Patents by Inventor Friedhelm Langhorst
Friedhelm Langhorst 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: 10214068Abstract: A chassis arrangement (10), in particular for utility vehicles (1), with at least one axle (3) that extends transverse to the travel direction and carries wheels (4). Movement of the axle (3) is damped by vibration dampers (11) provided with end sections (15), and with at least one stabilizer assembly (12) that has two longitudinally extending sections (13) and a transverse section (14) that connects the longitudinally extending sections. An end section (15) of the vibration damper (11) is held directly on and is connected to the stabilizer assembly (12) on an extension (16, 17) of the transversely orientated section (14) beyond the longitudinal section (13).Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2015Date of Patent: February 26, 2019Assignees: ZF Friedrichshafen AG, DAF Trucks N.VInventors: Friedhelm Langhorst, Jens Eismann, Eike Helm, Manfred Buhl, Albertus Clemens Maria Van Der Knaap, Victor Raue, Jasper Joshua Backx
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Patent number: 9931903Abstract: A connecting arrangement for a stabilizer of a vehicle, with at least one lever that extends transversely to a longitudinal direction. The lever has a bearing eye provided with a non-circular inner circumferential contour. A torsion-bar spring with a rotation axis extends in the longitudinal direction. The torsion-bar spring has an outer circumferential contour, at least at one end, that matches the inner circumferential contour of the bearing eye and which fits into the bearing eye. The wall of the bearing eye is cut through by at least one slit extending in the longitudinal direction, by which two opposite wall sections of the wall are separated from one another. The two wall sections are pressed against the non-circular outer circumferential contour of the torsion-bar spring by at least one releasable clamping element.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2015Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Jens Eismann, Wolfgang Ratermann, Friedhelm Langhorst
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Publication number: 20170282673Abstract: A connecting arrangement for a stabilizer of a vehicle, with at least one lever that extends transversely to a longitudinal direction. The lever has a bearing eye provided with a non-circular inner circumferential contour. A torsion-bar spring with a rotation axis extends in the longitudinal direction. The torsion-bar spring has an outer circumferential contour, at least at one end, that matches the inner circumferential contour of the bearing eye and which fits into the bearing eye. The wall of the bearing eye is cut through by at least one slit extending in the longitudinal direction, by which two opposite wall sections of the wall are separated from one another. The two wall sections are pressed against the non-circular outer circumferential contour of the torsion-bar spring by at least one releasable clamping element.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2015Publication date: October 5, 2017Applicant: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Jens EISMANN, Wolfgang RATERMANN, Friedhelm LANGHORST
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Publication number: 20170008361Abstract: A chassis arrangement (10), in particular for utility vehicles (1), with at least one axle (3) that extends transverse to the travel direction and carries wheels (4). Movement of the axle (3) is damped by vibration dampers (11) provided with end sections (15), and with at least one stabilizer assembly (12) that has two longitudinally extending sections (13) and a transverse section (14) that connects the longitudinally extending sections. An end section (15) of the vibration damper (11) is held directly on and is connected to the stabilizer assembly (12) on an extension (16, 17) of the transversely orientated section (14) beyond the longitudinal section (13).Type: ApplicationFiled: January 12, 2015Publication date: January 12, 2017Applicant: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Friedhelm LANGHORST, Jens EISMANN, Eike HELM, Manfred BUHL, Albertus Clemens Maria VAN DER KNAAP, Victor RAUE, Jasper Joshua BACKX
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Patent number: 9511642Abstract: A motor vehicle, in particular a utility vehicle (UV), with a vehicle frame (2) and at least one vehicle axle (5) supported relative to the vehicle frame (2) by one or more connecting rods (6; 7). The connecting rod or rods (6; 7) is/are linked to the vehicle axle (5) by at least one articulated arrangement (8) which is connected, by connecting elements (11) that pass through contact surfaces (10; 10a), to a support block (12) fixed on the axle (5). The axis (13) of each connecting element (11) extends through the contact surface (10; 10a), through which the respective connecting element (11) passes, at an angle (?) different from 90°.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2013Date of Patent: December 6, 2016Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Frank Scheper, Jens Eismann, Friedhelm Langhorst, Sören Knopp
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Publication number: 20160185172Abstract: A motor vehicle, in particular a utility vehicle (UV), with a vehicle frame (2) and at least one vehicle axle (5) supported relative to the vehicle frame (2) by one or more connecting rods (6; 7). The connecting rod or rods (6; 7) is/are linked to the vehicle axle (5) by at least one articulated arrangement (8) which is connected, by connecting elements (11) that pass through contact surfaces (10; 10a), to a support block (12) fixed on the axle (5). The axis (13) of each connecting element (11) extends through the contact surface (10; 10a), through which the respective connecting element (11) passes, at an angle (?) different from 90°.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2013Publication date: June 30, 2016Inventors: Frank Scheper, Jens Eismann, Friedhelm Langhorst, Soren Knopp
