Patents by Inventor STEFFEN KNAPPER

STEFFEN KNAPPER 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: 11754096
    Abstract: A pilot device for a hydraulic directional valve includes a displacement sensor, a pilot valve, an actuating device, a coil assembly, and a circuit board. The displacement sensor has a sensor axis and the pilot valve has a valve axis. The valve axis and the sensor axis are arranged substantially parallel to one another so as to lie in a reference plane. The actuating device and the coil assembly are arranged adjacent to one another. The circuit board is arranged parallel to the reference plane. In each case, to establish an electrical contact, the coil assembly, the actuating device, and an electrical plug connection are either soldered directly to the circuit board or are in breakable electrical contact with a respectively associated, rigid contact assembly. The contact assembly is soldered directly to the circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Benjamin Nemes, Carl Dissoubray, Christoph Keyl, Gergely Laszlo Hegedus-Fuchs, Jan-Peter Reibert, Matthias Beck, Peter Pozsega, Steffen Knapper, Matthias Lang, Liebhart Zaiser, Thomas Haas
  • Publication number: 20230175601
    Abstract: A valve assembly includes a linearly moving main slider, a pilot valve, a control oil inlet, and a control oil return. The pilot valve is designed as a 4/3 proportional directional valve, via which a first end face and an opposite second end face of the main slider can be fluidly connected selectively to the control oil inlet or the control oil return so that the main slider (20) is hydraulically movable by adjusting the pilot valve. The pilot valve is electrically adjustable depending on a target current. A position sensor is provided, with which an actual position of the main slider can be measured. A positioner is provided, with which the actual position can be regulated by adjusting the target current to a predefinable target position. The pilot valve is connected to the control oil return via a check valve. The check valve only permits fluid flow from the pilot valve toward the control oil return.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2022
    Publication date: June 8, 2023
    Inventors: Markus Grammer, Steffen Knapper
  • Publication number: 20230139395
    Abstract: A method is for operating a valve that includes a linearly movable control slide, at least one solenoid, and a position sensor. The linearly movable control slide is preloaded by at least one spring in a direction of a zero position. The at least one solenoid is coupled to the control slide in such a way that the control slide can be moved away from the zero position by application of current to the solenoid. The position sensor is configured to measure an actual instantaneous position of the control slide. Each solenoid is assigned a current control device configured to influence a current through the relevant solenoid based on an instantaneous current control variable. The instantaneous current control variable is dependent on a quasi-periodic dither current control variable. The method also includes calculating an actual dither amplitude from the actual instantaneous position using a band-pass filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2022
    Publication date: May 4, 2023
    Inventors: Ingo Kallfass, Steffen Knapper, Reiner Kunz
  • Patent number: 11536404
    Abstract: A hydraulic coupling bush which is actuated in order to close or open the coupling includes a coupling housing and a bush body which displaceable therein and which has a plug space for receiving a coupling plug, a supply space for fluidic connection to an external supply channel, a low pressure space for fluidic connection to a pressure medium sink, and an interior space connected fluidically to the supply space, a supply seat valve device being provided, via the actuation of which a supply flow path can be configured between the supply space and the plug space, and a relief seat valve device being provided, via the mechanical actuation of which the interior space can be relieved of pressure toward the low pressure space, and via the hydraulic actuation of which, which is dependent on the pressure in the interior space, the pressure in the interior space can be limited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Steffen Knapper, Frank Rieckhof, Markus Grammer, Reiner Kunz
  • Publication number: 20220146025
    Abstract: A hydraulic coupling bush which is actuated in order to close or open the coupling includes a coupling housing and a bush body which displaceable therein and which has a plug space for receiving a coupling plug, a supply space for fluidic connection to an external supply channel, a low pressure space for fluidic connection to a pressure medium sink, and an interior space connected fluidically to the supply space, a supply seat valve device being provided, via the actuation of which a supply flow path can be configured between the supply space and the plug space, and a relief seat valve device being provided, via the mechanical actuation of which the interior space can be relieved of pressure toward the low pressure space, and via the hydraulic actuation of which, which is dependent on the pressure in the interior space, the pressure in the interior space can be limited.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2021
    Publication date: May 12, 2022
    Inventors: Steffen Knapper, Frank Rieckhof, Markus Grammer, Reiner Kunz
  • Publication number: 20210348360
    Abstract: A quick coupler includes a housing in which a first and a second coupler cartridge are received. The spaced-apart center axes of the first and second coupler cartridges each run parallel to a vertical axis such that the center axes are contained in a common reference plane. The quick coupler further includes a first actuating lever and a second actuating lever for actuating the coupler cartridges. First and a second axes of rotation of the respective first and second actuating levers are oriented perpendicularly to the reference plane, and a first actuating arm and a second actuating arm are arranged to perpendicularly to the reference plane on opposite sides of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2021
    Publication date: November 11, 2021
    Inventors: Steffen Knapper, Frank Rieckhof, Tanja Ernstmeier
  • Publication number: 20200326024
