Patents by Inventor Rolf Meinhard

Rolf Meinhard 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: 11440390
    Abstract: An electrical drive unit for an electrically at least partially driveable motor vehicle and also to a drive arrangement for an electrically at least partially driveable motor vehicle, comprising an electrical drive unit according to the disclosure. An electrical drive unit for an electrically at least partially driveable motor vehicle comprises an electrical drive machine and also an output device for transmitting a torque, which is provided by the electrical drive machine, to driven vehicle wheels of a motor vehicle, and also comprising a torque converter, which is arranged in the torque transmission path between a rotor of the electrical drive machine and the output device, for the purpose of matching the torque which is provided by the electrical drive machine to a respective torque requirement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KG
    Inventors: Johannes Lamers, Rolf Meinhard
  • Patent number: 11383594
    Abstract: A hybrid module includes a driveshaft connection point for receiving a first torque, a transmission shaft connection point for outputting a second torque, a torque-receiving means for receiving a third torque from an electrical machine, and a dry multiplate clutch. The dry multiplate clutch includes an outer plate holder, torsionally rigidly connected to the transmission shaft connection point and to the torque-receiving means, an inner plate holder, torsionally rigidly connected to the driveshaft connection point, at least one outer plate axially movably mounted in the outer plate holder, and a plurality of inner plates, axially movably mounted in the inner plate holder to form a stack of plates together with the at least one outer plate. When the stack of plates is axially pressed with a target contact pressure, a target torque can be transmitted from the driveshaft connection point to the torque-receiving means and the transmission shaft connection point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Rolf Meinhard
  • Publication number: 20210284009
    Abstract: A hybrid module includes a driveshaft connection point for receiving a first torque, a transmission shaft connection point for outputting a second torque, a torque-receiving means for receiving a third torque from an electrical machine, and a dry multiplate clutch. The dry multiplate clutch includes an outer plate holder, torsionally rigidly connected to the transmission shaft connection point and to the torque-receiving means, an inner plate holder, torsionally rigidly connected to the driveshaft connection point, at least one outer plate axially movably mounted in the outer plate holder, and a plurality of inner plates, axially movably mounted in the inner plate holder to form a stack of plates together with the at least one outer plate. When the stack of plates is axially pressed with a target contact pressure, a target torque can be transmitted from the driveshaft connection point to the torque-receiving means and the transmission shaft connection point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2019
    Publication date: September 16, 2021
    Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Rolf Meinhard
  • Patent number: 11110791
    Abstract: A hybrid module for a drive train of a vehicle includes an intermediate shaft configured for torque transmission from an internal combustion engine and/or an electric machine to a transmission. The shaft is mounted on a dividing wall by two bearings, wherein a securing element is provided on a transmission side of the dividing wall to fix an axial position of a torque transmission component that can be mounted on the intermediate shaft on a motor/engine side of the dividing wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Robin Beyer, Torsten Pieper, Rolf Meinhard, Marcus Hoppe
  • Patent number: 10850604
    Abstract: A clutch arrangement for a drive train of a motor vehicle having a hybrid drive includes a first clutch, a second clutch, a central bearing, and a clutch actuator. The first clutch has a first clutch first rotating part and a plurality of connecting segments. The connecting segments are connected to one another for conjoint rotation in a coupled position of the first clutch. The second clutch has a second clutch first rotating part with a shaft region. The second clutch first rotating part is connected for conjoint rotation with the first clutch first rotating part. The central bearing is arranged on the shaft region. The clutch actuator is arranged to interact with the first clutch. The connecting segments are arranged radially to the outside of the clutch actuator. The clutch actuator is arranged radially to the outside of the central bearing. The first clutch, the clutch actuator and the central bearing are arranged at least partially overlapping one another in an axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: Schaffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Torsten Pieper, Rolf Meinhard
  • Publication number: 20200139801
    Abstract: An electrical drive unit for an electrically at least partially driveable motor vehicle and also to a drive arrangement for an electrically at least partially driveable motor vehicle, comprising an electrical drive unit according to the disclosure. An electrical drive unit for an electrically at least partially driveable motor vehicle comprises an electrical drive machine and also an output device for transmitting a torque, which is provided by the electrical drive machine, to driven vehicle wheels of a motor vehicle, and also comprising a torque converter, which is arranged in the torque transmission path between a rotor of the electrical drive machine and the output device, for the purpose of matching the torque which is provided by the electrical drive machine to a respective torque requirement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2019
    Publication date: May 7, 2020
