Anti-roll bar link assembly

Abstract

The anti-roll bar link assembly includes a socket joint, a shank extending from the socket joint, a bolt, and a bushing. The shank includes a first hole having a first hole diameter and a second hole extending between the first hole and the socket joint. The second hole has a second hole diameter smaller than the first hole diameter such that a flange extends between the first hole and the second hole. The bolt has a head, a shaft extending from the head, and a stud extending from the shaft. The shaft has a first diameter and the stud has a second diameter smaller than the first diameter such that a collar extends between the shaft and the stud. When the bolt extends through the bushing and the collar of the bolt abuts against the flange of the shank, the bushing is compressed by the bolt by a predefined amount.

Description

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications

[0002] This patent application claims the priority and benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 004,292, filed on Apr. 2, 2020. The disclosure of the above application is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to link assemblies, and more particularly to anti - roll bar link assemblies. Background Art

[0004] The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.

[0005] Vehicle suspension systems typically include an anti - roll bar for limiting vehicle "roll" when the vehicle turns. Such anti - roll bars include a bar or tube that extends laterally across the vehicle and has ends that are connected to a left wheel assembly and a right wheel assembly by a pair of anti - roll bar link assemblies.

[0006] Installing an anti - roll bar onto a new vehicle, replacing an anti - roll bar, and / or replacing an anti - roll bar link assembly involves an operator or technician aligning the ends of the anti - roll bar with two or more components of the anti - roll bar link assembly such that bolts can be fed through holes or apertures in the anti - roll bar end and the components to couple the anti - roll bar end to the anti - roll bar link assembly.

[0007] The present disclosure addresses the problems of installing or replacing an anti - roll bar link assembly and other problems associated with anti - roll bar link assemblies. Summary of the Invention

[0008] This section provides a general summary of the present disclosure and is not a full disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.

[0009] In one form of the present disclosure, an anti - roll bar link assembly includes a socket joint, a shank rigidly attached to and extending from the socket joint, a bolt, and at least one bushing. The shank has a bushing end spaced from the socket joint, a first hole extending between the bushing end and the socket joint, and a second hole extending between the first hole and the socket joint. The first hole has a first aperture diameter, and the second hole has a second aperture diameter smaller than the first aperture diameter such that a flange extends between the first hole and the second hole. The bolt has a head, a shaft extending from the head, and a stud extending from the shaft. The shaft has a first diameter, and the stud has a second diameter smaller than the first diameter such that a shoulder extends between the shaft and the stud. The at least one bushing is configured to be disposed on the bolt, and when the bolt is disposed within the at least one bushing and extends through the at least one bushing and the shoulder of the bolt abuts against the flange of the shank, the at least one bushing is compressed a predefined amount between the head of the bolt and the bushing end of the shank.

[0010] In some variations, the shaft includes a length configured to compress at least one bushing a predefined amount when the stud of the bolt mechanically engages a second hole of the handle such that the flange of the bolt abuts a flange of the handle.

[0011] In at least one variation, when the hole axis is aligned with the handle axis, the flange defines a flange angle relative to the hole axis between about 45° and about 90°, and the flange defines a flange angle relative to the handle axis, and the flange angle and the flange angle are complementary.

[0012] In some variations, when the second shaft of the bolt is disposed within the second hole of the handle, the flange defines a flange angle of about 90° relative to the hole axis, and the flange defines a flange angle of about 90° relative to the handle axis.

[0013] In at least one variation, the at least one bushing includes a first bushing and a second bushing, the first bushing being disposed on the bolt near the head of the bolt, and the second bushing being disposed on the bolt between the first bushing and the socket joint. In such variations, the bolt is configured to compress the first bushing and the second bushing a predefined amount between the head of the bolt and the bushing end of the handle when the bolt is disposed within the first bushing and the second bushing and extends through the first bushing and the second bushing and the outer engaging surface of the bolt mechanically engages the inner engaging surface of the handle such that the flange of the bolt abuts a flange of the handle. Additionally, an end of the anti-roll bar may be disposed on the bolt between the first bushing and the second bushing, and a washer may be disposed on the bolt between the head and the insertion surface of the first bushing.

[0014] In some variations, the shaft has a length configured to compress the first bushing and the second bushing a predefined amount when the outer engaging surface of the bolt mechanically engages the inner engaging surface of the handle such that the flange of the bolt abuts a flange of the handle.

[0015] In at least one variation, the second bushing has an insertion surface disposed directly on the bushing end of the handle, and in some variations, the shaft is nested within a first hole.

[0016] In at least one variation, a ball stud is disposed within the socket joint.