    Abstract: A range includes a plurality of rapid couplers with each rapid coupler including a coupler housing that has a planar connection face and two coupler cartridges secured in or on the coupler housing. All the coupler housings are configured integrally. All the coupler cartridges are each secured directly in or on the associated coupler housing. The rapid couplers each further include a first working connection, a second working connection, a plurality of securing apertures, and optionally a leakage oil connection all of which are configured in an identical manner with respect to their shape and their relative position inside the associated connection face. At least two rapid couplers of the range have different coupler cartridges. All coupler housings are configured to be arranged with respect to a longitudinal axis beside each other with a constant spacing separation that is identical for all rapid couplers of the range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2020
    Publication date: October 15, 2020
    Inventors: Steffen Knapper, Frank Rieckhof, Tanja Ernstmeier
  • Publication number: 20200309162
    Abstract: A pilot device for a hydraulic directional valve includes a displacement sensor, a pilot valve, an actuating device, a coil assembly, and a circuit board. The displacement sensor has a sensor axis and the pilot valve has a valve axis. The valve axis and the sensor axis are arranged substantially parallel to one another so as to lie in a reference plane. The actuating device and the coil assembly are arranged adjacent to one another. The circuit board is arranged parallel to the reference plane. In each case, to establish an electrical contact, the coil assembly, the actuating device, and an electrical plug connection are either soldered directly to the circuit board or are in breakable electrical contact with a respectively associated, rigid contact assembly. The contact assembly is soldered directly to the circuit board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2020
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Inventors: Benjamin Nemes, Carl Dissoubray, Christoph Keyl, Gergely Laszlo Hegedus-Fuchs, Jan-Peter Reibert, Matthias Beck, Peter Pozsega, Steffen Knapper
  • Patent number: 10698428
    Abstract: A valve subassembly includes a main spool having a continuously adjustable main orifice and a control spool having adjustable first and second orifices. The control spool has first and second end positions and is acted upon by a first spring toward the first end position. A fluid flow path starts from a pump and runs to an actuator via the first orifice, first control point, second orifice, second control point, main orifice, and third control point. Pressure at the first control point acts on the control spool toward the second end position and pressure at the third control point acts toward the first end position. The second orifice is closed between the first end position and an intermediate position, and opens from the intermediate position to the second end position. The second orifice opening decreases from the intermediate position to the second end position from a nonzero value to zero.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Steffen Knapper
  • Publication number: 20190302812
    Abstract: A valve subassembly includes a main spool having a continuously adjustable main orifice and a control spool having adjustable first and second orifices. The control spool has first and second end positions and is acted upon by a first spring toward the first end position. A fluid flow path starts from a pump and runs to an actuator via the first orifice, first control point, second orifice, second control point, main orifice, and third control point. Pressure at the first control point acts on the control spool toward the second end position and pressure at the third control point acts toward the first end position. The second orifice is closed between the first end position and an intermediate position, and opens from the intermediate position to the second end position. The second orifice opening decreases from the intermediate position to the second end position from a nonzero value to zero.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2019
    Publication date: October 3, 2019
    Inventor: Steffen Knapper
  • Patent number: 10030788
    Abstract: A hydraulic valve includes a sliding control member that delimits at least one constantly adjustable diaphragm. The sliding control member is configured to be moved in the direction of a longitudinal axis. The hydraulic valve further includes a locking device with a locking member that is configured to be moved counter to the force of a first spring transversely relative to the longitudinal axis. The hydraulic valve further includes at least one catch contour in which the locking member is configured to be engaged in such a positive-locking manner that the sliding control member is releasably retained in a catch position that is associated with the respective catch contour. The position of at least one catch contour is constantly adjustable in such a manner that the free cross-sectional surface-area of the at least one diaphragm is constantly adjustable in the associated catch position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Reiner Kunz, Christoph Keyl, Steffen Knapper
  • Patent number: 9874884
    Abstract: A valve block includes a plurality of control valve disks that form a first block part and a second block part. A supply pressure for the control valve disks of the first block part is limited by a common pressure-limiting valve. The common pressure-limiting valve is arranged such that a prevailing load pressure registered by the control valve disks does not exceed a specific value. The supply pressure for the control valve disks of the second block part is not limited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Steffen Knapper
  • Publication number: 20170314702
    Abstract: A hydraulic valve includes a sliding control member that delimits at least one constantly adjustable diaphragm. The sliding control member is configured to be moved in the direction of a longitudinal axis. The hydraulic valve further includes a locking device with a locking member that is configured to be moved counter to the force of a first spring transversely relative to the longitudinal axis. The hydraulic valve further includes at least one catch contour in which the locking member is configured to be engaged in such a positive-locking manner that the sliding control member is releasably retained in a catch position that is associated with the respective catch contour. The position of at least one catch contour is constantly adjustable in such a manner that the free cross-sectional surface-area of the at least one diaphragm is constantly adjustable in the associated catch position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2017
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventors: Reiner Kunz, Christoph Keyl, Steffen Knapper
  • Patent number: 9797523