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KG
    Inventors: Johannes LAMERS, Rolf MEINHARD
  • Publication number: 20200016971
    Abstract: A hybrid module for a drive train of a vehicle includes an intermediate shaft configured for torque transmission from an internal combustion engine and/or an electric machine to a transmission. The shaft is mounted on a dividing wall by two bearings, wherein a securing element is provided on a transmission side of the dividing wall to fix an axial position of a torque transmission component that can be mounted on the intermediate shaft on a motor/engine side of the dividing wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2018
    Publication date: January 16, 2020
    Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Robin Beyer, Torsten Pieper, Rolf Meinhard, Marcus Hoppe
  • Publication number: 20190016207
    Abstract: A clutch arrangement for a drive train of a motor vehicle having a hybrid drive includes a first clutch, a second clutch, a central bearing, and a clutch actuator. The first clutch has a first clutch first rotating part and a plurality of connecting segments. The connecting segments are connected to one another for conjoint rotation in a coupled position of the first clutch. The second clutch has a second clutch first rotating part with a shaft region. The second clutch first rotating part is connected for conjoint rotation with the first clutch first rotating part. The central bearing is arranged on the shaft region. The clutch actuator is arranged to interact with the first clutch. The connecting segments are arranged radially to the outside of the clutch actuator. The clutch actuator is arranged radially to the outside of the central bearing. The first clutch, the clutch actuator and the central bearing are arranged at least partially overlapping one another in an axial direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2017
    Publication date: January 17, 2019
    Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Torsten PIEPER, Rolf MEINHARD
  • Patent number: 8210332
    Abstract: A torque transmitting device in a drive train of a motor vehicle to transmit torque between an internal combustion engine having a drive shaft and a transmission having coaxial input shafts. The transmission input shafts are each non-rotatably connected with a respective clutch disc having friction linings. An intermediate pressure plate is positioned between the friction linings of the clutch discs and is non-rotatably connected to the engine drive shaft. The friction linings of the clutch discs are between the intermediate pressure plate and respective axially movable clutch pressure plates that are actuated by an actuation device. To provide support for the double clutch unit the intermediate pressure plate is radially mounted on one of the two transmission input shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Oswald Friedmann, Rolf Meinhard
  • Publication number: 20110233021
    Abstract: A torque transmitting device in a drive train of a motor vehicle to transmit torque between an internal combustion engine having a drive shaft and a transmission having coaxial input shafts. The transmission input shafts are each non-rotatably connected with a respective clutch disc having friction linings. An intermediate pressure plate is positioned between the friction linings of the clutch discs and is non-rotatably connected to the engine drive shaft. The friction linings of the clutch discs are between the intermediate pressure plate and respective axially movable clutch pressure plates that are actuated by an actuation device. To provide support for the double clutch unit the intermediate pressure plate is radially mounted on one of the two transmission input shafts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Oswald Friedmann, Rolf Meinhard
  • Patent number: 7967122
    Abstract: A torque transmitting device in a drive train of a motor vehicle to transmit torque between an internal combustion engine having a drive shaft and a transmission having coaxial input shafts. The transmission input shafts are each non-rotatably connected with a respective clutch disc having friction linings. An intermediate pressure plate is positioned between the friction linings of the clutch discs and is non-rotatably connected to the engine drive shaft. The friction linings of the clutch discs are between the intermediate pressure plate and respective axially movable clutch pressure plates that are actuated by an actuation device. To provide support for the double clutch unit the intermediate pressure plate is radially mounted on one of the two transmission input shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Oswald Friedmann, Rolf Meinhard
  • Patent number: 7686147
    Abstract: A torque transmitting device in a drive train of a motor vehicle to transmit torque between an internal combustion engine having a drive shaft and a transmission having coaxial input shafts. The transmission input shafts are non-rotatably connected with a respective clutch disc having friction linings. An intermediate pressure plate is positioned between the friction linings of the clutch discs and is non-rotatably connected to the engine drive shaft. The friction linings of the clutch discs are between the intermediate pressure plate and respective axially movable clutch pressure plates that are actuated by an actuation device. To provide support for the double clutch unit the intermediate pressure plate is radially mounted on one of the two transmission input shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Oswald Friedmann, Rolf Meinhard
  • Patent number: 7493997
    Abstract: A drive train having a clutch assembly for transmitting torque between an engine and a transmission. The clutch assembly is selectable for transmitting torque between the engine and the transmission and includes at least one friction clutch, the clutch assembly being supported on the transmission housing so that the clutch assembly is radially fixed and displaceable in an axially limited manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Rolf Meinhard, Matthias Schneider
