Patents by Inventor Jens Vortmeyer
Jens Vortmeyer 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: 11008036Abstract: A steering system with an actuating device (1), in particular a rear axle steering system, having a spindle drive (3) with a spindle (5) and a spindle nut (4) which is fitted into the housing (2) of the steering system in a positionally fixed but rotatable manner and is driven by an electric motor (9). The electric motor (9) is a vernier motor that drives the spindle drive (3) and is integrated in the spindle drive (3). The actuating device (1) is used for a rear axle steering system of a motor vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2017Date of Patent: May 18, 2021Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Michael Klank, Jens Vortmeyer, Hans-Jürgen Pfisterer, Adrian Riechmann, Christoph Anneken
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Patent number: 10252595Abstract: A mechanical component for a vehicle, having a measurement region with a surface, and at least one force sensor associated with the measurement region for detecting a force to which the component is exposed. The component (3) has, disposed in the measurement region, a hollow body (3b) with a cavity (4) in which the at least one force sensor (7) can be positioned.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2015Date of Patent: April 9, 2019Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Klaus Haskamp, Michael Klank, Julian Stratmann, Jens Vortmeyer, Andreas Hartmann, Christoph Schwinge
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Publication number: 20190092378Abstract: A steering system with an actuating device (1), in particular a rear axle steering system, having a spindle drive (3) with a spindle (5) and a spindle nut (4) which is fitted into the housing (2) of the steering system in a positionally fixed but rotatable manner and is driven by an electric motor (9). The electric motor (9) is a vernier motor that drives the spindle drive (3) and is integrated in the spindle drive (3). The actuating device (1) is used for a rear axle steering system of a motor vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2017Publication date: March 28, 2019Applicant: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Michael KLANK, Jens VORTMEYER, Hans-Jürgen PFISTERER, Adrian SACCHI, Christoph ANNEKEN
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Publication number: 20180251001Abstract: A mechanical component for a vehicle, having a measurement region with a surface, and at least one force sensor associated with the measurement region for detecting a force to which the component is exposed. The component (3) has, disposed in the measurement region, a hollow body (3b) with a cavity (4) in which the at least one force sensor (7) can be positioned.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2015Publication date: September 6, 2018Inventors: Klaus HASKAMP, Michael KLANK, Julian STRATMANN, Jens VORTMEYER, Andreas HARTMANN, Christoph SCHWINGE
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Patent number: 9291196Abstract: A ball and socket joint comprises a joint ball which is enclosed and rotationally supported by a ball socket. The ball socket has two ball socket parts that move relative to one another in an axial direction. The ball socket parts acts on different sides of the joint ball that are opposite one another in the axial direction. A controllable adjusting device bias the two ball socket parts, relative to one another in the axial direction, so that pressure exerted on the joint ball by the twp ball socket parts can be varied. At least a first of the ball socket parts comprises a main body and at least one bearing section, which is elastically connected to the main body and by which the first ball socket part rests against the joint ball.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2012Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Metin Ersoy, Jens Vortmeyer
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Patent number: 9266401Abstract: A trailer coupling with a ball support and a coupling ball arranged at a free end of the ball support. A coupling ball holder is fitted onto and can rotate on the coupling ball. A locking element is provided on the coupling ball holder by which the coupling ball holder is secured against being inadvertently removed from the coupling ball. An angle measuring device, provided on the coupling ball, comprises sensors which can detect rotation of the coupling ball holder relative to the coupling ball about a rotation axis. The position of the locking element, relative to the coupling ball, can be determined using the sensors.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: February 23, 2016Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Michael Klank, Julian Stratmann, Lutz Pydde, Jens Vortmeyer, Christoph Elbers
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Patent number: 9073402Abstract: A torsion beam axle for a wheel suspension of a motor vehicle. The torsion beam axle has a torsionally compliant transverse section. A trailing arm is fixed at each opposed end of the transverse section. Each trailing arm supports a wheel carrier that pivots about a respective steering axis. The wheel carriers are connected to one another via ball joints and a tie rod, and couple an actuating mechanism for producing steering movement of the wheel carriers about their respective steering axes. A kinematic coupling system is connected to the tie rod and designed to regulate the degree of freedom of rotational movement of the tie rod. A torsion beam axle in which —to minimizing track angle differences or unsymmetrical bouncing behavior—the tie rod and actuating mechanism maintain optimum kinematic conditions in all operating situations.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2012Date of Patent: July 7, 2015Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Christoph Elbers, Simon Aramah, Jens Vortmeyer, Marc Wiesenthal