[0017] In some variations, an anti-roll bar and a control arm are included, and the socket joint, the handle, the bolt, and the at least one bushing mechanically connect or couple the anti-roll bar to the control arm.

[0018] In at least one variation, the stud of the bolt has an inner engaging surface in the form of an internal threaded surface or an internal bayonet joint surface, the second hole has an outer engaging surface in the form of an external threaded surface or an external bayonet joint surface, and the inner engaging surface and the outer engaging surface are complementary.

[0019] In another form of the present disclosure, the anti-roll bar link assembly includes a socket joint, a shank rigidly attached to and extending from the socket joint, a sleeve washer, a first bushing, and a second bushing. The socket joint includes a housing and a stud that is disposed within the housing and extends from the housing, and the shank extends between a socket joint end and a bushing end. The shank includes a first bore that extends between the bushing end and the socket joint end and a second bore that extends between the first bore and the socket joint end. The first bore has a first bore diameter, and the second bore has an internal thread and a second bore diameter that is less than the first bore diameter such that a flange extends between the first bore and the second bore. The sleeve washer includes a washer, a distal end, and a sleeve that extends between the washer and the distal end. Additionally, the sleeve has a predefined length, an inner sleeve diameter, and an outer sleeve diameter. The bolt includes a head and a stud, and the stud has an external thread that is complementary to the internal thread of the second bore and a diameter that is configured to slide within and be disposed within the sleeve of the sleeve washer.

[0020] The first bushing and the second bushing are disposed on the sleeve washer, the first bushing is positioned adjacent to the head of the bolt, and the second bushing is positioned between the first bushing and the bushing end of the shank. Moreover, the predefined length of the sleeve of the sleeve washer, the length of the first bushing, and the length of the second bushing are configured to compress each of the first bushing and the second bushing a predefined amount between the head of the bolt and the bushing end of the shank when the stud is threadedly engaged with the second bore and the distal end of the sleeve washer abuts against the flange of the shank.

[0021] In some variations, a ledge extends between the shaft and the stud at a ledge angle relative to the bolt axis, and the flange extends between the first bore and the second bore at a flange angle that is complementary to the ledge angle and is between about 45° and about 90° relative to the bore axis.

[0022] In at least one variation, the second bushing includes an insertion surface that is disposed directly on the bushing end of the shank.

[0023] In another form of the present disclosure, the anti-roll bar link assembly includes a socket joint having a housing and a stud that is disposed within the housing and extends from the housing; a shank that extends between a socket joint end rigidly attached to the socket joint and a bushing end spaced from the socket joint end; a bolt having a head, a shaft extending from the head, and a stud extending from the shaft; and a first bushing and a second bushing disposed on the bolt. The shank has a first hole that extends between the bushing end and the socket joint end and a second hole that extends between the first hole and the socket joint end. The first hole has a first hole diameter, and the second hole has an internal thread and a second hole diameter that is less than the first hole diameter such that a flange extends between the first hole and the second hole. The shaft of the bolt has a first diameter, and the stud has an external thread complementary to the internal thread of the second hole and a second diameter that is less than the first diameter such that a shoulder extends between the shaft and the stud. The first bushing is positioned adjacent to the head of the bolt, and the second bushing is positioned between the first bushing and the socket joint. The length of the shaft of the bolt, the length of the first bushing, and the length of the second bushing are configured such that when an end of the anti-roll bar having a predefined thickness is disposed on the bolt between the first bushing and the second bushing and the stud is threadedly engaged with the second hole such that the shoulder of the bolt abuts against the flange of the shank, the first bushing and the second bushing are compressed a predefined amount between the head of the bolt and the bushing end of the shank.

[0024] In some variations, the flange extends between the first hole and the second hole at a shoulder angle that is between about 45° and about 90° relative to the hole axis, and the shoulder extends between the shaft and the stud at a shoulder angle that is complementary to the shoulder angle.

[0025] Based on the description provided herein, further applicable fields will become apparent. It should be understood that the description and specific examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] To better understand the present disclosure, various forms thereof will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0027] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an anti-roll bar connected to a pair of wheel assemblies in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an anti-roll bar link assembly in accordance with one form of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 3 is Figure 2 an exploded view of the anti-roll bar link assembly in;

[0030] Figure 4 is during installation of the anti-roll bar onto the wheel assembly Figure 2 a cross-sectional view of the anti-roll bar link assembly in;

[0031] Figure 5 a cross-sectional view of an anti-roll bar link assembly in Figure 2 after the anti-roll bar is installed on the wheel assembly;

[0032] Figure 6 a cross-sectional view of another form of anti-roll bar link assembly according to the present disclosure after the anti-roll bar is installed on the wheel assembly;

[0033] Figure 7 is an exploded view of another form of anti-roll bar link assembly according to the present disclosure; and

[0034] Figure 8 is in Figure 7 a cross-sectional view of the anti-roll bar link assembly in

[0035] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way. Detailed Description

[0036] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals represent like or corresponding components and features. Examples are provided to fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art. Numerous specific details, such as the types of specific components and devices, are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the variations of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details are not required, and the examples provided herein may include alternative forms or variations and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In some examples, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail.

