Patents by Inventor Thomas Lemp
Thomas Lemp 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: 10793154Abstract: A method for operating a drive train of a motor vehicle, the drive train having at least one transmission (2) for carrying out different transmission gear ratios between an input shaft (21) and an output shaft (22) of the transmission (2) by selectively engaging hydraulically actuatable shift elements of the transmission (G), the drive train further having an electric machine as a drive source (1), and a hydraulically actuatable or bridgeable starting component (3) in the power path between the drive source (1) and the output shaft (22). The method includes performing a starting process of the motor vehicle driven solely by the drive source (1) with an engaged or bridged starting component (3). The method further includes limiting a drive source torque (1t) during the starting process to a maximum value dependent on a current system pressure (2p) of a hydraulic system of the transmission (2).Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2017Date of Patent: October 6, 2020Assignee: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AGInventors: Felix Bühle, Falko Platzer, Thomas Lemp
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Patent number: 10717426Abstract: A method for operating a drive train of a motor vehicle includes selecting between first and second operating strategies for controlling a starting component (3A, 3B) during a stopping process of the motor vehicle, and carrying out a downshift of the transmission (G) during the stopping process after implementing the first operating strategy or the second operating strategy. In the first operating strategy, the starting component (3A, 3B) is engaged or locked up and/or remains engaged or locked up at least until the motor vehicle comes to a standstill. In the second operating strategy, the starting component (3A, 3B) is disengaged or the lock-up of the starting component (3A, 36) is released before the motor vehicle come to the standstill. The downshift of the transmission (G) is triggered at a different rotational speed limit value upon implementation of the first operating strategy than upon implementation of the second operating strategy.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2018Date of Patent: July 21, 2020Assignee: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AGInventors: Felix Bühle, Thomas Lemp
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Patent number: 10309529Abstract: A method for operating a drivetrain of a motor vehicle, includes, when the motor vehicle is at a standstill and upon demand for a drive torque of the motor vehicle, increasing power (25p) supplied to a separate electric pump drive (25) such that a pressure chamber whose pressurization effects a complete closure or lock-up of a launch element (3) is fast charged with hydraulic pressure from a pump (24). The method also includes performing a launch process of the motor vehicle with the drive source (1) and with a closed or locked-up launch element (3) and reducing the power (25p) supplied to the separate electric pump drive (25) after fast charging the pressure chamber. A related drive train module is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2017Date of Patent: June 4, 2019Assignee: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AGInventors: Felix Bühle, Falko Platzer, Thomas Lemp
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Patent number: 10293814Abstract: A method for operating a motor vehicle originates from a condition in which a torque converter lockup clutch (6) or a master clutch (13) is engaged and the transmission (2) is friction-locking. The torque converter lockup clutch (6) or the master clutch (13) is then brought into a slip condition on a control side, and a prime-mover rotational speed is decoupled from a driven-end rotational speed. The torque converter lockup clutch (6) or the master clutch (13) is brought into the slip condition without reducing a pressure control of the torque converter lockup clutch (6) or the master clutch (13) and by specifying a target rotational speed or a target torque for the prime mover (1) such that a torque or a target torque is greater than a power transmission capacity of the torque converter lockup clutch (6) or the master clutch (13) and slip is built up.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2018Date of Patent: May 21, 2019Assignee: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AGInventors: Felix Bühle, Thomas Lemp
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Publication number: 20190143976Abstract: A method for operating a drive train of a motor vehicle, the drive train having at least one transmission (2) for carrying out different transmission gear ratios between an input shaft (21) and an output shaft (22) of the transmission (2) by selectively engaging hydraulically actuatable shift elements of the transmission (G), the drive train further having an electric machine as a drive source (1), and a hydraulically actuatable or bridgeable starting component (3) in the power path between the drive source (1) and the output shaft (22). The method includes performing a starting process of the motor vehicle driven solely by the drive source (1) with an engaged or bridged starting component (3). The method further includes limiting a drive source torque (1t) during the starting process to a maximum value dependent on a current system pressure (2p) of a hydraulic system of the transmission (2).Type: ApplicationFiled: March 22, 2017Publication date: May 16, 2019Inventors: Felix Bühle, Falko Platzer, Thomas Lemp