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Publication number: 20150035256Abstract: A trailer coupling with a ball support and a coupling ball arranged at a free end of the ball support. A coupling ball holder is fitted onto and can rotate on the coupling ball. A locking element is provided on the coupling ball holder by which the coupling ball holder is secured against being inadvertently removed from the coupling ball. An angle measuring device, provided on the coupling ball, comprises sensors which can detect rotation of the coupling ball holder relative to the coupling ball about a rotation axis. The position of the locking element, relative to the coupling ball, can be determined using the sensors.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2013Publication date: February 5, 2015Inventors: Michael Klank, Julian Stratmann, Lutz Pydde, Jens Vortmeyer, Christoph Elbers
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Publication number: 20140203532Abstract: A torsion beam axle for a wheel suspension of a motor vehicle. The torsion beam axle has a torsionally compliant transverse section. A trailing arm is fixed at each opposed end of the transverse section. Each trailing arm supports a wheel carrier that pivots about a respective steering axis. The wheel carriers are connected to one another via ball joints and a tie rod, and couple an actuating mechanism for producing steering movement of the wheel carriers about their respective steering axes. A kinematic coupling system is connected to the tie rod and designed to regulate the degree of freedom of rotational movement of the tie rod. A torsion beam axle in which—to minimizing track angle differences or unsymmetrical bouncing behavior—the tie rod and actuating mechanism maintain optimum kinematic conditions in all operating situations.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 3, 2012Publication date: July 24, 2014Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AGInventors: Christoph Elbers, Simon Aramah, Jens Vortmeyer, Marc Wiesenthal
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Patent number: 8393632Abstract: A towing device, for a towing vehicle, with a coupling shaft attached to the towing vehicle, a ball head mounted on the coupling shaft so that the ball head can rotate about a vertical axis, which can be coupled to a coupling counterpart of a trailer vehicle, and with an angle-measuring device by which rotation of the ball head about the vertical axis, relative to the coupling shaft, can be determined, and a force-measuring device by which force exerted by the ball head on the coupling shaft in the direction of the vertical axis can be determined.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2010Date of Patent: March 12, 2013Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Jens Vortmeyer, Michael Klank, Peter Hofmann, Joachim Spratte
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Publication number: 20120282015Abstract: A ball and socket joint comprises a joint ball which is enclosed and rotationally supported by a ball socket. The ball socket has two ball socket parts that move relative to one another in an axial direction. The ball socket parts acts on different sides of the joint ball that are opposite one another in the axial direction. A controllable adjusting device bias the two ball socket parts, relative to one another in the axial direction, so that pressure exerted on the joint ball by the twp ball socket parts can be varied. At least a first of the ball socket parts comprises a main body and at least one bearing section, which is elastically connected to the main body and by which the first ball socket part rests against the joint ball.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2012Publication date: November 8, 2012Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AGInventors: Metin ERSOY, Jens VORTMEYER
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Publication number: 20120217726Abstract: A towing device, for a towing vehicle, with a coupling shaft attached to the towing vehicle, a ball head mounted on the coupling shaft so that the ball head can rotate about a vertical axis, which can be coupled to a coupling counterpart of a trailer vehicle, and with an angle-measuring device by which rotation of the ball head about the vertical axis, relative to the coupling shaft, can be determined, and a force-measuring device by which force exerted by the ball head on the coupling shaft in the direction of the vertical axis can be determined.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2010Publication date: August 30, 2012Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AGInventors: Jens Vortmeyer, Michael Klank, Peter Hofmann, Joachim Spratte
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Patent number: 8118314Abstract: The invention relates to a switchable stabilizer device for the axle of a motor vehicle. Herein, the actuating device comprises a roll stabilizer and an actuatorically switchable coupling device (6) with two clutch devices (7, 8) and a locking sleeve (9). According to the present invention, the stabilizer device is characterized by a shifting device for shifting the locking sleeve (9) by means of mechanical power transmission. Herein, the shifting device has a servo-electric transmission drive element (4). The present invention provides a robust and compact switchable roll stabilizer, which can be produced cost-efficiently. At the same time, the present invention allows for the actuatoric support of the opening movement as well as the locking movement of the stabilizer coupling with very short shifting times. The switchable stabilizer according to the present invention is suitable for motor vehicles, for example, which are employed off-road as well as on the road.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2008Date of Patent: February 21, 2012Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Metin Ersoy, Jens Vortmeyer, Bernd Grannemann
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Patent number: 7828307Abstract: A stabilizer arrangement is provided for a motor vehicle with a stabilizer (1), which is connected to the vehicle chassis and which is connected, on each side of the vehicle, to a spring-mounted wheel carrier part with a piston-cylinder unit (4, 4?). Each of the piston-cylinder units (4, 4?) includes at least one piston (8), which is movably arranged in a cylinder (7) and which splits the cylinder into a first and a second cylinder chamber (7a, 7b). The cylinder chambers are separate from one another. The piston-cylinder units (4, 4?) are respectively connected in an articulated manner, at one end, to an end of the stabilizer 1 and, at the other end, to a spring-mounted wheel carrier part. The piston (8) has a connecting line (14) that connects the first and second cylinder chambers. The respective connecting line (14) has a nonreturn valve (15), which acts in one direction. The piston (8) can be moved into at least one end position.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2005Date of Patent: November 9, 2010Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Metin Ersoy, Jens Vortmeyer