[0037] Referring to Figure 1 , an anti-roll bar 40 is shown connected or coupled to a left wheel assembly 50 and a right wheel assembly 60 of a vehicle "V". The anti-roll bar 40 has a pair of oppositely disposed anti-roll bar ends 42, and each anti-roll bar end 42 is coupled between a pair of bushings 120 ( Figure 2 ) of a corresponding anti-roll bar link assembly 10. Moreover, the anti-roll bar link assemblies 10 are respectively attached to a left control arm 52 of the first wheel assembly 50 and a right control arm 62 of the second wheel assembly 60. In some variations, the anti-roll bar link assemblies 10 are non-directional such that a given anti-roll bar link assembly 10 can be used to assemble or install the anti-roll bar end 42 to the left wheel assembly 50 or the right wheel assembly 60.

[0038] Referring to Figure 2 and Figure 3, a perspective view and an exploded view of an anti-roll bar link assembly 10 according to one form of the present disclosure are shown respectively. The anti-roll bar link assembly 10 includes a socket joint 100 having a housing 102, a shank 110 rigidly attached to and extending from the housing 102, a pair of bushings 120, and a bolt 130. The socket joint 100 is configured to receive the head 142 of a stud 140 within the housing 102 such that the socket joint 100 and the anti-roll bar link assembly 10 are firmly coupled to respective control arms 52, 62( Figure 1 ).

[0039] The shank 110 has a socket joint end 112 (also referred to herein as "housing end 112") and a bushing end 114 spaced from the housing end 112 and extending along a shank axis "A1". In some variations, the shank axis A1 is perpendicular to the socket joint axis "A2". Additionally, the housing end 112 of the shank 110 is rigidly attached to the housing 102.

[0040] In some variations, the housing 102 and the shank 110 are formed of a single piece of material, such as by casting, while in other variations, the housing 102 and the shank 110 are formed of two separate pieces of material connected together, such as by welding and / or threaded engagement. Non-limiting examples of materials for the housing 102 and the shank 110 are formed of or include cast iron, steel, stainless steel, etc.

[0041] A pair of bushings 120 each have a bolt aperture 121, and the anti-roll bar end 42 has a predefined thickness (z-direction) and an aperture 43 such that the bolt 130 extends through the pair of bushings 120 and the anti-roll bar end 42. In this manner or configuration, the anti-roll bar 40 is coupled to the shank 110 and the anti-roll bar link assembly 10, as Figure 2 shown. In some variations, the pair of bushings 120 have the same shape and / or dimensions, while in other variations, the pair of bushings 120 have different shapes and / or dimensions. In at least one variation, each of the pair of bushings 120 has a bell shape, where a first end 122 has a first diameter (not labeled) and a second end 124 that has a second diameter (not labeled) smaller than the first diameter. In some variations, one or both of the bushings 120 include a counterbore 126 extending from the first end 122 toward the second end 124, where an insertion surface 127 is spaced from the first end 122. In such variations, the first end 122 is configured to fit over the bushing end 114 of the shank and / or receive as Figure 3 and Figure 4The washer 138 shown. For example, a pair of bushings 120 can include a first bushing 120 disposed on the bolt 130 near the head 132 and a second bushing disposed on the bolt 130 between the first bushing 120 and the socket joint 100. The washer 138 can be disposed on the bolt 130 between the head 132 and the insertion surface 127 of the first bushing 120, and the insertion surface 127 of the second bushing 120 can be disposed on the bolt 130 in direct contact with the bushing end 114 of the shank 110. Thus, no washer is desired or required between the shank 110 and the second bushing 120, and the number of components desired or required for the anti-roll bar link assembly 10 is reduced.

[0042] Additionally, a pair of bushings 120 are positioned on opposite sides of the anti-roll bar end 42 such that the second end 124 of each bushing 120 is adjacent to the anti-roll bar end 42 and, in some variations, contacts the anti-roll bar end. In other words, the anti-roll bar link assembly 10 is designed or configured to position the anti-roll bar end 42 between a pair of bushings 120 as shown. Each bushing of the pair of bushings 120 is formed of an elastically deformable material such as, but not limited to, natural rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), butyl rubber, nitrile rubber, neoprene, ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber (EPDM), silicone rubber, fluorinated elastomers such as polyurethane and hydrogenated nitrile rubber, etc.