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Patent number: 9352781Abstract: A motor vehicle, in particular a utility vehicle (UV), with a vehicle frame and/or a sub-frame (2; 2a) that has contact surfaces (10; 10a) extending transversely and/or longitudinally relative to the driving direction (F) and are connection surfaces to other structural units (6; 7; 8; 12). The structural units are connected by connecting elements (11) that pass through the contact surfaces (10; 10a). The connecting elements each define an axis (13) and are aligned such that the axes of the connecting elements extend through the contact surface (10; 10a) at an angle different from 90°.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2013Date of Patent: May 31, 2016Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Frank Scheper, Jens Eismann, Friedhelm Langhorst, Soren Knopp
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Publication number: 20150175206Abstract: A motor vehicle, in particular a utility vehicle (UV), with a vehicle frame and/or a sub-frame (2; 2a) that has contact surfaces (10; 10a) extending transversely and/or longitudinally relative to the driving direction (F) and are connection surfaces to other structural units (6; 7; 8; 12). The structural units are connected by connecting elements (11) that pass through the contact surfaces (10; 10a). The connecting elements each define an axis (13) and are aligned such that the axes of the connecting elements extend through the contact surface (10; 10a) at an angle different from 90°.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2013Publication date: June 25, 2015Inventors: Frank Scheper, Jens Eismann, Friedhelm Langhorst, Soren Knopp
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Patent number: 8684381Abstract: A stabilizer bar for a commercial vehicle which comprises an elongate torsion spring (5), two suspension arms (6, 7) which are securely connected to and extend away from the torsion spring (5) and, between which the torsion spring (5) extends. An actuator (12) is connected in parallel with the torsion spring (5) and is connected to the torsion spring (5) or the suspension arms (6, 7) with the intermediate connection of hinge joints (23, 25) or leaf springs (17, 19).Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2009Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Manfred Buhl, Friedhelm Langhorst, Bernhard Eilers
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Patent number: 8608234Abstract: A suspension device for a springy suspension of a mass body relative to an understructure, for instance suspension of a driver cabin of a truck relative to a vehicle chassis. The suspension device comprises a spring-/damping configuration, located between the mass body and the understructure, for the damping shock and/or vibration and comprising a Watt linkage configuration with two parallel positioned Watt linkages. A length of at least one of the linkage arms, of the Watt linkage, is adjustable by an actuator. The suspension device is low-maintenance, free of play, and is suitable for determining of the levels of freedom of motion, for instance of a driver cabin, as well as for damping or eliminating unwanted movement of the driver cabin. At the same time, roll motions of the driver cabin, with respect to the understructure or the chassis, can be actively prevented.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2009Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Felix Haeusler, Andreas G{hacek over (a)}rtner, Friedhelm Langhorst, Matthias Quaing
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Patent number: 8434581Abstract: A suspension device for suspending a mass relative to a substructure. The suspension device comprises a spring/damper arrangement which is disposed between the mass and the substructure and dampens vibrations, and comprises at least one Watt's linkage. At least one of the pivot points of the Watt's linkage is movably connected to the mass and the substructure. The relative position between the pivot point, the mass and the substructure can be adjusted by at least one substantially linearly acting actuator. The suspension device is robust and suitable for determining the vertical degree of freedom of movement of a truck driver's cab, and for damping or preventing undesired movement of the driver's cab. At the same time, undesired rolling or tilting motion of the driver's cab can be actively controlled or prevented by using the actuators.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2009Date of Patent: May 7, 2013Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Manfred Buhl, Matthias Quaing, Friedhelm Langhorst, Karl Lorenz, Kerstin Lahmann, Jens Eismann
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Patent number: 8424890Abstract: A connection device for the torque transmitting connection of a connection component (2) to a hollow shaft (1). The connection component (2) comprises a penetrating recess (8) corresponding in shape to the outside cross section of the hollow shaft (1) for receiving one end of the hollow shaft (1), and the hollow shaft comprises a press-fit plug (9) in the area of the connection to the connection component (2) that forms an interference fit with the inner cross section of the hollow shaft (1). Preferably, the connection device is a press-fit plug (9) additionally designed as a bearing seat (10, 11) for at least one bearing (13, 14) assigned to the hollow shaft. The connection device allows durable and reliable transmission of high torques and it is possible to connect further components to the connection between the hollow shaft and the connection component. The connection device allows a reduction in construction space, mass and costs.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2009Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Jens Eismann, Manfred Buhl, Friedhelm Langhorst