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Patent number: 10274029Abstract: A method for operating a drive train of a motor vehicle includes performing a startup operation of the motor vehicle or a stopping operation of the motor vehicle. A starting component (3) is engaged or bridged during the startup operation or the stopping operation of the motor vehicle. The startup operation is driven by a drive source (1). The method also includes comparing an actual value of an output shaft (22) based variable with a target value of the output shaft (22) based variable during the startup operation or the stopping operation and, on reaching or exceeding a specific deviation of the actual value from the target value, moving the starting component (3) into a slipping state. The starting component (3) transmits torque in the slipping state. A related drive train module for a motor vehicle is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2017Date of Patent: April 30, 2019Assignee: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AGInventors: Felix Bühle, Falko Platzer, Thomas Lemp
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Publication number: 20190061733Abstract: A method for operating a drive train of a motor vehicle includes selecting between first and second operating strategies for controlling a starting component (3A, 3B) during a stopping process of the motor vehicle, and carrying out a downshift of the transmission (G) during the stopping process after implementing the first operating strategy or the second operating strategy. In the first operating strategy, the starting component (3A, 3B) is engaged or locked up and/or remains engaged or locked up at least until the motor vehicle comes to a standstill. In the second operating strategy, the starting component (3A, 3B) is disengaged or the lock-up of the starting component (3A, 3B) is released before the motor vehicle come to the standstill. The downshift of the transmission (G) is triggered at a different rotational speed limit value upon implementation of the first operating strategy than upon implementation of the second operating strategy.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2018Publication date: February 28, 2019Inventors: Felix Bühle, Thomas Lemp
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Patent number: 10173665Abstract: A method for operating a drive train of a motor vehicle is provided, the drive train featuring a first drive assembly formed as an internal combustion engine a second drive assembly formed as an electric motor, a start-up element and a transmission). The start-up element features a converter and a lock-up clutch and is connected between the electric motor and the transmission. The electric motor is connected between the internal combustion engine and the start-up element. If a decoupling of the lock-up clutch is requested, the lock-up clutch of the start-up element is initially brought into slip. If the slip at the lock-up clutch of the start-up element reaches a threshold or is greater than the threshold, a target rotational speed is subsequently predetermined for the electric motor and the rotational speed of the electric motor is adjusted to such target rotational speed.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2016Date of Patent: January 8, 2019Assignee: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AGInventors: Thomas Lemp, Christoph Hess, Falko Platzer
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Publication number: 20180354498Abstract: A method for operating a motor vehicle originates from a condition in which a torque converter lockup clutch (6) or a master clutch (13) is engaged and the transmission (2) is friction-locking. The torque converter lockup clutch (6) or the master clutch (13) is then brought into a slip condition on a control side, and a prime-mover rotational speed is decoupled from a driven-end rotational speed. The torque converter lockup clutch (6) or the master clutch (13) is brought into the slip condition without reducing a pressure control of the torque converter lockup clutch (6) or the master clutch (13) and by specifying a target rotational speed or a target torque for the prime mover (1) such that a torque or a target torque is greater than a power transmission capacity of the torque converter lockup clutch (6) or the master clutch (13) and slip is built up.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2018Publication date: December 13, 2018Inventors: Felix Bühle, Thomas Lemp
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Publication number: 20170307071Abstract: A method for operating a drivetrain of a motor vehicle, includes, when the motor vehicle is at a standstill and upon demand for a drive torque of the motor vehicle, increasing power (25p) supplied to a separate electric pump drive (25) such that a pressure chamber whose pressurization effects a complete closure or lock-up of a launch element (3) is fast charged with hydraulic pressure from a pump (24). The method also includes performing a launch process of the motor vehicle with the drive source (1) and with a closed or locked-up launch element (3) and reducing the power (25p) supplied to the separate electric pump drive (25) after fast charging the pressure chamber. A related drive train module is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 20, 2017Publication date: October 26, 2017Inventors: Felix Bühle, Falko Platzer, Thomas Lemp