[0043] The bolt 130 has a head 132, a shaft 134 extending from the head 132, and a stud 136 extending from the shaft 134. The shaft 134 has a predefined length "L1" and a first diameter "D1", and the stud 136 has an external engagement surface 137 and a second diameter "D2" that is less than the first diameter D1. Thus, a flange 135 having a flange angle with respect to the bolt axis "B1" is defined, and the flange extends between the first diameter D1 of the shaft 134 and the second diameter D2 of the stud 136. One non-limiting example of the external engagement surface 137 is a threaded surface as shown. However, it should be understood that other types of external engagement surfaces 137 (e.g., bayonet joint outer surfaces) are included in the teachings of the present disclosure. In some variations, the washer 138 is included and configured to be disposed on the shaft 134 between the head 132 and the outer (+z direction) bushing 120, as Figure 3 shown. In at least one variation, the washer 138 is provided and attached to the head 132 (e.g., welded or formed integrally with the head). For example, in some variations, Figure 4 the washer 138 shown is welded to the shaft 134 and / or the head 132 of the bolt 130, while in other variations, Figure 4 the washer 138 is integral with the bolt 130. Non-limiting examples of the material forming the bolt 130 include steel and stainless steel, etc.

[0044] Now refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 , Figure 4 which show a cross-sectional view of the anti-roll bar end 42 and the anti-roll bar link assembly 10 before the anti-roll bar 40 is securely attached to the anti-roll bar link assembly 10 (e.g., during installation), and Figure 5 which show the same cross-sectional view after the anti-roll bar 40 is securely attached to the anti-roll bar link assembly 10 (e.g., after installation). As shown in the cross-sectional view, the shank 110 includes a first hole 116 having a first bore diameter "BD1" that extends between the bushing end 114 and the housing end 112, and a second hole 118 having a second bore diameter "BD2" that extends between the first hole 116 and the housing end 112. The second bore diameter BD2 is less than the first bore diameter BD1 such that an abutment flange 115 (also simply referred to herein as "flange 115") is defined and extends between the first hole 116 and the second hole 118. In some variations, the first hole 116 has a predetermined depth between the bushing end 114 and the second hole 118. The second hole 118 includes an inner engagement surface 119 that is complementary to the outer engagement surface 137 of the stud 136( Figure 3 ). In some variations, the second hole 118 is a "blind hole" having a closed end 119a.

[0045] During installation of the anti-roll bar link assembly 10, the bolt 130, washer 138 (when included and not welded to the bolt 130 or integral with the bolt), a pair of bushings 120, and the anti-roll bar end 42 of the anti-roll bar 40 are aligned along the longitudinal axis "LA" of the shank 110, as Figure 3 shown. The bolt 130 enters the first hole 116 of the shank 110 through the aperture of the washer 138, the aperture 121 of the outer bushing 120 (+z direction), the aperture 43 of the anti-roll bar end 42, and the aperture 121 of the inner bushing 120 (-z direction) until the stud 136 contacts the second hole 118 of the shank. Further, the outer engagement surface 137 of the stud 136 engages the inner engagement surface 119 of the second hole 118 such that the distal end (-z direction) of the shaft 134 nests within the first hole 116 of the shank, and the flange 135 of the bolt 130 contacts and abuts against the flange 115, as Figure 5 shown. For example, and as Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, the outer mating surface 137 and the inner mating surface 119 are a complementary convex threaded surface and a concave threaded surface, respectively, and when the bolt 130 rotates (is screwed), the stud 136 threadedly engages with the second hole 118. Thus, when the stud 136 is screwed into the second hole 118, the convex edge 135 moves towards the flange 115 and finally abuts against the flange, such that the anti-roll bar end 42 (and the anti-roll bar 40) is firmly attached to the handle 110 and the socket joint 100. It should be understood that the socket joint 100 is firmly attached to one of the control arms 52, 62 either before or after the anti-roll bar end 42 is firmly attached to the handle 110.

