Patents by Inventor Stefan Grieser-Schmitz
Stefan Grieser-Schmitz 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).
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Patent number: 11667263Abstract: An actuator for an electric parking brake, EPB, is described. The actuator comprises a motor configured to actuate an actuating member of the EPB, as well as a reception interface configured to receive an enablement code. An enablement code is assigned to the EPB actuator which individualizes the EPB actuator against other EPB actuators. The actuator further comprises an evaluation unit configured to verify the received enablement code on the basis of the enablement code allocated to the EPB actuator and to enable a control of the motor in case of a positively verified enablement code. There is further provided a control device for the EPB actuator, an electric parking brake and a vehicle having the EPB actuator and corresponding operating methods.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2018Date of Patent: June 6, 2023Assignee: ZF Active Safety GmbHInventors: Andreas Kubb, Jens-Peter Kohrt, Ralf Kinder, Stefan Grieser-Schmitz
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Publication number: 20230030062Abstract: A control circuit, is disclosed, which is developed and intended for use in a motor vehicle. The control circuit comprises a first circuit portion, which is developed and intended to detect an error state of a control module and/or supply source, such as a voltage supply, of a drive arrangement, for example a drive arrangement of a brake system of the motor vehicle, and/or an electric drive of the drive arrangement, and is developed and intended to cause a short-circuit of the electric drive of the drive arrangement if an error state has been detected. A control method is also disclosed, for operating a brake system of a motor vehicle, as well as a computer program and a control unit or system having multiple control units.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 22, 2022Publication date: February 2, 2023Inventor: Stefan Grieser-Schmitz
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Patent number: 11570250Abstract: A communication system intended for use in a motor vehicle includes a plurality of devices (26, 28), a transmission channel (32) that connects the plurality of devices (26, 28) to one another, and a signal source (30) coupled to the transmission channel (32). Each of the devices (26, 28) includes a control unit (36) configured for evaluating signals of the transmission channel (32), and at least two coupling units (38, 40) configured for connecting and disconnecting the particular device (26, 28) to/from the transmission channel (32). The control units (36) of the devices (26, 28) are configured for causing the coupling units (38, 40), at a certain point in time, in each case to connect no more than one of the devices (26, 28) to the transmission channel (32), and to disconnect the other of the devices (26, 28) from the transmission channel (32).Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2020Date of Patent: January 31, 2023Assignee: ZF ACTIVE SAFETY GMBHInventor: Stefan Grieser-Schmitz
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Patent number: 11312343Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle control unit. The control unit comprises a first processor system, which is designed to control an actuator of an electric parking brake and at least one additional motor vehicle function unit. A second processor system of the control unit is designed to control the at least one actuator in an at least partially redundant manner to the first processor system. Furthermore, there is a changeover device, which is designed to enable an activation of the at least one actuator either via the first processor system or the second processor system.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2017Date of Patent: April 26, 2022Assignee: ZF Active Safety GmbHInventors: Ingo Alfter, Stefan Grieser-Schmitz
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Patent number: 11292446Abstract: A technique is described for the redundant registering of an actuation of a motor-vehicle brake system. A device which is provided for this purpose comprises a first sensor for generating a first sensor signal which indicates a movement of a mechanical input component of the brake system, and a second sensor for generating a second sensor signal which indicates a hydraulic pressure in the brake system. A processing device which is coupled to the two sensors is configured for selectively outputting an actuation signal which is generated on the basis of the first sensor signal or an actuation signal which is generated on the basis of the second sensor signal. The actuation signal indicates an actuation of the brake system.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2019Date of Patent: April 5, 2022Assignee: ZF Active Safety GmbHInventors: Stefan Grieser-Schmitz, Michael Keller, Kenneth Vincent
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Publication number: 20210155115Abstract: A control circuit (10) is configured and intended for use in an electric vehicle (50). The control circuit (10) comprises a first circuit portion (12), a first power supply line (16), a first controllable switch (19), a second circuit portion (20), a second power supply line (26), a second controllable switch (30) and a switch control unit (36). The first circuit portion (12) comprises at least one electrolytic capacitor (14). The first power supply line (16) is configured to supply the first circuit portion (12) with electrical power. The first controllable switch (19) is arranged in the first power supply line (18), wherein the first switch (19) interrupts the first power supply line (16) in an open state in order to prevent the at least one electrolytic capacitor (14) from being supplied with power. The second power supply line (26) is configured to supply the second circuit portion (20) with electrical power.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 23, 2020Publication date: May 27, 2021Inventors: Stefan Grieser-Schmitz, Manfred Fub