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Publication number: 20170307030Abstract: A method for operating a drive train of a motor vehicle includes performing a startup operation of the motor vehicle or a stopping operation of the motor vehicle. A starting component (3) is engaged or bridged during the startup operation or the stopping operation of the motor vehicle. The startup operation is driven by a drive source (1). The method also includes comparing an actual value of an output shaft (22) based variable with a target value of the output shaft (22) based variable during the startup operation or the stopping operation and, on reaching or exceeding a specific deviation of the actual value from the target value, moving the starting component (3) into a slipping state. The starting component (3) transmits torque in the slipping state. A related drive train module for a motor vehicle is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 20, 2017Publication date: October 26, 2017Inventors: Felix Bühle, Falko Platzer, Thomas Lemp
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Publication number: 20160325736Abstract: A method for operating a drive train of a motor vehicle is provided, the drive train featuring a first drive assembly formed as an internal combustion engine a second drive assembly formed as an electric motor, a start-up element and a transmission). The start-up element features a converter and a lock-up clutch and is connected between the electric motor and the transmission. The electric motor is connected between the internal combustion engine and the start-up element. If a decoupling of the lock-up clutch is requested, the lock-up clutch of the start-up element is initially brought into slip. If the slip at the lock-up clutch of the start-up element reaches a threshold or is greater than the threshold, a target rotational speed is subsequently predetermined for the electric motor and the rotational speed of the electric motor is adjusted to such target rotational speed.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 5, 2016Publication date: November 10, 2016Inventors: Thomas Lemp, Christoph Hess, Falko Platzer
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Patent number: 9227629Abstract: A method of operating a vehicle hybrid drive-train in which, depending on the operating situation, the engine and electric machine either operate individually or together. The engine and the electric machine can be coupled or separated by a clutch. The engine can be started by the electric machine or a separate starting device. To co-ordinate transmission shifts and required engine starts, during a transmission shifting process, if the engine needs to be started, then based on whether the shift is an upshift, a downshift, a traction shift or an overdrive shift and also depending on the type of engine start required, it is first determined whether the shift should be completed, at least partially completed or discontinued before carrying out the start and, based on this determination, measures for continuing, at least partially continuing or discontinuing the shift process are initiated.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2012Date of Patent: January 5, 2016Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Tobias Zollner, Anton Fritzer, Patrick Peter, Thomas Lemp, Alexander Pfau, Stefan Gierer
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Patent number: 9037330Abstract: A method for operating a hybrid vehicle comprises conducting unfire operation in an internal-combustion engine in a fuel cut-off mode during a hybrid-mode ride in deceleration of the internal-combustion engine, disconnecting the internal-combustion engine from an output while maintaining the fuel cut-off mode, and reducing a transmission capacity of a clutch configured to couple the internal-combustion engine and an electric motor. During a hybrid-mode ride in deceleration of the internal-combustion engine for transition to the purely electric drive, the internal-combustion engine may be disconnected from the output and shut down. When the internal-combustion engine is operated unfired in a fuel cut-off mode, the internal-combustion engine may be disconnected from the output and shut down by reducing the transmission capacity of the clutch that is connected between the internal-combustion engine and the electric motor.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2013Date of Patent: May 19, 2015Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Bernd Allgaier, Michael Gromus, Friedrich Tenbrock, Thomas Lemp
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Publication number: 20140142796Abstract: A method of operating a vehicle hybrid drive-train in which, depending on the operating situation, the engine and electric machine either operate individually or together. The engine and the electric machine can be coupled or separated by a clutch. The engine can be started by the electric machine or a separate starting device. To co-ordinate transmission shifts and required engine starts, during a transmission shifting process, if the engine needs to be started, then based on whether the shift is an upshift, a downshift, a traction shift or an overdrive shift and also depending on the type of engine start required, it is first determined whether the shift should be completed, at least partially completed or discontinued before carrying out the start and, based on this determination, measures for continuing, at least partially continuing or discontinuing the shift process are initiated.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2012Publication date: May 22, 2014Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AGInventors: Tobias Zollner, Anton Fritzer, Patrick Peter, Thomas Lemp, Alexander Pfau, Stefan Gierer