[0046] Still referring to and comparing Figures 4 to 5 , the anti-roll bar end 42 is assembled to a pair of compression (z-direction) bushings 120 of the anti-roll bar link assembly 10 such that a pair of bushings 120 is provided with an intended and predetermined compression against the anti-roll bar end 42. That is, the length L1 of the shaft 134 is designed and / or configured such that when the convex edge 135 is in direct contact with the flange 115, the pair of bushings 120 is compressed by a predetermined amount. Thus, the anti-roll bar link assembly 10 with the anti-roll bar end 42 can be assembled without using a torque wrench to tighten the bolt 130 such that a desired amount of torque is applied to the bolt 130 to ensure that a desired amount of compression is applied to the pair of bushings 120. Additionally, bolts 130 with different predefined lengths can be used to assemble the anti-roll bar 40 including anti-roll bar ends with different thicknesses (z-direction), and / or to assemble the anti-roll bar link assembly 10 to different vehicle models that require different compressions of the bushings 120. In other words, the same socket joint 100, handle 110, and bushings 120 can be used for different vehicle models and / or bushing compression specifications because bolts 130 with different lengths L1 will result in different compressions of the bushings 120. Thus, the teachings of the present disclosure provide a reduction in the number of parts required for different anti-roll bar link assembly models.

[0047] It should be understood that the adjacency between the convex edge 135 of the bolt 130 and the flange 115 of the handle 110 helps to adjust the bending force between the anti-roll bar 40 and the socket joint 100. That is, the compression, tension, and bending forces between the socket joint 100 and the bolt 130 are transferred to the flange 115 and the convex edge 135 and are at least partially adjusted by the flange and the convex edge, rather than by the inner mating surface 119 of the second hole 118 and the outer mating surface 137 of the stud 136. It should also be understood that transferring the compression, tension, and bending forces between the socket joint 100 and the bolt 130 to the flange 115 and the convex edge 135 enhances the reliability and structural design or structure of the anti-roll bar link assembly 10 and inhibits or reduces the stress between the shaft 134 and the stud 136 during use of the anti-roll bar link assembly 10.

[0048] Now referring to Figure 6, shows an anti-roll bar link assembly 20 according to another form of the present disclosure, where similar elements relative to the anti-roll bar link assembly 10 are shown with reference numerals incremented by 100, but descriptions of these elements are not included. And as Figure 6 as compared with Figure 5 shows, the flange 235 defined between the shaft 234 and the stud 236 is inclined relative to the longitudinal axis B1 of the bolt 230 (i.e., not at a 90° angle to the flange 135), and the flange 215 between the first hole 216 and the second hole 218 is complementary to the flange 235. Thus, it should be understood that the angles and shapes of the flange 235 between the shaft 234 and the stud 236 and the angles and shapes of the flange 215 between the first hole 216 and the second hole 218 can be any angles and shapes that are complementary to each other such that, in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure, the flange 235 abuts against the flange 215. In some variations, the angle of the flange 235 relative to the longitudinal axis of the bolt 230 is between 90° and 30°, for example, between 90° and 45° or between 90° and 60°.

[0049] During installation of the anti-roll bar link assembly 20, the bolt 230, washer 138 (when included), a pair of bushings 120, and the anti-roll bar end 42 of the anti-roll bar 40 are aligned along the longitudinal axis LA of the shank 210, as Figure 6 shown. The bolt 230 is fed through the orifice of the washer 138, the orifice 121 of the outer bushing 120 (+z direction), the orifice 43 of the anti-roll bar end 42 ( Figure 3 ), the orifice 121 of the inner bushing 120 (-z direction) into the first hole 216 of the shank 210 until the stud 236 contacts the second hole 218 of the shank 210. In addition, the outer engaging surface 237 of the stud 236 engages with the inner engaging surface 219 of the second hole 218 such that the distal end (-z direction) of the shaft 234 is nested within the first hole 216 of the shank 210, and the flange 235 of the bolt 230 contacts and abuts against the flange 215. For example, the outer engaging surface 237 and the inner engaging surface 219 are complementary convex and concave threaded surfaces, respectively, and when the bolt 230 is rotated (screwed in), the stud 236 threadedly engages with the second hole 218. Thus, when the stud 236 is screwed into the second hole 218, the flange 235 moves towards the flange 215 and finally abuts against the flange, such that the anti-roll bar end 42 (and the anti-roll bar 40) is firmly attached to the shank 210 and the socket joint 200. It should be understood that the socket joint 200 is firmly attached to one of the control arms 52, 62 ( Figure 1 ) either before or after the anti-roll bar end 42 is firmly attached to the shank 210.

[0050] Now referring to Figure 7 and Figure 8, showing an exploded view and a cross-sectional view of an anti-roll bar link assembly 30 according to another form of the present disclosure, wherein like elements relative to the anti-roll bar link assembly 10 are shown by the same reference numerals, but descriptions of these elements are not included. The anti-roll bar link 30 includes a bolt 330 and a sleeve washer 340. The bolt 330 has a head 332, a shaft 334 extending from the head 332, and a stud 336 extending from the shaft 334. In some variations, the shaft 334 and the stud 336 have a second diameter D2, and the stud 336 has an outer engaging surface 337. And in at least one variation, the stud 336 extends generally from the head 332 to a distal end (-z direction, not labeled).

