shaft of the second partial transmission via increasing the torque transmitting capacity of the second clutch; and d) control the torque transmitting capacity of the second clutch to a final torque value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Getrag Ford Transmissions GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Leibbrandt, Harald Schmitz, Marco Siebigteroth
  • Patent number: 8180549
    Abstract: A method of controlling a clutch in a motor vehicle and a motor vehicle adapted to perform this method are suggested, in particular resulting in a good starting phase action for supercharged diesel motors. The method comprises the method steps of: setting a clutch torque that is transmitted by a clutch by a plurality of clutch characteristics; determining by a respective clutch characteristic the clutch torque for a particular motor load depending on the rotational speed of the motor; dividing the clutch characteristics into a low speed range and into a full load range; increasing within the low speed range at a constant rotational speed of the motor the transmitted clutch torque with increasing the motor load; and transmitting in the full load range in comparison to the low speed range lower clutch torques at the same rotational speed of the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Getrag Ford Transmissions GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Leibbrandt, Harald Schmitz
  • Patent number: 8123659
    Abstract: A method and a motor vehicle applying that method for preventing an uncontrolled rollback of a motor vehicle is suggested, said method comprising means for influencing the torque transmission by a drive train. In case a rollback action is detected, namely a movement in opposite direction as the predetermined direction of movement, the transmission of torque is influenced such that a torque is transmitted via the drive train acting against the rollback direction and the torque does not exceed a defined maximum value. The control allows a controlled rollback by making the intervention by the system to be perceived little disturbing, but at the same time in particular in case of strong incline of the road does not render the driver non-informed about the actual incline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Getrag Ford Transmissions GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Leibbrandt, Harald Schmitz
  • Patent number: 8092343
    Abstract: A method for determining the filling pressure for a clutch and a hydraulic clutch adapted to conduct said method are suggested where clutch linings are brought into engagement against the force of a clutch release spring by a hydraulic pressure system. The hydraulic pressure is controlled such that an engagement point where the clutch linings abut against each other but without establishing a torque transmitting capacity in the clutch can be reached quickly and precisely. The purpose is to achieve a short gear shifting time, but at the same time avoid impacts due to premature torque transmittal capacity in the clutch during gear shifting. A precision shifting mode or a fast shifting mode can be established, compromising speed and torque transmitting capacity depending on the preferred driving mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Getrag Ford Transmissions GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Leibbrandt, Stefan Kirschstein, Manfred Henning
  • Publication number: 20110203859
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle having a drive train, which comprises at least one first engine and a wheel, wherein a torque can be transmitted from the first engine to the wheel by the drive train, and wherein at least one first unit of the drive train is connected to an interface, by which rapid and simple replaceability of said unit is possible, wherein the interface is designed to be connected to a second unit, which is different from the first unit, wherein both units are designed to store electricity, to convert chemically bound energy into energy of rotation and/or to convert electricity into energy of rotation and/or to convert rotation energy of rotation into electricity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Inventors: Stefan Huepkes, Roland Nasdal, Lutz Kather, Stefan Kniesburges, Martin Leibbrandt, Rolf Najork, Wolfgang Brings, Harald Schmitz, Ingo Steinberg
  • Patent number: 7975566
    Abstract: A hydraulic control apparatus for an automatic dual clutch transmission, comprising a first clutch with a first partial transmission and a second clutch with a second partial transmission, as well as a shifting system for engaging/disengaging gears of the two partial transmissions, a control unit having a first pressure regulator and a second pressure regulator actuating the first and second clutches and actuating the shifting system, and a switching apparatus. The shifting apparatus comprises a first changeover valve and a second changeover valve. Both changeover valves can be shifted from a first to a second position for allowing a safe emergency running mode of a motor vehicle in case of any failure of the first or second pressure regulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Getrag Ford Transmissions GmbH
    Inventors: Reinhard Moehlmann, Martin Leibbrandt
  • Publication number: 20100048354
    Abstract: An automated gear shift transmission and method of controlling the same are described. The transmission is installed in a motor vehicle comprising several forward gears and at least one reverse gear and that allows choosing from several different driving modes by means of a driving mode selector lever. A forward gear is maintained in engagement in case of an uphill orientation of the motor vehicle when the parking mode is chosen. Instead of the forward gear, a reverse gear is maintained in engagement in case of a downhill orientation of the motor vehicle when the parking mode is chosen. This allows taking specific driving conditions or driving situations into account with relatively simple means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2009
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: GETRAG FORD TRANSMISSIONS GMBH
    Inventors: Martin Leibbrandt, Ulrich Eggert
  • Patent number: 7635058
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hydraulic control device for an automatic dual-clutch transmission which has a first clutch and a second clutch, having a control valve unit which predefines at least one hydraulic parameter such as pressure and/or one volume flow. Regulating this parameter engages or disengage the clutches. An additional separating valve can is provided assuming a normal position when the second control signal is applied, so that at least one of the clutches can be operated by means of the control valve unit. The purpose is to provide enhanced operational safety against misoperation while at the same time secure availability of the clutches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: Getrag Ford Transmissions GmbH
    Inventors: Reinhard Moehlmann, Martin Leibbrandt
  • Patent number: 7631740
