Patents by Inventor Theodor Gassmann

Theodor Gassmann 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: 20190085976
    Abstract: A multi-step transmission for a motor vehicle comprises an input shaft, an output shaft, a first transmission stage and a second transmission stage, a clutch which can be transferred into three clutch positions to drivingly connect the input shaft and the output shaft with each other or disconnect them from each other; and an actuating assembly with a setting element that is movable in three setting positions and is connected to a movable clutch part of the clutch, wherein the actuating assembly comprises first and second electromagnetically operable actuators which can be operated independently from one another and which jointly act on the setting element such that the setting element can be transferred by the first and the second actuator into the three setting positions. An electric drive can have such a multi-step transmission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2016
    Publication date: March 21, 2019
    Inventor: Theodor Gassmann
  • Patent number: 10094461
    Abstract: A transmission assembly for an electric drive for a motor vehicle comprises a first transmission unit having a drive gear and a driven gear; a second transmission unit which is drivingly connected to the first transmission unit and which features a transmission speed reduction ratio i2; a third transmission unit which is drivingly connected to the second transmission unit and which transmits an introduced torque from an input part to two output parts; wherein the second transmission unit comprises a planetary gearing with a planetary gear, a planetary carrier, a first sun gear and a second sun gear, wherein the planetary gear engages the first sun gear and the second sun gear, wherein the first sun gear is at least rotatably supportable relative to a stationary component and wherein the second sun gear is drivingly connected to the input part of the third transmission unit. An electric drive assembly can have such a transmission assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: GKN Automotive Ltd.
    Inventor: Theodor Gassmann
  • Patent number: 9951850
    Abstract: A drive assembly for a motor vehicle has a multi-step transmission and a differential drive. The multi-step transmission comprises a rotatingly drivable driveshaft and an intermediate shaft parallel to the driveshaft, and at least one first transmission stage and a second transmission stage for transmitting torque from the driveshaft to the intermediate shaft with different transmission ratios, as well as a shift unit, wherein the intermediate shaft comprises an output gear for transmitting torque to a differential carrier of the differential drive, wherein a rotational axis of the differential carrier extends parallel to the intermediate shaft, wherein the output gear and the shift unit are arranged axially between the at least two transmission stages, and wherein the driveshaft comprises bores for supplying lubricant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: GKN Automotive Limited
    Inventors: Fred Kramer, Mark Schmidt, Ralph Mertens, Thomas Altenrath, Jiri Marks, Theodor Gassmann
  • Publication number: 20180051788
    Abstract: A transmission assembly for an electric drive for a motor vehicle comprises a first transmission unit having a drive gear and a driven gear; a second transmission unit which is drivingly connected to the first transmission unit and which features a transmission speed reduction ratio i2; a third transmission unit which is drivingly connected to the second transmission unit and which transmits an introduced torque from an input part to two output parts; wherein the second transmission unit comprises a planetary gearing with a planetary gear, a planetary carrier, a first sun gear and a second sun gear, wherein the planetary gear engages the first sun gear and the second sun gear, wherein the first sun gear is at least rotatably supportable relative to a stationary component and wherein the second sun gear is drivingly connected to the input part of the third transmission unit. An electric drive assembly can have such a transmission assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2016
    Publication date: February 22, 2018
    Inventor: Theodor Gassmann
  • Publication number: 20180013338
    Abstract: An electric drive assembly for a motor vehicle comprises a high-speed electric machine with a nominal rotational speed of at least 20,000 revolutions per minute and with a high-speed rotor that can be used as a flywheel mass for storing kinetic energy; a superimposed transmission having a drive element, a regulating element and a driven element, wherein the drive element is drivable by an electric machine around a drive axis, wherein the regulating element is rotatable around a regulating axis and wherein the driven element is drivingly connected to the regulating element and the drive element; an electromagnetic regulating device having a stator and a rotor that is connected to the regulating element in a rotationally fixed way, wherein by means of magnetic forces acting in the circumferential direction between the stator and the rotor, a regulating moment can be transmitted to the rotor, wherein the magnetic forces are variably adjustable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2016