[0051] The sleeve washer 340 includes a washer 342 and a sleeve 344 extending from the washer 342 to a distal end 346. The sleeve washer 340 has a predefined length "L2" between the lower (-z direction) surface of the washer 342 and the distal end 346. Additionally, the sleeve 344 has a sleeve inner diameter "SID" and a sleeve outer diameter "SOD". The sleeve inner diameter SID is sized or configured to allow the shaft 334 and the stud 336 of the bolt 330 to slide through and be disposed therein, as Figure 8 shown, and the sleeve outer diameter SOD is sized or configured to allow the sleeve 344 to fit and be disposed within the orifice 121 of the outer bushing and the inner bushing 120, within the orifice 43 of the anti-roll bar end 42, and within the first hole 116 having a first hole diameter "BD1", such that the distal end 346 abuts against the flange 115.

[0052] During installation of the anti-roll bar link assembly 30, the bolt 330, the sleeve washer 340, a pair of bushings 120, and the anti-roll bar end 42 of the anti-roll bar 40 are aligned along the longitudinal axis "LA" of the shank 110, as Figure 7 shown. The bolt 330 and the sleeve washer 340 are fed through the orifice 121 of the outer bushing 120 (+z direction), the orifice 43 of the anti-roll bar end 42, the orifice 121 of the inner bushing 120 (-z direction) into the first hole 116 of the shank 110 until the stud 336 contacts the second hole 118 of the shank 110, and / or the distal end 346 of the sleeve washer 340 contacts the flange 115 of the first hole 116. Additionally, the outer engaging surface 337 of the stud 336 engages with the inner engaging surface 119 of the second hole 118 such that the distal end 346 of the sleeve 344 nests within the first hole 116 and contacts and abuts against the flange, as Figure 8 shown.

[0053] Still referring to Figure 7 and Figure 8, the anti-roll bar end 42 is assembled to a pair of compression (z-direction) bushings 120 of the anti-roll bar link assembly 30 such that a pair of bushings 120 are provided with an intended and predetermined compression against the anti-roll bar end 42. That is, the length L2 of the sleeve washer 339 is designed and / or configured such that when the distal end 346 is fixed to and in direct contact with the flange 115, a pair of bushings 120 are compressed a predetermined amount. Thus, the anti-roll bar link assembly 30 with the anti-roll bar end 42 can be assembled without using a torque wrench to tighten the bolt 330 such that a desired amount of torque is applied to the bolt 330 to ensure that a desired amount of compression is applied to a pair of bushings 120. Additionally, sleeve washers 340 with different predefined lengths can be used to assemble an anti-roll bar 40 including anti-roll bar ends with different thicknesses (z-direction), and / or to assemble the anti-roll bar link assembly 30 to different vehicle models that require different compression of the bushings 120. In other words, the same socket joint 100, shank 110, and bushings 120 can be used for different vehicle models and / or bushing compression specifications because sleeve washers 340 with different lengths L2 will result in different compression of the bushings 120. Thus, the teachings of the present disclosure provide a reduction in the number of parts required for different anti-roll bar link assembly models.

[0054] It should be understood that the abutment between the distal end 346 of the sleeve washer 340 and the flange 115 of the shank 110 helps to adjust the bending force between the anti-roll bar 40 and the socket joint 100. That is, the compression, tension, and bending forces between the socket joint 100 and the bolt 330 are transferred to the flange 115 and the distal end 346 and are at least partially adjusted by the flange and the distal end, rather than by the inner engagement surface 119 of the second hole 118 and the outer engagement surface 337 of the stud 336. It should also be understood that transferring the compression, tension, and bending forces between the socket joint 100 and the bolt 330 to the flange 115 and the distal end 346 enhances the reliability and structural design or structure of the anti-roll bar link assembly 30.

[0055] When an element or layer is referred to as being "on", "mounted on", "disposed on", "disposed in", "engaged to", "connected to", "coupled to", or "attached to" another element or layer, the element or layer may be directly on, engaged to, connected to, or coupled to the other element or layer, or there may be intervening elements or layers. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on", "directly engaged to", "directly connected to", or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a similar manner (e.g., "between" versus "directly between", "adjacent" versus "directly adjacent", etc.). As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0056] Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be used only to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, and / or section from another. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, numerical terms such as "first", "second", and other numerical terms used herein do not imply a sequence or order. Thus, without departing from the teachings of the exemplary form, a first element, component, region, layer, or section may be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer, or section. Additionally, an element, component, region, layer, or section may be referred to as a "second" element, component, region, layer, or section without the element, component, region, layer, or section being referred to as a "first" element, component, region, layer, or section.