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Publication number: 20200274928Abstract: A communication system intended for use in a motor vehicle is disclosed. The communication system includes a plurality of devices (26, 28), a transmission channel (32) that connects the plurality of devices (26, 28) to one another, and a signal source (30) that is coupled to the transmission channel (32). Each of the devices (26, 28) includes a control unit (36) that is configured for evaluating signals of the transmission channel (32), and at least two coupling units (38, 40) that are configured for connecting and disconnecting the particular device (26, 28) to/from the transmission channel (32). The control units (36) of the devices (26, 28) are configured for causing the coupling units (38, 40), at a certain point in time, in each case to connect no more than one of the devices (26, 28) to the transmission channel (32), and to disconnect the other of the devices (26, 28) from the transmission channel (32).Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2020Publication date: August 27, 2020Inventor: Stefan Grieser-Schmitz
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Publication number: 20200039493Abstract: A technique is described for the redundant registering of an actuation of a motor-vehicle brake system. A device which is provided for this purpose comprises a first sensor for generating a first sensor signal which indicates a movement of a mechanical input component of the brake system, and a second sensor for generating a second sensor signal which indicates a hydraulic pressure in the brake system. A processing device which is coupled to the two sensors is configured for selectively outputting an actuation signal which is generated on the basis of the first sensor signal or an actuation signal which is generated on the basis of the second sensor signal. The actuation signal indicates an actuation of the brake system.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2019Publication date: February 6, 2020Applicant: Lucas Automotive GmbHInventors: Stefan Grieser-Schmitz, Michael Keller, Kenneth Vincent
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Publication number: 20190344762Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle control unit. The control unit comprises a first processor system, which is designed to control an actuator of an electric parking brake and at least one additional motor vehicle function unit. A second processor system of the control unit is designed to control the at least one actuator in an at least partially redundant manner to the first processor system. Furthermore, there is a changeover device, which is designed to enable an activation of the at least one actuator either via the first processor system or the second processor system.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2017Publication date: November 14, 2019Applicant: Lucas Automotive GmbHInventors: Ingo Alfter, Stefan Grieser-Schmitz
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Patent number: 10144398Abstract: In order to achieve a vehicle wheel (10) slip relative to a roadway (12) while braking the vehicle, said slip being as advantageous as possible, the rotational speed (w) of the wheel (10) can be actively reduced by an ABS by means of a braking intervention and passively allowed to accelerate again via the roadway (12) when the brake is released. The slip of the wheel (10) oscillates by an optimal slip value during the ABS regulating process. The aim of the invention is to improve an anti-lock braking system for a vehicle. In the method according to the invention, at least one wheel (10) of the vehicle is supplied with a braking torque (Mb) in order to temporarily reduce a travel speed (v) of the vehicle relative to a rolling surface (12), said braking torque acting against a rotating direction (14) of the wheel (10).Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2012Date of Patent: December 4, 2018Assignee: Lucas Automotive GmbHInventors: Dominik Bergmann, Ludger Fiege, Gunter Freitag, Matthias Gerlich, Stefan Grieser-Schmitz, Eugen Lanze, Ries Robison
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Publication number: 20180236974Abstract: An actuator for an electric parking brake, EPB, is described. The actuator comprises a motor configured to actuate an actuating member of the EPB, as well as a reception interface configured to receive an enablement code. An enablement code is assigned to the EPB actuator which individualizes the EPB actuator against other EPB actuators. The actuator further comprises an evaluation unit configured to verify the received enablement code on the basis of the enablement code allocated to the EPB actuator and to enable a control of the motor in case of a positively verified enablement code. There is further provided a control device for the EPB actuator, an electric parking brake and a vehicle having the EPB actuator and corresponding operating methods.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2018Publication date: August 23, 2018Applicant: Lucas Automotive GmbHInventors: Andreas Kubb, Jens-Peter Kohrt, Ralf Kinder, Stefan Grieser-Schmitz
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Patent number: 9616870Abstract: The invention relates to a technique for operating an electrohydraulic motor vehicle brake system comprising a master cylinder, an electromechanical actuator for generating a hydraulic pressure at a plurality of wheel brakes and a set of electrically actuable valve arrangements. The set of valve arrangements comprises a first valve arrangement between the master cylinder and every wheel brake. The first valve arrangements can be controlled in the multiplex operation to generate, by means of the electromechanical actuator, the respective brake pressure intended for each of the wheel brakes. According to an aspect of this technique, the method comprises the steps of: generating a feedback current during the multiplex operation by operating an electric motor of the electromechanical actuator as a generator and supplying the feedback current to at least one electrical load.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2013Date of Patent: April 11, 2017Assignee: Lucas Automotive GmbHInventors: Josef Knechtges, Stefan Grieser-Schmitz
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Patent number: 9302656Abstract: It is proposed, for an electronic system for operating an electromechanical parking brake device of a vehicle with an input unit for detecting a driver command which is evaluated by a control unit which activates at least one actuating unit for actuating at least one brake, that the control unit consist of at least two control components, of which a first control component is associated with the input unit and at least one second control component is associated with the at least one actuating unit.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2005Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Assignee: Lucas Automotive GmbHInventors: Boris Köth, Bernd Schönwald, Ralf Leiter, Stefan Grieser-Schmitz
