Patents by Inventor Reinhard Buhl
Reinhard 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: 8894317Abstract: A ball joint with a housing formed entirely by a cold forming method. The housing having an inner chamber for receiving the joint ball of a ball pin and an opening through which the ball pin extends, and a contact area on the outer surface area of the housing forms a seal with a bellows. A forming section of the housing secures the joint ball within the inner chamber such that the joint pall can both rotate and pivot. Following completion of the housing, the material displaced during the cold forming method creates the forming section of the housing. The method for producing a ball joint comprises the steps of producing a metallic housing blank with a thickening formed by compression, forming the outer contour of the housing by compression, shaping the inner contour of the housing through dishing, and using the displaced material for creating the forming section.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2009Date of Patent: November 25, 2014Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Dirk Maehlmann, Frank Schmeink, Benjamin Ziebart, Horst Pott, Christian Rziczny, Michael Heuer Gen Hallmann, Philippe Milos, Wolfgang Kleiner, Reinhard Buhl, Jurgen Schmitz
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Publication number: 20110293359Abstract: A ball joint with a housing formed entirely by a cold forming method. The housing having an inner chamber for receiving the joint ball of a ball pin and an opening through which the ball pin extends, and a contact area on the outer surface area of the housing forms a seal with a bellows. A forming section of the housing secures the joint ball within the inner chamber such that the joint pall can both rotate and pivot. Following completion of the housing, the material displaced during the cold forming method creates the forming section of the housing. The method for producing a ball joint comprises the steps of producing a metallic housing blank with a thickening formed by compression, forming the outer contour of the housing by compression, shaping the inner contour of the housing through dishing, and using the displaced material for creating the forming section.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2009Publication date: December 1, 2011Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AGInventors: Dirk Mahlmann, Frank Schmeink, Benjamin Ziebart, Horst Pott, Christian Rziczny, Michael Heuer Gen Hallmann, Philippe Milos, Wolfgang Kleiner, Reinhard Buhl, Jurgen Schmitz
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Patent number: 7753384Abstract: A four-point suspension control arm (1) is provided for the axle suspension of a rigid axle especially of a utility vehicle. The four-point control arm (1) has four bearing eyes (7, 8, 9, 10), wherein two bearing eyes (9, 10) can be connected to the rigid axle and two bearing eyes (7, 8)are to be connected to the vehicle frame, each in an articulated manner. The four-point control arm (1) is designed as a one-piece hollow housing (2, 3, 4, 5, 6), which can be twisted and is inscribed in the rectangle or trapezoid formed by the bearing eyes. The hollow housing (2, 3, 4, 5, 6) is formed essentially by a tube, which is arranged horizontally in respect to the vehicle and is open on both sides, with a cross section ranging from an essentially rounded rectangular to O-shaped.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2005Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: ZF FriedrichshafenInventors: Ralf Kunze, Wolfgang Ratermann, Reinhard Buhl
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Patent number: 7478802Abstract: A pivoting bearing for chassis components of motor vehicles has a tubular joint housing (8), which forms a cylindrical interior space and in which a metallic internal part (1) and an elastomer body (5) are accommodated. The elastomer body (5) is axially pretensioned in the axial longitudinal direction via the intermediary of stop rings (6, 7), which are connected with the elastomer body and cooperate with corresponding projections (10), which project into the interior space of the joint housing (8). At least one of the projections is formed by a spring lock washer (11), which is inserted into a radial depression (12) of the interior space of the joint housing (8) and is in contact with a recess (14). The recess extends circumferentially radially at the outer edge of the stop ring (6) and is engaged by the spring lock washer (11) in the mounted state of the pivoting bearing.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2005Date of Patent: January 20, 2009Assignee: ZF Lemförder Metallwaren AGInventors: Stefan Wolter, Werner Schmudde, Reinhard Richter, Reinhard Buhl, Holger Bublies
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Publication number: 20090016809Abstract: A joint arrangement (8) is provided with a joint (15; 22), which can be stressed at least axially and on bending. The joint has an outer joint shell (17; 25) and an inner joint body (16; 23) that is movable in relation thereto. The joint axis (A1) is located at a spaced location (e) from the central axis (A2) located centrally in the joint (15; 22).Type: ApplicationFiled: July 28, 2006Publication date: January 15, 2009Inventors: Reinhard Buhl, Wolfgang Kleiner