    Publication date: January 11, 2018
    Inventor: Theodor Gassmann
  • Publication number: 20170175863
    Abstract: A drive assembly for a motor vehicle has a multi-step transmission and a differential drive. The multi-step transmission comprises a rotatingly drivable driveshaft and an intermediate shaft parallel to the driveshaft, and at least one first transmission stage and a second transmission stage for transmitting torque from the driveshaft to the intermediate shaft with different transmission ratios, as well as a shift unit, wherein the intermediate shaft comprises an output gear for transmitting torque to a differential carrier of the differential drive, wherein a rotational axis of the differential carrier extends parallel to the intermediate shaft, wherein the output gear and the shift unit are arranged axially between the at least two transmission stages, and wherein the driveshaft comprises bores for supplying lubricant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2015
    Publication date: June 22, 2017
    Inventors: Fred Kramer, Mark Schmidt, Ralph Mertens, Thomas Altenrath, Jiri Marks, Theodor Gassmann
  • Patent number: 9643490
    Abstract: The invention elates to an electric drive assembly for a multi-axle driven motor vehicle which comprises an internal combustion engine, a multi-step transmission with an output shaft for driving a rear axle, as well as an optionally driveable front axle. The drive assembly comprises an electric machine (6), a reduction gearing (7) drivingly connected to the electric machine (6), a driveshaft (9) drivingly connected to the reduction gearing (7) and drivingly connectable to a front propeller shaft (65) for driving the front axle, and a housing 5 in which the electric machine (6) and the reduction gearing (7) are arranged. The housing (5) comprises connecting means (16) for connecting the drive assembly (2) to the multi-step transmission. The electric drive assembly is designed such that, with the electric drive assembly mounted at the multi-step transmission (56), a rear propeller shaft (57) can be connected at least indirectly to the output shaft of the multi-step transmission for driving the rear axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: GKN Driveline International GmbH
    Inventors: Theodor Gassmann, Michael Schwekutsch, Mark Schmidt
  • Patent number: 9435415
    Abstract: An electric drive for a motor vehicle comprises a first gear stage, driveable by the electric motor, a second gear stage, driveable by the first gear stage, and a differential drive, driveable by the second gear stage. The first gear stage has a driving wheel and an output wheel, wherein the driving wheel is arranged coaxially to the output shaft of the electric motor and is rotatingly driveable by the electric motor around a first rotational axis A. The output wheel is drivingly connected to the driving wheel and is rotatingly driveable around a second rotational axis B, wherein the second rotational axis B is arranged parallel off-set to the first rotational axis A. The second gear stage and the differential drive are arranged coaxially to the second rotational axis B.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: GKN Driveline International GmbH
    Inventor: Theodor Gassmann
  • Publication number: 20150226296
    Abstract: An electric drive for a motor vehicle comprises a first gear stage, driveable by the electric motor, a second gear stage, driveable by the first gear stage, and a differential drive, driveable by the second gear stage. The first gear stage has a driving wheel and an output wheel, wherein the driving wheel is arranged coaxially to the output shaft of the electric motor and is rotatingly driveable by the electric motor around a first rotational axis A. The output wheel is drivingly connected to the driving wheel and is rotatingly driveable around a second rotational axis B, wherein the second rotational axis B is arranged parallel off-set to the first rotational axis A. The second gear stage and the differential drive are arranged coaxially to the second rotational axis B.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2015
    Publication date: August 13, 2015
    Inventor: Theodor Gassmann
  • Patent number: 9039559
    Abstract: An electric drive for a motor vehicle comprising an electric motor and a drive unit is disclosed. The drive unit has a first gear stage, driveable by the electric motor, a second gear stage, driveable by the first gear stage, and a differential drive, driveable by the second gear stage. The first gear stage has a driving wheel and an output wheel, wherein the driving wheel is arranged coaxially to the output shaft of the electric motor and is rotatingly driveable by the electric motor around a first rotational axis A. The output wheel is drivingly connected to the driving wheel and is rotatingly driveable around a second rotational axis B, wherein the second rotational axis B is arranged parallel off-set to the first rotational axis A. The second gear stage and the differential drive are arranged coaxially to the second rotational axis B.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: GKN Driveline International GmbH
