Patents by Inventor Johann Lucas
Johann Lucas 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).
-
Patent number: 11958330Abstract: Assembly in a compressed air system of a vehicle provided with an air ride suspension, the assembly being configured to lift the vehicle body by filling at least one air spring, the solenoid valves being switchable in cooperation with an electronic control device, and the assembly including a pressure line for filling the air springs, and the pressure line including a first branch line connectable to the pressure line via a pilot-controlled solenoid valve for filling the air springs and including first supply pipes and pilot-controlled solenoid valves for each air spring as well as a second branch line for providing a control pressure which includes second supply pipes for the pilot-controlled solenoid valves, wherein the second branch line is connected to the pressure line via a check valve, the check valve providing a block position against venting or pressure drop in the second branch line.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2022Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: ZF CV Systems Global GmbHInventors: Ingo Jovers, Johann Lucas, Przemyslaw Zak
-
Patent number: 11701939Abstract: In a method for determining an axle load on a mechanically and/or pneumatically/hydraulically suspended vehicle, the axle load is determined with the aid of control and sensor means that are installed in the vehicle and/or functionally enhanced. Functions for axle load determination at mechanically suspended vehicle axles (4) and for axle load determination at pneumatically/hydraulically suspended vehicle axles (2) are available. In a mechanically suspended vehicle axle (4) a distance measuring unit (9), and in a pneumatically/hydraulically suspended vehicle axle (2) a pressure measuring unit (7) are used to determine the axle load. An initial plausibility check is implemented in an electronic control unit (10) of the level control system (1), on the basis of which the level control system (1) identifies the particular suspension type, mechanical or pneumatic/hydraulic, of a vehicle axle (2, 4) and, thereafter, the appropriate function for axle load determination is activated.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2018Date of Patent: July 18, 2023Assignee: ZF CV Systems Europe BVInventors: Ingo Jovers, Johann Lucas
-
Publication number: 20230130275Abstract: Assembly in a compressed air system of a vehicle provided with an air ride suspension, the assembly being configured to lift the vehicle body by filling at least one air spring, the solenoid valves being switchable in cooperation with an electronic control device, and the assembly including a pressure line for filling the air springs, and the pressure line including a first branch line connectable to the pressure line via a pilot-controlled solenoid valve for filling the air springs and including first supply pipes and pilot-controlled solenoid valves for each air spring as well as a second branch line for providing a control pressure which includes second supply pipes for the pilot-controlled solenoid valves, wherein the second branch line is connected to the pressure line via a check valve, the check valve providing a block position against venting or pressure drop in the second branch line.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2022Publication date: April 27, 2023Inventors: Ingo Jovers, Johann Lucas, Przemyslaw Zak
-
Publication number: 20220288991Abstract: A mechanically suspended vehicle has a travel measurement device (9), a control unit (10) and an algorithm stored in the control unit (10). The algorithm performs a method for determining an axle load. In a first test routine a level signal of a travel measurement device is acquired and evaluated, wherein, in a loading operation of the vehicle, a loading curve (F_i) is determined, and, in an unloading operation of the vehicle, an unloading curve (F_u) is determined. The values of the two curves are used to calculate an averaged load-travel characteristic curve (F_m) to be stored in the control unit. After each start of the vehicle, an axle load determination routine is repeated cyclically, and axle load values are continuously determined with the averaged load-travel characteristic curve (F_m). An axle load average value is calculated from the axle load values and displayed as the current axle load value.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 20, 2020Publication date: September 15, 2022Inventors: Johann Lucas, Andreas Thimm, Sebastian Jermis, Britta Warnecke
-
Publication number: 20220234409Abstract: An air suspension control system is for a vehicle with a first and a second axle. The system has an auxiliary control unit connected to a main control unit via a data link. The auxiliary unit has a pressure sensor associated with the first axle for determining pressure measurements of the first axle as pressure sensor signals and an input for receiving height sensor signals. The input can be connected to a first height sensor on the first axle for receiving first height signals and to a second height sensor on the second axle for receiving second height signals. The auxiliary unit is adapted to transmit the first and/or second height sensor signals and/or the pressure sensor signals to the main unit. The main unit is adapted to carry out weighing for the first and/or second axle in dependence on the first and/or second height signals and/or the pressure signals.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2022Publication date: July 28, 2022Inventor: Johann Lucas