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Publication number: 20090001680Abstract: A motor vehicle, especially a utility vehicle, with a vehicle chassis (3) as well as with a rear axle arrangement (2) having a rigid axle (1). A Panhard rod (8) for supporting lateral forces or a control arm for supporting longitudinal forces is arranged between the vehicle chassis (3) and the rigid axle (1). The motor vehicle has the Panhard rod (8), which is directly articulated to the vehicle chassis (3) with an axial joint (11) in a pivotingly movable manner or by a control arm. The Panhard rod (8) is articulated to the rigid axle directly with an axial joint (11) in a pivotingly movable manner.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2004Publication date: January 1, 2009Inventors: Reinhard Buhl, Reinhard Richter, Werner Schmudde
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Publication number: 20080231010Abstract: A motor vehicle chassis has, on at least one axle, a control arm (7) guiding and/or carrying a wheel each and at least one wheel carrier (3) connected movably to this and to the wheel (5). A connection is provided between the control arm (7) and the wheel carrier (3) including a joint and/or bearing arrangement (8) designed such that at least one pin (12), which points rigidly upward from the wheel carrier (3), and which is held at a mount associated with the control arm (7) in an articulated manner, is associated with the wheel carrier (3).Type: ApplicationFiled: July 28, 2006Publication date: September 25, 2008Inventors: Reinhard Buhl, Wolfgang Kleiner
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Publication number: 20080181719Abstract: Disclosed is a component providing rotational, translational and angular movement to a shaft inserted therein. The component has a housing with a bearing aperture, the bearing aperture having an aperture axis, an inner concave surface and a placement ring surface. A combination joint including a hollow bearing and a placement ring are located at least partially within the bearing aperture. The hollow bearing has an outer convex surface adjacent to and at least partially in contact with the inner concave surface of the bearing aperture. The hollow bearing also has an aperture with a cylindrical inner surface. The placement ring has an outer surface adjacent to and at least partially in contact with the placement ring surface of the bearing aperture and has an inner concave bearing race surface adjacent to and at least partially in contact with the outer convex surface of the hollow bearing aperture.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2007Publication date: July 31, 2008Applicant: Z F Group North American Operations, Inc.Inventors: John Gleason, Reinhard Buhl, William Ryan
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Publication number: 20070284841Abstract: A four-point suspension control arm (1) is provided for the axle suspension of a rigid axle especially of a utility vehicle. The four-point control arm (1) has four bearing eyes (7, 8, 9, 10), wherein two bearing eyes (9, 10) can be connected to the rigid axle and two bearing eyes (7, 8)are to be connected to the vehicle frame, each in an articulated manner. The four-point control arm (1) is designed as a one-piece hollow housing (2, 3, 4, 5, 6), which can be twisted and is inscribed in the rectangle or trapezoid formed by the bearing eyes. The hollow housing (2, 3, 4, 5, 6) is formed essentially by a tube, which is arranged horizontally in respect to the vehicle and is open on both sides, with a cross section ranging from an essentially rounded rectangular to O-shaped.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2005Publication date: December 13, 2007Inventors: Ralf Kunze, Wolfgang Ratermann, Reinhard Buhl
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Patent number: 6959935Abstract: A steering triangle (1) is provided for the axle suspension of motor vehicles for the articulated connection of a vehicle axle with a vehicle chassis with two control arms (2, 3). The control arms are connected to each other in a joint housing (6) formed by the control arms (2, 3) together for a rubber-metal bearing (11) for fixing the steering triangle (1) on the vehicle axle. The rubber-metal bearing (11) has a pivot axis (12) provided with a spherical surface and an elastomer body (14), which extends around the pivot axis (12) at least in the area of the spherical surface and which is accommodated in a recess (16) located within the joint housing (6), in which steering triangle two pressing rings (17, 18) are arranged within the recess (16) of the joint housing (6) on the axial outer sides of the elastomer body (14). The pressing rings can be moved toward each other by a tensioning device via the intermediary of stop faces (22) of the joint housing (6).Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2004Date of Patent: November 1, 2005Assignee: ZF Lemförder Metallwaren AGInventors: Reinhard Buhl, Reinhard Richter, Uwe Cossmann, Ralf Kunze, Holger Bublies, Sören Knopp
