Modular guided keeper base
AssigneeStandard Lifters, Inc.
InventorsScott M. Breen, Joel T. Pyper
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A modular guided keeper base, guided keeper assembly, and related method includes a modular guided keeper base that mounts to a die member. The guided keeper base has an integrated stop for guide pin retention. The guided keeper base can also accommodate a variety of bushings within the base. The guided keeper base is attached to a die member using a mounting flange(s). Mounting fasteners pass through the fastener holes in the mounting flanges and are anchored in the die member to securely retain the guided keeper assembly in place. A retainer ring is mounted in an associated groove in the base over the heads of the mounting fasteners to prevent unintentional unfastening of the fasteners from the die member.
Claims20
A guided keeper assembly for a metal forming die having first and second die members mounted a spaced apart distance for reciprocation between converged and diverged positions, comprising:
- a base having:
- a generally cylindrical first portion with a first outside diameter, a generally cylindrical second portion with a second outside diameter which is less than said first outside diameter creating an external shoulder where said first portion and said second portion intersect;
- a tapered retainer ring groove on the exterior surface of said second portion;
- and
- an aperture extending axially into a central portion of said base with an internal shoulder;
- at least one bushing with a first end portion and a second end portion positioned within said aperture;
- a guide pin having:
- a cylindrically shaped central portion closely received within said at least one bushing;
- a first end having an enlarged head to abut said base to positively limit travel between the first and second die members;
- and
- a second end that couples to one of the die members;
- a mounting flange member that includes at least one fastener opening, said mounting flange member abutting at least a portion of said external shoulder of said base;
- at least one fastener that is received through said at least one fastener opening in said mounting flange to couple said base to the other die member;
- and
- a retainer ring detachably received and securely retained in said retainer ring groove, said retainer ring having an interior face disposed over at least a portion of said at least one fastener to positively prevent said at least one fastener from unintentionally unfastening from said other die member.
A guided keeper assembly, comprising:
- a base having:
- a generally cylindrical first portion with a first outside diameter, a generally cylindrical second portion with a second outside diameter that is less than said first outside diameter creating a first external shoulder on said base;
- a tapered retainer ring groove on the exterior surface of said second portion, said taper in the groove including a portion that tapers toward said first portion of said base, and said groove includes a generally cylindrical portion;
- and
- an aperture extending into a central portion of said base with an internal shoulder;
- a bushing member with a first end portion and a second end portion position in said aperture in said base;
- a guide pin having:
- a cylindrically shaped central portion closely received inside said bushing member;
- a first end having an enlarged head;
- and
- a second end positioned opposite said first end;
- a mounting flange member that includes at least one fastener opening, said mounting flange member abutting at least a portion of said first external shoulder on said base;
- at least one fastener that is received through said at least one fastener opening in said mounting flange member;
- and
- a retainer ring detachably received in said retainer ring groove such that said retainer ring is disposed over said at least one fastener.
A method of making a guided keeper assembly, comprising:
- forming a base with a generally cylindrical first portion with a first outside diameter, a generally cylindrical second portion with a second outside diameter which is less than said first outside diameter creating an external shoulder where said first portion and said second portion intersect;
- forming an aperture into a central portion of said base with an internal shoulder;
- forming a tapered retainer ring groove on the exterior surface of said second portion of said base;
- inserting at least one bushing into said aperture in said base;
- forming a guide pin with a cylindrically shaped central portion for close reception in said at least one bushing, a first end with an enlarged head to abut said base, and a second end;
- inserting said guide pin into said at least one bushing;
- positioning a mounting flange member having at least one fastener opening against said external shoulder;
- positioning at least one fastener in said at least one fastener opening in said mounting flange;
- and
- inserting a retainer ring into said retainer ring groove to be disposed over said at least one fastener.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.