-
Publication number: 20220234411Abstract: The disclosure relates to a module for an air suspension system of a vehicle, the module having a sensor interface for connecting to a sensor, in particular a displacement sensor, a valve, in particular an electropneumatic valve, and a data interface. This sensor interface is configured to receive sensor values from the sensor. The data interface is configured to output sensor values received via the sensor interface to a control device, and to receive control commands for controlling the valve from the control device. Furthermore, the disclosure relates to a control device, an air suspension system, a vehicle, a vehicle trailer, a method for operating an air suspension system, and a computer program product.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2022Publication date: July 28, 2022Inventors: Stefan Filter, Johann Lucas
-
Publication number: 20210245567Abstract: An air suspension control system (ECAS, electronic controlled air suspension) (10) for a utility vehicle, such as a truck or the like, or for a passenger car, includes a main control unit (12) for operating the air suspension control system (10)and at least two auxiliary control units (14) connected to the main control unit (12) via a data link (16). The auxiliary control units (14) each have at least one output (18) for actuating at least one actuator (20) which can be connected to the output (18), in particular an adjustment drive (28) for a valve (30). Furthermore, at least one function for generating control signals at the output (18) can be stored in the auxiliary control units (14), and the main control unit (12) is adapted to call up and/or to parameterize at least the stored functions by transmitting commands via the data link (16).Type: ApplicationFiled: May 3, 2019Publication date: August 12, 2021Inventors: Przemyslaw Zak, Stefan Filter, Ingo Jovers, Johann Lucas, Nosrat Moradi Dehdezi, Andreas Thimm
-
Publication number: 20200406700Abstract: In a method for determining an axle load on a mechanically and/or pneumatically/hydraulically suspended vehicle, the axle load is determined with the aid of control and sensor means that are installed in the vehicle and/or functionally enhanced. Functions for axle load determination at mechanically suspended vehicle axles (4) and for axle load determination at pneumatically/hydraulically suspended vehicle axles (2) are available. In a mechanically suspended vehicle axle (4) a distance measuring unit (9), and in a pneumatically/hydraulically suspended vehicle axle (2) a pressure measuring unit (7) are used to determine the axle load. An initial plausibility check is implemented in an electronic control unit (10) of the level control system (1), on the basis of which the level control system (1) identifies the particular suspension type, mechanical or pneumatic/hydraulic, of a vehicle axle (2, 4) and, thereafter, the appropriate function for axle load determination is activated.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2018Publication date: December 31, 2020Inventors: Ingo Jovers, Johann Lucas
-
Patent number: 10727624Abstract: A strain relief arrangement (4) for a connecting cable (2) has a threaded pin (12), clamping tongues (13), a union nut (3), an enlarged diameter (10, 11) on the threaded pin (12), an extension (15), and a passage bore (25) for the connecting cable (2). By screwing of the union nut (3) onto the threaded pin (12), the clamping tongues (13) move inward and press against the connecting cable (2) for strain relief. The extension (15) is non-round, and an opening (6) of a carrier element (5) is complementary (7, 8) to the extension (15). An enlarged region (16) of the extension (15) has a circumferential groove (20) adjacent to the enlarged diameter (10, 11). The extension (15) can be introduced into the opening (6) of the carrier element (5) and can be fastened by rotation in the opening (6).Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2018Date of Patent: July 28, 2020Assignee: WABCO Europe BVBAInventors: Thomas Stellmacher, Ingo Brinkmeier, Ingo Jovers, Johann Lucas
-
Publication number: 20190356088Abstract: A strain relief arrangement (4) for a connecting cable (2) has a threaded pin (12), clamping tongues (13), a union nut (3), an enlarged diameter (10, 11) on the threaded pin (12), an extension (15), and a passage bore (25) for the connecting cable (2). By screwing of the union nut (3) onto the threaded pin (12), the clamping tongues (13) move inward and press against the connecting cable (2) for strain relief. The extension (15) is non-round, and an opening (6) of a carrier element (5) is complementary (7, 8) to the extension (15). An enlarged region (16) of the extension (15) has a circumferential groove (20) adjacent to the enlarged diameter (10, 11). The extension (15) can be introduced into the opening (6) of the carrier element (5) and can be fastened by rotation in the opening (6).Type: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2018Publication date: November 21, 2019Inventors: Thomas Stellmacher, Ingo Brinkmeier, Ingo Jovers, Johann Lucas