[0057] Spatial relative terms, such as "inner", "outer", "beneath", "below", "lower", "above", "upper", etc., may be used herein for ease of description to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element or feature, as shown in the figures. In addition to the orientation shown in the figures, spatial relative terms are also intended to encompass different orientations of the device during use or operation. For example, if the device in the figures is flipped, an element described as "beneath" or "below" another element or feature would then be oriented "above" the other element or feature. Thus, the exemplary term "below" can encompass both an orientation above and below. The device can be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptors used herein are accordingly interpreted.

[0058] As used herein, the phrase "at least one of A, B, and C" should be interpreted to mean logically (A or B or C) by using a non-exclusive logical OR and should not be interpreted to mean "at least one of A, at least one of B, and at least one of C".

[0059] Unless otherwise clearly stated, when describing the scope of the present disclosure, all numerical values indicating mechanical / thermal properties, composition percentages, dimensions, and / or tolerances or other characteristics should be understood to be modified by the word "about" or "approximately". This modification is required for various reasons, including industrial practice, manufacturing techniques, and test capabilities.

[0060] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing particular example forms only and are not intended to be limiting. Unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" are also intended to include the plural forms. The terms "comprising" and "having" are inclusive and thus specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups. Method steps, processes, and operations described herein should not be construed as necessarily being performed in the particular order discussed or illustrated unless there is a clear order of performance. It should also be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

[0061] The description of the present disclosure is merely exemplary in nature and, thus, examples not departing from the substance of the present disclosure are intended to be within the scope of the present disclosure. Such examples are not to be regarded as departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. The broad teachings of the present disclosure can be implemented in a variety of forms. Therefore, while the present disclosure includes particular examples, the true scope of the present disclosure should not be so limited since other modifications will become apparent after study of the drawings, the specification, and the following claims.

Claims

1. An anti-roll bar link assembly, the anti-roll bar link assembly comprising: A socket joint; A shank rigidly attached to and extending from the socket joint, the shank including a bushing end spaced from the socket joint, a first hole extending between the bushing end and the socket joint, and a second hole extending between the first hole and the socket joint, wherein the first hole has a first aperture diameter, and the second hole has a second aperture diameter smaller than the first aperture diameter such that a flange extends between the first hole and the second hole; A bolt including a head, a shaft extending from the head, and a stud extending from the shaft, wherein the shaft has a first diameter, and the stud has a second diameter smaller than the first diameter such that a shoulder extends between the shaft and the stud; And At least one bushing configured to be disposed on the bolt, such that when the bolt is disposed within and extends through the at least one bushing, and the shoulder of the bolt abuts against the flange of the shank, the at least one bushing is compressed a predefined amount between the head of the bolt and the bushing end of the shank; Wherein the shaft includes a length configured to compress the at least one bushing a predefined amount when the stud of the bolt mechanically engages the second hole of the shank such that the shoulder of the bolt abuts against the flange of the shank.

2. The anti-roll bar link assembly according to claim 1, wherein the shoulder defines a shoulder angle between about 45° and about 90° relative to the hole axis.

3. The anti-roll bar link assembly according to claim 2, wherein the flange defines a flange angle relative to the bolt axis, the flange angle being complementary to the shoulder angle.

4. The anti-roll bar link assembly according to claim 1, wherein when the stud of the bolt is disposed within the second hole of the shank, the shoulder defines a shoulder angle of about 90° relative to the hole axis, and the flange defines a flange angle of about 90° relative to the hole axis.

5. The anti-roll bar link assembly according to claim 1, wherein the at least one bushing includes a first bushing and a second bushing, the first bushing being disposed on the bolt near the head of the bolt, and the second bushing being disposed on the bolt between the first bushing and the socket joint.

6. The anti-roll bar link assembly according to claim 5, wherein the bolt is disposed within and extends through the first bushing and the second bushing, an outer engagement surface of the bolt mechanically engages an inner engagement surface of the shank, the shoulder of the bolt abuts against the flange of the shank, and the first bushing and the second bushing are compressed a predefined amount between the head of the bolt and the bushing end of the shank.

7. The anti-roll bar link assembly according to claim 6, wherein the anti-roll bar link assembly further comprises an anti-roll bar end portion disposed on the bolt between the first bushing and the second bushing.

8. The anti-roll bar link assembly according to claim 7, wherein the anti-roll bar link assembly further comprises a washer disposed on the bolt between the head and the insertion surface of the first bushing.