    Abstract: A hydraulic valve includes a sliding control member that delimits at least one constantly adjustable diaphragm. The sliding control member is configured to be moved in the direction of a longitudinal axis. The hydraulic valve further includes a locking device with a locking member that is configured to be moved counter to the force of a first spring transversely relative to the longitudinal axis. The hydraulic valve further includes at least one catch contour in which the locking member is configured to be engaged in such a positive-locking manner that the sliding control member is releasably retained in a catch position that is associated with the respective catch contour. The position of at least one catch contour is constantly adjustable in such a manner that the free cross-sectional surface-area of the at least one diaphragm is constantly adjustable in the associated catch position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Reiner Kunz, Christoph Keyl, Steffen Knapper
  • Patent number: 9726203
    Abstract: A hydraulic control assembly for a plurality of consumers includes, for each consumer, a supply metering orifice configured to control fluid flow. A flow-sensing fluid-flow-path extends over detection orifices positioned hydraulically in series, whereby a detection orifice is assigned to each supply metering orifice. The fluid-flow-path is connected to a hydraulic pump upstream of the detection orifices, and a control device of the hydraulic pump downstream of the detection orifices. Each detection orifice is configured to close the fluid-flow-path upon detecting a fluid supply deficiency for a corresponding consumer, whereby the control device is configured to interact with the fluid-flow-path such that fluid flow from the hydraulic pump is increased. When no customers have a supply deficiency, the fluid-flow-path over the detection orifices is fully opened, and the control device is configured to reduce fluid flow from the hydraulic pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Steffen Knapper
  • Publication number: 20160356391
    Abstract: A hydraulic valve includes a sliding control member that delimits at least one constantly adjustable diaphragm. The sliding control member is configured to be moved in the direction of a longitudinal axis. The hydraulic valve further includes a locking device with a locking member that is configured to be moved counter to the force of a first spring transversely relative to the longitudinal axis. The hydraulic valve further includes at least one catch contour in which the locking member is configured to be engaged in such a positive-locking manner that the sliding control member is releasably retained in a catch position that is associated with the respective catch contour. The position of at least one catch contour is constantly adjustable in such a manner that the free cross-sectional surface-area of the at least one diaphragm is constantly adjustable in the associated catch position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2016
    Publication date: December 8, 2016
    Inventors: Reiner Kunz, Christoph Keyl, Steffen Knapper
  • Publication number: 20150136251
    Abstract: A hydraulic control assembly for a plurality of consumers includes, for each consumer, a supply metering orifice configured to control fluid flow. A flow-sensing fluid-flow-path extends over detection orifices positioned hydraulically in series, whereby a detection orifice is assigned to each supply metering orifice. The fluid-flow-path is connected to a hydraulic pump upstream of the detection orifices, and a control device of the hydraulic pump downstream of the detection orifices. Each detection orifice is configured to close the fluid-flow-path upon detecting a fluid supply deficiency for a corresponding consumer, whereby the control device is configured to interact with the fluid-flow-path such that fluid flow from the hydraulic pump is increased. When no customers have a supply deficiency, the fluid-flow-path over the detection orifices is fully opened, and the control device is configured to reduce fluid flow from the hydraulic pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventor: Steffen Knapper
  • Publication number: 20150101676
    Abstract: A valve block includes a plurality of control valve disks that form a first block part and a second block part. A supply pressure for the control valve disks of the first block part is limited by a common pressure-limiting valve. The common pressure-limiting valve is arranged such that a prevailing load pressure registered by the control valve disks does not exceed a specific value. The supply pressure for the control valve disks of the second block part is not limited.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventor: Steffen Knapper
  • Patent number: 8479768
    Abstract: A directional control valve arrangement includes a directional control valve with a valve spool. Using the directional control valve, it is possible to control a pressure-medium connection between a pressure port, a tank connection, and at least one working connection. A blocking valve is situated in a working passage that is connected to the working connection. The pressure in the working passage can be reduced using a pressure-release unit; the pressure-medium connection between the working passage and the tank connection is blocked by the valve spool. The pressure-relief unit has an intermediate space which is formed in the pressure-medium flow path between the blocking valve and a control edge of the valve spool that blocks the working passage to the tank port, the intermediate space being provided to accommodate a compression volume of the working passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Reiner Kunz, Andreas Albrecht, Markus Grammer, Steffen Knapper
  • Publication number: 20110017321
    Abstract: A directional control valve arrangement includes a directional control valve with a valve spool. Using the directional control valve, it is possible to control a pressure-medium connection between a pressure port, a tank connection, and at least one working connection. A blocking valve is situated in a working passage that is connected to the working connection. The pressure in the working passage can be reduced using a pressure-release unit; the pressure-medium connection between the working passage and the tank connection is blocked by the valve spool. The pressure-relief unit has an intermediate space which is formed in the pressure-medium flow path between the blocking valve and a control edge of the valve spool that blocks the working passage to the tank port, the intermediate space being provided to accommodate a compression volume of the working passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2010
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Inventors: REINER KUNZ, ANDREAS ALBRECHT, MARKUS GRAMMER, STEFFEN KNAPPER