-
Publication number: 20180111438Abstract: Disclosed is a method for measuring height in a vehicle by determining a distance between a vehicle chassis and a vehicle axle or parts connected thereto. In the method, a first device (12) with a first transmitter (13) and a first receiver (14) and a second device (15) with a second transmitter (16) and a second receiver (17) interact. In particular, the first transmitter (13) produces an electromagnetic field, and the second receiver (17) detects the electromagnetic field. The second device (15) with the second transmitter (16) produces a signal from the detected field and transmits the signal, which correlates with the distance from the first transmitter (13) to the second receiver (17). The first device (12) with the first receiver (14) receives the signal. A system, an electronically controlled pneumatic suspension, an electronic control unit, and a vehicle are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2016Publication date: April 26, 2018Inventors: Thomas BREHMER, Stefan GROETZINGER, Siegfried HÖFLER, Johann LUCAS, Joachim UHL
-
Patent number: 9010785Abstract: A suspension system includes spring bellows that are associated with pneumatic springs of vehicle axles, are connectable by lines having level control valves to a main pressure line, and can be shut off with respect thereto. The main line is connectable by valves alternately to a compressed air source and a sink, and can be shut of with respect thereto. To set different air mass flow rates when air is supplied to/removed from the bellows, the bellows of the springs at least on a vehicle axle or side can be connected to the main line in parallel with the connecting lines, at least by further connecting lines having further level control valves, and can be shut off with respect thereto. The further valves have nozzle cross-sectional surfaces the same size as the other level control valves. Chokes are downstream of the further valves in the ventilation direction, the cross-sectional surfaces thereof being smaller than the nozzle cross-sectional surfaces of the further valves.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2012Date of Patent: April 21, 2015Assignee: WABCO GmbHInventors: Reinhard Gocz, Michael Haverkamp, Johann Lucas, Andreas Rutsch, Thomas Stellmacher
-
Publication number: 20140333038Abstract: A suspension system includes spring bellows that are associated with pneumatic springs of vehicle axles, connectable by lines having level control valves to a main pressure line, and can be shut off with respect thereto. The main line is connectable by valves alternately to a compressed air source and a sink, and can be shut of with respect thereto. To set different air mass flow rates when air is supplied to/removed from the bellows, the bellows of the springs at least on a vehicle axle or side can be connected to the main line in parallel with the connecting lines, at least by further connecting lines having further level control valves, and can be shut off with respect thereto. The further valves have nozzle cross-sectional surfaces the same size as the other level control valves. Chokes are connected-downstream of the further valves in the ventilation direction, the cross-sectional surfaces thereof being smaller than the nozzle cross-sectional surfaces of the further valves.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2012Publication date: November 13, 2014Inventors: Reinhard Gocz, Michael Haverkamp, Johann Lucas, Andreas Rutsch, Thomas Stellmacher
-
Patent number: 8807583Abstract: A method for controlling pressure equalization in running gear for a utility vehicle and having a drive axle and at least one trailing axle without drive function. The includes assigning each axle to a pressure chamber on the left-hand and right-hand sides of the vehicle. The pressure ratio of the pressure chambers between the drive axle and the trailing axle is set independently for the two sides of the vehicle as a function of detected signals.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2011Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: WABCO GmbHInventors: Bijan Gerami-Manesch, Johann Lucas
-
Publication number: 20130228991Abstract: A method for controlling pressure equalization in running gear for a utility vehicle and having a drive axle and at least one trailing axle without drive function. The includes assigning each axle are each assigned to a pressure chamber on the left-hand and right-hand sides of the vehicle. The pressure ratio of the pressure chambers between the drive axle and the trailing axle is set independently for the two sides of the vehicle as a function of detected signals.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2011Publication date: September 5, 2013Applicant: WABCO GMBHInventors: Bijan Gerami-Manesch, Johann Lucas
-