9. The anti-roll bar link assembly according to claim 8, wherein the length of the shaft is configured to compress the first bushing and the second bushing by a predefined amount when the outer engagement surface of the bolt mechanically engages the inner engagement surface of the shank such that the lug of the bolt abuts against the flange of the shank.

10. The anti-roll bar link assembly according to claim 9, wherein the second bushing comprises an insertion surface disposed directly on the bushing end of the shank.

11. The anti-roll bar link assembly according to claim 1, wherein the shaft is nested within the first hole.

12. The anti-roll bar link assembly according to claim 1, wherein the anti-roll bar link assembly further comprises a ball stud disposed within the socket joint.

13. The anti-roll bar link assembly according to claim 1, wherein the anti-roll bar link assembly further comprises an anti-roll bar and a control arm, wherein the socket joint, the shank, the bolt, and the at least one bushing are disposed between the anti-roll bar and the control arm and mechanically connect the anti-roll bar to the control arm.

14. The anti-roll bar link assembly according to claim 1, wherein the stud of the bolt comprises an inner engagement surface selected from the group consisting of an internal threaded surface and an internal bayonet joint surface, the second hole comprises an outer engagement surface selected from the group consisting of an external threaded surface and an external bayonet joint surface, and the outer engagement surface is complementary to the inner engagement surface.

15. An anti-roll bar link assembly, the anti-roll bar link assembly comprising: A socket joint, the socket joint comprising a housing and a ball stud disposed within the housing and extending from the housing; A shank, the shank extending between a socket joint end and a bushing end, the shank comprising a first hole extending between the bushing end and the socket joint end and a second hole extending between the first hole and the socket joint end, wherein the first hole has a first aperture diameter, and the second hole has an internal thread and a second aperture diameter smaller than the first aperture diameter such that a flange extends between the first hole and the second hole; A sleeve washer, the sleeve washer comprising a washer, a distal end, and a sleeve extending between the washer and the distal end, wherein the sleeve has a predefined length, an inner sleeve diameter, and an outer sleeve diameter; A bolt, the bolt comprising a head and a stud, wherein the stud has an external thread complementary to the internal thread of the second hole and a diameter configured to slide within and be disposed within the sleeve of the sleeve washer; and A first bushing and a second bushing disposed on the sleeve washer, the first bushing being positioned adjacent to the head of the bolt, and the second bushing being positioned between the first bushing and the bushing end of the shank, wherein the predefined length of the sleeve of the sleeve washer, the length of the first bushing, and the length of the second bushing are configured such that when the stud is threadedly engaged with the second hole and the distal end of the sleeve washer abuts against the flange of the shank, each of the first bushing and the second bushing is compressed a predefined amount between the head of the bolt and the bushing end of the shank.

16. The anti-roll bar link assembly according to claim 15, wherein the distal end of the sleeve washer extends between the inner diameter and the outer diameter of the sleeve at a distal end angle relative to the axis of the bolt, and the flange extends between the first hole and the second hole at a flange angle complementary to the distal end angle and between about 45° and about 90° relative to the axis of the hole.

17. The anti-roll bar link assembly according to claim 15, wherein the second bushing includes an insertion surface disposed directly on the bushing end of the shank.

18. An anti-roll bar link assembly, the anti-roll bar link assembly comprising: A socket joint including a housing and a ball stud disposed within the housing and extending from the housing; A shank extending between a socket joint end rigidly attached to the socket joint and a bushing end spaced from the socket joint end, the shank including a first hole extending between the bushing end and the socket joint end and a second hole extending between the first hole and the socket joint end, wherein the first hole has a first diameter and the second hole has an internal thread and a second diameter smaller than the first diameter such that a flange extends between the first hole and the second hole; A bolt including a head, a shaft extending from the head, and a stud extending from the shaft, wherein the shaft has a first diameter and the stud has an external thread complementary to the internal thread of the second hole and a second diameter smaller than the first diameter such that a collar extends between the shaft and the stud; and A first bushing and a second bushing disposed on the bolt, the first bushing being positioned adjacent to the head of the bolt, and the second bushing being positioned between the first bushing and the socket joint, wherein the length of the shaft of the bolt, the length of the first bushing, and the length of the second bushing are configured such that when an anti-roll bar end having a predefined thickness is disposed on the bolt between the first bushing and the second bushing and the stud is threadedly engaged with the second hole such that the collar of the bolt abuts against the flange of the shank, the first bushing and the second bushing are compressed a predefined amount between the head of the bolt and the bushing end of the shank.

19. The anti-roll bar link assembly according to claim 18, wherein the flange extends between the first hole and the second hole at a flange angle between about 45° and about 90° relative to the hole axis, and the flange extends between the shaft and the stud at a flange angle complementary to the flange angle.

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