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Publication number: 20150344014Abstract: The invention relates to a technique for operating an electrohydraulic motor vehicle brake system comprising a master cylinder, an electromechanical actuator for generating a hydraulic pressure at a plurality of wheel brakes and a set of electrically actuable valve arrangements. The set of valve arrangements comprises a first valve arrangement between the master cylinder and every wheel brake. The first valve arrangements can be controlled in the multiplex operation to generate, by means of the electromechanical actuator, the respective brake pressure intended for each of the wheel brakes. According to an aspect of this technique, the method comprises the steps of: generating a feedback current during the multiplex operation by operating an electric motor of the electromechanical actuator as a generator and supplying the feedback current to at least one electrical load.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 28, 2013Publication date: December 3, 2015Applicant: Lucas Automotive GmbHInventors: Josef Knechtges, Stefan Grieser-Schmitz
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Patent number: 8972104Abstract: An electrical control unit, or ECU, for a vehicle actuation system is described. The electrical control unit determines a current consumption of a current controlled actuator and comprises an input to receive an input signal from the current controlled actuator, an adder to add a bias signal to the input signal, an amplifier to generate an amplified signal by amplifying the signal output by the adder, a subtractor to subtract a signal representative of the bias signal from the amplified signal, and a determining unit to determine the current consumption from the signal output by the subtractor.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2012Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: Lucas Automotive GmbHInventor: Stefan Grieser-Schmitz
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Publication number: 20150039166Abstract: In order to achieve a vehicle wheel (10) slip relative to a roadway (12) while braking the vehicle, said slip being as advantageous as possible, the rotational speed (w) of the wheel (10) can be actively reduced by an ABS by means of a braking intervention and passively allowed to accelerate again via the roadway (12) when the brake is released. The slip of the wheel (10) oscillates by an optimal slip value during the ABS regulating process. The aim of the invention is to improve an anti-lock braking system for a vehicle. In the method according to the invention, at least one wheel (10) of the vehicle is supplied with a braking torque (Mb) in order to temporarily reduce a travel speed (v) of the vehicle relative to a rolling surface (12), said braking torque acting against a rotating direction (14) of the wheel (10).Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2012Publication date: February 5, 2015Inventors: Dominik Bergmann, Ludger Fiege, Gunter Freitag, Matthias Gerlich, Stefan Grieser-Schmitz, Eugen Lanze, Ries Robinson
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Publication number: 20140129108Abstract: A technique is described for the redundant registering of an actuation of a motor-vehicle brake system. A device which is provided for this purpose comprises a first sensor for generating a first sensor signal which indicates a movement of a mechanical input component of the brake system, and a second sensor for generating a second sensor signal which indicates a hydraulic pressure in the brake system. A processing device which is coupled to the two sensors is configured for selectively outputting an actuation signal which is generated on the basis of the first sensor signal or an actuation signal which is generated on the basis of the second sensor signal. The actuation signal indicates an actuation of the brake system.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2012Publication date: May 8, 2014Applicant: LUCAS AUTOMOTIVE GMBHInventors: Stefan Grieser-Schmitz, Michael Keller, Kenneth Vincent
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Patent number: 8432060Abstract: For a device for the electrical actuation of a safety-critical system, having at least two terminals, at least one switch, an operator control element, by means of which at least two operating states for the system are selectable, by means of which switching positions of the at least one switch are determined, it is proposed that at least one current direction element is provided, so that for at least one of the at least two operating states a unidirectional current flow occurs between the at least two terminals.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2008Date of Patent: April 30, 2013Assignee: Lucas Automotive GmbHInventors: Stefan Grieser-Schmitz, Werner Scheider
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Patent number: 8423241Abstract: The present invention relates to an actuator device for use in a motor vehicle, comprising an actuator, a control unit for controlling the actuator and a processing unit, which is or can be connected to an external main control device via a control connection in order to transfer actuator setting commands. Furthermore, the processing unit is subordinate to the main control device and is connected to the control unit in order to control the actuator according to the actuator setting commands. The control unit is or can be connected to the main control device via an activation connection and is equipped so as to enable the actuator to be controlled by the processing unit according to activation signals transmitted via the activation connection.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2008Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Assignee: Lucas Automotive GmbHInventors: Lutz Muders, Stefan Grieser-Schmitz, Marco Junglas, Benedikt Ohlig
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Publication number: 20120323436Abstract: An electrical control unit, or ECU, for a vehicle actuation system is described. The electrical control unit determines a current consumption of a current controlled actuator and comprises an input to receive an input signal from the current controlled actuator, an adder to add a bias signal to the input signal, an amplifier to generate an amplified signal by amplifying the signal output by the adder, a subtractor to subtract a signal representative of the bias signal from the amplified signal, and a determining unit to determine the current consumption from the signal output by the subtractor.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2012Publication date: December 20, 2012Applicant: LUCAS AUTOMOTIVE GMBHInventor: Stefan Grieser-Schmitz