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Publication number: 20050179182Abstract: A pivoting bearing is presented, preferably for chassis components of motor vehicles, with a tubular joint housing (8), which forms a cylindrical interior space and in which a metallic internal part (1) and an elastomer body (5), which surrounds the internal part (1) and is arranged adheringly thereon, are accommodated. The elastomer body (5) is axially pretensioned in the axial longitudinal direction of the pivoting bearing via the intermediary of stop rings (6, 7), which are connected with the elastomer body in a firmly adhering manner, are designed as bearing shells and cooperate with corresponding projections (10), which project into the interior space of the joint housing (8).Type: ApplicationFiled: April 14, 2005Publication date: August 18, 2005Inventors: Stefan Wolter, Werner Schmudde, Reinhard Richter, Reinhard Buhl, Holger Bublies
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Patent number: 6863289Abstract: An axle rocker for connecting an axle 3 to the vehicle body 2 of a motor vehicle, which has a flange 9 provided at the axle 3, a central joint arranged at the flange 9 and two swivel arms 4 and 8 connected to the central joint, which are pivotably fastened to the vehicle body 2. The central joint has a central joint housing 10 and a central joint inner part 11, which is mounted pivotable in same and which protrudes from the central joint housing 10 at its two ends designed as connection pins on two mutually opposite sides. Furthermore, at least part of the central joint housing 10 is made in one piece with the flange 9, and the swivel arms 4 and 8 are fastened with their ends facing the central joint to the two connection pins of the central joint inner part 11.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2002Date of Patent: March 8, 2005Assignee: ZF Lemförder Metallwaren AGInventors: Reinhard Buhl, Uwe Cossmann, Sören Knopp, André Diener, Reinhard Richter
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Patent number: 6808191Abstract: An axle suspension for rigid axles of vehicles, especially air-suspension (e.g., with air shock absorbers/air springs) utility vehicles, is presented, in which a twistable four-point connecting rod (4), which is connected in an articulated manner to the vehicle axle (3), on the one hand, and to the vehicle body (1a, 1b), on the other hand, and which is connected to the vehicle axle (3) and to the vehicle body (1a, 1b) by four said joints (5, 6, 7, 8) each located at spaced locations from one another in the transverse direction of the vehicle. The four-point connecting rod is arranged above the vehicle axle (3). At least one axle strut (11, 12), which extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and connects the vehicle axle (3) to the vehicle body (1a, 1b) in a vertically movable manner, is arranged on each side of the vehicle for guiding the axle. At least one air spring assembly unit (19, 20) is arranged between the vehicle axle (3) and the vehicle body (1a, 1b) for spring suspension.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2001Date of Patent: October 26, 2004Assignee: ZF Lemförder Metallwaren AGInventors: Reinhard Buhl, Holger Bublies
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Publication number: 20040155422Abstract: A steering triangle (1) is provided for the axle suspension of motor vehicles for the articulated connection of a vehicle axle with a vehicle chassis with two control arms (2, 3). The control arms are connected to each other in a joint housing (6) formed by the control arms (2, 3) together for a rubber-metal bearing (11) for fixing the steering triangle (1) on the vehicle axle. The rubber-metal bearing (11) has a pivot axis (12) provided with a spherical surface and an elastomer body (14), which extends around the pivot axis (12) at least in the area of the spherical surface and which is accommodated in a recess (16) located within the joint housing (6), in which steering triangle two pressing rings (17, 18) are arranged within the recess (16) of the joint housing (6) on the axial outer sides of the elastomer body (14). The pressing rings can be moved toward each other by a tensioning device via the intermediary of stop faces (22) of the joint housing (6).Type: ApplicationFiled: February 3, 2004Publication date: August 12, 2004Inventors: Reinhard Buhl, Reinhard Richter, Uwe Cossmann, Ralf Kunze, Holger Bublies, Soren Knopp
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Patent number: 6773196Abstract: A joint housing (1) has a housing recess (2), a pivot pin (4), mounted in the housing recess. The pivot pin has a joint ball (3) provided with a surface protection. A pin section protrudes from a housing opening (18), with a bearing shell (5) arranged between the joint housing and the joint ball, and with a closing ring (7), which closes the housing recess of the joint housing and tensions the bearing shell arranged therein in the joint housing. The closing ring follows essentially with its inner contour the outer contour of the bearing shell due to a bevel or a radius formed. The closing ring (7) to be inserted into the joint housing is fixed in its position in the joint housing (1) and has a sealing lip (17) which is in contact with the joint ball (3) under elastic pretension on the side of the housing opening (18) through which the pin section of the pivot pin (4) protrudes from the joint housing (1).Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2002Date of Patent: August 10, 2004Assignee: ZF Lemförder Metallwaren AGInventors: Klaus Bröker, Martin Rechtien, Wolfgang Kleiner, Reinhard Buhl
