Double-action clinching tool
AssigneeGM Global Technology Operations LLC
InventorJon T. Carter
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A double-action clinching tool includes a support having an aperture formed therein and a surface configured to receive a first layer overlapping a second layer. A clinching punch is slidably positioned in the support aperture and configured to engage the second layer. A punch is positioned opposite to the clinching punch and is configured to form an aperture in the first layer prior to the clinching punch engaging the second layer. A retractable clinching die configured to contact the first layer and to shift such that an interior wall thereof is angularly offset from an initial position when contacted by a portion of the second layer extending through the aperture of the first layer.
Claims6
A double-action clinching tool, comprising:
- a support having an aperture formed therein and a surface configured to receive a first layer overlapping a second layer, wherein the surface is axially oriented with respect to the second layer;
- a clinching punch slidably positioned in the support aperture and configured to engage the second layer;
- a punch positioned opposite to the clinching punch and configured to form an aperture in the first layer prior to the clinching punch engaging the second layer;
- and
- a retractable clinching die having an interior wall, wherein the interior wall of the retractable clinching die has a first position substantially perpendicular to the surface of the support and a second position angularly offset from the first position when contacted by a portion of the second layer extending through the aperture of the first layer, and
- wherein an area of the interior wall remains in contact with the punch that is positioned opposite to the clinching punch.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.