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hydraulic control device for an automatic dual-clutch transmission which has a first clutch and a second clutch, having a control valve unit which predefines at least one hydraulic parameter such as pressure and/or one volume flow. Regulating this parameter engages or disengage the clutches. An additional separating valve can is provided, and by means of a first switching valve to be operated by means of at least one further control signal the first clutch can be regardless of the switching position of the separating valve. The purpose is to provide enhanced operational safety against misoperation while at the same time secure availability of the clutches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Getrag Ford Transmissions GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Leibbrandt, Reinhard Moehlmann
  • Publication number: 20090137363
    Abstract: A method for shifting gears in a dual clutch transmission within a motor vehicle and a motor vehicle implementing said method are suggested providing a smooth transition between gears particularly in the starting phase. The dual clutch transmission comprises a first clutch and a second clutch as well as a first partial transmission having a first and other gears and a second partial transmission having a second and other gears. The clutches are controlled to a) decrease a torque transmitting capacity of the first clutch; b) increase a torque transmitting capacity of the second clutch; c) adapt the rotational speed of the motor in direction of a rotational speed of an input shaft of the second partial transmission via increasing the torque transmitting capacity of the second clutch; and d) control the torque transmitting capacity of the second clutch to a final torque value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2008
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicant: Getrag Ford Transmissions GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Leibbrandt, Harald Schmitz, Marco Siebigteroth
  • Publication number: 20090137365
    Abstract: A method of controlling a clutch in a motor vehicle and a motor vehicle adapted to perform this method are suggested, in particular resulting in a good starting phase action for supercharged diesel motors. The method comprises the method steps of: setting a clutch torque that is transmitted by a clutch by a plurality of clutch characteristics; determining by a respective clutch characteristic the clutch torque for a particular motor load depending on the rotational speed of the motor; dividing the clutch characteristics into a low speed range and into a full load range; increasing within the low speed range at a constant rotational speed of the motor the transmitted clutch torque with increasing the motor load; and transmitting in the full load range in comparison to the low speed range lower clutch torques at the same rotational speed of the motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2008
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventors: Martin Leibbrandt, Harald Schmitz
  • Publication number: 20090127012
    Abstract: A method and a motor vehicle applying that method for preventing an uncontrolled rollback of a motor vehicle is suggested, said method comprising means for influencing the torque transmission by a drive train. In case a rollback action is detected, namely a movement in opposite direction as the predetermined direction of movement, the transmission of torque is influenced such that a torque is transmitted via the drive train acting against the rollback direction and the torque does not exceed a defined maximum value. The control allows a controlled rollback by making the intervention by the system to be perceived little disturbing, but at the same time in particular in case of strong incline of the road does not render the driver non-informed about the actual incline.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventors: Martin Leibbrandt, Harald Schmitz
  • Publication number: 20090125201
    Abstract: A method for determining the filling pressure for a clutch and a hydraulic clutch adapted to conduct said method are suggested where clutch linings are brought into engagement against the force of a clutch release spring by a hydraulic pressure system. The hydraulic pressure is controlled such that an engagement point where the clutch linings abut against each other but without establishing a torque transmitting capacity in the clutch can be reached quickly and precisely. The purpose is to achieve a short gear shifting time, but at the same time avoid impacts due to premature torque transmittal capacity in the clutch during gear shifting. A precision shifting mode or a fast shifting mode can be established, compromising speed and torque transmitting capacity depending on the preferred driving mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2008
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Applicant: Getrag Ford Transmission GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Leibbrandt, Stefan Kirchstein, Manfred Henning
  • Publication number: 20090105913
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for reaching a neutral position N located between two end positions of a gearshift fork in a shift transmission in a motor vehicle from a starting position of the gearshift fork. The method allows finding the neutral position of the gearshift fork without a sensor determining the position of the gearshift fork or in the alternative in case such the sensor is defect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2008
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Applicant: Getrag Ford Transmissions GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Leibbrandt, Stefan Huepkes, Helmuth Bosch
  • Patent number: 7469613
    Abstract: A twin-clutch transmission, in particular for a motor vehicle, with a twin-clutch arrangement comprising a first and a second clutch, and a first and a second drive unit designed as an electric machine with a stator and a rotor. The rotor of the first drive unit is fixed to an input side of the transmission that is connected to an engine so that it rotates always at the rotational speed of the engine. The twin-clutch transmission can be switched back and forth between a serial and a parallel hybrid mode, these modes being established by means of the first and second drive units. The drive shaft of the second drive unit and the clutches have different rotational axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Getrag Ford Transmissions GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Krauss, Ulrich Eggert, Martin Leibbrandt
  • Patent number: 7464616
    Abstract: The invention relates to a twin-clutch transmission, in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising: a twin-clutch arrangement with clutches, input shafts, at least one output shaft, a number of gearwheel pairs and drive units. The first drive unit is connected to the input side of the twin-clutch arrangement and the second drive unit is connected to one of the input shafts or to the output shaft. The invention relates also to a methods for controlling the twin-clutch transmission, for example with the steps of disengaging the first clutch and the second clutch if these are engaged, and starting the engine by means of the first drive unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Getrag Ford Transmissions GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Leibbrandt, Ulrich Eggert, Christian Krauss