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Patent number: 6733019Abstract: A two-joint arrangement is presented for the articulated connection of guide elements, preferably of a motor vehicle linkage with a common articulated part. Each of the two joints has a joint housing that is connected to a guide element each and a bearing shell that is accommodated within the joint housing, in which a pivot part which is rigidly connected to the common articulated part is accommodated in a rotatable and pivotable manner. In a first embodiment variant, a pivot part (26) of a joint (4) has an opening (24) running in the pivot part longitudinal axis, which the pivot part (17) of the other joint (5) having a screw bolt area (23) located thereon penetrates whereby a clamping nut is arranged on the free end of the screw bolt area (23) facing away from the pivot part (17) of the other joint (5).Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2002Date of Patent: May 11, 2004Assignee: ZF Lemförder Metallwaren AGInventors: André Diener, Reinhard Buhl
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Patent number: 6688799Abstract: A ball-and-socket joint is provided with a joint housing which is open on at least one side with a housing recess, with a joint pin mounted in the housing recess with its joint ball provided with a surface protection. A pin section projects from a housing opening. A bearing shell is arranged between the joint housing and the joint ball. A sealing bellows is provided between the joint housing and the joint pin. A sealing element, which is under elastic pretension in sliding contact with the joint ball, is arranged between the joint housing and the joint ball.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2001Date of Patent: February 10, 2004Assignee: ZF Lemforder Metallwaren AGInventors: Klaus Bröker, Reinhard Buhl, Wolfgang Kleiner, Martin Rechtien
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Publication number: 20040012167Abstract: An axle rocker for connecting an axle 3 to the vehicle body 2 of a motor vehicle, which has a flange 9 provided at the axle 3, a central joint arranged at the flange 9 and two swivel arms 4 and 8 connected to the central joint, which are pivotably fastened to the vehicle body 2. The central joint has a central joint housing 10 and a central joint inner part 11, which is mounted pivotably in same and which protrudes from the central joint housing 10 at its two ends designed as connection pins on two mutually opposite sides. Furthermore, at least part of the central joint housing 10 is made in one piece with the flange 9, and the swivel arms 4 and 8 are fastened with their ends facing the central joint to the two connection pins of the central joint inner part 11.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 15, 2003Publication date: January 22, 2004Inventors: Reinhard Buhl, Uwe Cossmann, Soren Knopp, Andre Diener, Reinhard Richter
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Publication number: 20030214110Abstract: A two-joint arrangement is presented for the articulated connection of guide elements, preferably of a motor vehicle linkage with a common articulated part. Each of the two joints has a joint housing that is connected to a guide element each and a bearing shell that is accommodated within the joint housing, in which a pivot part which is rigidly connected to the common articulated part is accommodated in a rotatable and pivotable manner. In a first embodiment variant, a pivot part (26) of a joint (4) has an opening (24) running in the pivot part longitudinal axis, which the pivot part (17) of the other joint (5) having a screw bolt area (23) located thereon penetrates whereby a clamping nut is arranged on the free end of the screw bolt area (23) facing away from the pivot part (17) of the other joint (5).Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2002Publication date: November 20, 2003Inventors: Andre Diener, Reinhard Buhl
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Patent number: 6637762Abstract: An axle suspension for rigid axles of vehicles, especially air-cushioned utility vehicles includes a twistable fur-point connecting rod (4) connected above the vehicle axle (3) to the (vehicle axle (3). The twistable four-point connect rod (4) is connected to the vehicle chassis (1a, 1b, 2a, 2b) via two said joints (5, 6, 7, 8) each, which are arranged at spaced locations from one another in the longitudial direction of the vehicle. At least one spring assembly unit (19, 20) per vehicle side is located for spring suspension between the vehicle axle (3) and the vehicle chassis (1a, 1b, 2a, 2b). An axle strut (21) for axle guiding, extends approximately in the middle of the vehicle in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and connects the vehicle axle (3) to the vehicle chassis (1a, 1b, 2a, 2b) in a vertically movable manner.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2001Date of Patent: October 28, 2003Assignee: ZF Lemförder Metallwaren AGInventors: Holger Bublies, Reinhard Buhl, Uwe Cossmann, Reinhard Richter, Werner Schmudde