  • Publication number: 20080230342
    Abstract: A torque transmitting device in a drive train of a motor vehicle to transmit torque between an internal combustion engine having a drive shaft and a transmission having coaxial input shafts. The transmission input shafts are each non-rotatably connected with a respective clutch disc having friction linings. An intermediate pressure plate is positioned between the friction linings of the clutch discs and is non-rotatably connected to the engine drive shaft. The friction linings of the clutch discs are between the intermediate pressure plate and respective axially movable clutch pressure plates that are actuated by an actuation device. To provide support for the double clutch unit the intermediate pressure plate is radially mounted on one of the two transmission input shafts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Applicant: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Oswald Friedmann, Rolf Meinhard
  • Publication number: 20080202883
    Abstract: A drive train having a clutch assembly for transmitting torque between an engine and a transmission. The clutch assembly is selectable for transmitting torque between the engine and the transmission and includes at least one friction clutch, the clutch assembly being supported on the transmission housing so that the clutch assembly is radially fixed and displaceable in an axially limited manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2008
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Rolf Meinhard, Matthias Schneider
  • Publication number: 20060289263
    Abstract: The invention concerns a torque transmission device in the drive train of a motor vehicle to transmit torque between a drive unit, especially an internal combustion engine, with a drive shaft, especially a crankshaft, and a transmission with at least two transmission input shafts that are tightly connected to a clutch disc having a friction lining, and there is an intermediate pressure plate between the friction lining of one clutch disc and the friction lining of the other clutch disc that is tightly connected to the drive shaft of the drive unit, whereby the friction lining of the clutch discs are between the intermediate pressure plate and the pressure plates that move axially with the assistance of an actuation device relative to the intermediate pressure plate in reference to the transmission input shafts in order to hold the friction linings between the intermediate pressure plate and the pressure plates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2005
    Publication date: December 28, 2006
    Applicant: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Oswald Friedmann, Rolf Meinhard
  • Publication number: 20050034955
    Abstract: A drive train having a clutch assembly for transmitting torque between an engine and a transmission. The clutch assembly is selectable for transmitting torque between the engine and the transmission and includes at least one friction clutch, the clutch assembly being supported on the transmission housing so that the clutch assembly is radially fixed and displaceable in an axially limited manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2004
    Publication date: February 17, 2005
    Applicant: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Rolf Meinhard, Matthias Schneider
  • Patent number: 6808054
    Abstract: The invention relates to a torque transmission device comprising a first and at least one second coupling device, of which each can be switched into different switching positions The torque transmission device also comprises a drive device, an actuating device and a drive release device or a spring device or a change-over device or a release lever device or a valve device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Gunter Hirt, Reinhard Berger, Rolf Meinhard
  • Patent number: 6729456
    Abstract: First and second automatically operable friction clutches in the power train of a motor vehicle are connected between a rotary output element of the prime mover and first and second input elements of a change-speed gearbox. The wear upon the friction linings on the clutch disc of one of the clutches is frequently different from the wear upon the friction linings on the clutch disc of the other clutch. This is compensated for by automatically ascertaining the extent of wear upon the friction linings of the two clutches and by carrying out remedial undertakings such as temporarily reducing or interrupting the wear upon the friction linings which were subjected to more pronounced wear and/or increasing the wear upon the other friction linings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: LUK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Sebastien Beneton, Christopher Raber, Rolf Meinhard, Reinhard Berger
  • Patent number: 6634477
    Abstract: The torque transmitting connection between the output shaft of the prime mover and the input shaft or shafts of the transmission in the power train of a motor vehicle is established by a torsional vibration damper and a clutch assembly. The damper has an input member affixed to the output shaft and an output element separably coupled to a counterpressure plate of a single friction clutch or of one of two friction clutches of the clutch assembly by an axial plug-in connection. The output element(s) of the clutch(es) is or are connected to a single input shaft or to discrete input shafts of the transmission. The plug-in connection renders it possible to assemble the torsional vibration damper with the prime mover and to assemble the clutch assembly with the transmission prior to the establishment of a torque transmitting connection between the damper and the clutch assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Sebastien Beneton, Rolf Meinhard