Patents by Inventor Manfred Buhl

Manfred Buhl 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: 10214068
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignees: ZF Friedrichshafen AG, DAF Trucks N.V
    Inventors: Friedhelm Langhorst, Jens Eismann, Eike Helm, Manfred Buhl, Albertus Clemens Maria Van Der Knaap, Victor Raue, Jasper Joshua Backx
  • Publication number: 20170008361
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2015
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Applicant: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Friedhelm LANGHORST, Jens EISMANN, Eike HELM, Manfred BUHL, Albertus Clemens Maria VAN DER KNAAP, Victor RAUE, Jasper Joshua BACKX
  • Patent number: 8684381
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Manfred Buhl, Friedhelm Langhorst, Bernhard Eilers
  • Patent number: 8434581
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Manfred Buhl, Matthias Quaing, Friedhelm Langhorst, Karl Lorenz, Kerstin Lahmann, Jens Eismann
  • Patent number: 8424890
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Jens Eismann, Manfred Buhl, Friedhelm Langhorst
  • Publication number: 20110254242
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2009
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Jens Eismann, Manfred Buhl, Friedhelm Langhorst
  • Patent number: 8038162
    Abstract: A joint unit such as for mounting the vehicle control arm of a motor vehicle, is provided with a control arm-side housing (1), in which a pivot pin (2) is mounted pivotably by means of a spheroidal bearing surface (3), wherein the joint unit has a securing unit against the separation of the housing (1) from the pivot pin (2). The securing unit includes a securing bolt (9), arranged within the pivot pin (2) essentially in parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the pivot pin (2) and with a blocking element (12) at a free end. A securing mount (13) is located within the housing (1) or the pivot pin (2) and in this the blocking element (12) is mounted in a contactless manner in the mounted state of the joint unit. The securing mount (13) is part of the securing unit, and the securing bolt (9) is fixed to the component of the joint unit (housing (1) or pivot pin (2)) that is not provided with the securing mount (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Sören Knopp, Manfred Buhl, Ralf Kunze
  • Publication number: 20110248464
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Manfred Buhl, Matthias Quaing, Friedhelm Langhorst, Karl Lorenz, Kerstin Lahmann, Jens Eismann
  • Publication number: 20110089658
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2009
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Manfred Buhl, Friedhelm Langhorst, Bernhard Eilers
  • Patent number: 7771136
    Abstract: A ball and socket joint is provided, for example, for an axle system of a motor vehicle. The joint has an essentially ring-shaped or pot-shaped joint housing (2). The ball (7) of a ball pivot (1) is received in the interior space of the joint housing (2) in a slidingly movable manner. The joint housing (2) includes a ball pivot-side and a housing cover-side housing half (4, 5). The two housing halves (4, 5) have an essentially circumferential axial stop (9). Based on the axial stop (9), the housing halves (4, 5) can be brought into contact with one another in the axial direction in an exactly defined manner. The reproducibility of tolerances in manufacture can be carefully controlled allowing manufacture at a low cost. The specific load-bearing capacity of the ball and socket joint can be increased or the dimensions of the ball and socket joint can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Manfred Buhl, Ralf Kunze
  • Patent number: 7708488
    Abstract: A joint unit of a control arm of a wheel suspension in a motor vehicle, with a housing (1) and a pivot (2), which is mounted slidingly in the housing by a spheroidal bearing surface (3). The joint unit has a catching device (4) to avoid complete separation of the housing (1) from the pivot (2). The catching device spans over part of the housing (1) in a contactless manner during normal operation. The catching device (4) has at least one flexible catching band or at least one securing strap (4.1, 4.2) with a recess (4.1.1, 4.2.1), into which protrudes a catching pin (1.1, 1.2) of the housing in a contactless manner during normal operation, or at least two securing straps (4.1 and 4.2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Ralf Kunze, Soeren Knopp, Manfred Buhl, Heinfried Helms
  • Publication number: 20100025953
    Abstract: A rigid axle for a commercial vehicle having individual first and second suspension struts (1, 2) which define a triangle in a common plane. Each end of these struts have a joint (3, 4, 5, 6) to connect one end of the struts to the automotive body (7) and the other end of the struts to the vehicle axle (8). The end of the struts that is connected to the axle receives an axial pin (9) for connecting the suspension struts (1, 2) to the vehicle axle (8).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2008