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Publication number: 20130274978Abstract: A control device for a hybrid vehicle, comprising a hybrid drive with an internal combustion engine and an electric machine, wherein the control device, during a purely electric powered operation, compares an actual position of a crankshaft angle of the internal combustion engine with a target position for an auxiliary activation of the internal combustion engine or a target position range for an auxiliary activation of the internal combustion engine, and wherein the control device then, when said device determines that the actual position deviates from the target position by more than a limit value, determines at least one actuating variable, on the basis of which the actual position of the crankshaft angle can be altered such that, prior to the auxiliary activation of the internal combustion engine, the actual position deviates from the target position by less than the limit value, or lies within the target position range.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2013Publication date: October 17, 2013Applicant: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Thomas Lemp, Stefan Gierer
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Publication number: 20130274979Abstract: A method for operating a hybrid vehicle comprises conducting unfire operation in an internal-combustion engine in a fuel cut-off mode during a hybrid-mode ride in deceleration of the internal-combustion engine, disconnecting the internal-combustion engine from an output while maintaining the fuel cut-off mode, and reducing a transmission capacity of a clutch configured to couple the internal-combustion engine and an electric motor. During a hybrid-mode ride in deceleration of the internal-combustion engine for transition to the purely electric drive, the internal-combustion engine may be disconnected from the output and shut down. When the internal-combustion engine is operated unfired in a fuel cut-off mode, the internal-combustion engine may be disconnected from the output and shut down by reducing the transmission capacity of the clutch that is connected between the internal-combustion engine and the electric motor.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2013Publication date: October 17, 2013Applicant: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Bernd Allgaier, Michael Gromus, Friedrich Tenbrock, Thomas Lemp
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Patent number: 8465393Abstract: A method of accelerating decoupling of the starting clutch (5) that is able to connect the electric machine (2) to the transmission input in a hybrid drive-train of a motor vehicle, when a decoupling command is issued, at the same time as the regulation of the starting clutch begins for the purpose of decoupling the starting clutch (5) or a specified time after the regulation of the starting clutch begins. The electric machine is regulated in such manner that a torque is built up such that the transition to sliding friction, and thus decoupling and the onset of slip, are sped up while maintaining the nominal driving torque.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2011Date of Patent: June 18, 2013Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Thomas Lemp, Alexander Pfau
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Patent number: 8187146Abstract: A method of controlling a hybrid drive train of a vehicle which comprises, in series, an internal combustion engine, a clutch, an electric motor and a transmission with an output connected to the drive axle. During traction operation, the vehicle changes from an electric driving mode into a combination driving mode or a combustion engine driving mode, in that the clutch is engaged and the electric torque is temporarily increased. The method includes regulating engagement of the clutch at least until reaching a starting rotational speed of the combustion engine such that the acceleration of the combustion engine occurs according to a predetermined progression of rotational speed and that the torque of the combustion engine is increased by the same amount as the transferable torque of the clutch is increased by the engagement process.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2009Date of Patent: May 29, 2012Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Bernd Allgaier, Friedrich Tenbrock, Thomas Lemp, Michael Gromus
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Publication number: 20120129650Abstract: A method of accelerating decoupling of the starting clutch (5) that is able to connect the electric machine (2) to the transmission input in a hybrid drive-train of a motor vehicle, when a decoupling command is issued, at the same time as the regulation of the starting clutch begins for the purpose of decoupling the starting clutch (5) or a specified time after the regulation of the starting clutch begins. The electric machine is regulated in such manner that a torque is built up such that the transition to sliding friction, and thus decoupling and the onset of slip, are sped up while maintaining the nominal driving torque.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2011Publication date: May 24, 2012Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AGInventors: Thomas LEMP, Alexander PFAU