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).
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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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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: 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: 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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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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Patent number: 8038162Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 9, 2007Date of Patent: October 18, 2011Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Sören Knopp, Manfred Buhl, Ralf Kunze
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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: 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
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Patent number: 7771136Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 16, 2006Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Manfred Buhl, Ralf Kunze
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Patent number: 7708488Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 16, 2005Date of Patent: May 4, 2010Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Ralf Kunze, Soeren Knopp, Manfred Buhl, Heinfried Helms
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Publication number: 20100025953Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 4, 2008Publication date: February 4, 2010Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AGInventors: Manfred Buhl, Soren Knopp, Friedheim Langhorst
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Publication number: 20100013181Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 9, 2007Publication date: January 21, 2010Inventors: Sören Knopp, Manfred BUHL, Ralf Runze
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Publication number: 20090154988Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2005Publication date: June 18, 2009Inventors: Ralf Kunze, Sören Knopp, Manfred Buhl, Heinfried Helms
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Publication number: 20080193206Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 16, 2006Publication date: August 14, 2008Inventors: Manfred Buhl, Ralf Kunze
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Patent number: 7165909Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 17, 2005Date of Patent: January 23, 2007Assignee: ZF Lemförder Metallwaren AGInventors: Manfred Buhl, Ralf Kunze
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Publication number: 20050153781Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 17, 2005Publication date: July 14, 2005Inventors: Manfred Buhl, Ralf Kunze