    Inventor: Theodor Gassmann
  • Patent number: 9028357
    Abstract: A power transfer unit assembly for a vehicle. The power transfer unit includes a housing, an internal variable speed differential positioned within the housing, a first front side shaft rotatively connected to the differential, a second front side shaft rotatively connected to the differential, an input shaft interconnected to at least one of the first and second side shafts, and at least one shifting mechanism for engaging at least one of the first and second shafts with at least one mode selection gear set. Engagement of the mode selection gear set transfers torque through the input shaft to selectively engage with a second gear set interconnected to a power transfer final drive unit assembly having an internal variable speed differential.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: GKN Driveline North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Brent Michael Peura, Robert Genway-Haden, Theodor Gassmann, Mark Schmidt, Michael Schwekutsch
  • Patent number: 8992366
    Abstract: An electric drive for a motor vehicle is disclosed that comprises an electric motor and a drive unit drivable by the electric motor. The drive unit has a planetary drive and a differential drive 9, which are arranged coaxially to a rotational axis A. The planetary drive comprises a ring gear, a sun gear, a plurality of planet gears as well as a planet carrier. The ring gear is rotatingly driveable by the electric motor around the rotational axis A. The sun gear is supportable or supported relative to a stationary component against rotation. The planet carrier is connected to a differential carrier of the differential drive so as to transmit torque thereto. A motor vehicle with such an electric drive is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: GKN Driveline International GbmH
    Inventor: Theodor Gassmann
  • Publication number: 20150021112
    Abstract: The invention elates to an electric drive assembly for a multi-axle driven motor vehicle which comprises an internal combustion engine, a multi-step transmission with an output shaft for driving a rear axle, as well as an optionally driveable front axle. The drive assembly comprises an electric machine (6), a reduction gearing (7) drivingly connected to the electric machine (6), a driveshaft (9) drivingly connected to the reduction gearing (7) and drivingly connectable to a front propeller shaft (65) for driving the front axle, and a housing 5 in which the electric machine (6) and the reduction gearing (7) are arranged. The housing (5) comprises connecting means (16) for connecting the drive assembly (2) to the multi-step transmission. The electric drive assembly is designed such that, with the electric drive assembly mounted at the multi-step transmission (56), a rear propeller shaft (57) can be connected at least indirectly to the output shaft of the multi-step transmission for driving the rear axle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: Mark Schmidt, Theodor Gassmann, Michael Schwekutsch
  • Patent number: 8840506
    Abstract: A parking lock assembly for a motor vehicle is described that has at least one electrically drivable driving axle. The parking lock comprises an electric drive, a shaft which is arranged in the driveline of a motor vehicle and which is drivable by the electric drive, as well as a locking mechanism which is controllable in the locking sense in order to prevent a rotational movement of the shaft and which is controllable in the opening sense in order to release the shaft. The electric drive is controllable in order to transmit torque to the shaft if, in spite of the locking mechanism being controlled in the opening sense, the shaft is prevented from carrying out a rotational movement. Furthermore, a method of actuating such a parking lock assembly is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: GKN Driveline International GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Schwekutsch, Theodor Gassmann, Mark Schmidt
  • Patent number: 8739953
    Abstract: An actuating assembly for connecting a driving axle in the driveline of a motor vehicle is disclosed. The actuating assembly comprises a pump for generating a hydraulic pressure; a pressure accumulator which can be filled by the pump with a hydraulic fluid for generating a pre-pressure; a first hydraulic actuating unit for actuating a first coupling; a second hydraulic actuating unit for actuating a second coupling; wherein at least one of the two first or second hydraulic actuating units can be loaded by the pressure accumulator with hydraulic pressure and, after the pressure accumulator has been at least partially emptied, can be additionally loaded by the pump, wherein the associated first or second coupling can be actuated in the closing sense. Furthermore, a drive assembly having an inventive actuating assembly is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: GKN Driveline International GmbH