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Publication number: 20100237580Abstract: A wheel guide control arm (1) is provided for an axle of a motor vehicle. The wheel guide control arm (1) has two end areas (2, 5) with at least one bearing arrangement (3, 4, 6, 7) each. The bearing arrangement of at least one end area is designed as an elastomer bearing. The wheel guide control arm (1) has a wheel-side bearing arrangement (6, 7) with an elastomer bearing (7). The wheel guide control arm is especially suitable for the active chassis and for managing the conflict of goals between comfort mounting and precision of wheel guiding. The wheel guide control arm makes it, furthermore, possible to introduce actuator forces or torques into the wheel suspension without induction of appreciable elastic deformations.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2007Publication date: September 23, 2010Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AGInventors: Jens Vortmeyer, Hubert Siemer, Michael Fangmann, Nicole Knüppel
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Patent number: 7731202Abstract: A stabilizer is provided for a motor vehicle with two shafts (2, 3), which extend in the transverse direction of the vehicle, can be coupled with one another via a mechanical coupling (40) and are in functional connection with wheels of the motor vehicle with their ends facing away from the coupling (40). A first shaft is connected to a first coupling portion designed as a locking disk and a second shaft is connected to a second coupling portion, which cooperates with the locking disk (7) and is designed as a locking device (8).Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2005Date of Patent: June 8, 2010Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Peter Reitz, Wolfgang Kinzelmann, Ingo Mueller, Hans-Juergen Moesch, Jens Vortmeyer, Lutz Pydde
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Patent number: 7726666Abstract: An actuator is provided for a two-part stabilizer, which builds up a spring rate in its opened position. A hydraulic absorbing unit (9) is arranged on the axle of the switchable coupling unit (8). The absorbing unit is connected to one stabilizer part (4), on the one hand, and to the other stabilizer part (5), on the other hand. The absorbing unit forms at least one pressure chamber (32) and a suction chamber (33) and assumes a blocked position in the locked position of the switchable coupling (8) and counteracts the relative twisting motion between the two stabilizer parts (4, 5) at a hydraulic spring rate in the opened position of the switchable coupling (8).Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2006Date of Patent: June 1, 2010Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Bernd Grannemann, Andreas Hartmann, Jens Vortmeyer, Mauro Zanella
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Patent number: 7651106Abstract: A stabilizer device for an axle of a motor vehicle. The axle has a roll stabilizer (2) and for each wheel at least one wheel guide control arm (1). The chassis-side articulation of the wheel guide control arm (1) is connected to an end area of the roll stabilizer (2) such that a twisting actuation of the roll stabilizer (2) takes place due to an inward deflection motion of the wheel guide control arm (1). An end of the roll stabilizer (2) is received in a hollow shaft (6) connected to the wheel guide control arm (1). The hollow shaft (6) is mounted in a chassis-side bearing flange (3) and the bearing flange (3) can be elastically connected to the vehicle. The stabilizer device is used especially to eliminate the conflicts of design goals between the requirements of uncoupling structure-borne noise and comfort of the chassis, on the one hand, and immediate response characteristic of the stabilizer, on the other hand.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2007Date of Patent: January 26, 2010Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventor: Jens Vortmeyer
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Publication number: 20090166990Abstract: A stabilizer is provided for a motor vehicle with two shafts (2, 3), which extend in the transverse direction of the vehicle, can be coupled with one another via a mechanical coupling (40) and are in functional connection with wheels of the motor vehicle with their ends facing away from the coupling (40). A first shaft is connected to a first coupling portion designed as a locking disk and a second shaft is connected to a second coupling portion, which cooperates with the locking disk (7) and is designed as a locking device (8).Type: ApplicationFiled: July 5, 2005Publication date: July 2, 2009Inventors: Peter Reitz, Wolfgang Kinzelmann, Ingo Mueller, Hans-Juergen Moesch, Jens Vortmeyer, Lutz Pydde
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Publication number: 20090058020Abstract: The invention relates to a switchable stabilizer device for the axle of a motor vehicle. Herein, the actuating device comprises a roll stabilizer and an actuatorically switchable coupling device (6) with two clutch devices (7, 8) and a locking sleeve (9). According to the present invention, the stabilizer device is characterized by a shifting device for shifting the locking sleeve (9) by means of mechanical power transmission. Herein, the shifting device has a servo-electric transmission drive element (4). The present invention provides a robust and compact switchable roll stabilizer, which can be produced cost-efficiently. At the same time, the present invention allows for the actuatoric support of the opening movement as well as the locking movement of the stabilizer coupling with very short shifting times. The switchable stabilizer according to the present invention is suitable for motor vehicles, for example, which are employed off-road as well as on the road.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2008Publication date: March 5, 2009Inventors: Metin Ersoy, Jens Vortmeyer, Bernd Grannemann