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Manfred Buhl, Soren Knopp, Friedheim Langhorst
  • Publication number: 20100013181
    Abstract: A joint unit such as for mounting the vehicle control arm of a motor vehicle, is provided with a control arm-side housing (1), in which a pivot pin (2) is mounted pivotably by means of a spheroidal bearing surface (3), wherein the joint unit has a securing unit against the separation of the housing (1) from the pivot pin (2). The securing unit includes a securing bolt (9), arranged within the pivot pin (2) essentially in parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the pivot pin (2) and with a blocking element (12) at a free end. A securing mount (13) is located within the housing (1) or the pivot pin (2) and in this the blocking element (12) is mounted in a contactless manner in the mounted state of the joint unit. The securing mount (13) is part of the securing unit, and the securing bolt (9) is fixed to the component of the joint unit (housing (1) or pivot pin (2)) that is not provided with the securing mount (13).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2007
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Inventors: Sören Knopp, Manfred BUHL, Ralf Runze
  • Publication number: 20090154988
    Abstract: A joint unit of a control arm of a wheel suspension in a motor vehicle, with a housing (1) and a pivot (2), which is mounted slidingly in the housing by a spheroidal bearing surface (3). The joint unit has a catching device (4) to avoid complete separation of the housing (1) from the pivot (2). The catching device spans over part of the housing (1) in a contactless manner during normal operation. The catching device (4) has at least one flexible catching band or at least one securing strap (4.1, 4.2) with a recess (4.1.1, 4.2.1), into which protrudes a catching pin (1.1, 1.2) of the housing in a contactless manner during normal operation, or at least two securing straps (4.1 and 4.2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2005
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventors: Ralf Kunze, Sören Knopp, Manfred Buhl, Heinfried Helms
  • Publication number: 20080193206
    Abstract: A ball and socket joint is provided, for example, for an axle system of a motor vehicle. The joint has an essentially ring-shaped or pot-shaped joint housing (2). The ball (7) of a ball pivot (1) is received in the interior space of the joint housing (2) in a slidingly movable manner. The joint housing (2) includes a ball pivot-side and a housing cover-side housing half (4, 5). The two housing halves (4, 5) have an essentially circumferential axial stop (9). Based on the axial stop (9), the housing halves (4, 5) can be brought into contact with one another in the axial direction in an exactly defined manner. The reproducibility of tolerances in manufacture can be carefully controlled allowing manufacture at a low cost. The specific load-bearing capacity of the ball and socket joint can be increased or the dimensions of the ball and socket joint can be reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2006
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventors: Manfred Buhl, Ralf Kunze
  • Patent number: 7165909
    Abstract: An elastic chassis bearing in utility vehicles is provided as a joint as such for the elastic mechanical connection of two machine parts especially in the construction of vehicles, having a claw (connection part) 1 and a housing (13, 14). The claw (1) has a middle area (4) and two end areas (2). The claw is a rotationally symmetrical turned part, and the housing (13, 14) includes at least two bushes 5, 6, 7; 7, 15 inserted concentrically one into another, which together define a hollow cylinder and an intermediate space (8, 9, 16). The intermediate space is filled with an elastic material, so that the claw 1 enclosed by the innermost bush 5, 15 is cardanically movable in relation to the bush 7 or the other bushes 6, 7 of the housing 13, 14.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: ZF Lemförder Metallwaren AG
    Inventors: Manfred Buhl, Ralf Kunze
  • Publication number: 20050153781
    Abstract: An elastic chassis bearing in utility vehicles is provided as a joint as such for the elastic mechanical connection of two machine parts especially in the construction of vehicles, having a claw (connection part) 1 and a housing (13, 14). The claw (1) has a middle area (4) and two end areas (2). The claw is a rotationally symmetrical turned part, and the housing (13, 14) includes at least two bushes 5, 6, 7; 7, 15 inserted concentrically one into another, which together define a hollow cylinder and an intermediate space (8, 9, 16). The intermediate space is filled with an elastic material, so that the claw 1 enclosed by the innermost bush 5, 15 is cardanically movable in relation to the bush 7 or the other bushes 6, 7 of the housing 13, 14.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2005
    Publication date: July 14, 2005
    Inventors: Manfred Buhl, Ralf Kunze