    Inventors: Theodor Gassmann, Michael Schwekutsch, Mark Schmidt, Holger Seidl
  • Patent number: 8661942
    Abstract: An angle drive arrangement for a drive train comprises an input shaft and a shift clutch. The input shaft can be driven about a first rotational axis. The shift clutch is arranged coaxially with respect to the first rotational axis and has a clutch input part and a clutch output part which can be coupled to one another to transmit torque. The angle drive arrangement further includes an angle gearing with a crown gear, which is arranged coaxially to the first rotational axis, and a pinion, which is mounted about a second rotational axis and which is in meshing engagement with the crown gear. The second rotational axis is at a right angle to the first rotational axis. The crown gear is fixedly connected to an intermediate shaft mounted in a housing by first and second bearing mechanisms, which are arranged on the same side of the second rotational axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: GKN Driveline International GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Schwekutsch, Theodor Gassmann
  • Patent number: 8596439
    Abstract: A hydraulic assembly for actuating a setting unit in a motor vehicle may include at least one hydraulic actuating unit which acts on the setting unit, as well as at least one piston pump with a piston which is displaceably positioned in a housing, wherein, when the piston moves, there is built up a hydraulic pressure for loading the actuating unit. There is provided a driveshaft with an axis of rotation and an eccentric, wherein the eccentric acts on the piston of the at least one piston pump and, when the driveshaft rotates, builds up a hydraulic pressure. Furthermore, the hydraulic assembly may be integrated within a coupling assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: GKN Driveline International GmbH
    Inventor: Theodor Gassmann
  • Patent number: 8535194
    Abstract: A coupling assembly for optionally connecting a driving axle in a motor vehicle having multiple driving axles is disclosed. The coupling assembly comprises an externally controllable friction coupling with a coupling input part and an output part. The input part is rotatingly drivable around an axis of rotation A. A differential drive with an input element and two output elements which are drivingly connected to the input element, are also included. The input element of the differential drive is arranged coaxially relative to the coupling output part and drivably connected to the coupling output part for the purpose of transmitting torque. A driveline assembly having such a coupling assembly is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: GKN Driveline International GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Juenemann, Fred Kramer, Michael Schwekutsch, Mark Schmidt, Theodor Gassmann
  • Patent number: 8517883
    Abstract: A transmission module for the variable distribution of torque in the driveline of a motor vehicle. A driveshaft 3 in a housing 8, is rotatingly drivable around a first axis of rotation A. A hollow shaft 4 is arranged coaxially relative to the first shaft 3 and is rotatingly drivable relative thereto. A transmission stage 5 having a first sun gear 32 which is drivingly connected to the hollow shaft 4, having a second sun gear 34 which is arranged so as to coaxially adjoin the first sun gear 32 and which is connected to the driveshaft 3 in a rotationally fixed way, and having a hollow gear 33 which, in the housing 8, is rotatably supported on an axis of rotation B extending parallel to the axis of rotation A and which meshingly engages the first sun gear 32 and the second sun gear 34, wherein the first and the second sun gear 32, 34 comprise different numbers of teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: GKN Driveline International GmbH
    Inventor: Theodor Gassmann
  • Publication number: 20130190124
    Abstract: An electric drive for a motor vehicle is disclosed that comprises an electric motor and a drive unit drivable by the electric motor. The drive unit has a planetary drive and a differential drive 9, which are arranged coaxially to a rotational axis A. The planetary drive comprises a ring gear, a sun gear, a plurality of planet gears as well as a planet carrier. The ring gear is rotatingly driveable by the electric motor around the rotational axis A. The sun gear is supportable or supported relative to a stationary component against rotation. The planet carrier is connected to a differential carrier of the differential drive so as to transmit torque thereto. A motor vehicle with such an electric drive is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2010
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: GKN Driveline International GmbH
    Inventor: Theodor Gassmann