Patent number: 8190328Abstract: An electropneumatic control arrangement for an automatic vehicle level control system, particularly of a commercial vehicle, includes at least; a solenoid valve unit having at least two electropneumatic solenoid valves, a compressed air inlet for infeeding compressed air, at least one compressed air connection for at least one air bellows and electrical control inputs, and an electronic control unit for actuating the solenoid valve unit. The electronic control unit comprises control outputs for electrically connecting to the control inputs of the solenoid valve unit. A plug connector is configured on the housing of the solenoid valve unit, in which the electrical control inputs are disposed, and a plug connector is provided on the housing of the electronic control unit, in which the control outputs are disposed. The plug connectors are mechanically plugged into each other.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2009Date of Patent: May 29, 2012Assignee: WABCO GmbHInventors: Ingo Jovers, Berend Kleen, Johann Lucas, Frauke Rathjen, Andreas Rutsch, Andreas Schwarzer, Thomas Stellmacher
-
Publication number: 20120109470Abstract: The invention relates to a control device for a brake system of a vehicle (10; 92; 132; 238), said vehicle (10; 92; 132; 238) having a supporting structure (222; 240) and a cabin (224; 242) that is supported by the supporting structure (222; 240) and has at least one driver's seat (226). The control device is located outside the cabin (224; 242) on the supporting structure (222; 240) and the control device has additional functionality for controlling an electronic air spring system.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2010Publication date: May 3, 2012Inventors: Joachim Amtsfeld, Christian Cornelius, Johann Lucas, Jens Ohlendorf, Hartmut Rosendahl, Wolfgang Strache, Jörg Wolters
-
Publication number: 20110208390Abstract: The invention relates to an electropneumatic control arrangement for an automatic vehicle level control system, particularly of a commercial vehicle, wherein the control arrangement (1) comprises at least: a solenoid valve unit (2) comprising at least two electropneumatic solenoid valves (3, 4, 5), a compressed air inlet (2.1) for infeeding compressed air (13), at least one compressed air connection (2.2, 2.3) for at least one air bellows (10, 11) and electrical control inputs (22.1, 22.2, 22.3), and an electronic control unit (14) for actuating the solenoid valve unit (2), wherein the electronic control unit (14) comprises control outputs (16.1, 16.2, 16.3) for electrically connecting to the control inputs (22.1, 22.2, 22.3) of the solenoid valve unit (2). According to the invention, a plug connector (22) is configured on the housing (2a) of the solenoid valve unit (2), in which the electrical control inputs (22.1, 22.2, 22.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 26, 2009Publication date: August 25, 2011Inventors: Ingo Jovers, Berend Kleen, Johann Lucas, Frauke Rathjen, Andreas Rutsch, Andreas Schwarzer, Thomas Stellmacher
-
Publication number: 20070170679Abstract: The invention relates to a valve device (1) for an air-suspension device for a vehicle, containing a manually actuatable air-admission valve (10, 34, 46) for admission of air to the air-suspension bellows (3) of the air-suspension device, a manually actuatable vent valve (11, 35, 47) for venting the air-suspension bellows (3) and a first electrically actuatable valve (7, 32, 44), the air-admission valve (10, 34, 46), the vent valve (11, 35, 47) and the first electrically actuatable valve (7, 32, 44) being disposed in a common housing (55). On this basis there is specified, for an air-suspension device for a vehicle, a valve device that can be used simply and inexpensively both in a level-regulating device containing an air-suspension valve and in an electronically controlled level-regulating device. This is achieved by the fact that a second electrically actuatable valve (6, 33, 45) is disposed in the housing (55).Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2004Publication date: July 26, 2007Inventors: Axel Stender, Rainer Risse, Johann Lucas, Norbert Witte
-
Publication number: 20070080514Abstract: The invention relates to a pneumatic suspension unit for a vehicle, comprising pneumatic suspension bellows (3) and an electronically controlled level control unit (1), which aerates and bleeds the pneumatic suspension bellows (3) as required by means of an electrically operated valve device (6, 7, 32, 33, 44, 45). The invention provides a pneumatic suspension unit for a vehicle, which is equipped with an electronic controller for the level control and in which the level of the vehicle body can nevertheless be modified during an interruption or malfunction of the power supply. To achieve this, the inventive system comprises at least one manual actuating element (18, 19), which when manually actuated permits the aeration and/or bleeding of the pneumatic suspension bellows (3), even during a malfunction of the power supply to the electronically controlled level control unit (1).Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2004Publication date: April 12, 2007Inventors: Axel Stender, Rainer Risse, Johann Lucas, Norbert Witte