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Patent number: 8348334Abstract: A suspension system for the spring or damped suspension of a massive body relative to a substructure. The suspension system comprises a spring/damper arrangement disposed between the massive body and the substructure, which comprises at least one damper element and/or at least one spring element for damping shock and/or vibration, and includes a Watt linkage arrangement with at least one Watt linkage. At least one spring element and/or at least one damper element is arranged in the area of a Watt link between the Watt link and the bearing seat associated with the Watt link.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2010Date of Patent: January 8, 2013Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Karl Lorenz, Friedhelm Langhorst, Jens Eismann
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Publication number: 20120098296Abstract: A suspension system for the spring or damped suspension of a massive body relative to a substructure. The suspension system comprises a spring/damper arrangement disposed between the massive body and the substructure, which comprises at least one damper element and/or at least one spring element for damping shock and/or vibration, and includes a Watt linkage arrangement with at least one Watt linkage. At least one spring element and/or at least one damper element is arranged in the area of a Watt link between the Watt link and the bearing seat associated with the Watt link.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2010Publication date: April 26, 2012Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AGInventors: Karl Lorenz, Friedhelm Langhorst, Jens Eismann
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Publication number: 20110254242Abstract: A connection device for the torque transmitting connection of a connection component (2) to a hollow shaft (1). The connection component (2) comprises a penetrating recess (8) corresponding in shape to the outside cross section of the hollow shaft (1) for receiving one end of the hollow shaft (1), and the hollow shaft comprises a press-fit plug (9) in the area of the connection to the connection component (2) that forms an interference fit with the inner cross section of the hollow shaft (1). Preferably, the connection device is a press-fit plug (9) additionally designed as a bearing seat (10, 11) for at least one bearing (13, 14) assigned to the hollow shaft. The connection device allows durable and reliable transmission of high torques and it is possible to connect further components to the connection between the hollow shaft and the connection component. The connection device allows a reduction in construction space, mass and costs.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2009Publication date: October 20, 2011Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AGInventors: Jens Eismann, Manfred Buhl, Friedhelm Langhorst
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Publication number: 20110248464Abstract: A suspension device for suspending a mass relative to a substructure. The suspension device comprises a spring/damper arrangement which is disposed between the mass and the substructure and dampens vibrations, and comprises at least one Watt's linkage. At least one of the pivot points of the Watt's linkage is movably connected to the mass and the substructure. The relative position between the pivot point, the mass and the substructure can be adjusted by at least one substantially linearly acting actuator. The suspension device is robust and suitable for determining the vertical degree of freedom of movement of a truck driver's cab, and for damping or preventing undesired movement of the driver's cab. At the same time, undesired rolling or tilting motion of the driver's cab can be actively controlled or prevented by using the actuators.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2009Publication date: October 13, 2011Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AGInventors: Manfred Buhl, Matthias Quaing, Friedhelm Langhorst, Karl Lorenz, Kerstin Lahmann, Jens Eismann
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Publication number: 20110095569Abstract: A suspension device for a springy suspension of a mass body relative to an understructure, for instance suspension of a driver cabin of a truck relative to a vehicle chassis. The suspension device comprises a spring-/damping configuration, located between the mass body and the understructure, for the damping shock and/or vibration and comprising a Watt linkage configuration with two parallel positioned Watt linkages. A length of at least one of the linkage arms, of the Watt linkage, is adjustable by an actuator. The suspension device is low-maintenance, free of play, and is suitable for determining of the levels of freedom of motion, for instance of a driver cabin, as well as for damping or eliminating unwanted movement of the driver cabin. At the same time, roll motions of the driver cabin, with respect to the understructure or the chassis, can be actively prevented.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2009Publication date: April 28, 2011Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AGInventors: Felix Haeusler, Andreas Gartner, Friedhelm Langhorst, Matthias Quaing
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Publication number: 20110089658Abstract: A stabilizer bar for a commercial vehicle which comprises an elongate torsion spring (5), two suspension arms (6, 7) which are securely connected to and extend away from the torsion spring (5) and, between which the torsion spring (5) extends. An actuator (12) is connected in parallel with the torsion spring (5) and is connected to the torsion spring (5) or the suspension arms (6, 7) with the intermediate connection of hinge joints (23, 25) or leaf springs (17, 19).Type: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2009Publication date: April 21, 2011Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AGInventors: Manfred Buhl, Friedhelm Langhorst, Bernhard Eilers